Fix Quix Meal and Snack Solutions

The news is filled with articles and stories about Americans' weight issues and an, almost, global obesity problem. It's easy, with everything else we have to do in a day, to grab what we can, when we can. With virtually no time and no thought for nutrition, we develop poor eating habits and pack on the pounds.

We are huge fans of quick meals at our house. One of our favorites is, according to Mark, a chef's salad. I call it a kitchen-sink salad, because it has everything but the kitchen sink in it. Carrot, onion, green pepper, celery, tomato, hard-boiled egg, at least 2 kinds of cheese, and usually 3 kinds of meat. Oh and lettuce, too. Sadly, we're often at the mercy of whatever leftover meat, if any, is in the fridge.

What if there was an easy way to add protein to that favorite salad, or a quick pasta or casserole meal? And what if it was not only tasty, but heart-smart? Well, I may have found just what that salad needs: ready-to-eat chicken, turkey, or ham.

It's from Buddig and it's called Fix Quix. With no trans fat, no MSG, and no artificial colors, this is a healthy addition to any main dish, or meal. Or a great, on-the-go snack. With Mark's low-carb, no sugar diet restrictions, this may be the perfect answer to that late-night "Honey, what can I eat?" problem.

And if Grilled Chicken, Oven-Roasted Turkey, and Smoked Ham doesn't sound tempting enough, how about $1.00 off? That's right! Just download, print, and save $1.00. But Buddig didn't stop there - they've put bonus coupons on the Fix Quix packages, too.

Like most new products, Fix Quix isn't available everywhere. At least, not yet. For now, you can find it in Arizona, Texas, and St. Louis. If, like us, you're lucky enough to live in one of these areas, check out the where to buy details. And be one of the first to try this healthy meal solution.



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Jules

Test Post

Now that I've changed webhosts, nothing is posting right again.


The new host uses a totally different ftp process from the previous host. Nothing I try seems to work right. Beginning to upset me. Ya know!?


Happy Updates!: I managed to finally update all of the stuff that had to be updated - and, as you can tell, we are posting again! WooHoo!!



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Jules

Blogging Nightmare

I have been battling with Blogger and Thingamablog for almost 4 months now. It is absolutely driving me crazy! If - and this is a big one - I can get something to post on one, I can't get it to update on the other.


So, I am doing another test: to make sure that I can post on blogger AND that I can update Thingamablog. I'm still not certain exactly which format I prefer. The individual post format on Blogger is much nicer; I have much more control. But I have to admit, I really like the overall format that I have set up on Thingamablog.


Sadly, in the midst of all these trials (and tribulations) I've misplaced an archive file (or 3) with many of the posts that I made in May and June. Needless to say, I am seriously not happy.


We'll see how this latest test goes, and then maybe I can get everything in one place -- at least going forward. Wish me luck!



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Jules

Theater Seating

Have you ever played "If I hit the lottery, I'd . . ."? It's a game we play alot and each time we come up with something else that we'd do or buy, if we had the chance. But the one consistency is - we want a true home theater.

We currently have what the electronics industry laughingly calls a home theater system - an amplifier and a bunch of speakers. What I'm talking about is a large room with a giant TV, surround sound, theater seating, and a popcorn machine! Just imagine settling back in a leather recliner, complete with cupholder, and watching whatever you want on a screen so big you can see the pores on the actors' faces.

Hey, if you're going to dream - Dream Big!



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Jules

High Risk Life Insurance

Given Mark's health - liver cancer and transplant, lung cancer - his only option is high risk life insurance. This is not generally an inexpensive policy, to say the least. What I didn't know is that there are companies out there that have a different outlook.

It's the underwriting process, which determines the financial risk to the insurer, that sets the policy premiums. By using outdated, 30-year-old mortality tables, insurance companies blindly decide that people with serious health problems are a much higher risk than they actually are. Because they take into account medical advances and treatments, which allow cancer patients or diabetics to live longer than they did 30 years ago, some insurers actually have premium rates that are similar to those for people in 'perfect' health.

All I can say is - It's about time!




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Jules

7th Heaven Book

I am a voracious reader - romances, mysteries, mystery-romance, suspense, and thrillers. Not every book in every genre is a keeper, so I tend to stick with the authors that I know I'll consistently enjoy. One of my favorites is James Patterson.

Although I regularly read the "Alex Cross" series, I didn't realize that there was another Patterson series - "The Women's Murder Club." With characteristic attention to detail and palpable tension from the opening line, the excerpt from the 7th Heaven book promises another can't-put-it-down read. I can't wait to get a copy and curl up under my cozy afghan for an evening with new 'friends', murder, and nail-biting suspense.

Keep 'em coming, Mr. Patterson!




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Jules

China Alleges New Olympic Terror Plot

Now, I'll admit to being a bit of a cynic and stories like this one just don't help. Given China's history of prevarication, do we really believe that this is actually more than a protest against government restraints and abuses? Or is it something manufactured to make them look like they're taking care of business?

On the other hand, it's not exactly a comforting PR stunt - making up a serious threat to foreign journalists, athletes, and visitors. It makes me wonder if this is just an excuse to increase Chinese persecution in Tibet and the surrounding regions. I suppose it would be a valid reason, if it really was terrorism.

I've never believed in throwing political issues into the Olympics, but this year - I just don't know. Many world leaders have chosen to 'miss' the opening ceremonies. Maybe it is time to talk about boycotts.




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Jules

Death Claims the Great 'Ben Hur'

Sadly, we learned yesterday that the world has lost another great actor. Seeing the headline: Film legend Charlton Heston dead at 84, was quite a jolt. He and his movies were so much a part of my life and the lives of my generation.

A well-done, in my opinion, fansite is in contact with Mr. Heston's personal assistant. They have been given permission to collect and forward condolences to the family. If you would like to share your feelings, this looks like a good place.

"I've played three presidents, three saints and two geniuses - and that's probably enough for any man." ~ Charlton Heston




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Jules

Futures Broker

Years ago, in an effort to manage my 401K, I did some investing. It was quite simple. Buying and selling stocks, as prices went up and down, didn't require much more knowledge than keeping an eye on the market. Since I had a serious aversion to risk, most of my investments didn't exactly yo-yo.

A much more, potentially, volatile market is futures. I recently did some serious reading on the topic, including what a futures broker actually does, how to invest in futures, and the financial risks involved. Given my income situation, I don't think that this is something with which I would be comfortable. However, if things change, I now know exactly where to get in-depth information and reliable investment assistance.

It's nice to have options.




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Jules

Third Paternity Test?

I read this story earlier and was absolutely floored. Obviously, men who father children out of wedlock, as we used to say, need to step up and take responsibility. When DNA testing proves fatherhood, that's really all the impetus necessary to document a legal obligation.

However, when not one, but two DNA tests confirm that someone did not father a child, that should also be sufficient documentation. Not for this woman!

The first DNA test in 2005 was negative. With the legal agreement that this [crazy?] woman would leave him alone, Michael Jordan submitted to another test that same year. It was also negative. Enough proof, right? Oh, no!

Now, three years later, Ms. Miceli is asking for a third paternity test. And that's not all! You're gonna love this -- she is also requesting that the judge lift a temporary restraining order, issued after Mr. Jordan filed a harassment suit against her.

It may be time for Ms. Miceli to take a test - to determine whether or not she's actually sane!



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Jules

Weight Loss

I never thought I'd have to worry about weight loss. Then, I turned 47 and - boom! None of my clothes, which were previously too big, fit anymore.

Being a fairly lazy person, I took my weight for granted. After all, I had weighed the same 125-130lbs., not counting pregnancy weight, for over 20 years. At 6-feet tall, I was happily thin with a metabolism that let me eat whatever I wanted and never think twice.

Admittedly, I don't eat three-squares-a-day and never really have. This may account for a seriously slowed metabolism and the subsequently enlarged abdomen and hips. My body refuses to burn calories, since I'm not putting back in enough to keep it going.

Guess it's time to rethink my diet and exercise non-regime. In the words of my favorite red-headed singer/sitcom mom - "Crap!!"



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Jules

International Children's Book Day

This is one that I've never heard of, but I just love the idea.

The goal, since 1967, has been to bring books and children together. Each year, on the anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen's birthday - April 2nd - the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) chooses one of its National Sections to host the celebration. IBBY's Board decides on a theme for the year, and invites a prominent author (from the host country) to write a message to the children of the world and a well-known illustrator to design a poster.

For 2008, Thailand has been chosen to host Children's Book Day, write the message, and design the poster. Rest assured, there are events planned in many countries and communities around the world, designed to encourage the love of books in children.

Don't wait for a special day - buy your kid(s) a book and read to them, as often as you can.




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Jules

National Donate Life Month

Obviously, this is a subject near and dear to our hearts.

Tell someone: The need is great and growing.

* More than 95,000 people are in need of an organ for transplant.
* Each day, about 77 people get the organ transplant that gives them a second chance, but 17 to 19 others die because they did not receive an organ transplant.
* More than half the people on the waiting list for a donated organ are racial or ethnic minorities. Chances of getting a transplant increase if donor and recipient share the same racial/ethnic background.
OrganDonor.gov "April is National Donate Life Month"

Since 2003, April has been designated as Donate Life Month. There are 30 days in which you, your company, and your school can make a difference in the lives of people who need organ transplants. Programs exist for a myriad of applications.

Decision Donate is an instructional program for high schools, that helps students make informed decisions about becoming an organ donor.

The Workplace Partnership provides information about businesses that make donation information available to their employees. Find out how to get your company/employer involved.

Participate in National Donate Life Month events sponsored by an organization in your area. Help them spread the word!

As harsh as it may sound - when you're dead, you're dead. How incredible is it that from one death, the life of at least eight (8) people can be improved/saved? Don't think about death, think about life. Commit to Donation

What if You were on The List?

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Jules

Favorite Zazzle Products

These are some of our favorite, fun products on our pages at Zazzle.com. Won't you come by and check them out?

2008 Arizona Scenery Calendar
by JMarkAfghans

Get this custom calendar at Zazzle

Each month has one of our favorite Arizona photographs. Why not spend a year in Arizona?!










I don't have to choose paper or plastic.

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom bag at Zazzle

Living Green? Use these recyclable bags, instead of adding more trash to your local landfill.








Of all the things I've lost . . .
I miss my mind the most!

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom mug at Zazzle

This morphing mug is a nondescript black when cold. The magic happens when you add a hot beverage and the image appears.






Relax Like A Cat

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom card at Zazzle

Front: "If Humans could relax like this. . ."
Inside Top: "There would be no wars and no need for anti-depressants.
Of course, the price of catnip would skyrocket!"
Inside Bottom: "Wishing you Peace and Relaxation!
(You'll have to get your own catnip!)"








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Jules

Family Lawsuit Against MySpace.com

I don't recall an original story about this lawsuit, but this 'new round' definitely grabbed my attention. After some serious thought, I had to side with the courts. This is, in my opinion, an attempt by parents, who were unaware of / not monitoring their child's behavior, to blame MySpace for what happened to their daughter.

MySpace has guidelines and does monitor, to the best of its ability, the users who have pages. I know, personally, that many IDs and pages have been removed for violating policies. But this little girl, also violated MySpace policies by lying about her age in order to acquire a login and create the page.

At that young age, in a place as potentially dangerous as a social networking site, parents need to closely monitor what their child is doing on the computer. They need to - repeatedly - talk to their children about how to safely use the Internet. Many experts recommend keeping computers out of kids' bedrooms, so that it's easier to keep an eye on surfing habits.

Links to information for kids and parents about Internet Safety (alphabetically):

Parental Guides and Information for Kids on BOTW.org

Internet Safety for Kids and Teens on DMOZ.org

World-Wide-Web Safety on Yahoo!Kids' Directory

Yahoo!Safely Internet Guide

The rules for virtually all interactive websites are the same - no one under 13, don't give out personal information, and don't physically meet someone you only know online. Even sites designed for kids, and there are some great ones out there, require parental approval before kids under 14 can create accounts/logins. But no site account set-up includes a lie detector.

If kids don't tell the truth, the website certainly can't be held responsible. And, personally, I'm getting a bit weary of people making everyone, but themselves, responsible for the misbehavior / behavior of their children.




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Jules

Environmental Phase Out

Bush to Phase Out Environment by 2009 This 'article' is posted in the Humor section of Yahoo!News. As with all good humor, there is a grain (in this case a silo-full) of truth running through it.

Species after species, habitat after habitat, this administration has acted in the worst interests of the country and the planet. It's easy to tell from where Bush and Cheney come. Big business and the oil industry, in particular, have their full support and concern.

Who needs clean air and water? Apparently, not Americans or the rest of the world, since the administration refuses to sign Kyoto. What value are animals that can't be found in the meat department of the local supermarket? Obviously no value, especially if their natural habitat happens to exist within 5 miles of 5 gallons of oil.

They are good little autocrats who deserve the disdain of all Americans. The world already sees them for the fools that they are.






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Jules

Earth Hour

What an interesting, global idea! Did you turn off your lights at 8:00pm? Or, like us, did you hear about 'Earth Hour' about 2 hours too late?

As they say, it's not like one hour without lights is going to reduce global warming or seriously reduce a city's, or country's, carbon footprint. But it is an amazing show of concern and a willingness to get involved, all around the world. Made me wonder if this was something that could be seen from space.

Can you imagine watching whole sections of the world go dark, one hour after another? Now that would be something to see.




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Jules

Cell Phone Amplifiers

Now, here is something - cell phone amplifiers - that Mark and I have been wanting for a very long time. Over the years, we have spent a great deal of time in hospital rooms, doctors' offices, and ER waiting areas. There is nothing more frustrating, at 3:00am, than being unable to sleep and unable to distract yourself by surfing the 'Net on your phone.

I remember, more than once, sleeping in the waiting room that was down the hall from the ICU. Unlike the wards, I couldn't stay the night with Mark, so I had to use a really old reclining chair in a brightly lit room. No matter how tired one gets, it's nearly impossible to sleep when someone you love is in a coma.

Reading is a wonderful option and, believe me, I have worked my way through dozens of novels since 2004. One amazing thing about the VA are the kiosks, all over the place, with a huge selection of books. Believe it or not, a few months ago I picked up a book to keep me entertained while we waited to meet the oncologist, only to find I had read it before Mark's transplant in 2004.

Still, nothing beats being able to send and receive emails, IM your family and friends, and surf the web when you are desperately trying to not think about where you're at and why you're there.




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Jules

Give Me Strength!

Did you ever have one of those days where you throw up your arms, turn your face to the sky/ceiling/heavens and cry Give Me Strength!? If not, I want your life! Otherwise, you know what I'm talking about.

You are faced with or being bombarded by situations that are just too much. It's not that they - individually - are that difficult. Not at all. The problem is, they've all been waiting in the wings, chatting amongst themselves, and biding their time until your guard was down. Then all of the insanity jumps out at you - at the same time.

Or maybe you've had a situation here and a situation there that has weakened your immunity to craziness. You aren't really poised over the sanity precipice, waiting to fall into the dementia abyss; you're just a little stressed. Suddenly, several crazy happenings appear out of nowhere, waving their arms, screaming wildly, and charging directly at you and you realize the only direction you can go is . . . over the edge.

Welcome to My Life! Not just today or this week, month, or year - but for nearly 5 years! I actually counted - in 61 days, my grip on sanity will have been attacked, sometimes from several directions at the same time, for 1,825 days.




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Jules

House Hunting

Just the other day, I saw a cute little house for sale. The location was perfect: within walking distance of several local stores, a heartbeat from Michael's school, and about 1/2 block from the freeway. It had a huge paved area in front, nice yard in back, and chain-link fence surrounding the property.

Before I even called the realtor, I was imagining teak patio furniture, desert landscaping, tearing off the hideous 'lean-to' on the south side, and getting a puppy for Michael and Mark. My imagination saw a huge kitchen with tons of counter space, 2 bedrooms, and - blissfully - 2 bathrooms. Then, I talked to the realtor.

Suffice it to say, the patio furniture and puppy are not in our immediate future and that is one delusional property owner.




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Jules

Possible Identity Theft

I got an interesting letter in the mail this week. It seems that the company I worked for, back in 2003, got hacked recently. Still investigating the extent of the incursion, they wrote to warn me that my personal information may have been stolen.

If that were the extent of the letter, it probably would have been sufficient to alert me and I could have taken steps to monitor my credit records. But my former employer went far beyond a simple notification. They set up a free, one-year credit monitoring account for me - on their dime - that includes $25,000 identity theft insurance and a team of fraud resolution representatives, should there be a problem.

One of the reasons I really liked this company was the way they treated employees. It's nice to know that hasn't changed.




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God Bless!

Jules

Faucet

I have got to find out where our apartment complex buys their fixtures. We have had, at least, 4 different shower handles installed in the 4 years that we've lived in our unit. For a couple of reasons, they have to be buying really, really cheap.

First, the average price of a quality bathroom faucet would almost prohibit them from affording so many frequent replacements. Second, if they were buying quality, they wouldn't be doing so many replacements. Mike is tough on shower handles, but come on!




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Jules

Bodybuilding Supplements

Years ago, my younger brother grew up - really, really grew up. Seemingly overnight, he got tall and very muscular. So, after high school, he decided to get into bodybuilding.

I remember that he took bodybuilding supplements, some sort of protein powder to help him build muscle. Heaven only knows what was in it, but it certainly made a difference. Of course, he lifted weights and worked out constantly, too. At one point, his biceps were about as big as my thighs.

After all this time, I don't recall if he ever competed. I do know that buying a suit became a real challenge.




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Jules

Swan Loses New Love, Returns to Old Love

Well, ladies and gents - it appears that our lonely, lovesick young lady has been jilted. These fickle white swans. I tell you! It's just not right! Get a woman's hopes up; start her thinking about a nest and little cygnets - then, poof!

Luckily, the zoo in Muenster still had the 'address' of Petra's former love, who was faithfully 'pining' away on the lake where they met. The two 'lovers' will be reunited on Friday.




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Jules

Man Flees Mouse

Years ago, living in a small apartment with zero closet space and a huge kitchen with zero counter space, I acquired a number of non-rent-paying roomies. It's funny. I'd always thought that mice, in a cage nibbling on a piece of carrot, were really cute.

They tend to become less adorable when they're sharing your pillow and pulling at your hair. Not my personal preference for an alternative wake-up alarm, especially since the little critter had been crawling around in the wall with the fiberglass insulation. I spent days trying to get the fiberglass out of my arm and the side of my face.

An urgent call to my landlord garnered me very, as it turned out, useless advice - "Get a cat!" The little black fur-ball with the angry gold eyes had only one phobia. He was terrified of mice! Just the sound of scratching under the sink would send him flying in the opposite direction.

Briefly, I went the mousetrap route. Yecchh!! You've not lived until you've heard that 'snap' and 'squeak' at 3:00AM. Trust me - it is not conducive to sleep or peace of mind!

At a friend's suggestion, I crammed steel wool in every gap, around every pipe in my kitchen - to no avail. (Probably, given my luck, just trapped them all in the apartment.) After spending an entire summer (without air conditioning) sleeping with the oven and burners on high to discourage my 'roomies' from wandering in, and watching my feline protector cower in a corner or cry to go outside - I moved.




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God Bless!

Jules

Budgeting

I read a headline, recently, that made me shake my head and laugh. Apparently, people are now going to have to try this odd concept - budgeting. Really? Well, some of us have been doing that our entire lives.

Growing up in households that could barely make ends meet, Mark and I understand the concept of stretching a dollar until it hurts. In my case, no matter what my income was - or wasn't - able to cover, I still managed my finances with a fairly strict budget. It's amazing what you can do.

For example, I paid off a 60-month car loan in less than 48 months by budgeting a few dollars extra each month and making the payment a few days early. I didn't miss an extra five or ten dollars, and it made a HUGE difference in the loan. It's almost embarrassing the collectibles and sci-fi movies I was able to buy - after covering rent (on a 2-bedroom-with-den apartment), utilities, food for 2 people, food and vet bills for 4 cats, and car payments - while making less than $30K per year.

Do you want to live a comfortable life? Learn to live within your means by budgeting and choosing wisely.




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Jules

Label World USA

One item that product-oriented businesses need is labels. Whether that product is food, beverages, cosmetics, computers, appliances, or furniture, labeling is critical to each business. A unique label sets a company's products apart and, when it is designed well, grabs the consumer's attention, resulting in increased sales.

Label World offers a wide range of labeling options for a wide range of businesses. Their wine label options, for example, have moved the industry from "glue and apply" to pressure sensitive labels, allowing wineries to design labels that spark customer interest. Different colored foils and auto-application help a winery to differentiate individual wines and speed up their production process.

This is a high-volume production process, focused on businesses that need the flexibility to design and create a truly customized product.




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Jules

Sticker Shock

Slowly, over time, many of the items we purchase on a regular basis have risen in price. By and large, with the exception of gasoline, not in huge jumps; just pennies here and nickels there. One becomes blind to the changes.

Today, I stopped by the old "dollar store" that I frequented for years - before they moved down the street - and was shocked by the changes. They still carry some of the items that I used to bring home on a regular basis - but at a 20% price increase. Many of the things that I knew I could buy for less, aren't there anymore. Probably because it's impossible for the owner to get them at a price he can afford.

Our president claims that the economy might be in trouble. Hey, George! Come shop with me on my budget!




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Jules

Drug Treatment

Some of the more effective drug treatment programs go far beyond managed withdrawal and the simplistic, Reagan-era "Just Say No" concept. They teach about the nature of addiction; that it's not a product of an immoral nature, weakness, or even personal choice. Addiction is a disease, with physical and psychological roots.

One doesn't tell someone with Muscular Dystrophy or Diabetes that if they tried harder or if they were a better person, they wouldn't be sick. (Religious cuckoos, notwithstanding.) It's critical to understand a disease, before attempting treatment. Doctors don't put band-aids on compound fractures or give aspirin to patients with ulcers, because they understand broken bones and bleeding stomachs.

Successful drug rehab requires that patients and clinicians understand - and appropriately treat - all of the underlying causes and triggers. It takes time for bones to mend and ulcers to heal, and it takes time and support to overcome addiction.




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Jules

Performance Reviews

Whether you use performance reviews as an HR tool or as a part of product development, the process can be a real pain. Designing and generating effective questionnaires, distributing them to applicable employees and/or customers, tracking and following up on completion and return, and compiling the responses into a usable report is a lot of work. Arguably, more work than the information is worth, in many cases.

What if there was a way to quickly compile, distribute, and track such reviews without killing a forest or manually setting and sending reminders? Well, there is. Take a look at Halogen e360, ready-to-use straight out of the box, or fully customizable to fit any situation.




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Jules

Swan Finds New Love

This is just the sweetest story. A black swan at the zoo in Muenster, Germany developed a fondness for a swan-shaped boat and refused to leave its side. Rather than traumatize the swan, zookeepers brought her and the boat in for the winter and let them continue to spend time together.

Sadly, this spring, the boat has been jilted in favor of a male white swan, with whom the young lady is building a nest.




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Jules

Exercise Equipment

It's not that I'm, necessarily, against working out or getting in better shape. I just don't like to sweat and, living in Arizona, that's not an easy thing to avoid. Then, there's the fact that I tend to jump into things with both feet and overdo.

Years ago, I had a set of free weights (marketed as 'smart-bells') that constitute the only exercise equipment I have ever owned. Eventually, after spending several days telling my youngest "Mommy can't pick you up, honey. Her arms don't work anymore." I did manage to improve the condition of my upper torso and arms.

It was, truth be told, not too bad. We had a flat coffee table that was the perfect height and width to substitute for an exercise bench. I'd work flat for the first few reps. Then, with a couple of books under one end I'd work several reps head up and several reps head down.

I really miss that coffee table.




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Jules

Arthur C. Clarke

Sadly, we have lost a great scientific mind, as well as an amazing science fiction writer today, with the death of Arthur C. Clarke. Battling post-polio syndrome since the 1960s and often being forced to use a wheelchair, Clarke's mind carried him out into space.

I was familiar with many of his works of fiction, but didn't realize that "his landmark technical paper "Extra-terrestrial Relays" in which he first set out the principles of satellite communication with satellites in geostationary orbits - a speculation realized 25 years later. During the evolution of his discovery, he worked with scientists and engineers in the USA in the development of spacecraft and launch systems, and addressed the United Nations during their deliberations on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space." from The Arthur C. Clarke Foundation

Rest in peace, Sir Arthur.




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Jules

Online Car Insurance

There are a lot of insurance companies that offer online car insurance quotes. Some even provide quotes from other companies on their website. The TV ads assure consumers that they can save a bundle by switching to this company or that. Yeah, right.

If I'm going to shop and buy online, I want to use a site that has no vested interest in my choice of company. How do I know that 'XYZ Insurance' is giving me a valid quote from 'BCD Auto Coverage' and 'RU Insured, Inc.'? Yes, I could go through the application process for each site, or call each company - but isn't that what I'm trying to avoid?

Luckily, there are more and more sites available that don't sell insurance themselves. They simply provide a location where one can compare coverage and rates and, if desired, purchase insurance. Much better.




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Jules

If You Can't Play Nice . . .

Suffice it to say, I've seen a lot of candidates run for President in my lifetime. Rarely have I seen the juvenile name-calling and outright immature behavior that is characterizing the current election season. Frankly, it's just ridiculous.

Does the media have to publish / broadcast every single comment made by every single staffer for the Democratic candidates? Just how much is too much information? My opinion is that what we're getting now is far too much.

I certainly wouldn't want to speak to the press, if I were a Clinton or Obama aide.




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Jules

And This Was A Good Idea Why?

My heart breaks for this poor guy. He bought his fiance a $12,000 engagement ring. In an attempt to create a truly unique proposal, he had the ring put into a helium balloon - thinking as he popped the question, she'd pop the balloon.

Great concept, right? Except that, as he left the store, the wind took the balloon out of his hands. Can you imagine watching several thousand dollars just sail away on a breeze?

Even better? Can you imagine finding a balloon with a diamond ring inside? Because eventually the balloon will come down - somewhere.




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Jules

Colon Cleanse

Getting older brings some interesting changes. There are new health risks and problems, and a slew of new 'regular' tests that men and women need to start thinking about. When Mark was sick with end-stage liver disease, we went through some of the tests, like a colonoscopy. And I've had repeated mammogram recommendations. (I even managed to get a couple of them.)

Now, I've been reading about some interesting ideas to keep the digestive system healthy. A colon cleanse is actually a fascinating concept. It involves a combination of herbs that stimulate the colon, increase muscle activity, and help clear parasites and toxins from the system.

As bad as my diet is and as sluggish as my system has become, it's something I could probably use. I'll definitely be doing a lot more research.




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Jules

Laptop Memory

Suffice it to say, I don't know anything about installing laptop memory. Heck, I'm not even sure what kind of memory to buy. But, it would be wonderful to have my laptop work faster.

Not to mention, our desktop is in desperate need of improvement. No matter how much maintenance Mark performs, it's still about 7 years old and just doesn't play nice. There are a couple of games that he loves. Sadly, they tend to bog down after an hour or so, causing amazing frustration.

It's nice to know that we can kick-start both computers for under $100.00, total.




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Jules

Nanny 911

I have seen commercials for this series, but never actually watched it - until today. CMT is rerunning the show, starting with season one, so I managed to catch about an episode and a half. Quite an interesting experience.

If you've never seen it, the concept is pretty simple. Parents having difficulty raising their children - and that's putting it mildly, from what I saw - call 'Nanny 911'. An experienced nanny, chosen for her expertise, then spends a week with the family, teaching them parenting, coping, and communication skills.

Like the last family I watched, I was quite skeptical that one person in one week could make sufficient impact to undo years of problems. It took a lot of work by the families involved, including the kids, but it was incredible how much the family dynamic improved in just 7 days.

There are some great ideas offered by the nannies. If you're interested in seeing how it works - check out CMT's schedule.




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Jules

Individual Health Insurance

With the employment situation that exists under the current administration, it is incredibly difficult to get individual health insurance. Not to mention, Congressional bills, that are designed to help the uninsured, keep getting vetoed. If that isn't enough, $42 million has been spent to tell taxpayers, who are entitled to a rebate, that they are getting a rebate.

How amazing?! Virtually every taxpayer who files this year will be getting a rebate. I don't know about you - don't need another notice. Oh, of course, this is from the president who says that the economy might be in difficulty.

Thank you (heavy sarcasm), GWB for spending more and more and more money than is logical, helpful, or available. Which country/countries are buying off our president? Oh, and then we have our vainglorious VP -- a warmonger who's companies provide pathetic support and, yet, generate profits that are beyond embarrassing.

God help us all.




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Jules

Calories in Water?

Hmmmm? Calories in water? Didn't know that was possible. And, heaven knows, it wasn't something that existed when I was a kid.

I am dismayed - not amazed or impressed - by the companies that advertise fewer calories in their water. Especially when you consider that many companies who bottle water take it directly from their community's tap.

Hell! Buy a filter and drink from the tap! That's what we do.




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Jules

GPS

Portable GPS systems are amazing. No matter where in the world you live, you can program these units to give you turn-by-turn directions. Of course, one does need to be careful. The news has been full of not-so-funny stories about turn left now scenarios that put drivers and their vehicles into the side of a building.

Perhaps, since I manage to get lost - too often - this is something (buildings notwithstanding) that could help me get around with a lot less stress.




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Jules

Addiction Treatment

It's not an easy topic - addiction treatment - but it's something that many people and their families have to deal with every day. In fact, there's a TV program dedicated to helping addicted individuals and the people who care about them. The important thing is to realize that not everyone is capable of beating an addiction without help and there is no shame in asking for help.

I seriously admire anyone who fights to overcome problems, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and eating disorders. It can't be easy.




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Jules

Captioning

I have always wondered how the captioning happens on television stations. Today, I found a company that offers the service. It's fascinating.

There are two different types of captioning - roll-up and pop-on - that offer different options for TV stations. I was amazed at what they have to consider when providing this important service. And, honestly, I've seen captions that end up being bits of words and are loaded with typos.

You have to admire a company that can provide instant captions, without typos, that don't cover the TV picture. I know that I was impressed.




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Jules

Drugs in Drinking Water

This story scared the daylights out of me. With all of the chlorine and other chemicals in our drinking water, to which Mark is seriously allergic, we decided to purchase a water filter for our kitchen tap. After years, we convinced ourselves that we were drinking and cooking with clean water.

Now we have this story. And it's not just treated water or only the United States. Ground water, wells, rivers, and estuaries are all contaminated to some degree.




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Jules

Branson Lots

In the next few months, our youngest will be turning 18. It's entirely possible that he will choose to live with his mother, who has no rules or chores. If that happens, Mark and I will, undoubtedly be moving. (We've stayed here so that the boys could have consistency and attend all four years of high school with their friends.)

My choice, given where I grew up, would be to move back to Colorado; Mark, for the same reason, wants to head east. As a compromise, I've been looking at a number of areas in between, including some gorgeous areas in Missouri.

I couldn't believe some of the Branson lots that are available. Such a beautiful area. It makes me reconsider my first choices. Plus, there are an amazing number of vacation options would allow us to experience the area, before committing to a permanent relocation.

Definitely adding this location to my list.




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Jules

Vulcan Wants to Host Star Trek Premiere

As a trekker, I just love this story. What better place to premiere a Star Trek movie than Vulcan, Canada? Personally, I think it's a tremendous idea.

Yes, I'm a geek! and proud of it! I've attended conventions in the past and just loved how into it everyone is. Heck, I even met James Doohan, toward the end of his acting career.

Thank heaven Paramount changed personnel and attitude. The 'Trek' series have made that studio quite wealthy. It was insane, to me, that one idiot could decide to cancel such a lucrative franchise.




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Jules

Top Diet Pills

My daughter is getting married at the end of May and I am trying to find something great to wear. It's not easy. The wedding takes place in the afternoon and isn't seriously formal. Everything I've found is either too formal or too not-my-body-shape.

Over the last year or so, I've put on some extra weight. Yes, I love my pasta and it has to be drowning in real butter. So, you can see I'm not a lo-cal person.

I've been looking at some of the top diet pills, in an attempt to take off a few inches. So far, they scare the daylights out of me, so I may just be doing the low-carb, more-exercise thing. One helpful aspect - I'm not really into bread.




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Jules

Marines Investigate Puppy-Throwing Video

When I saw this headline, I didn't know whether to be shocked, angry, or just sad. So, I settled for all three. What in the world is happening to society?!

Many question whether this a true story - it does make great propaganda against the American military. The fact that there is a Marine, with the name mentioned, stationed at this base in Hawaii is discomforting, to say the least. Is this how we train our military, to have no respect for any life but their comrades-in-arms?

I have known - and know - people who put the value of an animal's life well below the value of a human's life. And we all read stories of animal neglect and abuse, almost daily.

It is, apparently, the religious concept of man's dominion over the 'lesser' creatures that encourages humans to denegrate and damage animals.




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Jules

Mattress

As many of you already know, we are in the market for a mattress. The one we purchased in 2004, when Mark was sick, just doesn't work for him now. What I consider a comfy pillow-top, he (like the Princess and the Pea) finds bumpy and uncomfortable. Undoubtedly, if I had a 5 month old surgery scar on my side, I might not be happy with the bed, either.

There are a great number of sites and stores that sell foam mattresses. Has anyone tried one? If so, could you let me know what you think of it? They claim that the price is comparable to a regular mattress - is that true?

I would greatly appreciate any first-hand information that you could share with us.




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Jules

Obama For President - NOT!

At the risk of repeating myself, I have to reiterate what I said when I was alerted that Obama was going to be in Arizona.

I'm sorry, but I believe that Obama is a really bad choice for the Democratic nomination. He has too little experience and relies on his glib delivery to hide his lack of actual knowledge.

The worst thing that could happen for the party would be promoting this young man as the Democratic candidate.

And I'm not even a registered Democrat!

Please don't support this candidate. To paraphrase Lloyd Bentsen: "You are no Ronald Reagan." And I question why a Democratic candidate would even want to model himself after a Republican.




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Jules

Vegas Hotel

Over the years, I have traveled through Las Vegas, on the way to visit my kids. Trust me, the areas where they put the bus terminals is not the Vegas you would want to see. (I have had more than one person hit me up for money, because they just know the casino cheated them and they were that close to hitting it big.) But, despite all that, (and the fact that I don't gamble) I would still love to see 'the strip' and some of the amazing casinos.

My mom used to take trips, with a friend of hers, to Vegas. They would check into a Vegas hotel and take off to see the sights. She loved the shows, which may be why I'm so interested in seeing them.

Well, that and the free shrimp cocktails that she told me about.




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Jules

Lingerie

I've never been a huge fan of sites like Victoria's Secret, because it seemed that they focussed on the more well-endowed portion of the female population. It's not easy for those of us who aren't a C or D or larger, to find attractive lingerie. Not to mention, if we aren't 'curvy' there is very little out there that works for us.

So often, items come in small, medium, or large. Well, that doesn't work for a lot of women. My top is smaller than my bottom, and my waist is not slender enough to match the one-size-fits-all range. That doesn't make me unattractive or mean that I wouldn't like to be able to buy something that looks sexy - on me, not on someone's ideal of me.

Hopefully, someday, I'll find a place that understands me.





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Jules

Congress Asks For Probe Of Clemens

With the war in Iraq, an impending (existing?) recession, the continuing healthcare crisis, a crumbling housing market, the need to develop renewable energy sources, and endangered species being cavalierly delisted, do we really need to spend taxpayer's dollars and Congress' time investigating and regulating baseball?

Didn't the Founding Fathers draft a constitution designed to keep government from micro-managing the lives of its citizens? In the whole scheme of things, does it really matter if Roger Clemens, or any baseball player, had steroid or HGH injections, when people can't afford to put gas in their cars? Isn't that an issue for baseball, rather than the government and US citizens?

Now, Congress is dragging the Department of Justice into this mess, because Clemens testimony differed from that of his trainer. Will the lunacy never stop?




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Jules

Hansgrohe Faucet

Okay, we have serious faucet issues. The one on the bathroom sink is at least 20 years old. Most of the plating is pitted, corroded, and/or falling off. It has got to go!

In the shower, we don't even have a handle. We use a pair of pliers to turn the water on, since Michael keeps destroying the fixture. And don't even ask about the shower head.

So, naturally, I went shopping. (Hey, it's what I do!) If you've never seen a Hansgrohe faucet, you don't know what you're missing. These fixtures are beautiful and the sleek lines fit any decor.





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Jules

Zero Gravity Recliner

I hadn't heard of a zero gravity recliner, until recently. Now, I want one - badly. Mark and I both have bad backs - the price of being tall, it seems. Arthritis and compressed discs makes sitting, standing, and lying down uncomfortable.

What this recliner does is place the body in a position that is similar to astronauts during take-off - legs higher than the heart, at a very specific angle - effectively removing all additional pressure on the spine. Can you imagine how amazing that would feel? Right now, I can only sit or stand in one position for a short time. Then, I have to shift to relieve the discomfort in my back.

To quote Will Smith's character in Independence Day: "I gotta get me one of these!"




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Jules

Low Vision Aids

One of the joys (?) of getting older is a change in vision. I've always worn glasses, well since the 2nd grade, and my vision got progressively more near-sighted as I got older. In the last few years, something new and interesting started happening - thanks to advancing age. My vision started 'improving'.

As we age, we tend to become more far-sighted - less able to see closer objects. As Bing Crosby put it in White Christmas, we start "playing the trombone." For someone as myopic as I am, these changes mean that what I had to hold under my nose to see before, I can now see at a distance of over a foot.

Mark, however, had perfect vision. The same changes that are helping me, cause him so much trouble that we have had to find low vision aids to help him see. Our apartment is, despite the sunny Arizona weather, generally quite dark, which means we have to have strategically placed lighting. Depending on whether he's reading his phone or his computer or directions on a frozen pizza, Mark has different strength reading glasses for each situation.

I'm seriously thinking about getting him a 'big-print' keyboard, as well. He's definitely not a touch-typist, so seeing the letters on the keys is critical. For a while, he had a black keyboard for the desktop that drove him crazy. We got an ivory one that's not as bad, but I know we can do better.




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Jules

Artificial Sweeteners and Weight Gain

Did you happen to see this, in the news, a couple of days ago? Artificial sweeteners, it seems, actually alter the ability to regulate sweet intake by interfering with the natural link between sweetness and calories. Of course, these results are from rats, not humans. But there is emerging evidence that people who consume large amounts of no-calorie sweeteners may be at higher risk for obesity, abdominal fat, and diabetes, among other weight-related health problems.

Apparently, when you eat dessert or a candy bar, your body associates the sweetness with an impending influx of calories. It responds by increasing your metabolism and, generally, signals a need to cut back on other excess calories and/or increase exercise. When the sweetness comes from saccharin and the body doesn't receive the extra calories that it expected, it gets confused. So, the urge to cut consumption elsewhere or become more active isn't triggered.

Luckily, I can't use artificial / no-calorie sweeteners; they upset my digestive system. Not to mention, I've never found one with a taste that I could tolerate.




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Jules

Tool Storage

One of the most difficult things about living in an apartment is finding a place for all of the tools that we use on a regular basis. It's not just a hammer and a couple of screwdrivers. We need tool storage for drills, wrenches, pliers, sockets and ratchets, and a myriad of things for working on the truck and the bicycles. Plus, it has to be a solution that let's us get at what we need, without rearranging the entire apartment.

Currently, we have things stashed in a tool box, plus most every spare inch of space we could find. It's a reasonable compromise. Just don't look in my closets.




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Jules

Downer Cows Fed to Our Kids at School

I was absolutely shocked by this video and this story. Did you know that 'downer' cows, cows that are too ill / weak to stand on their own, are being forced to get up and walk to their death. Then, the meat from these sad, slaughtered animals is sold to school systems throughout this country - and fed to our kids as school lunches.

Please watch the video and ask your Congressperson to stop this insanity - for the good of the animals, and the good of our kids. It just MUST stop!




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God Bless!

Jules

Books

I am, and have always been, a voracious reader. My favorite author, in my youth, was Shakespeare - not just because his plays are such a timeless description of the human condition. It was the language that captured my emotions; so incredibly evocative of the characters lives and emotions. Language was the other reason that I fought my way through "Beowulf," in the original Old English.

Over the years, I developed an affection for other books and genres. For a long time, I was a member of a guild that offered current bestsellers at a discount. Although the quality wasn't first-rate, the selection and the prices were incredible.

Currently, I have a membership in a craft-related book club. So, once again, I'm broadening my reading horizons.





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God Bless!

Jules

Checking Accounts

The one thing that I truly hate is trying to find a bank that offers great checking accounts. When I lived in Michigan, I had a tremendous bank with amazing FREE services. I honestly didn't think I'd find an equivalent when I moved to Arizona. I guess I had developed East Coast snobbery. (Don't tell my family in Colorado; I won't get to visit for Memorial Day.)

Luckily, there are some tremendous financial institutions that even have branches in Arizona!






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God Bless!

Jules

Comfort

I had this really strange dream the other night. In it I was making stuffed animals for 'my kids'. But for the fact that I have never made these particular critters and, as things generally work in dreams, the kids weren't mine - it made perfect sense.

When I was very, very young, my grandmother made me this stuffed turtle. It was soft; it was cuddly; it smelled like . . . love. On one side of the turtle was - for lack of a better term - a tag. It was like the tags that you find on one end of a pillow, but softer and slightly frayed.

When I was stressed, which was most nights, I cuddled that turtle and found myself stroking the frayed edge of the tag. It calmed and relaxed me. Oddly enough, when I have a lot of stress, I have an urge to cuddle that turtle. And I still have the memory of that comfort.

Interestingly, my grandmother also made these adorable turtles for some of my cousins. None of those turtles had a tag on the side. I wonder what behavior my grandmother was trying to help me overcome.




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God Bless!

Jules

Two and a Half Men

Okay, I realize that I'm coming a little late to the party - but this show is soooo funny! Recently, because one can only watch the same episodes of the same shows - over and over and over - for so long until one's mind begins to rot, we decided to wander the dial and see what might be on elsewhere. That's when we accidentally found "Two and a Half Men."

Charlie and Holland and Conchata, of course, are always tremendously funny. Jon surprised me - didn't expect the comedic genius. Not really fond of the smart-mouth kid, but - hey - I live with one, so I might be slightly prejudiced.

If you've been living under a rock, like me, you've gotta check out this show. Not all of the episodes are "child-safe," but they are well-written, well-acted, and just a whole lot of fun.




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God Bless!

Jules

Cruises

Mark and I have been talking a lot lately about cruises, especially to Alaska. It's hard to resist the gorgeous scenery in those cruise ads. Although, it's hovering around 32 here overnight and I feel like I'm freezing. Maybe a Caribbean cruise would be a better idea.

There are so many options; you can cruise just about anywhere in the world at a really good price. Of course, the one place I'd love to visit, since my aunt and uncle went years ago, is Australia. After doing some research, I was surprised how reasonable a 16-night cruise really is and you wouldn't believe how many ports are included.

Guess I'll have to start another vacation fund.





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God Bless!

Jules

It Never Ceases to Amaze Me ...

Every so often - okay, every day - I read the news and shake my head. What exactly is going on in this world? Hmmmm? The commonality between news stories is a bit unnerving on any given day. For example:

• Bridges and overpasses:
  • How many stories have been published recently about people throwing animals and children off bridges and overpasses?
• Suicides:
  • How many stories have been published recently about people attempting / committing suicide?

Now I know that these things have been happening for generations; there's nothing new. But, do we need to read about it in the news, see it on television? When I was younger, out of respect for the families - and the sensibilities of the readers - those types of stories weren't published as front-page news, if they were published at all.

Not to mention, studies have been done, for years, investigating whether there is a direct correlation between media reports and dramatizations of successful suicides / violent actions and an increase in such behaviors. (The first recorded incident of copycat suicides, for example, dates back to 1774 in Germany and creates the basis for the Werther Effect.) Recently, guidelines were published for journalists in Hong Kong, which has seen an increase in copycat suicides that they believe are directly related to reporting practices:

1. Coverage of recent suicides has caused serious concern among some circles in Hong Kong. Media studies in overseas countries have pointed out that coverage of such cases creates a so-called "copy-cat" effect, prompting more people to choose suicide as a way to solve their problems. However, academics are not unanimous on this point. Some studies argue that there has been no significant correlation between the reporting of individual cases and the actual number of suicides over a given period.


2. The Hong Kong Journalists Association has compared the way overseas news organizations cover suicides. In the United States and Canada, journalists have agreed generally among themselves not to report individual cases. Instead, they focus on general suicide trends and the reasons for such trends. However, they have agreed to report suicides which involve a celebrity or which have a significant impact on the public. In many other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, there are no specific rules on the reporting of individual cases, except that news organizations normally exercise a certain degree of self-restraint and try to avoid creating any "copy-cat" effect.


3. The HKJA believes that a total ban on the coverage of individual suicides is not appropriate in Hong Kong. However, journalists should seek to strike a balance between the need to report news and the danger of creating a "copy-cat" effect.


4. Editors and reporters should in particular be aware of the impact that stories about suicides might have on the vulnerable. They should be aware of the following:
   • Certain sensationalists ways of describing suicide in the news contribute to copy-cat cases;
   • Inadvertent romanticization of suicides may encourage others to identify with a victim; and
   • Reporting of detailed suicide methods can encourage vulnerable individuals to imitate these methods.


5. In dealing with suicides, the HKJA recommends that the press should follow the principles stated below, unless overriding public interest is involved:
   • Journalists should adopt a low-key approach in handling suicide news. They should consider placing such stories on the inside pages of newspapers, and in less prominent positions in radio and television news bulletins, if such stories are used at all, given the significant influence the electronic media have on public attitudes.
   • They should avoid a detailed description of the suicide method.
   • The media should avoid giving a false impression, in particular to youngsters, that suicide is away(sic) to become famous. The use of a victim's full name and photograph is therefore discouraged.
   • The media should respect the privacy of family members and avoid imposing on the grief of those affected.
   • Since there are many complicated reasons for suicides, journalists should avoid simplicity and blaming any party for a particular case. Of greater importance, the media should devote more space to coverage of suicide trends and ways to remedy problems related to such trends.
   • When reporting individual cases, newspapers should consider publishing information about organizations and counseling services, which may prevent suicides. These include the Samaritans and other voluntary agencies.


6. In covering suicide stories, journalists should be aware that the media can play a powerful role in educating the public about suicide prevention. Stories about suicide can inform readers and viewers about the likely causes of suicide, warning signs, trends in suicide rates, recent treatment advances, and cases where individuals have overcome despair without resorting to suicide.

"Guidelines on Coverage of Suicides" Suicide and the Media: Recommendations on Suicide Reporting for Media Professionals Pg. 33
The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Center for Suicide Research and Prevention, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
http://csrp.hku.hk/files/70_1894_345.pdf

Not long ago, a troubled young man took his own life. We all heard about it on the news. In the note which he left behind, he stated that at least he would now be famous. And that, in my mind, is exactly what is wrong with the way these stories, and stories like the Columbine shootings, are being handled. By publishing the names of these troubled kids and the details of their actions, other troubled youth may come to see the reported behaviors as an option for them, as well.

While the death of a celebrity may be newsworthy, I strongly believe that the death of an individual, outside the spotlight of the entertainment industry, should be virtually ignored. It should never be front-page news. And violent behavior, by individuals of any age, should never be glorified with prurient details of the crimes committed.

Life is not a video game - don't reward violence!




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God Bless!

Jules

Talkswitch

There are a lot of business phone system options. Some of the best, like Talkswitch offer the ability to customize. Having looked at a lot of systems lately, it's nice to be able to get what I want, not some mass-marketed setup that doesn't suit my needs.

For example, the Talkswitch 240vs is just the right size and the features are perfect. Between voicemail, multi-level auto attendants, innovative remote extensions and sophisticated call handling features, my little business doesn't have to look small. The standard connections and free PC configuration software, mean I can set it up or change it in a snap. Why pay someone to do something you can do yourself? Not to mention, it offers music on hold and I don't need to buy special phones.

If you're looking for a larger system, don't worry. Neobits offers over 15 different brands of phone systems that work for businesses with anywhere from 2 to 250 users. Already know which manufacturer you prefer? You can find it here, because Neobits has Avaya, Panasonic, NEC, Allworx, Epygi, Astra, D-Link, and many more. Many of the phone systems also support VoIP calls, so that businesses don't have to incur huge long distance charges - always a good thing, in my book.




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God Bless!

Jules

The Dumbing Down of America

I received a call tonight - actually several calls - from a very young woman looking for "Christopher Robin". It wasn't just that she didn't recognize the name - the real kicker was that the number she was trying to dial wasn't even in the same state as my number. After I explained that she wasn't even close on the number - just to add to the insanity - she called back three times!

So, when someone gives you a name that is the same as a character in a children's story, do you actually try to call? And how is it you didn't recognize the name? When you know that you've called the wrong number - a totally different area code - do you continue to use the autodial on your phone, or do you actually redial the number manually?

Sadly, this generation - who can't figure out what number to dial - is the one that will be taking over the country in a few short years. Be afraid - be very afraid!




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God Bless!

Jules

Happy New Year

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone already. To be perfectly honest, I am not going to miss 2007 - it was a tough year.

Between Frankie moving out, Mark having cancer surgery, and me breaking my kneecap, it was challenging - physically and emotionally. Then throw in the fact that our illustrious government has nearly destroyed our economy, and it was a pretty miserable year. But, as always, we managed to survive.

Despite our best efforts, we - like most Americans - will be starting 2008 financially worse off. Even though we don't incur debt for the holidays, we are facing hardships. The cost-of-living increases are the lowest I've seen in almost 4 years. They never approach the actual increase in the price of everything, but now the gap has widened even further.

On the plus side, it makes New Year's resolutions really easy!

• With less money for dining out, I can hone my cooking skills;
• With less money for groceries, I can start that diet I've been avoiding;
• With less money for gasoline, I can start getting more exercise;
• With less money for phones and Internet, I can get back into writing cards and letters;
• With less money for cards and stationery, I can develop my design skills.

So, you see, there's always a bright side. Sometimes you just have to look really hard to find it.

May 2008 bring you and yours health, happiness, peace, and love!





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God Bless!

Jules

Paint Your Life

I've heard of this before. Actually, I saw it on a Gilmore Girls episode, but I really didn't know it was this easy to do. You can have a painting made, from a photograph, that looks absolutely amazing. Just imagine what an incredible anniversary gift a family portrait would be for your parents or grandparents.

No longer do you have to coordinate everyone's schedule and set aside huge amounts of time for sittings. Not to mention, there's no need to settle for a run-of-the-mill setting. Simply upload your favorite photograph, choose the medium you prefer (oil, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, acrylic, pencil, or mosaic), and let the artist do the rest.

Paint Your Life is incredibly easy to navigate. No confusing menus or hard to find information. They also have very strict quality controls, and you always get to review and approve the artwork, before you make the final payment. Really a great idea.




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God Bless!

Jules

Quitting Smoking

Okay, I'm really going to quit smoking in 2008. I even asked my NP (don't ask - that's a whole 'nother post) for a prescription for Chantix. Then, she explained that you have to take it for 3 months, it's $120.00 a month, and insurance doesn't cover quit-smoking meds. (Or at least, the state coverage doesn't.) They want to be sure patients are really serious about quitting, so those of us who can't afford health insurance to begin with have to pay for it ourselves.

Huh? Isn't that why Arizona is taxing cigarettes to death? Isn't it in the best interest of the state, which claims that smokers have higher than average medical claims, to do everything in their power to help residents quit and lower the overall payouts for treatment? Oh, wait! Those are mutually exclusive ideas, aren't they?

It's actually a real catch-22 for state health coverage and stop-smoking groups in Arizona. They get a large portion of their funding from the exorbitant per-pack cigarette tax - about $2.00/pack, I believe. As more people decide to quit, more and more tax money is spent on the people who actually paid the taxes. Then, as more people actually stop smoking, less and less tax money goes into the system. Already, between July and October 2007, cigarette sales, and therefore tax revenues, have dropped dramatically.

Forgive me, but who thought it was a great idea to tax smokers to pay for health programs, while exhorting these revenue-generators to quit? Once you cure the smokers, those very same health programs will be bankrupted. Just like gasoline taxes designed to pay for road construction and repairs - once the price of gasoline rises to the consumers' breaking point, they drive less, buy less fuel, and the tax revenue becomes a moot point.

Hmmmm. Perhaps it's my civic duty to continue smoking - never considered that?! Nah! Cigarette taxes were just a stupid idea to begin with.




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God Bless!

Jules

Migraine

Not everything we receive over the holidays is welcome. Those few extra pounds, from all of the wonderful goodies we've eaten, manage to follow us into the New Year. The stress of trying to do it all brings on exhaustion, post-holiday illness, and, in my case, a migraine headache.

This year has been especially fun. The cold I usually catch on or about New Year's Eve decided to visit early - stay longer - and share itself with Mark. Now that it's showing signs of leaving, my holiday headache is starting to settle in. Undoubtedly, by this time tomorrow, I'll be tucked into bed in a dark room.

One of these years, I'll learn.




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God Bless!

Jules

AOL Shutting Down Netscape

Admittedly, I have never been an active Netscape user. When I started designing my website, the buzz said that pages needed to work in IE and Netscape. With very little training, I managed to get a simple site up and running on Internet Explorer. Filled with naive confidence, I turned to Netscape.

It didn't take long before I was sorry and quietly sobbing in frustration. My self-esteem, as a newborn webmaster, took a nosedive and I was certain that I would never, ever have a successful site without Netscape. It's somehow vindicating to find that I wasn't necessarily alone in choosing to not use that browser. I seriously prefer Netscape's cousin Firefox - over IE, as well. And to think, they actually charged for Netscape.




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God Bless!

Jules

Moving Blankets

If you've ever moved anything larger than a toaster, you've seen or used moving blankets. I would imagine it's possible to safely move antiques, big screen TVs, or heirlooms without covering them, but why would you? There is nothing worse than arriving at a new home, only to find that one of your treasured belongings has been damaged.

So, the only question is which type of blanket is best for your situation. Typically, moving blankets, which also make great pads for larger items, come in a variety of sizes, but two basic fabric styles. The first, which is more durable and more expensive, is a strong, woven synthetic fabric. A less expensive version is made of non-woven fabric over thick cotton batting, to protect against dings and scuffs.

You don't have to be preparing for a move, however, to benefit from using these padded blankets. If, like us, you need to store furniture that just doesn't fit in your current home, moving pads are a great solution. Pulling items in and out, or rearranging storage space, can also result in scratches and dents. With the available styles and sizes at US Cargo Control, you're sure to find just what you need to protect your treasures.




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God Bless!

Jules

Anonymous Comments

I very recently published a post about highly supervised schooling for troubled teens. The reason I mention this post is because of a comment I received, very shortly, after it was published. Someone decided to - anonymously - question my parenting skills, based on information I had posted about educational options that many parents find extremely helpful in dealing with defiant, at-risk adolescents.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love to hear from anyone and everyone who reads my blog - it makes me feel that I'm not just talking to myself. And discussing topics about which I have posted is great fun. But I truly don't understand anonymous postings. If one isn't willing to stand behind their statement, why post it at all? It certainly is not the way to open a dialogue or encourage discussion.

Color me confused.




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Jules

Mailboxes

I've been shopping again. But it's not my fault; really! Mark and I were talking about mail delivery, back when we were young and the mailman had to get out of his truck at every house. In the neighborhood where I grew up, all of the post-WWII houses were the same exact size and shape. The only thing that made each home unique, besides the paint colors, were the mailboxes.

Back then, residential mailboxes were pretty simple: a rectangular metal box, hung by the front door, with a hinged lid and two pieces of curved metal underneath for magazines or a curved-top box, mounted on a simple wooden post, with a hinged front door and a mail-to-pick-up flag that sometimes even stayed up. Utilitarian, but not necessarily attractive. Not any more - I checked! Now, these mailboxes are amazing, artistic items, crafted with style. I've already picked a couple that I want in front of my house, once I get my house.

Although, when I was checking out commercial mailboxes - you know I can't resist any shopping page - I found some security mailboxes that really made me stop and think. With all of the identity theft these days, it might not be a bad idea to use something that's going to be really difficult to break into. Nice to know that I have lots of options.

And lots of reasons to keep shopping!




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God Bless!

Jules

Ivy Ridge Academy

No one ever said raising kids was easy. First there's the terrible-twos and then, just when you start to like them again, they become teenagers. Rebellion is a natural part of these years. But, there are different levels of acting out and some teens are determined to ignore the rules to the point where they put their futures at risk.

We are at that point with our teen; trying to determine if we need to place him in a more structured, tightly supervised school program. The Ivy Ridge Academy in New York, for example, offers such an environment. A specialty school that helps adolescents develop insight into their own behaviors, it provides a controlled environment that requires students to maintain high standards, including a strong code of conduct.

Tight supervision, a vigorous daily schedule, and firm rules help the staff address inappropriate attitudes and behaviors. The merit-based system requires that each student earn their status and privileges through personal performance, and change past negative behaviors. Adolescents begin to understand the need for rules, limits, and boundaries, and to appreciate parents and other authority figures.

If you have a teen whose behavior is putting their future at risk, Ivy Ridge Academy may be just what you both need.




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God Bless!

Jules

Hilton Fortune Pledged to Charity

I really hate that I love this story; it shows my pettier side. But you have to admit that it's laughable that the only thing that makes this little girl famous has been summarily taken away from her by grandpa.

Face it, if she were a poor little nobody without a famous name and huge bank account, would we have ever heard anything about her? Would she have done reality TV and filled the headlines with her escapades? Of course, not. She'd be sitting in jail, doing serious time for repeatedly breaking the law.

I'm with Barron - his children's children are an embarrassment to his family.




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God Bless!

Jules

Nutritional Supplements

Now that we've gotten through the holidays and all of the yummy things that taste great, but aren't too healthy or good for you, I've been thinking a lot about diet and nutrition. Not really one for vitamins, especially if I have to take them more than once a day, it's time for me to find nutritional supplements that work for my lifestyle. Since I really don't know much about these things, I've been researching like crazy.

At my age, I really like the idea of a supplement that will help my hair, skin, and nails. Just slathering on moisturizer isn't enough anymore. Not to mention, it would be really nice to get in the habit of taking a B-Complex for stress, with vitamin C for my aging immune system. Who knows? I might just get healthy in the New Year!




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God Bless!

Jules

Think Green!

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging residents to make 'green' resolutions for the New Year and is posting green tips every week on their website. Although aimed at citizens of the Sunshine State, these great ideas will work no matter where you live.

• Change your incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent ones to save energy;
• Eliminate paper waste by recycling to save trees and water;
• Use your computer's sleep mode, instead of the screen saver to cut energy use by 60 to 70 percent;
• Purchase reusable shopping bags to keep plastic and paper bags out of landfills;
• Use 'green' cleaners to keep dangerous chemicals out your home and your local water supply.

These are only a few ideas that can have an amazing impact on the environment. Check out Green Tips or look for great ideas, sponsored by your state.




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God Bless!

Jules

Internet Dating

With all of the websites out there where you can meet singles, how do you know which one is right for you? I can't even imagine trying to sort them all out. Not to mention, there have been statements from one site about another site refusing to help people who don't meet a specific criteria.

Now, there's a site, 5 Star Dating, that takes the guesswork out of picking an online dating or matchmaking service. They research all of these dating sites and provide information about the available options. Why hunt all over the Internet for a Christian dating site that understands who you are and what you want, when you can read about all of the most reliable sites in one place?

One of the sections that I really like is the Dating Digest, filled with helpful tips, first-date advice, and interesting articles all about dating. If you're new in town or just aren't meeting the right people, why not give 5 Star Dating a look?




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God Bless!

Jules

Protection for Retiree Benefits

Finally, some good news for Medicare-eligible retirees. In 2000, the US Court of Appeals ruled that employers had to provide the same benefits to older retirees that they provided to younger retirees, or spend the same amount to cover both groups. Prior to that ruling, employers coordinated benefits with Medicare or provided bridge-coverage until retirees were eligible for Medicare.

Rather a foolish decision, if you ask me. In response, unions and employers - rightly - pointed out that this was a cost-prohibitive change, putting retirees at risk for losing health benefits. The EEOC took up the cause and, luckily, corrected the situation. As of today, sanity has been restored.




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God Bless!

Jules

Pre-owned and Estate Jewelry

I have always been extremely picky about jewelry. So many modern designs just don't work for me. But I always seem to find something wonderful through estate jewelry sales. The lovely old pieces just have so much character and they were created to become heirlooms.

Of course, then there are those great sites that offer classic, used rolex watches or help people who need or want to sell diamond jewelry. It's just amazing what designer pieces are available at truly terrific prices.

I've even started a post-Christmas fund, toward a couple of really beautiful pieces that I found online.







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God Bless!

Jules

Real Estate

If one of your goals for the new year is buying or selling a home - something I would love to be doing - you need an agent that knows your area and market. There are a lot of real estate companies out there. How do you know you're getting good service and a decent price? You research.

I didn't realize that there were so many specialists in the industry. From buyer representatives to luxury home specialists to residential marketing masters, the services you need are available. I really enjoy reading up on the available options, because the market is changing constantly. Right now there are a lot of defaults and financing isn't as easy to find.

One day we are going to be buying our own place and I don't want to end up paying too much or getting less than we need.





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God Bless!

