My insurance company doesn't offer RV coverage. They have boat, motorcycle, auto; no RV policies. While that probably keeps my rates down, I guess it does suggest that just any ol' insurer may not be an option. (Steee-rike one!)

The company with the little green guy covers RVs, but (now that I've done a little reading) there are some noticeable differences. And, if I had an RV to insure, those differences could be real deal-breakers. Not to mention, major budget-killers. (Steee-rike two!)

The biggest disconnect I noticed was related to when the season was over and the RV was off the road. From what I can tell, and I could have missed something, only one of the companies reduces coverage - and cost - when the motor home is parked for the winter. (It wasn't the caveman-insulter.) (And, she's outta here!)

Obviously, looking at three insurers doesn't offer a complete picture or every available option. But I am leaning toward "Choose the guys who know." With savings of up to 53% when you're not on the road - it's hard not to go with the proven hitter.

Leaving loved ones scrambling to cover final expenses is a very real risk for those without insurance. For Mark or me, that's pretty much our biggest concern. A young couple, just starting their family, will have a lot more to consider when choosing a policy.

Term life works for us. Pick a term: 10, 20, 30 years. Premiums don't go up; coverage is guaranteed. We don't need a huge policy, so the monthly cost is (probably) manageable.

That young family? Not so simple. They'll be facing a long list of issues, should something happen to mom or dad. How will one of them pay for their kids' education? What about the house? Will mom be able to pay the mortgage if dad dies? If mom stayed home, who'll care for the kids when she's gone? All of these situations need to be planned for and coverage carefully chosen.

No, these aren't pleasant thoughts. But ... "Life is Uncertain. Plan for the Worst."

1. Frequently attributed to Ernestine Ulmer and cited in print since 1986, the phrase was trademarked by a Denver business in 1993 and a NYC bake shop in 2000.

New Toolbar

The Wibiya toolbar was the next goodie I stumbled across. (Frankly, I'm still not sure how I found it, but it is tremendous fun.) From here, you can update your Twitter or Facebook status, search JMark Afghans and the web, subscribe to our feed, share a favorite article, read recent or random posts, and translate a page.

We do a number of posts about animals and the environment and shopping and ... well, lots of things. Want to read more of those posts? Easy! Just type your topic in the search field and - in the blink of an eye - you'll get a list of everything we've done about Arizona.

I guess what I love most is that it's not a static toolbar. At any time, I can (and probably will) add more 'toys'. Great fun for me. Hope you love it, too.

Blog Format

Maybe it's the decluttering we've been doing around the apartment, but I found myself seriously pruning the Random Musings page formats this month. There just seemed to be too much ... everything, especially on the front page.

The fonts feel cleaner and excess 'stuff' is now gone. And I must admit, I really like the results.

More importantly, what do you think? Love it? Hate it? Don't actually care?

Feel free to give us your opinion. That's what them-thar-comments are all about.

The way I understand it, with so few jobs and so many needing work, employers are ratcheting up the requirements for their open positions. Some companies are even going so far as to head-hunt the employed, rather than consider those who are currently out of work. If that doesn't make your blood boil, I don't know what will.

What does this mean for people like our 21-year-old? He has some job skills, but hasn't worked in months. How is he going to find work that will cover rent and food and utilities and transportation costs? How, exactly, will he ever get - and stay - independent?

Some coaches and advisors are suggesting that people with less than stellar skillsets go back to school and improve their options. The only problem I see with that is finding a way to pay for school. Grants and loans are, if I understand right, as difficult to find as jobs.

It's a horrible situation and doesn't look to improve any time soon. Heaven help us all.

Trying to prioritize my wish-list, I started with processor details. Okay, I actually started with prices. Despite the fact that Frankie is toting around something that retailed between cha-ching! and Good-Golly-Miss-Molly and makes me drool everytime I look at the screen, I was neither able nor willing to part with that kind of cash. That eliminated, right off the top, a huge range of options.

Having narrowed the options, I went back to considering processors. A notebook that bogs down with 2 windows open is not going to help me get my work done. I've been known to have at least 2 windows and upwards of 8 tabs open at any given time. When you can smell the processor fighting to function, you know you're in trouble.

With mini-laptops, the usual processor is something from Intel called Atom. And while I prefer AMD processors, it didn't seem that I was going to get the same power from either option in the netbook realm. While probably untrue in some cases, I wasn't sure I wanted to risk getting something that wouldn't do what I needed.

Memory was my other big concern, since I'd been spending time battling to get games to play, pages to load, and Firefox to function. The netbooks, notebooks, and laptops I found all offered at least 1GB of RAM, so that wasn't the problem I had expected. Although, I did find that the ones in my price range weren't expandable. The RAM it came with was all I would ever have - good to know.

When push came to shove and all of the pieces and parts were considered, I just didn't think I'd be happy with an Acer Netbook or a Presario Mini-Laptop. Not when I could get a full-sized version with a processing system that I knew would do the job and a keyboard that wasn't scrunched into a very small footprint. I suppose, if I travelled with my computer, the smaller notebook / netbook would have it's advantages.

For sitting at home, working on three or four projects at a time, I just needed more bang for the buck. So far, I'm really happy with my choice; so happy that we're thinking of replacing the desktop with another laptop.

I'd love to hear what you use and why. Desktop or laptop? Netbook or notebook? Large footprint or smallish? How did you decide on what you have. Is it working for you? Or are you making do because shopping for a new computer is just a serious pain in the neck?

Credit: acobox.com

Priorities are critical, followed - closely - by a livable schedule. You have to determine what you want (or need) to do, when you want to have it done, and how you're going to fit all of this into your day - without giving up sleep and sanity. I have to be strict with myself because, without self-imposed structure, I am really good at starting something, applying myself with great intensity, and ... Squirrel!!

'Nuff said.

Everyone has different needs, goals, and tolerances. But getting organized has some basic steps that anyone can adapt to those needs and goals. For me, there is a specific order that makes sense. Feel free to use these in any order that works for you.

What Needs Doing

Before I can go any further with organization, I have to know what I'm organizing. Nothing, at this point, has any more importance than anything else. It is simply a list of what I need to get accomplished in a given day, week, month, or year. For my life:

Seems like an odd collection at first blush, but I believe everything has to be looked at. This is a flexible process. If you forget something now, it can always be added later.

How Often Does It Need Doing

Not everything needs to be dealt with every day. But some things do. Knowing this is critical to putting together a workable schedule / organizational plan. For example, as I've mentioned in previous posts, we live in an area inundated by vehicle exhaust. Some of my urgent cleaning issues won't apply to you; some of yours won't apply to me. My timeframes may well be different as well, but you get the idea. For my life:

* These daily chores are dependent on assignments and orders. Obviously, if I don't have an assignment from Company A or B, or an afghan order, I don't need to worry about them. But, knowing there will eventually be work, I have to consider time to get it completed. I can't always drop everything else for one project.

Putting It On The Calendar

The daily stuff is easy, it just needs to be (in my case) plugged into the same time or order every day. I will never get anything done if I don't make a habit of it. So for me:

There are tasks that can be taken care of at the same time. Such as computer maintenance and web site updates, while I'm doing laundry. Others need their own dedicated times, since (for example) I can't do anything else while my nails are wet.

Being a non-fan of daytime TV, I schedule the jobs that will keep me away from the TV or that require my full attention during the day. But, there are shows that I never miss in the evening, so I schedule the tasks that will still get done, even if I'm watching, for those times. I can crochet and keep up with Haven or Warehouse 13.

Grocery shopping gets done, due to pay schedules, on the 4th or 5th of every month. I pay some bills, for the same reason, on the 15th. Others are automatically deducted from my account and don't require thought or scheduling. (Well, as long as there's money in the account. {wink} )

Where Is It Getting Done

Credit: acobox.com

Dedicating a space for work is seriously helpful. We have a desk, but I've never used it because I've always owned laptops. That means I can do my online work from just about anywhere in the house.

I can't, however, get privacy from just about anywhere in the house. It's incredibly helpful to physically separate work from the rest of your life, especially if you live with people who have issues with boundaries. Setting up 'an office' - even if it's sitting on the bed, instead of in the recliner, indicates "I'm not playing right now; I'm working." (See 'Getting Cooperation')

Fine-Tuning The Schedule

Putting everything on the calendar looks and feels great. It's incredibly wonderful to have life a little more organized. But what if it isn't working? Things are on the schedule, but they aren't getting done. Then, what? Well, you revisit the process, as often as necessary, until it works for you.

The joy of a schedule is that it can be changed. First, give it time to become a habit. Then, if you find that some things never get done or don't get done well, it's time to consider why.

Hate cleaning - find a way to hire a service (my personal fantasy). For me, if I clean first, it gets done. If I start anything else before the cleaning, it'll never get done because I'll get 'too busy' (read: I don't want to do it).

What if it's a paid job that is getting neglected? This is not a small problem. If you are under contract, you could get into a lot of trouble for not following through. Basically, you have to look at why you're avoiding the work, and either suck it up or find a way to drop the job.

I had trouble with one blogging company: late payments and accusations of errors in my work, when (in fact) they'd made errors in the assignment instructions. The money was minimal and it was the only job that stressed me out. I could either accept the behavior or stop taking assignments. After stepping back and assessing the situation, the solution was simple.

Getting Cooperation

Another issue with working at home, unless you live alone, can be the other people in the house. Sitting at the laptop, in the recliner (in my case), doesn't tell anyone what I'm doing at the moment. When the assumption is that I'm playing video games, they feel free to interrupt -- frequently.

If you have this problem, let them know that between the hours of X and Y it's work, not play. Lather, rinse, repeat - until the message is received. Or set up a spot where all you do is work (See 'Where Is It Getting Done') and interruptions are not allowed unless body parts are on fire or there's massive bleeding. Eventually, they'll get it and you'll be able to function. (Of course, if interruptions don't bother you - Pfft! at you - and I am so envious.)

Frankly, I can't compose articles and posts with someone going "Ooh, look! Isn't this cool!?" while they're blasting videos or shoving a cell phone in my face. I can't multi-task at that level and fun will always trump work. As Mark often says, "Know what I mean?"

One caveat: Make sure you're working at what you claim, before demanding solitude, or your credibility will go out the window and the family won't believe they can't interrupt you whenever they want. (Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.)

Bottom Line

Working from home requires discipline and cooperation. Given our situation, I really can't imagine any other way. I can't be gone 8 hours a day; even 4 hours would be pushing it. And it is a tremendous luxury to be able to be around to care for a spouse or relative, and still generate income.

Nonetheless, there are days when clocking in at an office for a few hours still looks like the better deal. And part of me misses the interaction with other people. (An issue with working at home that has nothing to do with being organized.)

Then, I remember all of the times that Mark brainstormed with me for an article subject or helped fine-tune a post that was giving me fits and I know that I have it pretty darned good. I do what I want, when I want. And I get paid. It just takes a little more planning and communication to make it flow smoothly.

This year, the global issue is Water.

Right now, almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water. That’s one in eight of us.

Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of diseases and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Children are especially vulnerable, as their bodies aren't strong enough to fight diarrhea, dysentery and other illnesses.??90% of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and unhygienic living conditions are to children under five years old. Many of these diseases are preventable. The UN predicts that one tenth of the global disease burden can be prevented simply by improving water supply and sanitation.

But, water moves beyond just a human rights issue. It’s an environmental issue. An animal welfare issue. A sustainability issue. Water is a global issue, deserving a global conversation.

If you have a blog and would like to help, please take a moment to register and join the effort.

Rob said it best, so (at the risk of giving him delusions) I'll just quote him:

"Here’s a Nice “Global Warming” Stat

The donations to Rachel’s fund have come from pretty much across the planet… a fact that continues to impress me. The most recent one was from Romania (the third from that country alone). She’s gotten assistance now from Singapore, the UK, Canada, Australia, France, India, and even exotic places like California, Massachusetts and Oregon. There are few areas of the globe not represented so far."

The holidays are fast approaching. In this universal time of giving, what better way to warm the world than a handmade afghan for a loved one and a generous donation for Got-Marrow.org - with one simple order? Working together, we can, literally, share the warmth of caring hearts and helping hands with a wonderul young lady and her family.

I can't imagine what Rachel is going through, although she does a wonderful job of sharing her day-to-day ups and downs. To be so young, not yet 25, and facing this fight for the third time would definitely damage my attitude. But not Rachel; she just keeps on keepin' on.

It is easy to imagine how welcome well wishes and encouraging comments must be. Why not stop by and share - happy thoughts, prayers, news from your part of the world - anything to cheerfully distract, if only for a short while, from the nausea, pain, and worse that is often Rachel's daily routine?

Cancer is an equal opportunity pain-in-the-ahem - or lungs or bones or colon or bloodstream. And, while chemotherapy may (currently) be the first best cancer-attack weapon, it isn't exactly a walk in the park or a trip to DisneyWorld. That Rachel can - from the hospital, in the midst of this horrible treatment - share her life with the world is incredible to me.

Orson Welles is my favorite narrator. Long have I admired his velveteen voice as he delivers wonderful monologues on various alien perils and the dangers of capitalism. Yet his crowning role was not in a film, a television show, or a jabbering anecdote on an old time radio show. His greatest achievement was his narration of my favorite mini series of all time, Shogun.

Like many occidental men who have long since admired the east, Shogun is a fictional account of a deep seeded desire. To the west Japan is a world that is as exotic as the blooming cherry blossom, and as honorable as the warrior samurai. We bask in the mythology of Japan, the idea of sword duels and zen gardens and tentacle cartoon porn. Back then, before the days of the internet, these opportunities were few. This is why Shogun was such a seminal piece of television. Through the eyes of lead actor Richard Chamberlain, it brought about a whole new fetish into the cognitive perception of modern society. Shogun was Madame Butterfly and Akira Kurosawa wrapped into a single warm futon. Shogun was about breaking the boundaries of sexuality in dialogue. Shogun even introduced the word "piss" into the television lexicon. It was nothing short of groundbreaking.

Like all classic mini series, Shogun can be seen on vintage networks available on satellite TV Florida.

This afternoon, while checking email for an entirely different reason (which now escapes me), I found another message from O.N.Z.C.D.A. A website is not a static thing; done well, it grows and changes with regularity. Therefore, I am never 100% done (or satisfied) with the pages and fully expected to be politely rejected for an award.

Imagine my surprise to find that not only had JMark Afghans been presented an award - we received a Gold Award! With huge thanks to the person who nominated us and O.N.Z.C.D.A., who appreciated and rewarded our hard work, I would like to share our latest award and the kind words from the award program (copied below).

Sep 22, 2010

"There is an afghan waiting here for you; something that cries 'Cuddle up with me!' Won't you have a look?"

What is an afghan? This well constructed, easy to navigate, theme and style consistent web site provides the answer in the display and sale of quality afghans (hand-crocheted (or knitted) throws or blankets.) You can even design your own afghan style using their special order option that picks up where their styles leave off. Just give them your ideal size, pattern idea and colors and they will work with you to create a design that's perfect for any occasion. A relaxing site visit and well deserving of bookmarking.

Congratulations from O.N.Z.C.D.A Staff.
http://www.onzcda.com/ap/

O.N.Z.C.D.A. Award Program Ratings: Award Sites - Level 5.0+ Elite, WebsAwards - Level 5.0, U.W.S.A.G - Level 6.0, B.E.I - Level 10.0, Awards Treasure Chest - Level 5.0, A.W.A.R.D - Level 6.0, Wsaptronic - Level 6.0 Elite, Elite Award Index Level 7.0 and Eutoda Acadamy of Fine Awards Level 6.0.

Now, I'm not saying that us old-folks shouldn't try everything we can to feel and look as healthy as we possibly can. Good diet, exercise, plenty of water - all great ideas.

And in our youth, many of us could easily burn off the pizza, fries, or milk shake calories. We came to expect that we would always have that metabolic zoom. I think that companies offering products like natural male enhancement supplements and magic skin elixirs pounce on that deeply ingrained expectation.

We don't want to believe that we can't burn off that extra slice of pizza or large chocolate shake (Okay, now I'm hungry!) simply by breathing. But, most of us can't after about age 35, and there just aren't any shortcuts to being and looking healthy. It takes work.

As we age, our bodies don't work quite the same as they did when we were 25. It's natural, if regrettable. Popping supplements just isn't the answer.

If it were, every medical center and pharmaceutical company in the world would be shouting the news from the roof tops. Since they aren't, I'm guessing those magic little pills are no more effective than a placebo - in most cases. What do you think?

With the exception of a daily multiple vitamin, do you use any supplements that have actually worked? What have you tried that didn't work so well? Feel free to share your experiences and opinions.

It's not that the new operating system is complex; just, well, new. And the Acer Aspire does have some pretty incredible bells and whistles. Probably more than I need and, definitely, more than I know how to use. The keyboard, however, is driving me cuckoo.

You see, it has a 10-key on the right side. Which, while one of the reasons I ordered this model, is presenting me with whole new levels of frustration. Because of the built-in keypad, everything else is shifted, not so slightly, to the left.

I, being a creature of habit who is hardwired into but-this-is-how-I-always-{fill in any activity}, continue to position my hands and my brain squarely in the middle of the keyboard. (A friend of ours, who just happens to be a physician, just happened to mention OCD the other day. Just ... casually, you know; in passing. Can't imagine why.)

So, I'm relearning how to type, keep forgetting I have a keypad, and really have to get busy. Somehow, having a laptop with better memory and graphics just makes me want to play all the games that wouldn't run on the ThinkPad.

Hmmm. Didn't see that one coming?!

Our light bulbs are low-energy, we don't buy bottled water (we own a faucet-mount filter), and we keep the lights off in empty rooms. I prefer bleach for disinfecting and good old soap and hot water still gets our hands clean. It's not that we're militant. More that we try to do our part, as best we can.

I think we fall short when it comes to our cleaning and laundry supplies; something I hadn't really thought about until I discovered a book with recipes for making natural products. Truly, vinegar, baking soda, borax (I think that was one of the ingredients), natural oils and plant extracts are much cheaper than the chemical-laden items on the store shelves. And we don't have to worry about what we're washing into our ecosystem when we clean the sink or launder our unmentionables.

Drugstore.com understands that many, many consumers prefer products that don't harm the environment or fill us full of chemicals. There are more eco-friendly options on the market than I'm familiar with, I'm sure. (Another area where we could improve.) TheNaturalStore.com - with natural choices for health, home, family, and beauty - is designed to take the guesswork out of responsible shopping.

It doesn't matter whether you're looking for tarte cosmetics (new to me, but intriguing) or Burt's Bees (have you tried these?) or Seventh Generation (one of my favorites, but hard to find in my neighborhood), TheNaturalStore.com has what you need. Did you know that there are chlorine-free diapers? I didn't, but I love that someone created them.

What are your favorite 'green' products? Are there companies that you avoid, because of their environmentally abusive practices? Share your eco-tips and tricks. Heaven knows, unless you're living in the woods off the land, we can all find a little bit better way to protect our environment and ourselves.

From January 1 through December 31, 2010, for each Fan or Like of the Pedigree® Adoption Drive on Facebook, a bowl of food will be donated to shelters across the United States. Pretty cool, right? Well, it gets better.

I just learned that Pedigree is seriously rising to the occasion. From September 16 - 19, 2010, for every blog that posts about the Pedigree® Adoption Drive , Pedigree is donating a 20 lb. bag of dog food to animal shelters. That's all it takes - a post, sharing the plight of shelter animals and how the Adoption Drive is helping.

BlogPaws bloggers are hosting a BlogHop (cool, cool concept that was totally new to me) to get the word out and collect links so that no effort goes unrewarded. It's really amazingly simple:

Have a blog? Write a Post about the Pedigree® Adoption Drive.

Yup! That's it. No secret handshake; no annual dues or membership fees; no muss and no fuss. You don't even have to be a pet blogger.

If you don't have a blog, share the news with friends, family, neighbors, the guy at the corner store - anyone and everyone you know. Post a link on Twitter - Life With Dogs and Two Little Cavaliers have a lot of information and links available.

Oh, there is one small detail - be sure to add your blog post to the list (link below), so Pedigree doesn't miss a single effort.

Having a website guarantees that ... well, actually it doesn't guarantee anything. Without some work, those beautiful pages selling your wonderful products will just exist - sight unseen - on the WWW. You know they're there; your family and friends know they're there. The rest of the world? Not so much.

To become successful (read: make money), a site has to have customers. To become customers, Internet surfers have to be able to find the site. (A bit like needing experience to get a job to get experience to get a job...) Getting your site found is where the web directory submission process comes into play.

By suggesting or submitting that amazing new site to Internet directories, you increase the chances that shoppers will find your online business. Of course, there are many other things to consider - and do - before you have an award-winning online enterprise with customers beating down your virtual doors. Helping them find you is a really great place to start.

Of course, every affiliate, and every marketing company, wants to make money. Otherwise, why join a network or program. Admittedly, we do write about all manner of products - affiliated or not. If we like them, we tend to tell everyone about them.

I'm not certain I could commit to offering items on our site or blog that were of questionable value. For example, we are often contacted by online-gambling sites that want to place ads on JMark Afghans. That will just never happen. We don't believe in supporting potentially addicting / personally damaging products.

There are plenty of places on the Internet that will sell anything for a buck. We like to think we do a little better than that. Hope you do, too.

This relocation came about because, frankly, online shopping, online insurance quotes, online news, online anything does not limit me to when I can shop, get information I need, or just research the latest diabetes news. Plus, it's so roomy.

Think about it! Instead of a one-bedroom apartment at outrageous rates, I can have a spacious home (website), with as many rooms (webpages) as I like, for mere pennies a day. And I can add as much space (content) as I want without contractors, building permits, and construction debris.

So, if you're in the neighborhood - have your avatar IM my avatar. We'll share a byte.

Let's be a little more precise. Not just cookie-cutter, you-really-need-this-product information that can be found on any of a dozen (or more) web pages. But unbiased, scientific - preferably, peer-reviewed - details for which someone actually takes responsibility.

I did manage, in my hunt for facts on the ingredients in Apidexin, to stumble across a site that actually offered pictures and bios for the people who (allegedly) wrote their diet supplement reviews. One site, that mentioned a negative BBB rating and lack of clinical trials for this product.

However, they failed to disclose their own affiliation with several diet supplements. Not to mention, none of the articles / reviews were signed or dated. So close.

And yet? Not much of an improvement. Guess it's back to square one.

Cancer is a strange cell.
You can go along for years in remission
and then one day it pops its head up again.
Pray for the day there will be a permanent cure.

Prayer is a marvelous thing - trust me. When Mark was dying, people around the country started prayer circles on his behalf. Amazing things happened.

Those amazing things included the liver transplant that saved his life. They included support from places and people we didn't know - which kept our spirits and our hopes out of the basement. It could be considered miracles happening. I, personally, don't know.

I do know that the people around us made some major efforts to reach out and help. Emails, phone calls, an incredible collection of inspirational CDs from the sister of a friend. We were surrounded by love and support.

Recently, I was introduced (via the Internet) to Rachel Hunnicutt-Knight, a young lady - younger than my own children - who is battling cancer for the third time in her short life. Diagnosed with ALL at 14, she has done everything (as has her family) to have a reasonably normal life - school, work, marriage, family - while undergoing treatment.

After years of remission, the Big C came back recently. Not only came back, but settled in her bone marrow. The best, and only hope, is a transplant. Luckily Rachel has insurance through her job.

Unluckily, the co-pay for that transplant is $80,000! Seriously! 80K! as a co-pay! But that isn't carved in stone - it could be much higher.

If that weren't insulting enough, the co-pay (that could be any amount - starting at $80,000) - must be raised before the insurance company will consider paying for the bone marrow transplant. This $80K involves Rachel and/or her family paying all of the expenses for the donor - of which they have found (last I heard) 2 perfect matches.

Okay, that isn't the final insult, much as I wish it were.

Rachel is currently going through chemo - again - apparently another requirement before the transplant will be considered. No offense - okay, yes I'm offended - but at what point is the insurance company going to stop punishing this amazing young lady by insisting on chemotherapy, when they could be putting their money where it belongs?! - A possible cure!?

So, yes, pray for this family. Put all of your mental energy behind ensuring that the right things happen. But every day, there is a need for support and friendship and, for everyone who can to share. Visit Got-Marrow.org. I'm not asking that you give financially - but it would be tremendous if you could. Give of your heart. Encourage and support Rachel - who has been through this so many times, and still hasn't given up.

According to the US Population Clock, there are 310,069,018 (and counting) people in the United States. If everyone gave $0.01 - that's right a penny for everyone in the United States - we could raise enough to cover the co-pay. And maybe just enough to keep Rachel and her family financially safe.

Unlike the recently publicized scam artist who claimed to have cancer and personally went running around the Internet to get money from people - Rachel didn't start this campaign or ask for this help. A friend of the family - Rob Jones, my hero - saw the need and created a way for all of us to help.

So, what are you waiting for!?

The other big issue is knowing which repair shop can be trusted. When our truck started overheating, we took it to a (supposedly) reputable chain. They replaced the thermostat and charged us plenty.

When the situation didn't improve, we called back. It was only then that we were told that 'old girl' had a blown head gasket. A new thermostat did nothing and they knew it. In fact, this probably made the situation worse, since we continued to drive the truck instead of getting the proper repairs done.

Today, I ran across a repair site that seems different. First, whether you're looking for Houston auto repair services or a tune-up specialist in Evans, Colorado - this is the place to start. RepairPal offers nationwide information and is not owned by or affiliated with any manufacturer, dealership, facility, or parts provider.

Second, they have a huge list of vehicles. So whether you own an Acura Integra or a Dodge Dakota that really needs some mechanic love and attention, you're going to be able to find yours. Fine-tune it down to the engine size, so you know that the estimates are accurate. (Who needs a quote for repairs on a 6-cylinder Dakota, when they own a 4-cylinder?)

Then, we get to the fun part - what work / repairs does your 'baby' need? I was amazed at the available detail. It took me no time at all to zoom in on Head Gasket(s) Replacement. And it doesn't matter where you start - repair, location, or vehicle. The site is that flexible.

My only concern is the rating system. It's a 5-star process, based on consumer reviews. Unfortunately, the few reviews I read sounded suspiciously similar. After 2 or 3 that ended with some version of "my mechanics for life," I started to wonder.

There may be some 'canned' reviews, which does bother me. However, one of the shops listed for our area had a dozen comments, spanning about 11 months, that appear to be from consumers who have used them for many years. I guess it's always a bit of a gamble, but RepairPal still seems like a good place to start.

Being a mom is not for the faint of heart!

When the new school year is on the horizon that is when I know that the dreaded school clothes shopping trips are drawing near. I love my children, but dragging them through store after store to try on different clothes is no walk in the park. Thankfully, because of the miracle of technology, I can now do the shopping that myself, and my children have grown to hate, at home!

All I have to do is fire up my HughesNet internet, and all my favorite stores are just a click away. I find oldnavy.com is one of my favorite places to land the great bargains I need, and the styles that my children are excited to wear.

When I am looking for shoes, my first stop is shoesontheweb.com. They offer a HUGE selection and great discounts on the most popular name brands. They also offer free shipping and reviews of all of the shoes on their site so I can make an informed decision before I buy. Jcpenney.com is also one of my favorites. Their sizing guides make getting the right items easy, and they offer super bargains on clothes and great deals on free shipping.

So fellow moms unite! Let us say goodbye to in store shopping and embrace our inner cyber shopper!

It was actually a lot simpler than I thought and I was not quite as ignorant as I feared (both good). By general definition, tack is the equipment used on a domesticated horse. This covers saddles, bridles, reins, harnesses, bits, stirrups, and halters.

But that isn't as cut-and-dried as it sounds. There are dressage saddles, show saddles, trail saddles, English saddles, youth saddles, and Western saddles. (And probably some I missed.) Bridles, stirrups, bits, halters, and martingales have similar options. And then there are the items that complete the riding set-up, such as girths, saddle pads and blankets, stirrup leathers and pads ... and ... and ...

And ... all of those options are just to be able to ride a horse. Don't even get me started on what it takes to care for that horse. Yup, my friend is a wonder woman!

Today I found one answer and it's actually rather interesting. The companies that want your business, join a service that collects all of these requests from their affiliate sites. After the service verifies that the information is valid - no fake emails or names - their customers can purchase the leads and send out their auto insurance quotes. Or mortgage refi information or financial services deals; whatever their products might be.

At first I thought - Oh, no! Dozens of people will call and email! - and maybe with some services it happens that way. However, EquiLeads seems different. They only offer each request-for-information lead to three companies. So, I don't have 50 companies bugging me and the companies aren't competing against everyone in their industry.

All in all, it sounds like they've got the right idea. From start to finish, everyone gets what they need.

From what I read, contaminated doesn't necessarily mean debris, dirt, or such. The term, in this case, seems to indicate supplements with ingredients that pose potentially serious health risks. Consumer Reports lists 12 specific 'natural' items whose "potential dangers include liver and kidney damage, heart rhythm disorders and unhealthy blood pressure levels."

Those ingredients, with a brief description, are:

1. Aconite: Aconitum is a genus of flowering plant whose species include monkshood and wolfsbane. Highly toxic, it is used - after extensive detoxification or in extremely small doses - in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. Untreated, even small amounts may be fatal.
2. Bitter Orange: Commonly used in marmalades, an extract from this fruit and its peel has amphetamine metabolites similar to those in the banned ephedra. These metabolites can cause rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Reports have shown increased incidence of strokes and angina, lack of effectiveness in weight loss, and risks similar to those found in ephedra.
3. Chaparral: Larrea tridentata is a flowering plant also called creosote bush. Used by Native Americans to treat a variety of conditions, it may be safe in small amounts. However, FDA and Health Canada have confirmed reports of liver damage related to this supplement.
4. Colloidal Silver: A suspension of microscopic silver particles reputed to treat any number of diseases and conditions. Long-term use can lead to a condition called Argyria, where the silver salts deposit in the skin, eyes, and internal organs, turning the skin bluish-grey. In 2002, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration determined that there was no evidence to support therapeutic claims and the risks of silver toxicity and bacterial resistance to silver outweighed any value in trying an unproven therapy.
5. Coltsfoot: Tussilago farfara is a low, perennial herb originally used in the treatment of coughs and bronchial congestion. However, a study in Japan determined that the flowers, leaves, and roots of the plant contain a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, easily extracted in hot water, that is highly toxic to the liver. Even small doses are unhealthy and may have a cumulative effect.
6. Comfrey: Symphytum officinale, a perennial shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia, is used to treat wounds and inflammation associated with sprains and broken bones. However it, like Coltsfoot, contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which have been proven damaging to the liver and possibly fatal. The US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany have banned oral products containing Comfrey.
7. Country Mallow: Sida cordifolia is a perennial subshrub native to India used, primarily, to treat respiratory ailments. Containing Ephedrine, the amphetamine-like alkaloid also found in ephedra, it may cause high blood pressure, heart attacks, seizures, and strokes. Country Mallow is banned in the United States.
8. Germanium: Germanium is a naturally occurring element found in shittake mushrooms, garlic, tuna, pan fish, and tomato juice. Touted as a treatment for cancer, HIV and AIDS, and arthritis, supplements have proven toxic to the kidneys, liver, bone marrow, and nervous system. Even small doses, due to cumulative effects, have caused death.
9. Greater Celandine: Chelidonium majus, a member of the poppy family, is native to Europe and western Asia. Historically, it has been used to treat asthma, bronchitis, gallstones, and toothache. Due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids, the plant is toxic even in moderate doses and has been implicated in liver damage.
10. Kava: Piper methysticum, a western Pacific crop with sedating properties, has been used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Only the roots are used in traditional preparations. Some reports found that long-term use elevated liver enzymes and supplements, believed to contain stem peelings and leaves, have been shown to be toxic to the liver.
11. Lobelia: Lobelia inflata, a flowering plant also called Indian Tobacco, has historically been used by Native Americans to treat a variety of respiratory conditions. Believed to be similar to nicotine, it was often used as a nicotine substitute. Toxic in moderate to large doses, it can cause side effects from nausea to convulsions and coma.
12. Yohimbe: Pausinystalia yohimbe is an evergreen tree found in western Africa. Extracts from the bark were traditionally used to treat fever, coughs, leprosy, and as an aphrodisiac. However, the alkaloid yohimbine causes a dangerous rise in blood pressure and anxiety.

Although some of these products are banned, they are easily found online; imported from countries that allow their manufacture and use. As supplements are not regulated, it is impossible to know how much of any ingredient is in a preparation. Or, in the case of Kava, which part of the plant was used in manufacturing.

Herbalists and alternative medicine practitioners understand and believe in the effectiveness of herbs and extracts - when used properly. One web site I visited felt that Comfrey had been unfairly banned. She may be right; I'm no herbalist. And, while only the oral supplements are banned, there is concern that topical use could result in similar risks to the liver if improperly applied to broken skin.

Then, there are possible interactions - with OTC or prescription medications, or with one's diet. Obviously, combining Country Mallow or Bitter Orange with caffeine or caffeine-like products would increase the effects of both. For a serious coffee drinker (several cups per day), taking either of these supplements could elevate their heart rate and blood pressure to possibly dangerous levels.

For people who drink alcohol or smoke, the toxic affects of acetaminophen on the liver are already increased. Add an herb such as Greater Celandine or Coltsfoot or Yohimbe and the potential for liver damage is even greater. In someone who already has liver disease or impaired liver function, these combinations could have catastrophic outcomes.

It is possible, with the guidance of an expert in botanical or alternative medicine, to safely use herbs and extracts. The problem arises when products are thrown together, dumped on the Internet, and touted as treatments and cures - without clinical evidence or even accurate information as to what they contain. Risks outweigh benefits, so very many times.

The supplement information above is a brief overview of data found on a variety of Internet web sites. It is presented for informational purposes, only. As always, consult with a medical professional for complete information on any medication or supplement.

Before you jump to conclusions, let me tell you a little about Rachel Hunnicutt-Knight. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 14, she has battled this disease through chemo, high school, and an attempt at a normal life. Rachel worked, healed, grew up, married, and gave birth to a daughter. After 7 years of remission, the leukemia returned.

For the last 2 years, she has been in remission treatment. However, tests show that the cancer has now spread to her bone marrow. The only answer is a transplant. Rachel is employed; she has insurance, which will cover the surgery - with a co-pay of an estimated $80,000.

She doesn't have that kind of money; neither does her family. This is why my friend - and theirs - has stepped up to enlist our help.

Here - very simply - is what I am asking from you:

• Please visit www.got-marrow.org.
• Give if, and whatever, you can.
• Leave your good wishes for Rachel and her family. Never underestimate the power of positive energy.
• Share links to www.got-marrow.org everywhere you visit,
  Tweet and Retweet Got Marrow on Twitter,
  Fan Got Marrow on Facebook,
  If you have a blog or a website, show your support with a note and a link.

And here - very simply - is what I am doing. Starting today, and continuing until Rachel is physically and financially out of the woods:

• JMark Afghans, etc. is donating 15% of every purchase to Got-Marrow.org

Scammers and spammers use the Internet every day to cheat, steal, and threaten our online safety. Let's see how much good we can do, instead. Please help us help this family.

(Although I haven't confirmed it, I believe that my complex/ISP is blocking access to anything with 'data torrent' in the name. Oops - anything with 'torrent' as any part of the word, including 'torrential' and 'torrentially' and 'torrential floods' and 'torrential downpour'. All other searches work.)

Anyway, back to FB and data security. The security consultant who collected information from 171 million Facebook users supposedly only pulled public information. That's fine, if you wanted/knew your information was public. If you didn't and you haven't corrected the privacy settings - then that's a problem.

To check, log in to your account:

1. Click on Account, in the upper right corner of your home page;
2. Choose Privacy Settings from the drop-down menu;
3. Under Basic Directory Information, click on View Settings ;
   • Items tagged Everyone are, in a nutshell, public;
   • Anything you don't want to 'broadcast' should be changed to Friends, or at least Friends of Friends ;
4. Not sure what shows or what to change? Choose Preview My Profile on the top right:
   • This will show you what information on your profile is public / viewable to strangers;
   • Anything you don't want to 'broadcast' should be changed to Friends, or at least Friends of Friends ;
5. Don't log-off - we have more to check.

Another security / privacy issue on Facebook is enabled Public Search. What this means is that Google and Bing and Yahoo - and all those happy little search engines - have access to everything you post on FB, unless you tell them NO!

To do that:

1. Click on Account, in the upper right corner of your home page;
2. Choose Privacy Settings from the drop-down menu;
3. Under Applications and Websites (lower left), click Edit your settings ;
4. Under Public Search (last option), click Edit Settings ;
   • If Enable Public Search is checked, uncheck it to remove search engine access to your information.
5. Don't log-off - we have more to check.

Lastly, the information you place on Facebook is only as secure as the settings of your friends. While you could ask them all to tighten their security, that probably wouldn't happen - leaving your data exposed through their settings, posts, and gameplay. So, let's just place a few limits - for them - and Facebook's Partners.

1. Click on Account, in the upper right corner of your home page;
2. Choose Privacy Settings from the drop-down menu;
3. Under Applications and Websites (lower left), click Edit your settings ;
4. Under Info accessible through your friends, click Edit your settings ;
   • On the pop-up, uncheck everything that you don't want visible - to games and websites - through your friends;
   • Be sure to SAVE your changes .
5. Under Instant Personalization, click Edit your settings ;
   • If Enable instant personalization on partner websites is checked, uncheck it to remove FB Partner access to your information.

You are now done, to the best of my knowledge, protecting your information and your privacy on Facebook. At least until there's another update and everything resets. {sigh}

eBillme attempts to help by connecting merchants, banks, and shoppers. It's an interesting idea, down to the online coupons and cash-back options. Just order, select eBillme to pay, and you're done. More or less.

To take advantage of online coupons, you have start shopping from eBillme. The list of participating merchants seems extensive, so it shouldn't keep you from finding what you want. And the search function works pretty well.

Now, the fun part. Click on a coupon / offer and eBillme connects to the merchant site. The one I tested popped up a code that had to be used. Be ready to write it down - it doesn't stay there long!

Once you make a selection and start checkout, choose eBillme as the payment method. This is where I ran into some confusion (my fault) - the coupon code didn't work on the merchant site. It had to be entered on the eBillme site.

The merchant I tested then bounced me to an eBillme screen that didn't really do anything. And, no matter what I did, I never made it to a place to finalize my order. A different merchant worked fine, but I wasn't trying to use a coupon on that one. (I thought the first problem was because I was just testing the process, but I'm not sure.)

If you can get the process to work, you should get bounced to eBillme, where you can enter your codes and email information. An invoice will be generated, presented on-screen, then emailed to you for payment. Use your bank's bill-pay system to make payment, which will be forwarded to the merchant, who will ship your order.

My guess? This is not going to happen as quickly as it sounds. Especially the first time. Don't have a bank account? Grab your cash (plus minimum $4.95 processing fee) and head for one of the walk-in payment centers. (We actually have one right across the street!)

These centers appear to take even longer - with a few more steps - between giving up your money and getting your order. Not exactly my first choice. But if you have no other options, it is one way to shop online.

It started with Peter McKay, whom I've mentioned before. His painting post made me grin; the deck awning story had me softly chuckling. My funny bone was itching and twitching, but I was still in control. And Mark was still asleep. Whew!

Then I made a near-fatal error - I started reading Bruce Cameron. 'Tom the Caveman' was amusing; the 'Teenage Boat' touched a chord. If I had stopped there, I'd have been fine. But - No! - I had to continue!

