Random Musings of a Curious Mind

Theater Seating

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

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

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



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.

You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

High Risk Life Insurance

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

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 By using outdated, 30-year-old mortality tables, insurance companies blindly decide that people with serious health problems are a much higher risk than they actually are.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

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




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.

You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

7th Heaven Book

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

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

Keep 'em coming, Mr. Patterson!




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.

You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

China Alleges New Olympic Terror Plot

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

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

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




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.

You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Death Claims the Great 'Ben Hur'

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

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

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




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.

You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Futures Broker

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

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

It's nice to have options.




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.

You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Third Paternity Test?

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

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

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

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

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



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.

You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Weight Loss

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

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

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

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



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.

You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

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.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

International Children's Book Day

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

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

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

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






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

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.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

National Donate Life Month

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

Tell someone: The need is great and growing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What if You were on The List?

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

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.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules