Bad Karma

Okay!

I'm not certain which (what?) gods I have offended. But it would be terribly nice if they would . . . leave my computer alone! Because I am no longer amused.

Granted, it was never really all that amusing, but it was different and more than slightly odd; not altogether bad - in the short-term. Unfortunately, while I am not short, my patience is. In fact, I believe that this sensation could best be described as annoyed.

I received a notice to update the driver for my touch-pad. Why? I don't know; everything was working fine yesterday. So I updated it. Why? I don't know; I was thinking fine yesterday.

Suffice it to say - the cursor now shoots to the bottom of every screen . . . when it's not shooting to the top of every scream. Um, I mean screen.

But that's not the only problem.

Mark is making dinner. Well, Mark is attempting to make dinner. The poltergeists/demons are playing in the kitchen, too.

The chicken is crispy; it isn't supposed to be. The potatoes are hard; they aren't supposed to be. (Oops - there went the cursor again - ZOOM!)

Does anyone have any sage? I need to clean this place - really, really . . . NOW!


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Jules

Memory Upgrade

I recently went through the nightmare of recovering from a virus / trojan downloader that I picked up . . . heaven only knows where. After trying everything that Mark and I could think of, I ended up reinstalling my OS. I'm still trying to get all of the software redownloaded.

If nothing else, you'd think my laptop would be super speedy without all of the programs that were on here before. Nope!

Now I'll admit, we don't have the best wireless connection in the universe, but this is ridiculous! Logging in to my email, or accessing my Facebook page, has become a nightmare. I've been toying with the idea of upgrading my laptop memory for a while now (512KB just isn't enough); toying, not actively shopping. Until today.

Having found a site with 4GB kits, under $100.00, this is something I can afford to do. In fact, given my rising frustration level with moving around sites and screens, it's becoming something I have to do. Just as soon as I figure out how.


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Jules

Mystery of the Three Fish

You've just gotta love this one.

Scientists have been studying three families of fish for years. So far, only female Cetomimidae, known as Flabby Whalefish, have been found. In the families Mirapinnidae (Tapetails) and Megalomycteridae (Bignose Fish) only juveniles and males, respectively, have been studied. Very odd, isn't it?

Well, not any more. Finally able to do DNA testing on samples of all three fish, scientists have determined that these 3 different families are the same fish at different stages of development.

Apparently, juveniles live within 600 feet of the surface, where food is plentiful. Males gorge themselves at this stage of development and, as they mature, their jaws fuse, their livers enlarge, and they stop eating. Females, due to the depths at which the adults live, develop large mouths and teeth in the gill area to aid in finding the minimal food available.

It's no wonder that researchers were confused.


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Jules

Fat Burners

I've been looking at the effect of insulin on the body, related to diabetes management. But, what I've learned is that insulin also plays a major role in weight control.

In a nutshell, eating processed and sugary foods causes blood sugar levels to rise quickly. This triggers a corresponding spike in insulin production. Unfortunately, insulin promotes fat storage in the body, so these spikes increase fat levels - and weight.

Eliminating processed foods (e.g., white rice, white bread, cake, and sweets) and substituting complex carbohydrates (e.g., brown rice, whole grain breads and pastas, and root vegetables) will keep blood sugar and insulin from getting too high. This has the immediate effect of stopping new fat storage in the body.

Already have unwanted fat? Fat burners promise to speed up metabolism, to reduce weight. But, eating right is still essential. Complex carbs and essential fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, and oily fish) are key, as is not cutting too many calories from the diet.

Reducing daily calories below recommended levels (1,200/women and 1,800/men) triggers another response in the body - a negative one. At these levels, the body begins to think it's starving and stops burning fat; instead, the body burns muscle.

Yes, supplements can kickstart a weight loss program. Nothing is going to do as much good, in the long run, as a healthy diet and regular exercise.


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Jules

Obama Stops Bush's Last-Minute Regulations

I read the above-titled press release with no small measure of joy.

Issued today, by Earthjustice.org, it explains the memo sent, by the White House Chief of Staff, to the heads of all executive departments and agencies. Effective immediately, all pending regulations are stopped and the rules must be reviewed by new agency heads in the Obama administration. A good start.

