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JMark Afghans' Website Forms
Dear Readers:
I need your help.
As I have mentioned before, we changed webhosts and had some problems with our forms. I believed that everything was fixed - the subscription form works and the information request form works. (I know, because someone has been regularly spamming both forms!)
However, there is another form that may not be working. I've been getting blank messages, supposedly sent from a form on the website.
We offer a
Reminder Service ~~ give us a list of your most-often-forgotten occasions and we'll send you timely reminders, along with (if you like) appropriate gift suggestions. This, being the only other form I can think of on the site, may be the one that has a problem. And I am looking into it.
If you use this form - or any of our forms - and don't receive a confirmation email from me, would you please
let me know?
Thank you for your help.
And - to the spammers - please get a life!
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 That's What I Call A Bonus!
I've worked for some good companies over the years. Some were fun and some were generous. None were as generous as this
Illinois company.
In the midst of the stories about Wall Street and corporate greed, it was heart-warming to read about Peer Bearing Company's support of their employees. They are not the first company to pay year-end bonuses. But, I'm pretty sure, that no non-executives are lucky enough to get a check like these people did.
We used to call it profit-sharing, when I worked for a computer leasing company. But I can assure you - no organization I know has ever taken the term quite so literally.
Mr. and Mrs. Spungen - God Bless 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
Shopping Bags
I have designed reusable shopping bags at Zazzle, and own several myself. This is something I strongly believe in - fewer plastic bags being 'born' and 'dying' every day.
Today, I found a site that offers reusable
promotional bags made from recycled materials! Isn't that amazing!? Not only are they not adding plastic to the dump heap, they're actually pulling some of the debris out and creating eco-friendly products.
It's easy to talk-the-talk. I appreciate a person - and a company - that walks-the-walk. (Not to mention, the bags
look great!)
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
HDMI Switches
Have you ever heard of an
HDMI switch? I hadn't before today, but now I want one!
This is the coolest piece of hardware I've seen in a long time - and I do a lot of searching. In a nutshell, what it does is allow users to connect three sources of hi-def video and audio to a single display unit. Not impressed? Wait!
Imagine having your hi-def cable, gamestation, and DVD (or Blu-Ray) player all connected to your television. Wanna play a game? Switch (via remote) to the PS3. Ready to watch a DVD? Switch to the player. Wanna watch . . . Well, you get the idea.
I'm sure that there are other uses for an HDMI Switch, but - for me - this works!
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
GoDaddy.com
If you've been following this blog, you know that I recently changed webhosts. There was a brief adjustment period where I had to learn how to make my forms and pages work with the new host. I'm still learning - or should I say, unlearning.
But, minor disconnects notwithstanding, I am much happier with
GoDaddy.com than I was with my previous host.
For a number of reasons:
I don't have to use a stand-alone FTP program to manage my files and folders. GoDaddy provides a good one with my account. And, unlike many other programs, I can move files from Folder A on my hard drive to Folder B on my website, without having to change global settings. Most of the time, I need to upload/download to the same folder name. But when I want to move the files within non-matching folders, I can - easily.
GoDaddy allows me to specify which folders are visible and accessible on the Internet. If someone goes looking at my directories, they can only see what I want them to see. There's even an option to password protect those directories, for further security against outside changes. Gotta love that!
My account email options are huge! I can have a slew of domain-related email addresses
and specify how messages are routed. For example, if someone sends an email to customer_service@jmarkafghans.com, which doesn't actually exist, I can have the email routed to customerservice@jmarkafghans.com
and send an automated response to the sender that alerts them to the correct address. Once it's set up, I don't have to bother with it again.
Another goodie that I just love - Google Webmaster Tools are included. Now, I don't have to use separate software and login to generate sitemaps and update Google on my site content. I'm lazy - this is great!
Probably the best thing about my new webhost is the price and flexible payment options. With my previous host, I couldn't pay early; I couldn't pay for 2 or more months at a time, if I wanted to; and I payed more per month for the inconvenience.
