Random Musings of a Curious Mind

Hello From Fort Collins

As the title says - I'm in Fort Collins, Colorado. Given the stories I heard from fellow travellers, I guess I was very lucky to have made it. Although, there were some, shall we say, interesting moments.

To get from Phoenix to Fort Collins requires 2 changes and 3 different buslines. Phoenix to Albuquerque is Greyhound - and seriously crowded. An agent in Albuquerque told me that the East-West routes are always packed. She wasn't kidding.

That leg of the trip was cozy, to say the least. I told my seat-mate "It's hard to be strangers in these seats." Very nice - quiet - lady, by the way. But being that cramped was hard on my bad knee - just no way to stretch and get the pressure off the joint.

That was a rather scary leg - we were nearly run off the road by a crazy truck driver and got caught in a rainstorm. Now, the rain wouldn't have been that detrimental - if the driver's wipers had worked and if the emergency hatch in the roof had had a good seal. The rain started and I could have sworn I felt drops on my arm! Thought I was nuts until another passenger asked me if I was getting wet. Leave it to me to pick a seat that 'leaks' - you know?!

In Albuquerque, I changed to the Americanos busline for the overnight trip to Denver. (Bus was an hour late, which surprised me.) Very nice buses - curtains and comfy seats. But I nearly froze to death. The air conditioning runs down the windows, onto the seats; so you're either comfortable and frost-bitten, resting your back against the window, or you have an armrest in your back and only semi-freeze. I brought my newest afghan creation with me. Unfortunately, it's just a smidge larger than a lapghan - so, either my shoulders were warmed or my legs. Not both.

When we got to Denver, over an hour late, there was a fence blocking access from the entrances to the rest of the bus station and a really long line of people along the fence. Apparently, although I thought the convention was over, Obama was in Denver and they were checking everyone who came into the city. Not a quick check, either. Every bag was opened and searched. Then, every passenger was scanned. I was extremely glad that I had a 3-hour layover.

Just when I got to within 6 or 7 people of being searched, 45 minutes later, the head of security waved me, the woman in front of me, and about half of the people behind me through, with a "You're good. Go catch your bus." Within 15 minutes, they had removed the fence, tables, and all evidence of a security set-up. What a pain!

With all of that, I still managed to get in to Fort Collins within 15 minutes of our expected arrival time. Although I missed the rehearsal, I did manage to make the rehearsal luncheon - some of the best Italian food I've had in many years!\

And one of the most kick-a** margaritas I've ever had.



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

Home Theater Sconces

We've been thinking about rearranging the furniture. My wireless card doesn't seem to work as well from my recliner as it does from the table next to the chair. Since I don't actually bend that way anymore, something's gotta give.

Since we're planning to move the TV to a different wall, it seemed like a good time to do a little redecorating. Among other things, I fell in love with some home theater sconces. These are absolutely great!

The styles include an "Admit One" movie ticket, "Take One" clapboard, stars, popcorn, movie camera, and comedy and tragedy masks. Or create a custom design just for your family's home theater. They're wall mounted and can even be connected to a dimmer.

I may have to get the restroom sconce to hang over my bathroom door. It's just too fun to ignore!



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

Obama and Born-Alive Infant Protection Act

I realize that I'm a little late to the party, but a friend sent a link to a very disturbing YouTube video today Kill and Destroy. (Although there are no graphic images, I've chosen to offer a link, rather than embed the video.) This is, in my humble opinion, important viewing.

After watching Kill and Destroy, I started researching the information it put forth. I am - without question - not an Obama supporter - never have been, but I prefer to have my facts straight before I blithely post something. Let me tell you - it was not difficult to find information on this topic!

A quick Google search turned up thousands of related pages and sites. Some of the most compelling, though I'm not sure I agree with her politics, come from Illinois nurse, Jill Stanek.

