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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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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God Bless!

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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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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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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God Bless!

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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God Bless!

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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God Bless!

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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at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

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?






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

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.




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

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?








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

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