Having never mastered the fine art of moderation, I moved on to 'Feng Shui' and the beginning of the end. Between Larry, the tiger, the dragon, and the in-laws, I was starting to stifle some serious laughter. The bed was beginning to shake; the tears were making it difficult to finish the story and regain a little self-control. But, eventually, I made it and Mark was still asleep.

The '3-D Printer' was the final blow. The bed was bouncing, the tears were flowing. Images of cellphone cases were circling hysterically in my brain and I couldn't stop giggling. Silently, uncontrollably giggling.

All I can say is: it is physically painful to hold back that much laughter. Thank heaven I waited until today to read 'My Father the Dog Trainer.' I'd have killed myself!

Summer is a great time to visit my family in Colorado and this summer I planned the whole trip on the Internet. I decided to use my Internet service Michigan to go online and spent an hour or two researching things I could do while on vacation. Going home as a tourist is always more fun for me than living in the town. I found camping, rafting and hiking trails that peaked my interest.

Booking the hotels was easy. I went to a few websites with HughesNet satellite and compared prices before I made a final reservation. I knew which hotels I liked the best in my small hometown, so I didn't have to research them. I got a multiple day discount and then booked an additional room for my kids, so we could have more room.

I reserved my campgrounds for two days and booked my rafting trip all online as well. Booking these things online is easier than over the phone because they take credit cards online and I don't have to listen to any recordings. Some of the small businesses in the area take a while to return a call if they are out in the field, so booking online guarantees me a spot quickly.

The trip was wonderful and we packed in a ton of mountain activities that we usually wouldn't have done without the research. I was happy to see my family over the summer and know that everything we did was already taken care of, so we didn't have to wonder what we were going to do on a daily basis.

Some blame, I would imagine, falls at the feet of the owner of our complex. I doubt that he is actually shelling out for the best available service. But, to be fair, when our cable and Internet was rolled into our rent, the rent didn't go up. That does count for something.

On an average day I get up, grab coffee, and fire up the laptop. Within the next 60 - 90 minutes, I can count on getting dropped at least 3 times - at least! There are days when it's actually worse - especially if I'm working on something that I consider critical. (I swear sometimes they actually know!)

Then we have the regular daily (for lack of a better term) crap-outs. Between 5:30 and 6:30 - every day - we can count on losing our connections, at least once for at least 5-10 minutes. I'm beginning to think the local techs go to dinner and 'turn out the lights,' as it were.

So, no we don't write a check or pay a bill to our Internet provider. But, trust me! We Pay!

There are either/or selections, nice-but-not-critical applications, and very important functional considerations. In my quest for answers, DVR for DIRECTV got me started by explaining receiver options. Basically, there are two types of service: HD (high definition) and SD (standard definition). Since we have an HDTV, SD service doesn't sound like our best choice.

The specs, not counting image/sound quality differences, are fairly similar. HD-DVR seems to have more bells and whistles, which may be a ploy to grab viewers. Or may simply reflect consumer preferences for HD. Either way, HD receivers will record SD; the reverse is not true.

Another variable, which DVR for Time Warner Cable highlighted, is the ability to compensate for schedule changes. Some DVR systems will find and record programmed shows - in their entirety - even if they change days, times, or run longer than expected. Given network predilection for moving shows around, that could be an invaluable function.

And for sports fans, it may be a gotta-have-this option. Just imagine: you've avoided result broadcasts all day, waiting to sit back, relax, and enjoy that game or race. You get down to the wire - 2 minute warning / white-flag lap - only to find that your recording has been Heidi-bowled ^[1]. It's one thing when the network makes a bone-head broadcast decision. Quite another to inadvertently run out of recording time or memory.

Which leads me to a last, important component: storage capacity. I learned from the stats on DVR for Dish Network, that not all systems are the same. Some have much smaller hard drives, severely limiting how many programs can be recorded before viewing becomes mandatory. Like an enormous VHS tape or DVD, when you're out of room - you're out of programs.

This limitation is even more obvious where HD is concerned. High-definition files are larger than standard-definition and that estimated eighty hours of stored programming drops very quickly to thirty, or less. Unless viewers record today, watch tonight, and delete immediately - size of the hard drive moves to the top of the list.

So, for us, I'm thinking that storage is the decision, followed by HD over SD. Since we follow (or attempt to follow) a few shows that move around a lot, it might be nice to have some of the bells and whistles that eliminate neurotically memorizing the TV schedule, as well.

Although it may seem backward, agents worth their commission will tell you to qualify for a mortgage first. A pre-approved mortgage is proof that your offer is serious, backed by a financial institution, and will go through on acceptance. Knowing what you can afford helps focus the search, once you get down to picking a property. Not to mention, with the current economy, pre-approval may be the only way to get an agent to even talk to you.

In a lender's perfect world, each potential mortgagee has flawless credit, high six-figure income, and 20% of the national debt set aside as a down payment. Naturally, the better your financial situation, the better your mortgage rate will be. But there are workable options for the rest of us average folks who may have some credit issues, a higher debt-to-income ratio, and aren't related to Bloomberg, Armani, or Trump.

Most lending institutions offer the same types of home loans: fixed-rate and adjustable-rate being the most common. Each has risks and benefits which should be clearly defined in advance of any agreement. In addition, these traditional mortgages generally only apply to existing single-family homes in move-in condition. Condos, rehabs, new construction, and manufactured homes have their own mortgage rules, uses, and qualifications.

Unless you're in need of / interested in a no-verification mortgage¹, be prepared to pull together a lot of financial information. Different banks, lenders, or programs may look for different documentation. W2s, pay stubs, bank statements, prior year tax returns, list of assets, list of debts, and proof of residence are pretty standard requirements.

Buying a home doesn't have to give you grey hair and ulcers. If you do your homework.

Pricey lung disease drugs have no benefit: study - describes how expensive treatments for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency¹ don't work. Treatment involves intravenous replacement of the missing protein, at a cost of approximately $150,000 per year. In two studies, lasting 2 and 3 years, no difference in lung disease or quality of life was found between the test group and the group which received placebos.

10,000-plus in U.S. die for lack of cancer screens: CDC - explains that even though more people are being screened for colon and breast cancers, thousands still die because they weren't screened and, one assumes, weren't treated. Additionally, those with health insurance are more likely to get the colonoscopy or mammogram. (Well, duh!?) I do find the last paragraph of the article quite telling:

"Currently, about 46 million Americans, or 15 percent of the population, has no health insurance. A new healthcare law signed in March is projected to extend coverage to 32 million more Americans, mainly by requiring them to buy it."

Blood pressure goals for diabetics -- too tough? - was something that we needed to be aware of, with Mark's diabetes, and tendency to tachycardia and hypertension. I did a post about intensive treatment, back in March. Apparently, not much has changed. Intensive treatment to reduce blood pressure in diabetics seems to offer little benefit, but carries many risks from the medications and overly low blood sugar levels.

There were, however, some health benefits, according to another article.

Given the prevalence of the commercials, there should be quite a bit of interest in this product (translation: lots of web pages, pushing lots of pills). But, the more I think about it, good ol' Bob hasn't been around much lately. Maybe that's the more important information.

The first site I stumbled onto was a one-page blog, set up in 2009, containing one sad little post from April. Oddly enough, it didn't even link to some make-money-now product page. Or bother to remove all of the default 'filler' information from the WordPress template.

Guess they're waiting to see if someone really wants that domain name - enough to pay for it. Given the other sites and pages I've found, I don't think that one-pager is going to get too far. It seems that Enzyte has an outdated formula, uses an auto-ship program, doesn't honor their money-back guarantee, and has been sued by dissatisfied customers.

Of course, that came from one page and could simply be one customer's 'sour grapes'. But it's beginning to look like the world has moved on. Curiosity notwithstanding, perhaps we should join them.

Internet access is a privilege not a right for children, but with the new technology and free access to so much information it is also a good idea to have it right at hand. Since children are vulnerable to the whims of others it is also a good idea to make sure that you have control over what they are accessing via the satellite Internet West Virginia connection.

When we decided to install Wild Blue satellite Internet so that our daughter would be able to get the kind of information she needed for her school work we also installed some parental controls so that we would not have to worry so much about where she was going when browsing the net. With those controls we were also right there watching what she was doing by placing the computer in the family room where we could keep a close eye on her travels.

Prior to installing the Wild Blue wireless Internet to the computer we spent some time discussing what could happen while she was spending her time on the net. We cautioned her to be careful about what information she gave out about herself and where she lived. We also made sure that she knew she would give up her computer privileges if she disobeyed our instructions as to how she was allowed to use it. Over all it's been a good experience.

Today's messages brought one of those heart-thumping, panic-inducing, four-letter-word-inspiring shocks - confirmation of an order for a $1,327 notebook computer (with $50 second-day shipping) from buy.com. Given my current cash flow and no-$$$-no-order house rules, I was pretty sure that this was a hoax / spam / phishing expedition. Yet, June 2010 has just been filled with Egads! Gadzooks! and OMG, No! moments - the USPS / PayPal fiasco starting the whole isn't-this-month-over-yet nightmare.

Taking a deep breath and a large cup of coffee, I started investigating this 'confirmation' message. Sure enough, none of the links went to buy.com. Instead, they went to a site for The First Assembly of God Church, in Gainesville, Florida - which, by the way, has been taken down by their hosting service. Apparently, they got hijacked a while back, or God said, "Thou shalt steal!" and they got busted.

Although that did make me feel a little better, I still had to check with buy.com. Turns out - oddly enough - that I don't seem to have an account with them. Another sigh of relief.

Currently, I'm waiting for them to respond to my inquiry into this mysterious order. Just in case.

The seven extra shipping charges overdrew my PayPal account. So, on May 28th, I called the USPS again - to have the 4 pending charges cancelled; which they did (surprisingly) without a problem. Then, I called PayPal and asked them to do the same. Again, no problem. Hey! Life is looking up!

Except for the fact that, since USPS had hijacked my money, part of the one valid shipping charge, as well as other legitimate charges from May 24th hit when, technically, the PayPal account had a zero balance. With our savings account as emergency back-up, you can imagine what started happening -- and happening, and happening, and happening. (To the tune of $120.00 in NSF fees, as we don't keep a balance in that account, by the time it was all said and done.)

Back on the phone to USPS - and beginning to panic. To paraphrase, briefly (this was not a brief conversation): "Our terms and conditions explain that USPS will put a pending hold on your account [note: have never found that notice] every time you try to print a label. You agree to that upfront. And, because of that, the USPS is not responsible for NSF charges. It's all PayPal's fault. [note: they did actually say that] And, yes, it takes 14 business days to process a refund." Thank you, have a nice day.

Back on the phone to PayPal - and on the verge of hysteria. (Another very, very long conversation.) Not one, but two very, very nice people -- thank you Amy and Craig! -- tamed the lions, jumped through flaming hoops, and walked the wire to help me. (Hey, under the circumstances, a circus analogy seemed highly appropriate.) Within about 36-48 hours, though it wasn't their fault or responsibility, they made us whole. Much more than I had ever expected; and far more than USPS - who was responsible - even considered.

EPILOGUE: As of June 8th - 15 days after this mess started - of the $111.90 shipping fees originally charged, PayPal reversed $97.65 and (as a one-time courtesy) reimbursed us $90.00 of NSF charges. Our bank, which was less than cooperative through all of this, did manage to reverse one NSF fee of $30.00. The legitimate charges, from May 24th, eventually cleared.

The USPS, late on June 7th, notified me (emphasis mine) that:

"We have approved your postage refund request for your online shipping label on 06/07/2010 08:01 PM CDT.

[Personal information redacted]

Please allow up to two billing cycles for your credit card statement to reflect this refund, as the processing of the refund is dependant upon your financial institution's policy."

Note - they didn't say refunded, they said approved for refund - allow up to two months for the credit to appear on your account. Luckily, the refund actually hit by end-of-business on the 8th. So, JMark Afghans, etc. is officially done with the USPS. UPS - here we come!

Oh! The package did - eventually - get to my daughter and son-in-law.

First, I have to say that using the internet to take classes is perhaps not the most efficient way to learn. I used hughesnet to take my classes, which I have found to be far more reliable than other forms of internet because even the smallest outages can have a huge effect on the learning experience.

Otherwise, it was simply difficult to learn online. Lectures may seem long and boring, but in my opinion, people learn a lot more than they think during these lectures. Some of my classes tried to replace the lecture with online video, which did help, but in the end it is simply not the same thing. Other online classes simply gave up the lecture altogether, and learning was entirely based on the textbook. I don't think I will retain a single thing that I learned in those classes. Anyway, I would not recommend that people take online classes unless you have a really good satellite internet provider.

This is a guest post from Ashley Reingfield. Thanks girl!

Though I admit, I was a tad confused. As I say, it's been awhile since I watched any sports; most of the venues I remembered - Palace of Auburn Hills, Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, Camden Yards, Wrigley Field - were still there. I've even been to games and concerts at some of them.

But, others? I had to look up where they were, which was (actually) fun. For example: Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, Citi Field - NY Mets, Izod Center - East Rutherford, Bradley Center - Milwaukee, and Amway Arena - Orlando were all new to me. Ticket America, however, has them covered.

They have a great set-up for buying - and selling - tickets by venue. Pick your stadium or team. (If you have tickets to sell, there's a clickable link in the middle of the page.) Next, choose the game or event, and a nifty table comes up. See the section, row, price, and number of available tickets - with a seating chart of the arena that scrolls up and down with you.

Works great and makes finding tickets a whole lot of fun!

Just for grins, I decided to check my account today - confirm the balance, ya know? Imagine my surprise to see that the USPS had charged me for my package label, not once - but eight (8) times! Yes, you read that right!

Four are pending on my account; four went through. (All 8 reduce my available balance.) If you're keeping score - that's $13.95 x 8 = $111.60! Given that one charge is valid, that makes for a minor overcharge of $97.65!

No biggie, right?! Just contact the USPS for a correction / refund and life is good, right!? {sound of maniacal laughter} Oh, heavens no! That would be {more maniacal laughter} too easy! Too efficient! Too acceptable! Too helpful! Too responsible!

I did contact the USPS about this. They agreed to correct the problem, and refund the extra charges - in 14 business days!

Guess when you're going broke, paying mail carriers who "don't have to come up to the second floor," it's important to increase revenue any way you can.

My readers know that I take issue with the outrageous claims and plain old bad-faith offerings from so many supplement-pushing websites. As an unregulated commodity, supplements are often no better than a billion dollar snake-oil industry. And, unless they claim to treat or cure a condition or illness, they can pretty much say anything to encourage consumers to hand over their hard-earned cash.

Now, I understand that not all manufacturers are out to pull one over on the public. There are companies, I'm sure, operating with the best of intentions. It's just that I have to question their ability to truly and honestly 'advise' consumers on the benefits - and, more importantly, the safe use - of products that rarely provide full disclosure.

It will be interesting to see what comes from today's Senate committee hearing.

Frankly, that makes me a little nervous. The average supplement is an unregulated crap-shoot, filled with ingredients that may be beneficial, possibly aren't, and could be (at the extreme end) dangerous. But prenatal vitamins effect two lives - for better or worse.

A pregnant woman has very specific needs, to ensure proper development of her baby and supporting her own system. Knowing what amounts of which vitamins and minerals are medically recommended makes getting the right supplement much easier. I don't know if there is much variance from product to product, but I certainly would prefer a checklist for comparison, if I were doing the shopping.

Guidelines exist and are fairly easy to find. Personally, I'd trust my doctor over the average this-is-what-you-should-buy website. At the very least, advice from a medical source (Cleveland Clinic, WebMD, and Mayo Clinic come to mind) - with no financial interest in a particular brand - is a good starting point.

With auto insurance, one has to consider deductibles as part of the overall cost. Sure, the monthly premiums may be impressive - until you have a claim. Coming up with several hundred dollars, or more, may make getting back on the road almost impossible.

What about homeowner's / renter's coverage? If, heaven forbid, you experience a loss, are you covered for the replacement cost of your valuables? How does one determine what that should be?

A good agent asks these questions and offers guidance that ensures their customers can live with their decisions. If they don't ask, perhaps it's time to reconsider the relationship. Or at least explore your options.

Since it is a required part of the admission process to ABA-approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many others around the world, LSAT prep is critical. At a half day, this is not a quick quiz. And, from the sound of it, not an easy one, either.

According to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the test is five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions. Four of the sections are scored. A 35-minute writing sample, at the end, finishes the marathon event.

The make-up of these sections come from a pool of dozens of exams and thousands of questions, measuring reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. I cannot imagine sitting for the LSAT without a great deal of preparation. Especially when one considers the costs involved.

Not stressful enough? The LSAT cannot be taken more than three times in two years, and is only offered four times a year at designated testing sites. Hence, the urgent need to get it done, and done well, the first time.

Yes, law schools review all of an applicant's credentials when making a decision. But this standardized test, designed to measure critical reasoning skills, is considered a fairly accurate predictor of law school success. Naturally, it adds weight to an application, either for or against.

Preparation materials, courses, and advice are easy to find. They vary greatly in cost and value. One offers 100 classroom hours and access to about 6,000 questions for about $1,200. Another, at the same cost, offers 55 online hours and six full-length practice tests. A third, at far less, includes about 6,000 questions, 59 full-length prep tests, and a money-back guarantee.

It occurs to me that law school might be a lot easier than getting in. (Just kidding!)

Don't purchase, unless you:

Oh, wait - there's only one consistent recommendation: rely on reviews! My problem with that is the questionable quality and tendency to simply reuse a manufacturer's hype. The only information the consumer receives is what the maker wants them to know - in order to encourage sales.

In all fairness, there are sites that write their own content. Some even seem to look at the products before they comment. A definite improvement over cookie-cutter, affiliate-driven, give-us-your-money websites.

However, as it is virtually impossible (or at least cost prohibitive) to access clinical trial results and professional articles, product information is still mostly 'borrowed' from company sites and other reviewers. At least the more honest provide valuable help, such as 'outing' auto-ship and you-open-it-you-bought-it product return scams.

We have, however, heard the stories. Usually they involve high-profile court cases, jail time, public humilitation, and a ban from contact with minors. Then, there are employees in New York schools.

One such teacher/molester, Francisco Olivares (Google it; the stories are all over), was employed in Queens. He married and impregnated (NOT in that order) a 16-year-old that he had (according to some reports) molested at age 13 while she was his student in math class. (Many weird math analogies come to mind, but I will spare my readers.)

Over the next 14 years, he is accused of molesting three other students. In two of the cases, he was charged and, due to a technicality, his conviction overturned. He's not alone; there are dozens of similar reports in New York schools.

What really riled me up was that - wait for it! - he's still on the payroll, kept away from students and earning in excess of $94,000 a year! As one report put it - Olivares, now 60, is being paid (handsomely, in my book) for NOT molesting students! And he's only one of over 600!

Attempts to get rid of him were, apparently, against state laws and - yup! - union rules. The department of education is settling for having him (and his 600+ 'friends') away from students. Hmmmm!?

I don't molest minors, which may immediately disqualify me. But - for $94,000 a year - I could be persuaded to continue my, abnormal by NY schools' standards, non-molesting behavior.

Now that I have your attention - sorry, it had to be done - if you have a Facebook account, you need to check your privacy settings. Go to: Account>> Privacy Settings>> Applications and Websites>> Instant Personalization Pilot Program. Now, read the information provided.

First problem: and I quote "These sites personalize your experience using your public Facebook information." If you haven't blocked access to your personal information, that is also included in your 'public Facebook information.' Right or wrong, I still don't like randomly connecting to a site that immediately updates their information to reflect my location. But that's me.

Second problem: The page claims that when you visit these (there are only 3, so far) partner sites, there are Facebook notifications at the top of the pages and ways to opt out. Well, not that I could find! I tried two of the three listed 'partners' and didn't get any notifications or opt-outs. (Having already changed my settings, that may have been the reason.)

Third problem: In faint, gray lettering, at the bottom of the page, Facebook 'quietly' mentions, and I quote, again:

Please keep in mind that if you opt out, your friends may still share public Facebook information about you to personalize their experience on these partner sites unless you block the application.

This explains why I received notice of this situation from a friend of mine. It doesn't matter what I do. If all of my friends don't block access, my information will still be available to these sites. And 3 today, could be 25 tomorrow, 75 the day after - if it pays for Facebook to offer access, what do you think they'll do?

This - in a nutshell - is what is wrong with Facebook. I can change all of my settings to protect what information I want to protect. Doesn't mean a hill of beans, as they say. Any one of my 'friends' can fail to protect my privacy by not choosing to protect their own.

Fourth and biggest problem: I did not get notice from Facebook that this was being done. And the default for this change, as usual, is share-everything-it's-okay, I-want-to-be-stalked-on-the-Internet.

This continued behavior by Facebook makes me wonder: Do I really need to be part of a social network that puts my private information at risk without notice or permission? In my case, what I share on FB is not much more or less than I share here and on my website. Not all of my Facebook friends are so public.

And, it bears repeating, not all of them are going to update their settings to protect themselves -- and their friends. It may be time to say "Enough, is enough, is too much."

Recently, I started looking into the safety and efficacy of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, formerly called Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, as an anti-wrinkle agent. Or, at least, I tried to. I'd have been happy to find any free, independent, science-based information about the topical use of any peptides in anti-aging creams and sera. But, as a non-professional, my access is very limited.

I did find information about an ongoing study of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 as a treatment of Blepharospasm, a condition caused by excessive contraction of the muscles that close the eye. The clinical trial explains that like botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), the current treatment option, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 works to weaken the muscles. There is no information on safety.

One could presume that the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) would not authorize an unsafe product for a clinical trial. Still, it would be nice to be able to access a broader range of information.

I also noticed that there are even more products touting natural ingredients, which is actually a tad disconcerting. The implication being that natural is better and - worse yet - that natural is safe. Anyone who has ever tip-toed through the poison ivy knows that isn't necessarily true.

Taking anything in unknown amounts, over extended periods can be risky. And any product that claims one can (or should) lose 14 pounds in 7 days is not operating in the consumer's best interest. Rapid weight loss is dangerous.

A slow, steady loss of perhaps 2-3 pounds per week is not only safer, it will help ensure that the weight stays off by establishing healthy eating habits and (hopefully) a regular exercise regimen.

A site owner has zillions (almost literally) of options for information and help with a free directory submission. No matter what they tell you, the easiest way to get your site listed is to follow the instructions on the directory website. They may all be a bit different, but they are meant to be adhered to.

Violate the rules? Don't get listed.

It's a lot of work. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of directories on the Internet. Finding them is the key, followed closely by spending the time suggesting they list your site.

Then, there's the waiting. Many of the best / highest ranking / most popular directories are edited and reviewed by real people. Real people with only so many hours in a day to look at hundreds of suggestions. The wait can be long.

By far, the biggest problem I've found are the organizations that guarantee a free listing in any directory worth the inclusion. It cannot be done. But many black hat SEOs will tell webmasters that it can.

And - happily - take their money.

With over 100 years experience, this is no here-today-gone-tomorrow operation. The programs are thorough and accredited. Northwestern knows what it takes to educate people and focus their programs on up-to-date, real-world requirements. No one is studying how it was done 30 years ago, but what is needed now.

Northwestern College also offers assistance with every step of the education process, from financial aid to flexible class scheduling. Being an online program, the interaction with professionals in the field is going to be much easier. Experts can quickly and easily support students - travel time and expense aren't a consideration.

Just reviewing the course topics is enough to inspire me to enroll. I'm especially interested in Criminology, and Criminal Law and Procedures. Homeland Security Law is another fascinating course title that I know would teach me a lot - and broaden my understanding of crime and the law.

Times are tough and crime is high. The demand for specialists in Criminal Justice is going to remain high, as well. This is something that, no matter where you live, you can do for yourself - and for your community.