Jules

Finance Genius

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. But it can also be emotionally and financially stressful. It's easy to try to be all things to all people and end up with bills in the new year that weigh heavily. That's why we budget with a vengeance as the holidays approach, so that we don't have to incur debt to have the Christmas we want.

Finance Genius has all of the help that you need to take control of your finances, so that you can make next year a lot less stressful. From a home owner insurance quote that will reduce monthly payments to budgeting solutions, it's all here. By reducing the day-to-day expenses, it's easier to save money for everyday needs and special occasions.

If you have financial questions or needs, visit the site where You don’t have to be a Genius to manage your finances like one!




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Jules

NORAD Tracks Santa

Ever since I was small, there were tracking reports on Santa's progress. We used to listen intensely to the radio, just waiting to hear when Santa made it to our state, then our county. Mom would rush us off to bed with admonishments that Santa wouldn't come if we were awake.

Now, tracking Santa has gone high tech. NORAD has a website where you and your little ones can actually watch Santa get closer to your house. If that's not enough, Google Earth has added a Santa Tracker that you can download to see Santa and his reindeer in 3D, and more of his stops around the world.

Bring the excitement of Christmas Eve right into your own home. Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!






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Jules

Pet Friendly Hotels

Hotels are offering more and more amenities these days, but it can be difficult to find pet friendly hotels at a reasonable rate. I was pleased, since we have 'Paka' to consider when we travel, to find a site that helps. The search function is very simple to use and offers a number of options in any city.

We've been planning a weekend in Prescott for a while now, but couldn't leave our 'baby' alone that long. Now, for the same price we would have paid anyway, we can take him with us. With his carrier and bowls in tow, we can tour the area and enjoy ourselves, without worrying. You can't put a price on that.




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God Bless!

Jules

Arlington at Christmas

This is beautiful.



Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.

Know the line has held, your job is done.

Rest easy, sleep well.

Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.

Peace, peace, and farewell...





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Jules

Cherished Number Plates

If you're not familiar with Cherished Number Plates, perhaps you know them better as personalized registration plates. What I found fascinating is that the letters and numbers on a UK plate have very specific meanings, so choosing a vanity plate, as we call it in the US, is a bit trickier. One must be careful not to misrepresent any information about the vehicle.

Northumbria Numbers has an easy-to-use search function that helps you search for the plate number that you simply must have. The site also explains the legalities and cost of transferring these special plates. I had a great time looking for a combination that would work for JMAe (JMark Afghans, etc.) and was amazed by the things that one needs to know, in order to design a Cherished Number Plate.




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God Bless!

Jules

Web Hosting

It's easy to find a template and throw a website on the Internet. What isn't easy is finding a reliable hosting service. Believe me, I have looked at a number of options and, between the costs and the limitations, some services are a bit scary.

But there are easy ways to find what you need. For example, http://www.webhostingchoice.com offers an advertisement-free way to look for a host that offers all of the options you need, while eliminating all of the hosts that don't fit your requirements. This searchable directory allows you to enter the amount that you want to pay each month, any set-up costs you're willing to incur, and how much bandwidth and storage space you need.

If you don't know how much storage or bandwidth is right for you, don't worry. There is a Learning Center, filled with information to help out.





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Jules

Pets for Christmas

At this time of year, puppies and kittens are popular gifts. That means that puppy and kitten mills have been stepping up breeding programs to stock pet stores. A recent Humane Society investigation found that even upscale pet stores, like California’s Pets of Bel Air boutique, get their animals from puppy mills.

I am asking, begging actually, that if you have decided to buy your child or grandchild a pet for Christmas - don't go to the pet store, unless you know exactly where they get their puppies and kittens. In fact, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, why not hold off until after the first of the year? Without holiday plants and ornaments, your home will be safer; without people rushing in and out, your home will be calmer.

If you're certain that you're able to devote plenty of time and attention to a new member in your family, here are some simple ideas.

Check your local paper - there are people, breeding animals responsibly, who would love to help you share your life and love with a warm, fuzzy friend. Try Pet Net USA or Pet Net Canada to find an individual with puppies or kittens.

Visit the breeder. Are the animals allowed to roam their home, or are they crammed into cages? Is the home/cattery clean? Are the 'babies' clean and healthy-looking? Observe the parent animals. Do they seem happy and well-adjusted or skittish and easily frightened, even unfriendly? Are they caring for the young animals or has the breeder separated the generations?

We all want to stop puppy and kitten mills. More than that, consider that animal shelters become filled with unwanted animals, shortly after the holidays. Impulse pet purchases, made with the glow of the holiday spirit, become real responsibilities after the tree comes down.

Dogs and cats live 10 years or more. They need food, exercise, health care, and lots of loving attention - for all of their lives. Please be sure that you, and your children, are willing to provide a lifetime of care, before you bring home that fuzzy friend.




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God Bless!

Jules

Christy Sports

This time of year, with the weather reports coming in every day, updating the snow fall at the resorts, it's hard not to think about skiing. While I've never actually owned a pair, I have heard amazing things about Rossignol skis. There are so many styles and options, I'm glad I found Christy Sports. They not only have terrific prices, they have tons of information.

Find all of the equipment you need, from race/carving skis to all mountain, telemark, and nordic skis, boots, and bindings. I really liked the detail I found for each product, so that I can choose the right Rossignol gear. It's easy to find just what you need, no matter whether you're an experienced skier or a novice, like me.



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Jules

Cat Safety at Christmas

I've been searching the WWW for pet safety tips, since we're going through the leave-the-tree-alone phase with Paka. He's developed an unhealthy fondness for the metallic garland, which is bad for him and bad for the decorations. It has to be something about the smell, because otherwise he wouldn't even know it's there.

This article from Cat World has lots of great information. It recommends spraying bitter apple on lights to keep your cat from chewing on the electrical cords. Terrific idea - except the only time I tried bitter apple as a deterrent, my (other) cat reacted by tearing apart everything I sprayed it on. So, I'm still not convinced that that's the solution.

Any ideas would be welcomed!




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Jules

Mattress

Mark has been complaining about our mattress for a while now. It's a pillow-top, so it feels bumpy to him. I don't really notice it, but I don't have the level of pain that he experiences. Even the new mattress cover doesn't help. So, I'm looking for something better.

I didn't realize how many different mattress options existed. Especially, memory foam mattresses. Between in-home trials, free shipping, and 10-20 year warranties, you almost can't go wrong.




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Jules

AMS Fulfillment

Not all businesses can afford to pay for the warehouse and shipping services that they may need. My business is currently small enough that it's not a problem. But for companies that sell a large number of items, or a number of large items, paying for warehouse space can get very expensive and staffing costs can be prohibitive.

Luckily, there are companies like AMS Fulfillment. Storing inventory properly, processing orders quickly, and shipping accurately and on time is a critical function of any product-based business. Advantage Media Services understands that criticality. They also believe their success depends upon their execution and that, when their customers thrive, so does AMS.

If your company needs pick and pack services, you'll appreciate the detail that AMS Fulfillment provides. There are 2 quality control steps, to ensure that no matter how many products you warehouse and ship, no matter how many product combinations can be sold, each order is accurate. The combination of software and trained staff make for amazing efficiency.

One difficult function for many organizations is inventory management. How do you know if you have too many of one item or not enough of another? What happens if your system accepts an order for a product that isn't actually in stock? The nature of my business, creating items as they are ordered, means I don't have inventory issues. For those who do, AMS Fulfillment has the experience and currently controls tens of thousands of SKUs for dozens of clients through their OnGuard™ Inventory Protection system.

I particularly like the flexibility that AMS Fulfillment offers. All first-time clients answer a series of questions that enable custom tailoring of services and resources. This is not a cookie-cutter approach; this is individualized service for individual business needs. Grow your business with the help of experts.



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God Bless!

Jules

Merry Christmas!

It's easy to get caught up in the rush and commercialization of the season. What doesn't seem to be easy is remembering the true purpose behind the Christmas season. Santa Claus, in all his personifications, came about much later than Jesus Christ, and for an entirely different purpose. Let us not confuse the two men.

Luke 2:1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Bring the Christ back into Christmas!





We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Pop-Up Blockers

There are some webhosts and sites that are just loaded with pop-ups. When I first started my website, I had free service, so my host put ads on the side of my pages. Now, that - to my mind - wasn't nearly as bad as dealing with constant pop-ups.

About the same time, I volunteered as an editor for an open source project and realized that I seriously needed a popup blocker. The poor souls who have free webhosting with companies that load these pop-ups can't do much about it, but as a web-surfer I sure was going to make them stop.

It's not difficult to find software to do the job. But, it can be difficult to find reliable software to do the job. The best ones, and they are out there, also block adware, spyware, and phishing sites.

I still get the occasional pop-under, which is a whole 'nother story. But there's just no reason to put up with the other annoyances. So I don't.




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God Bless!

Jules

Lamps

I am a woman on a mission. While the torchieres we bought years ago were not inexpensive, they were, apparently, cheap. When I went shopping before, I wasn't sure where we would be putting everything, so it was difficult to know precisely what lamps to buy. Now, I have the luxury of being able to shop by placement, as it were.

Today, I found a store that helps me find the perfect choices for each location. First, I want a desk lamp. Not a standing lamp, but something with a flexible neck that clamps onto the computer desk. It took me about 2 minutes to find it.

Then, I need to replace the torchiere that stands between the two recliners. It's an area that is subject to bumps and bangs, so it has to be tough. This was a little harder to find, because I changed my mind in mid-shop and decided to go with a floor/task lamp.

All in all, I found what I was looking for.





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Jules

Youth Violence

Sadly, we've experienced another violence-laden story of a young person, gone over the edge. Are kids more depressed and more tormented these days? Are these incidents of over-the-top behavior more prevalent than they used to be? Good questions, aren't they? This article explores some of the reasons for and solutions to the spate of youth violence we've experienced in the last decade or so.

I don't believe that kids are any kinder to each other now than they were when I was in high school. Kids went in and out of foster homes; they experienced abuse by some of the adults in their lives. But, somehow, we didn't feel that grabbing an Uzi and shooting up the local mall would make up for our problems.

The information in this article is interesting. I'm not certain that I agree with all of it, but it did give me a great deal to think about.




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Jules

Cheaper Than Hotels

Someone asked me, recently, about where I would travel if I could go anywhere in the world. There are a lot of choices, as far as which city or country. But, as always, expense is a serious determining factor.

CheaperThanHotels.co.uk has great deals and a ton of information, whether you need a last-minute deal or year-round rates. I really like the layout of the site; it's incredibly easy to find locations and places to stay. (The site does take quite a long time to load the main page, which could be a problem if you're using dial-up.)

You can find tips and links that will help you plan a perfect vacation, no matter where you want to travel. The variety of hotels - from one-star to five-star - is great and the site converts prices into your currency, so you can truly compare. Some of the places that caught my eye were in Germany and Austria, two of the places on the top of my to-visit wish-list.

Vienna attractions: Schonbrunn palace, Hofburg and Heldenplatz, museums. For more info see Wien hotels;

Munich attractions: Marienplatz, Rathaus-Glokenspiel, Olympic village. For more info see hotels in Muenchen; and

Germany attractions: Bavarian Alps, Leipzig, Lubeck. For more info see hotels in Deutschland.

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Jules

Toy Tips.com

We've all been listening, with horror, to the growing list of China-made toy recalls. Keeping up with the list of items that are dangerous for our kids is virtually impossible. There isn't just one manufacturer to monitor; there isn't just one type of toy to monitor. What is a parent to do?

Well today, while watching Rachel Ray, I found a great resource - ToyTips.com. The owner of this site is maintaining a list of recalled toys, so you have only one site to visit for all of the information you need. Plus, they offer product reviews and top picks to help during this crazy shopping season.

Give them a look. I think you'll be happy with the information they provide. I know I was.




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Jules

Advantage Life Insurance

I'm still on the hunt for ways to save money on insurance. There are so many options that it makes my head spin. Term life, whole life, universal, family, second to die, and smokers - to name just a few.

Right now, insurance quoting services, like Advantage Life Insurance, are at the top of my list for information. They offer details that help me determine the best coverage for our circumstances. Not to mention, the Advantage site is very easy to navigate, so I can find what I want without wading through what I don't.





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Jules

Great Clothes for New Moms

Many, many years ago - back when God made dirt and I was very young - I had 2 kids and was thrilled to be able to feed them the way that nature intended. There is nothing better for the health of the mother and the baby than nursing. But I also remember what I had to wear, at a mere 20 years old, to be able to manage nursing my babies.

Sadly, the fashion options back then were not attractive. Happily, someone has finally done something about that. Can you believe that this gorgeous hooded dress is designed for nursing mothers? Yup - that's right! And - you'll love this - the name of the site that offers this fantastic dress is called nursingpjs.com! Isn't that great?!

With the holidays right around the corner, there is no reason that nursing mothers can't have comfortable outfits that don't make them feel frumpy and unattractive. Hosting a Christmas get-together? Now there's Nursing Wear that is beautiful and functional. This dress is just what every new, or expecting, mother needs to get through the busy holiday season. With a tie-back waist that adjusts to fit all shapes, this super soft cotton design is perfect.

For me, comfy means pajamas. While new moms do have errands to run and places to go, we also love crawling into jammies and relaxing. Heaven knows there isn't much extended sleeping happening in the first few weeks; so we have to catch our naps when we can. This, too, is more attractive, thanks to nursingpjs.com.

I just fell in love with the "Mommie and Me" collections. So, if you know an expecting or new mom, have a look at some of these beautiful designs. You can't go wrong with amazing outfits and FREE holiday shipping. Show someone that you care - and that you think she's beautiful.




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Jules

Kids!

There's an old axiom - "We spend the first 2 years of our children's lives teaching them to walk and talk, and the next 16 years telling them to sit down and shut up." I would offer a small modification to that axiom stating that we spend 16 years trying to teach them when to "sit down and shut up." This is something I mention, because I went through it today - with a vengeance.

For three years, we have taught the boys that interrupting, while another person is speaking, is rude and unacceptable. We had company this afternoon, with whom Mark and I were trying to talk. Whatever random thought went through Michael's head, flew unabated out of his mouth. It didn't matter how many times I reminded him of what is acceptable behavior; he just couldn't be still. In fact, we nearly had to move him out of the desk chair because he couldn't sit quietly either.

Guess I'll be reminding Michael and the school that he is not allowed to have sugar.




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Jules

High-Risk Life Insurance

One of the things that Mark and I are facing, given his health, is the ability to find high risk life insurance that we can afford. There are companies which offer life insurance policies to people with previous or long-term health issues. Unfortunately, these policies are rarely what you would call affordable.

In our case, the VA would provide some level of coverage should - heaven forbid - Mark die. But if you've been listening to the myriad of TV commercials about the cost of a funeral, you know that most plans just don't pay much. In addition to that, there are the issues of debt collection and how survivors are supposed to - well - survive, in the weeks and months after the death of a loved one.

It's all really very scary.






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Jules

Language Usage

Among other things, James J. Kilpatrick addresses usage issues, making him one of my favorite Universal Press Syndicate columnists. A recent column discusses whether ravel or unravel is the correct term for something that is coming apart. It's a question that has always fascinated me, because every recognized authority indicates that the words are interchangeable.

There are other instances. Did you know that flammable and inflammable both mean capable of burning; combustible? What about irregardless? Did you know that there is no such word - in proper usage?

Makes me want to get a better dictionary. How about you?




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Jules

Online Communications

For those of us who blog regularly with our customers, it's easy to get locked into a style of communication that is very narrow in scope. I know that, when I started this blog, it was difficult for me to break the mental habit of wanting to make everything about the website. Luckily, there are sites with terrific information and tips for those of us who get into a rut.

I particularly liked the article about finding additional content (click here) for my blog. Information about my site is easy. Now, adding information about complimentary products or new, exciting yarns really expands my options. It's nice to know that I don't have to have all of the answers, I just need to know where to find them.




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God Bless!

Jules

Christmas Dinner

I am looking for help with Christmas dinner. We have tried ham for a couple of years, with mixed results. Even though the boys didn't complain, Mark and I weren't impressed with the hams. This year, we're thinking - standing rib roast.

Now don't get me wrong, I love prime rib. The one small problem I do have is that I have never actually cooked one. Add to that, Mark likes his beef fairly well-done, standing rib roasts are extremely expensive, and - best of all - our little gas oven just doesn't understand maintaining a consistent temperature. I would swear, when our backs are turned, it changes 5 to 20 degrees up and down from the setting we use.

So, if anyone has a fool-proof way to cook a standing rib roast, please let me know.




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God Bless!

Jules

Cinema's Best Revenge Scene

Revenge has been a common theme in movies for generations. Who could forget the prom scene at the end of Carrie? After being tormented and abused by her mother, Carrie experiences ridicule at the hands of her classmates. To me, the ultimate movie revenge scene happens after her classmates dump a bucket of pig's blood on Carrie. With her new-found telekinetic abilities, she finally snaps and takes her revenge. Locking the doors to the gymnasium, she sets fires and destroys the building, killing her tormentors.

Now, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have come together to retell my favorite revenge story - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. An amazing musical, I first saw a live stage production over 20 years ago in Michigan. Several years later, Showtime broadcast a Broadway production, starring Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett, and I fell in love all over again.

It's not a pretty story. Imagine a simple barber, living with his wife and daughter, over his shop on London's Fleet Street. Enter the villain. A powerful judge wants the barber's beautiful wife for himself. But, in order to get to her, he has to get rid of the barber. So, with the help of the local constable, he charges and convicts Sweeney Todd with a crime that he didn't commit, and sends him to a penal colony in faraway Australia.

Almost 20 years later, after escaping and making his way back to England, Sweeney learns that his wife was attacked by the judge and took her own life, rather than give in to his advances. If that weren't enough, the judge then became his daughter's guardian and is now trying to force her to marry him. What follows is the grim story of a man pushed over the edge.

I had to visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site to see how true to my memory this movie would be. Being a Burton / Depp fan, I imagine that I'm going to be very pleased with their production, and can't wait until it opens. After all, revenge never goes out of style, does it?

Oh, you might also want to visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace and see what great items they have for their friends. I was thrilled.






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God Bless!

Jules

Wedding Flowers

As many of you know, Mark and I are planning to get married - one of these days, when we have time to actually put together a wedding. We have a lot of ideas about what we want. A lot of general ideas.

Beyond where, when, and what we'll be wearing, wedding flowers - truly - are one of my biggest priorities. You see, we've both been married before. Surprised, aren't you?! But I never really got to plan my perfect wedding and Mark never really wanted to.

This time we're going to do it our way and I just can't wait to put together my wedding bouquet. I am leaning, heavily, toward tulips; preferably in the lavender-to-purple color range. The more I think about it, I want dark purple tulips - with baby's breath in the bouquet and in my hair. Mark's birthstone is amethyst, as is the ring he gave me, so dark purple is almost required.

Wow! Who would have thought that the thought of wedding flowers could inspire so much?




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God Bless!

Jules

Blogsvertise.com

In my travels around the Internet - yes, I've been shopping again - I found an interesting site for Bloggers. Called Blogsvertise.com, it's a great way for me to earn a little extra holiday money while doing what I do anyway - blog, blog, blog. The process is simple and easy.

If you have a blog already, just register for free and follow the instructions. Naturally, there is a review process, so approval takes, on average, 24 hours. But, would you really want to associate with an organization that was cavalier about who could work with them? Besides, a day or two isn't all that bad, in the whole scheme of things.

There are a lot of things to like about Blogsvertise.com. First, the rules and guidelines are truly simple. You choose the 'tone' of your blog post; this isn't blatant advertising. It's also not the 'Great American Novel.' You aren't required to do more than mention a particular website, include 3 links to that website, and write 2-3 paragraphs - about 75 words or so. Now that's easy. (I've already written more than that, just telling you this much.)

Secondly, even if you don't currently have an active blog you can still participate. It will just take a couple of extra steps. You'll need to create a blog or online journal and start writing. No duh, huh? But Blogsvertise.com has a list of free software and sites to help get you started. Once you're set up and have some posts to show off, you can register for an account.

Naturally, newer blogs or blogs without a lot of regular activity may have a probationary period. Payments may be lower, or assignments may be fewer, until there are about 60 days worth of activity. I know that I was flat-out denied by a site before I starting writing regularly. So, that's not a big surprise.

Believe me, when you're keeping an online journal or blog anyway, it's dead easy to work with Blogsvertise.com and generate a little spending money for yourself.





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God Bless!

Jules

Exciting News

JMark Afghans, etc. has partnered with several exciting companies to bring amazing products to our customers. Over the last few weeks, some of these organizations have made some changes, so JMark Afghans has made some changes, as well. I am thrilled to be able to tell you about two (2) of our newest partners.

First, welcome FragranceNet.com! Personally, I have been doing business with them for years. In fact, it's the only place I purchase my favorite scents. You just can't beat the amazing prices, huge selection, and exquisite quality of the perfumes, colognes, and bath sets.




Our newest partner, has me really excited - Diabetic Living Diet! Ever since Mark started having problems with his blood sugar, I've been looking for effective, reasonably-priced dietary help. Today, we partnered with this amazing organization that has everything I was looking for - and much, much more. They have healthy recipes, and tips and information for living with diabetes.




Please stop by our newest Shopping Friends and explore the wonderful products they have to help you feel fantastic - outside and inside!




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Website Optimization

I received a call today from a gentleman who wanted to help me optimize my website. Not necessarily a bad idea - except for the fact that the example site he sent me to was actually less optimized than my home page. Add to that the fact that he had never heard of Google PageRank and didn't understand what the Alexa traffic numbers mean, and you've got someone who really needs to do a little more homework before calling site owners.

So, if you have a website of your own and get a call from someone who tells you that they can help you improve what you've done - be very careful.




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Turkey Leftovers

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We definitely were more stuffed than the bird. Since I'm the only one in the family who eats stuffing, we've done away with that tradition. But we've added Pineapple Upside-Down Cake to our holiday table, which is so yummy. Somehow, I just don't miss the stuffing, when I'm munching on that cake!

Now, we've got leftovers to deal with. Mark makes a delicious turkey-and-gravy-over-biscuits that's good for one meal. But, when you start out with a 13 pound bird, that's a lot of turkey meals awaiting.

Any good recipes out there that you'd like to share?




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

FreeRice.com

A friend of our sent us this link - FreeRice.com. For every definition you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice throughout the United Nations, in an effort to end world hunger. What a great way to practice your vocabulary!

Not all of the words are exactly easy. Some are older in usage, and some are medical. As you work through the list, your vocabulary level increases and decreases. Mine went up pretty fast, then went down even faster! lol

By the time my brain decided it had had enough, I had donated almost 2,000 grains of rice and gotten some well-needed mental exercise.




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Series 7 Exam

I couldn't believe all of the different exams required in order to work in the securities / stock industry. Not every position has to pass every exam. But, for example, in order to work as a General Securities Sales Supervisor, an individual has to pass the Series 9/10 ~ after passing the Series 7.

The Series 7 exam is the NASD/NYSE test required for registered representatives by most broker-dealers. While there are no prerequisites to this exam, the Series 63 or Series 66 exam is a co-requisite. That's a lot of information to learn. If it were me, I'd want all of the help I could get.

That's where Empire Stockbroker comes in. They offer classroom training, home study materials, and an online testing program designed to help individuals pass, whatever exam they're taking, the first time. Since the Series 7, alone, is 260 multiple-choice questions, with 3 hours allowed to complete each half, I certainly wouldn't want to have to take it more than once.

If your career requires NASD/NASAA licensing, why not trust the company whose instructors have actually taken and passed the exams themselves?




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Race to Stop Global Warming

From Care2.com:

Welcome to Care2.com's Race to Stop Global Warming!

Once per day, you can click for free to slow global warming by offsetting one pound of carbon, a greenhouse gas.

To offset even more greenhouse gases, please get your friends involved. Forward this message to let friends know that when they click on the Race, Care2 will pay to offset one pound of their personal carbon emissions - up to once per day.

Carbon, and other greenhouse gases, released into the air by power plants and cars
contribute to global warming. Each day, you can take a small step in slowing global warming by offsetting some of your emissions. Just go to: http://stopglobalwarming.care2.com

Be sure to tell your friends!

Thanks!
Care2.com

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God Bless!

Jules

Great Stocking Stuffers

Every year, since I can remember, I have included some kind of basic toiletries in everybody's stocking - new toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, shaving cream and razors for the guys. Nothing too exciting, but something necessary for each person. Then, came the fun stuff - depending on how much room was left.

This year, I got to sample some great cheap stocking stuffers, so the fun stuff comes first! I am really looking forward to everyone's face on Christmas morning.

For example, Smencils - Gourmet Scented Pencils are just the coolest. Made from recycled newspaper, with each layer soaked in scent, they save trees and smell great for the entire length of the pencil. The eraser is biodegradable and the metal 'thingy' that holds the pencil together is recyclable, as is the individual container that each Smencil comes in.

I love the Color Flames Colored Candles, too. I've seen a lot of different candle styles over the years, but different color flames on each candle is just too great. Birthdays around here are going to be a lot more festive - I promise! Heck, I may just use them to perk up every day desserts.

We haven't tried the Insta Snow - Fake Snow Powder yet. I'm waiting until we get the decorations out of storage, so I can use the 'snow' to decorate. We have a small fiber-optic tree that I think would be really cute with a little snow cover. Can you imagine the snow changing color with the different lights on the tree? I can! and I can't wait to see it.





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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Carrot Cake and Banana Bread

Even with Mark's diabetes, we keep cake (of some sort) in the fridge for dessert. One small piece of cake doesn't seem to have any more effect on his blood sugar than a plate of pasta would. And, this way, no one feels deprived.

Today he mentioned being hungry for carrot cake with cream cheese frosting or banana bread. I've made banana bread before (a long time ago) and it's really simple. But I've never tried carrot cake, so I went looking for a recipe. What a pain!

Since I love the shows, I decided to search FoodNetwork.com. The recipes were great - I found the 2 that I wanted - but the site is slower than molasses in January. Apparently, they have so many ads supporting their site, it takes forever for the pages to load.

Great food - crappy site.




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We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Business Loan

One of the most difficult things about starting a business, and keeping it afloat, can be cash flow. In order to expand your company, you may need more employees, more inventory, or both. Eventually, your credit cards get maxed or the interest and payments become a financial burden to your business.

A debt-consolidation business loan could be just what your company needs. Before you run to the local bank, check out EZUnsecured.com. They have the products that will help you get out from under unmanageable debt. Combine all of your loan and/or credit card balances into one monthly payment, at a lower interest rate than you currently pay, without putting your assets at risk.

Best of all, the easy process, fast funding, and great service will have you in great financial shape before you know it.




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We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Ask Annie

I really like Care2.com. They have a tremendous news network, links to petitions that urge politicians to support the environment, and great ideas for Green Living - especially Ask Annie.

Are you looking for a non-toxic oven cleaner? Need a natural way to clean the spots and stains off your stainless pans, sink, and toaster? Is there a safe nail polish on the market? Looking for a natural skin toner, hydrating mask, or even hair spray?

Just Ask Annie. I'm going back to find out how to get rid of scale on my shower doors and what natural cleaner is best to ungunk my oven.




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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Business Greeting Cards

This is the time of the year when families and businesses start thinking about holiday cards. If you usually order special cards, this is the time to get busy picking your 2007 Christmas card. The Gallery Collection has hundreds of styles to help you.

This year, in the spirit of the season, The Gallery Collection is sponsoring a Christmas cards scholarship contest for high school and college students. Simply use your creativity - original photos, artwork, or computer graphics are all welcome - and design a corporate Christmas card. The prize? A $10,000 scholarship!

Personally, I think that the Christmas Photo Cards are just beautiful. There is a huge selection of options, from elegant to whimsical, that serve as the perfect frame for a special holiday picture. Why not have a look and create a new card that evokes your idea of the spirit of the holidays?




Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Happy Birthday to Me! (A Little Early)

Yes, it's obvious and probably in very poor taste. But my birthday is November 20th and I will be . . . older. (You didn't really think I was going to tell you my age, did you?!)


For those of you who have an overwhelming need to shop at the drop of a hat, I don't much like jewelry - with the exception of bangle watches and thumb rings. Chocolates are a bad idea, because then Mark will be tempted. I don't even buy myself clothes, so that's no good. Hmmmm . . . I am difficult, aren't I?!


Well, I guess you'll just have to send a card! Only Kidding!





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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Isn't a Fractured Knee Enough?

You would think that limping around with a fractured left kneecap would be enough pain, but noooo! I had to sprain / break my little toe on my left foot to add to the joy. It is a really pretty shade of purple, for what it's worth.

Apparently, when I'm tired, I swing my left leg to the side, instead of lifting it and stepping straight forward. Not a good thing in this little apartment full of lots of big stuff. A couple of nights ago, I was walking from the living room to the bathroom, past the portable washing machine. Well, the theory was to move past the washing machine. I didn't quite make it and it felt like I tried to rip the little toe off my foot.

That purple I mentioned? It goes up both sides, and across the top of my foot from the little toe to the toe beside it. Did I mention that the toe is the size of a Vienna sausage? Oh, yes! It's just lovely!




Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Fundraising Ideas

The kids are back in school and the holidays are right around the corner. It's prime fundraising time. In fact, most charitable organizations probably receive the majority of their donations in the last 3 months of the year.

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to come up with new, successful ideas. Whether you're working on school fundraisers, church fundraisers, or helping your favorite charity, the more exciting and original your ideas are, the more interest you can expect from donors. Me personally? I wouldn't have a clue where to start.

I count on sites like USAFundraising.com to help me find something to jump-start my creative processes. Not only do they offer general tips, letters, and tools, there are specific ideas for using food, gifts, magazines, or scratchcards to help meet your organization's goals. I particularly liked the section on online fundraising. It even includes a how-to article about creating a website for your group.

All in all, there are a lot of really great ideas to kick-start any campaign. And, if you've got a program that worked for your charity or organization, you can share it here. It's no wonder USAFundraising.com is one of the leading online fundraising resources.





Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Thanksgiving Traditions

Every family has holiday traditions - whatever the holiday. What about Thanksgiving? Does your family shun the standard turkey for a standing rib roast? (If so, can I come for dinner?!) Or a luscious smoked ham?

We stay pretty traditional, with the good ol' bird. But Mark likes to make pineapple upside-down cake and we definitely don't do yams. I just have never developed a taste for them, even with melted marshmallows all over the top.

Have to have some pie - so I usually make at least one pumpkin for Mark and sometimes a fruit pie for me. (Not much of a winter squash person, myself.) I'm the only one who gets jazzed about cranberry sauce, so that's a bit of a debate every year. But I have faith that I'll get everyone hooked - eventually!

Both of our families did brown-and-serve rolls, so that's an easy part of our menu. We also put together a relish plate with carrot sticks, stuffed celery, pickles, olives, and whatever we can think of to throw on it. Can't forget the mashed potatoes and gravy, and some sort of veggie. I'm the only real veggie eater, so it's always fun trying to find something that everyone will eat.

Oh, and Mark's famous deviled eggs. I hate eggs and those things are so good I could make a meal out of them. Even the boys love them, and that's quite a feat.

So, as you can see - we put together a huge spread for Thanksgiving. We end up sharing with friends, so nothing goes to waste. It's just nice to be able to do it.




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

City Guides

Have you ever been to Steamboat Springs? It's an amazing resort, high in the mountains of Colorado. I have to admit, it's been years since I visited, so I know a lot has changed.

That's why the USA Hotel Guide is so great. You don't have to know everything about the place you'd like to visit. Just look up the city and explore the information.

For example, on the Steamboat Springs page, I got a history of this beautiful area, the best things to do there and where - exactly - to find the hot springs. There's information about hotels, in and around the city; outdoor and indoor activities in the area; and where to pre-purchase your ski or snowboard rental for the big trip.

If you're planning a vacation, but can't decide where to visit, why not start with the city guides that give you all the information you need?




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We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Happy Anniversary!

I can't believe that it's been six years since I stepped off that bus from Michigan. If you're planning to move here from a cooler climate, I would strongly recommend you do it in November. The weather is just perfect - highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s. It's a refreshing change from the cold, but it gives you at least 6 months before the 100s and higher start melting your socks.

So many things have happened and so many things have changed in 6 years. From Mark's transplant, to the boys moving here, to the cancer surgery - it's been a wild ride. I just hope we have lots more time together - without life-threatening diseases. Please?!




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We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Great Gifts For A Good Cause

I hope that you'll visit this incredible site, for a number of reasons. Primarily, a portion of every item sold by JacarandaStyle is donated to a school in South Africa. The Ethembeni School serves 300 physically disabled and visually impaired students. Amazingly, a few children from the school even get to come here and run the New York City marathon, each year.


Just look at some of the beautiful items that are available on JacarandaStyle. The website curator, who lives in New York City and is married to a South African, travels frequently to that country, bringing unique, exclusive items to the world.


I, personally, am in love with the jewelry. It's just amazing and not like anything else you see in the stores. You have to see the cuffs and the beadwork. They have so many different styles that you're sure to find a couple that you just can't do without. But, then you have the ceramics, both blue and white, and fusion. This pedestal bowl, for example, is hand-painted and signed by the artist.


Like all of the ceramics I looked at, it's lead-free, safe to use for food, and able to go into the dishwasher. Between the oval and square platters, the salad and triangular bowls, and all of the brass and pewter accessories, it is so easy to set an amazing table. Whether you're celebrating the holidays or just having some of your favorite friends over, you'll love these items.




Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

New Mail Scam

Today I received a letter from a PO Box in Canada, with a $3,600+ check inside. I was assured that I had won money through an ATM Mega Promotion. This Computer Reward Program is supposed to be for all bank card holders in North America, to encourage people to use their cards more often. Can you say "SCAM"?!

It's the same type of scam that's been going around for years. The scammers send out a check for a very tempting amount, and ask that you cash it at your bank. Then you are supposed to send - via Western Union - about 95% of the check to the agent for your area to cover fees. Once you do that, they assure you that you will receive your winnings. In this case, I'm supposed to receive $120,000.00, less the sponsor's commission, or $113,400.00.

Now, let me explain a bit of the legalities - as I understand them. If you receive one of these checks and actually cash it, once the account holder becomes aware of the loss of funds - they will come after your account for the money! Guaranteed!

We have been told - our entire lives - that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! If you get one of these checks, please google the account number on the bottom of the check for more information. In the case of the check I have, the account number belongs to a different company and has been used fraudulently for years.




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We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Weight Loss Diet Help

Are you trying to lose weight? I am. Somewhere in the last 6 months, or so, I managed to put on about 30 pounds. Five of them I can live with, but the other 25 have got to go. My only problem is that I've never actually tried to lose weight or tried any kind of diet plans.

Luckily, Weight Loss Diet Help has the information I need to find a plan that will work for me. By reading through the different diet options and checking out the Medifast and Nutrisystem weight loss program discount coupon codes, I can see which diet suits my personality and saves me money. Because this is all new to me, I'm concerned that I won't stick with it, so I have to have something that comes naturally to me - and Mark.

Right now, I'm leaning toward the South Beach Diet. It's something that will help Mark, too. We both need to learn how to incorporate good carbs into our meals, not just the low ones. As a carb-loader, it wouldn't do me any harm to be a bit more selective. And I really like the idea that the diet is a step-by-step process. We don't have to make drastic, immediate, permanent changes.

There are also a number of articles at Weight Loss Diet Help, in addition to the diet information, that provide really helpful tips and facts. I like Exercise and Diet For Diabetics and Weight Loss Tricks and Healthy Diet Tips. The advice is simple, no-nonsense and easy to follow.

If you have been thinking about starting a diet, this is a good place to get the practical information that you need to pick a plan and be successful.




Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Judge Loses More Than Pants

Remember the judge that sued a dry cleaners for $54 million, over a pair of lost pants? Well, he lost his case and, more than that, he lost his job. Sounds only fair to me!

Roy Pearson's term as an administrative law judge expired on May 2nd. Officials from the District of Columbia confirmed to the AP on November 8th, that the Commission on Selection and Tenure of Administrative Law Judges has decided not to reappoint Pearson. Amazingly, he did not immediately respond to a request for comment.




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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Insurance For EU Driving

I never really thought about this, but it has to be interesting living in EU countries and dealing with the different laws in different jurisdictions. In the United States, we have a taste of that. But, by and large, there isn't much difference between the states.

If you live and/or travel in Europe, one thing that you have to deal with is proving that you have car insurance that will cover you in each country. Not that long ago, one needed a "Green Card." It didn't offer insurance coverage, but it did document that there was a policy in place in your home country that covered you, as a driver, in any other country. Each insurance company issued these cards for policy holders who regularly drove outside their home country. Those cards are no longer required in the EU, but they are required outside EU countries.

How often do these rules change? I don't know. But I do know that it is in every driver's best interest to know what is required. How do you do that? Hold a policy with a company like Kwik-Fit Insurance, who stays on top of the requirements throughout the continent for its policy-holders.






Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Which Cabana Do You Want?

We have an area, right outside our front window, with barbecues, picnic tables, and - on occasion - cabanas. I was looking out the window today, remembering the different looks we've had since Mark and I moved into this apartment. It's been a little schizophrenic, to say the least.

Right now, we're back to green cabanas, which went really well with the previous paint colors. But, the buildings have been repainted in shades of brown, so the green doesn't really work for me. It is, however, better than the temporary blue covers that had some Arizona college logo on them.

I know it wasn't the Sun Devils; I like those colors.




Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Discount Dental Plans

Now that I've found a toothpaste that eliminates the pain in my teeth, I've been thinking about getting some work done. As I can't afford full price or outrageous premiums, discount dental plans are at the top of my Internet search list. Until I found DentalPlans.com, I wasn't having much success. This site understands what people want when they're trying to compare options.

I started by entering my zip code. This took me to the list of plans that are available in my area; a long list, I might add. From there, the chart told me everything - and I do mean everything - I needed to know to make an educated, cost-effective decision. Many of the listed plans are just as good as the one I had when I was employed, at about the same out-of-pocket cost, which means that they are a much better value.

Let me explain why. As a corporate employee, I was provided x-number of dollars each year with which to 'order' benefits. Of course, if you were a new employee, there was a waiting period until you were covered. The very, very basic coverages were, in essence, paid for by the company. But to upgrade services, i.e., avoid huge deductibles, the employees had to pay for the difference.

I always chose a dental plan upgrade, which meant that, each paycheck, I paid out-of-pocket fees for the better plan - lower or no deductible, lower or no charge for services. Over 6 years ago, my total annual cost was almost the same as many of the plans available at DentalPlans.com. And the coverage was, actually, not as good as some of the discount plans offered here.

If you don't have dental coverage at work, or you're paying too much for the plan that your company offers, I strongly advise that you look into these discount dental plans. Many of the ones in my area even include prescription, vision, chiropractic, and hearing plans - at the same low price. And the family enrollment fees are just as great.




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Chorus of Remembrance

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Calendar Software

As I wrote earlier, I was on a mad hunt for computer software that would let me design a personal calendar and print it in a format that would fit my organizer. Oh - and it had to be free. Did you notice that I said "was" on a mad hunt?

Now, I have a great sense of humor - just ask anyone. There aren't many situations where I can't find something amusing, if for no other reason than to break the tension. But this software thing put a serious dent in my funny bone.

Don't get me wrong, there are some absolutely fantastic - FREE - software titles out there for creating calendars. I think I've checked out about 90% of them, so I know. But with everything I wanted - not one!

That led me to my ultimate solution:


You see, I couldn't even find replacement pages for my old organizer, so I had to take radical action. (Actually, I saw it on the shelf, fell in love with the red binder and had to have it. But don't tell anyone. K? ) Plus, this organizer fits into my purse. It can go with me everywhere and doesn't take up a huge amount of space on my mini-desk. A win-win situation!




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God Bless!

Jules

LED Christmas Lights

Now this is a great idea! LED Christmas lights! There are so many reasons why it pays to upgrade your decorations this year. To start with, they use less electricity, which is one of the best recommendations I know.

You probably already know that LED lights last 50,000 hours, as opposed to about 2,000 hours for incandescent lights. LED Xmas lights also generate very little heat, so the risk of overheating and fire is virtually non-existent. Whether you need LED mini lights or LED Christmas tree lights, they come encased in an epoxy bulb that is not going to be nearly as fragile as regular glass holiday lights.

If you've ever wanted to decorate your house and yard for the holidays, but didn't want to face the outrageous electric bill, now you don't have to worry. LED holiday lights are the answer to all of your decorating needs.




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God Bless!

Jules

Reusable Totes

Rather than choose paper or plastic, why not carry one of these custom-designed totes?




I don't drive to any of the stores within about a 1/4 mile of our apartment - it's just more practical and logical to walk - so, I have a couple of totes for these quick trips. Not only am I not adding to the local landfill, it's actually a lot easier for me to carry everything home.

These totes are great, no matter what store you're going to. So many places - discount and grocery stores, for example - offer self-serve check-out lanes. Why not carry a canvas tote, rather than packing those few items into something that you're just going to throw away when you get home?




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God Bless!

Jules

Mortgages

I think I have mortgages on the brain. Lately, I've been doing a lot of research, because the market around here is changing monthly. While there have been some defaults on sub-prime mortgages, there are a large number of contractors, with homes on their hands, who are eager to sell. I've even seen companies who are still willing to help people with poor credit remortgages.

When I started to compare mortgages, even though our credit isn't the best, I found that we have some interesting options. Here in Arizona, there are lenders who are still working in the sub-prime arena. Not to mention, there are FHA mortgages, where the government insures the mortgage, that are still very attractive to most lending institutions.

Of course, with the financial problems that have been plaguing the housing industry, you can't just walk in and say, "Hi, I wanna buy a house," and necessarily strike gold the first time. It's important to research what the lender / mortgage company is offering, naturally. But it's also critical to research the company itself.

I can't be the only one in the world who's heard about finance companies cheating people by dramatically increasing their mortgage payment with hidden fees and points.




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God Bless!

Jules

Design Your Blog

Do you have a blog, but you're just not happy with the look? I know how you feel. When I started this blog, I used a template that was sorta, kinda similar to the colors on my website. It wasn't a bad looking template; it just wasn't what I wanted.

So, I started making changes. First I added some of the background patterns that I use on my website. Then, I incorporated fonts and colors. Finally, after adding more goodies, I got the links, banners, and style that you see today.

Because I like the look, I designed my MySpace Page to be very similar. Some of the link colors are different, but I think they work. Now, I just have to come up with a design for my new blog. It's still at the template state, but I plan to change that very soon. I don't think it will look anything like my website, when I'm done. But you just never know.

Would you like to update the look of your blog? Want to change things around to better represent your personality? Need a place for your favorite quotes or a list of your most-visited websites?

Let me know. I'd be happy to help.




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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

My Latest Afghan Project

I have been crocheting all sorts of things lately - placemats, purses, scarves, hats, and shawls. It's always a great deal of fun coming up with new color combinations and patterns. Every time I get a new skein of yarn, something different comes out.

But this week, I have a project that is especially fun. I'm making a pink and white crib blanket. You would not believe how long it's been since I made a baby blanket - of any size. The first one I made was over 30 years ago and it was really, really uneven. Thank heaven I've had a little practice since then.

This blanket was a special order, designed to recreate a 6-year-old gift, so you won't see anything like it on my site. Of course, all of our styles are available as crib blankets, so you could always pick some colors and order a 36"x48" afghan of your very own.




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

True Shopping

I have this recurring dream that my kitchen and bathroom don't actually look like a 1950s nightmare. Then, I wake up and my heart sinks, pardon the pun. Broken shower fixtures, cheap chipping bathroom faucet, hideous shower doors. Excuse me, but I'm going back to my lovely dream!

Now this is a beautiful bathroom! I can imagine myself soaking in this tub until I run out of hot water. And the vanity? Just perfect for keeping everything handy, but out of the way.

If I need any other bathroom accessories, all I have to do is page through trueshopping.co.uk - they have everything I could want. They actually have over 40 bathroom mirrors on their site!

But, you know, this is a great look, as well. The whole suite - pentangle (5-sided) enclosure and thermostatic shower, basin and stand, toilet and tank - can be ordered together for only £479.00. And, if you order before 2pm, it will ship the same day. Isn't that just fantastic?!

Don't live in the UK? Not to worry; trueshopping.co.uk ships outside the UK. Although, because of export restrictions, be sure to check availability before you order.




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Game Addiction

Uh oh! I got a new game on Big Fish Games yesterday - "Heroes of Hellas" - and I think I'm hooked. It's really a fun game, with a bunch of different tasks.

Basically, it's a match-3 game with a twist. The spaces are hexagon-shaped, so you can link any matching shapes that are touching on any of the six sides. Unlike other games, when you make the matches, the surrounding spaces drop straight down, not in the direction that you moved the matching spaces. (If you play match-3 games, that makes sense; if you don't, my apologies for confusing the issue.)

Each 'episode' introduces a new Greek hero, who has special powers to help you clear spaces. (He doesn't actually help until you beat the particular episode. As the game progresses you get to add parts to your palace, collect trophies for different achievements, and unscramble mosaics to get free wallpapers. Seriously! The game gives you free wallpapers!

You start out with 4 lives. Along the way, you can earn extra lives. I've only earned one so far, in episode 2. Unfortunately, I'm desperately stuck in episode 4, where the game adds 'Hades stones' that can only be broken with lightening or with the help of Achilles. And I am losing lives fast! Mark, however, has already passed episode 4 and is beating his head against the wall of episode 5.

I have a feeling that episode 4 and I are going to learn to hate each other pretty quick. This is my 3rd attempt to beat it and, so far, I'm not doing so well. At least I know I won't be bored with it any time soon!




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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Whish Body Products

I don't care what they say, the shaving products for women that you can find in the local stores don't do the job. No matter the brand or the price, they don't moisturize or protect against those annoying bumps that pop up on my legs as the hair starts growing back. And don't tell me that if I shaved every day, I wouldn't have to worry about regrowth. My skin can't take it.

Now, women have some great options from Whish Body Products. It doesn't matter if you need oily skin care products, rejuvenating toners, or something that will soothe those sore muscles. If you want to get rid of scaly, flaky skin, Whish Body Products has the perfect lotions and potions.

Between the Body Brush that helps exfoliate; the Shave Crave shaving cream that tones and rejuvenates, and the Flawless Bump Fighter (my personal favorite) that inhibits hair growth - my legs are actually looking forward to the next shave.

The best part? Whish Body Products are hypoallergenic, never tested on animals, and made in the USA. I'm sold! How about you?




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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Christmas Shopping

In order to keep the insanity to a bare minimum, Mark and I have started our Christmas shopping early this year. Rather than worry about availability and cash flow, we decided to pick up a gift here and a gift there. That way I don't have everything to wrap at once, either.

If you'd like to de-stress your shopping, here are a few of my favorite Partners-In-Shopping and some great ideas to get you started:

Need Stocking Stuffers?




For all of the little ones on your list:





Don't arrive empty-handed. Choose the perfect hostess gift:






Stop by our other Affiliate Partners for more holiday help. I know you'll find something you love.




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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

New York CityPass

There are many cities, all over the world, that I want to see before I die. New York City is pretty near the top of that list. But, it's so expensive; especially if you don't know the city, and don't know where and when to go.

That's why the New York CityPass is such a great idea. It includes tickets to six (6) different attractions: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Guggenheim Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, a trip to the Empire State Building Observatory, and a water tour of Manhattan on a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. If that weren't enough, you get a map, public transportation information, and tips on the best time to visit each attraction.

I know that it sounds great already, but it actually gets even better. When you buy the New York CityPass, you pay half the cost of individual tickets to each attraction. That's right - adults get $130.00 worth of tickets for just $65.00. The CityPass for ages 12-17 is also 50% less than the normal ticket prices. Not to mention, if you have your tickets, at a lot of these attractions you can eliminate standing in line with the people who didn't plan ahead.

Since, the Winter Special is good for 3 months, from December 15 to March 15, you have plenty of time to plan your vacation. If you're in a hurry or planning to give the CityPass as a gift, there are overnight delivery and gift wrapping options available. They'll even include a gift card.

Me? I'm looking forward to seeing the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and amazing exhibits at the Guggenheim, plus the free audio tour at MoMA. But what will, undoubtedly, be the most exciting attraction, for both of us, is the American Museum of Natural History. Just imagine being able to see a Space Show in the Hayden Planetarium, explore the world's most important collection of dinosaurs, visit a re-creation of an African rain forest, and go whale watching in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life - all in one place.

We may never come out!






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Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Aqua Dots Recall

Mark was telling me about this recall last night. Frankly, I had never even heard of "Aqua Dots" before, but I guess they're a really popular craft toy?! (Every shopping website I checked has yanked their product page, so I still don't know.) Not that it matters, too much, what they are; what matters is the reason for the recall. Oh, and the fact that they're manufactured in and imported from China!

To quote the above article: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said the Aqua Dots craft toys include a chemical, 1,4 butanediol, on their beads which, if swallowed, can turn toxic and cause unconsciousness, respiratory depression, or seizures.

Not sure what 1,4 butanediol is? I wasn't either, so I did a little research. With thanks to the Faculty at the University of Washington and 'Neuroscience for Kids', here is what I found out:

1,4-Butanediol: An Overview

Its chemical formula is C4H10O2. You can purchase it on the Internet. It is in industrial cleaners. It is used in polyurethane to make car bumpers. It is used to make Spandex. It is also an abused recreational drug that has been linked to two deaths and six severe illnesses. "It" is 1,4-Butanediol (BD).

BD=GHB

Once ingested, BD (and a similar chemical, GBL) turns into gamma hydroxybutyrate, GHB. GHB, the so-called "date-rape" drug, received national attention when two teenage girls died after it was slipped into their sodas.

I have said this before and I will say it again - and again and again - STOP importing from China!! We have proven - over and over and over - that we are incapable of effectively monitoring the quality of products coming into this country. So in the best interest of the citizens and consumers of the United States - STOP LETTING CHINESE PRODUCTS INTO THIS COUNTRY!




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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Design Diva Fabrics

Back in my youth, I used to do a lot of sewing. Saved me a fortune on clothes and kept me from getting really odd polyester outfits for my birthday. Well, rumor has it that Santa is bringing me a sewing machine for Christmas. That, naturally, means that I had to do some fabric shopping. Mark's chair desperately needs a cover; with Michael using it every night, it's getting really dirty.

I have to say that I fell in love with the discount Kravet fabric at Design Diva Fabrics. This gorgeous "Ricamo" silk and velvet, in gold, sage, and mushroom, wouldn't work for the recliner, it's not heavy enough. But don't you think it would make truly amazing throw pillows?


Especially gorgeous, if I were to make them reversible pillows, with this sage-on-sage "Silk Vines" pattern on the other side. At 54" wide, you could easily get six (6) good-sized pillows out of only a yard of each fabric. Now that's a great deal! And what tremendous Christmas presents they would make!


Of course, that leaves me without material for recovering the recliner. Hmmm? Guess I'll just have to keep shopping.




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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

The Perfect Dishwasher

I am going to be rich - just you mark my words! There's a product that Mark and I desperately need and it doesn't exist yet. So I am going to design it and sell it to the highest bidder.

What am I planning to design, you ask? That's a very good questions - I'm glad that you're paying attention. I am going to create the first . . . Collapsible Dishwasher! Seriously!

We have absolutely zero floor space left and, after doing dishes today, I want a dishwasher. What I need is something that sets up at full size, holds all of the dishes I want to wash, and then folds down to the size of - oh I don't know - a cigar box? Yup! A cigar box is just perfect! When I'm not doing dishes, I could collapse the dishwasher and stick it in a dresser drawer.

So, remember me when you see the "Expando Dishwasher" !




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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Unsigned.com

Whether you're a music fan looking for a new sound or a new sound looking for music fans, Unsigned.com is a really well-designed, easy-to-use site. I can't remember another place where there are so many independent artists, just a click away from the main page. I know that a lot of unsigned (and signed) bands and solo artists have pages on some of the social network sites, but I have a really hard time finding specific artists and genres. Not to mention, if I haven't heard of them yet - how am I supposed to search for them?

At Unsigned.com, within a minute or two, I found a great country band, Boggy Creek, that I've heard and heard of. They're based in Florida and, for two years, have played at NASCAR's Pepsi 400; the July 4th race at Daytona International Speedway. Just goes to prove that lack of a recording contract doesn't mean that these independent bands are unknown, or untalented.

Whether you perform gospel, rock, metal, alternative, reggae, techno, or something in between, Unsigned.com has a place for you. Design your custom artist profile, upload your songs, and create fan networks. What a great way to get your music out onto the Internet!

For music fans, there's just no better place to sit back and explore all of the possibilities. Set aside some time; there's a lot to listen to here.





Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bragging Time!

Forgive me, but I've just gotta do it! I found out this week that one of the articles I wrote for Helium.com was selected by the publisher! Woo-hoo! (as my daughter would say)

I chose the article opportunity because it was about skiing vacations in one of my favorite states - Colorado, where I was born and raised. It was really fun researching all of the great places to stay and fun things to do. Now, to actually know that it will be published is even better.

If you love to write, why not join Helium.com? It's free and it's a wonderful way to do something you love.




Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Curtain Rods

I would just like to say - upfront, before we go any further - I prefer curtain rods with style! If you've ever rented an apartment, you know that the standard hardware for hanging window-coverings is not attractive. Usually plain white, flimsy metal rods that clip over a coordinating hook in the wall, generally so bent that you can barely get draperies on the rod, let alone hung securely on the wall.

Trust me! You have not lived until you've experienced curtains crashing to the floor, taking the plaster right off the wall, in the middle of dinner - in front of your mother-in-law! Have you ever noticed that when people say "Some day you'll laugh about this," they never mention that it will take years - and occasionally therapy - before these things are laughable!? Anyway ...

Personally, I've always loved the look of wrought iron - stair railings, beds, storage racks, bar stools, drawer and door pulls, candle holders - just everything. It adds so much to the style and feel of a room. In fact, I have wrought iron and wicker wall shelves in the bathroom and the matching 3-shelf stand works as a perfect occasional table between the two recliners in the living room.

You know? The more I think about it, the more I think that it's time to redecorate the living room window. Just look at this leaf pattern. It would be absolutely perfect in my little living room. It's not too big. It's not too bulky or heavy looking. And, (drumroll please) it is incredibly affordable! Even if I were doing more than one window, Wrought Iron Haven keeps everything within my budget, yet absolutely beautiful.

Did I mention that what we have is white, cheap, bent and eats bits of the curtains every time I take them down and put them up? Have I pointed out that the white, cheap, bent wall hooks are so bad that it takes two people to remove and rehang the white, cheap, bent rods? Ummm, did I happen to mention that I really, really, really hate white, cheap, bent curtain rods that eat my draperies?

If you have the same problem, don't wait! You never know when your mother-in-law might drop in. And, frankly, I think MILs have special powers to embarrass DILs. Seriously! It could happen!

Oh and by the way ~ I know a secret WROUGHT IRON GARDEN GATE backdoor that gives shoppers a great discount! Just go to the Wrought Iron Haven homepage. Halfway down the page, click on the comma in the line that reads "Our Store now has over 1,300 home & garden items for you to choose from!" Isn't that fantastic!?




Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Blogger Breakdown

November 6, 2007 2:12PM Just to let everyone know - if you suddenly see 50 new posts on here, Blogger finally loves me/us again. Starting Sunday, all of the blogs that are hosted on their own site - like mine on www.jmarkafghans.com - stopped posting. Apparently, according to the staff at Blogger, there is a server problem.

Personally, I'm going nuts! I can't take any posts at PPP until this mess is fixed. I can't publish anything to this - or any other blog - right now. It's a bit like having laryngitis - the vocal cords are there, you just can't make any sounds. Those of you who know me well know that shutting me up is a virtual impossibility - so you can imagine my stress level right now! ARGHHHH!!

Oh, well. There's a Blogger outage planned for tonight, so hopefully it'll be a short-lived silence.





Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Plastic and Food - Handy Tips

We've all read about the risk of microwaving food in plastic containers. I've never really done that, preferring glass containers for the microwave. But I do have a couple of containers in which, admittedly, I have 'nuked' food. It's just easier to go from fridge to micro in the same dish.

Today I was reading my latest Green Living email, the Care2 newsletter about healthy living ideas, and found an article about food and plastic. Not good news, my friends. But a lot of really helpful tips that I just have to share:

Many of these tips don’t exclude the use of plastic, but rather offer the safest options.

1. Know your plastics. Plastic items are marked with a resin identification coding system (the number surrounded by arrows), which stand for:
1 - polyethyelene terephthalate (PETE)
2 - high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
3 - vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
4 - low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
5 - polypropylene (PP)
6 - polystyrene (PS)
7 - other (includes polycarbonate, acrylic, polylactic acid, fiberglass)

2. When you need to use plastic, these are the safer choices to use with food: 1, 2, 4 and 5.

3. Learn to recognize, and then avoid, polycarbonate (number 7) for food usage. Polycarbonate plastics are hard and clear. Common items made from this BPA-containing plastic are food storage containers, baby bottles, water bottles, bowls and tableware. (And the lining inside food and drink cans, by the way.)

4. If you don’t get rid of all of your plastic, at least retire old plastic containers, especially those that are heavily worn or scratched. Older plastics tend to leach increasing amounts of toxins as they age. Use them to organize and store non-food items.

5. Be careful of serving and storing hot foods or foods made with fats or oils in plastic containers. These foods more readily facilitate the transfer of plastic toxins.

6. Never microwave foods in plastic containers. “Microwave safe” means the container won’t melt or warp, but doesn’t mean it won’t leach. Heating plastics increases the potential for leaching of chemicals into your food.

7. Never microwave food in yogurt tubs, take-out bowls, or other one-time use containers. These containers can warp or melt, possibly causing harmful chemicals to migrate into the food.

8. Avoid using plastic sandwich bags or plastic wrap products.

9. If you must use plastic wrap, make sure it is a brand free of both BPA and PVC. Ziploc, Glad and Saran are promoted as being free of BPA and PVC—but remember that these plastics live for 1,000 years…in our landfills.

10. Avoid deli-wrap and similar generic packaging since you can’t ascertain the plastic type used. When sliced cheese and meats are sold in plastic bags and/or plastic deli wrap, transfer them as soon as possible to unbleached wax paper or a safe container.

11. Remember that if you are pregnant or nursing, BPA chemicals are passed through your bloodstream directly to your baby.

12. Instead of mixing petroleum (i.e. plastic) with your food, use inert alternatives such as glass and ceramic rather than plastic food storage containers. Reusing jars is a win-win—and you can often find glass storage containers at flea markets and thrift shops. Or simply store food in bowls covered with a plate.

I'm going to go check all of my bowls, storage containers, and that gallon-size pitcher that we keep in the fridge for tea. Wish me luck - I have a feeling I'm in for some serious surprises.




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We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

"The Mist" by Stephen King

I have been a Stephen King fan since Carrie scared the daylights out of me. High school wasn't all that kind to me and my mother was, in my opinion, a bit rigid. You can imagine how much I, for just a moment, really wanted those powers.

Despite that, I'd have to say that, out of all of the movies and series I've seen, "The Langoliers" is my favorite Stephen King story. During an ordinary cross-country flight from LA to Boston, several passengers wake to find that virtually all of their fellow passengers have disappeared. One of the people still on board is a pilot, who takes control of the plane. As time passes, they are unable to reach anyone or any city over which they fly, including military bases.

After diverting the flight to Bangor, Maine which has less traffic than Boston, the passengers realize that not only did their fellow passengers disappear - so did everyone everywhere else. The Bangor airport is a ghost town. But stranger yet, none of the ordinary items in the snack bar are real. There is no carbonation in the soda or beer, the sandwiches have no flavor, and the matches won't light. As the situation becomes more and more bizarre, one of the passengers slowly descends into madness - convinced that every approaching sound is the Langoliers, coming to kill him.

There is simply no way to sit back and calmly watch the creatures coming at the plane as it sits stranded on the tarmac. Every fiber of your being is wrapped up in the fate of the awakened passengers and one very frightened madman. An ordinary flight with extraordinary outcomes.

Today, I was watching the movie trailers for The Mist. Once again, a group of diverse people are brought together by an ordinary situation. Except this situation was imagined by Stephen King, so it quickly becomes unnatural, extraordinary, and terrifying.

Be sure to check out the trailers on the movie website. Then, get ready for another unforgettable and intensely unnerving experience - The Mist by Stephen King.







Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

The Case of the Amputated Leg, Part II

Remember the post I did a while back about the man who had kept his amputated left leg in a BBQ smoker, planning to have it cremated with the rest of him when he died? If so, then you'll also remember that he couldn't pay his bill, so the storage company sold the contents of his storage unit - smoker, leg, and all. The new owner of the smoker and leg, refused to return the leg, so the two men decided to take it to court - TVs Judge Greg Mathis, to be specific.

I had completely forgotten about the story until I ran across an update today. Not surprisingly, the judge awarded custody of the leg to the original owner - pardon the pun. But he also ordered reimbursement, in the amount of $5,000.00, to the man who had purchased the contents of the storage unit.

All in all, a rather macabre and disgusting case.




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Jules

Wanna Buy a Car ... Cheap?

We've all heard stories about wives who sell their husband's cars for $1.00, as revenge for bad behavior. Until now, I honestly thought most of those were urban legends, designed to keep errant husbands in check. But today I found out differently. It really does pay to "beware of a woman scorned," especially if you live in the UK.

There's a top UK site where people list cars for sale. At a flat rate of £4.95 until the car sells, it's a terrific deal. The site gets thousands of hits per day, so you know the ads get a lot of traffic. They also offer new cars and car loans, but it was the used car advertisements that really caught my eye.

