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Electronic Cigarettes?
Okay, this is an interesting concept. Have you heard of
electronic cigarettes?
I am not certain, exactly, how this works. According to the sites I've visited, an atomized cartridge plugs into a battery unit and - you smoke. As a smoker, this intrigues me. A lot.
There are different flavors and strengths available. Which, now that I'm moving beyond the WOW-this-is cool phase, has some interesting possibilities for quitting smoking.
No, seriously. Stay with me here. There are about 250-300 puffs per cartridge, depending on manufacturer. The strengths vary from 16mg to 0mg of nicotine. With me now?
Heavy smokers start at the 16mg level, work their way through the strengths until they're getting 0mg. Not a bad idea at all. At least to my way of thinking.
I am going to have to try this. Even if I don't quit, I just can't resist the whole concept.
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You can cast your
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God Bless!
Jules
Holidays and Observances for February
This was so much fun in January, I decided to see what February has to offer.
On the lighter side, February is also:
- Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month
- Grapefruit Month
- National Cherry Month
- Pull Your Sofa Off The Wall Month
- Library Lovers Month
Guess it's time to pull out the sofa, grab a good book, and enjoy a yummy fruit salad. What are your plans for the month?
- With many thanks to Brownielocks.com who offers amazing, validated holiday and observance information.
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JMark Afghans
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
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God Bless!
Jules
Annular Solar Eclipse
My astronomy education appears to be a little lacking. I didn't know there was such a thing as an
annular solar eclipse. In fact, when I saw the listing in Google, I thought it was a typo! Color me embarrassed!
NASA has some terrific information on the eclipse, including charts and maps and figures. My favorite were the maps - animated and interactive. Really fun stuff.
Want to know when an eclipse will be visible, or was visible, in your city? NASA has a Solar Eclipse Explorer that will tell you - for any period from 1900BCE to 3000 CE. Or use the Solar Eclipse Search Engine to find any type, in any date range, and plot it on a Google map.
Oh - if, like me, you didn't know what an annular eclipse was, here's what Wikipedia has to say:
An annular eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are exactly in line, but the apparent size of the Moon is smaller than that of the Sun. Hence the Sun appears as a very bright ring, or annulus, surrounding the outline of the Moon.
I also didn't know that an eclipse can only occur during a new moon, because that is the only time that the moon and the sun are in proper alignment.
However and whenever they happen, I'm going back to play with the NASA toys!
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
What This World Needs ...
Smells detonate softly in our memory like poignant land mines hidden under the weedy mass of years. Hit a tripwire of smell and memories explode all at once. A complex vision leaps out of the undergrowth.
~ Diane Ackerman
It's amazing how the aroma of homemade chicken soup can trigger a dozen memories of my grandmother. She made the world's best soup - any and every kind. And don't get me started on her rye bread. That scent can take me back 40 years!
The same with the smell of a cigar. Two of my favorite uncles smoked cigars; as did one of my first boyfriends.
Each type of cigar has its own unique aroma and its own set of memories that take me back to a much different time.
Let me tell you - a good cigar is more than a smoke.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
Zazzle Mugs from JMark Afghans, etc.
Just In: Zazzle is offering a BOGO on mugs until 11:59pm December 14th !! All mugs are Buy One Get One Free - with the code 12DEALZAZZLE !
Whether you're looking for amazing scenery or making a statement - we have the mug for you!.
Order by 3:00pm, December 17th to ensure delivery by Christmas!
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JMark Afghans
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 York City for Christmas
I believe that - once I hit the lottery - I know exactly what my perfect Christmas vacation will be. The emphasis on hitting the lottery is due to the fact that when planning the perfect vacation, money cannot - under any circumstances - be a consideration.
The trip starts with a train ride to New York City; in a sleeper, not a coach. Next, we have a New York luxury hotel stay of at least 3 nights. Somewhere near the theaters, I believe, would be just about perfect.
Then, of course, there must be tickets to at least 2 of the plays that I have been wanting to see forever. Followed by an incredible dinner (or two) for two at some of the restaurants I've always wanted to visit. We would have to include Rockefeller Center, the Rockettes, the Nutcracker ... Hmmmm?!
I don't think 3 days would be enough. Might have to stay for a week - or 10 days. Because we'd have to visit FAO Schwarz, and that's at least a 2-day adventure.
See why I need to hit the lottery?!
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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 Wireless Card - Hip, Hip, Hooray! - I Hope?!
We were having more than a lilttle trouble with the wireless card that came with the ThinkPad. It's not that it didn't work, mind you. But it didn't work with any kind of speed - at all.
A couple of days ago, well okay a week ago, I ordered a new card. While I was waiting, I pulled out the card that I used to use with my Dell. Definite improvement!
Today, the new card arrived and after an initial - "The network adapter is not plugged in" panic attack - is up and running. Can't say that it's hugely faster than the old Linksys. But that isn't really why I chose this card.
What caught my attention is the promise that the NetGear WPN511 basically ignored pesky interferences like walls. Although I haven't put it to the test, this means that I can be a total bum now. Just sitting in bed and surfing away.
