Every night, before I fall asleep, I read through the day's news on my phone. One of the sections I read faithfully is Health and I've noticed a dramatic increase in stories about Alzheimer's. With an aging population, more and more of us have or soon will have direct experience with this disease.
That's why the Alzheimer's Memory Walk, the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funding, is so important. According to the latest facts and figures:
As many as 5.2 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s.
10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's in their lifetime.
Every 71 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death.
The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's and other dementias to Medicare, Medicaid and businesses amount to more than $148 billion each year.
Advances are being made. I read about a nasal spray in development that has shown significant improvement for patients with pre-Alzheimer's cognitive impairment. Such research and development needs continuing support and funding.
Walks are planned in over 600 communities - including an Iraq Memory Walk! It couldn't be easier to join or start your own team:
Sign up as a team with your friends, family, organization, or register as an individual participant.
Create your own Web site and personalize it with pictures and stories.
Set a fundraising goal and send e-mails to everyone you know asking them to join and support you.
Walk and celebrate the difference you are making in the millions of lives affected by Alzheimer’s.
All the tools you need - including Team Captain Kits - are available on the Alzheimer's Association website.
Well, it's been a while, but we got to spend a couple of hours in the VA emergency room - known as the LSU (Life Support Unit). It was, truth be told, one of our shorter stays.
Mark was walking out of the kitchen a couple of days ago and startled Paka. (He's been a little jumpy since we had company recently.) Unfortunately, Paka scratched first and sniffed later - not realizing it was 'Dad'. Apparently, the claws hit a vein, because the bleeding was tough to stop.
In less than 48 hours, Mark's leg was red and inflamed - with blotches all the way up to his thigh. So, off to emergency we go! Two hours and 500mg of antibiotics later, we got home.
In so many careers, a four-year degree is mandatory for advancement. For years, I held a position that should have had a different title (and paycheck) but I don't have a degree. Not even an Associates.
Recently, I've considered getting back into IT, my original course of study many years ago. Since I don't have a degree, I didn't think that there was much future for me in a new career. Then I read about Cisco certification. Suddenly, not being degreed isn't quite the stopping-block I thought it would be.
For example, they offer a CCENT™ (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) Certification program that ensures professionals have the knowledge and skill to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. The level of information and assistance is incredible! From a list of learning topics to quick learning modules, videos, and white papers to practice questions, learning games, and exam tutorial - The Cisco Learning Network has exactly what I need to pursue a new career.
Best of all, for me at least, Cisco publishes a Certification Self-Study series, which assumes no knowledge of the subject matter and offers detailed instruction. Not only are they great books for studying and preparing for the certification exams, I would imagine they would continue to be useful on the job. In the beginning, it's always nice to have a reference source.
It's been a while since I found something I really wanted to explore and learn about. This may just be the program I need.
Current Specials ~ For the months of July, August, and September - we are offering a mystery gift certificate for all orders over $100.00.
We are working with our Partners in Shopping ~ as well as other companies with which we love to shop ~ to offer you, the most amazing offers.
Of course, it's easy to shop at JMark Afghans . . . but we love creating more ways for you to find us and - 'cuz we love your attention - we have a number of ways to reward you!
Google JMark Afghans and you'll find several other sites where we offer our afghans, hats, scarves, and shawls. Not to mention - because you've visited our off-the-beaten-track locations, you may just find specials that no onw else has found.
(Another Hint) ... If this is your first order from JMark Afghans, etc.you have even more options. All first-time customers automatically qualify for 10% off their order --- or, if they prefer, the current quarterly special.
Here's one of the wedding pictures I promised. As you might imagine, I was a little reluctant to share this photo, because my skin looks just awful. It's very upsetting to have skin this bad at my age. (Of course, it might have something to do with the fact that I don't really take great care of it.)
Laziness notwithstanding, I decided it was time to go on a hunt for the best acne treatment for my skin type - old, combination, sensitive, and sagging. The first requirement, after efficacy, is NO harsh chemicals. They just make my skin look worse.
Another stumbling block I have is the combination part of my skin type. Products that work on my forehead, nose, and chin, are too astringent for my cheeks. And, as you can imagine, the ones that don't dry out my cheeks add so much excess oil to my forehead, nose, and chin that I have even more breakouts. It's very frustrating!
I greatly appreciate sites that do the research and list product reviews. But how does one know - exactly - what will work for them? And even if the prices are reduced, it's just not feasible to purchase something that doesn't work and have to turn around and try again.
Wish me luck on my search! This could take a while.
Well, I finally took the time to look at my silly calendar problem - all of the Fridays with posts had misaligned dates. Let me tell you - I would never have realized what the problem was, without setting up another blog and comparing the codes.
It seems that, when I cannibalized the original coding with the format from my other blog, I inserted a line of code right before the calendar that caused it to misbehave. Honestly, I still don't know why it only affected the Friday date.
With the price of inkjet cartridges, I'm always looking for a better way to accomplish my printing projects. So far, I can still print my brochures and business cards for less than any offer I've seen. But, shipping labels are something that I would love to be able to do differently.
Thermal labels are a great idea. They're flexible - you can print anything (within the space of the label) that you want on them - and they don't take ink or toner. Ever!
I was pleasantly surprised by the cost of the printers and thrilled with the low cost of the labels I need for postage. The small size of the printers means I won't have to buy another desk to hold one. Currently, I have a container that holds all of my packaging and shipping supplies, and the printer will fit nicely.
Not to mention, one printer holds a variety of label sizes. That means an easier way to create folder labels and re-organize my filing system. And, since I use a lot of opaque boxes for storage, I can eliminate the need to dig through each box when I need to find something.
If you do a lot of labelling, this could be just what you need, too.
Apparently, I not only sent myself a message today, but - and this is the not-so-amusing part - I am offering an Angelina Jolie XXX Video Free, as part of MSN Featured Offers!
Although I may occasionally talk to myself, I don't send myself messages - and I most certainly do not send anything to anyone with XXX in the title! Not to mention, I doubt seriously that MSN Featured Offers has anything approaching the sewage-level content of this 'offer'. I've sent the information from the email to phishing-report@us-cert.gov and reportphishing@antiphishing.org.
Rest assured, unless you are on the JMark Afghans, etc. Mailing List or have contacted us directly with a question or problem, you will never receive an email from us.
Therefore, if you ever receive spammy email from an address claiming to be part of jmarkafghans.com - please send it to the above addresses and let them know that it isn't from JMark Afghans, etc.! We do not send unsolicited mail and we do not spam!
As I've mentioned, my daughter was married at the end of May. During the weeks prior to the wedding, I received a lot of mail from her, helping me coordinate my visit. Some of it was email and some of it was snail mail.
Thinking back - because that is what I habitually do - I started to wonder which messages were more anticipated. Of course, I was excited about getting the wedding invitation. Would it have been as anticipated had it come via email?
Good question.
I've decided - for the moment:
I need Email for the instant gratification. Because I know that I can get (relatively) immediate answers, I find myself quite demanding of Email responses. So, I anticipate answsers by email for that reason - they can appear quickly.
Snail Mail, however, is so much more personal - like touching another person across the distance.
Now I have to consider that - since I love getting Snail Mail - perhaps I should start sending some.
A little over four years ago, when Mark was very sick, we were invited to move in with a friend in Washington state. All of us knew that the prognosis wasn't good. Our friend (and Mark) wanted to make certain that I had a place to live and wasn't alone.
In the midst of coordinating hospice care, I was also researching affordable airfare (including our cat Bear) and moving trucks. Suffice it to say, I was not overly pleased with the options I was given by the different moving companies that I contacted.
Since then, I've found that there are some terrific alternatives. Ideally, if you need to save money on a move, you've already decided to pack the majority (if not all) of your possessions. That will only save a bit with most companies. (I know from experience.)
Normally, in a move, it doesn't matter if you're moving across country or across town, everything goes into and out of the truck - immediately.