However, many of what they call midnight regulations, snuck in under cover of dark, were published before Obama took office and before the Emanuel memo was issued.

There are still many in Congress who support what Bush tried to do to the environment and endangered species in this country. President Obama's administration will not have an easy time, undoing the mess that was left for them. I urge you to join me and let your voice be heard.

Take a minute, if you would, and send your message urging President Obama to act: Five Important Ways to Break with the Bush Legacy.
1.  Allow gray wolves in the northern Rockies to fully recover before removing federal protections

2.  Protect Appalachian streams from being buried by mountaintop removal rubble

3.  Restore oversight by wildlife scientists to the Endangered Species Act

4.  Keep Western public lands free from oil and gas drilling

5.  Prevent construction of dirty coal-fired power plants on our public lands (http://www.earthjustice.org/our_work/100-days-five-ways-towards-a.html)

Don't let our legacy to our children and grandchildren be that of environmental destruction and species extinction!


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Jules

Beginning of a New Era

Well, we have a new President and the beginning of a new era for our country and the world.

It's small and petty, I know. But I was actually relieved to know that 'Dubya' was on a plane and out of DC. Things would be quite different now, had he made that permanent exit 4 years ago. Ah, well. 'If wishes were horses . . .'

Our new leader has shown himself to be intelligent, erudite, and well-spoken. Calm under pressure, his demeanor inspires calm and confidence in others. Or at least many others.

I have a Facebook friend who isn't so sure and, undoubtedly, she's not alone.

He has inherited a nightmare on so many fronts that will not be resolved in 100 days or 365 days. Many things need to be done and done carefully; many others (read: endangered species act changes) need to be undone, quickly.

May we all find it in ourselves to give President Obama time - to prove his words aren't hollow and his legacy, more than good intentions.


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Jules

Diet Pill Research

There are, probably, hundreds of places on the Internet offering advice and information on diet pills. Some are just trying to get your money; some want to help.

The ones that scare me recommend products that aren't, necessarily, safe and don't mention that fact. Whether or not I would use some of these supplements, I do expect truth-in-advertising. Luckily, there are honest sites.

As I always say, read and research carefully - before - you try anything. What's good for me, might not be good for you. And vice versa.


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Jules

Wedding Invitations

Having been to a couple of weddings last summer, I've been thinking about when Mark and I get married - some day.

There are so many things to plan and organize; not the least of which is wedding invitations. I learned last year that the options are extensive. My daughter designed and made her own; my daughter-in-law used more traditional invitations. Both were beautiful.

Because I love to explore online, I decided to see what I could find. Oh my! Between the different styles - elegant to casual to Disney to Precious Moments, sizes, and colors - yes you can search by color, I was immediately overwhelmed.

So, I took a deep breath and waded into the shallow end of the pool. I know we both like purple. Whew! One decision down.

Next, I had to pick a style. Neither of us is overly fussy and we plan a pretty simple wedding. That narrowed it down from, seemingly, thousands to hundreds. This is going to be a major project for me . . .

Because I then found out that not only can you pick color, size, and style, it's possible to choose - and modify - the wording, fonts, and ink colors of the invitations.

I am going to be busy for the foreseeable future, just deciding on invitations. Glad the wedding isn't any time soon.


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Jules

Afghan Pricing Change for 2009

JMark Afghans, etc. would like to announce our first pricing change - ever.

With the economy in dire straits, we have decided to offer our customers a little help. Effective January 1, 2009 - all Afghan prices have been reduced by approximately 10 percent. (See the chart below.)

Shipping costs have always been what we have to pay for 2nd day delivery - no more, no less - so there wasn't much we could do with those.

Happy New Year - from JMark Afghans to Our Friends and Customers.

Size	Block 001 & 002	Banded & Cozy 001 & 002	Lacy Afghan	Misc 001	Misc 002 & 003
36" x 36" Small / Newborn	$40.50	$49.50	$36.00	$58.50	$45.00
36" x 48" Medium / Crib	$67.50	$76.50	$63.00	$85.50	$72.00
42" x 56" Youth / Recliner	$112.50	$121.50	$108.00	$130.50	$117.00
48" x 75" Sofa / Twin	$162.00	$171.00	$157.50	$180.00	$166.50
54" x 80" Full Bed	$225.00	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
62" x 85" Queen Bed	$315.00	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available

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Jules

New Affiliate Partners

JMark Afghans, etc. is proud to announce that we have been approved by two new partners-in-shopping!

