Certified Diamonds
With just a week to go until Valentine's Day, thoughts are probably turning to chocolates, flowers, and ... my personal favorite - jewelry. Actually, I'm not a big jewelry buff - especially not the super expensive options. I'm too hard on what I wear, when I wear it, to justify a serious expenditure.
Now, a good, sturdy, dependable, water-resistant watch?! Or two?! Bring 'em on! Can't have enough! {hint, hint}
As with everything else in my shopping adventures, I do like to window shop and publish personal recommendations or warnings - as warranted. One reason I don't personally own any diamonds is that they are darned pricey and, unless you're very careful, the quality may not be equivalent to the cost. Enter: certified diamonds.
I've heard the term, often lately, on the myriad of television commercials for local stores and national chains. Just what it means or what protection it offers, I wasn't sure. So, I decided to get educated.
One common phrase in the ads is GIA and EGL certs. GIA is the Gemological Institute of America; the laboratory that introduced the first systematic methods for diamond grading in 1955. EGL is the European Gemological Laboratory; as of 1986, EGL USA is an independently owned organization with offices in the United States and Canada. They introduced the internationally-used rating system for smaller diamonds.
There are other highly respected international laboratories responsible for grading diamonds, using (as I understand it) the systems designed by the GIA and EGL. Undoubtedly, there are many groups offering certification, but most sites I looked at used one or two of the same five. Obviously, the value of the certificate is only as good as the reputation of the laboratory.
A completed cert, also called a diamond dossier, should include analysis of the diamond’s dimensions, clarity, color, polish, and symmetry. With consistent standards, it becomes simple to compare any number of stones - by price, color, clarity, carat, shape, or cut - to ensure getting the best value and best quality.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
The Myth of Protein Supplements
As my readers know, I have a real problem with 'magical' supplements that cure ills and fix problems. By and large, when one looks closely, those claims tend to be highly overstated - if not downright false. Most of my columns are related to weight-loss and fat-burning supplements, but it appears that protein supplements share much of the same mythos.
According to the Live Science article Protein Supplement Myth Revealed by Body of Work, "a growing body of research shows you don't need protein supplementation unless you are a professional-level athlete in intense training or perhaps gravely ill from starvation or a wasting disease." Even under those conditions, adding large amounts of protein may well do more harm than good. Each person's situation should be evaluated by a medical professional and regularly monitored.
We are familiar with muscle-wasting disease. End-stage liver disease is such a condition, and during Mark's illness we watched as he lost muscle-mass. However, the worst thing we could have done was increase his protein intake. Protein is processed / broken down in the liver and, with a damaged liver, the protein is not properly metabolized, leading to build-up of ammonia levels in the bloodstream. A contributing factor to a dangerous complication called hepatic encephalopathy.
Excess protein also breaks down into byproducts that are removed through, and may put a strain on, the kidneys. It is considered likely to trigger release of calcium by the bones. Although no indication of short-term problems has been found, there is a long-term risk for kidney damage or osteoporosis. Recent studies indicate that excess protein can cause inflammation and a greater risk of arterial blockage. These are major concerns, especially in the United States where few people actually suffer from a lack of protein in their diet.
The Harvard School of Public Health offers dietary information and guidelines, that show how much protein the body needs every day. It also explains healthy sources, how the body makes proteins from amino acids, and bottom-line recommendations.
Unless you're competing for Mr./Ms. Universe, protein supplements may be, at best, a waste of money and, at worst, a strain on your health.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
FDA Recall Notices ~ February 05, 2010
The following recalls, market withdrawals, and/or safety alerts have been posted, through today, by the FDA. In order of listing:
Please visit the above links for complete contacts, product information, recommendations, and return details.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
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.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
We're Just Taking Them to the Orphanage
Now, I believe in helping out whenever and wherever help is needed. The idea of traffickers picking up children on the streets of Haiti is just terrifying to me. But - are these 'missionaries' any different?
Yes, I'm not happy with what they are trying to do. Are these children really orphans? Often, in poor countries or areas, parents will give up their children, if they think it will give the children a better life. Can you say Madonna and Malawi?!
From what I read, there is no orphanage. They have no papers allowing them to transport these children. Are they - truly - any different (on the face of it) than the people with the trucks?
Good grief people! Kidnapping is kidnapping - no matter what claims are made.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Computers: Upgrade or Replace?
With the exception of the brand-new Toshiba that Mark and I aren't using, all of the computers in the house need memory upgrades. Not to mention, snazzy new graphics cards would be a big help. The laptop is old; the desktop is a mish-mash of parts.
Of course, by the time we fix everything up, we might be better off just getting (at least) a new desktop. (Can you say: "Sony VAIO"?) Memory for the laptop isn't that expensive and, for my purposes, the graphics card is sufficient. I wouldn't mind, however, finding a better desktop for Mark.
Have you seen these all-in-one desktop computers? I hadn't until today and now - big surprise - I want one, or two. This is the coolest concept!
Get this! No CPU! All of the goodies are in the monitor unit! Many have 4GB RAM, 320GB hard drives, top-of-the-line graphics and sound cards. All in a really, really small footprint.
Just when I thought I knew what I wanted - someone had to come up with new stuff! Rats!
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
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.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Looking for a Job?
If you are in the market for a job, there is no shortage of
employment websites. Many even have jobs listed. Most have a lot of resumes.
As with anything you find on the big ole WWW, there are good and bad. I know I've posted about the work-at-home-and-get-rich postings before. One expects to see those in spammy emails; not on otherwise valid websites.
For those considering online employment assistance, a couple of caveats. Don't pay to post a resume! There are dozens of legitimate services that are free for job searchers. They make their money by charging employers.
Always do a search for the company posting the position. Virtually all businesses have websites and you can learn a lot. The job posting on XYZ Job Search may be out of date. Companies generally use more than one employment service and may fail to notify everyone when a position is filled.
Unless you have a background in sales, be careful and check the specifics closely. From what I can see and remember, they are risky. Working on commission generally means a lower base salary (or none at all), that might not be enough support the family.
There are jobs out there. Every day, a few more open up or are created. The situation isn't good, but it is getting better. And, with a little care, you just might find exactly what you want.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Insurance for Your Home
This is something in which I strongly believe. Everyone needs property insurance. Whether it's
home insurance or renters' insurance, this is nothing to ignore.
Not all policies are the same. Some have a higher deductible, which keeps monthly premiums down. But, if you have a loss, the out-of-pocket costs can be difficult to cover.
To my mind, rather than make you spend $500.00 upfront, couldn't they just reduce the payout by that amount? (Maybe that's what they do. I've never filed a claim, so I'm not exactly sure.)
Does anybody know how it works? Leave a comment below, if you've
been there, done that.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
State of the Union
My apologies to the politicos, but I only watched part of the State of the Union address last night. Like a campaign speech, it tends to be full of things we already know and lots of promises. The only difference is you don't hear "When I'm elected ..." in the middle of it all.
I did, however, read a transcript of the speech this morning. There were some interesting promises / proposals. Now, if we can just Congress to agree to:
- "... take $30 billion of the money Wall Street banks have repaid and use it to help community banks give small businesses the credit they need to stay afloat."
- "... a new small business tax credit -– one that will go to over one million small businesses who hire new workers or raise wages."
- "... slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas, and give those tax breaks to companies that create jobs right here in the United States of America.
In support of keeping jobs in this country, it is important to give our businesses somewhere to sell their goods:
"So tonight, we set a new goal: We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support two million jobs in America. To help meet this goal, we're launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports, and reform export controls consistent with national security."
These are pretty words. They are designed to inspire Americans' faith in their government's ability to help; ability to do the right thing. I hope they aren't just glorified campaign promises.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau: January 27, 1945
Auschwitz Entrance Gate - 1945
Today marks the 65th anniversary of the
Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The last roll call, according to Auschwitz Kalendarium, taken January 17, 1945 listed 67,012 prisoners: 16,226 at Auschwitz, 15,668 at Birkenau and nearby sub-camps, with the balance at Monowitz and its sub-camps.
May 27, 1944 - Women in Auschwitz-Birkenau
When the Nazis evacuated on January 18, 1945, prisoners were given the option of staying behind until the Russians arrived or leaving with the Germans. (A forced march to the German Reich border, followed by transport to Dachau, Buchenwald, Bergen-Belsen or Mauthausen.) Most left; many didn't survive. Prisoners and guards alike were shot and left by the side of the road.
Burial of Those Who Died After Liberation
Stories tell of those who stayed (Otto Frank) and survived, as well as those who left (Elie Wiesel) and survived. They also tell of the abandonment of the survivors at Auschwitz-Birkenau by the Red Army. Holocaust deniers claim that, were the Nazis truly genocidal, they would have obliterated the camps and the prisoners - leaving no evidence or witnesses.
But survivors exist. As do Red Army soldiers who were present at Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945. As do photographs, stills, and movies - from Nazis, survivors, and liberators.
As Elie Wiesel said, in
his speech at Buchenwald last year:
There must come a moment -- a moment of bringing people together.