What if you could have a trailer delivered to your home - on your schedule - with three (3) days to load it up? Then, once you've packed up everything, the trailer is driven to your new home. Within the price, you get three (3) days to unload.
It certainly seems like an ideal way to deal with the hassle of moving.
This morning, as I was having my first cigarette and cup of coffee of the day, I found this article - When Are You Most Likely to Have a Heart Attack?. Probably should have waited until a little later in the day. As I read along, I began to feel very lucky that I make it from the bed to the living room every morning.
It's actually quite fascinating, all things considered. Due to the changes in the body during sleep, especially REM sleep, apparently the worst thing one can do is get up in the morning. Now - before anyone panics - this probably doesn't have much effect on healthy hearts. As a smoker and caffeine junkie who already had one heart attack in 1999, it's a bit unnerving.
Most people who are at risk, due to hypertension or clogged arteries, are already on medication to control their blood pressure. The trick is coordinating the dosage and time of day that the medication is taken. Explains why doctors monitor blood pressure and prescriptions so closely, doesn't it?
If you're like me - the first thing that came to mind is to just stay in bed later. Sorry! The researchers even tested that option and it doesn't help. It's getting up and active that's the problem - or could be.
Please read the article - if for no other reason than to understand why it's possible to sleep all night and wake up absolutely exhausted.
I've seen a number of wine of the month clubs. But rarely do they offer anything I'd like to drink. Not anymore!
The available options are irresistible. Get a red and a white each month or, if you're like me, opt for just reds. If you're like a friend of mine, go for only whites. These are hard-to-find, award winning wines from California's best small wineries.
There are several club options, for all budgets. And, my favorite part, no sign-up fees, no monthly dues, and no minimum obligation. You can even choose from some great gift packages.
Experts differ in opinions as to the cause. Some blame overfishing, which is forcing the penguins further out to find food and leaving them vulnerable to stronger ocean currents. Another theory, that global warming has altered ocean currents, created more cyclones, and made the seas rougher. As most of the birds are newly out of the nest, either of these make a great deal of sense.
So many animals are at risk these days, thanks to global warming and pollution, it's so sad to see the young ones in trouble.
One of the worst things about cooking dinner every night is getting into a recipe rut. We find ourselves making the same things over and over again. Boring!
So, when I find a site with a bunch of new recipes, it's something I have to share with everyone. Just be warned - don't surf this site if you're hungry! The recipes are mouth-watering, believe me.
I can't wait to try Baked-Potato Eggs, Green Chile-Chicken Casserole, and Last-Minute Lasagna. And I can save my favorites, or new recipes that I'm dying to try, right online. Or, even better, print them out in whatever size I need.
If you're in a recipe-rut - or just like to try new things - you should check out this site.
As you can imagine, I was outraged when gray wolves were delisted in March, with several states planning wolf hunts for this fall. With a population of only about 2,000 in the area, the species is not nearly sufficient to withstand 'culling'. As the judge pointed out, the genetic diversity in the Rockies wolves is far from where it needs to be.
The order isn't permanent, and government attorneys may yet appeal the decision. Let us hope that it becomes and stays permanent.
Over the years, I have watched a great deal of golf. (I have also watched professional wrestling, football, hockey, curling, boxing - a whole lot of sports, to say the least.) Amazingly, golf was always one of my favorites.
Most people I know find it boring, but to me it's fascinating. How these men and women take a bag full of golf equipment and do what they do, keeps me riveted to my seat. And the great shots aren't the only ones worth watching.
It's pretty easy for me to imagine having a crappy day, just like Phil Mickelson's been having. His round 2 score was a great -2. Unfortunately, rounds 1 (+9) and 3 (+6) were brutal. And Mickelson is not alone. The winds have been torturing players for three days.
Which makes Greg Norman's +2 after the 3rd round just that much more impressive. I may have to sneak a peak or two while I'm working tomorrow.
If you've noticed, there is a calendar in the upper right corner of my blog page. I think it's great; love having it there. Except for one - glaring - problem.
