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