Computer Memory Shopping

Due to a (literal) computer crash, Mark and I are sharing the desktop again. This is, in case you haven't tried it, a serious test of any relationship. Not to mention, a regular battle of wills. "I need it now!" "No! I need it! You just had it for 30 seconds, you inconsiderate ..."

Actually, we share pretty well. It's just a function issue, right now. With everything we run, our computer memory isn't quite living up to expectations. One can only recover and defrag memory so many times in a day before the fun just goes out of being on line. (Basically, after the first time it gets old.)

Even after we replace the laptop (again), it would be a good idea to improve the memory on the desktop. There are some games that are just ... big! and they do not work well on an antiquated system. Getting in and out of websites (for me) just has to be quicker. More, faster memory is the key to happiness.

Well, it is when you're trying to accommodate two people's needs on one old computer.


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Jules

Remembering Those Who Died for Our Freedom

"Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic." -- General John Logan - May 5, 1868

Over the years, with the government changing the date of Memorial Day (originally called Decoration Day, for the women who decorated the graves of those killed in the Civil War), the day has become just another 'day off' and we've lost sight of the purpose of this day of mourning:

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

In 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it. [U.S. Memorial Day History and Information on U.S. War Memorials, © 1994 - 2009 SUVCW & David Merchant, http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html]

Let us remember those who gave their lives that we might be free. Take flowers to your local cemetary and honor the fallen, today or on the traditional date: May 30th.


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Jules

Baby Shower Goodies

There are few parties that are more fun for the givers and the guest than a baby shower. Nothing is as fun as oohing and aahing over cute little baby stuff. I just love booties and hats and sweaters and teeny, tiny outfits. Even itsy, bitsy diapers are adorable. (When you're not the one changing them.)

Putting together a baby shower, on the other hand, isn't always quite as much fun. There are so many things to remember and so many choices available. Take the baby shower favors, for example. Finding just the right treat for your guests can be daunting. And, if you aren't careful, expensive.

Thanks to "Party Pail," things couldn't be simpler. There are dozens and dozens of items for any style or budget. Start with a theme and go from there. Or pick your favorites and create a unique theme that reflects the taste and interests of the mother-to-be. I, personally, fell in love with the baby bottle candles and the silver cross bookmarks.

Now, all I need is a shower to plan!


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Jules

Economic Forecast and Big Spending

It isn't enough that the global economy is in the crapper. Not to mention, the U.S. forecast is even gloomier than thought just 3 months ago. Now, the Senate has decided to approve 91.3 billion dollars for the 'wars' in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Didn't our prez run his campaign leaning heavily on his record of being against the war in Iraq? on voting against invading and spending American lives and dollars on this proven lie? Hmmmmm?! Well, didn't he?!

Now that we've made a total mess in the Middle East, are we ever going to just get the heck out!? Yes, I know that we've created a situation that makes it impossible for the Iraqi government and people, and just walking away would (or so it's believed) be worse than the current situation. Has anyone checked with the Iraqis? What I've been reading is that not much has changed. They still want us out - now. (Although the billions of American dollars that have disappeared were, undoubtedly, welcomed with open hands.)

How long can the United States, its citizens and its virtually failed economy, be expected to continue this financial fiasco? It's like using the Visa to pay the the MasterCard - bad business. Before long, the small percentage of this country that is still owned by this country will be gone as well. Then, where will all of this reckless spending have gotten us? Third-world status? A level of poverty that this country hasn't seen in generations? I don't know. But, I'm probably going to find out.

When will the military realize that we should be working with the citizens of Pakistan and Afghanistan, who truly want the Taliban out of their villages and out of their lives? Over the last year or so, I have read articles and opinion pieces that show far more intelligence and understanding than our current government policies. They offered advice and recommendations for behavior and interaction that would gain the respect and trust of village elders. Currently, they hate the foreign military more than they hate the Taliban - which says a lot, don't you think?

Someone has to say "Enough is enough!" and say it soon. This cannot continue.


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Jules

Skin Care Help

There is not much worse (I was going to say nothing worse, but then I started thinking about it and - oh, yeah there is worse) at my age than getting a glimpse of your first-thing-in-the-morning face in the mirror. At least for those of us who are a little hit-or-miss with the skin care regimen. So, you know me, after the initial shock at having age spots and 2 new pimples on my 52-year-old face, I went shopping.