Jelly Belly:


I have always loved these, as they say, gourmet jelly beans. The flavors are amazing and so diverse. Who would have believed that you could have a candy that tasted exactly like a toasted marshmallow, or a caramel apple?

Years ago, my manager's husband worked for the company. She almost always had a Jelly Belly sampler in her desk. Let me tell you, it made working late a supreme joy! And, you don't have to eat the whole box; just a few satisfy that sweet tooth.

Please stop by and check out all of their wonderful products. You'll find that Jelly Belly offers more than gourmet jelly beans. Much more!

---

eSource Nutrition:

As a teenager, my brother was into bodybuilding with the intent of competing. So, I am familiar with many of the types of products that eSource offers - protein powders, diuretics, and weight loss systems. But they're not just for exercise mavens and bodybuilders.

Many items are beneficial to those starting a weight-loss program. They help jumpstart the process by helping to safely eliminate excess fluids in the body - one of the first effects of almost all weight-loss products. (That's why you often get dramatic results in the first few days, then hit a plateau.)

Not to mention, something I am looking into - an all-natural sleep aid. Something I can take when I'm having trouble relaxing due to increased stress - just once in a while. I don't want something that a) I have to take for weeks or b) is filled with strong chemicals or c) is highly addictive. And I certainly don't need something every night.

Take a look at eSource Nutrition's products, FAQs, and supplement information for all of the details you need. There are no surprises, no mystery ingredients, and some really amazing prices.

---

We're excited about our new Shopping Partners and look forward to a long, happy relationship. I think you'll like what they offer, as much as we do.


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Jules

Back Again!

As you can tell, we're back online. Actually, we were never completely offline, but were severely limited (by my tolerance for popups and incredibly slow access) to what we could do.

I did find the file that was causing all of the trouble, thanks to CyberDefender. Several other programs cleaned up some of the mess in my registry. Nothing, unfortunately, would help me find the culprit and get rid of it. (Those viruses and trojans hide themselves very, very well.)

After hours and hours, actually days, of trying different solutions to my virus problem, I finally caved and redid the entire system.

Once all of my website and blog files were uploaded, I hit the 'F' key and formatted the entire C-drive. You have no idea how much that hurt my feelings. But, the system is back and the virus is gone.

I can honestly tell you - I now have a large variety of anti-virus and registry mechanic programs guarding my laptop. And - most importantly - I check the status of everything every day.


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Jules

Emergency Lighting

We don't often lose power, outside the monsoon season. Then we have some amazing storms and occasionally lose a transformer or have power lines go down.

Our solution is candles. But an emergency light would be nice to have. Although common to businesses, I don't see any reason they wouldn't be perfect in a home.

There are the obviously industrial styles that look like they belong on the outside of a warehouse. I found, much to my surprise, that there are some sleeker styles that I could imagine on the wall between my living room and bedroom.

With a minimum 90-minute emergency time, and a recharge interval of about 24 hours, it sounds perfect to me.


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Jules

Computer Problems . . . Again!!

It just never fails. I was cruising along on Facebook, answering requests and harvesting myFarm crops when . . . BAM! My firewall went down.

Frankly, it didn't occur to me that I had a serious problem for a couple of hours, when other things started crashing.

After trying several anti-virus applications, I now know that I got hit by the Crypt virus. Among other things, it loads a trojan downloader and blocks access to the registry. So, even though I can find the problem entries, I keep getting a message telling me that the administrator has disabled registry editing.

I have spent hours running programs to find and remove this virus, with no luck. Sadly, I may just have to completely restore my system. Seriously major nightmare. Because I don't have system disks.

Gonna be a long weekend, my friends.


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Jules

Just A Quick Laugh

I got these in an email recently and just had to share. Hope you get a giggle, too.