Top 10 Reasons Obama Voted Against Illinois' Born Alive Infant Protection Act

And from the Oregonian, just last week: Barack Obama's abortion crime and cover-up

I have never trusted Obama or virtually anything that comes out of his mouth. It is my opinion that we couldn't do worse for this country than putting this man in the White House.

Heaven help us all, if he wins.



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

Another Wedding in the Family

My daughter has been married less than 3 months and now her brother is walking down the aisle himself. Okay, actually his fiancée will walk down the aisle, he'll wait for her at the altar.

I didn't think that I would be able to make it, but found out today that I should be able to go. Needless to say, I am excited and frantic!

What do I wear? do I have anything to wear? If you'll recall, I went through the same agony right before my daughter's wedding - and that worked out okay. So, hopefully, this one will, too.

The one thing I am absolutely sure of? I am taking extra batteries for the camera and I am saving pictures to disc the second I get home. No more missed opportunities and lost pictures for me.

No sir!



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

Template Issues

My apologies for the current 'state' of this blog.

Apparently, I made a format change a few days ago that, shall we say, altered the way the blog appears. In an attempt to correct that change, I fear that I have made it worse. Which wouldn't be that unforgivable, if my Internet connection was faster and more reliable.

Sadly, it takes quite a long time to upload and test the corrections.

So, please bear with me. I promise - it'll be all 'purty' again.


Ooooh, we're getting close! (I hope) - Cross your fingers?


(drumroll) . . . Voila!! - the moron {pointing at herself} has finally figured it out. And - no I won't tell you what I did to make the oops; it's just too silly for words.



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

Pyramid Financial Solutions

The news these days is filled with stories of recession, job loss, and consumer financial problems. We're all feeling the pinch - at the pump, at the grocery store, when the utility bill is due. But what if you're a business owner?

Are your receivables taking a hit in these tough economic times? Does it seem like the monthly payments coming in are getting smaller and smaller? Have you considered debt collection agencies?

Before you place your problem accounts with an agency, make sure that you find a collection service that understands and respects your business - and your relationship with your customers. Companies and consumers frequently experience highs and lows in their cashflow. A slow-pay today could be a shining star next year. If you can't work with those accounts, and maintain relationships, you risk long-term damage to your business and your reputation.

As with everything in life and business, always do your research.



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

News Knowledge

You know, the variety of information and 'fun stuff' that is out there on the Internet never ceases to amaze and thrill me. (Guess that's why I spend so much time wandering the WWW, huh?) I am an unconfirmed news-junkie.

Today I found a blog, which I've added to my 'Friends and Fellow Bloggers' list, that satisfies my never-ending need for current events and interesting reading material. With a twist.

News Knowledge takes the headlines and, as the tagline says, spouts personal wisdom acquired by reading the headlines.

Please check it out - I think you'll like what you read.



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

New Affiliate Partners

It has been a busy month.

Two (2) of our Partners-in-Shopping have discontinued their programs. We will miss them very much. But, before we had a chance to mourn our missing associates, we acquired three (3) new Shopping Friends! Very Exciting! You've read about CurrentCatalog.com. Now let me introduce our two (2) newest shopping friends:

• Cheryl & Co. ~ "Fresh Baked Cookies, Desserts and Gifts" From a single cookie store in 1981, Cheryl & Co's has grown to include gifts and desserts along with an expanded dessert line which now includes brownies, cheesecake, pies, and cakes.
  
  
• Just Because Baskets ~ "Baskets & Beyond" You decide what goes inside at Just Because Baskets. Build your own or choose from pre-assembled gift baskets; perfect for personal and corporate gifts.

Please stop by our new partners and see what they have to offer. I just know you'll find something to love. I did!




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

CurrentCatalog.com

I am so thrilled to announce that JMark Afghans, etc. is now partnering with:



For years, Current was my only choice for stationery, calendars, greeting cards, and personalized checks - to mention just a few. They have always offered unique, quality products that appeal to everyone. Somewhere, on one of the pages in the online catalog, there is a notecard set or calendar or gift wrap package or holiday assortment that is just what you need and didn't even know it!

Here's just one example:

First Year Calendar has room for a 3 1/2" x 5" photo on each page; includes 12 birth announcement postcards. 72 milestone stickers included, also; 9" x 12". Second year calendar sold separately ©Morehead, Inc. Designed by Ruth J. or Bill D. Morehead

Imagine the joy on a new mother's face when she receives this adorable calendar, tucked inside a beautiful JMark Afghans Baby Blanket.


Personally, I just love the Pull Bows. Looped and stored flat, you literally pull the different sections out and shape the bow at the time you need it. No more squashed bows - and no more need for tons of storage space.



Another great idea? This Lifetime Address Book & Stickers. Never worry about changed addresses again. Just write the new address on one of the included stickers and place over the old address. Voila!

Why not add this Address Book to a comfy new Afghan? Make updating all that information comfy and relaxed.

Please enjoy shopping with our new Affiliate Partner. I know that I'm going to be spending a lot of time with CurrentCatalog.com!

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

Blogtoplist.com

I found a fun site for bloggers today - Blogtoplist.com!

Blogtoplist.com is a blog directory that sorts blogs by their weekly score. A button on each blog records the number of visitors, with a second button allowing visitors to vote for the blog. One (1) vote is the same as 100 visitors, score-wise.

When a visitor clicks on the "" button to vote for the blog, a new window opens with a clickable bar to record a vote. Every unique IP address can vote once a day.

The separate tracking button shows the number of visitors/votes received in the current week. It doesn't require any interaction to see the score/rank of the blog, which updates every 15 minutes and resets to zero every Monday at 00:00 GMT.

You should be able to see the voting and tracking buttons once this post is active. Feel free to vote and come back to see how "Random Musings of a Curious Mind" is doing - with your help, of course!



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

AboutUs.org Update

Last year, I created a wiki page for JMark Afghans, etc. at AboutUs.org and actually became a featured page. (Heck, I even taught the wiki-gurus a new trick.)

Since we have added products and colors since then, I decided it might be time to update the information on our page. Didn't expect it to be an all evening event!

It's amazing how much you can forget in a year, when you don't use certain skills. I think it took me longer to add the updates yesterday than it did to create the original page. Sheesh, how embarrassing!

Feel free to stop by ~ AboutUs.org/JMarkAfghans.com and check out the changes. (The galleries are fun, but the tables were a bit difficult.) All I can say is that it looks a lot better to me now.

Ooooh, before I forget. All of the images in the Afghan Gallery link directly to an order page on the website - no muss, no fuss.



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

Proactiv Acne Cream

As I have mentioned before, I am always looking for a great way to care for my skin and minimize breakouts. But, it's not easy or inexpensive to find exactly what will work on my combination, sensitive, old-lady skin without some help. Luckily, there are places on the Internet that do the hard work for me.

With all of the commercials for Proactiv acne cream, you have to wonder what people who aren't getting paid would say. Apparently, nothing too positive. It seems that this product doesn't work that well, doesn't continue to work over time, doesn't moisturize sufficiently, and doesn't mention the overwhelming smell from all three (3) steps.

Admittedly, the drying problem may mean that it's only good for people with oily skin. I don't know. It's hard to get a real feel for something, after only one review.

Maybe you can help: Have you tried this acne program? Did it work for you? What about the smell? Was there a problem with overly dry skin?

Let me know. I'd love to know what you experienced.



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

Bush/Cheney Move to Gut Endangered Species Act

I received this wildlife alert today. Please help us stop this attack on the Endangered Species Act by the current administration.

 

		Emergency Action A new proposal by the Bush/Cheney Administration would gut the law that protects polar bears wolves, and other endangered species. Urge your Representative and Senators to help stop the Bush/Cheney plan to gut the Endangered Species Act. Dear Jg, With less than 160 days left in power, the Bush/Cheney Administration has launched an unprecedented backdoor assault on America’s endangered species! Don’t let them get away with it. Urge your Representative and Senators to do everything in their power to stop the Bush/Cheney Administration’s eleventh-hour assault on America’s wildlife.      For more than 30 years, the Endangered Species Act has protected wildlife at risk of extinction. Now the Bush/Cheney Administration wants to eliminate vital checks and balances that are crucial to protect our polar bears, wolves and other imperiled wildlife. Please help protect endangered animals from the Bush/Cheney Administration’s attack. Take action now. Announced earlier this week, the Bush/Cheney proposal would severely limit scientific review by the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service of projects that could harm imperiled wildlife. And it would explicitly limit the ability of these expert agencies to consider how greenhouse gas emissions from such projects could impact polar bears, wolverines and other wildlife that may go extinct due to global warming. Instead, agencies proposing projects such as highways, dams, mines, oil or gas drilling and virtually any other activity would be allowed to decide for themselves whether a project is likely to impact any of the nearly 1,400 species currently protected by the Endangered Species Act -- without the crucial independent review now provided by scientific experts at the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Many of these agencies do not even have biologists or other qualified staff to make such a determination. Even worse, the new regulations would impose a brief 60-day review period, making it even less likely that anyone involved in the process will have the time or expertise to fully evaluate the potential harmful effects of a given project on sensitive wildlife or the habitat it needs to survive. Help stop the Bush/Cheney Administrations assault on protections for our endangered species. Please take action now. There are less than 160 days left in the Bush/Cheney Administration -- and even less time for your Members of Congress to act. Please take action now to help stop the Bush/Cheney Administration’s last-minute attempt to eliminate effective protections for the wildlife that you and I love. Sincerely, Rodger Schlickeisen President Defenders of Wildlife P.S. Two years ago, Defenders led the fight that stopped Congressional legislation that would have gutted the Endangered Species Act. Now we need your help to stop the Bush Administration from trying to do the same thing. Please take action now!
		© Copyright 2008 Defenders of Wildlife. Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. Defenders of Wildlife can be contacted at: 1130 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036

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

From 'MSNBC Breaking News' Newest Spam Emails

Well, it appears that the powers-that-be have shut down the "CNN Alerts" and "CNN Daily Top 10" spammers. I've stopped getting those junk emails. Unfortunately, a new group has shown up today.

These are from MSNBC Breaking News with the message title "msnbc.com - BREAKING NEWS:" followed by some purported headline. I noticed that they are using servers all over the place - Canada, Italy, Japan, and South Africa to name a few. (A couple of odd Weekly NEWS-type spam messages showed up from Germany and South Africa servers.)

If it wasn't obvious that these messages are spam, possibly dangerous spam, the volume and 'headlines' were a dead giveaway. Eighteen in one day from a variety of sources - none of them MSNBC - kinda ruined the believability. Then, we had the headlnes.

My favorites were about Spongebob Squarepants - one reported that there was video of him having 'questionable relations'. Another claimed that he hadn't fathered Shrek!

There was one about our illustrious president that was quite amusing: "Existence Of Poor People A Surprise, says Bush". Hmmm? Maybe that's not a fake headline.

Any way you look at it - you have to keep an eye on those spam messages and any news feeds to which you subscribe. The bad guys are everywhere.



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

Artificial Nails

For those of you - like me - who do your own nails, I have a great product for you!

Kiss Natural Curves are absolutely amazing nails. They are more substantial than all of the other nails that you can get at the corner drugstore. And they come in terrific styles.

I just did my nails tonight - and for add-some-glue-and-stick-'em-on-your-nails I don't think you can buy better at this price. They aren't oddly shaped or ridiculously thin. When I put them on, I know that they're gonna stay.

I'd offer a picture of my nails with my favorite style - but none of our cameras capture the nails without making me appear to have old-lady-hands.



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

Downtime

We have gone through a downtime recently - due, in part, to lack of payment from some of the sites for which I work. Timing is everything, let me tell you.

So, I talked to my service provider today about changing the due date for my payment, based on changes in incoming payments. The point was - in a nutshell - to avoid downtime. Only one of us understood this concept.

As explained to me, the best way for me to change the due date of my payments is to cancel my service, after backing up all of the data. Then, on the date that I would like the payments to be due, call back and restart the service. Within 24 to 72 hours - 1 to 3 day of downtime - my site will be back up and I can reload all of the information that currently resides on their servers.

Now, I may be blonde and easily confused - but, isn't causing more downtime counterproductive?!



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

Great New Business Idea

Over the last few months, we've been doing our smoking in the bathroom. Keeps it out of the rest of the apartment and keeps it from bothering our soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Kinda reminds me of the bathrooms in high school - which led me to a great idea for a business.

Everyone's heard of the Fluff and Fold concept. Right? Well, I have a similar concept in mind. It involves multiple functions, just not laundry - which we all hate.

Since smoking is not acceptable these days - in keeping with the high school bathroom concept - I propose . . . are you ready? Have you thought of it already?



PUFF AND PEE

Toidies where you can light up. Looks and smells just like your old high school bathroom!

Come on - you know you love it!



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

"CNN Alerts: My Custom Alert" - New 'CNN' Threat

In keeping with the previous post - I have received Four New Scam Emails today with the title: CNN Alerts: My Custom Alert, from CNN Alerts.

Apparently, not enough people were falling for the "CNN Daily Top 10" spam scam.

If you, too, are seeing these in your mailbox - immediately delete them without opening!



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

"CNN Daily Top 10" - Email Spam/Phishing/Trojan Download

I've been getting this "CNN Daily Top 10" crap in my mail (Yahoo puts it in my Spam folder) for a while now. Since I subscribe to a number of online information sources, I know exactly what I should - and should not - be getting in my mailbox. This was definitely a "should-not" see.

Just out of curiosity, whenever I see something that doesn't seem quite right, I hover my cursor over the name in the sender column. This shows me the email address used to send the message. (It works in Yahoo, anyway.) When joeschmo@scams-r-us.crp sends me CNN Daily Top 10, above and beyond knowing that I didn't subscribe to a CNN feed, I know that scams-r-us.crp is unlikely to be an affiliate of CNN.

Google Search Results for "CNN Daily Top 10"

If you happened to open one of these messages and/or links, which will download and install rogue software on your computer - there is a site offering help with removal and great information about how this trojan operates.

While it sounds harsh, it is best to presume ill-intent when you get a message that you weren't expecting.



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

Business Cards for Knitters and Crocheters

If you're like me, finding or creating a business card that expresses what your business does or who you are is not easy. That's why I designed:
Simply choose your card stock and add your information in each field, or remove any that you don't need. If you like, you can even change the picture on the card. It just couldn't be easier!



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

Balance Transfer Credit Card

Financially, things are tough all over. And they have been for a while - unless you really are a Rockefeller. We have watched the price of everything go up - everything we used to be able to afford. It's not just frustrating; it's frightening.

If we had credit card debt to deal with, on top of soaring fuel and food prices, we would be in serious trouble. Luckily, we don't use or own credit cards. But there is an option, for those who do have such issues in their financial lives. A balance transfer credit card may be just what they need.

Moving credit card balances from high interest cards to low interest (or even no interest for an introductory period) can give borrowers a chance to stop a downward spiral. There are a number of balance transfer card programs out there. Some offer 0% APR on transferred balances, for a specific time frame Others offer no-fee balance transfers or a fixed-rate APR on transfers.

The perfect choice depends on the amount being transferred and the time it will (realistically) take to pay it off. For example: if you owe $3,600.00 and can pay $300.00 per month, then a 0% APR for 12 months is perfect.

Before things get worse, investigate some of the options available to you. Nothing feels quite as good as paying off a debt.



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

Blogging Nightmare

I have been battling with Blogger and Thingamablog for almost 4 months now. It is absolutely driving me crazy! If - and this is a big one - I can get something to post on one, I can't get it to update on the other.