First, whatever skin care products I use have to be easy; just pluralizing product, as in I have to use more than one thing, is daunting. I am the laziest person in the world when it comes to my skin. Like this morning, I'll get a shock and dedicate myself to improving the quality of my skin - for about 3 days. Then, lazy kicks in. A couple of weeks later I get another shock, dedicate myself and ... you get the idea. Not good.

Since I truly do not know what I need, it made sense to start with the anti-aging page. Egads! I'm in trouble! There are 3 general categories for aging skin types - hormonal, genetic, and environmental. Thanks to time, nature, and laziness - I'm suffering the effects of all three. Ah, crud. Now what do I do?

Due to the overwhelming I-truly-have-no-idea situation, I determined that the Which products are right for me? test would be the logical place to start. With serious trepidation, fear, and sweaty palms, I clicked the link. Oh, dear heaven! So far, I have somewhat oily, dull, sagging skin with age spots and giant pores. (There went any hope of keeping my sense of humor - I'm a hideous monster!) The rest of the questions were equally embarrassing, but the last one did make me laugh. Out loud!

When asked about my daily skin care regimen, there was one option that was - obviously - directed at me: Less than 1 step (I barely wash my face). Suddenly, I felt better. If they'd added that option, then I couldn't be the only lazy non-skin-caring soul in the world. Maybe there was hope, after all.

Nope! Abandon all hope, ye who have destroyed this skin!

I have done so much damage, through neglect and indifference, that my recommended regimen involves somewhere in the neighborhood of 5,000 internal and external products. And that's just for my face. Frankly, in order to repair my face and return to anything even approaching decent skin, I would have to move into the bathroom - for the foreseeable future. Or until I die, whichever comes first.

And we haven't even begun to discuss ... the dreaded, horrible ... cellulite.


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Jules

Olympia Steel Buildings

Once again, I learned something new today. While helping a friend, who was looking to add a simple storage shed in the backyard, I stumbled across something much better. In fact, my first thought when I hit the website was that these steel buildings would make great homes. Little did I know how right I was.

Just look at the interior of this building! I have seen (and lived in) much smaller and less comfortable places. In fact, the open structure is just what I have always preferred; my ideal being a loft style. This looks and feels like a home, although we'd have to add carpeting for Mark. (He has a 'thing' about hardwood floors.)

And, honestly, the exteriors are quite attractive as well. The stairs and small deck on this building are perfectly charming. For me, it needs a smaller garage-style door and more windows, especially with the incredible scenery. But it's not difficult to imagine someone being quite comfortable there.

Located in the United States and Canada, in areas with widely diverse climates, you know that they understand comfort levels and - the magic word for me - insulation. Frankly, I was impressed with their offerings. From aircraft hangars to churches to sports arenas to commercial retail buildings, I was oohing and aahing through the whole site.

Oh, and we did find the perfect storage unit, too.


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Jules

Drowning Risk for Fishermen

I stumbled across a serio-comic story in All Headline News that initially made me laugh. It was about a 10-year study, from the Canadian Red Cross, on water-related injuries and deaths. The risk of drowning appears to be highest for fishermen and swimmers. Which, undoubtedly, led to the story being titled as 'Obvious File: ...'

Naturally, one would expect that those who are around water - fishermen and swimmers and boaters - would be more at risk than me sitting here at my computer. But, there were also some unusual statistics. Apparently, road travel and bathing are also quite risky water-related behaviors. Even walking or playing near water resulted in the third highest number of fatalities.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not pooh-poohing any loss of life. It was just the obvious nature of the findings that seemed amusing.


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Jules

They Grow Up Too Quickly

It seems like yesterday that I met Mark's two youngest sons for the first time. Now, 'our' oldest is turning 20.

Mark hadn't been out of the hospital from his transplant more than a few days when we got the call, asking if he could move in with us. There wasn't a seconds hesitation in answering 'Yes!' Having him here changed our lives, for the better. It wasn't always easy, especially when the youngest moved in a month later. When he decided to stay with friends for his final year of school, it nearly broke our hearts.

I look back over these five years and am so happy to have gotten to know this young man. He's moving up north again at the end of the month; Phoenix isn't his cup of tea, as they say. It's going to be very quiet when he's gone.


