Taking Advantage

One of the last things I do, before falling asleep, is to read 'Dear Abby' and entertainment news. It isn't (usually) as upsetting or depressing as US and World news. Often, what I read triggers an interesting memory.

Last night, one of the letters reminded me of many people I've observed or worked with over the years. A woman wrote in to comment on a co-worker who is chronically late and spends most of her time making personal calls. I can tell you, this is not a problem limited to the office environment.

Just a short while ago, I was at the corner store. Due to an employee's involvement with their cell phone, I had to wait to be served. It wasn't an emergency call; the discussion covered an impending social engagement.

The same thing used to occur frequently in the office. In fact, I even had a clerk who would sneak off to the movies in the middle of the afternoon. She never managed to get her work done and, what did get done, was usually incorrect.

Behavior like that used to be cause for termination. If this is progress, can we go back to when employees were happy to have a job? When people did more than required of them, not less?


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Jules

Lingerie Shopping

It isn't easy to find attractive clothes in every size. Though I don't really look it, since I'm almost six-feet tall, I am not a size 4. In fact, I don't think I've ever been that small.

Luckily, there's a great website for those of us who aren't afraid to eat pizza and ice cream.

They have beautiful plus size corsets and other lingerie at prices that aren't going to break the bank. I was, actually, quite impressed with the selection. Not to mention, the designs are stylish and tasteful.

It's one thing to feel pretty. Quite another to look cheap.


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Jules

California Vacationing

In the interest of enjoying the government rebate, I have been (surreptitiously) researching vacation packages. And, while I found a great deal for Orlando, we can't exactly afford airfare for 2 or 3 from Arizona to Florida. Our stimulus isn't quite that stimulating.

I started looking a little closer to home.

It has been many, many years since I visited Disneyland. So, an Anaheim California hotel seemed like a good place to start. I was right. The packages are tremendous.

Sometimes, you just have to get away for a couple of days. It's nice to know that there are places that help create a great vacation, without completely breaking the bank.


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Jules

Computer Crash - Again!

A couple of days ago, I got up really, really annoyingly early so that I could get some work done. Not to be! (The gremlins are at it again.) My laptop, that I had shut down just a few hours before, now had a corrupt or missing system file. A little vague for a person with no caffeine at 6:00am, if you ask me.

Having been through the oh-crap-the-computer-quit more than once, I tried every trick I knew. I tried the disc for the operating system, which has a repair option. Nope! no luck there. So, not knowing what else to do, I reinstalled the software for Windows.

This is NOT a small thing, you know. It erases everything on the hard drive and reinstalls the operating system. When you push "F" for Forget-about-seeing-those-files-again, you'd better be darned sure you have zero, nada, zilch other options. I closed my eyes and hit "F".

Consequently, because I couldn't get to the files and the FTP on my laptop, I lost all of the files that weren't uploaded to my website. At this point, coffee was no longer even remotely my beverage of choice!! I had a zillion things to put back, 5 zillion bookmarks and passwords to find again, and software to re-download and setup. I was not happy.

While adding the files for XP Service Pack 2, and trying not to cry, I noticed that it was installing the very same file that I was missing earlier!! Needless to say, had I known this lovely little fact, I wouldn't now be trying to recover and/or recreate all of the files I am missing.

Other than 'misery loving company,' the reason I am sharing all of this lovely information is: I have been unable to reload blog posts from February 3, 2009 to April 5, 2009. They, luckily, are all on the website and, if you have a link, they can be found. So, no big deal, right?! Wrong!

The software I use updates the archive lists, everytime I post a new entry. As of today, all of those pretty new Archives . . . are missing February and March!! ARGHHHHH!!

It is, actually, my fault. Not the corrupted file, but the inability to recreate the information. When someone tells you to back up your files - don't make faces, don't harumph at them. Just do it!

Trust me on this one. The alternative is a pain in . . . several body parts!


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Jules

Diet Pill Advice

In my neverending quest to unearth disreputable claims and dangerous supplements, as well as finding helpful diet pill advice, I've been 'surfing' today.

I have to admit, I was impressed with the front page on DietPill.net. They start with some very common sense advice: Not all diet pills work for all people and some may be dangerous. Good start.

The quality of the order processing, shipping costs, and return guarantee is better than I've seen on a lot of the other sites I've visited. Some of the testimonials did sound a bit scripted; way too much detailed product information in the 'letter' to my mind. But, hey, anything's possible.

Just remember, you still need to research products and ingredients before deciding to add a supplement for weight loss. Only you, and your doctor, know your health.