It seems that a man bought himself a lovely Jaguar S-type. Gorgeous car! For whatever reason (the ad doesn't say) he registered the vehicle in his wife's name. (Big mistake!) He then proceeded to use this his lovely little car to pick up his mistress and cheat on his wife. (Terminal Mistake!) Being justifiably upset, the wife responded.

After correcting the paint scheme (see image at right), the wife - within her rights as titled owner - listed the Jaguar in the Used Cars section of the website - at 50% of it's actual value! But that's not quite the best part - at least it wasn't to me. What I enjoyed most was the wording of her advertisement, which begins: "Car Belongs To Cheating Rat Of A Husband. But The Idiot Had The Car Registered In My Name So It's Mine To Sell."

Apparently, the paint damage is relatively inexpensive to correct. Somehow I doubt that the damage she's going to inflict on her husband is going to be inexpensive - at all!




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Jules

Crocheted Whatchamacallit

A couple of months ago, I was watching a sell-my-house show on (probably) HGTV and just fell in love with the sweater that the host was wearing. Although, it wasn't really what I would call a sweater. It had really long sleeves, reaching down past the palms of her hands, but the body of the jacket didn't meet in front (no buttons or ties) and barely reached her waist in back. There was an edging at the wrists that circled the body - around the back, up the front, and around the neck.

It reminded me, a bit, of a crocheted bolero jacket; like this beautiful leather jacket from Lew Magram, only knitted or crocheted. (I just stumbled across Lew Magram's site, looking for a good example of a bolero jacket, but I think I'll be heading back. Gorgeous clothes! Great prices!)

Okay, back to the sweater / jacket / whatever that I was madly in love with. My first and most pressing problem was finding a pattern or rough guideline. How are you supposed to find a pattern for something when you don't even know what it's called?! Kinda tough, huh?

Well, I finally found out that it's called a Shrug - I guess because you just shrug into and out of it. Who knows? And it's dead easy to make! My favorite kind of pattern. So, as you're wandering the pages of JMark Afghans' Other Products, keep your eyes open! You may just see a shrug or two for sale.




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Jules

Damaged Nail

I know this is going to sound a bit silly, but it wouldn't be the first time I sounded a bit silly - so here goes: Does anyone know how to repair a seriously damaged fingernail? Currently, I have a big problem with the nail on my right index finger.

For as long as I can remember, I've been a nail biter. To cover the ragged edges, I started wearing artificial nails - both from a salon and the kind you get at the drugstore - years ago. I don't wear them all the time, but I do wear them frequently; especially now, since I can't grow all 10 nails. The problem is that the nail splits from tip to cuticle, just to the right of center, once it grows out even the slightest bit. Obviously, I've seriously damaged the nail bed, since it's been splitting for about 3 years.

I have tried gluing the split tip, to allow it to grow and strengthen - didn't work. The glue drove me nuts and I just ended up picking at it until it came off and the nail split again. Artificial nails aren't a really good choice, either. They're tough on all of my nails.

Any ideas would be immensely appreciated.




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Jules

Pay Allowances with a Target GiftCard

PAYjr, the online chore and allowance program that introduced Visa Buxx cards for teens, is partnering with Target to create a similar program for kids 12 and under. Now, parents can put allowances automatically and electronically onto a free, reloadable Target GiftCard^SM. For younger kids, who cannot get a Visa Buxx card, this is a great way to teach them the connection between hard work and financial reward.

The system, which I think is ingenious, lets parents assign household chores online, schedule the frequency and due date of each chore, and set the amount to be paid when each chore is completed. A printable calendar is automatically generated for each child, listing their daily, weekly, or monthly responsibilities and check boxes to mark completed tasks. You'll never have to write out another monthly schedule again.

PAYjr sends an email to the kids, reminding them which chores they haven't done, yet. Once they do their chores, kids can log onto the website and mark off what's been finished. Parents then receive an email, letting them know that tasks have been done. When they confirm completion, through a link in the notification or online, PAYjr creates an electronic record of the amount owed or paid to each child.

Tired of digging for cash to pay allowances? Sick of arguing about which chores do and don't need to be done? Eliminate the hassle and stress, while giving your children the ability to grow and learn.




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Jules

Blood Sugar and the Hypoglycemic

It's interesting. Mark has hyperglycemia, abnormally high blood sugar levels, meaning his pancreas either doesn't make enough insulin or his system has forgotten how to use it. I, on the other hand, have hypoglycemia, abnormally low blood sugar levels, meaning my system over-produces insulin or has forgotten how to process sugars. Both conditions are greatly improved by eating several small meals and managing dietary carbohydrates.

I've been re-reading information about hypoglycemia, because I've been feeling funky recently. Check out this information I pulled from The Hypoglycemia Support Foundation. It's a bit scary.

Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia are:

fatigue insomnia mental confusion nervousness mood swings faintness headaches depression phobias heart palpitations

a craving for sweets cold hands and feet forgetfulness dizziness blurred vision inner trembling outbursts of temper sudden hunger allergies crying spells

I hate to admit that at my age, I still have the horrible eating habits of the average teenager. Bad food choices, too many sweets, skipped meals - all of it. It's no wonder I have experienced virtually every symptom on that list at different times in the last few years.

Guess it's time to get back to that hypo diet again. It's not really difficult to follow. I am just so out of the habit of eating 3 times a day that I can't imagine eating several small meals or 3 meals plus snacks. Although - now that I'm thinking about it - I'm actually hungry.

Maybe if I stop stifling hunger with tobacco and soda - and actually eat - I'll start feeling better. What a concept!





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Jules

Dansko Women's Shoes and Clogs

I was cleaning out my dresser drawers recently and found, much to my surprise, two pairs of shoes in the bottom drawer. One pair, unfortunately, is a white sandal that will have to wait until spring for its reappearance. The other is a reptile-skin patterned, black patent-leather with a 3" heel. It will be waiting until I have surgery on my knee and/or get out of this brace.

Finding shoes that I'd forgotten about but can't wear right now, just made me want to find some that I can wear - right now. So, you know I went online shopping. All of the women's Dansko shoes are adorable.Between the terrific prices and free shipping on all orders over $100.00, I know that I can find just what I want and more than I need. Fun, huh?!

I immediately fell in love with the Dansko 'Midori'. Just look at the detailing around the edge; absolutely adorable. And the styling is great, with the cut-out and band across the arch, I can wear them with just about anything. Of course, there are several other styles.


The 'Myla' would also look very good with just about everything in my closet, under my jeans, or with my favorite mid-calf skirt. With the criss-cross straps across the top and the cute little buckles on the outside, I think the styling is perfect for so many occasions.

Either way, no matter which Dansko style I choose, I don't have to worry about falling off high heels or my feet being uncomfortable. For a woman who loves wearing no shoes as much as she loves new shoes, that says a lot.




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Jules

No Good Deed . . .

There's a saying, quite popular around our house, that No good deed goes unpunished. We are rapidly becoming living proof that the saying is quite, quite true. Today, we got hit with one great big example.

After 6 weeks in a group home, Michael has come back to live here. Given all of the possible options, everyone involved decided that it was best for him to live with us. With the issues that we've had for the past 3 years, I'm not sure that it's best for Mark or me, but right now we're not the primary concern. Working within the system, we are getting Michael the attention that we couldn't get for him on our own, so that is a good thing.

Unfortunately, the system that we're hoping will help, is the same one that has brought Michael's mom back into the mix. For years, we have heard nothing but horror stories about the boys' life with this woman. Three years ago she put Michael, at the tender age of 13, on a bus with a total stranger and told him that she didn't want him back.

Since the court tracked her down and is working to terminate her custody and/or parental rights, she immediately moved back to Arizona with her father and is worming her way back into Michael's life. Right now, that means every Saturday morning and every Saturday evening, we'll be invaded as they pick him up and drop him off. It is good for Michael, because he'll get to spend some time with his only grandfather every week.

For Mark and me? I'm not so sure.




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Jules

Biotene® Sensitive

For years, my teeth have given me pain. The degree and frequency has varied, but there is always some pain. It doesn't help that I am deathly afraid of dentists and the last one I visited did such an abominable job that my mouth is in worse shape than it was before I sought treatment.

A few months ago, in addition to 2 broken teeth, I lost a crown that this dentist had installed. The sensitivity to cold and heat was excruciating. With all of the exposed nerves, the pain is sometimes so bad that I can barely eat. As you can imagine, I have worked my way through the special products in the toothpaste aisle; very few offered relief for more than a few hours.

Today, I tried something new from Biotene that actually works. Unlike other products that I've used, Biotene® Sensitive toothpaste isn't a temporary pain-blocker. It combines Potassium Nitrate, powerful protection against sensitivity, with a patented enzyme complex that inhibits bacteria growth.

This one-of-a kind toothpaste builds increasing protection against sensitivity. In addition, the natural immune-boosting enzymes promote healing of bleeding gums and irritation caused by a dry mouth, treating common causes of tooth sensitivity. I didn't realize that I could be suffering additional problems; I just knew that my teeth hurt.

Since I used Biotene® Sensitive earlier today, I have had hot coffee, iced tea, and hot stew. Not only do I have no pain, my teeth still feel clean and even after a cigarette, my mouth isn't dry.







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Jules

Time Change Increases Pedestrian Deaths

I was reading an article today that was a little frightening. Studies have shown that, after daylight savings time (DST) ends, pedestrians are almost 3 times more likely to be struck and killed by cars during the 6PM rush hour. By December, the statistics drop back down to numbers similar to those from October and continue their decline until May.

The reverse is true for the morning hours, when daylight comes earlier. Although pedestrian deaths drop during the 6AM rush hour, there are fewer walkers, so the morning reduction doesn't offset the evening increase. There is talk that implementing a permanent daylight savings time would save about 200 lives per year.

I don't mean to be difficult, but if changing the time twice a year is hazardous - why not just leave it alone?! It works for Arizona!




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Jules

Web Hosting Solutions

No matter what type of website you have or want to have, one of the most important aspects is finding reliable hosting. There are hundreds of hosting services with a wide range of services and a wide range of prices. Paying less doesn't necessarily mean fewer features, any more than outrageous monthly fees guarantee uptime and stable service.

If you're looking to start an online business, look at the features you can find at AQHost.com. All Business Hosting plans include:

• FREE installation of osCommerce to your Business hosting account
• FREE step-by-step osCommerce video tutorials
• FREE transfer of your Business Hosting account from any other cPanel host
• FREE account setup, no long term contracts, no hidden fees
• FREE daily server backups to protect your vital data

There are starter, intermediate, webmaster, business, and corporate packages, so you're not getting less than you need or paying more than you can afford. If you have your own domain, AQHost.com can help you transfer your website and domain registration, set up your eCommerce shopping cart, and put your business to work. For those just starting out, they have economical packages that include a free domain name, multiple email accounts, eCommerce hosting, and 24/7 support.

If you want a one-stop solution with site design, shopping carts, free eCommerce installation, SSL Certificates, and a merchant account that lets you process credit card payments, start with AQHost.com. Setting up your own online store couldn't be faster or easier. You could be making money in no time at all.





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Jules

Brand New Business Card

Years ago, I bought software to help me design business cards. It's even possible that I designed something - years ago - and, through several laptop restarts and replacements, managed to lose the file. So, I decided, last month, that it was time to get serious about it.

This is the standard front that will appear on each card.

(Unless I decide to redesign it. You know how I get.)

And this is the standard back of each card.

I have designed other 'backs' for different uses, but this is the one that most people will see.

They were designed in 'PrintShop' and, unfortunately, aren't quite as clear when saved as a photo. But you get the idea.

Let me know what you think -




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Jules

iFLOOR Unveils $1,000,000 Flooring Warranty

I do a great deal of online shopping, and I have never heard of manufacturers refusing to honor a warranty on products that were purchased from an online retailer. Frankly, I'm appalled at the concept and was under the impression that a warranty was a warranty was a warranty, regardless of point-of-sale. That would be like HP refusing to warranty a computer because it was purchased online at BestBuy. Ridiculous!

Thank heaven for companies like iFLOOR. They are providing a one million dollar limited warranty (see Press Release below) to cover any of their customers whose warranty claims are denied by the manufacturer, simply because the product was purchased online. I think that's pretty amazing and definitely qualifies as some of the greatest customer service I've seen in a good long while.

When I buy flooring - you know where I'm shopping!

Press Release:

iFLOOR, America's largest online flooring retailer, today announced a $1,000,000 limited warranty designed to protect its customers from predatory manufacturer policies that exclude warranty coverage from online purchases.

The policy, which goes into effect immediately, offers up to one million dollars of coverage in the event that a customer's warranty claim is denied specifically because they made their purchase online. It is complimentary for every iFLOOR customer, and protects the buyer under the same terms as the original product warranty.

iFLOOR, Inc. CEO, Steve Simonson, came up with the program to combat "scare tactics" used by manufacturers of hardwood floors and laminate flooring. "Their idea is to discourage you from buying at a discount!" wrote Simonson in his blog "It's About Flooring". "This is not right! You deserve to save money! So we're going to take care of this problem once and for all."

And it would appear that federal law is on his side. Section 108 of the 1975 Magnuson-Moss Act, states that, "In general, tie-in sales provisions are not allowed. Such a provision would require a purchaser of the warranted product to buy an item or service from a particular company to use with the warranted product in order to be eligible to receive a remedy under the warranty."

Under iFLOOR's new warranty, a key provision allows for iFLOOR to "seek justice" on behalf of the customer in the event of legal action. According to Simonson, "I'm putting iFLOOR's money where my mouth is."

About iFLOOR, Inc.
Since 1998, iFLOOR.com has been the leading online and retail flooring company, with 36 local retail stores nationwide offering more than 70,000 products, including hardwood floors, laminate flooring, bamboo flooring and cork floors. iFLOOR.com is the largest online flooring retailer according to Internet Retailer Magazine, and was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States for the past three years. Committed to quality customer service, superior selection and friendly expert advice, iFLOOR.com enables customers to buy flooring both online and in its retail stores at a substantial savings over traditional retailers. For more information about iFLOOR, please visit www.iFLOOR.com.

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JMark Afghans' Updates

I have been incredibly busy the last few days, making sure that the images of our new products are uploaded and the order forms are in place. Not only have I (finally) put together some of the Etcetera in JMark Afghans, etc., there is a brand new page of Variegated Yarn colors from Red Heart Yarns. Since it's been so much fun changing everything around, I thought I'd have a go at a new navigational menu format, too. (Definitely gonna need another pot of coffee for that one!)

And, while I'm at it . . . I think I'll put together an extra Newsletter - so everybody knows about all these new goodies. (Oops! That one may take a pot of coffee AND a vitamin!)

Keep watching! The pages they are a changin'!

By the way ~ if you aren't on our Mailing List - why not sign up now!? You wouldn't want to miss all the fun, now would you?!

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Jules

National Memory Screening Day

As you know, November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. For the 4th consecutive year, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is bringing together organizations and healthcare professionals from across the United States for the National Memory Screening Day on November 13, 2007. As part of the focus on "Together for Care . . . in addition to Cure," participating sites are providing free confidential memory screenings, follow-up resources, and educational materials to those concerned about memory loss.

This collaborative event is part of the ongoing national effort to promote early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses. Memory screenings are an important first step toward early detection and appropriate intervention, including medical treatments, social services, and other resources. They are not solely for those who are concerned about recent memory changes, but for anyone who would like to determine their current score as a basis for comparison in the future.

Screening sites have been established throughout the United States, making it simple to find a convenient location and time. Don't wait. Mark your calendar - November 13, 2007 - and choose the site that works best for you. Like watching your blood pressure and cholesterol or regular exercise and a healthy diet, this is just one more tool to help maintain a lifestyle that promotes Successful Aging.

Without a doubt, seeking a cure to Alzheimer's is important. However, we must not overlook the need for continuing quality care for those who suffer from this disease. Please contribute to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America and come "Together for Care . . . in addition to Cure."








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Jules

Charles Nelson Reilly

I logged onto my MySpace page today to send Halloween cards to my friends and found a bulletin from Charles Nelson Reilly. Okay, from the generous soul who is keeping up Mr. Reilly's page. It included this interesting collection of photos from the making of his last movie "The Life of Reilly". I hope that you enjoy them as much as I did.

Everyone (at least everyone my age) remembers Mr. Reilly's antics on Match Game. Did you know that he won a Tony award in 1962 for his role in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which became the hit 1967 movie of the same name, starring Robert Morse? Mr. Reilly was nominated again in 1964 for his portrayal of Cornelius Hackl in Hello Dolly!, the role recreated by Michael Crawford, Tony award winner for Phantom of the Opera, in the 1969 Streisand film.

It seems to me that Charles Nelson Reilly's finest performances were quite inspiring to filmmakers in the 60s.




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Jules

Professional Web Development

Anyone can create a website, trust me on that one. Whether you use a free template from your web hosting company or take the time to learn how to code it yourself, it really isn't difficult to put pages on the Internet. And, if your goal is to share vacation pictures or photos of the new puppy with Aunt Gladys, a free website and design template are all you really need.

But, what if your website is an adjunct to your business or, as in my case, your entire business? In that case, it is critical that anyone and everyone can find your site and understand what you are offering. To be successful, you have to create and market an effective online identity that provides an efficient way for potential customers to find you and purchase your products or services.

There are dozens of development tools available to Internet site-owners. From web or flash design to e-commerce to content management to customized programming, most development companies can advise you and help you adjust your website. Not to mention, you can learn to do a lot of these things yourself. But when you need your Web site to be more than a glorified online brochure, you want highly skilled Web programmers by your side.

Take, for example, the Seattle web design company that Microsoft, American Express Travel, and Outback Steakhouse trust - 352 Media Group. Ten years experience and more than 40 ADDY® awards prove that their team-based, client-centric approach skillfully combines outstanding graphic design, dynamic Web programming, and effective online marketing for businesses of all sizes. With offices from Atlanta to Seattle and New York to Los Angeles, 352 Media Group serves clients in every region of the country.

Not all development companies offer assistance in all phases of design, production, and marketing. The Internet is an ever-changing "lifeform", as it were, that requires flexibility and creative thinking to succeed. It's not that the old ideas don't work at all; it's more that they don't work as well.

If you need to develop an online identity that reflects the vision, character, and goals of your business, take a look at what 352 Media Group.com has to offer. They have the proven ability to help you establish and enhance your presence in the Internet marketplace.




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Jules

Happy Halloween!!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!



Every year we buy candy to hand out and every year we end up with a lot of leftover candy. It's difficult for me to decide if that's a bad thing or a good thing. Of course, when I have to lie down and use a shoe-horn to get into my favorite jeans - the answer becomes much clearer. Still - I do love dem goodies!

Be sure to check your candy and watch out for the little ones! Keep it a SAFE and Happy Halloween!




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Jules

Franklin Covey

Everyone knows that I hate malls, but I love shopping. This means that I'm online, perusing the Internet's offerings quite frequently. No small feat, let me tell you. There are zillions of places to spend money out there.

My favorite places are the ones that offer discounts and coupons. If I'm going to give you my hard-earned cash, it's nice that you're willing to reward me. For instance, I just found some terrific Franklin Covey coupons and can't wait to take advantage of the savings.

Being an organizational maniac, I'm a big fan of Franklin Covey and "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®". Not to mention, any tools that help me plan my time and focus my energies. This Tote is a fantastic addition to my how-do-I-carry-all-this-stuff collection.

The inside pockets, for my phone, sunglasses, and keys, are a huge selling point. At 17.5"W x 13"H x 5.5"D, it's perfect for my laptop, notebooks, and folders, which I like to be able to carry with me to jot down project ideas and potential story plots. My organizer would slide right in here without a problem and, unlike many products I've seen and owned, it doesn't look like a boring old briefcase or laptop case.

My real weakness, however, is: Accessories! Pens and pencils? I have absolutely zero self-control. The pencil holder sitting on my makeshift desk is jam-packed! Pagefinders? In colors, with a ruler or photo holder or pouch or solar calculator or magnifier! Ahhh! Heaven!

But one of the greatest accessories at Franklin Covey is the collection of Binder & Tote Charms. The Swiss Watch Charm is great, isn't it? I'm already picturing these on, not just totes and binders, but my purses and winter jackets. Yup! I'm hooked.

If you need to get organized or just need to stock up on supplies, stop by Franklin Covey for assistance and inspiration. Me? I'm going shopping for planning pages.





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Jules

Heeee's Baaaack!

Well, Michael came home today - without any of his things. Apparently, after they came and picked up all of his clothes and miscellaneous stuff, they lost it. Now, I'm finding this all a little hard to believe, since there were 2 large packing boxes full - and I do mean full - of Michael's possessions.

I couldn't figure out, when Mark told me that Michael had gotten new clothes and shoes, why he'd need anything. Now we know. Needless to say - someone is going to have their butt thoroughly chewed tomorrow. His wardrobe is one thing, but there were things in those boxes that Michael had had before he moved here in 2004. That they are gone seriously upsets me.

So, if you should hear loud voices and words like "clothes", "Michael", "morons", "find them now" at some point during the day tomorrow - don't be surprised.




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God Bless!

Jules

Backgammon Masters - Now In 12 Languages

If you love to play online games like poker and backgammon, you've probably visited BackgammonMasters.com. Until recently, their game interface was only available in a couple of languages. Not anymore. Now the All-in-One Game Lobby is available in 12 languages - all on one download.

BackgammonMasters.com hosts the largest community base of players from all over the world, communicating via real-time chat and enjoying some of the most popular online games including Perudo, Backgammon, BlackJack and Poker. On this global game site, it's important that players can easily switch from one language to another. They simply select their preferred language in the Game Lobby and instantly the interface changes to Chinese, Portuguese, German, Arabic, French, Hebrew, Japanese, English, Greek, Turkish, Spanish or Danish.

With all of these major languages are now available, the software is globally user-friendly. Thousands of online backgammon and blackjack players can participate on the same multi-language platform. Don't see your language? Don't worry; it's probably in the works. In fact, there are two languages currently in development, according to BackgammonMasters.com - Italian and Russian.

There's never been a better time for game enthusiasts to participate in their favorite games. Be sure to watch for the LIVE multi-language Customer Support - coming soon.



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God Bless!

Jules

Earthjustice eBrief

I received the latest Earthjustice eBrief yesterday and was absolutely thrilled to read about:

Coal power stopped in America's heartland

A precedent-setting shockwave swept out of Kansas (Oct. 18) and across the nation when that state became the first to reject a coal-fired power plant because of its global warming impacts. The Sunflower generation plant would have spewed 10 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. Earthjustice relied on legal tactics and public pressure from our Kansas activists to defeat the plant. Kansas now leads the national surge against coal power expansion. See video of Earthjustice attorney David Baron debating the issue on CNBC.

Unfortunately, there was also this report out of Wyoming:

Coal supporters react with anger, stealth

As political and business leaders in Kansas vowed revenge over the Sunflower defeat, the state of Wyoming quietly approved an even dirtier coal plant, which Earthjustice is also challenging. Amid the furor, Earthjustice welcomed Senator Joseph Lieberman's bill to cap global warming emissions from coal power and other sources.

As always, we take one step forward and two steps back. It's frustrating and upsetting to read about our legislators working against everything their constituents want - in favor of big business. I know that it's nothing new, but we are at a point in our environmental evolution that simply does not allow for outrageous acts of stupidity.

Wyoming? Get a clue!

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Jules

AllBatts.com

Once again, I am shopping for Laptop Batteries and I'm starting to think I'm cursed. Since I work with online files, which is a battery hog, I keep my laptop plugged into the AC adapter. I didn't even realize the battery wasn't charging until we had a power outage and I lost everything I was doing. Definitely not my happiest moment.

I can't afford to lose webpage updates or half-written articles, so I need to replace this defective battery as soon as possible. It's great to find a site like AllBatts.com where all I have to do is enter the brand and model of my laptop and - poof! - every accessory available is right there. Unlike the battery problem I overlooked, I have noticed that the AC adapter connection is a bit loose. Now, I can correct that problem, too.

When those problems are resolved, I'm going for watch batteries. Mark and I have about a dozen that are dead. Oh, and a cell phone battery. Mine still works, but every now and then, I get a low battery alert when the battery appears to be charged. Perhaps a new AC adapter and a new battery will fix that problem, as well.

Everything we own these days runs on some sort of battery power. Isn't it great to know that we can find all that we need in one place?





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Jules

Citizen Advocacy Academy

I just received confirmation from Defenders of Wildlife that I have been accepted to attend the Citizen Advocacy Academy at the Phoenix Zoo on November 4th. Not only will I be meeting other advocates for wildlife and the environment, I'll be developing skills to help me work with my community, the media, and elected officials. Needless to say, I am really excited.

As you know, many of my posts here are about saving wildlife, ecosystems, and the environment in general. This is something that is very important to me and, since I can't support these causes with cash, I compensate by writing and speaking to as many people as I can. Won't you join me?

It's really very easy. Just go to the Defenders of Wildlife's Wildlife Action Center and find the activity that appeals to your interest and available time. There are many, many ways that you can get involved. Please help.




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God Bless!

Jules

Gifts for the Electronics Lover

 

If you think the logo is terrific - I just love it - wait until you see their incredible products. There is something, several somethings actually, for everyone on your holiday shopping list. My only problem has been narrowing it down to only a few dozen, each.

I know I've mentioned before that we love to take pictures. Today I found the perfect accessory for our digital camera - the Gorillapod Tripod. This tripod is amazing! It has flexible legs, made up of dozens of articulating ball-and-socket joints, that let you wrap your camera around almost any object. The rubberized feet mean your camera can balance, without slipping, on virtually any surface. I can't imagine a better gift for any photographer, beginner or experienced.

Now, we all know that it's more fun shopping when you sneak a gift or two into the bag just for yourself. The electronics charging station is just what I need, desperately. Every night I plug in my personal electronics, all over the apartment. Next to my nightstand I have an extension cord that takes care of my cellphone and headset, but everything else is relegated to wherever in the apartment there happens to be a spare outlet. No more!

Of course, there's the Flexilite Bookmark, which clips over any page and bends into whatever shape offers the best reading light. Or, the Pig E Bank Electronic Piggy Bank, that tells you, via an LED display, how much money is inside and talks to you when you put in your change at the end of the day. All in all, I believe I'll be doing a great deal of my Christmas shopping at Vat19.




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God Bless!

Jules

Great Shopping from JMark Afghans & Zazzle

2008 Arizona Scenery Calendar
by JMarkAfghans

Get this custom calendar at Zazzle

Each month has one of our favorite Arizona photographs. Why not spend a year in Arizona?!










I don't have to choose paper or plastic.

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom bag at Zazzle

Living Green? Use these recyclable bags, instead of adding more trash to your local landfill.








Of all the things I've lost . . .
I miss my mind the most!

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom mug at Zazzle

This morphing mug is a nondescript black when cold. The magic happens when you add a hot beverage and the image appears.






Relax Like A Cat

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom card at Zazzle

Front: "If Humans could relax like this. . ."
Inside Top: "There would be no wars and no need for anti-depressants.
Of course, the price of catnip would skyrocket!"
Inside Bottom: "Wishing you Peace and Relaxation!
(You'll have to get your own catnip!)"









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God Bless!

Jules

Uptown Saturday Night

Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida holds the distinction of being the oldest, continuously inhabited settlement in the continental United States. As you can imagine, the city is a treasure-trove of historical sites, information, and related events. One of the most popular St. Augustine events is Uptown Saturday Night. Sadly, I've missed the October 27th event, but there's still November 24th and December 29th to look forward to.

Taking place on the last Saturday of every month, the event showcases the incredible shopping to be found in the Uptown San Marco Shopping District, between Mission-Nombre de Dios and Ripley's Museum along San Marco Avenue. (View Map) The entire area is filled with lively street music and endless opportunities to acquire antiques, rare books – even authentic Spanish treasure. To add to the festivities, each participating shop offers an open house with wine and refreshments.

How do you choose between workshops covering a variety of antique related topics, readings and book signings by local authors, and exhibit openings of some of the finest Florida artists? Being a compulsive student of everything, I just love workshops, especially since what I know about antiques wouldn't fill a thimble. However, and Mark can attest to this, it is impossible for me to pass a bookshop. Mall chain-stores notwithstanding, my feet just charge right in - leaving the rest of me no choice, but to follow.

I've always wanted to visit this amazing city. Now I have one more reason to start booking that trip. What about you?







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Jules

Heaven and Hell

I received this in an email today and thought I'd share. It's been around the Internet for quite some time, so you may well have seen it, too. The basic idea is very simple and quite logical. What do you think? Which room would you be in?

A Holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like."

The Lord led the holy man to two doors.

He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, "You have seen Hell."

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, "I don't understand."

"It is simple," said the Lord. "It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves."

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Jules

Park West Gallery ®

One of the most beautiful galleries I've ever seen is the Park West Art Gallery in Southfield, Michigan. If you've never seen the gallery in person, no picture can do it justice. Located on a 3 1/2 acre site that includes a natural pond and a sculpture garden, the 63,000 square foot facility is a Greco-Roman showcase with 23 exhibition galleries. There is a granite walkway surrounding the building, under a portico that's held up with stone columns, offering a glimpse into 23 different display windows.

Every week, over 6,000 works of art are cataloged, photographed, custom framed, checked, and registered. Several times each year, they present large-scale exhibits of masters and contemporary artists. Over the years, Peter Max, Itzchak Tarkay, Marcel Mouly, Linda LeKinff, Igor Medvedev, Fanch Ledan, the animators, Chuck Jones, Charles and Thomas McKimson, among others, have made personal appearances at the Park West Gallery ®.

Home to the largest collection of fine art in the world, Park West Gallery ® conducts fine art auctions throughout the United States and Canada. Their affiliate company, Park West at Sea, conducts cruise ship art auctions around the world. Now, wouldn't that be fun!? An art auction at sea?




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God Bless!

Jules

Calendar Software

I was looking through my organizer yesterday and realized that I desperately need a new calendar. The one I have is for 2004! Tells you how often I use my organizer, doesn't it? But I've got so many things going these days, I've got to get a system in place.

So, I decided - since I never get to the store - I'd see what I could find in the way of software that would let me design and print my own calendar. That way, I'd get what I want, when I need it. Good idea, huh? I thought so too, until I started really looking.

There just wasn't much out there that jumped out and said, "Hey! This is what you were looking for!" Oh, did I mention that I was looking for free software? Yup, that cuts the options down to really, really few.

I'll let you know if I ever find anything I like. Please don't hold your breath - it's really bad for your health!




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God Bless!

Jules

Diabetes Testing Strips

One of the things that we've gone through, since Mark's liver transplant, is medication-induced diabetes. Virtually all transplant patients on immuno-suppressants will develop some changes in their blood sugar, but the medication is critical to their survival. So, along with everything else, you learn to deal with Type II diabetes.

Luckily, Mark has access to the VA for medications and supplies. Not everyone does and those with Type I diabetes may well have a lifetime of monitoring and injections. And is not a short list of supplies that diabetics require daily. Depending on the severity of their condition, these are the minimum needed:

• Glucose Test Strips
• Glucose Monitor Kits
• Lancets & Devices
• Testing Accessories
• Insulin
• Needles / Syringes

What if you're not a veteran or your job doesn't offer benefits, and you have to pay for all of these things yourself? That's where American Diabetes Wholesale can help. They offer all of the supplies needed to monitor and treat blood sugar problems, at absolutely incredible prices.

Take, for example, Freestyle Lite Test Strips, which are designed to allow alternate site testing and a smaller sample size. Without insurance to cover the cost, you could easily pay over $60.00 for a box of 50 strips. American Diabetes Wholesale offers the same, name-brand product for 44% less.

The health-risks from uncontrolled diabetes are myriad and serious. If you can't afford testing supplies, you can't monitor your blood sugar. Without insulin and injection supplies, you can't manage your diabetes.

Why take a chance with your life, when American Diabetes Wholesale has everything you need? You have to treat your diabetes; you don't have to go broke doing it.




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God Bless!

Jules

Finite Organs of the Infinite Mind

I started a new blog several months ago. It's intended to be a platform for creative writing; my own fiction and, perhaps, some essays. So far, I haven't put a lot of time into it, but it is growing slowly.

Here is an excerpt from a work-in-progress. I haven't posted it on the blog, yet; so you are the first and only people to have seen it - besides me, of course.

Untitled

"Geneva! I'm bored!" Long, dark lashes fluttered over deep brown eyes, as a single tear escaped. "I don't want to play this game anymore!"

"Now, Merry," Geneva began, her voice soft and gentle. "You gave your word. Whatever card you drew. Remember? Even though Selina and I tried to warn you?" Putting aside the case file, she bent toward the earnest little face. "Fredo and Stefan aren't complaining, now are they, little one?"

An energetic snort from over Geneva's shoulder warned her that Fredo was about to do just that and, if he got started, she knew that Stefan wouldn't be far behind. Luckily, when Geneva turned and pointed a newly-polished nail at him, Merry's brother had the good sense to swallow whatever he'd been about to say and stare innocently up at the ceiling. One upset 'assistant' was definitely all she could handle today.

"But Mordecai said it would be fun, Neva!" Another tear snuck out to roll down Merry's silky cheek. "He promised! And it's not!" she insisted, fisting her hands on her hips and stomping her tiny foot. "It's not fun to be human - at all!"

With that pronouncement, Merry threw herself into Geneva's arms, sobbing as though her heart had broken.

Please visit Finite Organs of the Infinite Mind and share your opinions. Some of the posts are rather rough; I'm still getting into a rhythm. But, I look forward to reading your comments.




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Jules

golive! mobile

I have an easily accessible website which anyone with a computer and a browser can traverse. But, if you're surfing on a mobile phone, the navigation links on my site don't show up. This is something that I hadn't really thought or worried about, because right now the nature of my site is better served through traditional PC/Mac surfing methods.

What if your business would benefit from a wap site? How do you reach the millions of people who use their phones for a large portion of their Internet access? Virgin Mobile has a great idea.

Called Studio V, this unique mobile content community enables users to create and share graphics and ringtones that other customers can purchase. A cash reward is credited back to the creator for every download. What a great outlet for mobile users' creativity!

Another great product, that appeals to me and would benefit my business is GoLive! Concierge. Over a thousand users, ranging from start-ups to established companies, use this mobile campaign management software to instantly launch interactive text and multimedia mobile messaging campaigns. It's the only product I've heard of that helps users with mobile site hosting and wap site design. After all the work I've done on my website, I wouldn't have a clue where to begin with mobile site design.

I'm going to be investing some time looking into this great method for expanding my customer base and reaching more users. Who knows? I might even find myself creating some graphics or ringtones.




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God Bless!

Jules

Vitamins Are Bad For Your Health

Trust me on this one - vitamins are bad for you. I rarely take vitamins, not because I don't need them or don't like them, I just don't think about it. Well, today I took a multiple vitamin.

By the time it wore off I'd washed, dried, folded and put away at least 6 loads of laundry. (After the first few, you just stop counting.) I washed all of the bedding, from sheets to comforter to afghan; pulled everything out of my linen closet, washed and straightened that up; washed and rehung the shower curtain; and wiped down the bathroom. In between, I did the dishes and washed down the kitchen counters. The trash needed to go out (yes, that chore still makes me a little nervous), the litter box needed cleaning, and we needed more soda - so I did those, too. (I managed to down most of a 2nd pot of coffee, so perhaps the caffeine contributed to the manic laundry session.)

One of my neighbors dropped by for a couple of hours, so I lost a little time, but quickly got back into the thick of things. Since I was in the closet putting away laundry, I reorganized all of my dresser drawers, the shelves above my dresser, and the dresser where I keep my finished crochet projects. The afghans that are too big for the small dresser, got refolded and put into clear vinyl storage bags - that didn't have huge holes in them. One is now under the bed; the other one will be as soon as I can get down on my knees. Oh, and I had some miscellaneous stuff under the edge of the bed - crossword puzzles and notepads - which had to be moved to a better home and/or tossed. (I have the worst time throwing things away - you just know you'll need it once it's gone forever.)

Of course, by that time, I needed to start dinner. Homemade sloppy joes and macaroni and cheese took about 1/2 hour. By 7:00pm I had the dishes rinsed, the last of the laundry folded and put away, and the bed remade.

So, you see -- vitamins are bad for you! I am exhausted!! and I just can't stop! Hmmmm? Is that a dust bunny I see under the desk? Where's my vacuum?!




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Jules

Solar Air Conditioning Systems

Living in Arizona, the one thing we have an abundance of is sunshine; over 300 days per year, in fact. This makes solar energy an obvious and economical choice, what with the personal tax credit, property tax exemption, equipment sales tax exemption, and utility rebate programs. And that doesn't include the federal renewable energy incentives. (Just search " your state energy incentives " to see what programs and rebates are available in your area.)

Solar Panels Plus offers products to produce hot water and electricity. Depending on your location, the electricity, which can be used immediately or stored for future use, may also be sold back to the public grid. As great as these ideas are, what really caught my attention was the solar air conditioner. This process powers an absorption chiller unit, the type of system that's been in use since the early 20th century. But, with the addition of solar energy collection, this system has become truly cost-effective.

In current use, these air conditioners are actually gas-fired, meaning heat is applied to a boiler which then powers the cooling cycle. However, combined with a rooftop solar thermal collection system, these units no longer need gas firing, resulting in extraordinary savings. There's even a low cost option that allows the system to function as a heater during the winter.

If you're looking to live a 'greener' life, wouldn't Solar Panels Plus be the perfect place to start? You don't have to live in the desert to take advantage of solar energy.




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Jules

And Just How DID She Fracture That Knee?

I couldn't sleep last night, partially because I slept until after 10:00am yesterday morning and partially because my knee was screaming at me. So, I had plenty of time to think about how - exactly - I managed to twist my leg so that the kneecap ended up on the outside of the leg. The basic laws of physics will tell you "It just cain't happen!" (Didn't know that the laws of physics are very poor grammarians, did you?)

After giving it careful thought, I think I've figured out what stupid thing I did to mangle the snot out of my knee. Because I've done it before (to my right knee), I assumed that the top of my leg went one way and the bottom went the other, painfully wrenching the connective tissue surrounding my poor knee. Unfortunately, the last time I did that, my kneecap (although seriously swollen and angry for several weeks) didn't move 90 degrees out of position. There had to be another answer.

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Here are the known facts:

• I was taking out a load of trash that was waaay too heavy for me to carry, so I dragged it through the parking lot to the dumpster;
• I couldn't lift the trash to throw it in the dumpster, so I started swinging it back and forth hoping to get it high enough to swing over the edge and into the dumpster;
• With one terrific push, I planted my left leg and swung the load of trash with all of my strength;
• Suddenly, I was on my behind on the pavement in front of the dumpster, next to my trash (it could have at least gone in!);
• I automatically grabbed my knee, as that was the location of the screaming pain - you wouldn't believe how much that hurts, by the way;
• I found my kneecap was now located on the outside of my leg and, in a moment of temporary insanity, placed the heel of my hand under the kneecap and shoved it back onto the top of my leg;
• Amazingly, I didn't pass out, although I did break out into a vicious sweat and saw the prettiest little stars!

Now, with the facts in hand, have you come to the same conclusion that I finally have - the one that Mark instantaneously reached, although he didn't bother to clue me in?

The only thing that makes any sense, as I was swinging the trash from right to left (the same direction my kneecap went), is that during that last swing - on the way to the dumpster - I slammed the load of trash, with all of my strength and all of its weight, straight into my knee.

I have, admittedly, done some pretty lame-brained things in my life. For all intents and purposes, I think this one will stay at the top of that list for a very, very long time. In fact, it is my fervent hope that I never, ever manage to 'improve' on it. Know what I mean?






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God Bless!

Jules

Tell Congress to Keep Fighting for Children's Healthcare

In a rare show of bipartisan compromise, Congress passed the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill. As expected, Bush vetoed it; however, the House was only a few votes short of enough to override the veto. So, possibly as early as today, Congress is voting on this bill, again.

Families USA is sponsoring a petition, targeted at Congress, urging continued bipartisan support for SCHIP. Only a few additional votes are needed to pass this bill - and make it veto-proof. Ten million American children need this program.

Won't you please sign the petition and remind Congress, whose members have guaranteed healthcare coverage, that the health of our future is dependent upon the health of our children?






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Jules

rateGenius Auto Refinancing

Years ago, after a bad experience with a lender, I ended up changing the financing on my vehicle. It wasn't, necessarily, that I was paying too much; it was the lack of customer service and poor employee attitude that chased me away. A couple of cars later, I did end up with a car loan that carried a much higher interest rate than I liked. I could have used rateGenius.

Working with a diverse group of lending institutions, rateGenius helps their customers get lower car payments by reducing the number of loan payments, lowering the interest rate, or both. The application process is online, automated, and simple. All you need to provide is some basic information about yourself, your current lender, and the vehicle you're refinancing.

• Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • 17 letter/number combination easily found on your insurance card
  • Also called a serial number
• Your vehicle's current mileage
• Name of current lien holder
• Current loan information
  • Original amount financed
  • Current monthly payment
  • Date of first payment made
  • Length of term (i.e. 60 months)
• Make, model and style of your vehicle (i.e. Honda Accord EX)
• Phone number for employment verification (if employed)
• Social Security Number

Approval can take as little as 24-48 hours, depending on credit history and lender requirements. Best of all, rateGenius charges no fees and any lender fees are rolled into the new loan, so you have zero out-of-pocket costs. If you're looking to refinance an auto loan or finance a car at the end of a lease, rateGenius may be just what you need.




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God Bless!

Jules

Protect Alaskan Wilderness ** Urgent Request **

The Wilderness Society is sponsoring a petition to stop the Bush administration from allowing drilling in the area of Teshekpuk Lake in Alaska. After years of protecting this region, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is considering opening it up for oil drilling. This simply cannot happen.

Scientists rate the Teshekpuk Lake area as one of the most important Tundra-Wetland ecosystems remaining in the world. It is home to lagoons, lakes, rivers, streams, meadows and more.

It also provides critical habitat to a million birds, more than 45,000 Caribou and other mammals, and seven Native communities. Even Polar Bears occasionally find their way to this area in the warmer months.

We have until November 6th, the BLM cutoff date, to comment and make our voices heard. Please sign this petition ~ by October 29th, to ensure Care2 can deliver all comments before the deadline. Help keep the oil industry out of this fragile ecosystem.

If you don't, who will?






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God Bless!

Jules

Packet8 Virtual Office

One thing every business needs is a phone system that presents a professional face to the world. There are lots of options out there for larger companies, but far fewer for small or newly founded companies which are working on a virtual shoestring. That's where Packet8 Virtual Office can make a huge difference.

One of the first cost-saving features I noticed was that it works with an existing broadband service. That means I don't have to upgrade or install new Internet service to take advantage of services from Packet8.net. And, unlike other service companies, I can install the service myself, eliminating expensive installation charges. Always a plus, in my book.

Secondly, I don't have to install or maintain expensive iPBX hardware. Virtual Office hosts the services which minimizes start-up costs and maximizes flexibility. As business needs change, it's possible to change plans and scale service up or down to meet new requirements. If you operate a call center, for example, the ability to add or remove lines and services would be invaluable.

Lastly, not all employees are required to be under the same roof. Businesses can easily unify staff from across multiple geographic locations under one phone system. Virtual Office even offers free inter-office calls between lines in your network; meaning the sales office in California can call the sales office in Minnesota or the home office in Ohio with no additional charge. Now that's service.

If you need to improve or upgrade your office phone service, can you imagine anything easier or more user-friendly than Packet8 Virtual Office? I can't believe that traditional phone service providers offer the ability to manage settings online or add and remove lines on your schedule, rather than theirs. Personally, Business VoIP from Packet8 seems unbeatable in quality, value, and flexibility.






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God Bless!

Jules

InternetSeer

Do you have a website? Are you thinking about creating a website? So many hosting companies make availability (up-time) promises, but how do you know if their promises are accurate? InternetSeer - that's how.

I've been using this service since late-July, 2007. As a member of the Business Advisory Panel, I receive some great benefits:

1. FREE InternetSeer Website Monitoring Service.
2. Chance to win cash or prizes as part of some surveys.
3. Opportunity to share in the survey results for some surveys.
4. Special offers: Discounts on business products and services.

Luckily, my webhost has virtually zero down-time (once in about 3 months), making it well worth the monthly fee I pay. But I wouldn't have known that, without InternetSeer. I had been considering a new, less expensive hosting service, until I learned how reliable my current host is.

There is just no way I'd risk having my business unavailable when customers are looking for it.

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God Bless!

Jules

Innovative Entertainment Event Planners

Are you planning a corporate or social event? Looking for something unique and memorable? Take a look at what Innovative Entertainment, San Francisco event planners, has to offer.

Although it's a vibrant, beautiful city, you don't have to be located in San Francisco or even intend to hold your event there. Innovative Entertainment can plan and coordinate your meeting or party wherever you are. They've provided talent and production services across the U.S. and worldwide; from Hawaii to Australia, The British Virgin Islands, Canada, Bali, and France.

If you're not certain what type of entertainment is the best fit for your occasion, search by category; you'll find a cappella, blues, country, headliners, interactive characters, and magic programs. You can also use the corporate event or social event planning guides for more ideas.

Whatever the occasion calls for, why not start with Innovative Entertainment?

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God Bless!

Jules

Bathing A Cat

There are many people who will tell you that it is rarely necessary to bathe a cat. I suspect that these are people who have actually tried this exercise without proper psychological preparation and are still nursing a range of feline-inflicted wounds. Of course, it is possible to introduce a cat to soap and water safely. But why risk it?

Mark is of the opinion that Paka is in need of a go-round in the tub. Because we are now able to keep the windows open, we are regularly inundated with dust. Paka, as cats are wont to do, loves to roll on the floor and climb on every flat surface in sight - the very surfaces that are routinely covered with a layer of black crud that blows in from the nearby freeway and high-traffic roads. Needless to say, this contact causes Paka to also have a light coating of dust, no matter how well he bathes himself.

Naturally, I could dig out the chain mail, fill the tub, and take my chances. But - again - why risk it? Eventually, Paka will manage to take care of the dusting and, frankly, I'm really rather fond of having my skin remain exactly where God put it.

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Jules

AIMpromote Product Upgrade

AIMpromote.com, one of the premier providers of customer relationship management (CRM) software, has upgraded their lead management offering. This enhancement increases the software's usefulness to companies that want to market and manage a privately-labeled product. As always, there are no set-up fees and the program is fully integrated with the user's website at no charge.

Press Release:

Traverse City, MI October 19th 2007 -- AIMpromote, provider of lead management and customer relationship management software, has launched a significant upgrade to their CRM offering. The newly added white-label CRM software feature enhances the value that lead aggregators can offer to their lead purchasing customers. The enhanced reselling functionality provides an intuitive interface to completely manage the selling of a privately labeled CRM as their own.

Lead aggregators operate in the highly competitive B2B space, and need ways to add value to their offerings. Michael Myles, President and CEO of AIMpromote said "The significant added value provided by the AIMpromote white-label customer relationship software gives lead aggregators a way to differentiate themselves in what has become a highly commoditized market." He went on to say that "this product also provides an easy way to leverage existing client bases to more rapidly increase sales."

The close tie-in between the selling of leads and the powerful sales management functionality of the AIMpromote customer relationship software enables the end-users of the system to easily purchase leads that are then available to be worked directly in the system. There is no importing necessary. Billing is also consolidated, providing an easy way for the end-user to manage their funds and billing profile. The system has been designed from the ground-up to offer high levels of customizability and advanced functionality for everyone involved, while requiring little investment in time.

The CRM reselling and lead sales functions functionality includes the ability for lead aggregators and CRM software resellers to completely customize pricing, including setup fees, discounts, and free trials. This flexibility empowers the resellers of the system to enhance their profit margins as they see fit. The CRM reselling system allows lead aggregators and consultants the ability to brand their system with their own logo and contact information. Integrated Authorize.Net payment processing gives an interface to take credit cards automatically, and have the funds deposited directly into their bank accounts. The advanced accounting and reporting pages in the AIMpromote system give a top-down view of the business as a whole, as well as for each individual account.

The tiered approach that AIMpromote has taken to the reselling of their powerful customer relationship management software gives even the end-user clients the ability to also resell the system. The billing and accounting system automatically takes care of everything for them, even automatically setting up accounts. "The ease of use and flexibility of the AIMpromote CRM for those providing business-to-business consultation services and those selling leads has created an opportunity to significantly improve the bottom line, with very little time or expense," said Matt Wolfe, Vice President of Operations for AIMpromote. Wolfe added, "The service and functionality of the system is unique in that customers are supported through an integrated support ticket system by their parent account. The end-users of the system will never know that the service they are using is being resold, or that the company from which they are licensing the software are not the actual manufacturers of the software. To them, it won't be AIMpromote at all, it will be 'ABC Software Company CRM', or whatever name the company reselling the software chooses."


About AIMpromote
AIMpromote leads the market in growth and technology for on-demand lead management and CRM reselling solutions. AIMpromotes enterprise lead management software empowers companies in any industry to more effectively generate, delegate, and report on leads and the teams that manage them. AIMpromote is the only solution that integrates detailed web analytics with sales and marketing analytics to provide a complete closed-loop view of the sales process. The AIMpromote lead management software offers a completely customized solution that can be tailored to fit any organization's customer acquisition workflow. The unique combination of having the most functionality, and the lowest total cost of ownership, AIMpromote is the most cost effective solution for improving close rates and marketing efficiency.

Explore the features and pricing. You'll be amazed by, not only, the extensive list of elements included with your AIMpromote.com package, but by the lengthy number of items which other companies either don't offer at all or for which they charge additional fees.

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Jules

Comcast Interferes With File-Sharing

Have you heard about this?

Last week the Associated Press reported that "Comcast Corp. actively interferes with attempts by some of its high-speed Internet subscribers to share files online, a move that runs counter to the tradition of treating all types of Net traffic equally."

If I understand correctly, after a subscriber sends a request to upload a file through a BitTorrent sharing computer, Comcast actually sends a fake message that appears to come from the subscriber, stating that the requester no longer wants the file, effectively ending the session. Now, if you or I were to do that, we'd be looking at charges and jail-time.

After reading this article, I was actually quite happy that our complex dropped Comcast to go with Cox. Sadly, I have no reason to assume that Comcast is the only provider interfering with their subscribers.

Comcast along other cable providers and phone companies has argued that such legislation is unnecessary because they don’t discriminate but the SavetheInternet.com Coalition worries that "the nation's largest telephone and cable companies - including AT&T, Verizon, Comcast and Time Warner - want to be Internet gatekeepers, deciding which Web sites go fast or slow and which won't load at all."

Please visit SaveTheInternet.com and learn, not only what's being done, but how you can "take action and protect free speech everywhere" - while we still have some.

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God Bless!

Jules

Skin Care Facials

Have you ever had a facial? What about a European facial? Not certain what that is? Neither was I, so I did some research. Now I really, really want to experience this incredible treatment.

A European facial is a very intensive procedure designed to repair the dehydration and damage caused by stress, fatigue, poor hygiene or diet, pollution and wind. Lasting at least an hour, the process includes a thorough cleaning and exfoliation, steam, and any necessary extractions. Once the skin is cleaned, products designed for your specific skin type are applied, such as a customized treatment mask, toner, moisturizer, and eye cream. Designed to relax and rejuvenate, your skin and your psyche will adore the pampering.

Imagine what it would be like to have your face, neck - whatever skin area needs some attention - regularly cleansed and protected this way. You could visit a spa or salon every 4-6 weeks, but why not acquire the skills and pamper yourself in your own home, when it's most convenient for you? Learn, among other techniques, how to use a facial machine and what steps and products are necessary to keep your skin happy and healthy with the Facial Equipment Video. Not only has this video received awards, several skin and spa magazines have featured the information.

See an excerpt -

If you own a business that offers similar treatments, why not invest in this video and further educate yourself or your staff? In a short time, you could be offering an intense regimen, certain to please your clients and bring more traffic to your door.

Me? I want to learn how to even out my skin tone, firm these 50-year-old muscles, and recapture the glow of my youth. At least I think I glowed in my youth.

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God Bless!

Jules

Maryland Attacks Domestic Violence

I just saw this story on HNN and must say, it's a tremendous idea. The state of Maryland, in conjunction with a professor at Johns Hopkins University, has developed a screening form for first responders. That means that the police and EMTs who respond to domestic violence calls, have a tool to determine whether it is necessary to immediately remove the victim in order to save her life.

There are a number of articles about this Lethality Assessment Program, supported by a Violence Against Women grant from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention. The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence offers extensive, thorough information about this program and violence against women. Although the website is directed at residents of Maryland, the MNADV Lethality Assessment Project provides valuable tips and workable protocols for first responders anywhere and everywhere.

I believe that this information needs to be presented to all agencies which support victims of domestic violence - in all communities.

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Jules

Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin LLP

If you've ever been charged with a criminal or DUI offense, you know that competent legal representation is critical. In Southern California, one of the best firms is Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, former Los Angeles prosecutors with 50 years combined courtroom experience. For many reasons, these are the attorneys to contact if you live in Los Angeles or surrounding counties and need legal help.

First of all, you'll consult with, and be represented in court by, one of the partners. Many law firms that advertise on the Internet, have non-lawyer employees conduct interviews and consultations, while fledgling attorneys handle the actual legal work and court appearances. That's not what anyone should be paying for.

Secondly, Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyers' review company, has placed this firm in the top 5% of US law firms for years. Clients who retain Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP are getting "a knowledgeable, distinguished, and tenacious legal team that will place every effort into helping them avoid a criminal conviction and keep them out of custody." Additionally, the partners are available 24/7 for immediate, confidential consultation.

If you are looking for competent Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys | California Felony Misdemeanor DUI Lawyers , please start with the ones who are working in your best interest.

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God Bless!

Jules

Turner Classic Movies

Last night, quite by accident, I surfed over to Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and had an absolutely wonderful time. Musicals have always been some of my favorite movies. Although there are some musicals I don't really care for, I certainly wasn't disappointed last night. Of course, how can you miss with Lerner and Loewe?

The line-up started with My Fair Lady and, although I tuned in a little late, I managed to catch most of my favorite songs, minus "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," unfortunately. TCM followed that with Brigadoon, which I haven't seen in years. I forgot how many of the songs I knew - and loved! Not to mention, it's always a joy to watch Gene Kelly dance.

After that lovely romance, Paint Your Wagon added some comedy to the evening. Lee Marvin is great (as usual) and the whole plot, set against the California gold rush, is just plain fun. I've seen the movie several times, but I never get tired of the partners' escapades. Sadly, we get up early every day, so I didn't make it through to the end.

That means I also missed Gigi, which I haven't seen in a very long time. Maurice Chevalier and Leslie Caron are always worth watching. Hopefully, I can catch it next time around. Or, since the prices are great, maybe I'll just buy a copy. How can anyone resist a three-disc set that includes Singin' in the Rain, Gigi, and My Fair Lady?

I do know that I've added the monthly schedule to my bookmarks. Don't want to miss any of the upcoming holiday movies!

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Jules

Binoculars

Three years ago, before Mark's transplant, we were out shopping and found what we thought was a great pair of digital camera binoculars. If you've never seen them, they are seriously cool - binoculars with a digital camera. There's really nothing better for hiking trips or sight-seeing, because you can bring any image closer for a perfect picture.

The pair we bought was great, as binoculars. Easily adjusted, even for this blind lady, and easily focused, we could see everything from the top of South Mountain - no problem. However, when we wanted to use the camera function, they stopped being great. We needed a personal loan to keep us in batteries and, no matter how still we held the camera, all of the pictures were blurry.

Now, had I known about the myriad of binoculars from OpticsPlanet.net, we'd have gotten a much better pair. They offer items from Celestron and Tasco, two of my favorite telescope manufacturers, so I know they're offering quality products. But the prices are what kept me surfing the site.

I couldn't believe my eyes! Every item I checked out was about 40% off - with free UPS delivery. And the 'how-to' information was a god-send. After ending up with one lemon, it's nice to know that I can get just what I want at a great price.

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Jules

'15 Cent' Law Degree

I was just reading this story about Justice Clarence Thomas. You remember? The man whose Supreme Court nomination was challenged after allegations of sexual harrassment from Anita Hill? Well, in his autobiography, "My Grandfather's Son," Justice Thomas claims that the law degree he earned at Yale is worth about 15 cents, because he was admitted to Yale under affirmative action and suffered because of it.

After graduating in 1974, it apparently took many interviews before he was offered a position, unlike - he claims - white graduates from the same era. If you read the comments from some of Justice Thomas' fellow students, you'll see that some had trouble getting positions and some didn't. Frankly, any degree is only worth the effort put into getting it and if he feels his law degree is valueless, I have to ask whether Clarence Thomas also devalues himself.

Thirty-three years later, students of all races and academic accomplishments still have to prove that they are worthy of a position. My daughter recently finished her education and is now a board-certified veterinarian. She, too, had to interview and convince potential employers that she was qualified and a good fit for their practices. It's what happens after one graduates - whether from high school or college.

Over the years, I've known hundreds of high school and college graduates. Whatever piece of paper they've received from an institute of higher learning doesn't actually matter much, that I've seen. So many BA and BS degree holders expect the world to bend over backwards to give them a job. Why? All that piece of paper shows is that they stuck with school for 4 (or more) years.

Honestly, a diploma, of any sort, doesn't explain whether the holder took 6 years (or 3 years) to get a 4 year degree or if their GPA was in the bottom 2% (or top 5%) of their graduating class or if they were a stellar student. Nonetheless, the universe is supposed to be thrilled. Justice Thomas, just what did you expect from people after you flashed that law degree in their face? Unwavering joy? Prostrate adoration? An immediate partnership? Get real.

To me, a degree is only as valuable as the quality of the holder. If one worked hard and is willing to continue to do so, then having a degree is worth something. Sadly, if one didn't put in the effort and shows no intention of altering that behavior, the degree still carries clout. It may not guarantee a position, but it will get your foot in the door.

Justice Thomas is sitting on the Supreme Court. Sounds like that degree was worth more than 15 cents, doesn't it?

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Jules

Coupon Chief

With the holidays around the corner, it's time to start thinking seriously about shopping - Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be here before we know it. How much easier would it be with coupons and discounts to help? I know that there are a lot of things that the people on my list want that I could never afford without some serious help - like free shipping, or 15% off. Right now, I'm working on my list and getting ready to avoid the malls!

Once you've gotten your list ready, just head over to couponchief.com and take advantage of the savings. If you've got boys like ours, you know that you're headed for the electronics section; heck that even works for the big boys. Computer games are a huge favorite in our house, as are movie DVDs.

I think this year, I'm going to focus on clothes. Everyone in the house needs a wardrobe update and I just can't beat the deals at KMart. Both boys need pajamas and robes. For some reason, everyone needs shirts and Mark's lost enough weight that he needs new jeans, desperately. There's even a coupon for electronics; so maybe I can sneak a couple of things in with the clothes.

Of course, I have a couple of ideas up my sleeve to surprise Mark - which is not easy, since he's always home these days. Office Depot has everything I want with such great savings that I can also afford to get another electronic surprise. If I hadn't been looking for office furniture, I'd never have found the perfect choice to bring a smile to Mark's face.

It's never too early to start holiday shopping. If you buy a few things now and a few things next month, December will be a breeze. We've learned that it's simpler and far less stressful to pick up gifts, as we find them - online and on sale - than it is to try to save up the same amount of money and buy everything at once.

As an added bonus, if you buy now and then, you don't have 4 million packages to wrap the week before Christmas! That's incentive enough for me to start looking for the best coupons and deals - right now.

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Jules

Guess What's New at JMark Afghans, etc.

Well, I've finally gotten pictures taken of some of my newest products - placemats, which can also be used as doilies on tables and nightstands. In fact, I made one out of the yarn remnants from my queen-sized afghan, so it matches perfectly and is just beautiful on my nightstand. But, there's no reason you can't put them anywhere you want, for any purpose under the sun.

Many of my afghan designs were created with variegated or single color yarns. Since those seem to be the most popular orders, we've changed the order forms so that each is only available in single colors or variegated yarns. There are several designs that still offer multiple colors.

Be sure to stop by our affiliate partners. Limoges Jewelry has a program for the month of October, supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. Shop their Breast Cancer Awareness Collection; 5% of all proceeds goes to BreastCancer.org. What better way to show your support?

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Jules

NuMetrex Fitness Apparel

Eight years ago this month, I had a heart attack. Actually, I was hospitalized with a bleeding stomach. After 2-3 days of treatment, I was ready to go home and the doctors were ready to release me. Then, the labs finally came back and instead of wheeling me out to the car, the nurse wheeled me down to the cardiac floor. After a few more days, I did get to go home, but I had months of cardiac rehab until I got a clean bill of health from my doctors.

The monitors I used during rehab weren't exactly primitive, but they were bulky and hideously uncomfortable. Nothing like a heart rate monitor sports bra or cardio shirt from NuMetrex. I can't even imagine how much simpler the program would have been with these amazing tops. But, you don't have to have a heart attack to appreciate them.

If you're working on heart rate training, making sure that you maintain an optimum heart rate throughout your workout, these monitors are so much more comfortable. The chest-band monitors do the job, but unless you position them properly and adjust them just right, you don't get accurate results. Trust me, I have one and it's just not as efficient or simple to use.

For those who aren't into running or who prefer a low-impact workout, check out the cycling heart rate monitor information and how one NuMetrex manager uses his monitor to track his progress. There is a link to an article about the differences in heart rate when cycling versus running. Because of these differences, the progress by cycling will be very different than that achieved through a running program. Either way, the NuMetrex monitors are an important tool in any training regimen.