So, I am doing another test: to make sure that I can post on blogger AND that I can update Thingamablog. I'm still not certain exactly which format I prefer. The individual post format on Blogger is much nicer; I have much more control. But I have to admit, I really like the overall format that I have set up on Thingamablog.

Sadly, in the midst of all these trials (and tribulations) I've misplaced an archive file (or 3) with many of the posts that I made in May and June. Needless to say, I am seriously not happy.

We'll see how this latest test goes, and then maybe I can get everything in one place -- at least going forward. Wish me luck!



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

Surgical Treatment for Lazy Eye

This is an amazing breakthrough for kids: Lens Implant Offers Chance At Beating Lazy Eye

If you're not familiar with lazy eye, also called amblyopia, it's a condition where one eye is so much weaker than the other that the brain learns to ignore that eye. Occurring at a young age, amblyopia causes the neural connections to not form and makes the weaker eye useless, unless treated early.

We have a son with this condition which, until I read this article, I didn't realize was a serious problem. Oddly enough, the last time he was here he mentioned the vision difference between his eyes. While not as severe as the little girl in the above story, his left eye has 20/60 vision. Very impaired.

Several years ago, we tried glasses on him. He stopped wearing them, because the right lens altered the vision in that eye and made it more difficult for him to see. I don't know if that meant the glasses were having a positive affect on the left eye, blurring his overall vision, or not, since he mentioned it for the first time last month.

Unfortunately, I don't think that he has any type of vision benefits, now that he's 19 and out of school.

This just shows how critical eye exams are - from a very early age.



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

Zootoo: Social Networking with Fur and Scales

I am a huge fan of social networking, with pages all over the Internet. Thanks to these sites, I've managed to reconnect with friends from grade school, junior high and high school. Some of those relationships go back over 40 years.

Today I found a site for Paka and me to join - pets are welcome at Zootoo.com. Unlike some sites, it was really easy to build a profile and add pictures of Paka. I think I even found one of his 'relatives' - amazing similarities.

Meeting people and exploring profiles is fun, but Zootoo.com is much more than just socializing.

All actions on Zootoo.com - adding photos, journaling, reviewing, asking and answering questions - earn points. Those points can be used to support the shelter and/or rescue group of your choice. In my case, I've chosen to help the Arizona Humane Society and Arizona Rescue Center.

I don't know about the Humane Society office in your area, but out here we're in trouble. There are so many abandoned cats, for example, that any new drop-offs are virtually guaranteed to be euthanized. Through my activities, which are interesting and a lot of fun, I can make a difference.

Please consider joining. Where else can you meet fellow pet lovers, get and give help with pet-parenting problems, and give to the organizations that need your help?



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

Now this is relaxed!

Paka - Felis concatnip

Liver treats, schliver treats. Gimme da green stuff!

Living proof that catnip is a great de-stresser!



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 Product

It's very easy to find a weight loss product in the stores or on the Internet. But how do you know if the product works or, more importantly, if it's safe?

Well, that's an easier question to answer than you might think. There are websites that have taken all of the work out of choosing the best diet pill.

Simply go online and read the reviews. Learn what works, what is just hype, and what might be risky to your health. In my case, I have blood sugar and blood pressure issues that make it very important for me to know exactly what I'm putting in my system.

Thankfully, I don't have to take unnecessary chances anymore. And neither do you.



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

Carcinogen in Potato Chips?!

No one would ever claim that deep-fried starch (potato chips and french fries) is good for you - but this one knocked me over. Settlement will reduce carcinogens in potato chips?! Okay, I don't know about you - but this is news to me (pardon the pun).

Apparently, the process used by several major snack food companies (not to mention fast-food joints) creates acrylamide in unacceptably high levels.