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Jules

Did 'Vitamin' Shot Kill 21 Polo Horses

The fact that twenty-one horses would become dizzy, disoriented, and dead at the same time defies logic. Even a virus or illness wouldn't, one would think, take all of the animals down at once. It's an odd - and disturbing - situation.

Now, the story has gotten even more interesting.

The team, apparently, owns 26 horses. Twenty-one were given a 'vitamin' shot, "a supplement known as Biodyl, which contains a combination of vitamin B12, a form of selenium called sodium selenite and other minerals." (AP News Story, 04/22/09) Five horses were not given the injection, designed to help with exhaustion. Simply put - 21 are dead, 5 are not.

There are a lot of unanswered questions about the compound's origin - was it the brand-name drug, a generic version, or a compounded version used? Where was the drug manufactured? (It's illegal in the United States - to make and to use.) Is this what caused the internal bleeding in all 21 horses, as found in the necropsies?

Legally, the supplements found in Biodyl could be purchased and administered separately. It will be interesting to see where the chemicals came from, who created or combined them, and whether there will be criminal charges. Although, we probably will never know the whole story.

Bottom line? Twenty-one amazing animals are dead. Definitely caused by human error; heavily influenced by human greed.


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Jules

Automotive Lifts

I was looking for automotive lifts, since we need to do some work on our vehicle. What I found first was too big for our purposes, but the deals are too good, not to share.

For those who have an auto repair shop or garage, you know that to be effective it's critical to be able to get that vehicle up in the air. Unless you have a pit where you can stand under the garage floor, it's almost impossible to get anything done on a car or truck that you can't get underneath. That means some sort of lift; which can be expensive.

Start with a selection designed to satisfy virtually all shop needs. Then, add free shipping and tremendous warranties. It just doesn't get better.


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Jules

What is Crochet?

Let's start with a simple definition. According to the Free Dictionary:

cro·chet (kro-shay)
v. cro·cheted (-shayed), cro·chet·ing (-shaying), cro·chets (-shayz)
v.intr.
To make a piece of needlework by looping thread with a hooked needle.
v.tr.
To make by looping thread with a hooked needle: crochet a sweater.
n.
Needlework made by looping thread with a hooked needle.
[French crocheter, from Old French crochet, hook, diminutive of croche, feminine of croc, of Germanic origin.]

You'll notice that nowhere in that definition is there mention of a machine.

Those of us who crochet, do not believe that anything created by a machine can be considered crochet. True crochet requires a human being to manipulate yarn, with a crochet hook; creating, over time, an afghan or scarf or sweater or shawl or hat or gloves or socks or anything that the mind can imagine.

What crocheters create today is not, necessarily, what our mothers and grandmothers created.

We use bold colors and patterns; we use decades-old patterns in new ways and in new combinations. Our efforts honor a craft older than this country.

We honor our Green Ancestors who sheared the sheep, that they raised to put food on the table, to make clothing and blankets to keep themselves warm during harsh winters. We honor a lifestyle that made use of every ounce of available material to survive. A lifestyle that didn't take more from the world than the world could give back.

In these tough economic times, especially, we who crochet offer an alternative to higher energy prices and cranking up the heat in the dead of winter. We offer a reminder of where many of us came from and the joy that is to be found in using and wearing items that came from our own hands and our own imaginations.

Crochet: v. To make a piece of history, with one's own hands, by looping thread with a hooked needle.


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Jules

The Best Auto Insurance

So many websites will gladly tell you that they have the best auto insurance, or any other insurance, for your needs. Sadly, that may not be true and what you don't know, can cost you a lot.

Not every company is the best choice for every driver. For example, people with lapses in auto coverage or multiple accidents may have a very difficult time getting a policy through a standard company. But, there are companies that were designed specifically to help drivers with such problems get a policy that will keep them covered in their state.

Online Auto Insurance addresses these variables in a very interesting article. They explain variances in coverage and companies; offering commonsense advice that's very important for those changing coverage, renewing coverage, or just curious about whether their current rates could be better.

Start by comparing rates for your specific situation - location, driving record, state requirements, previous coverage, and personal budget - among several companies. What works for us, may not be your best deal; and vice versa.


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Jules

Financial Job Bank

Recently, I wrote about job industries that, while not recession-proof, are healthier and hiring. Accounting and Finance were two areas deemed healthy by several sources. Today, I found a site that appears to confirm that assessment.

If you're in the market for or interested in changing your career to banking jobs, there are positions available. Far more, in fact, than I had anticipated. FinancialJobBank claims over 12,000 new job listings in the last two weeks.

From Financial Analysts to Auditors to Staff Accountants, companies are still hiring. Just be careful. Many listings are for pay-for-information to work at home, notoriously shady opportunities that multiply when people are desperate for income.