Take a minute and check out this video to learn how it works.



Then visit NuMetrex to find the monitor that best fits your lifestyle.

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Jules

Visit to the SICU

Today was the first time that Mark has been back to the SICU since they moved him to the ward. It was great to see the look on the nurse's faces when he walked in. I don't think I've ever seen such a reception, with the possible exception of Mark's triumphant return to visit the 4th floor after his liver transplant. Even that wasn't quite as immediate a response, since he looked so different after his transplant that most of the staff didn't recognize him.

What we didn't know - which is a really good thing - is that Mark is the first patient to ever come out of this bed alive. Apparently, once someone is so ill that the bed is necessary, they are usually too ill to survive. I'm seriously glad that we didn't know this, or rather that I didn't know this. (Mark was unconscious and wouldn't have cared.) I would have really been a nervous wreck, thinking about his odds of recovering at that point.

The staff and hospital administration wouldn't let me take a picture of Mark in the "rocking bed", but they did give me this picture. If you click on the photo, it will take you to a page on my website with a larger image and a little more information.

All in all, I don't think I want to ever see one of these beds again. Know what I mean?

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Jules

Budgeting

One thing you learn, when you have a fixed income, is how to stretch a dollar. It also helps if you prioritize your spending and stick, like glue, to your goals. Yes, it's much easier said, than done. But it can be done.

We start each month by immediately paying all bills that aren't set up on automatic payment - our phones, cable, and rent. Nothing gets done and not a single penny gets spent until those 3 bills are paid. Then, it's grocery time.

Because we invested in a small chest freezer a few years ago, we have the luxury of shopping sales quite aggressively. Given the price of . . . everything . . . we start our grocery shopping by comparing sale prices at the 4 different supermarkets where we have VIP or Club Cards. Knowing what we need, we create shopping lists by store.

Perhaps store 1 has the best prices on beef and canned goods, while store 2 has pork, chicken, and produce on sale this month. Because the two stores are within a mile of each other, we start at the closest and move on to the specials at the second store. If either of the other two has a sale that we can't miss, we'll hit them the next day; but we don't waste time and gas unless there are several items that are priced far below all of the other markets.

Store 2, which we frequent for produce and meat specials, offers home delivery. If there are sufficient items priced below store 1, we'll take advantage of this service and place an online order. By choosing the best delivery window possible, we can often have everything we want brought right to our door for $4.95. If you take into account the time and fuel it takes to get there, do the shopping, load the truck, get home, unload the truck, haul everything upstairs, and put it all away, $4.95 is an acceptable charge. (With Mark recovering from surgery and me still unable to bend my left leg, home delivery is a necessary luxury right now.)

Once the bills are paid and groceries restocked, we have a good idea of our remaining cash flow for the month. Now, it's time to 'pay' ourselves and move something into savings. This gives us a cushion, should we have an emergency. Right now, we've got to pull maintenance on the truck, which would be impossible if we didn't set aside something every month toward that inevitability. Not everything will get taken care of at once, but we're in a position to whittle away at what needs to be done.

Over the last couple of years, we've really started tightening our belts. We rarely eat out or order in; one of us is always able to prepare dinner, even if it's only hamburgers and tater tots. By keeping the pantry and freezer stocked, our options are usually pretty varied and there is always something that's quick and simple, even near the end of the month.

The key to managing any budget, whether you're on a fixed income or have a regular paycheck, is to not totally deny yourself some fun. I like to have my nails done. Since going to a salon is, to my mind, too expensive, I treat myself with kits from the corner drug store. For $6.00, I can have beautiful nails for an entire month.

If I were to use a salon, it would be about $20.00 to start, then $20.00 every 2-3 weeks to have the acrylic filled in as my nails grow out. Now, honestly, which makes more sense to you? Even if I had the $40.00, I think it makes more sense to do it the way I do now. Not to mention, I'd have to go out and waste gasoline getting to and from the salon. This way, I can do my nails whenever I want, in the comfort of my own home.

Now, if I didn't buy myself $6.00 worth of nails every month, I would feel I was deprived of something I enjoy and might just go out and spend more money on something else. But, because I give myself this treat, I feel that I'm getting a present every 30 days and I'm happy. So any other budget restrictions just aren't a big deal.

Budgeting is mostly psychological - psych yourself into feeling pampered, even when you're forced to cut back. Trust me, it really works.

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Jules

Personalized Storybook

It won't be long until Christmas, and it's never too early to start shopping. I have the most difficult time finding the perfect gift for some of the people on my list. You know the ones - they are either so hard to please that you end up resorting to a gift certificate or they buy what they want, the minute they see it, leaving you with zero ideas.

At least this year you won't have to worry about the little ones on your gift list. Identity Direct.com has just what you need, a Personalized Christmas Story Book. Your child, niece, nephew, or neighbor will travel with the Christmas Angel to Santa's workshop to meet Santa and his helpers. Then, they get to travel the world in the reindeer-driven sleigh, helping deliver gifts to children around the world. During the journey, they'll learn all about holiday traditions in different countries.

You'll also find personalized adventure books with the crew from Disney/Pixar Cars or the all of the Disney Princesses. No matter which book you choose, it's quick and easy to order. All you have to do is complete the form with the child's name and age, the names of three of his / her friends, and who the book is from. As easy as that, you've designed a personal gift that the child in your life will treasure forever.

Why not order today and mark at least one item off your shopping list?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Evan's Garden

With all of the news about toxins in everything from pet food to lipstick, wouldn't you love to find a natural way to care for your skin? What about natural make-up, hair care, perfumes, pet care, or herbal remedies? You can experience all of these products at Evan's Garden.

What I like, above and beyond the lack of chemicals, is the detailed lists of ingredients. There's never any doubt what you're putting on your skin or in your body. Best of all? The prices are comparable to or even less than most name brand items that are synthetic, unnatural, and possibly dangerous to your health.

Me? I think these natural products are a valuable replacement for many items that are currently taking up space in my bathroom cabinets. Not to mention, with my sensitive, yet oily skin - the mineral make-up alone is worth almost any price.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Quibblo.com

I love taking online quizzes. What kind of chocolate are you? What's your TV personality? What cat/dog/tree would you be? They are just great fun!

I found a new site that lets you take, create, and share online quizzes. Quibblo.com offers everything, including kissing quizzes, which I've never seen before. Hmmmm? I wonder - what kind of kiss am I?

Although the boys would be much better at Harry Potter quizzes, I have been a movie buff for years and would love to spend a couple of hours testing my knowledge - and my memory.

I can't wait to explore all of the topics - you should, too. If you're not into taking quizzes, why not create one? Or visit the discussion forums and compare opinions. All in all, it's just a fun way to spend some time - and maybe learn exactly what chocolate you would be.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Helium.com

Do you love to write - short stories, articles, poems - anything and everything? Me, too. I'm still practicing, as it were, my short story writing skills. It's not as easy as one would think. But I've found a site where I can write whatever I want, whenever I want and get reviews from my fellow writers. Heck, I can even make some money, too.

It's called Helium.com and there is no charge to join. Offering dozens and dozens of categories, including a marketplace that offers paying opportunities from publishers, it's easy to find a topic for your story or poem. In fact, I like to use the categories to jump-start my muse.

Why not stop by and see what they have to interest you? I know you'll find something fun.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Online Calling Card Business

Are you looking for a way to make money from home through an online business? You're not alone and there are lots of options. Some require you to maintain an inventory; some require hundreds of dollars in set-up fees. What if you don't have a warehouse or $500.00 wasting away in your savings account?

One very interesting option is creating an online business selling pre-paid calling cards. There are dozens of cards in the marketplace, offering calling plans from wherever and to wherever customers need to call. We've used cards like these in the past and you just can't beat the convenience. I always liked to have one in my wallet when I was traveling. Beats carrying coins for pay phones, when you need to make a call.

There are also dozens of affiliate programs that may or may not work for you. One that offers easy set-up, low fees, and great flexibility is E-trepreneur, supported by US Prepaid Telecom. With no inventory cost or risk, no technical knowledge required, and web hosting included, it couldn't be simpler. And, unlike some other programs, you get paid commissions on every sale through your store - not just the first purchase a customer makes - at rates up to 40% or more.

With over 800 available products, it couldn't be easier to create a successful online business. Why not stop by today and kick-start your financial future?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Protect Critical Habitat for Polar Bears

As the poster children for global warming, polar bears are in grave danger - as a species - from melting sea ice. Already birth rates have dropped and documented reports tell of bears drowning and starving, of dens collapsing on mothers and cubs because of rainfall too early in the season. A new study by US Geological Survey shows that the ideal polar bear habitat is declining and, worst of all, is projected to be mostly gone by 2050. Where does that leave the animals dependent upon this ecosystem?

A new petition, sponsored by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and targeted at Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Department of the Interior, is urgently asking the US Administration to not just designate the polar bear as a threatened species, but to take the necessary steps to protect its critical habitat. Without this additional provision, listing polar bears as threatened will do little to save them. Global warming is the primary threat to these beautiful animals and acting to protect the Arctic sea ice is the only way to truly help.

Please show your support for the polar bear and our planet - sign this petition. It only takes a minute and can mean the world to the world.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Glass Tile Store

A simple, often inexpensive way to update the look of a kitchen or bathroom is with new tile on floors, walls, or backsplashes. There are a lot of different materials from which to choose: ceramic, marble, terracotta, and even metal. One of the most amazing and versatile is glass tile.

I was impressed and inspired by the options from the Glass Tile Store. The tiles are translucent, with the color painted on the backside, so they won't scratch or chip, guaranteeing a long, beautiful life for your new look. They even offer pebble sheets that are made by glass artisans. The variety will keep your inner designer busy for days.

Many of the colors and patterns are something I've never seen before. I can easily imagine dozens of ways and places to decorate with these incredible tiles. The Amber Glass Tile has a great pattern that would add a sophisticated touch to any shower enclosure, but just look at the Zen Espresso! Made of polished and frosted glass tiles, combined with natural stone tiles, the irregular layout lends itself to a truly original pattern that would be, to my mind, just perfect on a bathroom wall.

No matter your decorating needs or desires, glass tiles offer a unique look that has to be seen to be appreciated.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Not In My Cart!

Just yesterday, I received a notice from Consumers Union announcing the launch of their new campaign - Not In My Cart.org, designed to give a voice to consumers who are, justifiably, concerned about the quality of the products on their store shelves. As you probably know, more than 12 million children's toys have already been recalled this year. Last week, J.C. Penney issued a recall of Winnie the Pooh toys for excess lead levels, and the Cub Scouts pulled a lead-laden merit badge.

If you're interested in keeping these dangerous, deadly products out of the US marketplace, visit Not In My Cart.org and send a letter to Congress. Tell legislators that it's time to take decisive action to protect Americans from contaminated pet food, toxic toothpaste, lead-laden toys, hazardous tires, contaminated seafood, and unsafe electrical items. With the holidays just weeks away, consumers will soon be buying millions gifts and toys, as well as food and beverages for seasonal get-togethers.

It's time for manufacturers, importers, and retailers to step up to the plate and make sure that American consumers are safe - during the holiday season and beyond.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Eclectrics® All-Metal Stand Mixer

I have been making this French bread, off and on, for years. It's the first bread I learned to bake and it took me forever to get it right. My first husband, who spent 3 years in France and 3 years in Italy as an Air Force brat, swore it tasted just like the bread he used to get from the bakeries in Europe. You can imagine how proud I was to hear that!

It's a really simple recipe, most breads actually are. They don't have a lot of ingredients and you don't really have to be an expert to get a tasty result. But they do take time and practice, between mixing, kneading, and allowing the dough to rise twice. Don't even consider a bread machine! Yes, it's freshly made bread, but it's like comparing a fast-food hamburger to oven roasted prime rib. Not even close!

You can make bread without a stand mixer; our ancestors did it for centuries. But, I learned to make bread with a quality mixer, like a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer - complete with dough hook - and I don't think my bread is as good without it. Where I would normally mix the flour, yeast, and water with the attachment, I now have to start, as best I can, with a hand-held mixer. Then, I have to continue by hand, literally, until I get a smooth dough. It's a lot more work and, honestly, the dough just doesn't rise or bake the same.

Since I'm in the market, I started looking at the Hamilton Beach® Mixer options. I trust the Hamilton Beach® name and the quality of their appliances is outstanding. (My other stand mixer was a wedding gift and, although efficient, it just wasn't quite right. I tended to avoid using it, unless I had no option.) Today, I found and fell in love with the Eclectrics® Mixer.

You won't believe how much mixer you get for the price. All metal, you know they're going to last and the styling is just beautiful. It comes in 8 different colors, guaranteed to compliment any decor. Personally, I couldn't resist the Moroccan Red. It's such a dynamic color and so different from anything I've seen before. If that weren't enough, Hamilton Beach® carries a line of appliances from drink mixers to toasters to blenders - in the same vibrant colors.

If you're in the market for a quality, reliable stand mixer, start with Hamilton Beach® and you won't need to look anywhere else. Once you've added this award-winning mixer to your kitchen, be sure to try my French Bread recipe. I know you'll love it as much as the Eclectrics® Mixer you used to create it.




French Bread

2 cups warm water, divided (110 degrees F)
2 packages dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar

5 - 7 cups bread flour
3 teaspoons salt
3 teaspoons sugar
5 tablespoons vegetable oil

In a small bowl mix 1 tsp sugar into 1 cup warm water until combined. Add yeast and mix gently. Cover and allow to proof.

Place 5-1/2 cups flour, salt, 3 tsp sugar, and oil in a large bowl. Add proofed yeast and remaining 1 cup warm water. Mix well, adding flour as necessary to make a smooth dough. (Dough will be slightly sticky.)

Gently knead into a ball and place in a large, oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel and allow to rise in a warm area, out of any drafts, until the dough doubles in size. (About an hour.)

Punch down the dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half, cover with a towel, and allow to rest for about 5 minutes.

Using a rolling pin, roll each half out to a 9 x 12-inch rectangle. Starting at the long edge, roll up like a jelly roll; seal the edges and seam.

Grease 2 cookie sheets and sprinkle with cornmeal. Place each loaf diagonally on a cookie sheet, seam side down. With a sharp knife, make 4-5 evenly spaced slashes diagonally across each loaf. In a small bowl whisk an egg white with 1 tablespoon of water and brush over each loaf.

Cover with a clean towel and allow to rise for 30-45 minutes, until almost doubled in size again.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F; bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Blog Action Day Wrap-up

Whether you participated in Blog Action Day or just enjoyed all of the ideas that were generated, you just have to see the final numbers. I was thoroughly amazed by how many bloggers, how many blogs, and how many RSS readers were involved in this project. Wander on over to Blog Action Day.org and have a look at the statistics.

You'll also find a list of some of the online and traditional news outlets that carried stories. (Did you notice Graham's lovely column for Blogger.com?) From Greece to Australia to Vancouver to Manila, the media had something to say about this day. For more articles, check out Google News Search.

It was an interesting concept and really made me think about the ways that humans are damaging the planet we call home. Not to mention, it challenged me to change some of the things that I do, without thinking, that contribute to ozone damage. I did use the BP Carbon Calculator to get a rough idea of our carbon footprint. Amazingly, we are producing 8 tonnes of carbon dioxide, less than 1/2 of the United States average of 18.58.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

IndieMV Teams With UNICEF Against AIDS

IndieMV - Music+People, a music video based social network, has joined with UNICEF Canada to promote the global Unite For Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign. Designed to help bring awareness of the impact that HIV and AIDS has on children around the world, this year-old campaign is dedicated to seeing that young people are not ignored in the efforts to combat these devastating diseases.

The UNITE AGAINST AIDS video contest, sponsored by IndieMV, is an opportunity for people to creatively express their views about HIV and AIDS in music and video. It couldn't be easier to make your voice heard. Simply go to IndieMV and create your account. Once you apply for the contest, you can start creating your 30-60 second video.

IndieMV provides audio tracks, video footage, and images that you can incorporate into your creation. Of course, if you have music, video, or photos of your own, you can use those, too. Once you're done, just upload your video to the site and tell all of your friends to come vote.



Submit a video and vote for your favorites through November 15, 2007. The top three videos will be announced on November 22nd and will be shown at the Unite Against AIDS concert in Montreal on November 28th 2007. The Grand Prize winner will be announced on December 8th, after a second round of voting.

Don't wait! Make your voice heard today.

Press Release:

IndieMV.com Launches and Partners With UNICEF for Upcoming, Star-Studded, 'Unite Against AIDS' Benefit Concert

Avril Lavigne, Sarah McLachlan and Others to Perform at UNICEF AIDS Benefit Concert as IndieMV Provides Music-Video Based Contests to Promote Awareness

NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IndieMV Media Group announced today the official launch of the Company's web site www.IndieMV.com and shared details about their recent partnership with UNICEF to provide music-video based contests surrounding the upcoming "Unite Against AIDS" benefit concert on November 28, 2007.

IndieMV.com, is a video-based website that has been designed to connect independent music artists, fans, and labels through social networking. The website is not only a video marketplace for musicians but also a social networking service for students, music lovers, and users that simply want to connect. Services to users are based around networking tools such as video blogging (or 'vlogging'), private web-cam messaging, photo sharing, as well as access to music videos, interviews, and much more. Services to musicians include digital distribution with revenue share on video downloads along with access to all user-based features.

IndieMV also offers users a new technology called 'Sliders'. Sliders are an advanced tagging system that allows users to easily search content on a more personalized level. It is a filtering system that each user can customize to their personal interests and preferences.

Concurrent with the website launch, the Company is also pleased to announce their new relationship with UNICEF surrounding music-video based contests that have been organized to help promote their upcoming "Unite Against AIDS" benefit concert in Montreal, Canada on November 28, 2007, as well as promote independent music while spreading awareness for the "Unite For Children, Unite Against AIDS" campaign. IndieMV will be hosting a music-video contest in conjunction with UNICEF. It has been designed to give youth the opportunity to share their impressions and thoughts on issues regarding AIDS and its effect on the world. UNICEF will provide audio tracks and visual footage, and IndieMV will provide the platform for uploading, viewing, and voting for the music videos. Over the next couple of months, the Company's campus development efforts will carry the UNICEF message and encourage thousands to support the campaign and to build their scene on IndieMV.com.

Confirmed feature performers already include headliner Avril Lavigne, Grammy Award winner Sarah McLachlan, Corneille, Marie-Mai, Angelique Kidjo, and DJ Dino Lenny, as well as the winner of the IndieMV "Unite" band contest. Net proceeds from the concert will benefit UNICEF's international 'Unite For Children, Unite Against AIDS' campaign, which is the largest ever mounted to bring the world's attention to the global impact of HIV and AIDS on children and young people. Please visit www.IndieMV.com for more details surrounding the contests and concert.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Breast-rubbing Dentist

Okay, now I've heard it all. This dentist, who is up on charges for fondling the breasts of 27 female patients, claims that 'pectoral massages' are standard treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Having suffered from TMJ disorder, I didn't really buy that explanation, so I went surfing for more information.

So far, the best I could find regarding massages and TMJ dealt with relaxing the joints - which reside in front of the ear on either side of the face. Frankly, I think this guy is a quack and a pervert. It doesn't matter to me that he needs to continue seeing patients to support 7 kids and pay for his defense.

Take his license and let him serve fries at the local burger joint. He has no business dealing with patients.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

EDealFinder.com

There are coupons available from merchants all over the Internet. Unless you visit a site that compiles all active online discount codes, you have to check each site for their deals. That takes a lot of time and you run the risk of finding the perfect deal, after it expires.

On EDealFinder you can search by store and find all of the current Overstock coupons or Overstock discount codes. If you're not sure what store has what you need, shop by product. From apparel & clothing to web services, you'll find the coupons and deals you need to save money on whatever you want to buy.

Whenever I plan to make a purchase of any size, I start by checking for discounts and coupons. It doesn't make sense to pay full price when I can save money.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

How Big is Your Carbon Footprint?

Today, October 15th, is Blog Action Day, a day when thousands of bloggers, reaching millions of readers, all post about one cause - the Environment. There is no agenda, no required viewpoint. Each writer will post about what is important to them.

There are calculators (BPs is one of my favorites) for determining your personal or household carbon footprint, based on household energy habits and usage, energy-rated appliances, recycling habits, and miles traveled per year. While that is a pretty good indication of how much carbon dioxide you're releasing into the environment, such calculations leave some interesting items out of the equation.

• How much meat do you eat?
  • The meat industry creates 18% of the world's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in methane from cattle and nitrous oxide from manure. We still eat meat, but much less than we used to and the amount lessens every year.
    
    
• What types of light bulbs do you use?
  • Compact fluorescents (CFLs) use one-fourth the electricity and generate 70% less heat than standard incandescent bulbs. Even as renters, we were able to replace every bulb, but one, with CFLs. Because these bulbs generate more light, I can easily read any size print from the comfort of my recliner, with only the light from one fixture across the room.
    
  • I would also recommend putting lights on dimmer switches whenever possible. For most activities, it may not be necessary to have a lamp turned all the way up, allowing a further reduction in energy usage.
    
    
• Do you mail your bill payments?
  • By paying bills online or through automatic deductions, fewer trees have to die for checks, envelopes, and postage, and less fuel is needed to deliver mail. We don't receive any bills by mail; all of the information is available online. This further reduces the need to fell trees for paper or fuel mail trucks to bring us statements.
    
    
• Where does your food come from?
  • Buying locally grown and produced goods decreases the use of fuels to transport these items from other parts of your country or the world. Additionally, supporting neighborhood farmers and artisans strengthens local economies and offers fresher, healthier products.

Many thanks to Jay and Julie Online.com for many of these ideas. It's nice to know that Mark and I had already adopted many of these ideas for reducing our carbon footprint.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Amazing Wine Club

There are dozens of wine clubs on the Internet, all claiming to offer the best wines at the best value. Only one is part of the Amazing Clubs gourmet Gift of the Month Clubs. All of the gifts are hand-selected and approved by a group of gourmet professionals.

In packages of red or white or one bottle of each, these hard-to-find wines are carefully selected by the club's experts for their complexity, clarity, aroma, and exclusivity. Additionally, many of the featured wineries have received the highest honors at international tasting competitions. Whether they come from Argentina, Germany, Portugal, or the Napa Valley, you won't find these items in any other gift club.

You'll love the flexibility, as well. There are 4 different clubs to which you can subscribe: 3-month, 6-month, 12-month, and Wine-of-the-Season, delivering unique selections four times per year. No matter the frequency, you'll receive wines guaranteed to please the most discriminating connoisseur.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Giving Up Bad Habits

No matter what anyone tells you, smoking is one of the most difficult habits to give up. Seriously! When I decided to stop drinking every day, I stopped. There were, of course, periodic cravings - especially when I was stressed - but, by and large, I just quit.

Perhaps, I'm not really ready to quit smoking - I don't know. For the last few days, I've been trying to break my smoking habits. I don't carry cigarettes when I drive, because I automatically lit one every time I started the truck. (Of course, with this knee, I'm not exactly driving a lot.) That first cup of coffee in the morning is still a bit rough - it always signaled my first cigarette of the day, as well.

I'm down to about one pack every 3 days - which is better, but not exactly quitting. Who knows? Maybe if I put a patch on when I got up, instead of firing up a smoke, I'd have more success.

Whaddaya think?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bed and Breakfast Paris

Like many people, I have always wanted to visit different European cities, from Munich to Barcelona to Amsterdam to Stockholm. But Paris - that city resides at the very top of my I-just-have-to-go-there list. Museums, cathedrals, the right and left banks, and the food have to be experienced.

Now, it's one thing to stay at a hotel that could be in any world city and trudge along with the other tourists, oohing and aahing at the landmarks in the City of Light. Personally, I prefer the idea of bed and breakfast Paris accommodations. It would be amazing to learn French from Parisians, and experience the city as the natives do.

I'm starting my vacation fund right now. How can I resist the chance to start each day with a buttery croissant and rich French coffee, while escaping the crowds in one of the world's most beautiful cities?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Owners of Massacred Pets to Receive Help

I don't know if you've been following this story, but it's horrendous. Apparently, residents of some Puerto Rican housing projects were told that they were not allowed to have pets. In order to ensure compliance with this policy, the owners hired a company to come in and remove the pets.

If that weren't bad enough, the contractor that removed the animals is reported to have injected the animals and taken them to a nearby city where they were thrown off a 50-foot bridge. Many of the animals, though seriously injured, survived the fall. The company's owner responded with, to paraphrase, "You can't prove those were the animals we removed."

Happily, if that's a term that can be applied to this situation, Friends of the Animals and other groups, are helping the pet owners pursue claims of animal cruelty and civil rights violations. I'm not sure that being able to own a pet is really a civil right, but I'm happy to see the animal cruelty charges being aggressively pursued.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Business Card Reader

For years, as Customer Service Supervisor, I handed out business cards. Although most of my customer interaction was by telephone, there were occasions when I had to correspond with contacts in writing. Clipping my card to these letters, ensured that whenever the need arose, the people with whom I communicated had my name, number, and email address. In turn, I collected a fair number of business cards.

Back then, there were few ways to keep this information at my fingertips: copy everything onto a card in my desktop address file, type the data into a email address book, or file the business card in a notebook. None of which were really effective. Rewriting or typing the address and phone number left room for errors and was not a constructive use of my time. Filing the card away meant flipping through pages of similar information, every time I wanted to contact a particular customer. Again, wasting time.

What I needed was Scan2Contacts business card reader. Something that, in a the blink of an eye, reads the information and creates a new contact record for me in Microsoft Outlook. It will even pick up images and logos. And, unlike other products, it doesn't require scanning into another application first.

Small and light, this scanner can go anywhere and everywhere. Just imagine working a trade show or exhibit and being able to immediately add attendees' information for follow-up back at the office. Or perhaps you're a salesrep, traveling your territory and making new contacts. How helpful would it be to be able to have all those names and numbers at your fingertips, just moments after completing that sales call?

No more worrying about losing those little cards or copying down incorrect information. Now, you can compile a contact list and compose thank-you or reminder messages right from your laptop while events are fresh in your mind. Impress your customers and your sales team with your meticulous attention to detail and consummate customer service.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Family Dynamics

Mark and I, as you know, have been through a lot in the last month. In fact, it's hard to believe that it's only been a month, given everything that's happened. Between Mark's surgery and near death at the hands of an incompetent doctor, and my food poisoning and fractured knee - it's been quite a roller coaster ride. But, all in all, it hasn't been as stressful as I expected.

Of course, I was worried sick about Mark and frantic that I couldn't get to the hospital. But he got the best care he could get and pulled through amazingly well, while my knee is getting a little better every day. As we are wont to do, we are surviving and even have a bit of a sense of humor about the whole mess.

What amazes me is that, with Michael gone, my stress level is virtually non-existent. I've cut back so far on my medications, that I only take 1/2 a dose, every other day or so. I just don't need it. When I go to bed at night, I fall asleep without a worry and sleep through the night. It's been about 3 years since I could do that.

Sadly, my peace may soon be coming to an end. There is a court date, October 17th, regarding Michael's placement and Mark is pretty sure that he'll be coming back here at that point. May God forgive me, I hope not.

I don't want to go back to hiding everything I own, because Michael gets into or breaks them. I don't want to have to worry every time the phone rings, because Michael has been causing trouble at school again. I don't want to get sick to my stomach at 2:30 every afternoon, because Michael will be home in 20 minutes. That's just no way to live.

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God Bless!

Jules

$10,000 Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest

This is an interesting and fun scholarship contest, open to high school, college, and university students enrolled in the last half of 2007. All the entrants have to do is submit an original design, between October 1, 2007 and January 15, 2008, that's appropriate for personalized birthday, all-occasion, holiday, or business christmas cards. The design can be a photo, artwork, or a graphic, as long as it's an original work. As with many contests, only one entry per person is allowed.

Sponsored by Prudent Publishing, Inc., for their Gallery Collection of business cards, the judging criteria are very simple:

• Overall aesthetic appeal
• Quality of execution
• Creativity and Originality
• Successful incorporation of design elements
• Appropriateness for use as a greeting card
• Attractiveness to The Gallery Collection's corporate and consumer customers
• Suitability as a design in Prudent's Gallery Collection greeting card line

If you're not sure what design would be appropriate, start by looking at the Gallery Collection's current portfolio of Christmas Cards or All Occasion Cards. You'll notice, first, that all of the cards are horizontal; secondly, they are all a 5 1/2" x 7 7/8" standard size. Keeping those basics in mind, the rest is up to the designer. Some designs take up most of the card face; others are smaller and centered or framed to maximize the effect.

I have to admit, one of the things that immediately appealed to me about this line of cards was the variety. Whether you are looking for something formal, muted, and sedate or casual, amusing, and colorful, you can find an appropriate card for any occasion. How much fun would it be to see your design added to this amazing collection?

Why not enter today and find out?

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God Bless!

Jules

Big Fish Games

We love playing computer games, although our tastes are pretty divergent. I love match-3, card & board, and word games; Mark's into hidden object, puzzle, and action games. There are a lot of sites on the 'Net that let you play for free, but the game versions they offer rarely have all the levels and the screen size tends to bother my eyes after a while.

Because we tend to buy the games that we really like, it gets a tad expensive at $19.99 a game. That's why Big Fish Games is so great for us. Mark joined their Game Club and, for a full 12 months, we now get one game a month for just $6.99.

The monthly club charge is automatically deducted and we can choose our game whenever we want. If there's a month that we forget to pick a game or can't decide, it doesn't matter. The credits don't expire, ever. And Big Fish adds games all the time, so there's never a problem finding something that one of us just has to have.

If you don't want a game every month for a year, they have packages for 6 months at $7.99 a game or 2 months at $9.99 a game. No matter which one you choose, you're saving a fortune over full game prices at other sites.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Lizard Lighting

If your home's outdoors consists of more than a concrete walkway, like we have, then you've probably thought about the best way to add lighting. While halogen and incandescent lighting have been around for years, there's something new in the marketplace - LED landscape lighting. You might be surprised at the benefits you'll experience over more traditional options.

Concerned about energy consumption and the environment? Then, LED lighting makes perfect sense, as these bulbs use about 90% less energy and last much longer, helping you reduce the impact on your wallet and the environment. LED lights last about 100,000 hours, which means that you can operate them 8 hours a day for about 30 years. Can you say the same of halogen and incandescent bulbs?

Starting in February, Lizard Lighting will be bringing new ideas and options to outdoor lighting. They've already compiled some important information and are adding more every day. The Energy Star program is intriguing, as is the article on Ernst & Young's amazing savings, due to a change to LED lighting.

From porch lights to walkway lamps, learn how you can improve your outdoors.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Hannah Montana Concert Tickets Gone

Mark was reading this story today and we're both just shocked by what the brokers have done to the fans. If you haven't heard, within just a few minutes of tickets going on sale, all venues sold out. Brokers, some say they cheated, got online, jumped ahead of the fans, and bought out all of the venues.

If that isn't bad enough - which I think it is - the ticket prices went from the $63.00 original price to $350 - $2,000 in the hands of the brokers. I've been attending concerts for decades and can't recall any situation like this in the past. That includes the Prince "Purple Rain" tour and REO Speedwagon's "High Infidelity" tour - 2 of the most publicized concerts I've had the pleasure of attending.

It might be that I saw those events in Michigan, which has broker limits in place. Only four other states enforce limits on brokers - Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Rhode Island. In fact, Rhode Island caps broker increases to $3.00 or 10% of the ticket price, whichever is greater. Now that I could live with, if - for some reason - I was unable to just purchase tickets from the venue.

Interestingly, Attorneys General in Arkansas and Missouri are filing suits against brokers, accusing them of illegally reselling tickets to the Hannah Montana concert. It'll be interesting to see what happens. My favorite tidbit from this news story comes at the end, where experts are quoted as saying that - unless broker prices drop as the concert dates approach - there are going to be a lot of sold-out venues, with empty seats.

Frankly, I think that's exactly what these greedy so-and-so's deserve!

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

The Wealth Expo

Wealth, whatever that means to you, is about learning smart ways to make your money work harder. Despite the ups and downs in real estate and the stock market, opportunities for investment do exist. You just have to know where to look and how to get started.

For three exciting days, October 19-21, visit New York and experience the Wealth Expo. It doesn't matter whether you're interested in real estate or stocks or purchasing a franchise or just don't know. There are sessions and keynote speakers to help you make these important financial decisions.

First, check the schedule for the dates and times:

• Friday, 10/19: 1 p.m.-6:30 p.m. EDT w/ a cocktail hour to follow
• Saturday, 10/20: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. EDT w/ a cocktail hour to follow
• Sunday, 10/21: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. EDT (no cocktail hour)

Now that you know when, it's time to read through the wealth workshops schedule to determine what appeals to your inner investor. Remember, not everyone has the same goals in life and certainly won't have the same interests when it comes to investing.

For me, there were a couple of sessions that suited my investment risk personality. BP, “Fueling the World’s Possibilities” at 1:30pm on October 20th, immediately caught my eye. Having recently read about some of the non-fossil fuel innovations that BP is funding and developing, I would like more information about how to become involved in reducing society's carbon footprint. Not only is BP exploring solar energy, they are working to develop technologies that will reduce production costs.

The other session that really appealed to me was DVDNow Kiosks, Inc., “Building Massive Profits from Self-Service DVD Rental Kiosks”. Scheduled for 4:30 on October 20th, this is something that I feel I can do, without experiencing risk at the hands of the latest market whims. I know, from our buying patterns, that people are always interested in owning the latest DVD release or in finding a favorite movie, newly released on DVD.

These three days, sponsored by MyWallSt.net: Your Financial Social Network, are packed with information and opportunities. Where else would you have the chance to speak with top executives, attend innovative franchise seminars, and discover new real estate opportunities? Don't miss out. Register now!

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

What Not to Wear

Have you ever seen "What Not to Wear"? It's one of the few shows, "10 Years Younger" is another, that I tend to watch faithfully. The basic premise, as the title indicates, is teaching people how to change their wardrobes for the better. Once the lessons are over, each person is sent out with $5,000 to properly replace their wardrobe.

It's a tad brutal, in that the two hosts start by literally throwing out most of the existing wardrobe - complete with extremely honest appraisals of each item. If that weren't difficult enough, there is a segment where the offensive outfits are tried on in front of a 360 degree mirror. Eek! Unflattering becomes hugely unflattering. The funny part is so many people still don't see how unattractive their choices are.

Sadly, I realized today that I have become a perfect candidate for this show. Thinking about the shorts and over-sized shirt I had on last night for my run to the store - just not good. It's not that I don't have nicer clothes, I do; most of my work wardrobe is dressy casual. I've simply gotten lazy. Very, very lazy.

It's a lot of work to change clothes just to run to the corner store for soda or toilet paper. Not to mention, it's just too hot to 'dress up' for these little walks. Perhaps it's time for me to return to the "this is okay for cleaning house, but not for public display" idea. I don't know.

I do know, however, that I wouldn't want Stacy and Clinton to catch me on the street!

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Holiday Hypermarket

Looking for a great European vacation or family ski holiday? You've come to the right place. There are millions of inexpensive destinations to choose from and all you have to do is pick your favorite spot.

One location I never even thought about was Romania. Hotels, villas, and chalets are available for any budget, along with enough blue, red, and black ski runs to accommodate all skill levels. Once you're done on the slopes, why not try some of the local restaurants and discos for some authentic food and entertainment?

It doesn't matter if you're looking for upscale ski resorts or affordable family vacations, Holiday Hypermarket has just what you need.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Health Update

Well, it's been about 10 days, so I thought I'd let everyone know how we're doing.

Mark's off the pain medication and, most days, doesn't have too much pain. Of course, that's not always the case. Between his liver acting up and the missing 3/4 lung, he has some pretty rough days. His body is trying to heal, so he's pretty tired and has to rest quite a bit.

I've been completely off the crutches for about a week now and get around pretty well. The trips to the store don't take quite as long, but the stairs are a serious pain in the knee. By the time I get up to the apartment, I'm ready for a nap.

We made a pact tonight, because it just had to be done - only one of us can be out of commission at a time. No more double trouble, it's just too hard on everyone.

I've managed to fix 3 meals a day and even got a couple of loads of laundry done today, but I have to do a lot of sitting in between chores. And it seems like no matter how much I do, I'm just not getting enough done before I run out of energy. That, I'm just not accustomed to.

Thankfully, things can only get better.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bad Credit Offers

Not sure how to go about repairing your credit? Neither was I, until I found Bad Credit Offers. Instead of running around the Internet, taking the first offer that I can find, I can compare offers and make certain that I'm choosing one that will actually help me.

One of the toughest things to get is a bad credit personal loan, because you aren't offering any collateral to support the loan. Depending on your circumstances, you'll find up to 5 offers available here; some don't even require a credit check.

Looking for a credit card? Check out these top 10 offers that include secured and unsecured cards. With interest rates as low as 9.9%, you're sure to find an offer that works for you.

Most of the cards report to all 3 credit bureaus, so just make your payments on time and improve your credit history. Each offer includes details and application instructions, as well as a link to the institution's website. All of the information you need to make an informed decision and select the option that is right for you.

Before you jump at something that looks too good to be true, try Bad Credit Offers for real solutions to your credit problems.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Drug Makers Pull Infant Cold Medicines

Amazingly, we have a product recall that has nothing to do with items imported from China. As a parent, I know that medicating very young children is a touchy matter. Luckily, when my son was an infant, we had an amazing pediatrician who helped me learn when and how to manage fevers and colds.

Today I read that safety concerns prompted several major drug manufacturers to voluntarily recall cold medications designed for infants. Government health officials have also advised parents not to give over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to children younger than 2 years of age. The risk, according to this article, is that it is too easy for parents to over-medicate children.

Experts stated that the medicines being recalled were designed to treat cold symptoms and there was little evidence that they were effective in children under 2 years old. In addition, Baltimore's health commissioner noted that there are no recommended doses for children under age two, so any safety and effectiveness claims cannot be confirmed. To my mind, children that young grow at such varying rates that it would be virtually impossible for parents to determine how much medicine to give.

When my son was small, we had friends with a young son who was almost exactly one month older. However, the size difference between the two boys was incredible. There is just no way that a dose of fever medicine would be the same for each of them. Hence, the risk to infants.

Parents are being advised not to give their young children these OTC medications involved in the recall: infant versions of Johnson & Johnson's Pediacare and Tylenol drops, Wyeth's Dimetapp drops, Novartis' Triaminic strips and Prestige Brands Holdings' Little Colds Decongestant. In fact, CVS pharmacy is removing name-brand and store-brand versions from their shelves and has offered full refunds for any items returned to the store.

There are so many natural ways to alleviate a baby's cold symptoms. Please seek your pediatrician's advice, rather than running to the drug store.

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God Bless!

Jules

North Carolina Weddings

If you're planning a wedding anywhere in North Carolina, start by visiting www.NorthCarolinaWeddings.com. From bands to cakes to limousines to tuxedos, they can help you find what you need in the location of your choice.

Is the city your style, with culture and nightlife at your fingertips? Then, a Charlotte wedding might be just what you're looking for. If the beauty of the North Carolina coast is calling you, let the coastal wedding vendors help you plan a Wilmington wedding.

No matter what your preference, from the beach to the mountains, from Asheville to Winston-Salem, you'll find the information you need to make your special day just perfect.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Numerology

If you've never had a numerology reading, you should give it a try. I recently completed an online form and, although the results were good, decided that this was something I could learn to do myself. So, I went searching for a website that explained what I needed to learn and gave me the tools to create my own reading.

I landed on, and bookmarked, Michael McClain's site because he explains what Numerology is, the basics of this discipline, and a history of numerology. The worksheets are fantastic. They take you through each of the tasks required to prepare a complete reading. You aren't going to become an expert overnight, but you can put together a pretty thorough assessment of how your name and birth date affect your life.

For example, my Life Path number, based on the digits in my birthdate, is a 7.

The Life Path 7 suggests that you entered this plane with a gift for investigation, analysis, and keen observation. You are a thinker of the first order. You evaluate situations very quickly, and with amazing accuracy. As a result, you are thorough and complete in your work, the perfectionist who expects everyone else to meet a high standard of performance, too.

Sounds great, huh? But there is a balance:

Indeed, operating on the negative side of the 7 can produce a very selfish and spoiled individual and living with one can be a challenge. This may be why some 7s actually prefer living alone. If you have any of the negative traits they are very difficult to get rid of because you tend to feel that the world really does owe you a living or that in some way you are not being fairly treated.

I'm going back to working on my reading. There's a lot left to look at and, hopefully, I'll find I'm not too bad a person, in the end.

Give it a try! It's really a lot of fun.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Upside-Down Christmas Tree

A few years ago, when we moved into this apartment, I bought a two-and-a-half foot fiberoptic tree. It has multiple tips on each branch that sparkle in ever changing colors. Really cute, but not exactly Mark's idea of the perfect tree. Quite by accident, I wandered onto Hammacher Schlemmer's Christmas tree pages and knew that I would be buying a new tree this year.


Just out of curiosity, I had to take a look at an upside down Christmas tree. These are the wildest trees I think I've ever seen. Little did I know that the design actually comes from a Central European tradition.

Not only does it allow for putting a tree in a smaller space or even a corner, you can pile a lot more presents (hint. hint.) underneath. One thing I didn't think about is how the ornaments would hang away from the branches, so they'd be more visible. Very interesting tree.


One of the first artificial trees I ever saw was an aluminum tree. One of my mother's friends had a gorgeous tree, complete with a lamp with a rotating disk that sat on the floor and shined different colors on the tree.

I couldn't tell you what she had on top of the tree, but all of the balls were the same bright color and they were big. Almost as big as my eyes when I got my first look at that Christmas tree. An incredible sight, I think I still prefer my trees to be more tree-like. You know, green?


That's why I fell in love with the Pre-lit Tree. It looks so real, you can almost smell the pine. And, critical to my little apartment, it comes in a 4-foot size that is perfect for our table. This is the look for us.

Happily, the light strands are integrated so that, if one bulb fails, the rest of the lights continue to work. Not to mention, they're strung so that the cords are virtually invisible and there is only one connection from the tree to the wall socket. Rather than a bare pole that you have to stick branch after branch into, this tree has sections that open like an umbrella and only takes about 30 minutes to put together. Just fantastic!

If you're looking for a new tree or are tired of the quality of your local options, you just have to visit Hammacher Schlemmer. They have real trees, flocked trees, wall trees, white trees, tabletop trees, frosted trees, and a collection of greenery that you can place anywhere in your home for the perfect holiday decorations.

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We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

The Case of the Amputated Leg

As long as people walk this earth, there will be 'odd news' to read. And, of course, the minute you think you've heard it all, something even stranger will come along to make you shake your head. Such is the story of the amputated leg.

Following a plane crash that killed his father, a gentleman was forced to have one of his legs amputated above the knee. In a decision that boggles my mind, he decided to keep the leg, so that he could have it cremated with the rest of him when he died. Over the last 3 years, he has stored it in a variety of places, including inside a barbecue smoker that he had kept in a mini-storage unit.

When he fell on hard times and couldn't pay his bill, the storage company auctioned off the contents of his unit - including the barbecue smoker. The new owner, upon opening the smoker, found the wrapped leg. At first he thought it was a piece of driftwood, but when it oozed fluid onto his hand, he freaked out, called 911, and surrendered the leg to authorities.

Now, both men want the leg back. So much so, they have agreed to fly to Chicago and have Judge Mathis adjudicate the case on national TV. It certainly takes all kinds to make a world, doesn't it?

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Leather Recliners

Back in 2004, while Mark was in the hospital, we decided to get rid of our broken down sofa and replace it with 2 recliners. They would fit better in our limited space and allow each of us to lie back and relax, rather than competing for the couch. As much as I hate going to stores, I bit the bullet and went shopping.

The chairs I bought had a lot of features and I was really happy. Mark would be the final test. Back then, suffering from end-stage liver disease, he was very, very thin; barely weighing more than I weigh now. The recliner was perfect for him. But, that was then and a lot has changed. With Mark being a healthier weight and the chair being three years old, they aren't such a great match anymore. So, I've been shopping again.

I have absolutely no qualms about buying furniture online; most of what we own now was purchased that way and we've been very happy with it. But I'm a stickler for getting what I pay for and don't believe that because something is expensive it's 'better'. So, in order to find the best deal I could, I decided to start with Wholesale Furniture Brokers. What could be better than paying wholesale prices?

After one look at their leather recliners, I knew that I didn't have to look any further. With over 40 recliners to choose from, all at the same price I paid three years ago for fabric upholstery, it was just a matter of finding something substantial for Mark. That didn't take long.

And, because it's critical that Mark be happy and comfortable with a new recliner, we can even visit the local store in our area. All in all, you just can't do better than Wholesale Furniture Brokers, no matter what you're looking for.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

The Kindness of Strangers

In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends. ~ John Churton Collins

Being unable to get around by myself for several days was an eye-opening experience. There were certain people, whom I've known for a while now, I asked for help, expecting that they would be willing. I was quite surprised to find myself snubbed.

Even more surprising were the offers and assistance that I received from complete strangers; people whose names I didn't (and still don't) know. It has never been my nature to ask for help. I just work at something until I can do it by myself. Most people call that stubborn; I wouldn't disagree. But, with a fractured kneecap, there was no way to tough it out until I got the job done.

The night I got home from the hospital, full of morphine and exhausted, I tried to maneuver my new crutches to get up the stairs. The cabbie was smaller and thinner than I and, every time he tried to help, I nearly knocked him down. Two men, helping their mother move in, saw what was happening and, the minute I said "Excuse me?" they rushed over, picked me up, and carried me up the stairs. One even showed me how to use my crutches, while the other gestured vaguely in the direction of his mother's new apartment.

One night, not long after my accident and desperate for a cigarette, I decided that I was going to grab my crutches, hobble down the stairs, and walk over to the store. (See? Stubborn!) I made it about halfway down the stairs when a neighbor I'd never seen before stopped me to ask what, exactly, I was trying to do. In her opinion, walking to the store with a fractured knee was foolish, so she bundled me into her car and drove me over.

A couple of days later, out of cigarettes again and needing coffee more than life, I tried going to the store again. This time I got down the stairs and to the end of the sidewalk. As I was figuring out how to step down into the parking lot to continue my trek, a man and his friend came walking up. He, too, felt that I was in no shape to walk to the store, so after finding out what brand I smoke and where I live, he sent me back upstairs and took off the way he'd come. A few minutes later, he showed up with my cigarettes. (I ran into him, 2 days ago, as I was walking to the store for cat litter. He remembered me and said he was happy to see that I was doing better.)

Well, that took care of the cigarettes, but I was still dying for a cup of coffee. So, once again, after a day or two, I determined that I was going to get to the store. And, lo and behold, I did. Proud, but exhausted, I got my smokes and a small container of coffee. Now I had to walk back. (Amazing how short the trip seemed when I had 2 good legs!) Standing at the edge of the sidewalk (hmmm, seems like a pattern here), I stopped to bolster my resolve. A gentleman I hadn't noticed before, stopped and asked if I needed help. I assured him that I was just getting myself set for the walk home. Long story short, he gave me a ride and waited until I got to the top of the stairs before he drove away.

The day that Mark was supposed to come home, I was clomping down the stairs, about to try driving for the first time. I had just made it down the stairs when someone called to me from the upper landing. It seems he'd seen me the night I went to the hospital and wanted me to know that he was a nurse, living almost next door, and if I needed any help I should just let him know.

A month ago, I would have told you that there aren't any Good Samaritans left in this world. Today, I know differently.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Select Blinds

I am extremely picky about my window coverings - no heavy draperies, no vertical blinds. Sheers are okay, but they require a nice valance or . . . something to complete the look. Whatever I use, it has to be low maintenance.

That's why I tend to lean toward horizontal blinds. They're easy to care for and come in a huge range of styles. I can let in as much or as little light as I want, without struggling to slide curtains along a rod or inviting the entire neighborhood to stare in my front window.

Watching HGTV and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" introduced me to Select Blinds, so I started shopping there. If they had read my mind, it couldn't have been more perfect. Just look at these mini-blinds. And they come in over 25 colors, with a free sample available so that you can be sure the color is perfect in your home.

I was thrilled with the look. But when I started reading about the standard features, I really fell in love. These blinds are custom-made in the United States; that's a big one for me. Designed to conform to CPSC* child-safety guidelines, they are heat-treated and spring tempered to resist bending, and come with a crash-proof cord lock, to prevent damage to your windowsill. Best of all, there is an anti-static additive in the paint that helps your blinds stay dust-free.

You have got to check out Select Blinds. And, if you've never ordered or installed blinds before, don't worry. There are step-by-step instructions for customizing, measuring, and installing each product. Still having problems? Get Live Help at the 24/7 Customer Care number. It couldn't be easier.

* Consumer Product Safety Commission

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Wolf Awareness Week

October is a busy month - Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Blog Action Day, BP Solar Decathlon - and Wolf Awareness Week, October 14-20, 2007. Defenders of Wildlife sponsors events around the country during the 3rd week of October, to celebrate wolves, as well as encourage conservation of all wildlife.

Please take time to learn about these beautiful creatures and their important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Find out what you can do to support the PAW Act and urge your representative to help stop Alaska's aerial hunting program. This Act will also help to curb the spread of such hunting programs to areas like Yellowstone.

If you live in or are planning to visit Golden, Colorado this month, please drop by the Lookout Mountain Nature Center between 1pm - 4pm on October 14th for An Afternoon of Wolves. A wolf expert from Yellowstone will be at the Center to share his knowledge of and experience with these amazing animals. The event is free and you can stop by at any time during the afternoon.

Other events are planned from Anchorage, Alaska to Smyrna, New York. Check back often for the latest listings.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

BP Solar Decathlon

I don't know if I've been living under a rock, but I had never heard of the BP Solar Decathlon until today. It's a fascinating event, pitting twenty teams in a competition to design, build, and operate a solar-powered home. Selected by the US Department of Energy, the teams are from colleges and universities around the world.

Not only must the teams use only solar energy to generate enough electricity to run the homes, their designs must be attractive and livable. Each house must maintain a comfortable temperature, provide sufficient lighting, generate enough power for cooking, cleaning, and home electronics, and provide hot water. In addition, they also need to be able to power an electric vehicle.

For the competition, the houses will be transported to the National Mall in Washington, DC where they will create a solar village. From October 11 - 19, the teams will compete in ten contests, scored by experts in architecture, engineering, and other related fields. No easy feat, the ten contests are:
* Architecture — 200 points
* Engineering — 150 points
* Market Viability — 150 points
* Communications — 100 points
* Comfort Zone — 100 points
* Appliances — 100 points
* Hot Water — 100 points
* Lighting — 100 points
* Energy Balance — 100 points
* Getting Around — 100 points

For more information on this event, BP has created the BP Solar Decathlon Blog in which a reporter and all of the teams will post throughout the competition. The blog also has information about each of the teams, spectator events, and alternative energy resources for you and your home.

If you're going to be in the Washington DC area between the 11th and the 19th, be sure to check out the general event information for times and locations. I can't imagine what these houses will be like. But I would love to be there.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Quotations

I've enjoyed reading quotations for as long as I can remember. Of course, I also read the dictionary for enjoyment, so it's all relative. But, there's just something about getting inside another person's mind, learning how they see the world, that comes through in quotations. Think about it - having read Ambrose Bierce or Will Rogers or Nietzsche, is there any doubt how they see the world?

Some of my favorites cover a broad range of subjects. It appears, however, that I have a fondness for sarcasm and dry wit. Hmmm? I wonder what that says about my opinion of the world?


A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~ Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious. ~ Brendan Gill

Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much. ~ Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)

If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer. ~ Alfred North Whitehead (1861 - 1947)

Laws are like sausages. It's better not to see them being made. ~ Otto von Bismarck (1815 - 1898)

An intelligence test sometimes shows a man how smart he would have been not to have taken it. ~ Laurence J. Peter (1919 - 1988)

The mystery of government is not how Washington works but how to make it stop. ~ P. J. O'Rourke (1947 - )

Many that live deserve death. And some die that deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then be not too eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing for your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends. ~ J. R. R. Tolkien (1892 - 1973), The Lord Of the Rings, Book Four, Chapter One

I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. ~ Rita Rudner

The safest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it in your pocket. ~ Kin Hubbard (1868 - 1930)

I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority. ~ E. B. White (1899 - 1985)

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Protect Your "i"

If you own an iPod or iPhone, you know that they aren't inexpensive and you, certainly, wouldn't want to have to replace one if it got damaged. I have several carrying cases for my phone, but they won't do much more than minimize scratches. Should the phone get dropped, there's no protection; not to mention, they inhibit the use of the phone.

For better protection and usability, take a look at some of these iPod accessories. The aluminum case is one of the most innovative items I've ever seen. Made of aircraft-grade metal, it's lined with neoprene (like in diving suits) for cushioning and a snug fit. While it leaves the click-wheel open for easy use, there is a permanent plastic screen over the display to eliminate scratching. And the price is amazing!

Another great product that protects against scratches is InvisibleShield, basically body armor for your iPod. Originally used to protect the edges of helicopter blades, this cover is guaranteed for life. That's right! If it ever scratches, the manufacturer will replace it - for FREE.

No matter what you need for your iPod or iPhone, check out pdostore.com. They have a selection of accessories that just boggled my mind.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Blog Action Day

Organized by a core team of bloggers, October 15, 2007 has been designated Blog Action Day. A day when bloggers around the world will join together to put one important issue - the environment - on everybody's mind. Can you imagine the impact? Thousands of posts from every corner of the globe, speaking out on one day, about one concern.

It doesn't matter what your blog is about. I have three, not counting Yahoo!360, - one you're reading right now, another is a creative writing blog, the third is on MySpace. I've registered all of them. Curious about which blogs are participating? Check out the list of over 8,000!

Do you make money blogging? Why not donate your earnings from October 15th to an environmental charity? Choose from five officially supported organizations, from Greenpeace to The Nature Conservancy. You'll find donation details, as well as links to each charity's website, on the Blog Action Day website.

What about your friends who blog? Send them an email and let them know about this important day. And don't forget to add a banner to your website or blog. The goal is mass participation, so make sure that everyone you know gets the word.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

The Godfrey Group, Inc.

If you've ever been to a trade show or exhibit, you know that there is a wide variety in the display choices. How do exhibitors know what works best for their product? What does it take to compete, when your business is on a tight budget and you don't want to sacrifice quality for affordability?

That's where The Godfrey Group comes to the rescue. They have display options for every need, from portable systems to custom galleries to kiosks and workstations to light boxes. On a budget? The tabletop display options are fantastic. Start as small as you like and grow your display as your business and budget grows. Add a table runner or throw with your company logo and you've inexpensively doubled the footprint of your display.

I was totally amazed by the Roll 'N' Go Table Top Display. The price makes it perfect for a company just starting out in trade shows and, get this, it literally rolls up for storage or transporting from show to show. If you're not sure that shows are right for your business, The Godfrey Group offers standard and custom displays that can be rented for an entire show, at a cost of 30% to 40% of the purchase price.

No matter what your budget or needs, from graphic design to structure design and fabrication, this is the company that can and will work with you to ensure that your goals are realized. Give them a look today. You'll like what you see.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Tell Rush Limbaugh to Apologize

I've never been a Rush Limbaugh fan, although I used to listen to his TV program off and on. It was a bit like a train wreck - you didn't want to look, for fear of what you'd see, but you just couldn't help yourself. Plus, there was always the chance that you'd get to see him stuff both feet in his mouth.

Apparently, Mr. Limbaugh still likes to make an utter fool of himself. The latest came on his September 20th broadcast, where he called American servicemen and women who oppose the war in Iraq "phony soldiers". This is not a small number - according to a December 2006 poll, only 35% of service members approved of Bush's handling of the war.

The Care2 Petition Site is asking everyone who supports our troops (you don't have to support the war) and is offended by these comments to sign this petition and tell Rush Limbaugh to apologize to our troops. Remember, his show is broadcast on Armed Forces Radio, so members of the service - around the world - heard these insults.

Won't you take a minute and sign this petition? I have.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

QuickSupply.net

Over the last 2 years, I have been slowly and carefully putting together the supplies and equipment that I need to help me run my business. Naturally, I could pay someone else to design my logo, print my business cards and brochures, and design and maintain my website. But that would be financially foolish, when I can learn to do all of these things myself.

One of the last hurdles I have to deal with is shipping. Currently, I package and address orders for shipment, then have to take them to UPS or USPS for weighing and postage. Both shippers offer home pick-up, saving me the time and trouble of going out; not to mention, online postage calculations and label printing. Without an extremely accurate scale, I can't take advantage of these options.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I found QuickSupply.net and their line of shipping scales. Something I've been wanting to do for over a year, I was reluctant to actually buy a postal scale because I thought they'd either be too expensive or not accurate enough to guarantee that my orders wouldn't arrive, horror of horrors, postage-due.

Much to my amazement, I quickly found a model, within my price range, that had more features that I would have imagined. The Pelouze Digital Postal Scale not only calculates rates for USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, it can add in certified mail and insurance costs. Designed to never become obsolete, this scale allows you to download postage rates from the Internet, as they change, without replacing chips or circuits.

I don't know what else I could possibly need. This scale solves all of my shipping problems and will for years to come.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Housework Is The Pits!

Years ago, when I was in junior high school, I played the flute. I actually started playing in 4th grade, but being musical was just fun at that point. Over time, with a great deal of practice, I actually became quite good at it. However, that was just a side benefit. The real reason I practiced that flute for hours and hours was to get out of my chores. (Yes, I was a devious child!)

I hated dishes and dusting and vacuuming and ironing, all of the things that my mother decided were my chores. Dusting, vacuuming, and ironing were weekend jobs, so they weren't quite as bad. But dishes?! Dishes had to be done every day and often more than once a day! It was beyond cruel! Mom didn't believe in a machine to wash dishes, not when she had kids. In all fairness, her little kitchen didn't have an extra millimeter of room; a dishwasher was out of the question.

Now, if anyone ever tries to tell you that the events of your youth don't have a huge impact on your life as an adult - tell them to call me! I'll set them straight! To this very day, thousands of years later, I hate dishes, dusting, vacuuming, and ironing. Hate them so much that, if I had to choose between dishes and root canal - I'd choose the root canal.

Oh sure, every now and then I get a burst of guilt over the clutter and do the 'white tornado' business, cleaning everything in site until it sparkles. Every now and then - only. I even own an iron - although I'm pretty sure it's never been plugged in and certainly has never been introduced to any article of clothing that resides in the closet.

In fact, as I sit here typing, I know good and well that there are dishes screaming to be washed and floors that need to be vacuumed. I know that - just as sure as I know that if I can find anything else to do, I'll jump at the chance.

Just please, call before you stop by!? It gives me time to shove the dirty dishes into the oven.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Supermediastore.com

The old adage "You get what you pay for." is old and an adage because it tends to be true. Mark and I found some name-brand blank CDs and DVDs at the store across the street for $2.00 to $3.00 per package. Since we do a great deal of photo and data backups, this was a terrific deal. Or so we thought.

Despite repeated success writing to other brands of CDs and DVDs, our PC and laptop refused to recognize these inexpensive discs. We were left with a collection of very colorful coasters and an enhanced level of frustration. I even contacted the manufacturer, who assured me that there was nothing wrong with their media - it had to be both of our drives. Yeah, right.

Enter Supermediastore.com, the answer to, not only, my disc problems, but the savings I've been looking for on a several other computing and printing issues. They offer a huge variety of blank discs and packaging cases, not to mention computer hardware, memory, and ink and toner cartridges. Frankly, they have things I didn't know existed, but that I now just have to have.

I started by pricing HP inkjet cartridges. Between business cards, flyers, brochures and mailers, gift cards, and care instruction inserts, I use a lot of ink. Retail outlets are just hugely expensive. Now, I know where I can get just what I need at a fraction of the cost, and I can be confident that all of my printing projects will be sharp and clear.

Another 'gotta have' that we tried with minimal success was a flash memory card for our digital cameras. Not much luck there, the card didn't want to work in either camera. Today I found just what we need - a quality SD card. These cards are not only compatible with our cameras, we can use them with either of our computers to save and transfer data in a snap. Great flexibility in our day-to-day functioning.

Of course, I also found something new (to me, anyway) and exciting that is going straight to the top of my Christmas wish-list. The Ritek Ridata Business Card, which is a digital media business card. No larger than a standard business card, it fits on the recess tray of a CD drive and holds up to 50MB or 5 minutes of data.

Can you imagine being able to hand out a digital presentation, in lieu of a static piece of cardboard? I can! And, if that weren't enough, you just can't beat the price. For about $0.40 each, you get a writable disc and a vinyl sleeve in which to present your high-tech business card. That's almost as inexpensive as traditional cards with 10-times the impact.

You don't have to be a business owner to appreciate the selection and value at Supermediastore.com; you just have to visit the site.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Ah! What a Beautiful Day!

Having survived the 'vampire time' - summer in southern Arizona, where it's too hot to venture outside before sundown - we are now heading into everyone's favorite season: comfortable. Now, in most parts of the country you have 4 seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. In Arizona, we have 2 basic seasons - miserable and comfortable. Once in a while, Mother Nature throws in chilly as a bonus, but not often enough that it actually warrants mention as a third season.

The way we know that 'comfortable' has arrived is the fresh-air factor, which is really quite simple. If you can open your windows and, this is the important part, leave them open all day - it's 'comfortable'. Occasionally, during the 'miserable' time, there will be an odd morning that is refreshingly comfortable. One might be tempted to open windows at this point. Fatal error!