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Jules

Diet Pill Review

For the first time in a while, I ran across a review of a diet supplement that I hadn't heard of previously.

The Clinicallix reviews claim clinical results. And, truth be told, there is a published study for one of the compounds in this supplement. I read the abstract and, in 2000, it was determined that the YGD (Yerba Mate, Guarana, Damiana) combination did offer better results than the placebo. Although, once removed from a clinical setting, no further weight loss was observed.

It took a while to find the medical center in Denmark where the study took place. Most of the references on the Internet are published by sites touting compounds or supplements containing Yerba Mate; not all of them mention the age of the study. None, that I could find, mention that the results couldn't be duplicated outside a controlled setting.

As always, if it sounds too good to be true . . .


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Jules

Long Term Care Insurance

I'm a little late for Mother's Day, but I ran across a column today that offered some seriously good advice: Long Term Care Insurance for adults and their parents.

The author recognizes, and addresses, common arguments against this expensive - but ultimately vital - coverage. For example, annual premiums may be upward of $1,500.00, depending on the age of the policyholder at inception. The annual cost for a private room in nursing home, depending on where you live, may be upward of $75,000.00. You do the math!

There are a lot of factors to take into consideration. Luckily, there is a lot of information in this article.


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Jules

Happy Mother's Day!

Once a year, the 'world' pauses to say "Thank You" to the women who keep families whole and safe and grounded -- Moms.



At approximately 13 years of age, females are capable of becoming pregnant and giving birth to a new person. A person who is totally dependent upon them for health, love, and guidance - for survival - and has no choice but to trust that those needs will be met.

Those girls/women who successfully bring a pregnancy to term and deliver a healthy infant are Mothers. Any fertile female can become a Mother. The women who nourish, love, and guide their children into becoming the best persons they can be are far more important. They are the 'Moms,' without whom the world would be a much sadder, scarier place.

To all of you Moms and Grandmoms -- God Bless


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TV Stands

We have been moving furniture around, trying to make room for all of the things that Frankie brought with him. So far, so good; except for the TV and VCR in the bedroom. Having the television on the VCR just isn't a good idea.

There are a lot of options, when it comes to choosing TV stands. I really like the simple shelves that sit over the VCR, with the television on top. My favorites have a turntable set-up, so that the TV can be turned to the perfect viewing angle.

Now, I just need to find one that has a slight lip in front, so that the TV can be tipped down slightly. The dresser is just a tad too tall for optimum viewing. Oh, well.

A good reason to keep shopping.


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Jules

Need I Say More?!

I received this in an email this morning and just had to share!



Hope you get a smile; I did.


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Spammy Email - NOT from JMark Afghans

Several months ago, someone used my website address to send out spammy emails. I managed to track them down and report them to the government and my email provider. Within days, the web addresses were blacklisted or completely shut down. I was happy . . . until today.

After logging on to check my mail, I noticed an extremely high number of messages in my bulk mail. With all of the email accounts I have, I get spammed sometimes. But not more than 40 in one morning! Heck, some of the accounts are almost spam-proof.

Some moron or morons were using jmarkafghans.com as the reply-to on a myriad of junk messages. A little research showed that all of the bulk I received were rejected emails, bouncing back to my website address. So, for all I know, dozens got through.

Now, I get to start tracking down the originator(s) of this mess and sic the Feds on them. Like I have nothing better to do with my time! Not to mention, the risk to my company's reputation by being associated with this sort of, you'll pardon the term, CRAP!

JMark Afghans does not send spam, junk, or unsolicited email! None of the addresses, legally associated with the company, have an individual's name. We only use departments in our official emails and we NEVER send anything to anyone who hasn't subscribed to either our mailing list or our newsletter.

Please - tell your friends! And, should you ever receive spam from someone claiming to represent JMark Afghans, send me a copy of the message - with full headers - at administration[at]jmarkafghans.com and I will make sure that (for as long as possible) they are out of business.


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Jules

Star Trek: The (Next) Movie

Well, it isn't even out yet and Star Trek is causing controversy and uproar among fans on websites all over the Internet. I've been reading article after article this morning, and it isn't pretty. One of the major complaints, and there are many smaller ones, is the diversion from accepted Star Trek lore or 'canon.'

It's fairly safe to say that before any character hits page, screen, or stage, they have a 'backstory' or history. Someone, somewhere gave them a past filled with experiences and memories that mold the character's actions and thoughts in the story. Nowhere is 'backstory' more prevalent, or important, than in the Star Trek universe. Fans and writers have committed these minutiae to memory for decades.

Volumes have been written, by series and movie insiders, about ships, characters, and episodes. (I know; I owned several.) No detail is too small for those addicted to trivia and the Star Trek universe, and determined to know everything about their favorite people, places, and storylines. This dedication is causing some intense posting on websites discussing the new film. Die-hard enthusiasts feel that they have been abandoned in an attempt to attract new Star Trek viewers.

I have to admit to sharing some of that feeling. There is, among those of us who were around during the original series' original run, an expectation. We believe that certain characters should do or say certain things; and not do others. Not to mention, any storyline that leads away from known outcomes, tends to raise fans' hackles.

We used to call it accuracy; attention to detail. If the Enterprise encountered the Romulans for the first time on a specific stardate, then no movie or subsequent episode should infer or represent different facts. The effort to stay true to what came before was appreciated.

Admittedly, how much prior knowledge do we truly have about the timeframe in which this new movie takes place? There were episodes in the various series that showed us some of the history of some of the characters. However, I don't recall a succinct explanation of how the original crew initially came together. Or specifics about their time together at StarFleet Academy.

So, perhaps, unlike William Shatner who told fans to 'get a life,' Leonard Nimoy can start a new thought-process: "Canon is only important to certain people because they have to cling to their knowledge of the minutiae," Nimoy told Reuters. "Open your mind! Be a 'Star Trek' fan and open your mind and say, 'Where does Star Trek want to take me now'." (A tad insulting, though.)

Perhaps the storyline will work; perhaps millions of fans will be disappointed. Only time - and (okay, point taken) an open mind - will tell.


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Jules

Colon Cleansers Are Not All The Same

This is something I never really thought about, until I found a colon cleanse review site today. And, frankly, I didn't realize that it was such a popular product.

Above and beyond which products work or don't work, apparently the scammers are quite active in the colon cleansing market. There is a huge warning about 'Free' trials that is quite scary. It seems that not only isn't lunch free, cleaning up after is potentially costly, as well.

The way the scam works is that customers who don't like the product, must return the product in 14 days. There is no leeway on that - 14 days or else. And, the 'or else' is steep. High charges and autoship registrations that are expensive.

So, whether you're interested in cleansing your colon or not, be sure to read the fine print before trying something for Free.


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Jules

Dom DeLuise, Dead at 75

I was saddened to read about the death, last night, of one of my favorite comedians: Dom DeLuise. We have laughed at, and with, him for our entire lives. From the old Dean Martin show to Burt Reynolds movies to Stargate SG-1, he has always been welcome in our homes and in our lives.

He leaves a legacy of joy, as well as a family of talented sons who costarred with him on "SeaQuestDSV" in the 90s and carry on his work today. Our sympathies to the family and friends of this amazing man.

RIP, Dom.

I just had to add, for those of you who may not have seen it - Dom did the greatest bit as 'Dominick the Great' on the Dean Martin Show. He was the world's most incompetent magician, whose tricks never went right. Yet, no matter how fouled up, he always held his hand up to the audience and said "Hold the applaus-uh! Sav-uh for the end-uh!" in the worst Italian accent - ever. It was just priceless!


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Jules

Kent State - May 4, 1970

Thirty-nine years ago, I was a thirteen-year-old in the 6th grade. Looking forward to summer vacation in a few weeks, I was naive. I wore a POW bracelet, years later, but really wasn't aware of the situation in Vietnam or, that I can recall, Kent State. Whether it's a memory from the time, or from years later, I do remember images from that day.

For those of you who have missed the news: In response to anti-war protests on the campus at Kent State (among hundreds of other universities in the country), the government called in the Ohio State National Guard. In what can, at the least, be called a supreme overreaction to the situation, the National Guard opened fire on students. Four died, one was permanently paralyzed, and eight others were injured.

No charges were ever brought.