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Jules

JMark Afghans' New Memberships

When you visit JMark Afghans, etc., you'll notice banners in the navigation column and the footer. These banners tell you a lot about our website and our committment to our visitors and customers. This month we've been honored with two new associations, but let's start with the prior honors.

In our early days, we determined that our website would meet specific standards. Because of this dedication, we've been honored with approvals and memberships (click on the badges to learn more):

CODING VALIDATIONS:
CHILD- AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY:
TRUSTED SITE:

In April, after applying for several website awards, JMark Afghans, etc. was invited to apply for and received membership in these organizations:

UWSAG:  This Nominee badge, from United Web Site Award Givers, signifies that I have created a site that, among other responsibilities, doesn't steal bandwidth or contain unsuitable content or infringe on anyone's copyright and will continue to do so. Additionally, I agree to adhere to rules and guidelines when applying for online awards. Member programs to which I apply, can cast votes for JMark Afghans, etc., confirming my adherence to their application criteria.

APEX:  Following approval as an SOA Nominee by UWSAG, we were invited to apply for membership in the Association for Positive Ethical eXchange. Their mission "is to increase the credibility and professionalism of all website owners, designers and users, to set ethical standards, encourage professional practices, and promote fellowship amongst Internet users." JMark Afghans, etc. and I are honored to have been accepted for membership.

After almost four years, and being told that many of the standards to which we faithfully adhere were unnecessary for our website, I am proud to display these banners.


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Jules

Apple IPhone Commercial

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a high-tech phone user. Making calls, sending texts, and reading the news when I can't sleep is about all I need or use. And, frankly, I don't even send that many text messages.

This commercial / video got my attention, though. The available applications for the iPhone 3G are impressive. Seriously! How many phones out there will let you take a picture of an item and then search for the best online price?

Or hunt for an apartment? What about a touch-screen that lets you choose, crop, and send pictures? I truly didn't know that phones were this sophisticated.

Before you spend money somewhere else, check out the sale prices on Buy.com. They are as impressive as the iPhone. Trust me!


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Jules

Prescription Drug Prices Rising

Just what we 'boomers' don't need - higher prescription prices.

AARP has released their annual study of drug prices, noting a distinct rise in the cost of 219 most widely used name-brand medications. As more and more of us are developing conditions common in aging - diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis - pharmaceutical companies seem to be adding to our misery. Factor in the economic crisis, and many people who need meds aren't going to be able to afford them.

With less fanfare, the study also shows that the cost of generics are coming down; a fact that Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America points out has received less attention. PhRMA, a drug lobby group, also claims that AARP is distorting the results by focusing on selected name-brand medicines.

According to financial analysts, drug makers may be attempting to increase profits in anticipation of congressional action on health care that would limit their ability to raise prices. It's, also, not uncommon for prescription prices to rise right before they come off patent. For example, the patent on Prevacid, which experienced a 30 percent price increase in 2008, is due to expire in November.

Two months ago, the government released a study that encompassed all expenditures for prescription drugs. That study showed an overall increase of only 3.5 percent from 2007 to 2008. Sadly, it is believed that one reason for a slower elevation in overall costs is that, in hard economic times, fewer prescriptions were being filled.

It is never acceptable for any company - pharmaceutical, investment, mortgage, or grocery - to elevate prices and profits to the point that consumers have to choose poor health or hunger.


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Jules

Orlando Vacations

Looking for a great way to enjoy that tax refund? Well, I've got a great idea - why not visit Orlando?

Orlando vacations aren't as expensive as I had expected. There are, in fact, some package deals that include the hotel for 4 days/3 nights and theme park tickets. One hotel even allows pets!

It may seem like a bad time to spend money on travel and vacations. But, we've found that it's very important to treat yourself once in awhile - whether it's a trip to SeaWorld or buying that movie the family has been wanting to see. Give yourself a gift.

Naturally, you don't want to add to credit card debt or sacrifice grocery money. With the stimulus rebates available to so many people, this might just be the time to get away and recharge the family. Especially since kids stay for free at so many locations.


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Jules

Happy Tax Day, Mr and Mrs America!

If you're like me, this is your least favorite day in the entire year. Yet, sadly, it must be faced. (I still question the legality of this IRS thing, but that's a whole 'nother post.)

I usually wait until the last second to file - wanting to keep that last dollar to myself. (Second husband, tax issues, big checks - just really ugly.)

This year, I'm actually a little excited and have a great site to share. Though you probably know all about it - if you don't, please check it out. TurboTax

I don't know if they're any cheaper on complicated returns. But I do know that they will walk you through all possible deductions and adjustments and help you eFile (on simple returns) for Free!! Not only that - if you live in certain states, you can also transfer all of the information and eFile with your state. Also -- for Free!!

Although you can request an extension for filing - as usual - you can't get an extension for paying.

We checked a number of *free* filing sites last month. TurboTax was the best for us. Hopefully, they can help you, too.


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Jules

It Is a Very Small World

I just have to share this story - because it is so amazing.

Mark received a message on MySpace recently, asking about one of his brothers. It seems that this person knew someone with the same last name in high school and was curious about whether her friend was related to Mark. Natural assumption, since it's not an overly common last name and Mark grew up in the same part of Michigan.

Being a sociable sort and always happy to talk about 'home', Mark responded. After checking out Linda's profile and inviting her to be a friend, he noticed that one of her friends was a friend of ours. Mark and I met Em on UPOC in 2001, at about the same time and in the same chat group where we met each other. Rather small world, eh?

(Just wait. It's about to get much smaller.)

After 'talking' for a while, Mark mentioned that he had noticed Linda was friends with our friend, Em. Linda answered his message and, it appears that she and Em are just a bit more than friends. Linda is Em's mom!

What, seriously, are the odds that over the course of 8 years we would meet daughter and mother - on 2 different sites, under very different circumstances?




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Jules

Keeping Warm the Easy Way

We are happy to report that we had a rainstorm last night. In Phoenix, that's definitely something to write about. There was even lightning and thunder! It was great ... It was chilly!

In fact, it's still damp and chilly today. But that's not a problem, not with all of the afghans around here.

Starting with <<-- this one on the bed.
Ooooh, so warm and comfy! All I have to do is snuggle in and I'm set.


Take your best shot, cold! I'm covered!


Since I love the smell of the air during and after a rainstorm, I tend to keep the windows open.

When my legs or shoulders get chilly, I don't have to close the windows; I just reach over and grab --> this cozy Afghan from the back of the chair. No muss, no fuss; no cold!

It's the perfect size - approx 48" x 60" - to cover me from chest to toes, or wrap cozily around my shoulders. It keeps my feet covered or leaves my hands free - either way, I'm warm and happy.

I can't stand socks on my feet, so an Afghan is just perfect.

Not that cold? Just a little chilly around your shoulders? JMark Afghans has you - literally - covered. Try one of our warm, light shawls.

Don't turn up the heat - Think Green! Think JMark Afghans!


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Jules

How Birds Turn

I don't usually read Science news; not one of my strong-suits. But the article on research into the secrets of bird flight caught my attention. Nature definitely works more economically than man could ever contemplate.

Scientists, now able to capture animals and insects on high-speed film, have discovered that the simplest flight pattern - a turn - is even more simple than imagined.

It appears that flying creatures, from tiny fruit flys to bats to birds, don't go through a complex process to turn. They start the turn by changing how they flap their wings. When they've turned as far as they need, they simply start normal flapping motions and immediately straighten out to normal flight. No muss; no fuss.

I can't wait to read what they learn about other maneuvers, as the research continues.


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Jules

Econo Lodge Promotion

Things are tough right now. It's hard for many of us to afford the basics. Vacations seem like a luxury that just isn't in the cards.

Econo Lodge understands that and is offering a hotel reservation promo that can help. If free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and newspaper - in addition to great rates - weren't enough, now you can earn free nights and airline rewards.

Something I've learned? You don't have to travel across the country or even out of the state. Sometimes just getting away for the night, 20 minutes down the road, can work wonders for your attitude and relationship. We've found that mid-week rates are better and it just feels decadent to sneak off on a Tuesday for a quiet night alone.

Do yourself a favor and take advantage of this great offer. It doesn't come along every day and you deserve it.


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God Bless!

Jules

Mesothelioma Resources

You have, undoubtedly, heard of Mesothelioma and seen the ads for local law firms offering to help those afflicted with this condition. But, do you really know what it is? I didn't, until today.

Mesothelioma is, simply put, an asbestos-caused cancer of the mesothelium, the membrane that surrounds many of the organs in the body. The mesothelium provides lubrication to allow easy movement of the organs. Without this lubrication, every time you took a breath or your heart beat it would be unbearably painful. I know; I had pneumonia and pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs) once. Every single breath was like sandpaper rubbing inside my ribcage.

If you, or someone you love, suffer from this cancer, information is important. Learning about the condition, treatment options, finding support and qualified doctors is critical for patients and their families.

Find a doctor, treatment center, or clinical trial. Read about related conditions, patients and treatments, or news and research. Get the information you and your family need.


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God Bless!

Jules