Before 10:00am, the heat will have risen so dramatically that it will take at least 24 hours to cool the house or apartment back down to a livable temperature. Even when the weatherman claims that the mid-day temperatures are going to be comfortable, don't be fooled. Should the temperature not reach triple digits that day, the humidity will rise to double digits and cancel out any relief from the heat by building the equivalent of a state-wide sauna outside your front door.

Today is the third consecutive day that we have opened our windows and kept them open. A very good sign. Perhaps I'll even walk outside today. Of course, there's always tomorrow - just in case this is a trick!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Grandfather Clocks

I have always wanted a grandfather clock. Something about the timeless elegance just calls to me, even in the new grandfather clocks. Quality materials and movements make for a future family heirloom that can be proudly passed down from generation to generation.

Although I admired my in-laws' clock, I really didn't know anything about choosing and caring for such a delicate timepiece. To that end, I went looking and found 1-800-4clocks.com. Not only do they offer an amazing collection of quality clocks, they have a blog that addresses concerns and important things to know, such as Moving Grandfather Clocks.

After leisurely wandering the website, I settled down with the Howard Miller grandfather clocks. This collection is incredibly diverse in style. I saw everything from traditional (not quite my style) to extremely contemporary (definitely not my style). Somewhere in between, I found my perfect match.

Everything about "Emerille" appealed to me. The size is perfect for the space beside our desk, where it can be seen and enjoyed from anywhere in the room. I like the classic look of the Roman numerals on the clock face and the hand-painted filigrees are elegant without being fussy. With a choice of chimes, Westminster or Ave Maria, automatic nighttime chime shut-off, and levelers in all four corners of the base, this grandfather clock has everything I want. When you add in free shipping and free in-home set-up, there was nothing more that I could ask for.

If you're in the market for a grandfather clock, I can't think of a better place to start. For those of you who are lucky enough to already own one of these beautiful timepieces, why not wander over to the Grandfather Clocks Blog and read about what draws people to grandfather clocks.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Visiting Kids

We had a great time last night. Mark's son, his 'junior' actually, came by to visit, with his girlfriend. It's been a long time since we saw the two of them, so it was wonderful to have them here. I guess she's getting more comfortable with us, because she actually talked for a change.

Mark was showing off the new phone he got in August, which started a running theme from Jr. about how crappy his phone was. In between phone complaints, we talked about his job, watched a little 'Iron Chef America' and talked about food - just had a nice time. Then, Frankie and friends showed up.

I was in seventh heaven! It was only the second time I've seen Frankie since he moved out in June and I really miss the kid. The brothers teased each other about their hairlines, who was tougher, and who could take who. When Frankie showed Jr. his phone, that was the final straw. "I am getting a new phone!" was Jr.'s mantra for the rest of the evening.

Mark made jokes about the two of them and everyone jumped on the bandwagon. I haven't laughed so much in a very long time. Happily, I got a chance to talk to Frankie about how school is going, if he's still planning to go to culinary school, if he likes his new school; something I've missed terribly in the last few weeks.

Then, by 9:00, everyone had taken off and quiet reigned again. Now, that's what I call perfect - spend time with two of 'our' boys, laugh and enjoy their company - then send them home. It just doesn't get much better.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Wirefly.com

When we signed up for wireless service 3 years ago, we didn't exactly do a lot of comparison shopping. Mark had, literally, gotten out of the hospital that day. In a manic desire to replace our pay-as-you-go phones, he ended up dragging me to the nearest wireless store. All things considered, we got really lucky.

Had we taken the time to research different cell phone plans, we might still have ended up with our current provider, but at least we would have made an educated choice. Until today, I thought that in order to compare calling plans and rates, you had to visit all the different carriers. That doesn't actually work, though. Because different providers offer different bundles, you end up comparing apples and oranges and waste a lot of time.

That's what I like about Wirefly.com. They have this terrific Wireless Wizard that does all of the comparing for you. Just enter some basic information about how you use your phone and the wizard will find the best plan for you. Not for Joe Blow down the street or Aunt Martha in Poughkeepsie, but your ideal service plan.

It sounded intriguing, so I decided to give it a try. I entered how many minutes I used last month (my first month on this plan), who my current carrier is, how much I pay now, and what percentage of my minutes are anytime versus night/weekend minutes. After adding my zip code, all I had to do was click "Compare Plans." The information that came up didn't actually surprise me. I knew that I was getting a pretty darned good deal, but it was nice to see it in black and white.

As time passes, and I'm not calling Mark's family and friends every day, my usage will probably go down. At that point, I may find that I'd get a better deal from another carrier. Now that I have this wizard bookmarked, I can keep an eye on my plan, versus other suppliers.

If you're in the market for cellular service or want to make certain that you've got a good calling package, Wirefly.com is a great place to start. Check out your options and, once you've decided on a plan, Wirefly can help you pick a phone and sign up for the service you want.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Pain Makes You Stupid!

All right! We have already established that pain makes me cranky. I've been counting to 10, before speaking, a lot lately. So far it seems to be working and I haven't lambasted anyone in a couple of days. Unfortunately, I seem to have developed a new problem - stupidity.

As Mark can attest, I don't do stupid. I just don't - it drives my crazy! If I've never asked you "Do you notice any improvement since the lobotomy?" or "Are all of your parents' children idiots?" either you're not stupid or I love you dearly.

I started noticing the problem yesterday, when I hobbled over to the drug store for cat litter and soup. Since I made it home with cat litter, soup, and coffee, that wasn't actually the issue. What was a problem was the fact that I knew that the litter scoop had broken days ago. Did I get a new one? Did I even think about getting a new one? Not on your life!

So, after Paka decided to meow us to death this morning, I walked back to the drug store for a spray bottle - and a litter scoop. We've been talking about replacing our travel mugs for a while now, so I made it home with travel mugs, a spray bottle, a slotted spoon (they don't carry litter scoops) and a couple of sodas. Not bad, right? Wrong!

First, I couldn't - for the life of me - remember where the housewares were in a store that I visit monthly to buy replacement water filters. Second, there is no way the travel mugs are actually going to fit in the cup holders on the truck. Thirdly, I only drink Coke Classic, no fancy flavors or diet crap. What did I come home with - Coke Vanilla! Lastly, Mark had called - while I was at the store - and asked me to get him an ice cream treat. I looked at the frozen foods, knew that there was something I needed, but had absolutely no idea what it was. And he had called me not 5 minutes before.

I joined Shopper's Hotline recently and have a scanner that I am supposed to use to scan the bar codes on everything we buy. Then, I add the store name and total spent, and transmit the information over the internet. Every time I have gone to the store in the last week, I have had to run all over the apartment and scan what I bought - after I put it all away. You'd think that the inconvenience of that would remind me to scan it first. Nope!

So, you see!? Pain makes you stupid. And, in case you're wondering, the lobotomy hasn't helped at all!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Customer Service Programs

Unless you've lived under a rock for the last few years, you've heard of and seen ads for mystery shopping. In a nutshell, company owners and managers who are concerned about the functioning of their stores or restaurants, contract with an organization, such as BestMark.com to audit some or all of their locations. BestMark then assigns an account specialist, secret shopper, from that geographic area to anonymously visit and report their findings.

It's really quite fascinating. Owners may be concerned about cleanliness in the restrooms of their store, customer service in their game store, or food quality and service in one of their restaurants. Whatever the objective, BestMark has trained specialists to perform the audit.

Another tool available to businesses is customer surveys. Whether performed at the point-of-sale or when customers exit the establishment, companies can receive real-time opinions about the quality of their business and employees. If that isn't a preferred method, BestMark also offers web and email surveys.

This flexibility and broad scope is what makes BestMark a great partner for corporations. In conjunction with mystery shopping and surveys, they provide a step-by-step program, fine-tuned to individual company goals. From program planning to implementation to reporting and analysis to creating an action plan, owners spend less time trying to find answers and more time implementing solutions.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Memorial to Mark Harrald

I wanted to share this incredible story with you. As you know, Mark was in ICU following his lung surgery for many, many days. Due to a medication mix-up that had nothing to do with the hospital staff, his kidneys started shutting down and they had to induce a coma. He was in critical condition and, I imagine, not really expected to survive.

Well, Mark is stubborn and, as his sister-in-law pointed out, has nine lives. On the day they were moving him from the ICU to the nearby ward, the nurses told him that they had designed a plaque and were creating a memorial to him. Isn't that amazing?

We haven't gotten back to the ICU to see if the plaque is up yet, but I know that Mark was deeply moved by the love and concern that the staff sent his way. One of his surgeons even stopped by and gave him a shave!

Don't tell me that a VA hospital doesn't take great care of their patients. God Bless the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center and the amazing people who give their all.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bath Faucets

We have, in our bathroom, the world's ugliest sink faucet. There is no competition for this tiny, 1950s, pitted and chipped nightmare. Just out of curiosity, I decided to do a little shopping and see what was available to replace this atrocity. Quite a bit, as it turns out.

I started at Faucet.com with their bath faucet buying guide. This guide is a life-saver. It shows the different types of installations, so that when you buy a replacement faucet, it will actually fit your sink. (Good idea, huh?)

Now that I knew what size would fit my sink, I could start shopping. What I didn't know is that there are zillions of beautiful bath faucets in the right size. Each and every one of them was such an improvement that I had to take a deep breath and get realistic. Eventually I found a beautiful, simple fixture that was just perfect.

For anyone in need of new faucets, whether kitchen, bath, shower, or tub, shopping at Faucet.com is the way to go. They not only offer buying guides, they have a huge selection in a wide range of styles and sizes, discounted prices, and even free shipping on orders over $99.00. For your convenience, Faucet.com helps you shop by price, brand, finish, or style.

It just couldn't be easier.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Anger Management

Years ago my second husband was sentenced to anger management classes. Some people who knew him felt that he was a calmer individual. I, on the other hand, have never really had much faith in such classes. A person has to admit to anger issues and commit to overcoming them before they are going to derive any benefit from this sort of counseling.

The news seems to bear this out:

In April, a 20-year-old man, in San Diego, was charged with killing his teenaged girlfriend by stabbing her over 100 times. The police arrested him later that day at his anger management class. Hmmmm? Think that counselor needs a little further training?

Then, we have the story of a reverend in Gary, Indiana, who had been teaching anger management classes for accused criminals over the course of several years. In July, the good reverend was arrested and charged with beating his wife. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds as though the students were teaching the teacher.

I know that anger out of control is no laughing matter, believe me. But, really, how effective are these classes and is it really possible to retrain angry behavior?

What do you think?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Business Cards

I was using business cards for about a year, but didn't really see much benefit. Because I don't have a brick-and-mortar location, I have to rely on these cards, among other promotional ideas, to get the word out to potential customers. So, I decided to redesign my cards and see if I couldn't increase the 'wow' factor.

What I had before gave all of the basic information, but just didn't catch the eye or inspire anyone to hold on to them. By adding afghan photos and color text, I created jazzier business cards that people notice. The basic flip-side includes a color logo, color text, afghan options, my quality guarantee, and basic shipping information; a simple, concise picture of what my business offers.

Of course, I also designed alternate sides for specific functions. Since I print my own cards, I have the luxury of being able to immediately print out 10% discount cards for mailings or care instructions to include with orders. As I offer direct shipping on gift orders, I created a version that serves as a gift card and includes 'Created By:', 'Designed For:', and 'Message' fields.

I really enjoyed the ideas that I found on GreatFX Business Cards and am thinking about creating a card face that includes a form where customers can record the specifics of their order. There would be fields for the date, size, style, and colors from their order. My goal is to keep 'place an order now' uppermost in people's minds.

Times have changed and business cards aren't just a static piece of cardboard anymore. I'd like to think that I've designed a flexible, dynamic marketing tool that will go a long way toward growing my business. Only time will tell.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Does It Ever Really Pay to Clean House?

You know, I've spent more time in the last weeks picking up, dusting, and organizing than I spent in the 6 months before that. Mainly because there were too many people underfoot before, but also because I was simply overwhelmed by the clutter. Now that I managed to shovel out a load or two of crud, I kind of like the clean look. Unfortunately.

I'd like to say that this comes as a huge surprise, but it doesn't. After a very short time living with Mark, I became painfully aware that the man is a human tornado. He doesn't mean to, but all he has to do is walk through a room and chaos follows. (It's genetic, too. Both boys have inherited the leave-a-disaster-in-your-wake gene.)

The clean desktop? Gone! The uncluttered bathroom countertop? Nothing but a memory! And, trust me, I'm not imagining it. A few years ago, "Chaosman" hit at his mother's house. Mom and I had been doing laundry, drinking coffee, and playing cards. Everything was neat and tidy. Then, Mark came home from work.

I honestly don't know how he did it - but suddenly there was 'stuff' everywhere, including black fingerprints on the refrigerator door. Mom looked at me and I looked at her. She shook her head and told me that he'd always done that. Sadly, she didn't know how he managed it anymore than I did.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly Nancy Neat. But I have to actually try to wipe out a room that completely. In self-defense, I'm giving serious thought to moving somewhere that I can just hose down every few days. Anybody got a better idea?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Mad Gringo

Now this is a fun site! With just the right attitude about life - "Go Slow!" The philosophy is simple, we all have a Mad Gringo inside us who is fed up with stress, commuting, and dressing up for work. All he wants to do is chuck the whole rat race thing and take a nap on the beach. Can't you hear his voice in your ear - "Psst! Let's find a hammock and an umbrella drink - Now!"

If you can't just stand up and walk out in reality, why not compromise? Every now and then, throw on your favorite hawaiian shirt, turn off the phone, and watch the sunset. Can't go slow? Vow to, at least, go slower. Make time to take time and kick the stress out the door.

I've taken the first step to getting in touch with my inner Mad Gringo by choosing the perfect Hawaiian shirt for me. This wasn't as simple as I thought it would be. Each shirt has its own fascinating story that immediately transported me to a relaxing place far, far away. When I finally made it back, I found Jungle Falls. The blues, greens, and purples create a pattern that made me think of wandering through a clearing in the jungle, only to find a waterfall cascading behind a wall of flowering vines.

Tucked into my favorite pair of jeans, this hawaiian shirt is my ticket to paradise. Running errands, getting the car washed, or shopping for groceries, I'm always a heartbeat away from my hammock and umbrella drink. My inner Mad Gringo will be so proud.

Whatever you do, don't ignore your Mad Gringo. He just might do something crazy.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Michael Vick and a PSA

I found this story quite interesting, if that's the right word. Michael Vick, it has been confirmed, voluntarily took a PETA class on 'respect for animals'. He is now in negotiations, again confirmed, with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to do a public service announcement.

Apparently determined to improve his public image, Vick told PETA that he was interested in taking an animal rights course in order to show kids that education is the way to better oneself. Okay? In my opinion, the only thing Vick has learned throughout this debacle is how to say and do whatever it takes to make people forget what kind of person you really are.

Now I know that sounds unfair, but come on! He lied about his involvement in the dogfighting ring and then, when he couldn't get away with the lies anymore, tried to place most of the responsibility for said ring onto his partners in crime. After being beaten badly in the press by animal rights groups and the public, Vick made a 'humble' plea to the court, complete with 'liner notes', if you recall.

Still not fairing well in the public eye, Vick found God. That should have served to set an entirely new group against him - when in doubt, get religion? I don't think so. Now, in a last ditch effort, he wants to do PSAs for PETA.

I'm sorry, but I just don't buy it.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

JW Surety Bonds

I've been reading about surety bonds and thought I knew what they were all about. Boy, was I surprised at all of the different bond types and purposes. It's really fascinating, especially if you ever need to be bonded for employment or in the best interest of your personal business.

Having spent years around the construction trades, I guess I'm most familiar with those bonds related to building contracts. The process generally starts out with a bid bond, required by the project owner in large and/or government-contracted construction projects. This is a surety which guarantees the owner that the winning bidder will enter into a contract at the bid price. It also contains specific remedies, often specified in the bid request, to compensate the owner if the winning bidder fails to sign a contract or attempts to change the price bid for the project.

Once the contract has been awarded, the winning bidder submits a performance bond to the owner. This surety guarantees that the contractor will perform all of the work specified in the contract to the satisfaction of the owner. At the same time, a payment bond is submitted, which guarantees that the contractor will pay all employees, subcontractors, and material suppliers. As with a bid bond, if the contractor fails to meet his/her obligations, doesn't perform the work satisfactorily, or fails to make payment as required, the owner can go to the bond issuer for compensation.

JW Surety Bonds is in the business of writing and placing bonds like these. They write commercial bonds in all 50 states and have the expertise to answer all of your questions. From detailed information about different bond types to online applications and approvals to articles, forums, and tools, they have what you need to make an informed decision.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Keep the Internet Tax-Free

I just ran across this article and lost my sense of humor. Have you read it?

There is a movement under way to remove the moratorium on taxing Internet usage, something that tax-greedy states are jumping on. Can you imagine - being taxed for accessing and using the Internet? And how, exactly are they planning to implement this lovely new tax that we don't need or want - by the action?

What would that mean to people whose only affordable contact with relatives that are spread all over the United States? How are small businesses expected to grow and thrive, when every action they take on the web results in an unrecoverable expense? Frankly, this is insane!

If you would like to see the moratorium made permanent, here is a website where you can help - NoInternetTax.org. Please check them out and lend a hand.

Let me know if you have any other petitions or sites that are battling this situation. I'll be happy to post them here.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Rebuild.org

With what we've gone through this last month - Mark in the hospital, me with a fractured patella - one thing has become abundantly clear. We need another vehicle, with an automatic transmission. Had there been an alternative to waiting for my knee to heal sufficiently to drive, I could have been spending much more time at the hospital. Not to mention, it was impossible for all four of us to do anything together because the truck only holds 3 people.

This is why I've been researching auto loans recently. With my credit history, it's hard to find financing, or it was until I found Rebuild.org. They specialize in matching borrowers with lenders who are willing to work with them.

I've had auto loans before. In fact, I used to make it a habit to buy a new car every 7 or 8 years, about the time the old one would start to fall apart. Even though my credit was really good in those days, it was still a stressful process, especially the one time I dealt with the finance arm of a major automobile manufacturer. They treat all of their customers like deadbeats. It was horrible and I ended up finding alternative financing within just a few months.

But Rebuild.org is different than any financing process I've experienced. All I had to do was start entering information into the online form. As I answered questions, the automated form took me to the next step, even including additional options that might benefit my situation. In about 5 minutes, I had a confirmation form that provided the information I needed to work on getting that car we need.

If you're looking for a mortgage loan or want to refinance to take advantage of the equity in your home, Rebuild.org has information to assist you. There are also options for debt consolidation, payday loans, and personal loans, even with bad credit.

The information you need is all here. If you're looking for financial help, take a look at these products. You won't be disappointed.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Another Huge Toy Recall

Once again, toys made in China are being recalled due to excessive levels of lead in their paint. Am I the only one thinking that it's time to ban these imports? Unless and until testing starts happening before these things hit store shelves, I'd be quite happy to have China just keep them.

Items involved in this recall include:

• Baby Einstein color blocks;
• Pirates of the Caribbean squeeze lights;
• Totally Me! room decor kits;
• Pull-Along blocks and wagons;
• Frankenstein-head plastic cups;
• Keychains with metal, engraved charms
• Bookmarks and journals with decorations ranging from breast cancer awareness to Winnie the Pooh.

Many of these items have been for sale since 2005 and some were still available, online or in stores, as recently as this month. Very, very frightening. I can't imagine what it must be like to be a parent these days, not knowing if you're giving your kids toys that may be slowly and irreversibly damaging their health.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Dentemp OS

There isn't much, to my mind, that is more painful than tooth problems. I know, because I have a mouthful of fillings and crowns, not to mention a couple of cracked molars that could really use attention. The last time I visited a dentist, he added a couple of crowns to the collection, but didn't exactly do a terrific job. Because of that, I lost a crown a few months ago.

Given my reluctance to visit another dentist, I ignored the feeling that one of my crowns was actually moving around. Eating anything that required a lot of chewing, like a tough steak or carrot sticks, shot pain through my jaw. Because I never knew what, exactly, would set off the pain, I was reluctant to dine in public. Some days I could barely eat at all. Then, one day, the worst happened. I don't remember what, exactly, I was eating; I do know that suddenly I was chewing on the crown.

Now, in case you didn't know, in order to fit a crown, the dentist grinds down the sides and top of the natural tooth to make it smaller. Then, the crown is cemented over the top of this little nub. Not a big deal, as long as the crown is in place. But, when the crown comes off, all of those lovely nerve endings are exposed to the world. Every hot or cold drink sets off immediate agony. There is really no way to chew anything, because the temperature of the food and the pressure on the exposed tooth nub is excrutiatingly painful.

Had I known about Dentemp OS I could have spared myself a great deal of misery. This product is great. An FDA-approved dental cement, it can be used for all kinds of temporary dental repair, from replacing lost fillings to cementing loose caps and crowns. And it couldn't be easier to get and use.

Because it's available over-the-counter, there's no waiting for a dental appointment or suffering all weekend. I especially like the fact that it's instantly useable, no mess and no mixing. Each vial contains several applications and is resealable, so it stays fresh. The best part? You can eat on it! Just let it set for about 30 minutes and you're all set.

If you have dental problems like I do, you have to try this product. I know I'll be keeping some on hand at all times.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Court Rules Against Target

This is an interesting situation. A federal court judge has ruled that Target needs to stand trial for having a website that is not sufficiently accessible to visually-impaired users, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I can't decide if this is a good thing or if it's really, really scary.

Years ago, at the urging of my second husband's union and because of the company's labor practices, I stopped shopping at Target. After reading this article, I am quite happy that I still don't patronize the business. Some examples of why Target earned a judge's wrath and sits at the top of my do-not-shop list:

Target has long been the most prominent opponent of forcing e-commerce site executives to adhere to accessibility rules designed for their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

Another Target argument had been that many site visitors were able to make their purchases, albeit with a lot of extra effort and the help of others. But since they had indeed completed their purchase, Target argued that they had no claim. In cases where the consumer had not made any purchases because the site's lack of accessibility drove them away, Target argued, there was again no damage as it's impossible to prove what the customer would have done had the site been perfectly accessible.

Can you believe that nonsense?! If a consumer, through whatever means necessary, manages to eventually make a purchase through the Target website then that proves there is no case? Even if they have to enlist the assistance of a friend or relative who isn't visually-impaired?

What about customers who use wheelchairs? Does Target feel that a lack of ramps leading into a facility wouldn't violate ADA because the customer could just ask someone to carry them into the store? Well, that is just about as ignorant as their argument about website accessibility.

Of course, as the owner of a retail website, it's a bit frightening to know that there are actually laws, in this case California laws, that mandate usability standards. It makes me wonder if my little site would be subject to such stringent requirements. Probably not, but one just never knows.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Auto Insurance

Virtually every state in the US requires drivers to have auto insurance. You can't drive - legally - if you're not insured to, at least, the state-determined minimum coverage levels. I've always felt that some companies take advantage of that fact, charging whatever they want because you have to have their product. Mark and I have checked a lot of companies in the last 5 years, so we know that there are ways to get what you need without hocking the very car you're trying to insure.

There's a terrific site, SecureInsuranceQuotes.com, that explains what kinds of coverage are included in an auto insurance policy, teaches you how to compare insurance, and helps you get free insurance quotes. They also offer articles to help drivers understand the basics of insurance, get better coverage, and learn the best way to insure young drivers.

If you don't currently have homeowners insurance, life or health insurance, they can help you get quotes for those types of coverage, as well. I found the articles that they provide on renters, dental, and travel insurance to be really helpful. Frankly, I didn't know that you could get a stand-alone dental policy.

Whatever your lifestyle, you need insurance. Let SecureInsuranceQuotes.com help you find the best policy for your situation.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Pain Makes You Cranky!

I know that this is going to come as a great shock, but PAIN makes me cranky! Don't laugh, it's true! If someone were to knock on my door and hand me a check for $10,000,000, I'd probably smack them for making me get out of my chair.

Over the last few days, trying to get to and from the hospital to get Mark home, I've done a lot of walking. It seems that no matter where you have to be, the only empty parking space is on the other side of the hospital. Not to mention, we have a manual transmission on the truck, so my left leg has been getting a workout - I have to remove the immobilizer in order to bend the leg enough to use the clutch.

Now, I get to walk over to the store to get cat litter and dry cat food. Believe me, if it weren't urgent, I would not even think about it. Although, I am thinking that, even though I'd have to take the immobilizer off and risk wrenching my knee, it might be easier all around to drive that half block and just worry about carrying everything up the stairs. I just don't know.

Guess I'll think about it for a few more minutes - maybe the cat care fairy will magically deliver everything for me! Nah, probably not!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

FotoBed.com

Isn't this absolutely adorable? I've never seen a photo pillowcase before, but what a great idea! Imagine the options - matching pillowcases for the bride and groom or a picture of all the grandchildren for grandma and grandpa. You can even add text, for a personalized message that will delight the recipient.

The gifts at FotoBed.com gave me so many terrific ideas, especially with the holidays fast approaching. If you or your spouse travel a lot, wouldn't it be fun to each have a photo pillow with your loved one's face on it, to keep you company while they're not with you? Or how about surprising your girlfriend with a photo pillowcase of her favorite picture? The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.

Just look at these throw pillows. Now, imagine your own, unique bedding set with your favorite photo on pillows, a Photo Throw and a duvet cover. You could use the same photo throughout, or choose complimentary pictures for a more eclectic look. This is the only site on the Internet that even offers custom shower curtains, which I think is great fun. In fact, I'm already working up an idea for mine.

Before you worry that this is a complicated process, let me assure you, it couldn't be easier. Choose your product, upload your favorite picture, and add any text you'd like to have printed on it. That's all it takes and the shipping is free.

If you've never created washable art before, there is one thing to remember - the larger the item, the larger your picture should be. FotoBed.com provides recommended resolutions for each product. For example, photos used on pillows should be no smaller than 500x500, or the image may be fuzzy on the final product.

All in all, this is really a fun site. I hope you have as much fun with it as I did.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

My Mother Always Wanted Me To Be A Nurse

It's really quite funny, after all these years. When I was growing up, I (as all children do) had many ideas about what I wanted to be. No matter what future career I showed an interest in, my mother found a way to discourage me. It wasn't until I was married, with children of my own, that I learned why.

Mom had always wanted to be a nurse, but wasn't able to continue her education. The family had pulled her out of school as soon as she was able to help on the farm. Apparently that disappointment had stayed with her for her entire life. As I grew, she started to project her dream onto my life choices, in true passive-aggressive style. Today, Mom would be proud.

I have spent most of the last 4 years learning about liver disease, HCV, post-transplant care, neuropathy, diabetes, CBCs and Chem7s, enzymes and electrolytes, INR, BUN, and creatinine. Over time, I have monitored his condition and adjusted certain medications, helped him from the bed to the bathroom, tested blood sugar, given any number of shots from Procrit to pegylated interferon, bathed him when he couldn't, and fought with doctors over his treatment. When Mark was placed on a restricted diet, I learned how to keep the amounts of protein, sodium, and potassium in his diet within the very narrow allowable ranges; basically, relearning how to cook in order to keep him healthy enough to be considered for a transplant.

Now, although there won't be any chemotherapy, we're learning new tricks again. Blood thinner injections twice a day, insulin 3 times a day before meals - adjusting the amount given based on his blood sugar levels at the time, and relearning how to cook - again. While the 'experts' were in fairly close agreement on the levels of sodium and protein allowed on a liver-failure diet, the opinions are all over the board on a diabetic diet.

Some say no carbs; some say no simple sugars, but carbs are okay. So, we live and learn, and tweak and adjust until we find the right balance for Mark's system and condition. It does help that we have insulin in the house now. While important, his diet is less of a critical issue - although still unable to have cake and ice cream, etc., there's a little more leeway in level of carbs in a particular meal. That helps a lot, believe me.

So, as I look back on the last 4 years, I can honestly say - I never thought I'd be playing nurse or that I would actually be pretty good at it. Mom would be so proud.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Moonlight Kennels

Although I would probably characterize myself as a cat person, I do have a soft spot for the smaller dog breeds, like Yorkshire Terrier puppies and Miniature Schnauzers. They are so cute, I don't know how anyone can resist those adorable furry faces. Just look at these precious babies.

I'm not an expert, but I do know that purebred animals can have serious health and behavior problems when the breeder isn't dedicated to the quality of the breed. That's why I greatly appreciate all of the information on the Moonlight Kennels website. They provide a basic overview, including personality traits, appearance, grooming and exercise needs, and breed origins. In addition, there is an extensive library of articles that address topics from care and feeding to puppy-proofing your home to medical and training information.

One of the articles that caught my attention was the information about Teacup Yorkies. These dogs are supposed to be even smaller than the breed standard, weighing in at about 4 pounds, fully grown. What I didn't know was that there is no such recognized breed. Potential 'puppy parents' should take time to read this article and arm themselves with knowledge before visiting breeders or kennels.

If you're looking for a puppy and need to make an informed decision, this is the site for you.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bad News For Women With Heart Problems

A study by the Duke University School of Medicine, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, demonstrates that hospitals do not offer the same level of treatment to women with heart problems that they routinely offer to men with the same problems. As a woman who has had a heart attack, this information is terrifying to me. The disparity crosses all levels of treatment and begins immediately upon arrival at a hospital.

For example, women are:

• 2 to 3 times less likely to receive defibrillators, which help regulate heart rhythm;
• 16 percent less likely, even in the midst of a heart attack, to be treated by a cardiologist, being seen by an internist or family physician instead;
• 15 to 30 percent less likely to get an angiogram, which helps physicians determine proper treatment;
• 12 percent less likely to receive clot-busting drugs;
• 10 to 15 percent less likely to be given medication to help prevent a second heart attack.

Given these statistics, it's critical that women learn how to maximize the chances that they will receive the care they need and deserve.

There is, however, one area in cardiology where women have a definitive lead over men - more women die from heart attacks, each year.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Wealth Building 101

Do you possess the entrepreneurial spirit? Would you like to turn your energy into financial success, but just don't know how? Now, you can study with Donald Trump and leading financial experts, in your own home and at your own pace, without a huge, upfront investment.

This exciting new book, Wealth Building 101, teaches you how to develop a 'wealth mindset', make money in more than one way, start or buy a business, invest in real estate, plan your retirement, and make smarter money decisions. There are even downloadable forms, worksheets, and calculators that you can use to learn how to consistently make profitable decisions. If that isn't enough, buy the book on or before October 8th through Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and receive these bonuses valued at more than $300.00:

201 Secrets Of A Rich Mindset - A Detailed Special Report

How To Become Totally Debt Free In 3 To 7 Years - An Audio Home Study Course

The 7 Levels Of Investor - A Live Recording with Expert John Burley

Performance Magazine - A Full One Year Subscription for Free

The Trump Way To Wealth - 7 Hours of Downloadable Training from Trump and His Team

Do This. Get Rich. - Another Great Audio

What Makes Real Estate The World's Best Investment? - An Insiders Report

Rental Property Management Secrets For Landlords - A Tell All Report


While there are schools that offer MBA programs, they are often out of touch with the real world. For many prospective business owners, Trump University's online entrepreneurship courses provide hands-on experience that is critical to their success. Topics include creating and critically evaluating your business plan, designing a winning business, finding start-up funding, or creating profitable marketing strategies. If you're interested in firing your boss and taking charge of your financial future, Trump University has what you need.

Don't miss out on the incredible bonuses available with Wealth Building 101; get your copy by October 8th.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Latest and Greatest on Mark

Well, ladies and gentlemen, Mark is coming home on Monday, October 1st. He was supposed to be in the hospital 10 days, but today is the 18th day. Believe me, after everything he's gone through, including one of his liver doctors nearly killing him, Mark has had more than enough.

It's just been the last couple of days that he told me about what he learned caused the fluid to build up in his system. For whatever reason, the doctors who are supposed to be caring for Mark and his liver meds, who consistently fail to follow up and take care of him, decided to increase one of his immuno-suppressant medications while he was in ICU. The doctors who haven't actually personally examined him in over 2 years, who didn't check his medication levels before making this decision, who didn't bother to determine IF he needed more meds.

The one thing that EVERYONE who has been treating Mark since his transplant knows is - his body stores Prograf. For years, he has been on the lowest dosage allowed. When this idiot doctor increased the medication, Mark's levels went through the roof and his kidneys stopped working. THAT was why they had to induce the coma and put him on 80 gazillion meds!!

Frankly, right now, I don't know if we need to hire a malpractice attorney or what. I do know that I can count on one hand the times in my life that I have been this angry! But for the SICU staff and the grace of God, Mark would be dead now. Which, as I understand it, would not have been much of an oddity during his stay in the ICU. They lost several patients in the days he was there, including one who refused treatment.

For now, I'm just going to focus on getting my knee healed and taking care of Mark every day. Until I calm down, there is nothing productive I can accomplish.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Dance Crazy

Do you love to dance? Me, too! Can you do all of those amazing dances that they do on the reality TV shows? Me, either! But I'd love to learn.

I don't think I'd be able to get Mark into a studio for dance lessons and I know that I'd be a tad embarrassed by my total lack of grace. (I am on crutches, after all, from taking out the trash!) Now I don't have to worry about expensive, public lessons. Dance Crazy has the videos I need to stumble across my living room floor until I've got the steps down. Before I have to choose where to start, I can read about steps and dance history, and get suggestions.

Though they have line, samba, cha-cha, two-step, merengue, and hip hop dance lessons, I think my first choice would have to be ballroom dance. There is nothing more beautiful than a waltz and, as a die-hard Fred Astaire fan, I just can't resist the chance to learn the Fox Trot. As a bonus, the Rumba, Swing, and Waltz lessons come in two volumes, giving my two left feet an even greater chance to get it right.

If you love to dance and are looking for a great way to learn new steps, check out this site.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM)

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month(NBCAM).

What you may not know is that NBCAM is also the name of an organization, dedicated to increasing awareness of breast cancer issues, especially the importance of early detection. They are focused on encouraging women to take charge of their own breast health, by practicing regular self-breast exams, making sure to schedule an annual mammogram, adhering to prescribed treatment and knowing the facts about recurrence. While many strides have been made in awareness and treatment, more still needs to be accomplished.

Toward that end, one of our favorite Affiliate Partners ~ Limoges Jewelry ~ is donating 5% of the proceeds from their Breast Cancer Awareness Collection to BreastCancer.org.



Their beautiful collection of rings, bracelets, and pendants, all of which are on sale and many of which can be personalized, make it incredibly simple to show your support for this worthwhile cause.

Please stop by and help.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Premium Danner Boots

I have always had a soft spot for boots of all types. From ankle boots with chunky heels to square-toed cowboy boots in butter-soft leather to nubby-soled hiking boots that are equal to any terrain, I just can't resist boots. Because I have long narrow feet, it's not always easy to find boots that fit correctly without making me look like Frankenstein's monster.

Today I stumbled across an interesting site, MetBoots.com, that carries a variety of Danner boots for men and women. The quality of these boots is just what I was looking for and the prices are virtually painless. Amazingly, they even offer free shipping on all orders over $100.00.

We periodically take day trips up into the mountains around the Phoenix-area and I have finally found footwear that will support my ankles, while keeping me from sliding all over the rocks and gravel that are quite common around here. Now I just have to decide on which pair to order. With free shipping, maybe I can even sneak in a couple of pairs, when Mark isn't looking!

Don't miss their sister-site which carries Danner boots for military and police. You're certain to find just what you need.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Feng Shui

I've heard about Feng Shui, in terms of furniture placement to (if I recall correctly) maximize energy flow, but I haven't really read a lot about it. A few days ago, I received a newsletter from Care2 Green Living that offered information about Feng Shui and the use of color. It's really quite interesting.

The gist of the message is that one wants to combine yin and yang (female and male) colors to enhance a particular attribute. For example, use black (yin) and either orange, yellow, or red (yang) to encourage good fortune. If you desire harmony and balance in your room, add accents in blue or green (yin) and brown (yang).

I don't know that this article is exactly a definitive work on the subject. It is, after all, quite brief. But it did give me something to think about and encouraged me to do some further research.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Free Raleigh, NC Getaway

One of the things I miss the most about living in Arizona is the lack of four real seasons. We pretty much have comfortably warm and miserably hot, either of which can occur without warning. If I were looking for a Fall Getaway, I think I'd look to visit somewhere like Raleigh, North Carolina.

Not only does the city have the beautiful fall colors that I've come to miss, Raleigh also offers a wide variety of attractions that will satisfy the most discriminating traveler. There are over 20 free attractions, from museums to parks and lakes to farmer's market to an art center. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. You'll find nine different districts in the city, providing entertainment that ranges from young and hip to old-fashioned cobblestone streets and lampposts to swanky shops and restaurants. Raleigh also offers golf and sport activities, outdoor recreation, and cultural events. Something for everyone.

My personal favorite is the NC Theatre's production of Man of La Mancha. One of my favorite musicals and I can't imagine a better way to spend my vacation time. Conveniently, you can order tickets online, so you get the best seats possible and don't have to take your chances after you get to Raleigh.

Now the best part. You can register now to win an incredible Free Raleigh Getaway that includes:

• One night accommodations for two at the Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh Crabtree Valley
  
• $25 gift certificate to Bloomsbury Bistro
  
• Free VIP admission for two to Rum Runners
  
• 2 tickets to the North Carolina Theatre
  
• 2 tickets to the N.C. Museum of Art's Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism
  
• 2 tickets to Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences

Don't wait - stop by and plan your getaway.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Give That Lady A Hand

You know, you never realize just how much you need to have at least one hand free until you're on crutches. I'm going absolutely nuts trying to do simple things - like feed myself - since I hurt my leg. I did have the sense to grab the 12-pack of soda out of the pantry before I landed in the recliner that first afternoon, so I wasn't dying of thirst. But food was a whole different issue.

Admittedly, the first couple of days I wasn't all that hungry. The morphine, and then the pain, pretty much numbed my appetite. But, once I did get hungry, I realized I had a serious problem. Even though I could stand at the counter now and make a sandwich, how was I going to get it into the other room to eat it?

Well, I have gotten seriously creative - and thank heaven for baggy pants and big pockets! The big peanut butter jar tucked into the front of my shorts; soda cans fit just right in the pockets. Two ham and cheese sandwiches on hamburger buns, tucked into sandwich bags, fit nicely into the bottom of the bag from the buns. The oatmeal-raisin cookies slid in on top of the sandwiches, with a roll of paper towels filling the bag. No muss, no fuss - my lunch!

Today, I managed to make myself a couple of frozen burritos for lunch. After nuking them on a paper towel, I rolled them up in the same paper towel and tucked them into recycled bag from the buns which I knew I could carry easily with the crutches. Since burritos are not so good plain, I managed to hobble into the kitchen and tuck a bottle of hot sauce into a pocket.

The only problem now is that I've been up on the crutches a lot today. I managed to make 1/2 a pot of coffee this morning, but couldn't carry the cup to my chair. So, I ended up clomping back and forth, every time I wanted a cup, plus standing there while I drank it. My underarms and the heels of my hands are getting very, very sore from the crutches.

Oh, well. I guess when the knee is healed, I'll be able to appreciate having 2 legs and - most importantly - two free hands!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Movers

There is nothing, to my mind, that is much worse than moving. All that packing and unpacking; makes me tired just thinking about it. Hefting and toting boxes is just not my idea of a good time. So, one of the last times I moved, I hired a two-man crew to load the heavy furniture on a truck, drive to the new location, and unload the truck. Simple, right? After all, we were just moving from the front of the complex to the back of the complex and we were moving all of the small stuff.

We ended up spending hours with these two guys. If they had moved more slowly, they'd have been going in reverse. All they did was complain - about the heat, about the furniture, about the stairs. It was the first time, in over 15 years, that I'd hired someone to help me move and I couldn't have regretted it more. Or so I thought. I was paying these clowns by the hour and, by the time they finally finished - after virtually demanding a cash bonus - I owed a king's ransom. Never, ever again!

Mark and I are planning to move. The rent here is just prohibitive - even with utilities included. It's not a great neighborhood and the kitchen is beyond tiny. Both of us love to cook, or we did until we tried doing it for 5 years in this closet-sized room. We just have to get out of here and I don't think either of us is going to be able to heft and tote much, this time around. So, this move, which I'm dreading already, is going to require movers.

Luckily, I found a really helpful website: HomeBulletin.net. It's filled with free tips, helpful lists and ideas, and resources to get quotes from moving companies. They cover international moves, long-distance moves, shipping a car, full-service moving companies, or options where you do the packing yourself to save money. With what I learned by doing it wrong, this site gives me the confidence that I can now coordinate our move with a minimum of pain and expense.

And, let me tell you, that says a lot about HomeBulletin.net.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Great Good News!

Just when I think I've managed to bring everyone up to speed on Mark's condition - something changes. For several days, none of the changes were good and we were all worried sick. Then, things started to not-so-slowly turn around - about the time I fractured my knee. Go figure.

I called the ICU a couple of days ago and Mark was out of his bed, sitting in a chair. He'd even been walking around a bit. The last time I'd seen him, he was in a regular bed, but he was still quite sedated and didn't really know that I was there. (In fact, the nurse told me later that he didn't know I'd ever been there.) And, when I called yesterday morning, I even got to talk to him a bit.

When I woke up this morning, I immediately called the ICU again, only to find out that Mark wasn't there anymore. They had moved him to the ward! Yesterday! No more tubes and he's eating real food. He's thrilled to be on the floor, because now he can get some sleep! (I guess he doesn't realize that he's been sleeping most of the last 10 days! lol) If that weren't incredible enough - rumor has it that he'll be coming home in 3-4 days.

I never cease to be amazed at Mark's recuperative powers. Heaven knows, his guardian angel has to be exhausted!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Mobile Marketing

My website, after 2 years, is ranking pretty well on the Internet. My keywords are working and I'm getting decent traffic, for all that I'm doing all of the marketing myself. However, I don't have anything functional on the mobile net. And, after talking to a friend who was trying to surf my site on her phone, realized that this is something I need to look into. But how? I had no idea.

Then I found golive!mobile, focused on enabling sms marketing projects and other forms of mobile marketing. They have all of the tools I need to develop a mobile presence for my business.

One of the tools that really caught my eye was golive!concierge, a graphical interface for launching mobile campaigns. It includes ringtones, wallpapers, contests, votes, alerts, group chat, reverse auction, info responses, and more. Users can set up marketing campaigns, schedule and send real-time text to mobile subscribers, and integrate web-based opt-in functions with the mobile campaign.

If you need to add mobile functioning to your web business, this is the place to find it all.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Michael Vick Tests Positive for Pot

One would think that, after all of the legal problems he's facing for fighting, abusing, and killing dogs, Michael Vick would be on his best behavior. He pleaded guilty to federal charges and has been indicted by a Virginia grand jury on similar charges. One would think he would toe the line! Unless, apparently, that one was Vick himself.

The fact that he's now tested positive for marijuana tells me that he continues to think that he's above the law. I didn't actually believe his 'heartfelt' apology, especially once I saw his severely incriminating notes. Like my 16 year old stepson, I believe that Vick is only sorry that he got caught, not that he did anything wrong. In fact, like my Michael, he probably feels that he's being unfairly persecuted and never actually does anything wrong.

What struck me as even more stupid than the substance abuse is that "As a result of the positive drug test, probation officer Patricia Locket-Ross asked for Vick to be barred from using or possessing narcotics or other controlled substances." Say What!?

Since when is using or possessing illegal substances an option for anyone, let alone an admitted criminal?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Your VA Benefits

Home loans have been in the news a lot lately - with the controversy over variable rates and questionable subprime lending practices. I get rather nervous when I think about borrowing for a new-to-us home. But, after reviewing the basics of VA home loans, I noticed that they are much different and much less risky.

The greatest benefit, to both the lender and the buyer, is that loans made by the VA are guaranteed. That means the lender is protected if the veteran becomes unable to repay the loan and the veteran receives the more favorable financing terms that are usually only available when the buyer makes a down payment. As with other mortgage types, the VA uses banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies to find financing.

A VA home loan is much more attractive than a conventional loan for many reasons, including:

• The Interest Rate is negotiable!
  • Get approval with less than perfect credit and still obtain a quality rate
• No Mortgage Insurance Premiums!
  • 100% financing with no mortgage insurance, means the entire interest payment is tax deductible
• Closing costs are often lower than other financing types
  
• An assumable mortgage
  
• No penalty for prepay!
  
• Reduced funding fees with a down-payment of at least 5%
  
• Ability to finance the VA funding fee
  
  
• Refinance a VA loan through a "streamline refinance" which:
  • requires no income, asset, or credit verification,
  • is much cheaper than a conventional refinance, and
  • waives many of the traditional closing costs

While the VA does perform an appraisal of the home being purchased, to confirm that the value equals the amount being financed, they do not inspect the structure. As with any home purchase, it is important for the buyer to obtain a qualified residential inspection in order to ensure that there are no structural or construction problems.

This is just one of the many benefits available to veterans and explained at Your VA Benefits.com. The site is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs, but they offer information about the GI Bill, healthcare eligibility, benefits for homeless veterans, vocational rehab, life insurance, and compensation and pension information.

Stop by and see if they can answer some of your questions.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Good News From the Hospital

I have been sleeping as much as possible over the last few days, trying to ignore the pain in my knee. While I still don't have the Vicodin I was prescribed, I found some Tylenol 3s that are pretty good at knocking me out. Consequently, at 9:16pm, when the nurse called from SICU, I was sound asleep. About 10:22pm, I woke up and noticed a missed call on my phone from the VA. Without even checking voice mail, I called the hospital.

Crossing my fingers, I said a quick prayer that everything was still ok. With all of the medications he's on, I knew Mark would be asleep, and he was. What I didn't know, however - Mark is off the ventilator and doing really well! Hooray!! He's talking to the nurses and, not surprisingly, doesn't remember much of what happened to him in the last 10 days.

Now, I can't wait to talk to him later this morning, and it's driving me crazy that I can't get to the hospital. Just as soon as I talk to him, I'll let everyone know (by email) how he's doing.

Please say a prayer of thanks that he's coming through this! It was so touch and go, up until yesterday, that I didn't dare hope.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

CouponKathy.com

I love to shop online! And when I can find coupons for the stores and products that I love - so much the better. CouponKathy.com covers all the bases - for me at least - Lillian Vernon, Shoes.com, PETsMART, Smart Bargains, NewEgg, and CoutureCandy, to name a few. What a great collection of sites!

However, what caught my eye and pulled me into the website were the Joann Fabrics Coupon Codes. When buying yarn and craft supplies online, the shipping can sometimes be expensive. Not with these codes! I can shop Joann's sales and have all the lovely goodies shipped free of charge, through the end of the year. Once I've placed 3 orders over $25.00, I qualify for membership in the Free Shipping Club, which offers free shipping on all orders over $10.00! Isn't that great!?

To me, this is a godsend. Now that I'm stuck in the house, waiting for my knee to heal, I can try new colors and yarns at my leisure, delivered to my door. In fact, I was so excited about the free shipping that I ordered 2 colors that I've never tried before and can't wait until they get here.

If the coupon codes weren't enough, CouponKathy.com also offers a link to the Joann Fabrics current newsletter, a tutorial for using the coupons codes at Joann.com, information about different products, and a brief history of the company. The tutorial, product information, and company history is available for all of the stores featured on the website.

It's really nice to save money, but it's also nice to learn a little about the places I shop and the lovely goodies I can find there.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Odd News Stories

I just love reading the Odd News section. They prove that truth is very often much stranger than fiction. Now, I don't mean the rags that talk about alien babies and other such nonsense, but the really strange true stories from around the world that amaze, amuse, and sometimes shock.

"Dead" Man Wakes Up Under Autopsy Knife - After a car accident, a man in Venezuela was pronounced dead and taken to the morgue. During the autopsy procedure, as the doctor was cutting into the man's face, he woke up! Can you imagine?!

"God" Gets Attorney In Lawsuit - In an attempt, or so he claims, to prove that anyone can sue anyone for any reason, Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers, an admitted agnostic, has filed a lawsuit against God. An attorney from Corpus Christi, Texas, Eric Perkins has actually filed a response. I want to know how, exactly, they plan to serve God with a summons!

Men Break Into Building Full of Police - Two men in Antioch, California broke into a building to steal copper wiring. Little did they know that the police department was holding K-9 training in the building. Talk about "Beware of Dog!"

Have a great week!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Diabetic Test Strips

There are over 21 million people in the United States suffering from diabetes, many of whom don't have insurance. Being able to regularly test blood sugar levels is critical to the successful treatment of this condition. Without insurance, the basic testing supplies are almost prohibitively expensive.

American Diabetes is a wholesale company that offers 30% to 60% savings to diabetes patients. Just look at the Ascensia Breeze products. The test strips come in discs of 10, so you don't have the hassle of working with tiny individual strips. Unlike many test meters, there is no coding required; simply insert or change discs and you're ready to start testing.

In addition, because the strips require a small sample size and have an automatic filling action, checking your sugar is quick, painless, and incredibly simple. If that weren't enough, the strip release button discards used test strips automatically, while the pull/push tab simultaneously pushes out a new strip and turns on the blood glucose meter. Technologically advanced, the test strip disc automatically codes the blood sugar meter, ensuring accurate testing, every time.

While a box of 10 discs, 50 strips, retails for almost $50.00, at American Diabetes you can get the same box for 44% less. And they offer meters, lancets, carrying cases, and log books. Everything you need in one convenient, inexpensive location.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Do Not Call Lists

Like hundreds of thousands of people, we added our phone numbers to the national do-not-call list a few years ago. Now I find out that our numbers will drop off, starting next year, because the registry was only good for 5 years. How completely ignorant is that?

Initially, the FTC determined that a five-year limit would allow for changes, such as people moving or changing their phone number. This, in fact, is nonsense. The do-not-call list is currently purged every month to clear numbers that have been disconnected or reassigned. Of course, the FTC ( who created the problem ) has a 'perfect' solution:

"It is incredibly quick and easy to do," Lydia Parnes, director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection, said in an interview with The Associated Press this week. "It was so easy for people to sign up in the first instance. It will be just as easy for them to re-up."

I don't want to have to remember to re-up every five years, no matter how simple it is.

Legislation is pending to make the lists permanent, which they should have been from the beginning. Once again, time and energy is being wasted to correct a situation that should never have occurred.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Small Business Line of Credit

As a small business owner, I understand the importance of having sufficient capital to expand and grow the business. It's one thing to buy office equipment on credit. That's a secured loan, with physical property that serves as collateral. Such loans are not overly difficult to get.

But what if I suddenly decided that I wanted to change the nature of my business by adding an inventory of pre-made items which ship immediately upon receipt of payment? That change would require an influx of cash for buying large quantities of yarn and building some sort of storage area for the finished products, neither of which would serve as collateral for a standard business loan.

EZUnsecured.com has the perfect answers for entrepreneurs like me. They specialize in unsecured small business lines of credit, loans, and credit cards. For me, the line of credit would be perfect. I could draw money - even write checks - as I needed it, for whatever upgrades and changes I decide to make in my business.

What attracted me to this company, first, was the easy process of applying for a line of credit. Just one form to complete - that's it. EZUnsecured.com takes it from there. They contact the appropriate lenders, to maximize your chances of being approved. If you were to do this yourself, unless you know all possible capital sources, it would take forever. Not only that, but applying to lenders that aren't interested in financing a business like yours would result in numerous rejections on your credit report that could actually damage your financial standing.

Secondly, the approval and funding are fast. If you've provided all necessary documents, approval can take as little as 1 to 3 days. There is a NoDoc option that literally requires no documentation to qualify for amounts of up to $350,000. Depending on the lender, expect to have the funds in your account in 3 to 14 days. It doesn't get much simpler than that.

There are no upfront fees for this service. Once you are approved and receive your funds, there is an approval fee that is fully explained in writing. Again, it just doesn't get any easier.

This sounds like a terrific service to me. So, if you have a business that needs to improve cash flow to grow and expand, EZUnsecured.com can help.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Some Days. . .

With everyone out of the house, I've been taking advantage and doing some serious fall cleaning. I actually managed to clear all of the flat spaces in the living room and reorganized the closet. For days, I've been carrying out loads of junk and trash. It's just so wonderful to be able to reclaim the apartment from the crud pile-up. Or it was until yesterday.

I was taking out the last load of 'debris' from the closet, on my way to the hospital to see Mark. It was seriously heavy and I ended up just dragging it through the parking lot to the dumpster. Now, someone with a little sense, would have pulled the heaviest items out of the bundle and thrown them in, one at a time. Not me!

Swinging the ruined hamper, loaded down with 2 old air mattresses, back and forth to get it high enough to clear the side of the dumpster, I gave a great final throw. And crashed to the ground in screaming pain.

The top of my left leg had swung left; the bottom of the leg went right. When I landed with a hideously painful thud on the pavement, I immediately grabbed for my left knee. The kneecap was now positioned on the outside of the leg - 90 degrees out of position! Since I was already in agony, I just shoved the kneecap back into place. Amazingly, I didn't pass out from the pain.

Knowing that I wasn't going to be able to get up by myself, I made the excruciatingly embarrassing call to 911. Happily, it didn't take them long to get there, help me up, and get me back into the apartment. When asked if I wanted to go to the hospital, I said that I didn't. As long as I kept my foot flat, I could limp up the stairs - with some help - so I didn't think it would be that bad. That was about 4:30pm.

By 9:00pm, my knee was the size of a medium grapefruit and hurting so badly that I was in tears. Like it or not, I had to go to the hospital. Once again I called 911 and waited for them to arrive. Unfortunately, I had locked the door when I came upstairs at 4:30pm and couldn't get out of the recliner to unlock it now. So, I suggested that the fire department contact the manager who lives here, for a key.

As luck would have it, the manager wasn't home. So, I had to painfully lower myself out of the chair to the floor and scoot to the door. Suddenly, I was very glad we have a small apartment. Since I couldn't straighten or bend my knee any more than it was, or stand the incredible pain that shot through my leg when I stood up on my right leg, the paramedics had to carry me down to a gurney at the bottom of the stairs.

At the emergency room, they gave me morphine and took 80 million x-rays. I had slammed my back into the dumpster, which now felt like a broken rib, but the chest and back x-rays were clear. The knee was another story. I had fractured my kneecap - breaking off a small piece of bone. After another dose of morphine, they put an immobilizer on the knee, called me a cab and sent me home. It took about 2 hours to finally get a cab to the hospital and I was just worn out by the time we were on the way.

Luckily, when I got here, there were 2 big burly guys helping their mom move in and they pretty much carried me up to the apartment. (With 2 doses of morphine, I wasn't exactly good on the crutches!) I couldn't stop at a pharmacy for pain pills at 2:30am, so - before I sat down again - I stumbled into the bathroom and grabbed the ibuprofen.

After about 4 hours sleep in the recliner, my knee isn't quite as bad today. In fact, I can actually balance on the toes, while reaching for the crutches. The only problem is that my legs are actually too long for the recliner, so my foot dangles off the front edge, creating pressure on the muscles.

I wonder if I knew I'd need a clear path through the apartment, when I bulldozed the clutter out of the way a few days ago?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

World Alzheimer's Day

If you missed World Alzheimer's Day yesterday, September 21st, don't worry. There's still time to raise money for this great cause. In fact, all monies raised through the end of September will be matched dollar for dollar by The Harrah's Foundation, up to 1 million dollars.

It couldn't be easier to contribute. Start by visiting the Alzheimer's Association website to learn about this devastating disease and how it affects the brain. The more you know, the easier it will be to talk to friends, family, and co-workers about the importance of their donations.

Not sure what type of event you want to host? Not a problem. There are tons of ideas on the website - from David Tutera's step-by-step guide for hosting a Purple Party - to one of these easy-to-organize events:

Birthday or Anniversary Party - Ask guests to donate instead of giving a gift.

Poker or Bridge Party - Split the winning pot between the winner and the Alzheimer's Association. Maybe the winner will donate their half back to the cause!

Neighborhood Block Party - Set up fun games like cornhole, badminton or volleyball. Collect donations to play or entry fees for each badminton or volleyball team.

Dinner Party - Ask your guests to donate what they would have spent on a meal and drinks at a restaurant.

Movie Night - Charge "admission" or pass around an empty popcorn tub for donations.

It just couldn't be simpler to help. In fact, if you register your event on the website, you'll get your own page where friends and co-workers can find out about your party and even donate online. Agree to raise $150.00 and you can even get a free World Alzheimer's Day party kit!

Don't wait! Get involved today!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Alice Ghostley

AP Photo
I was saddened to read of the death of one of my favorite actresses. For years I have enjoyed watching Alice Ghostley's slightly off-center characters.

Whether she was the disappearing maid on Bewitched or the wacky friend on Designing Women, she was immensely watchable. The slightly loony Bernice Clifton was such a comical contrast to the cool, cultured Sugarbaker sisters. And Ms. Ghostley delivered the offbeat and often, off color, dialogue with such childlike honesty, that it was impossible not to just love her.

Happily, her wonderful performances are still available in reruns of both television series. Rest in peace, Ms. Ghostley.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Build A Sign

You don't have to be a business owner to find yourself in need of signage.

Years ago we leased two parking spaces in front of our apartment. It wasn't overly expensive, but it was incredibly convenient. Unless one of us actually moved their car. I cannot begin to tell you how many people completely ignored the, admittedly small, signs stating that the carports were reserved. In fact, one woman actually tried to justify her illegal parking with "But it's not my car!" I certainly could have used BuildASign.com back then.

Just look at these terrific Signs:


I especially like the "No Parking From Now to Forever" version! People might have ignored it, as well, but it would have looked great and gotten the point across with a little humor.

Though I wasn't looking for them, I found a variety of holiday decals that were inspiring:Just pick a template and customize it yourself, right online. Include whatever lettering you need and even upload pictures. Because you're not paying a designer, the prices are terrific.

If you are a business owner, like me, you'll find enough templates - from vinyl lettering to sandwich boards to safety messages - to create all the signs you need. It took me about 5 minutes to design a decal with my company logo and had the option to order it in a number of sizes and shapes. Couldn't have been easier! And, since I can save my designs, I don't have to order more than I need or recreate everything when I'm ready to reorder.

Are you looking to save money on custom signs or banners? BuildASign.com has what you need.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Lung Surgery Update

Thought I'd give everyone a quick update on Mark's condition.

If you remember, his lungs were not functioning well and the doctors put him in a special bed which kept him on his stomach and rotated him periodically through a 3 hour period. For 1 hour out of every 4, he was placed on his back, which he didn't tolerate very well. Mark was attached to a complex ventilation system that strictly regulated in inhalations and exhalations, and was receiving 85% of his oxygen from the machine. The normal breathing rhythm is an exhalation that is longer than the inhalation. As Mark didn't tolerate that well, either, the ventilation system shortened the length of his exhalations.

The liquid diet that Mark receives was contributing to the congestion in his lungs and the fluid retention in his extremities, so the feedings were limited. He was on diuretics, pain medication, insulin, and medication to paralyze his muscles. Due to direct contact with the plastic cover on the bed, the heat generated by the mechanics of the bed, and lack of ventilation to his skin, Mark developed a rash on his chest and arms. The nurses were concerned that he was experiencing damage to his skin. I recommended that they place sheets between his body and the bed, because his skin is so sensitive.

This was all on Monday. However, when I walked into SICU on Wednesday, Mark was back in a regular bed, on a regular ventilator, receiving 50% of his oxygen from the machine. The doctors had stopped the diuretics and paralytic medication, and added protein to his feeding regimen. His skin looks perfectly normal and several times, while I was there, Mark moved his mouth and eyes as though he could hear the conversation around him and wanted to answer. One of the nurses noticed an odd sound coming from his throat and thought, perhaps, that he was trying to cough. I had to laugh, with joy, Mark was softly snoring!

There is very little swelling in his extremities - his hands are both quite puffy, but his legs and face look terrific. In fact, there is less discoloration in Mark's lower legs than I've seen since before his liver transplant. And, the nurse shaved him, so he looked so nice and clean, you'd swear he was just taking a nap - if it weren't for all of the lines and tubes.

Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes - obviously, they are working very well. I'll be heading back to the hospital in a few hours and will let you know how he's doing.

God Bless all of you.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Making Ends Meet

It was, actually, pretty easy to keep ahead of the bills when I was working full-time and getting paid every 2 weeks. All I had to do was determine which bills had to be paid in the first half of the month, and which could wait 2 weeks. Then, a couple of times a year, it worked out that there was an extra paycheck in a particular month that provided a wonderful cushion. I always loved when one of those extra checks hit around Christmas! What a terrific bonus!

Now, being on a fixed income, everything is much more critical. There are no more paychecks after the beginning of the month and there certainly aren't any extra checks. The rent, phone, and cable have to be paid immediately each month; they aren't negotiable. Although, I think we're probably going to power down the cable service shortly. Luckily we don't have any loans or credit cards to worry about.

We changed insurance companies several times between 2003 and 2005, looking for the best car insurance value for our buck and managed to get bundled coverage, including renters insurance, that was hundreds of dollars cheaper per year than what we had. The best part, besides the premiums that keep going down and the premium refund we received a few weeks ago, is that they take the payment out of our account each month, so we don't have to worry about writing checks.

Of course, the biggest difficulty is food. We can remove features from the cable and phone service, but you have to eat - every day. A few years ago, we invested in a small chest freezer, so that we could take advantage of sales and stock up. It's especially important since we both hate grocery shopping. I think it's one of our best purchases, ever. We can buy, not only on special, but in bulk. For the small cost of dollar-store storage bags and a bit of my time once or twice a month, we have a mini-store in our dining room.

There are 3 stores, very close to us, that we shop regularly. But - and this is important - we only shop the sales and carry discount club cards for every store that offers them. One store has incredible produce, but their meats more expensive than we're comfortable with. Another store has great meat specials, as well as terrific deals on frozen foods and laundry supplies. I've just fallen in love with their super-sized spices. For about $6.00-$7.00, I can get quality seasonings in stay fresh containers, that last for 3 months or more. This allows me to buy inexpensive sauces and mixes, and spice them up to suit our taste, at a fraction of the cost.

One of the stores even offers delivery and, if you spend $150.00 or more, they reduce the delivery charge by $5.00. To me, not having to spend 2 hours shopping, loading and unloading the truck, carrying everything up to the second floor, is a huge bonus. We have had some trouble with items not being available at the time we ordered, or - on occasion - being charged for items that were forgotten. But the store has always, immediately, refunded any charges for food not received.

With both of the boys gone now, Mark and I will probably be looking into cheap mortgages, once he's home from the hospital again. With just the two of us, we don't need a huge home and we're no longer limited to the area in which we have to move. The key to living on a fixed income is research - getting the absolute best deal you can, in order to live within your budget.

If you need help making ends meet, try Beat That Quote. Whether you need help with car, health or life insurance, loans, mortgages, credit cards, or investments, they can help.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Armed With More Than Education

I ran across this story today and found that, much to my surprise, I had seriously mixed feelings about it.

In a nutshell, a teacher in Ashland, Oregon, who has a restraining order against her obviously violent ex-husband, wants to be able to bring her gun to school. She has a concealed-carry permit and I can truly understand her need to protect herself. However, as the school district reminded her, their policy prohibits anyone, except a law enforcement officer, from bringing a weapon onto a campus.

As a person who has, more than once, been on the receiving end of violent behavior, I immediately understood why this teacher carries a gun. Statistics show that, outside Seattle, restraining orders provide very little protection against a person who is determined to do harm. I mean, think about it. When facing an attacker, flashing a legal document isn't going to stop a bullet or a beating.

However, as a parent, I don't want weapons to get into my child's school - no matter why. Talk to a law enforcement official about the wisdom of keeping a gun in your home and they will tell you that, in too many cases, these weapons end up being used against the owner. And then, after you're dead, there is one more gun in the wrong hands. Unless you are well-trained and truly prepared to kill someone, you have no business with a gun - personal opinion.

Then, of course, there's the Second Amendment argument, about the right to keep and bear arms, that I just knew would come into play. However, I believe that the argument is incorrect in this usage.

"In the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries, in England and the British Colonies, the militia system was based on the principle of the Twelfth Century Assize of Arms, where there was general obligation of adult males to possess arms and cooperate in the work of defense." ^ Osgood, Herbert Levi : The American Colonies in the Seventeenth Century , Page 499. Macmillan & Co., Ltd., 1904.

"United States federal courts have consistently interpreted the federal right to bear arms in United States as the modified collective right, not an individual right." Holder, Angela Roddy: The Meaning of the Constitution, Page 64. Barron's Educational Series, 1997. ISBN 0764100998

What do you think?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Do It Yourself

I don't know about you, but I seriously prefer not paying someone to do something that I can learn to do myself. Especially if it involves any of the trades - carpentry, plumbing, painting, etc. Frankly, I would rather not pay a plumber $30.00 an hour to snake a drain.

A few years ago, I was living in a really great apartment - 2 bedrooms + den, great living room/dining room space. The master bedroom was bigger than my current living room! Just a lovely place . . . except for the cracked and ugly kitchen floor. After a lot of begging on our part, the apartment complex agreed to supply vinyl flooring, if we did the installation. Cool, huh? Peel-and-stick floor tiles are a snap to put down. Right?

Well, they are when you have a perfect floor to which you can attach them. If you don't have a perfectly level, smooth floor, I found out later, it's a hideous waste of time and energy. Within weeks, the pretty new tiles were not only cracking in the same spots as the previous flooring, some of them were coming up at the corners. Since we had 4 cats at that time, the lifting tile corners became a great source of feline amusement.

Had I found DoItYourself.com back then, I would have known that it was critical to correct the problems with the floor before we put down new tiles. I also would have known that, despite claims to the contrary, my ex-husband didn't actually know what he was doing. As they say, knowledge is power.

Just imagine - a site where you can get tips and instruction for virtually any home improvement project. So, just because you don't know how to lay vinyl flooring today, doesn't mean that you won't tomorrow. DoItYourself.com has thousands of articles and over 100 active forums on several do-it-yourself home improvement topics. You can even get DVDs to walk you, step-by-step, through whatever repairs or improvements you're planning.

Imagine how terrific it would be to have a deck where you could sit with a cup of coffee in the morning and watch the sunrise or entertain friends and family on a warm summer evening. Don't know how to build a deck? Not a problem. This site will help you learn. It explains the terminology, provides a list of tools and materials that you'll need, and then walks you through each step until you're sitting on your deck, sipping lemonade.

It just doesn't get any easier.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Yoga

I was channel-surfing with my coffee this morning and found Inhale on the Oxygen channel. It was positively amazing!

Don't get me wrong, I've seen TV yoga programs before and even took yoga classes about 25 years ago. I actually did rather well, being (once upon a time) very flexible. But this instructor is positively 'rubbery'. Some of the students in his class are also incredibly flexible.

What's nice about the show is that many of the students aren't rubber-people, so they demonstrate alternate positions for beginners or us old folks who don't currently bend that way. The instructor uses great music and has a witty delivery that, despite the hard work, makes the class seem like a great deal of fun.

I can't do aerobic exercise, but I am seriously considering getting up at 6:00am on a regular basis to spend an hour investing in my physical health and mental wellbeing. For a night person, that says a lot.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Freeze It

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the face of pain.

I, as you can imagine, have been spending a great deal of time at the hospital lately. Well, just in case you were wondering, there are very few comfortable chairs in or around ICU for a tall person. My back, bad to begin with, is killing me. Or at least it was.

For the first time, I tried this terrific product called Freeze It.

It's a cooling pain relief gel that you just rub in, wherever you hurt. Made from camphor and menthol, Freeze It also includes an herbal extract that helps enhance the effects of the pain relievers. Vitamin E and aloe make it kind to your skin. I have very sensitive skin, so that's really important to me.

At first I was a little concerned, because it has a very strong smell. I was also worried, having tried similar products before, that it would be uncomfortably cool. There is nothing worse than applying something to ease your pain, only to be forced to run to the bathroom to wash it off because it was more uncomfortable than the pain it was supposed to alleviate. Trust me - been there, done that!

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. The scent dissipates very quickly and the cooling sensation is absolutely heavenly. In what seemed like a heartbeat, the pain in my lower back eased. After about 10 minutes, it was gone. When I touched my lower back, the muscles actually felt relaxed.

Now that I've tried it, I would never use anything else, regardless of the price. Amazingly, Freeze It is actually less expensive than similar products. I only wish I'd had it in the house last week when I wrenched my back and spent about 24 hours unable to move, like a turtle someone had flipped over on its back.

Oh, by the way, it also worked wonders for my (constantly) sore shoulders.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Lung Cancer Update

For those of you who have been following the posts about Mark's lung cancer, I just wanted to let you know that he had surgery yesterday. It was a very long day, to say the least.

Mark is doing very well. Obviously, he's in a great deal of pain, but when I spoke to him this morning, he sounded great. We were told that he would probably be in ICU for about 10 days and that it will take him several months to fully recover. At some point in the process, he'll have 4-6 months of chemotherapy, to ensure that the cancer is completely gone.

Due to the location of the lesion, the doctors had to take about 3/4 of the lung, instead of 1/2, as they had expected. I don't know how that will change the amount of time in the hospital or the length of his recovery period. Undoubtedly, it will all depend on Mark's ability to heal.

It's still very early, less than one day since he came out of surgery, so anything is possible. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Business VoIP

Being a small, really small, business owner, I understand the need to be professional on a budget. It's important to me that my customers receive the best service possible, without breaking the bank. While I don't do a lot of business by phone, I still do get calls and need to present a serious business image.

I recently found a company, Packet8.net, that provides a hosted iPBX service which allows businesses like mine to have all the advantages of an in-house call routing system without purchasing expensive hardware. We've all experienced this service - "Press 1 for Sales", etc. Until now, I thought that the only way a business could route calls this way was to actually own and maintain the PBX equipment.

Well, I was wrong. For an incredibly modest amount, I can get a Virtual Assistant that will route the calls to the main number (included in the package) to 1 of 3 extensions. In my case, I could have orders sent to my cell, customer service or admin calls to my house phone, or vice versa. Total flexibility. I can customize messages for each extension, giving the appearance of a much larger organization than I have, while presenting a 'personal touch' image, when the owner of the company returns or answers a call.

Another option that intrigued me was Virtual Numbers which are inbound numbers with different area codes that call into the one main number. It saves my customers money, because they are dialing a number local to them and gives me a 'local' presence without having offices all over the country. Pretty darn cool, if you ask me.

But the service that really got my attention is what they call Softalk Office, a Virtual Office extension that works from any personal computer, without the need for an additional phone number. Using a graphic keypad to access basic and advanced calling features, Softalk even supports videoconferencing for up to 6 people simultaneously.

If you have a business and need to inexpensively manage incoming calls, I think you'll really like what Packet8.net has to offer.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Flammable Cologne

I read this story and was just amazed. To my mind, it ranks right up there with the people who behave in a manner that necessitates manufacturer warnings such as, "Do not iron clothes while wearing."

This man doused himself with lotion and spray deodorant, then proceeded to prepare a meal over an open flame. He is now suing because he got burned. Admittedly, one would expect that the alcohol level in such a product would dissipate fairly quickly, reducing the implied risk to open flame.

Of course, it's impossible to tell, from the information given, how much lotion was applied and how much time elapsed between application and hanging over an open flame.

It just strikes me, again, as one of those "Well, duh!" moments.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Online Discount Mart

I don't, currently, have a yard. But I just LOVE shopping for home and garden decor. There are just so many adorable items out there, and I do have offsite storage. Mark just doesn't know he's going to be moving a lot of stuff!

Online Discount Mart is in the process of changing seasons, so they have some terrific bargains on outdoor products. I fell in love with these little guys - who would also be really cute in a corner of my living room. I know that people make light of Garden Gnomes, but how can you refuse these amazing faces.


And just look at these fantastic items:

You don't have to put the bistro set on a patio. I, personally, would love to have it in a corner of my breakfast nook. The lines are clean; it's solid, simple and just perfectly rustic. And the potting bench would double beautifully as a microwave car5 or sideboard.

Then I found the wind chimes, one of my weaknesses. They have every style from bamboo to pewter, dolphins to frogs. And you simply have to check out their retractable screen doors, portable and walk-in greenhouses, bionic gardening gloves, and a flat garden hose with 9 attachments that do everything but water the lawn for you.

Of course, with the end of summer comes thoughts of Halloween. Be sure to stop by and check out the spooky offerings, while you're filling up the garden shed.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Your Guide to the Perfect Afghan

Our lens on Squidoo is growing and changing every day and we're very proud of the changes. We've gone from being barely noticed to being placed in the top 100 Shopping sites - can't beat that with a stick!

Won't you please stop by and see the baby toys, books, chocolates, and afghans that we have to offer? While you're there, please rate the lens and leave a comment. We love to hear from everyone who visits.

Not to mention, you just might find a great JMark Afghans offer for Squidoo readers - only!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

HomeCamera

I have been asked by HomeCamera to give a fair and impartial review of their product. Do you worry about security? Want to be sure that the babysitter is actually taking care of the kids?

Obviously, a home camera would help. But there are a lot of security systems on the market. Some of them are inexpensive and don't really work well. Others require an IT degree and cost a small fortune. In the middle is HomeCamera.com. an Internet home surveillance service; an easy-to-use (yet full-featured) home monitoring solution, that doesn't cost thousands of dollars or need a tech genius.

For me, there are several reasons to consider what HomeCamera offers.

First, I would say - ease of setup, use, and access. Sign up for free. Download the Windows-compatible web security software, enter your ID and password, pick a name for the camera (home, livingroom, etc.) and hit Connect. That's it! You're set. Now you can log in and view that camera's information from any computer, PDA, or mobile phone - any day, any time, from anywhere in the world.

Because of the WAP technology that HomeCamera uses to send pictures, you don't have to have an expensive mobile set-up. If you can receive pictures and video on your cell phone, you can access your security account. We have unlimited pictures on our phone, for a very minimal charge, so we're good to go on all of our phones. (God bless, T-Mobile! But that's another blog, altogether.)

Second, I would say - loads of features. This is not a watered down, limited function system. HomeCamera supports motion detection (pictures and videos can be sent to your email or your mobile phone), webcam sharing (so you can share access to your cameras with family members), time lapse recording (you can setup HomeCamera to automatically record pictures and videos from your webcams onto our server, and access your recordings at any time), and more!

You don't need a specific, expensive webcam. We just bought two really terrific little webcams for $3.00 each and HomeCamera works with them. Now, I don't know about you, but that is a serious plus to me, because I am very unlikely to use a service that forces me to purchase more hardware. Although - if you don't have a webcam - HomeCamera can help you choose one that will fit your budget. Just another major plus, in my book.

Lastly, you just can't beat the price - it's FREE! Yup, that's right! The system is in public beta right now, so HomeCamera isn't charging anyone to use their software and service. Obviously, one day, they will take the product commercial and charge users. But, for today, it's free and they've promised that [y]ou have our word that when we do go commercial, your service will NOT be terminated even if you do not subscribe to a paid account. All beta trialists will automatically receive a free "HomeCamera Lite" service, from which you can then optionally upgrade. We also commit that all our beta trialists will receive special offers on subscription and mobile access and that these prices will NOT be available to other users.

Frankly, I couldn't have found this website at a better time. Mark, as you know, is going in for surgery on the 12th and will be in ICU for at least 10 days. During that time, I will be spending most of my day at the hospital with him, leaving Michael to fend for himself - a fact that scares me almost as much as Mark's surgery. Imagine my relief, knowing that I can download this system and see, any given time of the day, exactly what's going on at home. And, I just realized, Mark can tune in from the hospital after I have to come home at night, and see what we're doing. Now that's peace of mind all the way around.

Not to mention, this will put my mind at ease, if we decide to take a vacation or need to all be away at the same time. Because we live in an iffy neighborhood, we tend to have someone at home at all times. Now, that worry is lifted.

Give them a look - HomeCamera - I think that you'll be impressed with what you find. I certainly was.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Audrey Hepburn

I have started a page dedicated to one of my favorite actresses - Audrey Hepburn.

She was an amazing woman! Surviving the Nazi holocaust, she never lost her charm and grace. I have always admired her class - something that seems to be sorely lacking in today's society. And in her later years, still graceful and gracious, she gave all of her energy to ensuring that children around the world never experienced the hunger that she did.

Please visit my 'lens'. Audrey Hepburn was an incredible person.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Empire Stockbroker Training Institute

Are you interested in, or working toward, a career as a stockbroker? You can't deny, it would be incredibly exciting and a whole lot of hard work. Hard work never scared me. How about you?

Empire Stockbroker Training Institute provides training and exam preparation material for NASD and NASAA exams, including the Series 3, Series 4, Series 6, Series 7, Series 9/10, Series 11, Series 24, Series 26, Series 27/28, Series 31, Series 53, Series 55, Series 63, Series 65 and Series 66.

The Series 7 exam is the NASD/NYSE exam required by most broker-dealers for their registered representatives and covers: Stocks, Debt Securities, Investment Banking, Securities Markets, Taxes, Securities Analysis, Self Regulatory Organizations (SRO’s), Mutual Funds and Investment Companies, Annuities, Margin, Options, Money Market Instruments, Direct Participation Programs and Municipal Securities. Amazing amount of information, isn't it?

Frankly, I find the industry fascinating. If you do, as well, please stop by and investigate all that they have to offer.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Invited to Contribute to Book

Forgive my dancing up and down - but I received a fantastic offer this week! I have been asked to contribute pictures of and information about my afghans to a publisher in Great Britain. The book is to be published in the UK and the US next year. And. . . if they really like my afghans, I could end up with images on the cover of the book!!

I was stuck for a minute, not sure which images to send. Then, I really started thinking about the afghans of which I am most proud and it became seriously easy to decide.

My First AZ Afghan

My First Lapghan

My First Commission

Please stay tuned - Once I hear from the publisher, I'll let everyone know what's happening.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

I Plan To Live In The Two

Living in the two, means living in the top 2% of America - do you want to join them? I do!

Live In The Two offers real opportunities for self improvement and all you have to do is take a simple test - determine where you need to improve yourself to take advantage of your strengths and overcome weaknesses. It won't take more than 5 minutes of your time and could make a huge difference in your life.

I took the test and found out that, not surprisingly, I'm not much of a risk-taker. While I know that I'm very good at what I do, I'm more comfortable with what I know and am generally reluctant to take great leaps. Live In The Two can help you, as it helped me, discover your strengths, in 5 areas - discipline, passion, risk, optimism, and interpersonal skills - and where, like me, you could use just a little kick-start.

Life is stressful. Worrying about paying bills, keeping food on the table, clothes on your back and a roof over your head can actually affect your health. It's easy to fall into a pattern of behavior, telling yourself that you can't, couldn't, didn't, should have.

But, it's not impossible to have what you want and need, if you're willing to make the effort, consider working at self improvement, and give yourself a chance. Instead of waiting for the world to change, wouldn't you like to be able to change your life and change the world?

Live in the two!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Christian Childrens Fund

I am currently so - incredibly - angry!

You've seen the commercials for this organization - especially late at night when the cost of commercials is reduced - BUT, have you EVER tried to donate money through this 'fund' for children in the United States?

Well - I HAVE - and. . .you can't!!

A few years ago, I tried and was told that I - just simply - couldn't donate money to any child in the United States. Since then, I have made sure that I shared that insanity with anyone who felt that they might want to throw their money anywhere near this 'fund'.

Tonight, I (being the idiot that I am) tried again. Still can't support any child in this country through this organization - but. . . they now have a Customer Service number that they throw at callers who want to help American children who are starving to death every day.

I BEG you to never send any money to this 'fund' - it is not interested in children and it is not, given what I was taught, Christian!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bath Faucets

Okay, I truly believe that we qualify for a Guinness record for replacing bathroom faucets. The sink is still functional, but the bath faucet in the shower is - repeatedly - toasted. Michael, apparently, has issues with bathtub fixtures. He's broken, at least, 6 in the last 3 years. (In the interest of my blood pressure, I stopped counting.)

If you need to replace bathroom fixtures, I have a great site for you - Faucet.com. The faucets are beautiful, solid, and sure to make anyone thrilled to hop in the shower in the morning.

It is just so easy to find what you're looking for. I, for example, have found several that I would love to see in my shower - just as soon as Michael gets his own bathroom!


And it's wonderful that you can shop by finish, brand, style, or price range.

Do stop by. I really doubt that you will be disappointed. But I do believe that you will be inspired.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Please Shop at Sears

This is an email message that has been traveling the Internet since 2003 - but, it is a true story!

I HOPE you have all seen the reports about how Sears is treating its reservist employees who are called up? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up.

Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years. I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution.

I suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.

Pass it on.

Read the information accumulated by Snopes at http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/sears.asp.

If you have an option, when you are shopping, please choose Sears. I choose to not support the war, but I do choose to support the troops - and the amazing company that also supports our men and women in uniform.

I will be doing my shopping with the company who cares!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

1-800-WeAnswer

I have one phone number, for personal and business calls. Often it's awkward trying to decide how best to answer my phone. Not to mention, setting up a message for people who get my answering 'machine' is equally difficult. I often wonder if I need a telephone answering service and, today, I think I may have found a perfect fit for me.



When I found this company's website, I got excited. 1-800-WeAnswer doesn't offer just an answering service, they offer an amazing collection of services:

* Medical Telephone Answering Service
* Emergency Recovery and Contingency
* Call Center
* Virtual Office
* Resellers / CLEC's
* Voicemail
* Cell Phone, Pager and Repair Service
* Fax
* Mail Receiving Service
* Computer Services
* Live Operator & Virtual Office

I just can't believe all of the options that are available to, not just businesses, but individuals as well.

If you're not sure what you need, or that this service is what you want, they even offer a 2-week free trial offer. You just can't do better than a try-before-you-buy offer.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Get a Great Computer - NOT!

My laptop, again, bit the dust about 3 weeks ago. I have had it in the shop, for the same problem, twice since we bought it in January. Unfortunately, this time we also had a major boo-boo on the monitor. (Our fault - we kinda bounced it off the bed.) When I called service to inquire about getting the hard drive fixed, I was told that the company is "all or nothing" (to paraphrase) when it comes to repairs. So, if I sent it back to have the system problem fixed, they would want to also repair the monitor.

I didn't think that was such a bad idea, so I asked what it would cost. That would be the point where I started to lose my sense of humor! They weren't exactly sure what it would cost, sooooo they expected me to front $649.00 - a hold on my bank account - until they decided what they wanted to charge. Suffice it to say - my laptop is dead and not going to get CPR. Sucks, huh?

Tonight, we saw a commercial offering fairly top-of-the-line computers with a ton of software for people with bad or no credit. (Trust me, we qualify!) So, obviously I called! It started out really, really great. Then I started asking questions - oops!

We needed to give them $99.00 upfront, within 10 days. (Okay, not so bad.) Then, we started talking about the specs for the computer.

The processor was no better than the last computer I had (which, if you'll remember, is now my favorite doorstop) and, to be perfectly honest, the computer was - in many ways much worse - the hard drive was 20GB smaller, the screen was smaller, it didn't read or burn DVDs, and I had to contact customer service if I wanted a unit that didn't have Windows Vista. Oh, yeah! Sign me up for another doorstop! NOT!

But I decided to hear this poor guy out and see just how deeply he was going to bury himself since, hey, I could get a digital camera (already have 2) and a 3-in-1 printer (already have a 5-in-1) and free shipping. Woo-hoo! NOT impressed. And, I cannot opt out of anything included in this 'bundle'.

It gets really not pretty at this point. I'm asking questions that he's trying desperately to avoid answering by telling me about all of the software that I'll be getting. Through sheer stubbornness and growing aggravation, we finally got to the important part - what in the heck was this going to cost me when all is said and done?

Luckily, I was sitting down!

Now, this didn't sound too bad - $45.99/week or $91.98/bimonthly. Then, I found out that I would be making these weekly/bimonthly payments FOR A YEAR !!! To save you the trouble of pulling out a calculator - that works out to $2,391.48 - for, basically, a poor-cousin of the computer for which we paid $550.00 in January, plus software, a camera, and a printer that we didn't need.

The person to whom I was speaking was obviously accustomed to people telling him that they didn't want or need a camera and printer, because he said that he generally tells people to sell these unneeded and unwanted items on eBay or give them as gifts Now - forgive me if I'm being overly simplistic - wouldn't it make more sense, if you're offering a service to people with bad credit, to minimize the expense that the customer MUST incur (because there are no options involved)?

I was again reminded that I was getting free shipping and - you're gonna love this - once I completed their payment process, they would send me a whopping $200.00 rebate to (this just made me want to fall down laughing) USE AS I WISHED.

Definitely a "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" scenario! I'll not post the number I called, but if you see an ad and want to make sure that you're not dealing with the pay-thousands-for-a-cheap-computer that I stumbled upon - post a comment and I'll get back to you.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Metboots.com

Having spent years with a husband in the trades, I understand the importance and great cost variance in work shoes. You can spend a fortune and have the shoes fall apart. Or weigh so much that you can't function. If you need work boots or shoes, check out Metboots.com. You'll be happy you did.

One critical consideration, beyond price, is weight and comfort. Think about it - if you're a carpenter or painter, you're on your feet at least 8 hours a day, running all over a job site, trying to get things done. It's exhausting enough, then add boots that weigh a ton or that fall apart every couple of months. And if you think that only men wear work boots or steel-toed shoes, think again.

Years ago, my mom worked in a factory that rebuilt automotive parts and was required to wear protective footwear. She would have loved the selection, and price, at Metboots.com. The brands that they carry are some of the highest quality in the industry, and - gotta love this - they offer free shipping on orders over $100.00.

For those of you who need work boots, you can't beat this site. Check them out today and stop throwing away your money on substandard shoes that fall apart and hurt your feet. You won't be sorry.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Vick Finds Jesus

Between telling the press that he wasn't quite as responsible as the other people in the dogfighting ring - that he financed, Michael Vick has apologized "from the heart," explained that "Michael Vick" behaved immaturely, and promised that "Michael Vick" would be working on this immaturity.

I don't know about you, but referring to himself in the third person smacks to me of trying to actually distance himself from his actions by blaming "Michael Vick" - not to mention it's just creepy. (When I was a teenager I babysat a little girl who never said "I want" or referred to herself as "me". She ended up in therapy for years.)

Now - he's found Jesus! Click on the post title to read the article in Fox News - Mike Straka says it all so well!

Espousing, what he considers to be, the right thing, doesn't really count in my book because I don't, for a minute, believe that he actually means it. Just like many dysfunctional children I know, Michael Vick isn't sorry because he did something wrong; he's sorry that he got caught.

I'm just waiting for the crocodile tears!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Diamond Bay

One thing we all have in common is the need to plan for the future. Some of us are a bit older and have less time to plan for retirement, but regardless of your age, it's never too early to start thinking about what you'll need to retire comfortably.

Now, there's an investment method, trust deed investing, that offers a terrific ROI (Return On Investment) for people who want to increase their savings, transfer an IRA, or plan for early retirement. Diamond Bay Investments was created to organize and implement trust deed real estate investments nationwide.

They coordinate all aspects of trust deed investing, from loan underwriting to title and escrow to necessary insurance coverage to appraisals, and offer support via phone, fax, web, and consultation.

If you would like to increase the return on your investments or roll over your current retirement account, contact Diamond Bay today for a copy of their literature.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Lung Cancer Update

As you know, Mark has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The only tumor that doctors have been able to confirm is located in the upper lobe of his left lung. Today, he met with the surgeon and found out what they have in mind to deal with the cancer. It ain't purty!

In order to ensure complete removal of the cancer, they are going to remove the entire upper half of his left lung. He will be in ICU for about 10 days and then can expect to spend at least 3 months recovering from the surgery. But, because they are taking so much of the lung, there will be no chemo or radiation following the surgery.

On the good news front, the surgeon said that Mark is a good candidate for surgery, because his lungs do sound good and all of his breathing tests showed strong lung function. In addition, the cancer that Mark has - bronchoalveolar carcinoma - is supposed to be slow growing and tend NOT to spread. Tomorrow morning, the doctors are doing a CT scan, just to make certain that, in fact, the cancer hasn't spread. If all goes well, Mark will have surgery on September 15th. However, if they find additional lesions, he won't have surgery and will have to have chemo and radiation, in hopes of killing the cancer.

So, please keep Mark in your thoughts and prayers. God has gotten him through a lot. Let's just hope for another miracle, shall we?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Astronomy News and Classifieds

Interested in stargazing? So is Mark. He spends hours each week, keeping up with the latest news and articles. But with so many sites on the Internet, it takes a lot of time to find out what's new. Ideally, he should be able to log on and get all the news and information he wants, in one place.

There's a very interesting site, Astromart that offers everything he needs - classifieds, auctions, news, and the latest articles and reviews. This is something that your astronomer will just love, too - one place where s/he can indulge in a favorite pastime.

We also know how important it is to have the right equipment, especially when the lights of the city tend to blind the naked eye. I don't know much about what is and isn't good, so I tend to get rather confused. Well, no more. Astromart offers lots of very helpful reviews on telescopes, cameras, binoculars, mounts and accessories, as well as, among other items, used cameras for sale.

Now that's what I call helpful. If I decide to pick up a gift, I know I'll be getting something that will be appreciated and frequently used.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Gonzales Resigns

I was actually quite surprised to see this headline this morning. Not because it wasn't an appropriate step, but because Bush and Gonzales have both stated, unequivocally, that the Attorney General has done nothing wrong in his tenure. And, if you believe that, I've got a bridge for sale - connecting San Francisco to Honolulu!

One of the other articles I read today explained the cronyism that supported Gonzales' entire career - he held NO public office that wasn't given to him by GWB - from the state level in Texas to the Federal government in Washington. It's no wonder there was a tremendous amount of butt-kissing going on. The two men were so politically entwined that it's probably difficult to tell where one stops and the other starts.

Of course, one of the most endearing qualities of both men is the ability to look Congress and the citizens of this country straight in the eye and lie. What more could you ask from your government!?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Wooden Beds

I have always loved Wooden Beds. Not the paper-coated, fiberboard excuse that so many stores offer, but real wooden beds. If you share that love, you have to take a look at the beautiful products from wooden-beds.com, because you won't believe what they offer, until you see them for yourself.

Just look at a couple of my favorites: So classic and simple - just as I prefer; but rest assured there are dozens of other styles, guaranteed to make every shopper long for a new bedroom and bed.

They come in dark wood, light wood, and painted wood; sleigh beds (one of my favorites) and children's beds. Or, if you have a personal preference, shop by wood type - pine, oak, teak, walnut, ash, and reclaimed woods, to name a few.

Not to mention, if you are buying your very first bed, you can also get memory-foam pillows and mattresses. There are over a dozen varieties, so you are certain to find exactly what you need.

Please stop by and find your favorite today. As you can see, I've found mine!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Pay For My School

Ted Haggard, who stepped down from the pulpit, after admitting to paying for homosexual encounters, has now decided that he and his wife will pursue higher education with the intent of providing counseling at a halfway house in Phoenix. But they don't intend to do it the way the rest of us do, by actually paying for their education:

"It looks as though it will take two years for us to have adequate earning power again, so we are looking for people who will help us monthly for two years," the e-mail said. "During that time we will continue as full-time students, and then, when I graduate, we won't need outside support any longer."

Why didn't I think of that when I was enrolled in college? Hey, Mr. Citizen, I need you to pay for my education until I graduate. Then I won't need you anymore. Of course, I have no intention of paying back any monies received. You'll just have to be happy with my gratitude, as I move on to corrupting the ideals and morals of those around me.

Even better - they're not broke - and have a house on the market that is worth over $700,000!

Is this really the personal morality and self-serving mentality that society wants "building people, building lives" at Phoenix Dream Center? Please feel free to contact PDC and ask them to rethink this association. I have:

There have been stories in the news lately that imply Ted Haggard, who resigned his post with his church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after admitting to paying for homosexual liaisons, will be providing counseling at Phoenix Dream Center.

Mr. Haggard is also requesting that his supporters pay for his, and his wife's, education over the next 2 years. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070825/ap_on_re_us/evangelist_scandal

As a Phoenix resident, I request that the Dream Center rethink having anything to do with this morally bankrupt, self-serving person.

Thank you for your time.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Wet Basement Waterproofing

Have you ever had basement leaks? I have and it is just the worst. There's nothing you can store in such a basement, because it becomes damp and moldy. You can't actually use the space, because the dampness creates an incredibly uncomfortable environment. Unfortunately, my experience was in a rental home, so there really wasn't much we could do and the landlord, not living there, wasn't exactly gung-ho about correcting the situation.

If you have leaking or flooding issues in your basement, foundation, or crawlspace, there is a company that can help. The B-Dry® System has been proven to be so unique and, most importantly, so effective, that they hold a 1986 United States Government Patent. Not many companies can claim that distinction.

Providing sump pump drainage and a rigid basement sealer, The B-Dry System is available through highly trained contractors in 25 states. Best of all, they offer free estimates and a warranty for the life of your structure. Can you really ask for more?

If you live in an area that is prone to dampness and flooding, you can't afford to not contact this company.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Senator Breaks with President?

In a move that made my non-Republican heart happy, Senator John Warner, R-Virginia, made a statement Thursday, asking the President to start pulling troops out of Iraq. The White House is, shall we say, not pleased that one of the most party-loyal Republicans in Congress has spoken out in direct opposition to current 'policy'!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Senator Warner or why his opinion should carry so much weight, here are some basic facts. He is Former Secretary of the Navy; former Chairman, and now the second-ranking Republican of the Senate Armed Services Committee, having begun his association with our men and women in uniform sixty years ago. In this capacity, and throughout his career, he has shown unwavering support for the men and women of the armed forces. He has also been a champion of modernizing the structure and operations of the military to ensure its effectiveness in the 21st century. In a nutshell, when John Warner speaks about the military, people listen and rightly so.

Having just finished a fact-finding tour of Iraq, Senator Warner determined that the government in Iraq is not living up to the promises that they made when the United States entered into this conflict. (Not a huge surprise. Many analysts have made the same observation.) What sets this statement apart, is that Senator Warner expects the US to take action to show the Iraqi government that we are not intending to continue throwing more bodies into the war without some serious effort on the part of the local government.

I don't see anything untoward about what he's saying. Truth hurts, eh, Mr. President?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Artificial Rocks Factory

Okay, stay with me, because this is really cool!

Landscaping with rocks and stones, of all sizes and tonnage, is very popular and very expensive. After all, there are only so many rocks and stones available in any given area and transporting them from their current location to your front yard can be difficult and very costly. What happens if you're building or redesigning a home in an area that has no available material? Now, no worries - Artificial Rocks Factory has the answer!

Their collection of lifelike, cast stone boulders are molded from actual 800-1,000 lb. boulders. The amazing 50-60 pound fake rocks are made from cast stone, not fiberglass or polyurethane, so they look and feel natural. Twenty different models of fake boulders, which are all hollow, approximately one-inch thick, and open at the bottom, are available in three colors and are shipped directly to you, via FedEx Ground, within two weeks of being ordered.

Years ago, my husband and I painstakingly (with the emphasis on pain) cleared an area in our backyard, with the intention of creating a rock garden. After attempting to haul rocks, boulders, and sundry stones, for what seemed like years, in our spare time, we ended up planting veggies in most of the space. Had we known about Artificial Rocks Factory, we could have had the garden of our dreams.

Given the size of these artificial boulders and rocks, it's entirely possible that one could buy some large enough to cover unsightly pumps and utility boxes, as well as decorating. If you're not sure that you can find what you want, just visit Artificial Rocks Factory. They offer full dimensions and 360 degree views of all products.

You just can't go wrong!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Colleges Look for 'Authenticity'

This was an interesting article. Apparently, college hopefuls are disingenuous; filling their applications with tons of extra-curricular and community activities and accomplishments. I am more than a little confused - isn't that what high school guidance counselors and college recruiters have been telling our children for years?

Now that students have taken the advice to heart, the college admissions gurus are changing the rules? Not totally.

What they're asking is that, rather than just amassing activities randomly for the expected value on an application, students need to pursue these activities from a point of interest. An applicant expressing an interest in politics, for example, would have that common thread running through all his/her list of activities.

Although, there was one recruiter / adviser who actually suggested that small typographical errors in an application would make the applicant appear more 'authentic.' May I say - huh? Wouldn't that indicate an inattention to accuracy and detail, which in some fields could be extremely detrimental?

I'm just glad I'm not a college applicant!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Karlblog.com

Rarely do I blog about blogs, but Karl Moore's Blog caught my eye. The work is eclectic, amusing, enlightening, and inspiring. One recurring theme is Monday's RAK (Random Act of Kindness); something the world needs desperately.

The first 2 posts I read were just fascinating. His Friday Factoid this week delved into oddities in and about literature. Did you know that, based on the battles cited in Gone With The Wind, Miss Melanie was actually pregnant for 21 months?! There are more odd facts about authors Ian Fleming, Agatha Christie, Jules Verne, and Lewis Carroll; as well as some interesting tidbits about punctuation. You've just gotta head over and check out this post. It's great!

While you're reading, don't miss I Love My Office. It really hit home with me. Sitting here looking at the clutter and disorganization, it's no wonder I have a tough time getting things done. Karl's suggestions for improving one's workspace are practical, inexpensive, and spot on.

The Thoughts and Inspiration from the World of Karl Moore include listening to some Karl's favorite music and a forum where readers can share their favorite factoids or RAKs.

Altogether a really fun way to spend a few hours. Don't miss it!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Controlling Relationships

I was watching one of my favorite talk shows, The Greg Behrendt Show, and had a flashback to parts of my life. The episode was about controlling relationships. Not how to control them, but what to do when you're in a relationship with someone who wants to control everything.

It would be easy for me to say that I've chosen relationships in my life with controlling people because my mother was controlling, so that was the environment with which I was most familiar. (I almost typed comfortable, rather than familiar. But there is nothing comfortable about being controlled.)

My second husband was abusive and controlling. Everything in life was to be done his way, in his time. I received calls at work, demanding that I leave to come home and fix his dinner - something he was perfectly capable of taking care of for himself just 8 months before. No one was allowed to contradict anything that he said, no matter how blatantly incorrect. He knew it all.

Perhaps because I was treated badly in my childhood I accepted this behavior. I don't know.

I do know that in 2001, I quit being a doormat and punching bag. I left.

Please check out this site and, if you're in a destructive relationship, make the choice to take care of yourself.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Costume Cauldron

I love Halloween! Over the years I have dressed up for days at work, for bar parties, and for parties hosted by employers. It's just so much fun picking out something that will get everyone's attention. One year, I showed up at work as a ghoul - and scared the daylights out of a co-worker. It just doesn't get better than that!

It's been a while since I thought about dressing up for Halloween, but today I found my inner child again at Costume Cauldron! Everyone has their own favorite Halloween costumes and this site can accommodate all of them.

Me? I tend to stick with what showcases my true personality!
Let us not forget the accessories!

A little subtle Make-up

And a demure hairstyle

Heck, I might not even wait for Halloween! Wouldn't this be a lovely look for grocery shopping? How about for getting rid of those pesky door-to-door salesmen? Hmmmm!? Oooh, I do have a job interview coming up - don't you think that this look would just guarantee attention?! The possibilities are almost endless . . .

But, there are also . . . . . . some interesting royalty options. As you know, I am the Queen of Denial! (Yes, I just had to go there!)



Oh, yes! This is just far too much fun! Indulge your fantasies today!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Order Targets Self-described Pedophile

Have you been following this story? I can't decide if he's the craziest loon I've ever seen, an unapologetic publicity hound, or if he's playing an intricate cat-and-mouse game with authorities.

By his own admission, he is a pedophile, hangs out in places where there are lots of little girls, takes pictures of these little girls, and then publishes the pictures on a website that offers detailed information about where to find these little girls. But - he claims and police records prove - he's never acted against any child.

After his website, which has since been shut down by his service provider, was brought to the attention of authorities, a judge ordered him to stay away from all persons under the age of 18 in the state of California. Comments have been made that this order effectively exiled him from the entire state. Overkill?! Part of me says yes, part says no.

If I was the mother who found an image of her daughter posted on his website and remembered the outing where the photo was probably taken, I might have gone a tad 'postal'. Okay, more than a tad! At the same time, not being a law expert, I'm not exactly certain what specific laws this lunatic has broken. Aiding and abetting pedophilia? Suborning child molestation? He's done these things in a sense, but are there actually laws, on the books, specifically providing penalties for such behavior? The images on his website, as I understand it, were not actually pornographic.

Now, the judge has modified the restraining order to keep McClellan at least 30 feet from all places where small children congregate. Since he's never actually molested a child, the court order doesn't really make sense to me, especially when you realize that any decent telephoto lens will allow him to continue doing what got him into trouble in the first place.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Credit Card Guide

I've been taking a lot of surveys recently, trying to stash a few extra pennies for the holidays. Many of the questionnaires asked whether I had a credit card, which made me think. I haven't had a credit card in years and I'm not really sure that I miss it. Although there have been times when we've had trouble with the truck, toward the end of the month, and a credit card would have helped us get back on the road a few days sooner.

Still ... without, in my opinion, great self-control, credit cards can, and do, contribute to serious financial problems. Years ago, after my mother retired, she continued to use her credit cards as though she was still on the payroll and nearly lost her house. For the longest time, QVC got so much of my paycheck that I should have been able to claim them as a dependent on my taxes.

Honestly, things have changed and there are a lot of reasons to compare credit cards, especially if you habitually pay the balance off each month and can get a cash-back card. For people who currently have high interest rate cards, some of the new cards make a credit card balance transfer a great financial tool.

I guess it all depends what you want, what you need, and whether you are comfortable with credit cards. For me, I'll stick with my debit cards - at least until I hit the lottery!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

America's Second Harvest

Have you visited America's Second Harvest lately? Remember, people aren't hungry only around the holidays. Some families have trouble, as Bill Murray said in Scrooged "making their dream happen."

A great deal of Second Harvest's work is getting donated supplies to food-rescue organizations and food banks. But did you know that they also support seven other programs:

* BackPack Program
* Community Kitchen
* Disaster Relief
* National Produce Program
* Kids Cafe
* Relief Fleet
* Seafood Initiative



Please stop by their site and learn how you can lend a hand.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Earn Smart - Spend Smart

One issue we've had with the boys over the last few years is the value of a dollar. They get 20cents in their hands and nearly have a seizure needing to spend it. Of course, Dad used to have that same urgent desire - money just, as they say, burned a hole in his pocket. So, maybe it's genetic!

Now, the CEO of PAYjr, which offers a chores and allowance system, is sharing some of the parenting tips that he's accumulated over the years in his blog. Trust me! He's got some great ideas and really helpful tips.

The post I liked the most was the discussion of pre-paid debit cards for kids. It always seemed a bit risky to me, given the cost of these cards. But Mr. Jones has developed a chores and allowances system where parents set up chores, kids check them off as they're completed and VISA Buxx are added to the debit card. Pretty cool, huh? Other information I really enjoyed reading included investing for kids' education, getting ready for back to school, and "Rewards, Chores, and Everyday Duties".

Give him a read! I think you'll love the practicality of his tips and the ease with which you can implement them into your own family's life.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Atlanta Wants to Ban Baggy Clothes

When I read this story today, my first thought was "Great Idea!," followed by "It'll never happen!" Of course, I didn't realize that Delcambre, Louisiana (as well as other municipality and parish governments) had already enacted similar laws against public indecency. What I should have expected is the outcry of discrimination and potential racial profiling, that immediately followed the announcement.

Believe me, this baggy-pants-show-your-underwear style is not limited to any one race, ethnic, or even age group; not judging by what I've seen around here. To me, it's a disgusting, low-class, indecent idea that should have come and gone long ago. Luckily, I've never seen any girls / women flashing thongs. I might have been inspired to slap some sense into someone.

But, I also don't know that you can legislate common sense or self-respect. We already have an out-of-control government that is stomping on the Constitution every day, in far too many ways, crushing Americans' liberties as it goose-steps along.

Perhaps it's time for parents to become parents again and just say "NO!"

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Alzheimer's Memory Walk

An adult brain contains about 100 billion nerve cells, or neurons, with branches that connect at more than 100 trillion points. Scientists call this dense, branching network a "neuron forest." Signals traveling through the neuron forest form the basis of memories, thoughts, and feelings. Neurons are the chief type of cell destroyed by Alzheimer's disease, slowly destroying those memories, thought, and feelings.

Every year, volunteers of all ages, in hundreds of communities across the United States, team up with the Alzheimer's Association to conduct a fund-raising Memory Walk. Since 1989, Memory Walk has raised more than $225 million for Alzheimer care, support, and research. It's time to start thinking about this year's Walk.

Team Captains are needed for the 2007 Memory Walk, so sign-up early! Most of the walks are a distance of 2-3 miles and are held on a weekend morning in the fall. If you've never captained a team before, don't worry! Everything that captains and volunteers need to know is available online: from registration and donation forms, to guides and sign-up sheets, to fund-raising and recruiting ideas. Learn about National teams and their progress, for helpful ideas.

Sign-up today to be sure that you have enough time to bring people together and mobilize your community to start raising funds for your team's Memory Walk.



Don't let Alzheimer's sufferers be forgotten!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Amazing Cats

I've been owned by cats since I was about 20 years old, when my kids' dad brought home a little orange ball of fluff from the local Humane Society to keep me company in the evenings while he was at class. She was totally an indoor cat and couldn't be persuaded, for any reason whatsoever, that 'outside' was some place she wanted to be. While I was pregnant, the first time, she would lay across my belly when I took my afternoon nap, so that she could listen to the baby's heart.

In Michigan, we had 4 cats - Dad, Mom, 2nd son and a stray that adopted my husband. The dad, 'Doc', was a cream and white Persian who loved to race us up and down the hall. Not too bad an idea during the day, but if one of us got up at night, we were likely to trip over him in the dark. My favorite habit of his, though, was when he decided it was bedtime. All of the cats slept with us, in one corner of the bed or another, at different points during the night. 'Doc' was usually the first to bed and he didn't like to go to bed alone. He'd walk from the bedroom to the living room, stop in front of me and shake his head back toward the bedroom, before walking back. If I didn't show up in a few minutes, he'd repeat the exercise until I got up and went to bed.

Now, we've got Paka. Of course, all animals will let you know when they're hungry; that's nothing too unusual. But, Paka's unique habit has to do with his litter box. Admittedly, I'm not great about cleaning it every day, since there's only one cat in the house, I usually get to it every couple of days. If, for some reason, it's not clean when he wants it cleaned, he'll walk to the box, look at it, meow at me, and look back at the box. I have never had a cat do that, ever. Cracks me up!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Public Routes

It's an old joke that men won't stop to ask for directions, but I hate to do it, too. So, I tend to look up directions on the Internet and print them out, if I'm driving somewhere I've never been before. Unfortunately, not all direction sites are created equal and I often end up going the long way around, wasting gas and time.

Today, I found Public Routes, which offers much more than just driving directions. They provide a detailed travel map of the most appropriate combination of available transportation methods for major cities in the United States and the United Kingdom. What's great is that this could be walking times, subway schedules, bus routes, or driving directions, or even a combination guaranteed to get you where you need to be.

Just for fun, I decided to check out the Minneapolis map for a better idea of how the process works. Not only did I get the museum location I was looking for, the interactive map let me add transportation options and map it; plus the site offers real-time traffic alerts and weather updates.

This is just so flexible and informative, I can't imagine going back to static map results.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Online Surveys

Tonight, I asked Mark to give me an idea for a topic that would make a great blog - he came up with the perfect subject - online surveys! Have you ever done the "online survey" thing? Okay, don't yell!

Both Mark and I have been members of a social networking site that offers online surveys to increase member points and 'bucks'. Wellll, not so much. Oh they make the offer, it just never seems to happen. (At least not for us.)

Like so many of these surveys, you start out strong. You just know that you're going to get these points. You know all of the answers, because the questions are 'totally' about your life. The further you get into the survey, the more your confidence grows. And why wouldn't it? You've answered 50+ questions at this point. So if you weren't qualified or weren't going to get the 'prize', you'd have been disqualified by this point, right?

But - NO! - they say click "Next" and then they need even more information about your life. Come into my parlor!, said the spider to the fly

So you keep answering questions, because you just know that - eventually - the questions will stop and you'll 'win'.

Then, the questions finally stop and you reach the final screen that asks you to submit your responses - you've answered all the questions and you know that you've won whatever prize was offered! Life is Good!

"Sorry, but you do not qualify for this survey. Thank you for participating."

And, if that weren't insult enough - check your email! You are now number one on the spam hit parade!

I wish that this were only humor, which was it's intent. However, honestly, these examples are not intended to represent every online survey option. I have gotten involved with many that are fantastic and recommend that, once you do your homework, you do the same.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Online Back-up

Have you ever had to reset your computer? Lost all of the data on your hard drive? Really upsetting, isn't it?! (Okay, I know that 'upsetting' wasn't the first word you chose to describe this situation.) Trust me, I know!

I've had 2 laptops crash 4 times in the last 18 months and have lost software that I paid $100.00 for, game downloads, family pictures, and backup files for my website. (In all fairness, one of the manufacturers did fix the computer - twice. Just didn't 'fix' my data loss.) I do not have a sense of humor about computer crashes!

Well, there's not just a solution - there's an inexpensive solution!


Online backup through IDrive.com.
My New Hero!


Imagine - for free - you can get 2GB encrypted storage with continuous backup every 10 minutes. There is a bandwidth throttle, meaning that you're not going to get hit for overages while IDrive.com is taking care of your, so very important, backups.

If you have an online business (like me) that you need to protect, there are even options for storing more data at incredibly reasonable prices. Or, if you have a lot of personal information on your computer, you can purchase larger storage for your precious data.

Don't let a computer crash cost you pictures and information that you can never recover - get to I-Drive.com and protect yourself.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bored?

I have kids, so I know this phrase entirely too well - "I'm Bored!! It's like fingernails on a chalkboard to every Mom (and more than a few Dad's) in the world. What follows that statement is usually loud, totally whiny mayhem.

Well, I've (okay, they've) got you covered! Just head over to Bored.com for links to music, games, puzzles, trivia and quizzes, and (yes, that's the title) dumb stuff.

I'd prefer to see kids outside annoying the neighbors, but if you can't get 'em out the door, give 'em something dumb to play with online.

(Hey, it works for husbands, too!)

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

The Thrifty Scot

Shopping for insurance is a serious pain in the neck. No matter what great deal you think you've found, the minute you pick a plan or a company, something that seems better comes along. But, you can't keep putting off getting insurance - not if you want to be able to drive your car, or get medical treatment.

The Thrifty Scot can help you compare home insurance with very little pain. Not only do they offer an independent comparison tool and a free, no obligation quote, there are articles and tips on home insurance to help you determine what you need for where you live. Remember, not only do you need to insure your home, you need to insure its contents. There are many options for valuing and covering your possessions; be sure you know which is the most cost-effective for your situation.

When it comes to car insurance, the options are almost as great as for your home and furnishings. Prices vary by where you live, how much you drive, the age of your car, and your driving history. Obviously, when one has an older car, it may not make financial sense to have full coverage. We, for example, only have the local state minimum. The truck just isn't worth enough to warrant a huge monthly insurance premium. Luckily, we both have spotless driving records, so our rates stay lower; but we live in an area where crime is a bit higher, so that balances with the benefit we receive for not having accidents.

Life insurance, to me, is more complicated. When someone starts talking about term-life versus whole-life, my eyes glaze over and my ears start to make that ringing sound. Luckily, The Thrifty Scot explains the differences in a way that I can understand and which allows me to make an educated decision about insurance coverage.

If you need help with your insurance coverage, or would like to add coverage, please give The Thrifty Scot a look. I think you'll find that they have the information and support that you need.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

CharityUSA.com

You may not be familiar with this company, but you have probably seen some of their sites. They do amazing things for some great causes. All you have to do is visit any of these websites and click to donate food staples, books, free mammograms, pet food, medical care, or help protect the rain forest.

www.thehungersite.com
www.thebreastcancersite.com
www.thechildhealthsite.com
www.theliteracysite.com
www.therainforestsite.com
www.theanimalrescuesite.com

It doesn't cost anything to help - all of the clicks are supported by sponsors of the site. If you would like to do more, all purchases from any of the sites increase the food, books, etc., given to each charity.

Won't you stop in and lend a hand?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Low Cost Batteries

Some days it seems that everything we own needs batteries. Clocks, a keyboard and mouse, that cute little fountain that looks like a lighthouse at the top of a hill, hand-held game systems, two digital cameras, four cell phones, a laptop, a smoke alarm, and, of course, five gazillion watches. It's not exactly easy, or inexpensive, to keep everything running. We use rechargeables for as many things as we can, but they tend to have trouble holding a charge after a while and aren't exactly cheap to replace.

I have found a site that seriously helps with our battery needs. Low Cost Batteries has everything I was looking for and a few things I didn't know or remember we needed. While I was looking at the huge variety of batteries and chargers, I realized that it would be a great idea for us to get some sort of emergency lighting / exit system. Not to mention, the 2 cordless drills that I forgot about; one has an AC adapter, but the other runs strictly on battery power; and the 3 large flashlights that we bought for camping. It's tremendous to find all of them in one location, at discount prices.

The one battery I really could have used last year, but was unable to find at a reasonable price was a Laptop Battery for my Compaq computer. With just a couple of keystrokes at LowCostBatteries.com, I found what I needed, at a price that amazed me.

I, honestly, don't see us reducing our battery usage in the near future, so it's nice to know that I can find what we need without breaking the bank. LowCostBatteries.com also offers so many different shipping options that I know you'll be able to get your order exactly when you want it.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Michael Vick to Plead

Well, we all knew that this was coming. With his 'partners-in-crime' pleading guilty and pointing fingers, and lengthy written statements, at Michael Vick, it was only a matter of time until he entered his own guilty plea. Technically, his formal plea won't be entered until August 27th. But Vick's attorney and the judge in the case announced today (August 20th) that Vick is pleading guilty to, sadly, lesser charges.

In case you haven't heard, the state prosecutor for Surry County, Virginia is also planning to bring charges against Vick and his cohorts on September 25th.

I have never in my life wished anyone ill, however, these hideous deeds cannot go unpunished and the men involved need to be shown for the murderers that they are.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bolzano Handbags

I have a weakness for watches; collect 'em by the dozens. But, that doesn't even remotely compare to my love of fashion handbags and purses. Large, medium, small - all sizes! Black, brown, beige, white, fabric, tapestry, sequined - all types. I just can't resist them. But, I have a difficult time (oddly enough) finding styles that I like. Even though I'm old enough to be a grandma, I don't want to carry something that makes me look the part.

When I found Bolzano Handbags, I knew I was in deep trouble because these bags are just irresistible. So many of the styles that I love, all in one place! Just look at these gorgeous bags:

Who could resist?!


Previously available only in Europe, Asia, Central and South America, market demand means that US customers can now enjoy Bolzano's handbags, checkbooks, wallets, and keychains. Not to mention, reversible belts and iPod cases - something for everyone!

As far as ordering - it couldn't be easier! You can order online or, if you prefer, call, fax, or mail your order.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

WikiScanner

I love this program.

Developed by a computer science graduate student, WikiScanner looks at the 'updates' made to pages on Wikipedia and cross-references them with the originating computer. So far, the program has come up with some really interesting information.

CIA, FBI, NRCC, PepsiCo, Wal-Mart, and Vatican computers are reported as having made alterations to information on the open-source encyclopedia. Some of them are valid corrections, I'm sure. (wink wink nod nod) Others have included adding insults and removing unflattering truths.

One of the greatest (to my mind) pieces of nonsense to be perpetrated on Wikipedia by a corporation happened in 2004.

... someone using a computer at ExxonMobil made substantial changes to a description of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, playing down its impact on the area’s wildlife and casting a positive light on compensation payments the company had made to victims of the spill.

Gantt Walton, a spokesman for the company, said that although the revisions appeared to have come from an ExxonMobil computer, the company has more than 80,000 employees around the world, making it “more than a difficult task” to figure out who made the changes.

Luckily, such insanity doesn't tend to last too long.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Backgammon Masters Adds Blackjack

I don't know about you, but I love games - board games, card games, and computer games. Well, with the exception of "Monopoly," which I can never win! However, I am a huge backgammon fan, whether online or at home on my favorite board with my favorite sweetie. And, don't get me started about Blackjack! I even have a game on my phone!

Today, I found a great site, Backgammon Masters, the first home of online backgammon, that offers free software for all of its games in one download from one site, in ten languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew, French, Japanese, Danish, Greek and German. If that weren't enough, they offer backgammon, perudo, and poker, they have a network of thousands of players and now offer blackjack! Not to mention, help getting started, game features, tournaments, and how-to-play guides.

This is just so much fun! You have to check out the 4-in-1 game lobby, where you can join in any of the games and participate in chat, or just sit and watch the action, until you're ready to jump in and show the other players how it's done. Best of all, to celebrate the launch, Backgammon Masters is holding special free blackjack tournaments. Be sure to visit the Blackjack Articles for more information.

Love Blackjack!?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Your Brain on Drugs!

In my life, I've known more than one person who felt drugs were a great thing. (No accounting for taste.) For me, I just can't see it. One of things I've always been most proud of has been my ability to think and reason. Something I wouldn't want to risk by messing with drugs.

Apparently, the guy in this story needs to learn that lesson. (Click on the title to read the full story.) This fool walked into his dealer's apartment looking to score some meth. His dealer was seated on the sofa, in handcuffs, surrounded by police officers. When the dealer indicated that he "didn't think he could help" the guy, this moron turned to the nearest officer and asked if he could hook him up.

Needless to say, Mr. Meth is now in custody. If you've ever had any doubt that drugs rot your brain - here is your proof!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

aim Promote

Ever worked in sales or 'lead management'? Ever had to deal with customer relationship management 'CRM' software? Then, you understand what a pain in the neck many of these packages can be. They're often difficult to implement and your sales staff may balk at complying with the inflexible changes required by the software.

Now there's something better - aimPromote.com - a flexible system that doesn't force you to download or install CRM software features that you don't need. This system allows managers to streamline their sales processes and improve staff follow-up. There is no need to install and train all of your staff on every feature, only the ones that sales will need to record and track their leads.

What if your company processes leads from or for its customers? The same software will work wonders! Track incoming and outgoing leads. Use this package to determine which of your customers are generating valuable leads and which are not following up, to your standards, on leads exported to them.

The Lead Attention Meter allows key personnel to monitor, at a glance, how leads are being handled. All new leads are given a meter. Recently addressed leads are highlighted in green. After a preset length of time without attention, leads are highlighted in yellow. If more time passes without action, leads are highlighted in red. Neglected leads clear the Meter and generate an alert. By hovering the mouse over the Meter, a tooltip indicates the last time any action was taken on that particular lead.

This is a full-fledged CRM system that also allows the account holder to sell leads before, after, or instead of making a sale themselves. When you're responsible for sales and lead management, internal and/or external, you just can't beat the features that aimPromote.com offers.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Co-defendants Point Finger at Vick

Okay, I'm not a happy camper!! Despite the fact that Vick jerseys are being used to clean kennels in Atlanta, the news is not good.

Vick's co-defendants have taken plea deals and confirmed that virtually all of the money used in the "Bad Newz Kennels" came from Vick. Not to mention, they confirmed that all of the charges in the 18-page indictment are true. Yet ...

Federal prosecutors want Vick to accept a plea deal that would require him to spend at least one year in prison on federal dogfighting conspiracy charges, reports say.

... If Vick, 27, rejects the deal, he could face an additional charge under the federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, known as RICO, a source with knowledge of the investigation told the newspaper.

According to the source, who requested anonymity, conviction under that charge would be punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The new charge would be considered by a grand jury that convenes Monday.

Excuse me?! But why are prosecutors trying to reduce the possible sentence for this disgusting individual? Who has gotten to the Atlanta court system and put pressure on them to give this 'star' a break? Why, in the name of all that is holy, does he deserve a break? Because he's a great quarterback? So what! He's a hideous human being - and if he weren't an NFL player, we wouldn't be having this conversation, would we?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Drug Rehabilitation

It's difficult to read the news these days without stumbling over a story about some celeb going into and out of rehab. Makes me wonder if they have revolving doors on those places, ya know? Drug abuse is not a laughing matter. I know, because my second husband had a predilection for putting his paycheck (when he bothered to get one) up his nose.

Back then, I had no idea what to do; I didn't have Internet access and was pretty sure, without a court order, he wouldn't go anywhere. Today I found a site that could have helped me tremendously - 4rehabilitation.com.

How could they have helped? They offer interventions - with a neutral party present through the entire process to keep things on track and ensure that tough love is maintained. In addition, they help line up a rehab facility, before the intervention, so that there is a place, immediately, to take the abuser. Not to mention, if the abuser relapses within 6 months of treatment, they can be readmitted at no charge.

For those of us who aren't Hollywood celebs with a gazillion dollars at our disposal, this is a critical aid that we may desperately need.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Vick Jerseys Helping Clean

I was surfing the 'Net, looking for the latest updates in the Michael Vick debacle and found THE greatest story! (Click title to read full article.)

It seems that the Atlanta Humane Society, which collects towels and such to be used for cleaning and bedding in their kennels, has been receiving an inordinate number of Vick t-shirts. Angry former fans, seem to have found a marvelous, productive use for the detritus of a man gone bad.

Personally, I have never purchased a player jersey, preferring to put my money behind the teams that I support. But, I almost wish I owned one of these shirts, so that I could personally send it to my local shelter for scrubbing dirty cages. What a perfect idea!

Big thumbs up for those donating their Vick shirts! Good call, folks!!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Home Theater

Okay, I admit it! I'm an electronics junkie! Computers, PDAs, televisions, cameras, cell phones - I love 'em all. But nothing is more fun than creating a home theater system. Currently, we have our stereo system carefully stacked, with the VCR and cable box, on top of our tape cabinet - not exactly the best way to store electronic components. In fact, we've already fried one cable box, by having one component piled on top of the another.

Today, I found a Houston furniture store, which offers not only the components, but dozens of attractive entertainment centers to house all of our electronic goodies. This one just jumped out at me, as I was surfing the Gallery Furniture site.Frankly, this has everything I was looking for - clean lines, beautiful marble top on the base cabinet, gorgeous veneers, and a space in the hutch that is large enough for our TV.

The fact that we have limited space, isn't a problem at all. Gallery Furniture offers articles on how to create your home theater from viewing angles and light sources to TVs, stereos, accessories, and seating, as well as room planning assistance to make sure that you don't end up with more or less than your room can handle.

Dedicated to making your experience as pleasant as possible, Gallery Furniture offers three different purchase options, to suit the needs of virtually all shoppers. If you live within 100 miles of Gallery Furniture, they offer same day delivery; with next day delivery for those shoppers within 500 miles of the store. Don't worry if you don't live in Texas, they also offer coast-to-coast shipping. Contact them for more information.

So, what are you waiting for? Start designing your ideal home theater system today!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

New Spark Plug Cuts Fuel Costs

I received a newsletter today from Earthjustice that contained a link to the story about this new LSG Halo Spark Plug that not only cuts fuel costs, it reduces emissions by improving combustion. (Click on the title to read the full article.)

Thanks to [its] groundbreaking technology, the Halo ignites the air/fuel mixture up to 30% faster than conventional spark plugs, resulting in a more efficient combustion (around 95% versus 75% for standard plugs) and maximum utilization of the energy contained in the fuel. This increased efficiency will help consumers and organizations save up to 10% on fuel costs, improve engine performance, and lower harmful emissions such as Hydrocarbons, Carbon Monoxide, and Oxides of Nitrogen (Nox) by as much as 20%.

To test the claims of this new plug, the City of Little Rock, Arkansas installed the Halo in 12 police cars and field-tested them for four months. Amazingly, they found that the results were even greater than LSG had projected - an incredible 11.5% average increase in fuel mileage. The Fleet Maintenance Manager was so pleased that he is having all of the city's police cars retrofitted and, based on the results of the field test, anticipates a savings of $225,000.00 annually on fuel costs.

Couldn't you use a break from outrageous gas prices, while lowering emissions and improving the performance of your vehicle? I know we can.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Sanders Contacts

Do you wear contact lenses? I do and they tend to be a bit more expensive at the doctor's office than I can regularly afford. So I don't get new lenses as often as recommended. Now I don't have to worry about that. Sanders Contacts offers all of the brands that I trust at affordable prices. But, best of all, many of the packages come with rebates that cut the cost dramatically. How's that for terrific!?

I have blue eyes which, some days, are very blue; some days, not so much. With Color Contact Lenses, I don't have to have those 'gray days' anymore. In fact, I can go green or brown, or even violet - whatever my mood. Gotta love that idea!

Years ago, I was diagnosed with astigmatism in my left eye. So, while I can wear standard disposable lenses, I need to wear glasses to read. Not exactly a perfect solution, but toric lenses (for astigmatism) were always prohibitively expensive for me. Not any more! Now there are 1-2 week disposable colored toric lenses that, in a box of 6, cost about $8.33 per lens! If you buy 4 boxes, which you know you'll need eventually, the mail-in rebate drops the per-lens price to an amazing $7.07. That's a price that I can live with.

Another problem I have with some lenses is that they seem to magnify the glare of the sun. So, I end up squinting and blinking, and my eyes water uncontrollably. Very uncomfortable and unattractive, to say the least. But at Sanders Contacts you can get glare-resistant lenses, which I didn't know existed, with a $10.00 rebate available when you order 4 boxes. You know, eye doctors recommend protecting your eyes from the sun, just as you protect your skin. What better way to do that, especially if you don't want to wear sunglasses?

Not only can you get the contacts you want, ordering is easy. Just enter your prescription information into the form, pick a color and quantity, then click "Buy Now". The instructions to qualify for the mail-in rebate, which was available on all of the colored lenses I checked, are listed on each lens page. Generally, you'll need to visit your eye doctor for an exam and your current prescription and order the required number of boxes within 60-90 days of the exam.

It really couldn't be simpler and the prices just make the process virtually painless.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Lung Cancer News

We have definitely gone through some serious ups and downs in the last couple of weeks. Finding out that Mark has lung cancer was not exactly the bright spot in our universe, as you can imagine. Then, the oncologist ordered a PET scan, which would highlight any spot in Mark's body that was malignant. Okay - might I say - NOT fun. What if there were spots all over? Not just in his lungs, but in his lymph glands or his liver or his kidneys or his prostate? Or all of them?

I have to admit, I have pretty much decided that Mark is bordering on bullet-proof. He's just so stubborn. So, I just wasn't as worried as I probably should have been.

Luckily, if having cancer can be lucky, Mark has only one lesion - the one that was biopsied. There were no spots anywhere else in his body. Pretty terrific, huh?

Now, the oncologist believes that surgery is the best course, possibly followed by short-term chemo. He said that we'd discuss that after the surgery.

So, once again, we wait. It's been almost a week since the last visit with the oncologist and we still haven't heard from the surgical department. I'm rapidly becoming not amused and Mark is just plain angry.

Stay tuned - you know there's more to come!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

PeekYou

Have you ever tried to find someone online? It's one of the most popular web pastimes, but it just doesn't work well. In fact, I find that it's, generally, a pain in the neck. Even when you're willing to spend money, you don't always get what you're looking for, or should I say, who you're looking for. Well, I've found a better way.

According to their recent press release:

NEW YORK, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- PeekYou.com (http://www.peekyou.com/), an innovative search engine dedicated to finding people online, announced today that it has officially launched in beta mode. The Web site is the Internet's first true openly edited white pages, allowing users to easily locate other Internet users with a presence on the web and access a list of all relevant links to the person being searched. The site has been in stealth mode since October 2006 and has already built profiles for over 50 million users, with more being added every day.

Like The Open Directory Project and Wikipedia, this is an open source document, meaning anyone can create a profile. It's not necessary to register, although that is easy and, actually, a lot of fun. PeekYou.com is extremely flexible. If you want to attach more than one location to your profile, you can. If your city isn't listed, simply add it. List all of the information that you want to make available to anyone searching for you - your bio; tags (keywords) that describe your life, work, and schools; and a ton of options for listing your personal, business, social networking, press & news, RSS, and other web information.

Check out this fully realized profile and you can see exactly how much information can be shared. And you aren't limited to your own information. If you would like to add your mother and father, so that their friends can find them, you can. Have a cousin, sibling, or friend who doesn't know about PeekYou.com? Add their information or invite them to add a profile.

I can't believe that no one thought of this before. Imagine writing your own web biography. What fun!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Studying Lung Cancer

Since we got the bad news today, I've been doing some research. There are 2 basic types of lung cancer:

Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 80 percent of lung cancers. Among them are these types of tumors:

* Epidermold carcinoma (also called squamous cell carcinoma) forms in the lining of the bronchial tubes. This is the most prevalent type of lung cancer in men.

* Adenocarcinoma is found in the mucus glands of the lungs. This is the most common type of lung cancer in women and among people who have not smoked.

* Bronchioalveolar carcinoma, which is a rare subset of adenocarcinoma, forms near the lungs’ air sacs. Recent clinical research has shown that this type of cancer responds more effectively to the newer targeted therapies.

* Large-cell undifferentiated carcinomas form near the surface (outer edges) of the lungs. They grow rapidly and often have spread by the time of diagnosis.

Small cell lung cancer accounts for 20 percent of all lung cancers. Although the cells are small, they multiply quickly and form large tumors that can spread throughout the body. Smoking is almost always the cause of small cell lung cancer.

I'm not exactly certain what type Mark has been diagnosed with, but I do know that it originated in his lungs, not his liver, and is fast-growing. He has one peanut-sized tumor and lots of shadows that are destined to become tumors. We're meeting with the oncologist on August 7th to discuss where we go from here.

The pulmonary doctor didn't feel there was much that they could do for Mark, due to the transplant and the immuno-suppressants that he's taking. Hopefully, the oncologist has a few more ideas. We shall see.

Wish Mark luck and please say a prayer.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Superbad YouTube Homepage Takeover

On your mark, get set ... On August 1st, Superbad is taking over the YouTube homepage! Who else would dare?

Superbad, due in theaters August 17th, is a hilarious coming-of-age film about two high school buddies facing the end of their ridiculously dependent relationship, after being accepted to different colleges. In one horrible, panic-driven night they attempt to reverse a lifetime of bad luck with women before they are separated. I've seen the clips, you're just gonna love these guys!

Seth is loud, obnoxious, and obsessed with sex; Evan is sweet, smart, and pretty much terrified of everything - the new odd couple. Add in their friend Fogell, who is a total nerd, pretending to be hip-hop cool, and you've got the perfect combination for trouble. Once they start bragging about their amazing social life, you just know they're going to have to come through and it won't be pretty.

Rush over to YouTube on August 1st and check out the videos. I've never taken Home Economics, but I'm pretty sure that's not the way the class generally works. And I'm absolutely certain kids don't just barge into classrooms announcing the imminent acquisition of illegal documents. But somehow, with these 3 guys, it seems natural; naturally goofy.

Once you've seen the clips and stopped laughing, be sure to head on over to the website for some Superbad *** ringtones, wallpapers, screensavers, and buddy icons.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

"Live Like You Were Dying"

This song has taken on a whole new meaning, since we found out that Mark has lung cancer.

He said I was in my early forties
with a lot of life before me
when a moment came that stopped me on a dime
and I spent most of the next days
looking at the x-rays
Talking bout the options
and talking bout sweet time
I asked him when it sank in
that this might really be the real end
how's it hit you when you get that kinda news
man what'd you do

and he said
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

He said I was finally the husband
that most the time I wasn�t
and I became a friend a friend would like to have
and all the sudden going fishin
wasn�t such an imposition
and I went three times that year I lost my dad
well I finally read the good book
and I took a good long hard look
at what I�d do if I could do it all again

and then
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I�d been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

Like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about
what'd you do with it what did you do with it
what did I do with it
what would I do with it?

Sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I watched an eagle as it was flying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
Tim McGraw

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Digital Cameras

For years, we managed with an inexpensive camera from Walgreens. It took pretty good pictures and we got a free roll of film every time we took the camera in for developing. They even offered, for a nominal fee, a disk with our pictures. Not too bad. Unless we needed something quick, then we were just out of luck.

Three years ago, we bought our first digital camera. And fell in love. Wow, what a difference! Not only did it hold more pictures, it took videos. We could pick the picture size, zoom in and out, and didn't have to wait for photo processing to email photos. Talk about instant gratification. And look at the quality:


We use our digital camera for everything. Arizona gets some severe weather, but no one ever believes how wet it can get. Now we take videos and stills to show them. A few months ago, a former tenant came back and graffitied a couple of buildings, including the one across from ours. I happened to be out taking shots of a full moon and managed to capture the "getaway" truck for management.

One of the primary uses for our cameras, we have two now, is taking pictures for my website. (Our first camera doesn't distinguish between blue and purple well, so I ended up getting a second camera for certain shots.) I can arrange the afghan, shoot, and immediately know if I need to rearrange something in the shot. If I don't like the particular image, I can just delete it, where before we had limited shots and had to pay to develop all of them, even the bad ones. Saves a ton of money this way.

Of course, there are top-of-the-line cameras that would eliminate the need for 2 cameras, like the Canon Rebel XTi. Just suffice it to say, it's on my wishlist!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Get Ready for Cool Weather

Believe it or not, the kids are starting school in a couple of weeks. The weather has already cooled a bit, here in Arizona; although the humidity went up, so we're just as miserable as we were at 120 degrees. It won't be long and, around the country, leaves will be changing colors and nights will be cooling down.

Remember last winter - curled up on the sofa in sweatshirt, sweatpants, heavy socks, and a sweater - trying to keep warm? You could always turn up the furnace and pay that huge heating bill. Not exactly an earth-friendly, fiscally responsible idea, is it?

What if I told you there is a simple, far less expensive solution? You'd jump at the chance, right? Well, here it is - a cozy, cuddly, comfy afghan from JMark Afghans, etc. in your favorite colors and a perfect size for snuggling on a cool winter's evening.

Stop by and order one today - it doesn't have to be freezing outside to appreciate the comfort and warmth of an afghan!

Don't forget to visit My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Echo Malibu

With everything in the news these days about teens gone wild - alcoholism and drug abuse are rampant - it makes me wonder what I would do if my child were in trouble. Like it or not, some kids and teens with ADD/ADHD and other behavioral or emotional difficulties are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. As parents of challenged children, we have to be prepared to take action to help them, should the need arise.

There are many rehab programs out there which don't seem to work, think Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Ritchie, Britney Spears, Brad Renfro, and Paris Hilton. Echo Malibu is more than a teen drug rehab center. They believe in Empowerment, Choices, Hope, and Opportunities for adolescents and their families.

Empowerment: building on the strengths of every individual and family and working with them to create a treatment program that fits.

Choices: teaching adolescents how to assess their options in real-life situations and make positive choices.

Hope: rebuilding relationships and trust with work, integrity, compassion, and resolve.

Opportunities: providing teens and their families with optimal opportunities to open lines of communication, cope with adversity, let go of resentments, and affect positive changes.

It's not enough to place a person with abuse problems into a center - no matter the length of time - if they aren't given the education, support, and tools to cope with peer pressure and maintain sobriety in the real world.

Echo Malibu offers just such a teen drug treatment program. If your child or a child you know needs help, please contact them.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bottled Water

Back when Mark was sick, I researched everything in his diet. There are so many restrictions to what an end-stage liver patient can eat and drink, it boggles the mind. To make sure what we were giving him was acceptable, I even looked into bottled water. So, obviously, we weren't surprised when PepsiCo. and Coca-Cola announced that Aquafina and Dasani were just fancily-labeled tap water. We knew that in 2004!

Not to mention, we knew that Dasani adds sodium to their water - 25mg per every 8oz serving! Since there are 2.5 servings per 20oz bottle, that puts the total sodium per bottle at a whopping 62.5mg - as much as a whole large egg. Now, which makes more sense in the diet of a very sick man - 20oz of water or an egg? I know it sounds silly, but that's actually the choices that had to be made. The protein and nutrients went a lot further toward keeping him strong than a bottle of water would have, I promise.

As far as water? We bought a Pur filter for our kitchen tap and spend $18.00 per month for 100 gallons of clean, clear, water with no sodium added. We keep a pitcher of filtered water in the fridge at all times, and Mike has a refillable water bottle that he takes along whenever he goes out on a hot summer day.

Do yourself and the environment a favor - buy a water filter and a reusable plastic bottle.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

AeroCare

Years ago, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. She was living across the state from her oldest son. As the disease progressed, we wanted to find a way to get her east. Because of the condition of her lungs, her doctor wouldn't allow her to take a commercial flight. I wish I'd known about AeroCare in those days.

An internationally recognized airline medivac service, AeroCare offers 24-hour, emergency and non-emergency services throughout the world. Specialists in transporting critically ill patients, each flight includes a nurse, paramedic and highly trained flight crew, as well as state-of-the-art equipment.

Their aircraft are licensed by the FAA and the company is licensed as an air ambulance service in their state. AeroCare is a provider, not a broker; the medical crew members are trained in altitude physiology; and they offer bedside to bedside service. Adding to the quality of the service is their dedication to keeping costs to a minimum. AeroCare will even help you coordinate with insurance or Medicare.

It's not a service that anyone wants to need, but if you do, isn't nice to know that AeroCare is there?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Click to Give

Desperately looking for something positive in the news today, I decided that the most upbeat story comes straight off of my homepage: The Hunger Site and their "Click to Give" program.

For those of you who haven't seen this wonderful site and all of its sister sites, let me explain. Visit any of the sites and click to give to that cause. The sponsors of the sites donate the gifts - be it 6 bowls of pet food, free books, preservation of endangered rainforest, free mammograms, basic healthcare for kids, or 1.1 cups of staple food - per click! It doesn't cost the 'clicker' a thing and you're not limited to one click per day.

I have changed my homepage to The Animal Rescue Site so that I am reminded, every time I log in, to click and give.

Won't you do the same?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

AJ's Jewelry

While I like jewelry, I have rather particular taste. For example, I don't actually like diamonds, I don't like little delicate gold chains, and I don't like anything 'crusted' with any kind of stones.

That's why AJ's Jewelry works for me. They let me design what I want, with the stones I prefer or none at all, and help me get it created. Like JMark Afghans, they let the customer decide what they want and make sure it happens that way. Customer service at its finest.

I honestly didn't realize that you could get a custom jewelry design, without knowing a jeweler or goldsmith. But AJ's not only offers personalized name jewelry, they will take my design and work with me to make it a reality. You've got to see these transformations. It's amazing what they can do with a rough drawing.

If you don't need a custom piece or need some design ideas, you'll find those here, too. I just fell in love with the mystic topaz collection. It's an unusual stone, which AJ's has put into some very attractive settings. But it got my imagination going and I think I need to start sketching a ring or two.

Do stop by AJ's Jewelry and have a look for yourself. The selection is wonderful.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Strange Bedfellows

It's not often that I agree with Newt Gingrich - okay it's never happened before. But today, made a prediction that I just had to go along with - Clinton / Obama Democratic Presidential Ticket! When the man's right, the man's right.

I was also intrigued (and again agree) with his assessment of McCain's chances of getting the Republican nomination. Mr. Gingrich put the odds somewhere between none and less than none. Arizona's senator has managed to even alienate his own party so completely that it's a wonder they recognize him at all.

As far as the rest of the Republican candidates - I don't know much about Romney and Thompson, but I'm not really too impressed with Guiliani. There is entirely too much negative press about his handling of the 9/11 situation and NY firefighters are leading the complaints. That and his 'close' relationship with his family, just lead me to believe that he has a habit of presenting one face to the public - and it's not the real man.

Should be interesting to see how things evolve?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Abt Electronics

I believe that I can say, without exaggeration, that I have officially died and gone to electronics heaven. Seriously! (Okay, a little exaggeration. I am still breathing.)

Abt Electronics not only has appliances, electronics, computers, cameras, TV and video equipment - they have a gourmet kitchen shop! But, I'll have to save that department for another day, I am on the hunt for something else: a room air purifier! And Abt didn't disappoint me.

Mark and Michael have seasonal allergies; I have allergies all year long. Our complex just ruled that residents cannot smoke outside their apartments, so we now have 2 indoor smokers. It's too hot to open the windows, at any time of day, so we're pretty much recycling the smoke and allergens. Add to all of that, the fact that we live about 2 blocks from the freeway, on a busy north-south road, and you know we're breathing a lot of things that are really bad for us. A room air purifier is just logical in our situation.

There were no surprises at Abt. They provided the specifications for each of the models, as well as product details, accessories, and customer reviews. I think reviews are so helpful. No matter what the manufacturer says, a satisfied or dissatisfied customer will tell you what you need to know. None of the reviews I read were anything, but satisfied, which says a lot about the store.

Of course, so does 70 years in the business and a page full of accolades from manufacturers, merchants associations, electronics publications, and consumer protection groups. If you look around the site, you'll find a lot to recommend them - free shipping, free tech support, buying guides, available rebates, Guidester shopping tools, and even an outlet store.

If you're in the market for anything electronic, you have to visit Abt Electronics. You just can't go wrong.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

T-Shirts! Getcher T-Shirts!

As you can see, I've been busy designing T-shirts; lately, they've gotten rather political. For example:

• "Don't Vote? Then, don't Complain! One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics, is that you end up being ruled by your inferiors ~ Plato"
  
  
• "When Buying and Selling are controlled by Legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are Legislators ~ P.J. O'Rourke"
  
  
• "The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men ~ Plato"
  
  

Amazing how basic truths never age, isn't it?

Of course, I also have some fun shirts:

• "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember ... the Ark was built by one amateur; the Titanic took thousands of trained professionals!"
  
  
• on a baby shirt "If you looked this cute and smelled this good, Everyone'd wanna hug you, too!"
  
  
• on a sleep-shirt "There is no problem that chocolate can't solve!"

Stop by and pick out your favorite!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Instant-Hypnosis.com

Hypnosis, to me, was a stage show where some guy makes people bark like a dog or cluck like a chicken. But, as I learn, I find that it's actually a pretty amazing tool for self-improvement.

By relaxing and retraining the subconscious mind, you can create the changes that you want in your life. Instant-Hypnosis.com offers hypnosis downloads to help with smoking cessation, phobias, eating problems, and sleep disorders, to name a few. If you would like to conquer a fear of public speaking, there's a download to help you. Carefully designed to address whatever area of your life you would like to improve, Instant-Hypnosis.com gives you the tools to help yourself.

When you are calm and your mind is open, you can easily learn new skills or hone existing skills, whether it's playing the piano, learning a language, or improving your golf game. Could you have more self-confidence? Do you back down when confronted, even though you know you're right? Try Positive Thinking or Believe in Yourself downloads and break those old patterns of negative thinking. Give yourself a new, confident outlook on life.

I really recommend you visit Instant-Hypnosis.com. They have dozens of downloads, addressing virtually every aspect of life, and it couldn't be easier. You decide what kind of help you'd like. There's no waiting for the mail; simply order and download. No inconvenient and expensive office visits; you listen to the downloads on your time, at your leisure; once, twice, or as many times as you like.

No one's life is perfect; we all have things we want to change or improve. Me? I'm looking at Perfect Posture. What would you like to try?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Advice Columns

I love reading advice columns - I really do! Not because I enjoy the horror stories that are some people's lives, but because I get a kick out of the advice given. Dear Abby and Ann Landers were the staples when I was growing up. Now that they have passed, their daughters are doing a great job of filling their shoes - with enough of their own personalities that it's not like they're clones. (Although Dear Abby II did have me a bit concerned for awhile. Her style was eerily similar to her mother's.)

Today, while catching up with Dear Margo, Ann Landers' daughter, I found an advice column on Creators Syndicate called The Advice Goddess by Amy Alkon. If you have never read her column, you have got to take a look! She is absolutely fabulous - smart, sassy, occasionally snotty, honest to a fault, and a pure joy to read.

Her advice is spot-on, but at the same time - I don't think I've ever laughed so hard over a non-humor column.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Cheapest RDRAM

Computer running really slow? Take forever to start up and load programs? You're not alone. Our desktop, which is now over five years old, takes an eternity to get going in the morning. Mark is religious about defragging, spyware and virus scans, and deleting unused programs. (I am seriously bad about it - drives him crazy!) Nonetheless, the desktop is just incredibly slow.

One rather simple solution is to upgrade the RAM (random access memory). This, as opposed to storage memory, is the memory that runs all of the processes, games, and software on your computer. The more RAM you have installed, the more quickly your computer loads and runs these programs. And, with rdram prices falling all the time, an upgrade is much, much cheaper than buying a new computer.

Cheapest RDRAM is the perfect answer. They offer memory upgrades for virtually all computers on the market and couldn't be easier to use. It took me about 30 seconds to find what I needed and get ready to place an order. For about $150.00, we could double the RAM on our desktop; for $250.00 we could triple it. Plus, since I've never done a memory upgrade, the step-by-step instructions make it incredibly simple. I really like simple!

Don't throw out that pokey computer - upgrade it! And while you're ordering that additional memory, read the 10 Reasons Not to Throw Away That Old Computer. You might be surprised at how easy some of the solutions are.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Nude Prince

As if he didn't appear foolish enough, when he claimed to have fathered Anna Nicole Smith's baby, earlier this year. Now, Frederic von Anhalt claims that 3 women, in a car with Florida plates, robbed him at gunpoint and left him nude, handcuffed to his steering wheel. Okey dokey!

If you think that's hilarious, and I do, get this: He actually claimed that he thought the young women flagged him down to pose for a picture with him. Geez! No ego there! It's interesting that the police found no handcuffs at the scene. Just what was Zsa Zsa's hubby doing at 10am, in his car, in the nude?

I'm pretty sure I don't want to know. I mean, there are some mental images one just does not need!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Rapid Supplies

One of the issues I have with my business is finding reasonably priced office supplies. While JMark Afghans, etc. offers handcrocheted afghans, I also do a great deal of printing - brochures, flyers, shipping labels, and my business cards, to name a few. That means inkjet cartridges, printer paper, labels, and business card forms.

Now, I've found all of those items in one convenient place - Rapid Supplies.com. We already have an office jet printer, so I don't have to pay a fortune for business cards, but I do have to have quality stock to print them on. I can get that at Rapid Business at a price that I can easily afford. Not to mention, the perforated paper forms are perfect for creating wallet-sized photos.

Printer ink is a huge outlay for any business that prints anything. Rapid Supplies has the cartridges I need at a 20% discount over other stores and if I buy 2 or more at a time, I save even more. Now, I don't have to worry about how much I need to print, which is a huge relief, believe me.

I also go through a lot of notebooks for keeping notes about medical appointments, editing categories, and ideas for blog postings; special paper for brochures and mailings; and card stock for the afghan-care information that I include with each afghan order. Before, I had to shop several stores - one had a better deal on notepads, another on inkjet cartridges, and a third on card stock. It just wasn't worth the hassle, so I ended up paying more for a lot of my supplies, because I don't believe in driving all over town - wasting gas and increasing pollution.

Now I don't have to worry - everything I need is at RapidSupplies.com and, when I spend $75.00 or more, I get free shipping.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Endorsers Back Away from Vick

Sports Illustrated published a story today that will make a lot of animal lovers very happy - three endorsers have backed away from Michael Vick.

First Down: Facing protests from animal-rights groups at Niketown stores across the country, the company announced that it was suspending its contract with Vick - without pay - and halting sales of any Vick-related items in all of its retail stores. (Sacked)

Second Down and 20: Reebok, official apparel and equipment supplier to all 32 NFL teams, has announced that it will stop selling Vick-replica jerseys at all of its retail stores and on its website. This is the first time Reebok has ever pulled a jersey from the market. (Sacked for a huge loss)

Third Down and Long: Donruss, one of four major trading card companies, announced that it will pull Vick's cards from all future 2007 releases. Donruss' owner, Ann Powell, who takes her 5 dogs to work, asked that Vick's cards be pulled. According to a spokesman for Donruss: "We met as a company and the idea was brought up to pull him. There was no opposition from anybody in the room." (Intercepted and run back for a touchdown)


Congratulations and thank you to all of the organizations and individuals who have been pressuring these companies to step back and consider whether making money is worth seriously damaging their reputation and relationship with the public.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Designer Floor Area Rugs

I love to decorate and re-decorate and area rugs are a terrific, inexpensive way to change the whole mood and style of my room in the blink of an eye. As renters, we're stuck with white walls and whatever (often hideous) carpeting was on sale when they decorated the apartment, so I frequently use area rugs to add some personality and warmth to an otherwise drab look. With no effort whatsoever, they can be moved from room to room when I need a quick change or changed with the seasons. Light, bright rugs for the spring and summer; dark, rich colors to warm the winter months. The possibilities are virtually endless.

Obviously, I would love to have handmade rugs in all of my rooms, but my budget doesn't exactly allow for that. So, I love seeing that there are less expensive, machine-loomed, options such as the Misty Dream Collection from Designer Floor Area Rugs. They come in so many styles, sizes, and colors, that it's easy to find one (or more) that would be perfect in our apartment.

If I had my choice, of course, every home I lived in would have hardwood floors. From a maintenance standpoint, you just can't go wrong. But wood floors can look and feel cold. Again, area rugs to the rescue! Without breaking the bank, or robbing one, you can add color and warmth to any room, while keeping housekeeping chores under control.

Whether you're looking to change everything in the room or just want a quick pick-me-up for your existing decor, stop by DesignerFloor.com to add a little pizzazz to your life.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Avoiding Chinese Food Products

This article caught my attention, as it probably did that of many people who have been following all of the recalls and warnings about Chinese food imports. This particular family decided to go for one year without purchasing anything imported from China. What surprised me the most was that, due to the way the FDA regulates the food we buy here in the United States, it was virtually impossible to tell where ingredients came from. Only seafood is required to be labeled with the country of origin. One quote that was particularly telling:

[I]t is possible a frozen dinner, for example, could have 20 different ingredients from 20 different countries, food analysts say.

According to the article, the only way to reduce your consumption of foods with Chinese products is to avoid all processed foods. But, you'd be surprised just what some of those processed items are:

• Apple Juice
• Dried Berries
• Dried Garlic
• Instant Coffee
• Sausage Casings

The only way to change this situation is by giving the FDA back some power and increasing food inspections, which currently occur in about 1% of food imports, due to serious budget cuts by the government. If you would like to know where the food you eat is coming from; if you would like to see the FDA step up the inspection of imported foods; if you would like to make your voice heard, sign here:
Stop Starving Our Food Safety Syetem!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Romance

Ah, romance! All you have to do is mention the word and people immediately react. Sometimes the reaction is a wistful smile or a knowing look that recalls a special moment; sometimes it's a single tear, in homage to a love that burned bright, but now is gone.

We all have an image in our mind of a romantic setting - be it a candlelight dinner in an elegant restaurant, a walk along the beach with the waves lapping at your feet, or cuddling in front of a roaring fire in a mountain cabin. Very often, true romance comes in much smaller, every day moments that we look back on for years and sigh with remembering.

What amazes me, though, is how many men groan when you mention romance. "I don't know how to be romantic!" or "I can't afford all that romance crap!" Of course, there are, what I call, large romantic gestures - flying her to Paris for dinner; a night at the Plaza; taking him on a hot air balloon ride. These are all great. But if you ask a wife about her favorite romantic moments, she might just smile and tell you about window-shopping at the mall - holding hands and sharing a hot pretzel - when her husband hates the mall. Or sitting in an ice cream shoppe feeding each other bites of a hot fudge sundae on a hot summer afternoon. Or about how he rubbed her swollen feet during the last 2 months of her pregnancy.

One of my favorite memories is dancing in the rain. I don't remember exactly how I got him out into the parking lot at our complex, but I do remember his laughing face as we held hands and spun in circles in the warm summer rain. It might seem like a small thing, but to me it was just wonderful. Apparently, the woman unloading her groceries, who stopped to watch us and sigh "Awwww!", thought so, too.

Five days after I moved to Arizona, I turned 45. Mark and I were, as they say, poorer than church mice. But he asked me to go for a drive. We talked and laughed, listened to the radio, and just took a leisurely sight-seeing tour. After about 45 minutes, he pulled into the local DQ, where he bought me my favorite sundae and held my hand.

We've been through a lot in the six years since that Peanut Buster Parfait. We've occasionally lost sight of the important things, while dealing with the day's crises. But every night, he takes me in his arms and tells me he loves me. And I hold him close, knowing that I've found my safe harbor for the night.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Another Day at the VA

For all of the bad press that VA medical care, in general and in specific, has been receiving lately, I have to tell you that the level of care I've seen, here in Phoenix, is extremely good. In fact, we just spent about 4 1/2 hours with them today.

During a routine CT scan of Mark's liver and abdomen, they found what looked like a shadow on his left lung. So, we went in for an MRI and they found a lesion on the outer edge of his left lung, as well as shadows on both lungs. Today, we went in for a lung biopsy. And we actually had a blast, the pain notwithstanding.

Before you jump to the conclusion that Mark gets great treatment because everyone knows us, let me assure you that we had never worked with any of the staff that we met today; although an old buddy of ours happened to come down to do an IV set-up for a patient with 'difficult' veins. The people we spent the morning with were incredibly competent, caring, efficient, and friendly.

The biggest risk in a lung biopsy is what they call a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung. A small amount of air getting into the chest cavity isn't usually an issue and the body will absorb it; but a large amount can press on the lung and cause it to collapse. This requires the insertion of a chest tube, just like you see on the medical shows, to remove the air. When Mark came back from the procedure complaining of excruciating pain in his chest, which wasn't common, the pulmonary doc immediately brought down x-ray and checked it out. Luckily, there was no serious problem and, after 3 hours of observation, the let me take him home.

I'll admit that not every department or every ward functions at the same level of competence and efficiency. We did have some issues in 2004 with one of the wards, where mostly indigent patients are treated. The furnishings looked like WWII surplus and the staff was a bit less willing to run if you called. But we said something and it was immediately resolved to our satisfaction.

The best thing you can do as a patient, family member, or caregiver is to educate yourself and stand up for your rights - whether you're dealing with the government or private medical care. And advocate for yourself as aggressively as you would for a friend or loved one - you deserve the best care, too.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Cedar Patio Furniture

When I was growing up, my mom had this great wooden picnic table and benches in her back yard. They were heavy as sin and built to last forever. I just loved them. Well, except for the time that my brother stained them with a really cheap stain and I ended up ruining my favorite white pants.


Today I found a great e-commerce site that has some of the most beautiful outdoor cedar furniture that I have seen. ADAMS All Natural Cedar doesn't chemically treat their wood, so it is naturally safe. The product list is huge, with everything from planters and window boxes to Adirondack-style chairs to picnic tables, and everything in between.

Just look at these picnic table sets:

Picnic Table Set

Pedestal Picnic Table Set

The first one is a lot like the one my mom had, but the round one is a great style, too. It isn't hard to imagine one of these in my back yard. Of course, I have to get a back yard first.


The other item I've always wanted is a porch swing. They just epitomize country charm and relaxation. Deciding between one suspended from the porch ceiling or one with a free-standing base is the hardest part. See what I mean:

Adirondack Log Porch Swing

Arbor Swing Set

These are just two of the available options, so you can see how difficult it is for me to make up my mind. Then add in the many available finishes and the option of cedar or cypress woods, and you can see that ADAMS offers a lot of choices. Free shipping is just icing on the cake.


Oh, they also offer the most adorable cat condos and dog houses. Houses are proudly hand built one at a time by our experienced craftsmen in America and individually hand signed. Isn't that cool? An autographed dog house!

Don't wait! Check them out today. I know you'll find something you love.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bandwidth Auction

Have you been following the news about the upcoming bandwidth auction? Apparently, television broadcasters are required, in the very near future, to go all digital which will free up a ton of 700MHz bandwidth. The FCC is auctioning off the bandwidth and cellular phone providers are going crazy trying outbid each other.

One provider is particularly rabid about the whole process. It seems that Google is planning to bid on this new bandwidth, with the intention - get this - of letting consumers choose which company they use and use any existing phone while they do it. AT&T, for one, is really ticked off.

Currently, providers dictate what phones consumers can use and what services and sites will be provided. They also have contracts that institute extreme penalties for early termination. And they want to keep it that way.For example, I can't change from T-Mobile to Cingular without paying a stiff penalty. And even if that wasn't a problem, I couldn't take my Nokia with me; it's a T-Mobile authorized phone. If I want to change carriers, I have to get a new phone. Google is saying that I should be able to use this phone with any carrier, get all of the services and sites that I want, and change service whenever I want - and they want legislative changes so that all carriers have to offer these options.

Why it's almost un-American! Giving the consumer what they want?! Has Google lost their mind?! I hope they win the bidding war and finally bring some sanity back to owning a cell phone.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Personal Loan Store

I've been thinking about loans a lot lately - especially mortgages. There once were so many different options, it made my head spin. Now, with all of the problems that have arisen from defaults on sub-prime mortgages, there are fewer and fewer poor credit loans for new buyers with credit issues. Many loans have prepayment penalties, designed to keep the borrower paying for the full term of the loan. Other loans may offer a great annual percentage rate (APR), but, hidden in the fine print, add fees and charges that actually increase the cost of the loan substantially over one that might have a slightly higher APR. There's a lot to learn before one decides to take on debt.


The UK Personal Loan Store offers an enormous amount of loan information for all types of borrowers - mortgage, refinance, personal loans, to name a few.

Variable-rate mortgages were once, when interest rates were more stable and the housing market was strong, a viable option for borrowers, but these changes have forced many homeowners into default and foreclosure. I've never cared for that option, because it's so difficult to budget when you don't actually know what your house payment may be from one month to the next. That's frightening to me; any negative financial change can seriously damage one's ability to keep their home.


Fixed-rate mortgages are better, by far, but many borrowers with credit problems aren't eligible for the best rates. Not to mention, some fixed-rate programs are only for a limited period of time, after which homeowners are forced to continue with their lender at a much higher rate or find another short-term fixed-rate with a different financial institution which may or may not be comparable to the rate they had before.


Personal loans pose just as many questions and just as many confusing answers. Prepayment penalties abound, as do special fees and charges that are often hidden in the small print. Then, there's personal protection insurance (PPI) which is supposed to cover borrowers if they have trouble making payments. The cost of these policies has seen a dramatic increase and, amid a huge controversy, institutions in the UK have been charged with forcing the coverage on individuals who wouldn't even be able to get assistance, should the need arise.


Years ago, when my credit was actually very good, I traded in my car and bought a new one. By the time all of the 'special' charges were added in, my rate went from just over 12% to almost 16%. I've become a much savvier consumer since then.


Be sure to read the fine print before you agree to any loan. It could save you thousands of dollars, not to mention keep you from losing your home or car if your financial situation changes negatively. And check out your lender's reputation carefully; not all institutions are scrupulously honest.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Why I Don't Own a Gun!

Or - why I seem angry all the time!


The NFL is disappointed in Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who has been indicted for promoting and engaging in dogfighting. If you read the story, There are allegations that Vick and his cohorts executed losing dogs in sickening manners: hosing down the dogs and then electrocuting them; hanging injured dogs; or repeatedly slamming them to the ground until they were dead. The Humane Society removed 52 dogs from Mr. Vick's property and is in serious need of financial assistance to care for the animals. Yet, because he is considered a super-star, the NFL is taking a "wait and see" attitude. Wait and see what? How many more animals he can abuse and destroy? Tell the NFL to take action against this monster!

Not to mention, Nike, the only corporate sponsor that hasn't terminated it's relationship with Vick, continues to market "Vick Hero" t-shirts to young boys. The man is no hero!

Please add your voice and urge Nike to stop their endorsement of Michael Vick.


Then, we have the 83 Dolphins Killed by Brazilian Fishermen. Caught on camera slaughtering the dolphins, the fishermen joked about their illegal catch: "Everyone's going to jail after this filming!" While Ibama, the Brazilian environmental protection agency, has confirmed the report that aired on Globo TV Monday night, no charges have been brought as authorities are still trying to identify the fishermen in the video.

What is WRONG with people!?


I much prefer my son Michael's attitude. He and I were at the pool a couple of weeks ago and a bee was hovering near us. I am highly allergic, so I was trying to encourage the insect to go away. After the bee got wet and was walking toward us at the edge of the pool, Michael jumped out, grabbed a leaf, scooped up the poor creature, and moved it to a rocky area where it could dry off and wouldn't be near us. All that just to help a small insect! Pretty cool kid, huh?!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Female Heart Attack Symptoms

It never ceases to amaze me that, in the 21st Century, so many members of the medical community still assume that women are physically the same as men. Does that sound ridiculous to you? Well it should.


For years, women have been dying during their first heart attack because we were expected to have the same symptoms as men. If a man has abdominal cramps, is he diagnosed with Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)? Of course not. Yet, all patients are expected to exhibit the same symptoms during a heart attack.


Women aren't taken seriously by the medical community, so we need to educate ourselves and each other. I received an email and did some research. What follows is a copy of the original email that I found on Snopes.com:

Women and heart attacks

I've meant to send this to my women friends to warn them that it's true that women rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men have when experiencing a heart attack... you know, the sudden stabbing pain in the chest, the cold sweat, grabbing the chest & dropping to the floor that we see in the movies.

Having had a completely unexpected heart attack about 10:30 p.m. with NO prior exertion, NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might've brought it on, it was this past April, '06, about 1-1/2 hours after I'd spent a pleasant 2 hrs. rehearsing with the Note-a-Belles. I was sitting all snuggly & warm on a cold evening, with my purring cat in my lap, reading an interesting story my friend had sent me, and actually thinking, "A-A-h, this is the life, all cozy and warm in my soft, cushy Lazy Boy with my feet propped up."

A moment later, I felt that awful sensation of indigestion, when you've been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried bite seems to feel like you've swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in slow motion and it is most uncomfortable.

You realize you shouldn't have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly and this time drink a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach, which doesn't do much good, as your esophagus and throat muscles are in spasm and it hurts to swallow.

This was my initial sensation — the only trouble was that I hadn't taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 p.m. After that had seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up my SPINE (hind-sight, it was probably my aorta spasming), gaining speed as they continued racing up and under my sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when administering CPR). This fascinating process continued on into my throat and branched out into both jaws.

AHA!! NOW I stopped puzzling about what was happening. We all have read and/or heard about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of a heart attack happening, haven't we?

I said aloud to myself and the cat, "Dear God, I think I'm having a heart attack!" I lowered the footrest, dumping the cat from my lap, started to take a step and fell on the floor instead. I thought to myself, "If this is a heart attack, I shouldn't be walking into the next room where the phone is or anywhere else.... but, on the other hand, if I don't, nobody will know that I need help. And if I wait any longer, I may not be able to get up in moment."

I pulled myself up with the arms of the chair, walked slowly into the next room and dialed the paramedics. I guess when one reaches them, your address automatically flashes on a screen, as the operator verified my address immediately and asked my symptoms.

I told her I thought I was having a heart attack due to the pressure building under the sternum and radiating into my jaws. I didn't feel hysterical or afraid, just stating the facts, ma'm. She said she was sending the paramedics over immediately, asked if the front door was near to me, and if so, to unbolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see me when they came in. No, I didn't take an aspirin, as I'm allergic to it, but I did take a 100 mg magnesium oxide capsule... which bottle I keep handily in reach on the kitchen counter... which is a small detour on my way to the front door...with about a 3/4 glass of water to get it dissolving ASAP into my bloodstream.

Magnesium relaxes blood vessels as it dissolves to get them expanded to let blood get through the constriction of the vessels. I then laid down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness, as I don't remember the medics coming in... their examination... lifting me onto a gurney or getting me into their ambulance... or hearing the call they made to St. Jude ER on the way. But I did briefly awaken when we arrived and saw that the cardiologist was already there in his surgical blues and cap, helping the medics pull my stretcher out of the ambulance.

He was bending over me asking questions (probably something like "Have you taken any medications?") but I couldn't make my mind interpret what he was saying, or form an answer, and nodded off again... not waking up until the cardiologist and partner had already threaded the teeny angiogram balloon up my femoral artery into the aorta and into my heart where they installed two side-by-side stents to hold open my right coronary artery and now was being taken into the CCU, and looking up at the three anxious faces of Karen, Mark, and Wendy. Since I'd been a patient at St. Jude in 2002 for my TIA treatment, they had my emergency info in their system and had called my kids. I spent two days in CCU and two in general ward, then was discharged.

I know it sounds like all my thinking and actions at home must have taken at least 20-30 minutes before calling the paramedics, but actually it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before the call, and both the fire station and St. Jude are only minutes away from my home, and my Cardiologist was already to go to the OR in his scrubs and get going on restarting my heart (which had stopped somewhere between my arrival and the procedure) and installing the stents.

Why have I written all of this to you with so much detail? Because I want all of you who are so important in my life to know what I learned firsthand, as a Certified Medical Back-Office Assistant in Internal Medicine Clinics, and as one who has lived through a heart attack due to:

1. Being aware that something very different was happening in my body.. not the usual men's symptoms, but inexplicable things happening (until my sternum and jaws got into the act ). It is said that many more women than men die of their first (and last!) MI because they didn't know they were having one, and commonly mistake it as indigestion... take some Maalox or other anti-"heartburn" preparation... and go to bed... hoping they'll feel better in the morning when they wake up... which doesn't happen.

My female friends, your symptoms might not be exactly like mine, so I advise you to call the paramedics if ANYTHING is unpleasantly happening that you've not felt before. It is better to have a "false alarm" visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be!

2. Note that I said "Call the Paramedics," Ladies. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! Do NOT try to drive yourself to the ER. You're a hazard to others on the road, and so is your panicked husband/friend who will be speeding and looking anxiously at what's happening with you instead of the road, and so are your kids or friends a hazard as well. As sure as I sit here, they will get the attention of a cop who will pull you over for speeding--more wasted time. Do NOT call your doctor — he doesn't know where you live and if it's at night you won't reach him anyway, and if it's daytime, his assistants (or answering service) will tell you to call the Paramedics. He doesn't carry the equipment in his car that you need to be saved! The Paramedics do — principally OXYGEN that you need ASAP. Your Dr. will be notified later.

3. Don't assume it couldn't be a heart attack because you have a normal cholesterol count — I did, and do, too. Research has discovered that a cholesterol elevated reading is rarely the cause of an MI (unless it's unbelievably high, and/or accompanied by high blood pressure.) MI's are usually caused by long-term stress and inflammation in the body, which dumps all sorts of deadly hormones into your system to sludge things up in there (and, of course, family genetics can be a factor. I qualify for the latter, and the years 2005 and 2006 have been the most stressful of my life since Jack died in 1981.)

4. Read on for the e-mail I received today that prompted my above lecture to you:

SUBJECT: Drinking ice water at mealtime (which I've always done until now.) Noting neither Urban Legions nor Snopes has anything to say about this one, it must be true. Interesting, if you've read it before, re-read it. It may save your life. Send it to your friends and family. It may save their lives....

This is a very good article. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about ladies and their heart attacks. This makes sense... the Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals... not cold water... maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose — everything to gain...

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this "sludge" reacts with the stomach's hydrochloric acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal. (Make it green tea — a great antioxidant!)

A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line, or even pressure there and under the sternum, or "indigestion" symptoms, especially if you haven't eaten in several hours. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack, but heaviness /pressure under the sternum is common. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms, but not necessarily in the women. 60% of people who have heart attacks while they are asleep do not wake up.

Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this email and sends it to ten people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.

I am publishing the full version of this email, because it includes much more information than the one currently floating around the Internet. But both versions include several misconceptions.


Please visit Snopes.com for further clarification. They say it better than I can.



We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Celebrity Gossip

It doesn't matter how much we deny it. If we weren't reading celebrity gossip, we wouldn't be able to cite, so completely, the ups and downs of the glitterati. (If you remember, even I broke down and wrote a blog about Paris.) They capture our attention and, like it or not, we do follow the antics of our most and least favorites.


Now, there's a fun new site that not only consolidates all of the celeb gossip in one place, it lets readers vote on the stories and leave comments. Since you know you're going to read the celebrity news, why not choose a site where you can put your 2cents in? I started wandering through the site today and was immediately hooked. Not only does Celebrity Gossip give you the news, they offer links to related 'chatter', so you can see what other people are saying and get different perspectives. Luckily, not every celeb story is viewed in the same way, so it's fun to see how different people interpret the 'news'.


While I wasn't all that interested in Ben Stiller's day at the beach, I did enjoy reading about casting changes on House and the protest song written by Martha Stewart's neighbor. (What makes Martha think that she has the right to trademark a village's name for use on a line of products?)


See how easy it is to get into the celeb news?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Center for Rural Affairs

Please visit this site and send a message to Ms. Pelosi about the fake reform bill, submitted by House Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson. I have and this is what I asked:

Ms. Pelosi:

I come from a family of farmers; family farms, not corporate farms. For over 30 years, I have watched the US government force these farmers out of business or into ever-increasing debt, to the benefit of mega-farms.

Chairman Collin Peterson's proposal is not real reform; it is bigger subsidies for mega-farms. It seeks to destroy family farming.

The fact that this 'reform' bill is brought by a Democrat upsets me greatly, but it does not indicate to me that it is legislation in the best interest of the people who need help most.

Please do not back this proposal.

This country was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of real farmers - not corporations. It is time that the government start supporting its citizens, not he-who-has-the-most-money.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Julie G. Hughes

The family farmers need your help. Please don't let Congress harm them again.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Support Breastfeeding

I have been reading, far too often lately, about mothers being harassed for daring to feed their children in public. When I was a young mother, there didn't seem to be the stigma associated with nursing in public. Of course, I was always discreet and covered myself and my baby to discourage prurient attention, but that doesn't really seem to be the issue these days.


One of my fondest memories is my younger cousin's surprised face. Only 15 or 16, she was holding my infant son in her arms, across her chest, and he started to "look for lunch." I can still hear my aunt's laughter as my cousin's face turned redder and redder. But I was not attacked for nursing my child or creating a situation in which my cousin was embarrassed; quite the contrary. My aunt simply explained the facts about, and benefits to, nursing infants to my cousin, who immediately handed my son back to me. Having grown up in that type of environment, it's very difficult for me to understand the negative emotions that breastfeeding brings out in people today.


In early 1980, I was flying with my 2 1/2 year old son and 2 month old daughter from Michigan to Colorado for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. As the plane was taking off, I let my daughter nurse to equalize the pressure in her ears and keep her from being uncomfortable. No one on the plane complained. I did the same as we landed; again, no complaints. In fact, I can only remember one person who ever said anything and that was my very, very conservative grandfather.


I know that there was a time, which I thought had long passed, when breastfeeding was considered 'common' and women who nursed their infants were looked on as unsophisticated and coarse. If one had 'class,' one bottle-fed their babies. One infant formula manufacturer went so far as to develop and deliver a campaign in third-world countries that touted bottle-feeding as a healthier alternative to nursing. What they failed to take into account was that these families couldn't afford formula, ending up diluting what they had to make it last longer, and the infant malnutrition and mortality rate skyrocketed. As we have become a truly enlightened society, we should have moved away from stereotypes that actually harm the infant, the mother, and our society.


I strongly support organizations like Breastfeeding.com, La Leche League International, and the United States Breastfeeding Committee in their efforts to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

Universally endorsed by the world's health and scientific organizations, breastfeeding offers a vast array of benefits, not just for infants and their mothers, but also for society. If you doubt the benefits to society, take a look at these statistics:

Economic Facts

Economic facts related to breastfeeding in the United States include:

• $2 billion per year is spent by families on breast milk substitutes such as infant formula
  
• $578 million per year in federal funds is spent by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to buy formula for babies who are not breastfeeding
  
• Every 10 percent increase in the breastfeeding rate among WIC recipients would save WIC $750,000 per year
  
• $1.3 billion more is spent by insurers, including Medicaid, to cover sick-child office visits and prescriptions to treat the three most common illnesses - respiratory infections, otitis media (ear infections), and diarrhea - in the first year of life for formula-fed infants versus breastfed infants.
  
• $3.6 to 7 billion excess dollars are spent every year on conditions and diseases that are preventable by breastfeeding.

From: US Breastfeeding Committee

If you are, or know, a nursing mother remind society that your child has as much right to eat in public as they do:

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We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Whisper Mountain

Over the last couple of years, Mark and I have been seriously looking into buying a home. We miss having four seasons, hate throwing away so much money in rent every month, and would love to get out of the city, so anywhere in the country is fair game.

I've been searching, among other areas, Charlotte Real Estate, which offers some tremendous properties and got me seriously interested in the area. It's actually exciting, how much more space we could get for the same amount we kiss goodbye in rent!



Today, I fell in love with a really beautiful Asheville Property called Whisper Mountain. At elevations of 2,700 to 3,800 feet, the homesites overlook magnificent Mt. Mitchell, the Pisgah National Forest, and even downtown Asheville. But, what attracted me most is their green agenda. I've lived in too many places that sacrifice the environment in order to throw up a bunch of cookie-cutter houses. At Whisper Mountain, each of the beautiful wooded lots has been thoughtfully planned, with full regard for environmental preservation. They have created homesites, trails, and many other exclusive amenities that tread lightly on the earth. Why would you want to throw away hundreds of dollars a month in rent, when you could own a beautiful home in such an incredible development?

Not sure what you can afford? No problem. Compare Mortgage Rates and get matched with lenders who can help, no matter where in the country you're looking to buy. The quick, easy form takes almost no time to complete and will help start the process, whether you're looking to refinance, buy a home, or consolidate debt.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Dream Themes

The last few weeks, I have been having the same (or similar) dreams over and over. So I thought maybe I should see if they 'meant' anything. And, of course, got caught up in reading about different dreams.

Did you know that if you dream about your teeth falling out or crumbling, that it may be a sign that you're feeling powerless or unattractive? I find that really interesting, because I used to have those dreams all the time - in the midst of a really bad relationship where I was treated as very unattractive and had very little power over the situation.


Dreaming about school? I keep having this dream that I'm back in school, can't find my locker or remember the combination, and am missing important classes. School apparently means I have unresolved childhood insecurities and/or am going through a spiritual learning experience. The locker problems are supposed to indicate insecurity in a role or situation, while missing classes points to a fear of failing or anxieties. Sheesh! Looks like I'm just a mess. lol


Visiting a Cafeteria in your dreams may indicate issues that are 'eating' you up inside. A couple of times recently, I dreamed about being in a cafeteria where I couldn't find any food. Far from issues, I think I just shouldn't have gone to bed hungry. :-)


How about an Amusement Park? This dream may mean that you need more time for leisure and enjoyment. I used to have a nightmare about my kids disappearing in an amusement park. Don't think that had much to do with leisure.


Cars are supposed to be an indication of one's drive, ambition, and ability to navigate from one stage of life to another. I've been having this really weird dream about being unable to steer my car. Doesn't sound good, does it?


Frankly, I think it's time to either stop reading this stuff or make an appoinment with a shrink! lol

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We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

MDVIP

Have you been to a doctor's office lately? Did you feel rushed through and summarily dismissed? Well, that's what I've been going through, too. In fact, I don't even get to see the doctor; I am treated by the physician's assistant. The last visit she forgot both of the referrals that I needed. And, although she recommended a new medication to help me stop smoking, didn't provide a prescription. Luckily?, I have to go back at the end of the week for follow-up.


Tired of this cursory treatment? Need a doctor who actually sees you and listens to your questions and concerns about your health? Check out:
A national leader in personalized and preventive medicine with a growing network of over 130 physicians, they can be found in 21 markets and 15 states. What they offer is simple and, to me, quite unique in this world of skyrocketing medical greed and perfunctory medical exams:

By dramatically reducing the size of their practices, MDVIP-affiliated physicians have time to provide comprehensive preventive care services to all patients, and also have the time required to address chronic and acute conditions.

Physicians limit their practices to around 600 patients, so that you get their time and full attention at each visit; a new level of highly personalized healthcare that focuses on prevention and early detection.

One of the greatest advantages, to me, is the myMDVIP personalized health website that each patient receives. This website includes some amazing tools for managing your health:

• a custom health risk assessment,
• a personalized wellness plan developed with Duke University and Wellness By Choice,
• an extensive library of educational materials to help answer questions and enhance personal knowledge,
• secure email to contact your physician and their staff without waiting for office hours to call, and
• an electronic health record that consolidates all of your medical information.

When Mark got sick in 2003, I started researching liver disease, cirrhosis, HCV, ascites - whatever condition developed, I looked into it, as best I could. Can you imagine having all of the information you need to educate yourself in one place? I think that is absolutely incredible! Because, while I depend on the doctor to order the tests and help me decipher the results, I want to be educated about my or my loved ones' condition.

Over the last few years, I have seen the level of care that Mark receives through the VA and, to a lesser extent, his private physicians. Each person he sees has taken a personal interest in his health and wellbeing. They are never in a rush; they never fail to ask and answer questions; and they aggressively treat any and all problems that arise.

Frankly, I don't think I should have to nearly die and go through an organ transplant to have a physician who cares about my health. MDVIP offers that care and concern.

Your health is too important to trust to doctors and staff who see you as just another insurance check.

Visit MDVIP.com today and find a partner in your healthcare.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Some 'Interesting' News Stories

When reality just gets to be too much, I read odd / weird news - I mean, come on - how many times can you read about the latest stupid story to come out of the White House without wanting to run screaming into the street. Sometimes the stories are cute; sometimes they're silly; sometimes they're just shake-your-head stupid. But, fortunately, they aren't about GWB, yet!

• Tourism Amid Drug Wars - Sinaloa, Mexico is hoping to lure tourists to rustic cabins that sit in a rugged area which just happens to be known for generations of opium and marijuana growth, and powerful drug gangs. Officials are quite certain that tourists have nothing to fear, because the drug cartels are only killing each other. Oooooh, sign me up! Can I have the cabin with the gun turret?


• Democracy - in Weld County, Colorado a jury determined that a woman who left a flier containing dog droppings on the doorstep of a US representative was simply exercising free speech! Hooray for the Constitution and Bill of Rights!


• Hurt So Good - Guelph, Ontario, Canada police have been looking for a man who, not once or twice but, three times stopped women and asked them to kick him in the groin! Maybe his wife was on vacation!?


• Are You My Mommy? - in Belgrade, Serbia a Rhodesian Ridgeback mother has adopted a 15-week-old black panther cub, named Milica, whose mother refused to feed her and tried to kill her. Zoo officials believe that the mother was traumatized in 1999 by NATO airstrikes intended to stop Slobodan Milosovic.
  
  What a sweet baby!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Metal Pegboard

Do you know what pegboard is? I certainly do. Every garage, in my youth, had a wall of tools that included something mounted on pegboard. (Think tool-related TV shows and you'll know what I mean.) Made of fiberboard, they were never very attractive and it always appeared, to me, that they would collapse if too much weight was placed on them.

Well, now pegboard has grown up and grown some muscle. Today, there is a fantastic alternative to the old fiberboard - metal pegboard - which adds strength and style to any garage. Although, frankly, I don't think that they need to be limited to a garage.

Just look:



Many of you know that we have an extremely small kitchen. In fact, if it weren't for wall space, we wouldn't have anywhere to put most of our cookware. I've always loved the idea of hanging my pots and pans; with this kitchen I don't have much choice. Right now I have nails, not necessarily hitting any studs, holding up my pots and I hope every time I walk through that they won't fall down. I never thought I'd find something that looks this fantastic that also won't drop my cookware on my head as I walk by.

In the living room, we have a wooden wall rack for the coats that we wear regularly. It's bulky and not very attractive. Imagine: an attractive metal pegboard panel with as many hooks as you need - voila the perfect coat 'rack'.

Okay, I've also imagined these metal pegboards in my closet (I'm totally hooked! pardon the pun.)

Car Guy Garage, I'm sure, didn't originally intend to create something marvelous for the rest of the house, but it is just such a great product that I think it will rapidly move from occupying the garage to helping out everywhere.

I want their pegboards in my kitchen, foyer, and closet. But, hey, they're also terrific for the garage!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

TB Lawsuits

You know? I've been waiting for this to happen. Andrew Speaker knew he had TB and was warned by health officials not to get on another international flight. The fact that he flew from the Czech Republic to Montreal (not the US), rented a car, and attempted to 'slip across the border' into the United States, tells me that he knew what he did was seriously wrong.


A Montreal lawyer filed a motion in Quebec Superior Court yesterday, on behalf of eight passengers and the roommate / brother of one passenger. Montreal graduate student, Nassim Tabri, sat one row in front of Speaker and didn't know he'd been exposed until a reporter contacted him after the story broke. Can you imagine the shock?!


The one passenger whose story moved me the most is that of a 72-year-old man who tested positive for TB and now lives in a room, separate from his wife. Health officials aren't certain that the result is related to contact with Speaker, and false-positives aren't uncommon. But, how would you like to have your health, your very life put in jeopardy because ONE person selfishly decides that his rights supercede yours?!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Baby Shower Decorations

I've been designing baby shirts and creepers lately, which reminded me of baby showers - one of my favorite parties. There's just nothing like all the cute little outfits and decorations!

There's a terrific site, PartyPail, that offers adorable baby shower decorations and supplies in 15 different themes. Personally, I just love Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends, so I couldn't resist this great package.



The 8-person Pooh's Playful Baby Shower kit is currently 15% off at just $29.99 and includes invitations, large table cloth, plates, cups, drink napkins, cutlery, 2 solid streamers, a playful Pooh streamer, 18" star balloon, 16 12" balloons, and curling ribbon. That's an amazing amount of supplies and decorations for such a low price! I really thought it would be a lot more.

Hosting more than 8 people? No problem! You can easily add matching and complimentary plates, cups, cutlery, invitations, thank you cards, banners, centerpieces, and confetti. PartyPail even has game books, favor ties and tulle, doilies, cups for treats, and a beautiful keepsake registry. Everything you need for a perfect shower!

What I didn't expect to find were the worksheets they offer to help with planning. There's a Budget Worksheet that lets the planner list everything they'll need, what it cost, and (for more than one host) how much each person has paid. The Shower Timeline provides a timed list of tasks, starting 6 weeks out, that will help organize and de-stress the entire process.

What more could you ask for?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Millions Stolen From Baghdad Bank

Have you seen this story? It seems that two, or three depending on to whom you speak, guards at the Dar Es Salaam Bank in Baghdad stole over one-quarter billion American dollars yesterday!


Now, I might be a grumpy old cynic, but does anyone believe that these guards - however many there were - had no connection to the militia? Of course they did! Else, how could they have gotten through all of the checkpoints and disappeared with all of the that lovely American money?


Does anyone believe that $282 million American dollars isn't going to go a long way toward funding further terrorist activities? Of course it is! Why mess with all those Iraqi dinars, when you can float around legal US currency?


Would anyone care to hazard a guess as to why there was so much American money in the private Baghdad bank? Your guess is as good as mine. That one I haven't quite figured out, yet. But, does it really matter, in the whole scheme of things? Not really. The money is gone and, undoubtedly, in the wrong hands.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Side Step - Aruba

Ever dreamed of visiting Aruba? Me, too!

A couple I know spent their honeymoon at one of the all-inclusive resorts and had an absolutely wonderful time.

I was taking a virtual vacation at SideStep.com and just fell in love with the island. First of all, you just can't beat the weather - virtually unending sunny days, warm temps, and tropical breezes. Not to mention, low humidity and no hurricanes! The only time I've been to the beach was in California in December, so I can see myself stretched out on the beautiful white sand for hours with a great book and a cold drink.

The area along Eagle Beach sounds perfect to me. It's less urbanized and crowded. There are apartment-style accommodations with kitchens, living rooms, and guest rooms that would just be perfect for us. Being able to fix a quick bite really appeals to me.

Fortunately for Mark, who has to avoid the sun, there are tons of things to do on Aruba besides playing on the beach. I was reading about Fort Zoutman, built by the Dutch in 1796. The oldest example of Dutch architecture on the island, it houses the Museo Arubano, which displays prehistoric Caiquetio artifacts and remnants from the Dutch colonial period. Then, there's the beautiful churches and synagogue, the Numismatic Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Cultural Center. I just love museums and historic architecture. So much of the United States is designed around the concept that newer is better. I totally disagree.