We shall see.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
2009 Christmas Special - Lacy Afghan
To all of our wonderful readers - Thank you for your interest in our first ever Seasonal Afghan Special Offer. Unfortunately, the offer is no longer available. You can, as always, take advantage of our normal order options, as listed below.
Time is running out! Order today to guarantee your one-of-a-kind Afghan gets to your house -- before Santa!
This Special Holiday offer is available only to readers of "Random Musings of a Curious Mind" who order before December 10th.
(We are limiting sizes and yarn options to speed up the arrival of your new, favorite Afghan.)
Ordering couldn't be easier! Simply pick a size, a yarn color, and click {Buy}. For your convenience, we offer PayPal or Google Checkout to complete your order. (No personal information is required, until you place your order through our secure options.)
As always, if you have any questions or problems - Contact Jules - for more information.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
Playstation 3
We have had a number of gaming systems in our house. Playstation (replaced by PS2), Playstation 2 (totalled by the youngest), Xbox (sitting in the bedroom, gathering dust). There were even a couple of standalone units that hooked to the TV, that the boys played for about 5 minutes one Christmas morning.
With three computers in the house, we don't really use separate systems. Although, two of the computers aren't really designed for gaming - substandard (read: old) graphics cards, and minimal RAM. So, maybe a a href="http://www.buy.com/cat/playstation-3-games-accessories-and-ps3-systems/63113.html" target="_blank">PS3 would have it's place.
I noticed, during one of my 'surfing' expeditions, that the prices really haven't come down. On the other hand, the goodies that you get with the system do seem to have increased - dramatically. And, as I had forgotten, it does nearly as much as a computer.
Didn't realize you could get on the Internet - and the 160GB hard drive looks really good. Hmmmm?! May have to rethink this.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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 Laptop! and Missing Posts :(
Well, it looks like Christmas came early at our house!
Frankie was helping a friend over the weekend and, to make a long story short, ended up with a new laptop. We haven't seen it yet, as he's still helping out. But, given his level of enthusiasm, I'd guess it's much better than the used one he got earlier this year.
In fact, I'm nearly as excited as he is, since he called to tell me that I could have the one he was using. Since my needs are much different than his, this is just perfect for me. Sadly, that meant transferring my blog to a new computer - which didn't go too well the last time.
Guess what!? It didn't go too well this time, either.
Somehow, once I finally found a version of my blog software that was close to what I was using before, got it installed, and copied over the set-up files - I managed to lose about 10 days worth of blogs! From right in the middle of November, no less. I still don't get it.
I have the first through the fourth, and from the eighteenth forward. Everything in between disappeared from my files! Just like in April! Albeit not nearly as much information was misplaced, but the frustration is about equal.
So, as you're reading through, wondering why the archive files look funny - that would be the reason.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
Lacy Afghan - 2009 Christmas Special
Thank you friends, for all of your interest in our first-ever Seasonal Afghan Special Offer. Unfortunately, the offer is no longer available. You can, as always, take advantage of our normal order options, as listed below.
JMark Afghans, etc. is offering - for a limited time - our favorite Lacy Afghan at amazing prices!
This offer is available only to readers of "Random Musings of a Curious Mind" who order before December 10th.
(To ensure that your order is completed in plenty of time for Christmas, we are offering only 3 sizes and a limited number of yarn colors.)
Ordering couldn't be easier! Simply pick a size, a yarn color, and click {Buy}. For your convenience, we offer PayPal or Google Checkout to complete your order. (No personal information is required, until you place your order through our secure options.)
As always, if you have any questions or problems - Contact Jules - for more information.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
Greeting Cards for the Holidays
This year I'm going to do it!
Seriously! I'm going to send out
holiday cards to everyone I know.
If I start now, it won't be too much of a project. Just a couple of cards every day and, before long, I'll have them all sent out. 
That will give me time and energy to add a personal note to each card. And, because I'm not trying to do everything at once, it will be easy to keep the notes from being tedious and redundant. Hopefully?!
The other alternative, of course, is a holiday newsletter. Though I used to hate getting them, I can understand just how much they simplify the process. One creative page, detailing a year's worth of our lives. But then there's the supremely difficult decision:
What, exactly, have we done this year that would be interesting to anyone, other than us?
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
Order Now to Guarantee Christmas Delivery
Just a quick reminder that JMark Afghans, etc. doesn't crochet your afghan - or hat, scarf, or shawl - until you order it.
For some of the larger, more involved designs, that means that it takes at least a couple of weeks to finish your order.
If you've been thinking of a special, one-of-a-kind gift for your loved ones - please be sure to order now.
All of our items ship second-day, but - the closer we get to Christmas Day - even the USPS can't guarantee timely delivery.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
Santa!? Please Fix My Truck!
Well, there are only 33 days until Christmas. Therefore, I do believe that it's time to start my list for Santa. Don't want to miss the please-send-me-this deadline since, after all, I have been very good this year. No really - I have!