To those who think murder is too strong a word, one may recall that even Agnew three days after the Kent State shootings used the word in an interview on the David Frost show in Los Angeles. Agnew admitted in response to a question that what happened at Kent State was murder, 'but not first degree' since there was — as Agnew explained from his own training as a lawyer — "no premeditation but simply an over-response in the heat of anger that results in a killing; it's a murder. It's not premeditated and it certainly can't be condoned. Stone, I.F. (1970-12-03). "Fabricated Evidence in the Kent State Killings". The New York Review of Books 15 (10). OCLC 1760105. ISSN 0028-7504


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Jules

Vacationing in Vegas

Without overstating the obvious - we need a vacation.

I started in Orlando. The deals were great. Just couldn't afford airfare, across the country, for all of us. Rather sad, since I've never been to Disney World.

Looking closer to home, I investigated the area near Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm. (Those childhood memories are strong.) After careful consideration, I decided to check out somewhere I've always wanted to visit - without teacups, dwarves, and boysenberry jam - Las Vegas!

I have been through Las Vegas, but never to Las Vegas. And, while I don't gamble, I would love to see each and every casino on the strip. My mom used to go every couple of years, just for the shows, and loved it.

Vegas vacations are just what I need! I mean, what we need.


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Jules

Crazy Versus Calm

It's amazing how things happen. We received calls from 2 family members today, from whom we haven't heard in a while, wanting to get together this weekend. During one of the calls, Mark's son was commenting on the state of the economy and assessing responsibility.

Mark disagreed with his assessment. To say the least!

About an hour later, reading through the news, I came across a similar theme: 100 Days of Competence Versus Crazy, which attempts to quantify the differences in the actions of the administration, versus the actions of the opposition. To say the least, I like the article.

Bob Cesca, "Political Author, Blogger, and New Media Producer" has a way with words that is always worth reading. Especially amusing to me: "Meanwhile, his opposition has behaved like a googly-eyed, flop-sweat soaked mess -- crapping their cages and shouting gibberish about the end of the world." And it has nothing to do with the fact that I totally agree with that viewpoint.

Seriously!


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Jules

FDA Supplement Warning

Well, I have been writing for awhile about being careful with weight loss supplements that make amazing claims. It was my fear that some of the ingredients aren't safe, or aren't safe in combination with other items in the product. Sadly, (FDA Warns: Stop using Hydroxycut), I may have been proven right.

The FDA, which doesn't regulate such products before they hit the market, has been receiving some very serious reports. Problems with Hydroxycut range from jaundice to liver failure, with one death in 2007. One person has received a transplant, while another is on the waiting list.

Because the formula for this supplement has changed so many times, it will be difficult to determine exactly what ingredient (or combination) is responsible. Therefore, 14 products have been voluntarily pulled from the market. That, however, may not be enough.

A public health researcher for Consumer Reports believes that the culprit may be hydroxycitric acid, a tropical fruit derivative. At least one medical study has linked this ingredient to liver problems. According to Ano Lobb, the researcher, pulling Hydroxycut may not be sufficient, as there are probably other products on the market that contain hydroxycitric acid.

The common claim of 'all natural ingredients' doesn't really mean much. After all, hemlock and oleander and nightshade are 100% natural. But, you wouldn't want to eat them!


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Jules

Happy May Day!

Back when I was young, many centuries ago, we celebrated May Day by creating small baskets of nuts and candies. About the size of a 1-cup measure, they came in a variety of colors. If memory serves, we added our own decorations and the goodies were mixed and added by hand.

These small baskets were then left on the doorstep of friends. (Usually girl-to-boy or boy-to-girl, but it wasn't a strict rule in my neighborhood.) Tradition called for knocking, or ringing the bell, and running away. The recipient was supposed to chase the giver. If caught, a kiss was the reward.

I don't remember a Maypole or labor rallies in my youth. Just the joy of trying to catch, or avoid being caught. And, of course, little baskets of yummy treats.


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Jules

Dietary Supplements

There are so many discount supplements on the market. It's difficult to know what does and doesn't work; what is and isn't dangerous. That's why information is the key to any weight loss program.

Some of the most popular supplements claim to help lose weight and build muscle. You've seen those before-and-after pictures: formerly flabby people with 6-pack abs. Pretty incredible, aren't they? But, are they safe?

I've always been skeptical. Magic pills just seem too much to believe. And, if they work, what damage do they cause?

Just be careful. Consider diet and exercise, before miracle supplements.


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Jules