When I have a post on a Friday, which causes the program to bold the date, the date drops down in the form! Aaaaargh!!!
If anyone can look at my code and tell me why this one day out of seven has decided to have dropsy, I would greatly appreciate the input.
Until then, I'll just grumble, growl, and make unkind gestures at the calendar!
It's amazing - or depressing - however you want to look at it.
Mark and I spent four years trying to undo the damage from the lifetime that his youngest boys spent with their mother. They each had overt and hidden problems from the abuse and neglect in their past. I think we helped Frankie; Michael - who knows.
But, since Michael left, at the end of May, I have to say that my health and my attitude have improved 1000%. I laugh more; cry less. Each day is a blessing, instead of a curse.
I don't know if that makes me a bad person or if it means that the situation was so toxic for me that I had to get out to save my life and my sanity. I know that I would have ever 'let' him leave, without finishing school and developing some skills to see him through his adult life.
In all honesty, I do miss him and worry desperately about him living with his mother. If I dwell on, what I believe to be, his prospects for the future - I become terrified for him. (When asked what he wanted to do with his life, his answers were always beyond the realm of possibility - basketball star, race car driver.)
So, even though we don't have in-your-face-every-day stress anymore, we have the upset of not knowing how he's doing or what abuse he might be suffering.
I have a great interest in protecting the environment, helping animals, and just trying to do the right thing. Sadly, I don't have a bank account that allows me to financially support all of the causes in which I believe.
Thanks to the Greater Good Network, and their sponsors, I don't have to be the Sultan of Brunei in order to help.
One of the easiest ways to help is by resetting the home page on your browser. Simply pick one of the websites in the network - I chose The Animal Rescue Site - and every time you visit the Internet, simply click on the "Click Here to Give" button on the main page. It doesn't cost you a dime, but the sponsors will take that 'click' and donate to the cause that you've chosen.
Every time I visit my homepage, I give .6 bowls of food to rescued animals. And I am not alone! Yesterday, July 10, 2008, 303,764 clicks contributed 182,258 bowls of food; in 2007, actions at The Animal Rescue Site funded the value of 42,724,313 bowls of food for animals in need.
I know that I couldn't, personally, contribute enough to make a drop in the bucket. But, working with The Greater Good Network, I - and you - can do wonders.
If you were wondering, as I have been, whether the glasses I talked about in an earlier post are really a good deal, I have an answer.
FOX consumer review program Deal or Dud? followed one mother's experience. The video details include the ordering process, issues with the family's optometrist, and the quality of the final product.
As you'll see in the report, ZenniOptical.com did a terrific job with the information that they were given. Both prescriptions were perfect. However, due to a lack of information from the optometrist and a wiggly little boy, there were issues with one pair.
Frankly, I was quite impressed. I've already found my favorite frames. (Okay I've found several favorite frames.) Luckily, I can afford more than one now.
We were watching this video from YouTube earlier and, being the skeptic I am, I had to look into this. According to Snopes, this is a True Story. Although, it's not quite what it seems.
These domesticated elephants are trained to use the paintbrushes and recreate the same picture, over and over. When they want a new color, they drop the brush. Obviously, they are not able to pick up a paintbrush, so their trainers give them a new one. That is, beyond the repetitive training, the only intervention by humans in the 'painting' process.
The organization that trains these elephants and sells the artwork offers this mission statement:
The Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project (AEACP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the diminishing number of Asian elephants left on our planet through its work with domesticated elephants. The AEACP raises funds through donations and the sale of artwork created by elephants in order to fulfill its mission.
Asian Elephants are seriously threatened in the wild, with populations estimated at less than 35,000. I'm not certain that I agree with teaching an elephant to paint, but I do support any efforts to protect these beautiful animals.
Years ago, for the very reasons listed in the article, I experienced this same problem. My home life was a wreck. I didn't have a social life or anything approaching downtime. After 13 years, I was an explosion looking for a target.
In hindsight, there were a lot of things I should have done, that I didn't; and a lot of things that I did, that I shouldn't have.