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, But it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.
4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.
5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
6. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
9. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.
12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
13. Two hats were hanging on a hatrack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here, I'll go on a-head.
14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, 'No change yet.
17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
18. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium, at large.
19. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
20. A backward poet writes in-verse.
21. In democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.
22. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

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Jules

Wall Fountains

A couple of Christmases ago, I bought Mark a tabletop fountain. It seemed like a relaxing item and, had it worked, probably would have been nice. But what I really wanted - and still do - is one of the larger-size wall fountains.

I truly can't imagine anything more relaxing than sitting and watching the gentle waterfall; listening to that calming sound. It would make an amazing addition to a meditation practice. Sometimes it can be very difficult to get to that calm-place in your mind.

They come in a variety of styles and materials. (The marble or marble and copper ones are my favorites.) Simply mount it right on the wall and bring the peaceful sound of water breaking over rocks into your home.

Heaven knows, we have enough stress these days. It's nice to find something that can take some of that away. Even if it's only temporary.


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Jules

Free Advice for Teens on MySpace?

I was reading a Yahoo! News article about a 'Dr. Meg' reviewing a selection of MySpace pages, belonging to lower-income teens between the ages of 18 and 20. It made me think - hard - about this research project.

About 190 pages were chosen, within a single urban zip code. One criteria was the posting of 3 or more references to sex, drug-use, smoking, or drinking. Half of the page owners received a single email, commenting on the content of the page and the wisdom of presenting it to, basically, the world. The email asked if the owners had thought to revise the content to protect their privacy. So far, not too bad.

Those pages are, after all, public; otherwise the researchers wouldn't have been able to find them. But, I'm just not sure about the contact portion of the project.

I started thinking about how I would feel if I received such an email. (Admittedly, the content of my MySpace page is pretty dull - comparatively speaking - and would never attract that sort of attention.) It's one thing, knowing that your page is public; and quite another getting email that questions the wisdom of your choices.

According to the research, 42 percent of the page owners who were contacted by 'Dr. Meg' changed their privacy settings or the content of their pages within 3 months of receiving the email. Several, it was reported, even responded to the email and stated that they weren't aware that everyone could see their information.

There was, finally, a recommendation to parents and adults who work with kids that they should feel comfortable checking kids' online pages for content.

I don't know about the efficacy of that one. Yes, as parents, we can try to keep an eye on what our kids are posting online and attempt to discuss safety issues with them. But, did those 33 MySpacers change their behavior? All we can know is that they've made their personal lives private.


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Jules

New Afghan Design

I have been working on a new afghan design - something quick, simple and deliciously warm.

I've taken a picture of the first few rows, to show the pattern. (Our camera and I do not get along too well, so the picture isn't quite a perfect representation.)

It's a simple stitch, using two colors of yarn together for double thickness. Because it takes a larger crochet hook to work with 2 skeins at once, it also grows very quickly.

The one I made for my daughter and son-in-law, approximately the same as a full size comforter, only took a few days to finish. So, I'm really excited about getting the new design up on the website.

It will crochet faster, have almost unlimited size options, and - most exciting - ship in a fraction of the time. Oh . . .

Because the "Quick Afghan" takes less time (a major part of an afghan's price), I am confident we'll be able to offer this new design at an irresistible price. Not to mention - hats, scarves, and shawls.


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Jules

Kenmar Watches

Okay, I'll admit it - I am an unrepentant, hopelessly addicted watch-a-holic. When I heard about this site, I just had to check it out.

The first thing to grab my attention was the myriad ways to search the site - by style, by price, by brand, and even by color.

I'm a sucker for anything purple, or a bracelet watch, or something water resistant. It took me no time at all to find all of those options. And, because they offer hundreds of brands, I wasn't limited to one or two purple watches.

Once I decided on a style, I got another pleasant surprise. In order to get information, it wasn't necessary to choose a watch, click to change pages, look around, go back, click on the next model - over and over. All I had to do was move my cursor over the image to see a close-up, status, and price.

For more information on a specific model, say one of the Fendi watches, just click on the name or image. There are the specifications, a larger picture, links to ordering and shipping details - everything required. And, because I have a hard time seeing small images, I could click on the picture and get an even better look.

Online shopping is, generally, a lot easier than running all over the mall. But, few merchants offer the true convenience that Kenmar Watches has built into their website.


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Jules