GoDaddy.com has a variety of packages for individuals and businesses, at highly competitive rates. And - right now - you can even save $5.00 !
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 FaceBook Page
I've been playing around on FaceBook recently. It's actually a great way to keep up with friends, as long as they have pages. Even better, it's a great way for You to talk to Me - about JMark Afghans.
As much as I love all of the pages and sites that I've developed for
JMark Afghans, I think the FaceBook page is a great deal of fun. I just created a few topics for the discussion board and can't wait to see who stops by with comments and questions.
Even if you don't have questions, stop by and become our Fan, post a Review, or just leave a Comment! We can't wait to see 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
New Partners-In-Shopping!
With the holidays approaching, we can all use new ideas for gifts. Whether it's goodies for a new smartphone, those favorite CDs and DVDs, or the latest in inspirational reading ~ we've got it!
Please welcome our newest
'Shopping Partners' ~
Handango, Inc. offers over 75,000 mobile software and game titles ~ including dictionaries, eBooks, GPS utilities, and smartphone software for Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Palm, T-Mobile G1, and Symbian devices.
Simply select your phone and start browsing!
f.y.e. has all of your entertainment needs ~ music, movies, and games. New and used, as well as a variety of media storage. Enter to win a Sony Playstation or autographed guitar. Or get a Backstage Pass for even more savings ~ including 20% off on Your Birthday!
Hay House has what you need, whether you're interested in self-improvement, life inspiration, health and healing, spirituality, astrology, or even feng shui. No time to sit and read? Download your favorites to your iPhone, or any of 500 compatible devices.
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
Housing Market Has to Mend?
Okay - this is a real 'Duh!?' moment. I was reading the AP article about how, for the bailout to work, the housing market has to
mend. Maybe I don't get it. (Wouldn't be the first time.)
There's $700 billion (big
B) designated to pull Wall Street's head out of its
ahem and it may be next year - or later - before the bucks start to flow?
Wrong Answer people! Let's get that money where it needs to be - and do it now!
Now, at the risk of shining a light on my lack of understanding, this is what I see: We know which lenders and financial institutions habitually took advantage of consumers, right? These consumers were talked into more house or more mortgage than they could afford, right? Well, isn't that where we start?
You see, that is what I have never understood - through this entire housing crisis. When a mortgagee has trouble making payments, few banks will work with them - even in the face of artificially inflated property values. Instead they foreclose, evict a family, and -
find any logic here, I dare you - auction off the home for a fraction of the mortgage value, writing off the difference!!
Take some of that pretty bailout money - and rewrite those mortgages. (Someone somewhere is holding the paper from these lenders.) Home values have consistently dropped for months now - so adjust the value of the mortgage to reflect the value of the home. Apply a realistic finance rate - and keep these families in their homes!
Of course, for speculators and 'flippers' this refi does not apply.
You tried to make money in an inflated market - if you lost your shirt, you'll just have to play for the skins.
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
JMark Afghans' Newsletter
We're getting our latest newsletter ready.
If you're not on our mailing list, you could be missing out on new products, contests, special savings, and much more. Be sure to sign up today.
It couldn't be easier: Simply add your information and {Subscribe}.
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
Used Cisco Equipment
There are a lot of caveats to buying used computer equipment; especially when you're purchasing over the Internet. It's not like you can drive back to the store and demand satisfaction, if something goes wrong. And, unless you've got a laptop, even that isn't a convenient option.
When it works out-of-the-box, how long will it work? tends to be the next question. Not much point spending hard earned dollars only to have the system crash within the first month - and no remedy for the problem. (Although, some days even the new systems let you down.) And, what about appearance? Does a used system look like it's been beaten and bounced around? Not good, regardless of price.
I recently found a site that sells, among other brands,
used Cisco systems. They provide a 90-day warranty and guarantee that the used/refurbished equipment will qualify for a service contract through the manufacturer.
They even extend their refurbishing attention to the appearance - which really impressed me. I don't mind buying used - if it's a reliable unit - but I shouldn't have to put up with a computer or system that looks bad. (My latest laptop has many of the keyboard markings rubbed off, not to mention a good number of dings and scratches on the case.)