No matter what you think - vacations are NOT overrated! They are vital to the mental health of everyone!
Obviously, my business isn't large enough, nor do I travel enough to warrant a private jet charter. But wouldn't it be incredible!?
Just imagine the convenience of catching a flight when you want and not needing to work around airline schedules. Not only that, but many of these charters include catering and a private flight crew. (So much for a $5.00 bag of peanuts!)
Of course, it's not an incredibly inexpensive way to travel, but it's not as pricey as I imagined. When a company or organization has a number of people who need to be in the same place, at a specific time, it definitely makes a lot of sense.
Personally, I think it's a wonderful idea. Who knows? Maybe I'll even get to try it, someday.
The story just keeps getting worse and worse. First, they couldn't determine which produce might be the problem, but were leaning toward tomatoes. Then, they couldn't determine from where - exactly - the tomatoes might have come. Now - this!
What does the FDA do, precisely? I know that there is a lot of money involved in the daily operation of this government agency. But - seriously - what are they doing?
I told Mark today - we're all going to starve to death. The only food we can afford these days is tainted.
Currently, I don't have any pictures of myself in glasses, for one simple reason. The right lens is held in place with a bent paper clip and has one of Mark's old ear pieces taped to the side of the frame, while the original left ear piece (missing the coating at the bend behind the ear) is taped to the other side. Quite embarrassing!
I desperately need to replace my frames, preferably without spending a fortune and - most importantly - without buying new lenses. You see, frames don't have to be expensive; but my lenses (no-line bifocals compensating for an astigmatism in the left eye) have always been outrageously expensive.
Then, today I found zennioptical.com. The prices are amazing. And, from what I saw on the website, all I have to do is choose my frames and include my prescription. There is no indication that my 'script is going to add hundreds of dollars to the cost. I like that!
I have to say that this is the best deal I've ever seen and I intend to get my latest prescription, so that I can check out actual prices.
As much as I hate wearing glasses, I think I could be much happier at these prices. In fact, I could have several pair - with and without tinting.
Hmmmm? Maybe glasses aren't quite so bad, after all!
I've recently taken on editing at BestOfTheWeb. My favorite categories are in the Kids and Teens section, especially different Science-related areas, such as Health and Living Things.
Just recently, I was working on categories for several Marsupial species. You know them - Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats, Possums, and their relatives. They are amazing creatures and I had a great time learning about them.
Then, today, I was channel-surfing and found "Growing Up Marsupial" on Animal Planet. It's about three people who become 'mum' to marsupial babies, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. One has been working with a Quoll, another has Tasmanian Devil siblings, and the third a baby Wombat.
I've attached a link to the website and the schedule for subsequent airings. Please take a look. These babies, and their human 'mums', are just incredible.
I found out, a couple of days ago, that there are some great deals available through Greyhound for trips from Phoenix to Vegas. In fact, our recent guest managed to purchase a round-trip ticket for $9.00 less than a one-way ticket, travelling on the same day. You just have to, apparently, ask the right questions.
So, you know me, I started shopping for Vegas vacations. Mark and I haven't taken a trip together in over five years. Obviously, I would like to find something we can afford, even if it's only for a 3-day 2-night mid-week jaunt.
What I found is that, if you can travel during the week or at the last minute, it's easy to find great specials.
I have always trusted my cats to give me their opinion of the people who visit my home. Most people don't make much of an impression - because each kitty was either happy to see people or terrified to see people - consistently. Until Paka.
Paka is an interesting detective. Interesting, to me, because I have been - consistently - unable to predict his reactions. The people that I don't mind, he does; the people that I mind, he doesn't. With the exception of anyone under the age of (about) 5.
This kitty loves little kids. He will jump into the window to see the 'little one' walking by. If the door is open, it's all we can do to keep him from going out to get 'loves' from any child nearby. Adults, not his favorite humans, don't generally warrant the same affection, though he will tolerate some of these 'tall kids'.
Then . . . we had a visitor for a few days.