And therefore we say anyone who comes here should go back with that resolution. Memory must bring people together rather than set them apart. Memories here not to sow anger in our hearts, but on the contrary, a sense of solidarity that all those who need us. What else can we do except invoke that memory so that people everywhere who say the 21st century is a century of new beginnings, filled with promise and infinite hope, and at times profound gratitude to all those who believe in our task, which is to improve the human condition.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Putting Christ Back in Killing?
I'm absolutely flabbergasted! In the words of Frankie Howerd, "Never has my flabber been so gasted." What in the world were they thinking?
Were they thinking?
Did it occur to anyone at Trijicon Inc of Wixom, Michigan that adding Biblical inscriptions on rifle scopes could be interpreted as an attack on Islam? I cannot fathom the purpose for this - unrequested - addition to American military equipment. And Trijicon certainly hasn't offered an explanation.
Oh, and by the way, does the American military actually inspect the products they purchase from these contractors? How long have these inscriptions been a part of the scopes? Anyone care to explain that one? Trijilon? Petraeus?
Are we now supposed to be impressed that they have "voluntarily offered to stop putting scripture references on products made for the U.S. military?" They were the ones who "voluntarily" added the damned things, in the first place. Our military may pull some questionable stunts, but even they have more sense (well, since Bush left the White House) than this.
What's next?
John 3:16 on our bullets?
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Human Bedwarmers? Ooooh, I Don't Think So
Now, if you'll forgive me, this is an idea that just makes my skin crawl. To put it simply: Ewwwwww!
In trying for unique service, Holiday Inn bedwarmers may be going just a tad too far. This is the 21st century. We have electric blankets, even hot water bottles would be less ... ewwww!
Frankly, it doesn't really matter how covered up the staff member is - there is just no way that I could sleep well knowing that a stranger had just crawled out of my bed. I don't even like them to turn down the covers. Just, honestly, put clean sheets on the thing and then leave it alone.
Well, you could leave a chocolate or two - in a dish, next to the bed.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Bedeviled Haiti (Part II)
Pat Robertson recently blamed the earthquake in Haiti on a Haitian pact with the devil - which, beyond sheer stupidity, contradicts what I was taught about God's direct involvement in the lives of man. Not to mention, if some supreme being were 'smiting' non-believers and sinners - Earth would be a much roomier place to live.
In an effort to place Mr. Robertson's comments in some sort of historical context, I started researching Haiti. [ Bedeviled Haiti (Part I) ] And, for what it's worth, Mr. Robertson:
- Louis XIV was King of France and Navarre when the French claimed the western part of Hispaniola in the late 1600s
- Louis XVI was King of France at the time of the Haitian Revolution in 1791
- Napoleon Bonaparte, also ruling as Napoléon I, was First Consul of the French Republic and Emperor of France in 1804, when Haiti declared its independence
But, back to the source of all the hoopla: the meeting at
Bwa Kayiman on August 14, 1791.
The articles I found agree that a large meeting took place on this date. Most agree it was near the Morne Rouge. From there, things get a little fuzzy.
Reading carefully, if not a little between the lines, it appears that two meetings took place in August of 1791. One, on the 14th at Le Normond plantation, gathered slaves from more than 100 plantations under the 'pretext of a meal' and is well documented by the French. The second, on the 21st "in a place called 'Kayiman'," was not described until 1814 in a book by Antoine Dalmas, a French doctor and "colon raciste" present in Haiti at the beginning of the revolution.
The biggest credibility hurdle is that the ceremony which is widely credited with inciting the revolution, ending slavery, and inexorably linking Haiti and Vodou in the minds of the world, bears more resemblence to a B sci-fi movie than to the reality of the day. Is it a myth, designed by the French to discredit the intelligence, fortitude, and spirit of the slaves who drove them out? Or by the slaves to separate themselves in toto from their Christian owners? Or did it happen at all?
Don't ask the Protestants - they're still crazed over the whole thing, after 206 years! Although, their obsessive writings on the subject do, contrary to their intent, lend credence to the mythos. Don't they?
The bottom line, if there is such a thing when dealing with something as intertwined as Vodou and Haiti, is simple. Once again, the narrow-minded have judged that which they do not understand. In my humble opinion.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Removing Acne Scars
During my recent hunt for information on acne medications, I noticed that several comments were made about acne scars. In fact, a user of one product complained that it actually increased scarring. That led me to wonder what
acne scar removal products are available .
The short answer - a lot. The longer answer - a lot of questionable information, combined with products that are best handed out by dermatologists. I would be very reluctant to arbitrarily slather some of these gels and creams on my face without professional guidance.
Basically, in order to remove or, more accurately, reduce scarring caused by acne it is necessary to remove the scar tissue. This involves chemicallly scrubbing off layers of skin. That's what dermabrasion means. And it's going to hurt.