Of course, one of the great things about a vacation is the food! From lobster at Flying Fishbone to dining in a Dutch galleon at Pirate's Nest, I'm starved just reading the menus. Aruba offers such a variety of dining options that I can't imagine there would be any complaints in the group. Some restaurants are very kid-friendly, with grilled cheese sandwiches or spaghetti at The Waterfront Crabhouse and kids meals starting at a very friendly $3.95 at The Turtle's Nest.

Although the days of huge Caribbean bargains are waning, you can still find everything from shoes to linens to fragrances to T-shirts, tanks, and totes that change color in the sun and only 3.3% duty. So, at least one afternoon of serious shopping is definitely on my to-do list! Poor Mark!

Now I just have to convince Mark! Maybe we can start at a Tampa Hotel and work our way up!?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Lady Bird Johnson

I am old enough to remember the Johnson administration. More to the point, I vividly remember the Kennedy assassination (the funeral took place the weekend of my 7th birthday) and the images of Lyndon Johnson taking the oath of office aboard Air Force One, his wife by his side. While I wouldn't say I was a fan of LBJ, Lady Bird Johnson was truly an amazing woman.


In the 1960s, before widespread talk of global warming and the greenhouse effect, remember the first Earth Day wasn't until 1970, Mrs. Johnson was a vocal advocate for replacing billboards and junkyards with trees and wildflowers. What few may know, the $320 million Highway Beautification Bill, passed in 1965, was known as "The Lady Bird Bill," and she made speeches and lobbied Congress to win its passage.


Soft-spoken and genteel, turning a modest inheritance into a multi-million dollar radio corporation, she was known to mop floors and sell radio time. Even though she had an almost crippling fear of public speaking, she once appeared for 47 speeches in 4 days, while LBJ was on the campaign trail.


Admired and respected by all who came after her, on her 70th birthday, in 1982, she and Helen Hayes founded the National Wildflower Research Center near Austin, later renamed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The research and education center is dedicated to the preservation and use of wildflowers and native plants.

"I'm optimistic that the world of native plants will not only survive, but will thrive for environmental and economic reasons, and for reasons of the heart. Beauty in nature nourishes us and brings joy to the human spirit," Lady Bird Johnson wrote.


Amen, Mrs. Johnson.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Comfy Sacks

Remember bean bag chairs!? I sure do! Loved 'em, in fact. All you had to do was wiggle a little to make a perfect support for your body and you were so incredibly comfy that you'd never want to get up. (Not to mention, the fond memories I have of my first boyfriend and the bean bag chair in his basement. lol) When I was expecting my son, I would lay belly-down in our bean bag chair to take pressure off my back and hips. It worked wonders!

To be perfectly honest, I didn't actually realize that bean bag chairs were still around, in any form, until I found this site.

Now ( I just had to post the logo, it's so cute! ) offers an updated version that uses high quality shredded polyurethane foam and comes in a variety of sizes (from 3.5ft. to 8ft.), fabrics (twill or micro suede), and colors (black, brown, navy blue, red, pink, and tan).

There are other companies, Lovesac is one, that offer a similar product. But for me, they really don't compare to Comfy Sacks. Let me explain why Find Out Why Comfysacks Is Superior Over Lovesacs. For a 6ft model, Comfy Sack vs. Lovesac:

1. Five-year Warranty vs. Two-year Warranty
2. Made in US vs. Made in China
3. $332.60 vs. $530.14

Even if the price was higher, I'd still have to shop with Comfy Sacks, for one very important reason. Above and beyond the obviously superior quality and warranty, I just can't support a company that is based in the United States, but outsources to China.

I can, however, imagine curling up in one of these great chairs, with a bowl of popcorn, and a great movie on the TV. In fact, I'm thinking that the 8ft model would make a really comfy bed! Do you think I can convince Mark?!

Take a look! They're just gorgeous!See why I just love these chairs?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Online Dating for Geeks

The Internet was, originally, the purview of geeks and nerds. 'Cool' people didn't bother with it. Well, all of that has changed with the growth of the World Wide Web. Non-nerds are now invading all areas of nerd-dom, especially online dating sites.


I'm sure that you've seen the new TV ads about people who were rejected by one harmonious site, urging them to get matched on another. Well, Joyce Dales can tell you that 'another' isn't any more geek-friendly than the original; although she did eventually find and marry Jeff Dales. Then, there's her brother's unharmonious rejection when he tried to complete an application.


In defense of nerds everywhere, the self-professed geeky couple and sibling launched, SweetOnGeeks.com, which offers a safe place for the socially-awkward to find true love. If you're a Trekker, history maven, Tesla aficianado, or DaVinci expert, this is the place for you.


Free for the first 2 weeks, the cost is a nominal $5.00 per month after that; although the intent is to make the site completely ad-supported in the future. Pretty cool, huh?


Where were they when I was dating?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Keep Ca$h

We do a lot of shopping on the Internet, especially now, when it's just too hot to go out, and at Christmas-time, when there are just too many people in the stores. Obviously, since we're on a fixed income, we have to get the most for our money. Not to mention, we're trying to reduce our 'carbon footprint' by driving as little as possible.

That's why ( don't you just love that logo! ) and the deals, coupons, and promo codes they offer really help.

It's great for me, because I can get the yarns I need from JoAnn Fabrics and save money. I don't have to worry about whether my local store stopped carrying a particular brand or color, which has happened and can be a serious problem for my business. If I want to try a new brand or color, or take up a new craft, it's easy to order and returns are never a problem. I really like easy and no problem!

Mark and I can't stand the prices, so we don't go to the theater. Instead, we buy a lot of movie DVDs, which really makes more sense - unlimited viewing for about the same price as 2 tickets to a first-run movie. I didn't even realize, until I started looking around KeepCa$h, that DVDPlanet even existed. They have an absolutely amazing collection of movies, all discounted! I spent hours just looking at all the titles, remembering so many movies that I haven't seen or thought about in ages. There are familiar 'old friends' like Citizen Kane, It's a Wonderful Life!, and Brigadoon. But it's the collections that just amazed me - like 57 Charlie Chaplin classics, or a Charles Dickens 4 movie set; not to mention new releases and pre-order deals. It's just a great place to shop!

Whether you're looking for movies, a dozen roses, computer accessories, or new shoes, Keep Ca$h has a store for you - with deals and coupons that make shopping even more fun!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Charles Lane

I have watched this actor all of my life - from Petticoat Junction, to I Love Lucy, to It's a Wonderful Life! and hundreds of other roles. Typecast as a grump, he was nonetheless a joy to watch.


After trying, in vain, to explain to Mark where he would have seen the actor, I became fascinated with Mr. Lane's story. Born in San Francisco, he was one of the last survivors of the 1906 earthquake. It seems everyone knows his face; in fact, you'd have to have been living under a rock for the last 70 years to have not seen him in one of his over 250 movie and television roles.


In an interview from, I believe, the 1980s, Mr. Lane tells of working in the studio 'system' in the 1930s. Some days he would have parts in 3 different movies, so they would rush him in and out of costume, from one set to another, to do his few lines - for $35.00 a day! It's not surprising that, when the Screen Actors Guild was being formed, he was one of the first to join. (Some sources credit him with being a co-founder.)


An amazingly talented, and prolific, actor who was still working at 100, he passed this week at 102. RIP, Mr. Lane and thank you for sharing your talent with us for all of these years.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

acquisio

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns are a popular online marketing tool. If you use PPC or manage PPC for clients, you know that to monitor accounts you have to log into Google, Yahoo, and MSN for each account that you manage.


Now, you can access all of your accounts, or your clients' accounts, from one interface through acquisio Search, bid management software.

To make it as seamless as possible, acquisio SEARCH offers . . . a number of templates which you can use right out of the box - or if you wish you can edit backgrounds, logos, placement of elements, and CSS of the entire interface from an easy to use settings environment. What more could you ask for?

Well, there's even more:

• flexible reporting options,
• easy account importing,
• bid management,
• a web-based demo, and
• a fully-functional risk-free 30-day trial.

Not to mention, a flat-fee pricing structure, your own dedicated account manager, training and support, and a VAR program if you're interested in becoming a reseller.

If PPC is part of your marketing strategy, you really need to check out acquisio SEARCH.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

I Have Had Enough! Vote Hillary!

Based on an amazing collection of manufactured 'truths' and an incredible amount of disinformation, the current administration started a war that has completely destabilized most of the Middle East. It has allowed fringe groups, that would never have had a chance to rise to this level of power, to overrun not just Iraq, but the entire area.


Now, I read that we, the taxpayers, are paying billions of dollars A DAY for a conflict that has very little citizen support and is doing little more than killing Americans. Of course, the Iraqi government is insisting that, if US troops leave, a civil war will ensue.


Has anyone noticed that the civil war has already begun?


Under the Clinton administration the United States actually enjoyed a budget surplus, and international respect.


Is there any doubt that we need to put another Clinton in the White House?

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We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

PrayAbout.com

Over the time that Mark was so sick in 2003 and 2004, many people across the country prayed for him. They submitted prayer requests at their churches and started prayer chains all over the Internet. Whether you believe or not, I can tell you that with less than 2 months to live, a series of events transpired that could only be called miraculous and they saved his life. (Not to mention an extremely talented surgical team and amazing nursing staff.) To this day I believe in the power of prayer.


That's why I was so happy to find PrayAbout.com. It's a non-denominational site where people can make a prayer request online, for free.

Christian prayer, Islamic prayer, Jewish prayer - it doesn't matter. Thousands join with you in prayer, no matter what you're praying about today. Feel the love and support of people world-wide as you pray for healing, love, peace, children...anything that you want to make a request for.

Can you imagine the power of thousands of people praying with you?!


Share your love and faith by responding and supporting others who have submitted requests. You can even light a candle, if you like.

Lighting candles is your way of saying "I'm praying for you". It's also a way for you to help "illuminate" those prayer requests that you think other people should see -- so that they can join in and pray with you.

Please help others and yourself. Visit this special site.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

The Other Boomers Get a Social Network

Have you read this article? (Click on the title to check it out.)


Were you, like me, born between 1954 and 1965? Did you know that, according to Jonathon Pontell, we are no longer 'Baby Boomers'? We are now 'Generation Jones', which (as the article mentions) doesn't really have a positive ring to it. Jonesing has never been something that I'd like to associate myself with, if you know what I mean.


Not to mention, I have never felt the need to align myself or my identity with any particular social grouping - be it 'Boomers' or anything else. Apparently, society hasn't created quite enough cultural divisions or identities to suit some people's need to belong to something bigger than themselves.


The whole thing seems rather silly to me. Does it really matter? I'd rather not be grouped, labeled, or otherwise pigeon-holed. Are we now going to experience a new wave of marketing, designed to get us 40- and 50-somethings to jones for their products?


I certainly hope not. I've never been afraid to boycott products and companies, based on policies that I find offensive. This would be no different to me.


Give me a break people! How are we ever going to move to a global society when we continue to divide and subdivide ourselves?!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Furniture From Home

We've been toying with the idea of replacing our computer desk, cuz it just eats up space in our tiny living room and really doesn't have the file storage that I'd like. So, you know me, I've been window shopping online. Now, I have a bigger problem - too many great home office furniture options.

I really love this style

But, then there's this one!

I just love that with Furniture From Home, I'm not limited in what I can get. If I want to start small, with just a desk and hutch, I can. Or if I want to get an entire set, I can do that, too. It's all up to me! Face it, no matter how much space you have, or don't have, there's a great office right there just waiting for you.

Of course, while I was checking out desks, I had to have a look at sectional sofas. We currently have 2 recliners, which is fine for Mark and me, but not so good when we have company.

Unlike a lot of sectionals I've found, with Furniture From Home I don't have to buy more pieces than will fit in my room. Or settle for fewer pieces than I need. It's all customizable. And each page includes the dimensions for each piece - there's no guessing about whether it'll fit. Not to mention, the quality standards are amazing! From the frames, to the fabrics, to the cushions - all top quality.

I think I'm in love with this one
Just look at that reclining chaise! Could you get more comfy?!

Since I was 'shopping' anyway, I decided to check out bedroom furniture, because we do need to get something for Mike.
I honestly think that this is a perfect set for any age

I've always loved trundle beds. Although, a bookcase bed is really cool, too. And, again, you can order everything or pick and choose. If you decide to add more pieces later, you know that they'll match.

Did I mention that they offer free shipping?

You're gonna love this site!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Proper Language

I, throughout my life, have turned to the dictionary for proper usage and pronunciation, priding myself on being able to read, write, and speak 'proper' American-English. Admittedly, I have gotten rather lazy over the years and do not, necessarily, speak as well as I could. (Heaven knows, 15 years with a carpenter, certainly added some spice to my usage of the language!) And what about all of the word games we've played where the dictionary was the arbiter of what is and isn't a 'real' word.


The dictionary taught me how words are formed, what each 'piece' means; their ancestry, so to speak. Now, may Webster forgive us, any word or pronunciation that is "popular enough" becomes acceptable, worthy of a listing in the dictionary, and can actually replace pronunciations that go back to the roots of the word? I live with kids who say "psgetty". Because there are 2 of them and only one of me, does that give their pronunciation validity over mine? I don't think so! Yet, that is what I see happening, every time the dictionary is 'updated'.


No wonder people find our language so difficult to learn. This is one time that I have to applaud the French - they actually legislate proper usage and changes to their language.


Maybe I'm a purist, but how does anyone learn a language that is constantly being corrupted by "common" terms?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Perfume

I love perfume! But, when I can smell someone coming for 2 blocks, that's just too much. Which is why I don't buy cologne - it's too strong, never subtle and just overwhelms the senses.


Perfume, on the other hand, when used appropriately, creates an aura that doesn't announce your arrival. One of my favorites is "Oscar," because it totally suits my body chemistry, and when I wear it no one knows unless they get close to me. Not to mention, my ego loves hearing "You smell so good!" It's the only fragrance I currently own or wear. And I only wear it in the evenings. It's really not a daytime scent, to me.


I'm not really fond of 'flowery' scents, the more earthy and woodsy kinds of fragrances definitely seem to suit me better. Years ago, I wore 'L'air du Temps' by Nina Ricci and 'Rive Gauche' by Yves Saint Laurent - such wonderful perfumes. And I absolutely love 'Grey Flannel' by Geoffrey Beene for men. Although, 'Old Spice' is one of my first sensory memories - from my grandpa. It always smells like love to me, so I love the fact that Mark wears it, too.


Between you and me, I think that everyone should find a scent that 'speaks' to them and that they are proud to wear.

We, as a species, relate to each other based on scent. Find your perfect fragrance and wear it proudly.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

JMark Afghans on Squidoo

You may have noticed the link we've added to JMark Afghans on Squidoo both in the sidebar and in 'our' signatures. If you haven't stopped by lately, please come say "HI"!

Not only do we feature some of the afghans that Jules has created, you can find her Zazzle creations and, new to Squidoo, special items to compliment any purchase.

Have you found a great new mug, but the coffee maker died? Not a problem. We offer links to some great coffee and tea makers. You've ordered that special lady an elegant Lacy Afghan, but you'd like to even do more? Terrific! Add a luxurious home spa basket and let her escape without ever leaving home. Been doing battle with your computer lately? Trust me! We understand - check out our Computer Humor Mousepads. They won't fix your computer, but they might just make the battle a little more amusing.

Remember our lens at Squidoo supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Pet-Super-Store

While we don't have a dog, yet, I am always surfing the 'net for cool pet stuff. Today I found Pet-Super-Store and just had a blast checking out their dog beds, among other fun stuff. Paka's outgrown his 'little house' that we bought when he was a baby, so I was in the market for a great new space for him. Boy, did I find some great options!


Beyond the cool pet beds and houses, which I'll get to in a second, I just love the additional features that they offer - 100% money back guarantee, free UPS shipping, and FREE advice from a pet expert. It's really tough to get good advice for free and I, personally, am loathe to pay for a vet visit for simple questions. So this is really cool to me.


Okay, I'm telling you, if you have a pet, you have got to check out these cool dog beds! These are just 2 of over 40 available styles.

Bean Bag Ultra Comfort This one made me want to curl up and take a nap, too. I remember bean bag chairs from my youth and they are just the most comfy things in the world. No dog will be able to resist!

Soothsoft Canine Cooler Now, pardon the pun, this is cool! Especially in Arizona in the summer! Can you imagine having your very own soft, cool place to lie down in the middle of a hot afternoon?! I wanna be a puppy, too!

Not only are these beds terrific, and I don't see why many of them wouldn't be great for my cat, I fell in love with the pet furniture, too. In fact, there is just so much to look at, you'll spend hours oohing and aahing, and ordering, these great items.

You won't be sorry!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Happy Birthday USA!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Happy Anniversary!!

Today is the third anniversary of the day that Mark got out of the hospital, after his transplant.


It's funny. You would think that Mark's transplant day would be a date I never forget. But somehow I do; according to his records it was 06/26/04. The date I never forget is the day he came home from the hospital.


There is nothing - and I mean nothing - that could have prepared me for the absolute insanity that would reign for several weeks after he got home! I mistakenly believed that things would be calm and quiet. Yeah, sure!? The medications that he had to take for months, made him a constant blur of energy.


We didn't even make it home from the hospital and Mark decided that we needed new cell phones. Which was true, but couldn't it have waited a day or two?! Nope! And that was just the beginning - he started (note I said started) at least a dozen small to large projects in the days that followed.


I think the one that drove me the most insane was his rearranging cupboards and cabinets, drawers and shelves. There are things that, to this day, I have never been able to find! So much for my idea of peace and quiet!


While exhausting at the time, I look back with such joy at those days. After all, everyone expected him to be gone by then.



God Bless!

Jules

Featured on AboutUs.org

I am thrilled to report that JMark Afghans, etc. is a featured WikiPage today on AboutUs.org.

Please stop by and share in our good news. Heck, you can even leave a comment, if you like! It is a Wiki, after all!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Service?

At one time in my life, I thought I had a handle on the meaning of the word 'service.'

'It's the act of doing things for other people.'

Then I heard these terms which reference the word SERVICE:

Internal Revenue Service
Postal Service
Telephone Service
Civil Service
City & County Public Service
Customer Service
Service Stations

Then I became confused about the word 'service.' This is not what I thought 'service' meant.

So today, I overheard two farmers talking, and one of them said he had hired a bull to 'service' a few of his cows. BAM! It all came into perspective. Now I understand what all those 'service' agencies are doing to us.

I hope you now are as enlightened as I am.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Help Stop Torture!

It hasn't hit the news wires yet, but retired Generals Robert Gard and John Johns just went public with something big. They're calling on Congress to ban the use of torture, restore the right to trial and shut down the disastrous prison camp at Guantanamo Bay.

There's a growing chorus of judges, scholars, military experts, and regular folks who believe that President Bush's abuse of our Constitution is making us less secure. The Generals join it just in time: there are new reports that even some Bush administration insiders are pushing to shut down Guantanamo.

This could be a tipping point in the fight to restore our liberties. I signed a petition to stand with these Generals and push Congress to stop torture, close Guantanamo, and bring back the right to trial. Can you join me by clicking the link below?
MoveOn.org Stop the Torture.

Thanks!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

What's So Special About JMark Afghans?

I hate to admit - there are more than a few websites that offer hand-crocheted afghans. Shockingly {insert sarcastic laugh here} - we are not the only one. What makes JMark Afghans, etc. different?


We don't limit your choices!


Most sites offer what they have in stock - afghan styles in colors that the site owner chose to create. Several sites also offer what they call special orders. We've gone beyond that.


JMark Afghans, etc. has redefined "Special Orders".


All of our Afghans are what other sites consider special orders - you pick the size, the style, and the color(s). We offer you the ultimate flexibility in ordering the perfect afghan for you or for a gift.


If you can't find what you need within our 7 styles, 6 sizes, and 20+ colors, we offer a truly "Special Order" option. Pick a basic style (that helps us determine what design works best for you), select your favorite colors (up to three), and tell us what size you need. Within 48-72 hours, we will provide a quote for your perfect afghan. Upon approval, we will send an invoice that must be paid before we create your afghan.


Because your unique, one-of-a-kind afghan is not crocheted until you place your order, there is a 2-4 week wait until it ships to you. If you are purchasing a gift, we strongly recommend that you order well in advance of the important date.


If you want to settle for what you can find, we have nothing to offer you. If you want to create the perfect afghan for your needs - come see JMark Afghans, etc.

Don't forget to visit My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Darfur: A Genocide We Can Stop

What is happening in Darfur must not be ignored. Learn about "24 Hours for Darfur" and contribute your message.

From the website: Hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians have been raped and murdered in Darfur since 2002. Your voice can help end this genocide. Using a webcam, camcorder, digital camera, or cell phone, you can easily record a personal appeal and upload it to our website. All videos will be displayed on our site and sent directly to your political representatives.

In September we will screen 24 hours of footage at a rally in front of the UN headquarters and at smaller events at halls of power throughout the world — all connected through a real-time online broadcast. Speak out against genocide by submitting a video today.

Visit 24hoursfordarfur.org to learn more and participate.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Stargate SG-1 Finale

For 10 years, I have been a die-hard fan of Stargate SG-1 and was devastated when I heard that this was the last season. Anticipating something amazing, I tuned into the series finale tonight.

Without giving anything away, just in case you didn't watch, I was seriously underwhelmed. Surely they would - literally or metaphorically - go out with a bang. But, they didn't; not really.

SG-1 - we'll miss you terribly! Couldn't you have done more with your last 48 minutes?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Life Sucks - And Then (Hopefully) Continues

Some days are just bright, sunny and enjoyable. Others - not so much.

Those of you who know us, know about Mark's liver transplant in June 2004. And you also know that he nearly died several times before that.

We found out, on the 20th, that Mark has developed a cyst on the new liver. When they removed his diseased liver in 2004, it had 2 cancerous lesions, but the doctors assured use that the cancer was limited to the liver and the transplant effectively removed all of it.

Sadly, we also found out that, during a recent MRI, they found a lesion on Mark's left lung.

On June 29th, Mark will undergo a CT scan to investigate the marks on his liver and his lung. Normally, this procedure isn't very dangerous, but - because of the immunosuppressants that he is taking - the dye administered could cause his kidneys to shut down.

So, some days are just bright, sunny and enjoyable. Others - not so much.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

The Meaning of Altruism

Long before they made "Pay It Forward" or the commercial where every good deed begets another good deed - we already understood.

One of our online friends was having severe financial problams - we did what we could

An online friend was raped, beaten, and living in a shelter - we helped her to come to AZ.

Another online friend was about to become homeless - we helped him get to AZ.


And, while I have your attention - try donating money to the "Christian Childrens Fund" for any child in the United States. You CANNOT DO IT! I tried and they wouldn't let me. I don't know why they want to send all of our donations out of the country, but I do know that they will NEVER receive a dime from us.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

PayPerPost

All of my friends, whether online or down the block, know that I love to roam the Internet and talk about what I find. (Heck, I just love to 'talk'!) Now - ta da! - I have found a site that will help me to make money blogging.


You have probably noticed that there are a few new links and banners here - and that some of the posts are 'sponsored.' Frankly, that's one of the things I really like about PayPerPost. They insist on full disclosure - meaning anyone who reads my blog will know that, while I may be compensated for some of the posts on this blog, I still am offering my unbiased personal opinions - right, wrong, or indifferent.


As a 'newbie,' I'm still learning the ropes, but I actually earned $10.00, in 2 posts, talking about 2 sites that I think are terrific. Then, I earned another $16.00, creating a great scenario for how and why a CIA operative might receive a "Burn Notice". I've always wanted to write stories and novels, but didn't have the nerve. This was a terrifically fun adventure and I really loved creating a possible situation. Can't wait to see what 'the truth' is!


What makes me happy is that I now am able to buy yarn in new colors and create new designs - without taking monies out of the little bit that comes in on our disability.


What makes me unhappy is that I am limited as to which opportunities I can take, because my blogs Google PR is not updated. I am working with PayPerPost to correct the problem. But, as you know I have no patience, it's taking much longer than I would have expected.


Despite the problems, I still believe that this is a great way for those of us who love to blog to support our hobbies.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Burn Notice

Amid rumors of a growing insurgency in the Niger Delta, Michael Westen was sent to the NiCongo oil refinery in the port city of Porcouri. A 10 year CIA veteran with experience as an OPEC covert operative, his instructions were to make contact with the insurgents at the plant and gather intelligence on reported plans to retake the Bakassi peninsula from Cameroon.

Establishing himself as, James Iwo, a supporter of the late Sani Abacha, bent on reversing the UN ruling that gave away Bakassi, Westen quickly attracted like-minded individuals. The reports he sent back, through a chain of false identities and invented supporters, told a terrifying tale. Plans were underway as far east as Calabar to damage pipelines and slow production and increase attacks along the Cameroon border.

Westen's lastest report, sent out 2 weeks earlier, had told of the rebels' intent to create a fictitious Islamic extremist group. The 'Niroon Islamists' would take public credit for the death and destruction, while deverting the world's attention from the real rebels. Knowing that the post 9/11 world had zero tolerance, Westen worried that they might just succeed.

Awaiting further instructions, most likely a new assignment, he comtemplated a quiet vacation on a beach somewhere far from oil refineries and international intrigue. With umbrella drinks and bikini-clad women on his mind, he slit open the manila envelope. As several black and white photos dropped to his desk and he scanned the signature at the bottom of the letter, Michael Westen knew that things had gone very, very wrong.

Dear Mr. Iwo,

It is with deepest regret that we must inform you that your project has been cancelled and no further funds will be allocated. To that end, we ask that you cease all further contact with our office.

"You Have Been BURNED!"

Sincerely,

James Alton Montgomery

For seven years, 'Monty' had blamed Westen for his loss of stature at the Agency and had made it his raison d'etre to discredit the man he felt stole his job. But, as he dropped the letter and picked up the photographs, he wondered if someone higher up had helped Monty create pictures of 'Michael Westen' planting explosives along the pipeline.



Find out what really happened to Michael Westen at USA Network's Burn Notice.

Judge: Disbarred DA Must Leave Now

From the lacrossetribune.com

Jun 18, 10:47 PM EDT

Judge: Disbarred D.A. Must Leave Now

By AARON BEARD
Associated Press Writer

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- Duke University has reached an undisclosed financial settlement with three former lacrosse players falsely accused of rape, while a judge said late Monday he would order the disbarred prosecutor to leave office immediately. Read more at . . . lacrossetribune.com.

While this story has unfolded, few really doubted that Mike Nifong was going to end up in a world of trouble. It's nice to see that the judge agreed and ordered the prosecutor to cease his duties and leave.

I also doubt that prosecutorial misconduct is as rare as it should be, but it is one frightening aspect of dealing with the law. More out of paranoia than true 'respect for the law,' I am a pretty strict rule follower. Lord knows, I wouldn't want to spend a year of my life (or more) defending myself against false charges.

Of course, the Duke lacrosse players weren't exactly angels, if you've followed the history of their house - wild parties, underage drinking, strippers. So, don't feel too sorry for them. Had they not behaved the way they did, there would have been no opportunity for charges to be brought - true or false.

Their culpability notwithstanding, we are supposed to live in a society where everyone is innocent until proven guilty. There have to be checks and balances in place, so that one individual, like Nifong, does not have the power or authority to run roughshod over someone's civil rights and freedom.

Just my 2 cents

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

New Information Page on AboutUs.org

Just when I thought that JMark Afghans was everywhere ~ from the website, to the blogs, to MySpace, to Zazzle and Squidoo, to DMOZ, to who-knows-where-next ~ I found out that we have a page on AboutUs.org, a wiki that is dedicated to collecting information from and about the worldwide web. If you don't know what a wiki is, check out this site.

I don't know if I'm suffering from sleep deprivation, temporary insanity, or Internet addiction,   ;-)  but I decided that since we have a listing, it might as well reflect who and what we are.  So, I've been busily updating our page and even set up a user page for me.

Be sure to stop by and take a look ~ Jules' Page and JMark Afghans' Page.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans, etc. and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

To All the Dads Out There

God Bless!

Jules

Coupon Chief

I love shopping online! Over the years, we have had a blast shopping for Christmas and avoiding the crushing holiday madness that the local mall tends to become. Not to mention, I can get my new favorite movie or replace those broken headphones at 4:00 am, while I'm thinking about it - without having to wait for stores to open or get dressed, go out, and fight the crowds.

Today, I found a site that makes online shopping even more fun! They offer coupons from stores that I shop at already - like Office Depot, Staples, and BestBuy.

I can search by store, or category; see recently added coupons and those that are about to expire. Everything I need is right there, at my fingertips.

Amazon.com is one of my favorite stores, because with customer reviews and detailed descriptions, I always know what I'm getting. No nasty surprises. And, now I get alerts whenever Amazon posts a new coupon offer, so I never miss out on the best deals.

If you've never used online coupons before, CouponChief has even added "how-to" screencasts for some of the top stores that will take you through the process, step by step. What more could you ask for?

Join today - it's free and easy. You're going to shop anyway, doesn't it make sense to save some money in the process?

This is a sponsored post.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Paris Hilton

I told myself that I wasn't going to blog about Paris Hilton. But here I am!

After reading several blogs on the subject, including Joe Rogan's on MySpace and Neil Rubin's in the Detroit News, I discovered that I am seriously upset about the whole mess.

But - before you jump to conclusions - I'm not upset at or about Paris Hilton herself. She's gotten into a lot of trouble, not unlike many young girls her age; but Paris only gets publicity because she's considered a celebrity. If one of our kids, God Forbid, should pull the same idiotic stunts, they'd do time and they wouldn't make the evening news or the front page of every gossip rag in the world.

Which brings me to the reason that I'm upset - THE MEDIA. In our world today, we have crazed South American leaders rewriting laws to subjugate their citizens; we have hundreds of thousands of people being displaced and murdered in Darfur; we have global warming threatening entire species; we have the United States refusing to admit that we are a serious part of the environmental problem and legislating away protection for whole habitats; we are involved in a war in the Middle East that has been reduced to statistical reporting (8 US soldiers killed today in Iraq) to make way for lengthy reviews of celebs' latest misdeeds.

Surely, these causes are worthy of more than a passing mention. Surely, we - as a nation and a world - need to focus on the future we are leaving behind for our children and their children, rather than devoting hours and pages of coverage to which actor was the most publicly embarrassing today.

Not that long ago, 'Entertainment News' was limited to a brief 2-3 minute segment of the Evening News. And the Evening News (regardless of which channel you watched) didn't lead off their broadcast with stories and photos of actors getting into trouble. Celebrities didn't make the front page or breaking news reports unless they did something that we used to call "news worthy". Sadly, O J Simpson was involved in something "news worthy".

There are magazines devoted to people-watching, if that's where your interests lie. I've even glanced through a couple in my life. Didn't much care for them. But, that is where I believe that 99.9% of these sensationalized stories belong.

Can we please get back to reporting the NEWS that really impacts our lives, and leave the actors where they belong, on the movie screen?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Do All the Stupid People Live on My Block?

If you've been reading this blog, you know that I've had some "interesting" neighbors. I don't know how it is where you live, but I do know that I have just about lost my sense of humor with the idiots who have invaded my neighborhood.

Tonight, I walked to the corner store for cigarettes and was verbally accosted, not for the first time, by an idiot outside the store. This 'gentleman' started by asking me for money. I ignored him, went into the store, completed my purchase, and left. Upon my departure, this idiot decided to call me names, meant (apparently) to make me feel ashamed for not speaking to him earlier.

Sadly, I have become accustomed to this sort of behavior and generally just ignore it. Unfortunately, when I got home tonight and mentioned the moron - I found out that he also bothered our youngest, Michael, on his trip to the store earlier today! Now I am really angry!! I'm 50 years old and can deal with the mentally challenged. But, I am also a Mom - and YOU DO NOT mess with my kids!!

Right, wrong or indifferent - I will be walking to the store with Michael from now on. He was very upset by what happened. And Mark will be walking with me. Or maybe I'll just save us all the trouble and call the police the next time I see him.

It's really strange, because years ago I would have been terrified and intimidated by someone like this. I guess I have finally grown up - at least a little bit.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

whogets.com

You have got to check out whogets.com - it is so cool. It's 'continuous online sweepstakes, with a twist'. You get to choose the item you would like to win, tell the world why you should win, and vote on who you believe should get the prize.

It's amazingly simple - and free - to join. And, the best part, no emails to deal with. Other than the One and only One, where you confirm your account.

The contests work in two steps:

• Step One: Semi-finals. This phase usually lasts 7-14 days and any member can pick a prize and join the contest at this point. We read the rules, joined, and picked a contest in, maybe, 5 minutes. Couldn't be easier!
  
  
• Step Two: Finals. This part of the contest also lasts about 7-14 days. After the semi-final period, seven (7) contestants are randomly selected. At that point, they get to make a statement, telling why they want or need the prize and why they deserve to win. Fellow members cast their votes for a winner.

We had a blast looking at all of the prizes. Sponsored by major retailers, we found great stuff from Barbie to computers to footwear to sunglasses (Mike's favorite)to webcams and everything in between. Not every product has an open contest, so stop by often to check for the item you just have to have. And - don't forget to vote!

Mike and I signed up for a great little camcorder to take on our family camping trip in a few weeks. But I know we'll be going back, over and over. Mike still wants those sunglasses and I have got my eye on a pair of Austrian Crystal Earrings or a new Comforter. Of course, there are shoes and handbags. Oooh, and Mark has been wanting to get a laptop, so that he can give the desktop to the kids.

Hmmmm . . . I think this is going to be my new favorite website! I'll bet it could be yours, too.

This is a sponsored post.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

My Daughter - The Doctor

I just couldn't be more proud - and my cat more thrilled that his "big sister" is a veterinarian!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Stop Animal Cruelty

Please help stop this! Horses are the most gentle, loving animals God created. To abuse one of these beautiful creatures is unthinkable. Yet, as you can see, it exists.

MY PERSONAL OPINION: Whoever decided that humans are the most important "people" on this planet, needs to be SHOT! And those who agree with them, should be lined up beside them!




The Louisiana Mare - Please read and forward - warning, this is a horrible story, but people need to know!

Please crosspost extensively, read the story, and please donate what you can to help Habitat For Horses
in their effort to rehabilitate this brutally abused Mare!!


June 9, 2007


Two of our members are making their way to Southern Louisiana this morning to bring back a very special mare for some intense rehabilitation. We know very few of the details at this point, but what we do know is this – (written by one of our investigators)


“Her owner sold her for around $100.00 when he went to load the mare into the trailer she balked and refused to load, so he made a bridle out of barbed wire and placed it on her, he then tried to make her load again and again she refused. By this time her owner was MAD so he tied her behind the horse trailer and drove off, dragging the mare behind. This mare has a hole thru her nose all the way into her sinus cavity from hitting the trailer while he was dragging her and almost no left back hoof; her hoof was "sandpapered" down by the road. She is on anti-inflammatory medicine, pain medicine and antibiotics. She is bruised all over her body, her neck and head are extremely sore. ”


The mare spent the last couple of weeks in a vet clinic with IV fluids while she fought for her life. Needless to say, most of her hooves are missing and her body is pretty damaged, but her will to live gave the local ACO and the vet every reason to keep trying. So far, they succeeded. They called a couple of days ago to ask if we could take her. There was never any doubt.


Now it’s our turn to amend the cruelty this mare has experienced. It’s a long trip, but she will arrive this evening to a local foster home and be given the very best of love and care we can provide. If you are so inclined, little prayers can sometimes produce big results.


Jerry Finch
Habitat For Horses


June 10, 2007


The Louisiana Mare


(Warning – This is not for little kids or grown adults who believe in the goodness of the human heart. The pictures are graphic.)


What the owner did to this mare is beyond comprehension of any rational being, all because the mare was difficult to load. Bought for $35, the owner found a buyer willing to pay $100 and tried to load the mare to take her to her new owner. When the mare wouldn’t load correctly, he twisted barbed wire around her halter. When that didn’t work, he tied her to the back of the trailer and dragged her down the road. Angry that she fell, he then disconnected the trailer from his truck and let it roll over her.


All of this happened on June 1st. The mare was taken by the local Animal Control Officer to a local vet who, thankfully, did all he could to try to save her. They called Habitat for Horses on Thursday to ask if we would take her in and attempt to rehabilitate her. She was picked up Saturday and brought back to a location close to the ranch.


The owner is facing two counts of Animal Cruelty charges. Since June 1st, he purchased two more horses. We will be working with the parish to help them apply stricter controls on the former owner. As with any case, we will not release any information on the ID of the owner nor the name of the parish in which this occurred until the case is completed.


Certainly the level of anger we all feel towards the owner is overwhelming and no amount of punishment seems adequate. The Justice system, no matter what state, must restrict the punishment to the measures allowed by the individual laws related to animal cruelty. They can do no more. This incident strongly points out the need to increase the strength of all animal cruelty laws.


Close-up of face at scene:



After almost two weeks:



Lower chin showing twisted barbed wire in halter:



Mare standing up at scene:



Blood on trailer after being dragged:


Trailer after being pulled off mare:


June 6th – arriving home after the trip from Louisiana :


In her new stall:


The rehabilitation, both physical and mental, will take a very long time. She is filled with fear of humans, something easily seen by her constant shaking when someone comes close or touches her. There is absolutely no sign of attempting to protect herself, something that has obviously been beaten out of her. She’s severely underweight and in pain, but she has a strong will to live. We’ll do everything we can to grant her that ability and to see that at some point in the future she’ll end up in the arms of a loving, caring, gentle adopter.


Your support, both financially and emotionally, will make it possible.



God Bless!

Jules

National Missing Children's Day - May 25th

Unfortunately, I missed contributing on this important date. But I felt the need to let everyone know about it.

There is a great place on Squidoo, Polly Klaas Foundation on Squidoo where you can create a lens (a personal webpage) and provide support to this important cause.

Also ~ please visit The Polly Klaas Foundation official website ~ for additional ways that you can help.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

JMark Afghans Zazzle Award

For those of you who have checked out the Links on "Random Musings" and visited JMark Afghans Zazzle Gallery or JMark Afghans MySpace Page, you know that I've developed a new product line that isn't crocheted.

I have been designing mugs, posters, t-shirts, cards and postcards, aprons, and totes (to name just a few) for a few weeks now. And having a great deal of fun, I might add!

Last night I was designing items that feature one of my favorite quotes:
"Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity!"

When I got up today and logged in (I had created a Father's Day card for a contest), I was absolutely stunned to find that one of my designs had won "Today's Best".

So I am here to brag, just a bit, and ask you to Check It Out!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

You just never know what you'll find!

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Genocide Intervention Network

"You can have a hand in stopping the genocide."

Learn how to educate, advocate and raise funds to help intervene. The Genocide Intervention Network offers:

• News digests from Darfur;
• Anti-genocide hotline, where you can make your voice heard;
• Ten easy steps you can take to help end genocide;
• Fundraising for the peacekeepers in Darfur,
• and much more.

They also have a lens (page) on Squidoo. Please take 10 minutes of your time, to create your own lens - about anything you like - and show your support for their fight against the genocide in Darfur.

I Did!

God Bless,

Jules

Technorati Tags: News, World, Genocide

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Missing Girl: Madeleine McCann

We have seen this report on the news. Madeleine has not yet been found. Help the family get world coverage and help by visiting their site.

The official website is at Missing Madeleine. They offer the latest news, banners that can be downloaded, and how you can help.


Snopes.com also has information and a link that you can use to email this story to everyone you know, so that the world continues to look for this precious child.

Urban Legends Reference Pages: Missing Girl: Madeleine McCann

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Angel

I've been busy copying our CDs to my laptop today and was, once again, so moved by this song that I just had to post the lyrics.

Sarah McLachlan - Angel Lyrics

Spend all your time waiting for that second chance
For the break that will make it OK
There's always some reason to feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction or a beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
Let me be empty and weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of the Angel far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the Angel; may you find some comfort here

So tired of the straight line, and everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting, you keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference, escaping one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness, oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees

In the arms of the Angel far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
In the arms of the Angel; may you find some comfort here

You're in the arms of the Angel; may you find some comfort here



God Bless!

Jules

Lost Posts

I was going through a bunch of disks today and found a backup to my blog. It wouldn't mean much, except I was recently trying to update the format and managed to (apparently) lose some information.

Just in case you thought you lost your mind, there are a couple of posts from April that weren't there before.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans. You just never know what you'll find!

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

It's Ok . . .

Mark was playing a game today and one of the comments that came up was just so funny, I had to post it!

"It's okay to talk to yourself; just don't interrupt!"

Which reminds me:

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most!"

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans. You just never know what you'll find!

Have a Great Day!

God Bless!

Jules

Charitable Donations for Free

While traversing the Internet recently, I found some amazing items on the Humane Society of the United States' website that I just had to share.Continue reading: Charitable Donations for Free

• Everyone I know has a cell phone, including our two sons. But what I didn't know was that there is a service, called Humane Wireless. And I quote: "The Humane Society of the United States has teamed up with Working Assets to bring you a unique phone service that provides an amazing 10%* of all phone charges to protect animals — at no extra cost to you!"
  • I checked out the plans and the prices, and was amazed to find that there was absolutely no difference between their rates and those of our current service. (Unfortunately, we're in the middle of a 2-year contract, so we're not eligible to change carriers.) If you're in the market for a new wireless service, or were waiting to take the cell phone plunge ~ why not check out Humane Wireless? You know you're going to use that cell phone. Wouldn't it be terrific to help protect animals while you're doing it?

• Just when I was about to write off Microsoft, I found out about the Microsoft i'm Initiative. And I quote: "i’m is a new initiative from Windows Live Messenger™. Every time you start a conversation using i’m, Microsoft shares a portion of the program's advertising revenue with some of the world's most effective organizations dedicated to social causes. We've set no cap on the amount we'll donate to each organization. The sky's the limit."
  • It's incredibly easy to sign up, especially if you already use Windows Live Messenger™. The Initiative supports 10 organizations, from the American Red Cross to UNICEF, and all you have to do is chat, which you know you're going to do anyway. Right? Why not show your support? I did.

Let Us Not Forget

Have a Blessed
Memorial Day Weekend


And


God Bless America

New JMark Afghans Products

I recently found a great site - Zazzle.com - and have been busy creating new products

So far, you can find

JMark Afghans Logo:
• Mugs

Arizona Pictures:
• Mousepads,
• Postcards, and
• Aprons

Please visit JMark Afghans @ Zazzle or view our current items on JMark Afghans' MySpace.

As always, we look forward to seeing you online.

Jules

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

I am incredibly embarrassed that I did not know that The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum existed.

Before you say "Okay - I know that the Nazis tries to kill off all the Jews, " you need to visit this site. (You also need to revisit history, but that's an entirely different blog.)

This is an amazing website that deals with not only WWII, but also Armenia, Sudan, Darfur, and Chechnya, among other areas of the world.

If you believe that what is happening in the world today is bordering on what Hitler started in 1939, as I do, please visit this incredible website.

As expressed by George Santayana: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Is this the legacy we want to leave our children?

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Isn't Life Strange?

With thanks to the Moody Blues - Life is definitely strange!! (Check out the lyrics! I just love 'em.)


We recently had a knock on our door ( 1 of 76 apartments in the complex, BTW), asking for a person with the name of our wireless network. ??!!

Yup!! - and it went something like this:

(knock, knock)
Frankie: Someone's at the door.
Me: (opening the door) Yes?
Him: Are you ******* ? (name of our network, not listed for obvious reasons)
Me: What? (Shocked, to say the least that he knows this name)
Him: Are you ******* ?
Me: No.
Him: Do you know ******* ?
Me: That's the name of our password-protected wireless network. (Yes, I actually do say such things.)
Him: Yeah. How do I get on it?
Me: You Can't! It's private and password protected. Don't EVEN try to get on it. (I've been known to be rather rude. I know - it's shocking!!)
(door closes somewhat loudly)

Now, one would think that my first thought would have been: "How in the name of all that is holy did you end up at my door?" But I didn't think of that until after I closed the door in his rather befuddled face.

Mark, who was in the middle of cooking dinner, came out of the kitchen to find out who I was talking to, since he hadn't heard the knock at the door. I explained the conversation, shook my head in amazement, and (pretty much) wrote it off as another oddity in life. (This, BTW, was the point in time where I started wondering where he'd gotten the idea to ask us about the wireless network.)

Fast forward through dinner.

We are relaxing, watching television or on computers, when . . .

(knock, knock)
(Mark answers door)
Her: We live in apt. ***.
(Mark looks unimpressed)
Her: My boyfriend has a computer. Can he get on your network?

. . . the rest of the conversation involves Mark explaining that "to get internet access, one must pay for internet access" and me, in the background, barking about staying off our network! (For those of you familiar with 'CATS' - yes, you can hear me all over the park.)


I kid you not - this actually happened. Apparently, it made enough of an impression that I'm still marvelling at the stupidity of both conversations.

And I still don't know how they found us.


So, Yes!! Life is Strange!! or, if you live in my universe, Where did all of the IDIOTS come from and how do we send them back!!!??? Starting with the one that currently occupies the White House! (oooh, did I say that out loud?)



Have a terrific day and don't forget to visit us at http://www.jmarkafghans.com - we have made a slew of changes this month.

We've been known to have contests, offering amazing prizes, for those who can find the most changes in a given month. If you don't visit, how will you know what changed?

God Bless.

Jules

US Health Freedom

As an editor for Health categories in DMOZ, I try to follow what's in the news. Today, I found this article in Wellness Resources and just had to post.

U.S. Health Freedom on Verge of Collapse

An excerpt: A new attack against health freedom, drug safety, and dietary supplements was launched last week by Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) with major support from Michael Enzi (R-WY). It is called the Food and Drug Administration Revitalization Act (S1082). This legislation was planned over the past few years working hand-in-glove with the FDA’s dysfunctional management and legal team – meaning this legislation was written for the profits of Big Pharma and Big Biotech AT THE EXPENSE OF SAFETY AND HUMAN HEaltH.

Please read.

Don't let your rights disappear!

Jules

Return of the Computer

Well, it has been a long, painful process, but I've finally got my computer back! Long, because I can't stand not to have my laptop for a day; painful, for the same reason.

I tell you - if you plan to buy a laptop and want a company that is responsive, responsible, and a breeze to deal with - go with Acer!

My hard drive had serious - as in crashed! - problems. Twice I've had to send it back to Acer. The first time was on my dime, the second was on theirs. They paid for 2-day shipping and had the package picked up at my door! You just can't beat that!

Acer replaced the parts that they found to be defective, at no cost to me either time, and shipped it right back.

I am not happy that I had problems, but I am thrilled with how Acer responds.

God Bless!

Jules

Circuit City Fires 'Overpaid' Employees

My first reaction to this announcement was disbelief, followed (very quickly) by outrage. No company, in their right mind, fires the people who bring in the money.

Over the years, I have been through many acquisitions, mergers, and buyouts in Fortune 100 companies. Inevitably, 'heads will roll'. As a member of the Accounting department, I have watched those heads roll. And I can say - without reservation - they are almost never in the Sales department. Sales is a revenue generator - Accounting is overhead. In simple terms, SALES makes $$$$; every other department costs $$$$. (With the possible exception of the Collections department.)

Yes, sales people get fired when they consistently fail to meet their quotas. It actually happens quite frequently. But . . . not in the way that Circuit City is firing sales people. "Firing 3,400 of arguably the most successful sales people in the company could prove terrible for morale,'' Colin McGranahan, an analyst with Sanford Bernstein & Co., wrote in a note today.

There is nothing right (to my mind) and everything wrong about this situation.

Years ago I refused to shop at Target (and still do) because of their anti-union construction practices. Today, I choose to stop shopping at Circuit City for their poor treatment of valuable employees.

Star Trek XI ?? Part 2

William Shatner continues his discussion of another Star Trek Movie:

Shatner Talks About the Latest Star Trek XI Rumor

Enjoy!

Jules

Confused

I received this from a friend and just loved it!



1. Is it good if a vacuum really sucks?

2. Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?

3. If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would we ever know?

4. If Webster wrote the first dictionary, where did he find the words?

5. Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a "whack?"

6. Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?

7. Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" mean the same thing?

8. Why do "tug" boats push their barges?

9. Why do we sing "Take me out to the ball game" when we are already there?

10. Why are they called "stands" when they are made for sitting?

11. Why is it called "after dark" when it really is "after light"?

12. Doesn't "expecting the unexpected" make the unexpected expected?

13. Why are a "wise man" and a "wise guy" opposites?

14. Why do "overlook" and "oversee" mean opposite things?

15. Why is "phonics" not spelled the way it sounds?

16. If work is so terrific, why do they have to pay you to do it?

17. If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?

18. If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

19. If you are cross-eyed and have dyslexia, can you read all right?

20. Why is bra singular and panties plural?

21. Why do you press harder on the buttons of a remote control when you know the batteries are dead?

22. Why do we put suits in garment bags and garments in a suitcase?

23. How come abbreviated is such a long word?

24. Why do we wash bath towels? Aren't we clean when we use them?

25. Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?

26. Why do they call it a TV set when you only have one?

27. Christmas - What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?

Submittd[sic] by: Ronnie Bonn

Star Trek XI ??

Is there another Star Trek movie in the works? Hear what 'Captain Kirk' has to say.

Shatner Talks Star Trek XI

Love my SciFi!

Jules

Barbaro euthanized after complications - Monday January 29, 2007 1:19PM

Sadly, as much as I had hoped that he would make a full recovery, it seems that that is not the case.
SI.com - More Sports - Barbaro euthanized after complications - Monday January 29, 2007 1:19PM

More Snow Pictures

Thought you might like to see more pictures from the snow that we had in the Phoenix area last week.

Local Photo: Apache Trail Sunday 01/21/07

(AZCentral.com, by Paul Rockwell)

Local Photo: Clock Tower at EAU in Thatcher

(AZCentral.com, by Kelly Ruland)

Local Photo: Snow in Central Arizona

(AZCentral.com, by Valerie Mance)

I borrowed these, from AZCentral.com and credited the picture-taker.

Happy Days, all!!

Jules

Snow In Phoenix

Guess what, folks!?

We actually got snowflakes yesterday - in Phoenix! What a pleasant surprise! Okay, not this much snow - but we did see flakes. (Other than the crazy people normally wandering the streets.)


It's nice not freezing to death all winter, like some parts of the country. But having been raised in Colorado, and living in Michigan for 20+ years, I do tend to miss the seasons.

With that said, I do have to lodge a small complaint -- It's Cold!!! I know, Cold is a requirement for snowflakes - but I don't have to like it, now do I?! We've actually got the heat on today - and I had to crawl under the bed to find my fuzzy slippers.

Hope you're all staying nice and warm! For those of you in the Plains states - don't send anymore snow, please. It freaks out the locals!

God Bless!

Jules

Proud to Be an American

Very shortly after 09/11/01, an extremely patriotic song, by Lee Greenwood, was given a new life.
Personally, I've never been able to listen to "Proud to Be an American" without standing up and placing my hand over my heart, while tears of pride streamed down my cheeks. (Just like hearing Kate Smith sing 'God Bless America' - for those of you who remember - or anyone who sings the National Anthem without needing to making it a 'new pop hit'.) I can't carry a tune in a bucket, but I've always been inspired to sing along. (My apologies to Mr. Greenwood and Ms. Smith.)

I don't think my emotions will ever change - hearing those songs. But somehow, in the last few years, the pride has become acute embarrassment.

For those of you who remember - they buried JFK on the weekend that I was to celebrate my 7th birthday. I will never be able to erase the memory of the riderless horse and the cortege. That was my introduction to politics. (Don't EVEN ask me my opinion of the deaths of the Kennedy brothers. There is not enough blog space.)

Over the years, I have been proud of and embarrassed by the Presidents that the electoral college has put into office. (Don't believe for a minute that the common vote has any clout in this mess.) But, I have stood by my country.

I will 'celebrate' the 50th anniversary of my birth in a very few days. Over the years, I have seen many changes - we swore if gasoline ever got over $1.00/gallon we would stop driving. We snuck out and bought cigarettes, at $0.35 a pack. (and yes we knew they were bad for us - we did it anyway. So those of you who want to sue - suck it up -- you knew what you were getting in to.)

Until the current administration, I have (honestly) never (ok, I didn't like 'dad' either) been so embarrassed to be an American. We don't, anymore, own our country - the Chinese have us by the (you'll pardon the phrase) short-hairs. Currently, we have a president who would rather farm out our debt to China, continue a war that the majority of Americans don't want, and (as the American populace is reaching retirement age) cut Social Security benefits.

So, for what it's worth, I'm Proud to Be an American - but I'm not sure I'm free anymore.


Julie

JMark Afghans, etc. - October, 2006

Well, we are finally adding the 'etc.' to JMark Afghans, etc.

I've been creating scarves and hats, for the upcoming cold weather in North America, and just having a blast! It's times like these that I wish I was back in Colorado, so that I could actually wear some of the fun things that I'm finding in the yarn. But that hasn't stopped me from creating something wonderful for You!

It will be a few days, pending arrival of a new digital camera, until the pictures and order forms are posted, so please bear with us.

---

We've added a new Affiliate Partner StrawberryNET.com, the world's largest provider of discounted skincare, make-up, cosmetics, and fragrance. Be sure to stop by and see the wonderful items they have to offer. Imagine the joy when your loved one finds a bottle of their favorite scent, tucked into a soft, cuddly afghan from JMark Afghans, etc. How can you miss with such a combination?

Unfortunately, we've also lost a Partner this month. LiveItUp.com has discontinued their program. We'll miss them; they offer terrific vacation and entertainment packages.

For those of you who remember shopping at Montgomery Ward ~ keep watching our Affiliates page.

---

On a more personal note: Frankie broke his leg about a month ago. The upper cut wasn't stretching quite as well as the lower and the pressure on the bone kept building. One night he moved his leg to the side and the upper area snapped. The doctors took off the stretching mechanism at that point, and gave him a month to heal. So, now, we're waiting to see how well things are healing and we'll find out on the 2nd when the doctors will (surgically) remove the rest of the hardware. Then, Frankie has the cast to deal with, before beginning physical therapy.

The saddest part, to me, is that his leg broke before he reached the goal of 7cm. So, his right leg is still shorter than the left, and they can't do any more surgeries to help him. Hopefully, we can get an insert for his shoe to make up the difference and he won't have to have specialized shoes anymore. We'll see.

Paka is still growing like a weed - and developing a rather grumpy personality. I don't know if he didn't get enough roughhousing as a kitten, or too much. But he seems to want to scratch and bite a bit more than is really a good thing.

We're having him neutered next month, so perhaps that will calm him down a tad.

I hope that you're having wonderful fall weather. We're still having triple-digit temps off and on in Arizona, so it's not exactly 'fall' here, yet. The weatherman keeps saying that we're cooling down - then, of course, it hits 105 the next day! I think I'd hate to have a job where nature can embarrass me on a regular basis.

And on that note, I must run. There are skeins and skeins of yarn waiting for me to release their 'inner design'. Keep stopping by JMark Afghans, etc. to see what the yarn is sharing now - Don't miss the surprises!

Be Well, Be Happy, and Be Safe!

God Bless

Jules

News From the Homefront

Wow this has been a busy month!

On July 6th, our oldest had surgery on his right leg. (He was born with a shortened femur that has continued to grow more slowly than the other leg.) The doctors cut the bone in two places and inserted 7 pins. He was quite amusing in recovery, with all the pain meds! They kept him overnight and sent him home on the 7th. I was a nervous wreck, thinking about taking care of his leg!

The doctor attached a fixator on the 14th, which has 2 long screws and an adjustment mechanism. Now, four times a day, he loosens the fixator and turns the screw 1/4 turn in both places. As of the 21st, the xrays showed that the lower cut had complete bone separation and was gapped about 1/4 inch. The upper cut still has some bone attachment, so it causes him more pain when he stretches it.

He's in a bit of pain, but is amazingly nonchalant about the whole thing. I'd be the world's biggest whiny baby if it were me. One of his friends came over last week and all he could say was "Dude, that looks like it HURTS!" over and over.

I think he's getting seriously bored, though. We moved a TV and the playstation so he can play as much as he wants. But, after we went to the doctor on the 21st, the first thing he said is "Can I go over to other people's houses now?!"

Our youngest is trying to pick up the slack on the chores, but his heart definitely isn't in it. So, Dad and I tend to look the other way. We're learning how unimportant some battles are, since he helps his brother a lot if we're not around.

Paka - the cat named "Cat" - is still getting bigger. He's about 6 months old and about 4 times as large as he was when we brought him home! Unfortunately, he seems to have fallen in love with one of my teddy bears. It used to be a white bear, but now - thanks to being drug all over the living room - it's getting a bit gray. No matter where we put it, he manages to find a way to get to it and drag it around the room while we're sleeping.

It amazes me how well he seems to understand (when it's in his best interest) what I say to him. I was in the kitchen yesterday and Paka started yelling at me that he wanted to eat. So, being a crazy cat-lady, I told him to wait a sec, I'd get his dishes. Well, I got distracted and it took me a minute or so to get back to him. He was still sitting right there waiting. But if I tell him "No, you've already been fed.", he'll go lay down somewhere else. Cracks me up!

Hope you're having a great July! Don't forget to stop by JMark Afghans, etc. and see what's new. I've added a photo center with pictures of all the afghans, the family, and (of course) Paka. In the next few days, I hope to add some pictures from our trip to the Grand Canyon and scenery from around where we live. Arizona is amazingly beautiful, and a lot more green than most people expect.

Take care and be happy!

Jules

I Quit!

How many times do we use the simple phrase "I Quit"?
I use it all the time. It's my way of saying I need a break from whatever is bugging me right now.

How often do we mean it?
I haven't yet. Scared the daylights out of my boss until she realized that it basically meant "I'm gonna go have a smoke and I'll be back when I don't want to strangle someone."

What would you do if someone you loved said "I Quit" - and they were suffering from a life-ending condition? What if they really didn't want to fight anymore? Hmmm?

Would you leave that choice up to them, or would you jump in and tell them that they can't give up because you can't let them leave you?

Where do we draw the line on selfishness? Because that's exactly what it is - selfishness.

How do we separate our needs from what is the right thing to do?

Would love to know what you think.

06-06-06

Given the headlines that I have been reading lately, it doesn't surprise me that people believe the world is about to come to an end. Sanity has certainly lost it's grip on the world.

Paparazzi who assault, not only celebrities, but the families of celebrities, are suing because when they jump on / at a vehicle, they get knocked down or run over. When I was growing up, that was called "If you jump in front of a moving vehicle, you're probably gonna get hit." AKA - common sense!

Parents, getting divorced (nothing new), each insist that the other must be evaluated by a psychiatrist, because one (or the other) might have something bad to say about the non-custodial parent. When I was growing up - you let the kids decide for themselves about the 'goodness' or 'badness' of either parent, based on that parent's behavior., and you shut up about Mom/Dad. AKA - kids are not stupid!

It is my understanding that if one country/ faction / sect isn't officially at war with another country/ faction / sect, neither country/ faction / sect can simply hunt down people and kill them. (Geneva Convention and all that.) Yet, that is what most of the people in the world are currently doing/ advocating for any country/ faction / sect who has different religious, political, or general philosophies. I grew up during the Vietnam 'Police Action'. AKA - if you're not willing to declare war so that you can call it a war - you have no business being there; and you had certainly better not decide that you are allowed to determine who is allowed to live or die.

The world seems insane. What should happen, isn't. What shouldn't happen, is.

I'm not sure that I'm in a position to say what's right or wrong. I just know that things don't feel right; and haven't for a good long time.

What do you think?

Unseen Danger in Bagged Salads - Dateline NBC

I received this link from a friend - absolutely frightening.

We all worry about properly cooking and storing meats to avoid E coli or salmonella or botulism, but who would think that the salad we eat with our steak or burgers might make us sick.
Quote

Unseen danger in bagged salads - Dateline NBC - MSNBC.com

Be careful!

Jules

JMark Afghans, etc - May, 2006

Wow! Things have definitely been 'happening'! JMark Afghans, etc. website has won a Bronze Award from Astral Awards and been deemed a TrustWorthy site! Please visit our 'Trophy Case' for a look!

Not to mention, we've got new Affiliate Partners!!

Most recently: DomesticBin.com, with an amazing selection of kids' and adult bedding, pillows, window treatments, and kitchen products, and, also this month, Wicks' End, featuring incredible candles, gift sets, oil lamps, and aromatherapy products.

On A More Personal Note:
Paka is growing like a weed! I don't think he's simply a tabby; I think he's a Maine Coon mixed breed. If you're not into cats, all that means is that the boys will be able to ride him to school in August. I made a HUGE mistake with him, though - I introduced canned cat food into his diet! WOW has he got a big voice! And, he's not afraid to use it!

I hurt my back in April, clowning around with Mark and Michael. Didn't think much of it at the time, but after 6 weeks, the pain is really becoming a PAIN! (Pun intended!)

Not to mention the temperatures are officially in the 100s until - I don't know - January! So I'm sore, cranky, and sweaty! ~whine, whine, whine~

Okay enough of that!

Stay Cool! Stay Safe! Happy May!!

Jules

Wandering in a Sea of Blogs

I've been playing with blogs in myspace.com and MSN Spaces. But wanted something that I could publish without sending visitors off my site. Soooo, we're now trying blogger.com.

Be sure to stop by JMark Afghans, etc. to see what's new.

Til next time!

Jules