In the beginning, there wasn't much of an issue; although Paka did hide more than usual. We didn't worry much, since he has places where he can go and no one is allowed to bother him. Apparently, that wasn't enough, because Paka began hissing - loudly - whenever our guest got within about 3 feet of him. We weren't happy, but we still weren't overly concerned, because Paka could still get away .
Or so we thought . . .
Mark and I had gone to bed. Everything was quiet and we were playing TextTwist™. Then, out of the blue, there was a feline scream - not a hiss or growl - from the other room! Supposedly, nothing happened. But Paka doesn't cry out - ever - unless he is in distress.
We immediately moved everything into our bedroom for the night - for the first time since Paka was a baby.
I don't think we'll be having any roomies . . . ever again.
In a recent post, I explained how old my skin, eyes, and teeth are; hoping for correction through a program called "10 Years Younger". That post talked about having my teeth fixed. Now, I'm exploring vision correction.
Several months ago, I explored Lasik surgery. The prices I was quoted, walking in the door, turned out to be unavailable. Sadly, my vision is so bad that I don't qualify for the least expensive surgery. At $1,500 per eye, I'll be waiting for a long time.
Hopefully, I'll hit the lottery and be able to see normally for the first time in 45 years.
I was seriously unhappy to read this story - Rachael Ray employee claims anorexia bias. For as long as she's been on TV, regardless of station, I was a fan. Perhaps my enthusiasm has been misplaced.
As an anorexic, I was appalled to hear that someone with an eating disorder was harrassed to this level. Just like depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues, anorexia is not a condition that deserves this kind of abuse.
I hope that Rachel will rise to the occasion and support this employee. It will be very sad if she doesn't - which will encourage me to no longer visit any of her TV shows.
Now, this is the way I'd like to exercise - if I had the option - in the privacy of my own home. Every gym I've ever visited was filled with perfect bodies. Given my body system, it was just depressing to see all of these people - who didn't really seem to need the gym.
I have never seen offers for home gyms that I could afford - before today. I absolutely love the complete systems that have a really small footprint - especially since my whole apartment has a really small footprint.
Frankly, I have a huge need to trim down my waist and, you would not believe the shape of my upper thighs! I really have to get started on recreating my 30-year-old shape. The 40 pounds I've gained in the last 2 years, when I stopped being active, have just got to go!
I have been following this story off and on. To say the least, I was thrilled to hear that
this rescue happened.
"Colombian spies tricked leftist rebels into handing over kidnapped presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three U.S. military contractors Wednesday in a daring helicopter rescue so successful that not a single shot was fired."
Please join me in rejoicing over the rescue of these four people, as well as the Columbian police who were also freed.
One of my favorite TV shows is "10 Years Younger" in which they do makeovers for people who look older than their real age. It's amazing the services that are available to these people - dermabrasion, vision correction, and cosmetic dentistry.
Seeing the pictures from my daughter's wedding, I realize that these are now my problems, too. I have 51-year-old skin with some serious sun damage, horribly poor vision, and very stained teeth. (I used my photo system to lighten my teeth after my stepson said "You look like you don't have a front tooth!") My dream is to have all of these problems corrected, some day.
Today I found a great site to that has answers to teeth issues like mine. Beverly Hills cosmetic dental not only does wonders, they offer painless solutions that are very important to me. I am terrified of dentists, but I have several broken teeth and a missing crown that cause me tremendous pain.
It's nice to know that there are professionals out there who care about doing the right thing, as painlessly as possible.
Researchers have discovered why a Stradivarius violin has such an incredible sound. Little did I know, it's related to the incredibly even density of the wood.
It took a CT scanner, a Dutch doctor, and a violin maker from Arkansas to "crack the mystery" of why a Stradivarius sounds so much better than others. There's no way of knowing what d
Here's one of the wedding pictures I promised. As you might imagine, I was a little reluctant to share this photo, because my skin looks just awful. It's very upsetting to have skin this bad at my age. (Of course, it might have something to do with the fact that I don't really take great care of it.)