Acrylamide forms naturally when starchy foods are baked or fried. Studies have shown the chemical, which also has industrial uses, causes cancer in lab animals and nerve damage to workers who are exposed to high levels. The Food and Drug Administration is researching whether acrylamide in food poses a health risk.
From: Associated Press Article

In order to avoid court proceedings in the state of California, the companies in question (H.J. Heinz Co., Frito-Lay, Kettle Foods Inc., and Lance Inc.) agreed to a settlement, reducing the levels of carcinogens in their products - Over Three Years!. Not all that comforting, is it? Their other option was to label products as Contains Carcinogens.

This creates a number of serious concerns for me:

1. How long have I been eating high levels of carcinogens? Chips and french fries are some of my favorite comfort foods. (The article doesn't say.)
2. Am I at risk when baking and frying potatoes at home? We eat a lot of potatoes. (The article doesn't say.)
3. What affect has this had on Mark's health? He doesn't eat as many chips and fries as I do, but he has a suppressed immune system. (The article doesn't say.)
4. Will there be a nationwide reduction in acrylamide in these companies' products? How do we know that the products distributed to, for example, Arizona or Michigan, will be the same as California? The suit was brought by the state of California.
5. Is there any reason to derive comfort from the fact that the FDA is looking into the situation? This one is easy - NO! Given their track record, there is no reason to believe that they will accomplish anything except further taxpayer expense.

Frankly, this is a frightening story! And I do not intend to purchase any of these products - for the foreseeable future. If ever again.



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

Tommy Craig

The other pleasant surprise was Tommy Craig.

As everyone who reads this blog knows, I've only got about 3 years in webpage design and optimization. It takes me 10 times longer to accomplish my goals than someone with formal training or experience. Which is why I fell in love with this site.

I can find the information I didn't even know I needed in a setup that is easy to navigate and use. For example: the featured post from today Useful CSS Tools includes an EM Calculator, 2 form builders, and 2 tools for cleaning and compressing CSS.

How can you not love this!? Plus, the little guy in the logo is just soooo cute.



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

beforeiamfamous.com

I don't usually rave about other sites and blogs - unless they're selling something I desperately want or need - but in my travels today I happened upon a couple that really caught my attention. This is one of them.

Anything that gives me something interesting to read has me from the get-go. But if the layout is funky or it's hard to follow the posts, I'll probably walk away. Which is why I like dragonflypoems.com, the newest site from beforeiamfamous.com. The layout is really interesting - how many 3 column blogs do you see?

Obviously, it's the content that kept me reading - I'm heading back later, once I've finished the work I need to do. There are poems I want to read and I haven't explored half of the links that caught my eye.

As you can tell from Random Musings, I'm a fan of color - background and text. dragonflypoems.com is a bit colorless for me.

But - really - the content is the hard part. A little color is easy to add when you already have what readers keep coming back for.



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

Flash Drive

After the most recent laptop oops, when I lost all of my data - including the pictures from my daughter's wedding - I've been thinking about prevention. There has to be a way to ensure that I don't lose any more important data. Then it hit me!

I need, desperately, a flash drive!

Naturally, having never shopped for one, I was worried that they were way outside my budget. Boy, was I wrong! The prices and selection are extensive. I just need to research which brands are most reliable.

It would be nice to know that, if I do something stupid and crash the laptop, I have a backup for those irreplaceable files. Not to mention, being able to work on those files anywhere I need or want.

My favorite option? I can order, in bulk, custom designed drives with my logo on them. I love adding little surprises in all my afghan orders.

Since all of my customers (naturally) have computers - what better little surprise!?



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

Talk About Lucky!

This story is absolutely amazing!

A 12-year-old girl, trying to show a visiting cousin the great view from the top of her apartment building, took a header down the chimney flue - 14 stories, to be exact. Rescuers were shocked, when they reached the bottom of the flue and opened a metal door, to see the aptly-named Grace was alive. With the exception of an injured hip, the young girl survived her head-first fall virtually unscathed.

Now there's a guardian angel who is due for a raise! and a vacation!



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