Everyone knows that Santa is extremely busy, so there's nothing wrong with cutting out pictures or bookmarking websites - just to help out, you know. For example, there are specific Mopar parts involved in repairing a Dodge truck. Can't just slap any old head gasket onto a Dakota Sport (from 1995, 2.5L engine, standard 5-speed transmission), and expect a Christmas miracle. Well, one can hope, but how practical is that?
No, it's important to get the specifics just right when sending a request to Santa. And if, by chance, there are a couple of elves with mechanical expertise who would like to spend a little time with us - we wouldn't complain. In fact, we'd be willing to pay handsomely - with all the hot chocolate and sugar cookies they can hold!
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
Do Not Insult the Cell Phone!
For whatever reason, (I just don't ask anymore) Mark decided to inventory
all of the cell phones that we have used, stopped using, and saved over
the years. Hey, it keeps him off the streets and out of my hair, so who am
I to complain? Not to mention, detangling the charger cords keeps him
occupied for hours.
We have discovered, much to our surprise, that it is in no one's best
interest to insult the quality of a Samsung cell phone.
The first phone that Mark pulled from the abyss that is his junk drawer
was a recently purchased, but less than welcome, addition to the
collection. (Both of our sons love Samsungs. Dad does not.) In response
to the phone lying quietly in his hand, he expressed a personal opinion
that the phone was a piece of {fill-in-the-blank} and tossed it back in
the drawer.
After some time spent organizing the remainder of the drawer's contents,
he went back in for the Samsung. It was nowhere to be found! Nowhere at
all!
We have now determined that either the phone or our personal gremlin
took serious offense to the derogatory comment. I wonder if the phone
will ever reappear.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
2010 Arizona Scenery Calendars
Can you believe it?! 2009 is almost over! And, frankly, I am looking forward to the new year!
In honor of what simply
has to be a better year,
JMark Afghans, etc. is offering 2 new calendar designs for 2010.
Jules pulled out some of her favorite Arizona and Grand Canyon pictures, just for these calendars. Each month is a trip to another beautiful scene from the
Grand Canyon State. These images are only available on
JMark Afghans, etc. products at Zazzle. No other place has them!
So, don't wait until the last minute! Beat the rush and get yours today! And spend 2010 in Arizona!
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
Happy Halloween!
BOO! Happy Halloween!
For weeks now, I have been threatening to drag out the Halloween decorations. (We finally got permission from management to put things in the window, a few days ago.) But, here I sit, the morning of the big day, with not a thing out.
Maybe I'll run to the store in a little bit and see what goodies I can find. Nothing wrong with adding new decorations every year. Right? Not to mention, we have zero candy for the little ghosts and goblins. We, actually, can't have it in the house.
With three candy junkies living here, there is no way we'd have anything left by Halloween evening if we bought it even a few days before the magical night. But, because we are connoisseurs, the kids who knock at our door are assured of getting 'the good stuff'. We never buy what we wouldn't eat.
So, Happy Halloween to all. Watch out for those little ballerinas and cowboys when you're out tonight.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
Getting in Shape
I've been trying to find some sort of home exercise equipment, that I can afford and that we can store in our little bit of space. My first thought was a treadmill. So many are small enough to fold and stuff under the bed these days.
Today, I learned about something else - smaller and (to me) very interesting. It's called a dip machine or dip bar or dip station. And it helps focus on upper-body strength. Which, happily, also helps with a less-than-trim waistline.
To start with, it's small. I wouldn't have to worry about where I was going to put it when I wasn't using it. It will fit just about anywhere. Then, much to my surprise, the machine supports a number of different exercises. This is important to me, since my entire body needs work. And I really don't want to have to buy a different piece of equipment for each section of my body.
I need one thing that helps me with a fairly thorough workout. It's out there, I just know it is.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
Okay, Who Turned Out the Lights!?
You know, it seems like just yesterday that I could sit here - working away on the computer - and see what I was doing, well into the evening. What happened?! Oh, yeah. Winter!
No, technically, it's not winter, yet. But this dark-at-five-pm is really annoying!
Just now, for example, I was plugging away at about a hundred online searches, trying to come up with some information I need for a product review. Suddenly, without warning, the whole room was dark! Not just getting-hard-to-see dim, but turn-on-the-lights-or-trip-over-the-furniture dark!
It doesn't help that I know it's only going to get worse until the winter solstice - December 21! That's a full 53 days from now! Fifty-three days of the days getting shorter!
Alright, the earliest sunset actually occurs about 2 weeks before the shortest day. But, that's still 39 days of less and less daylight! Egads!
Where did I put those SAD bulbs?
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
Christmas Wish List
Okay, right after world peace and an end to world hunger and global warming, I know what I want for Christmas!
I'm still shopping for a new laptop and really, really don't like sharing the desktop. But, there's always something else that crops up. Hopefully, next month will be better. In the meantime . . .
We saw the coolest computer set-up on one of the shopping channels. It comes with a 25-inch touch-screen monitor that doubles as a TV tuner! Once I heard that, the rest of the goodies kind of disappeared into the ether.
Can you imagine!? I'm still drooling!
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans
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