It's nice to know that there are sellers with an interest in quality.
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
Moving Services
If you've priced
moving services lately, you know that (like everything else) you often get a lot less than you expect - for a lot more money. It's one of the things that keep us from moving. (Well, that and
hating to move.) For us, there's just no easy answer.
Being on the 2nd floor, we'd have to haul everything down to a rental van - or any other pack-it-yourself option. Neither of us is in that kind of shape anymore. And, with both of the boys gone, we don't have a free labor source anymore, either.
Strike One
Although it would be physically preferable, being on a fixed income with exhorbitant rent, we can't afford a full-service moving company. It's pretty much impossible to get ahead of the bills long enough to put that kind of cash aside.
Strike Two
Of course, hitting the lottery for a few million would solve all of our moving problems. Unfortunately, we don't play the lottery.
Strike Three
Looks like we're a bit stuck.
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
Wine of the Month
Has anyone out there tried a
wine of the month club? There are a bunch of them out there, but they are definitely
not all created the same - despite similar prices.
I'm not exactly a wine connoisseur, (that's my son's talent) which means I've not been brave enough to join one of the clubs. I don't want to get locked in to paying every month for something I may not have the palate to appreciate.
Although, after reading about the
2000 PlumpJack Cabernet Cuvee -Napa Valley Oakville and the
Robert Stemmler 2003 Pinot Noir, I am seriously tempted to give it a try. Especially, since this club doesn't charge fees or tie you into a lengthy contract.
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
Tech Support Challenges
"Can you reset the Internet for me? - the title alone made me stop and click on the link.
There was a message floating around the Internet for months, containing a list of oddball customer service and tech support calls. I particularly loved the one from the woman whose computer wouldn't boot and she couldn't find the outlet to confirm that it was actually plugged in - as the power was out. Hysterically funny!
For the price of a computer - anyone can get on the 'Net. I am reminded of a story, told to me by an acquaintance, about the storyteller's mother and email. Mom didn't quite understand typing messages and often resorted to all CAPS, for some reason. After several LOUD emails, the daughter tried explaining that it was just like using a typewriter. That seemed to help.
I can only imagine Mom's interactions with the help desk.
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
Auto Insurance
Despite all of the commercials to the contrary, there really isn't that large a difference in insurance premiums. I did an experiment recently, just to see how our rate compares in the marketplace. Wow - is all I can say.
After requesting an
auto insurance online quote, I waited. It really didn't take long for the numbers to come in. But none of them were even close to what we pay.
Honestly, I knew that we were getting a good rate - especially with the renter's insurance bundled in the price. Surprisingly, no other company could come even close.
If you're not sure you're getting a good deal, take a few minutes and check out the competition.
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
Acne Cures
As I have complained before, I can't stand having breakouts at my age. Granted, it's not like I take great care of my skin - but still . . .
Needless to say, I am always on the lookout for a simple (read: I'll-remember-to-use-it), effective (read: doesn't-cause-more-problems) way to keep the
acne at bay. Oh - it also has to be supremely affordable.
I'm not certain that I believe in a 'cure', but it is nice to have some options. There are a couple of products that I find interesting - not the ones that have pills and scrubs and gels - but the 1-step, once-a-day options.
Given the price of a 90-day supply, I may just have to try one. After I do just a little more 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
Unique Baby Gifts
I am always looking for special products to complement our one-of-a-kind designs. Cuddle up under a Cozy Afghan, with a tasty tub of popcorn - or a yummy basket of goodies. What about a personalized gift for your graduate, paired with a Twin-size Afghan in his/her new school colors?
We've got great gift ideas for Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, your favorite Aunt and Uncle, Godparents, Brother or Sister - everyone in the family. Even Fido and Fluffy! But, I'm still on the prowl for truly
unique baby gifts.
Just imagine - a complete layette set, in your favorite colors, with a matching future-heirloom crib afghan. It just doesn't get any better than that!
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
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
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