The skin is going to become red and irritated - that's just how it is. What worries me is the risk for doing more damage if the products are not properly applied. By going online and making that medication decision without guidance, how does one know they're choosing wisely?
I searched for review and information sites, but was disappointed there, as well. Many simply regurgitated manufacturer claims. Others offered reviews that couldn't be found and links that went nowhere.
Once again, very frustrating.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Online Job Hunting
Well, the government is telling us that jobs have been saved. Have they? What about the new jobs that were supposed to be created? Anyone see those, yet?
I'm certain that some industries and some cities are faring better than others. For example, listings for Philadelphia PA jobs have actually increased lately. In Arizona, however, the positions to be found are - shall we say - interesting.
There are the standard receptionist, office admin type jobs. I'm not sure that they pay well enough to keep the wolf from the door, but there are jobs. What keeps me shaking my head are the work-from-home-and-make-thousands postings. These are actually found on otherwise reputable sites.
Perhaps the audit process is a tad off. Who knows? Maybe I should apply.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Bedeviled Haiti (Part I)
If ever there was a poster-child for religious intolerance, it would have to be Pat Robertson. His narrow-minded, bigoted pronouncements, based on heaven-knows-what, are appalling.
However, because even the most insane blubberings may have a grain of truth at their root - I decided to research this 'pact with the devil.' I found an amazing story.
In March 2009, The Stockholm Review of Latin American Studies published an article by Markel Thylefors, entitled “Our Government is in Bwa Kayiman:” A Vodou Ceremony in 1791 and its Contemporary Significations [PDF file]. It is the 'Bwa Kayiman' (also Bois Caiman) to which Robertson and his Protestant brethren (for generations) refer in their diatribes against the Haitians.
To understand the significance of this event, one must understand the history of the people of Haiti. Nearly all native Tainos were killed by disease and European settlers; with a small population escaping to the mountains. Only after most of the Spanish left for richer gold finds, did the population begin to recover. When the French claimed the western portion of Hispaniola in the late 1600s, they brought African slaves to work their plantations. (Many escaped, during uprisings, to the mountains where they met the last generation of Tainos.)
These slaves, it is believed, were primarily from tribes and areas along the Atlantic coast that practiced Vodun, or Vodou (anglicized to Voodoo). Horror movie cliches aside, Vodon is a belief-system not dissimilar to Christianity. There is belief in a supreme being, unreachable by man, and lesser beings with whom man communicates and asks for intercession. (It has been compared to Christ and the saints, by some scholars.) Harsh treatment of the slaves meant the need for constant 'resupply' from Africa, which kept African culture (and Vodou beliefs) strong in the slave population.
It is in August of 1791, in an uprising that began the Haitian Revolution - leading to the abolition of slavery and the independence of Haiti - that histories begin to diverge. It is a long-held belief that a Vodou ceremony was held on August 14, 1791 at Bwa Kayiman, in which slaves were incited to rise up against their owners.
The most frequently cited version describes a meeting of over 200, presided over by a man named Boukman. A black pig was sacrificed by a tall, black woman (priestess) and the blood was drunk by all present. A raging storm where 'lightning shot across the sky' figures in most tellings, as well.
This is the beginning of Haiti - the Vodou Haitian creation story, if you will - that has and does incite Protestants to angry crusades. But, is it true?
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Diet Supplements?
Now, maybe I'm a tad confused - wouldn't be the first time. But, aren't
diet supplements ... never mind. I figured it out.
I was thinking of dietary supplements - those pills and potions that are designed to augment less-than-stellar eating habits. You know, vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants - good stuff, by and large. Whereas, diet supplements are pills and potions designed to enhance and improve weight-loss efforts. Confusingly similar, aren't they?
Oddly enough, caution should be taken with both types of supplements. Some vitamins - A & E, for example - are fat-soluble which, among other things, means that they are slow to leave the body. The risk of dangerous levels in the body is higher than with water-soluble vitamins, such as C.
If that weren't enough. Safe dosage levels may vary greatly. The risk of birth defects exists for both too-low and too-high levels. However, research indicates that the amount of Vitamin A present in standard supplements may be based on old data.
In 2001, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine revised the RDA for Vitamin A - downward, dramatically. The new recommendations are: Men 19+ years old - 900 mcg (3,000 IU)/day; Women 19+ years old - 700 mcg (2,333 IU)/day. (RDAs for pregnant and lactating women are higher.)
The multivitamins we have in the house, as suspected, use Daily Values as established in 1968 - not the latest revisions. So, even something that might be beneficial, can cause problems.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Facebook Status Change for Haiti
Disasters bring out the best - and the worst - in people. Donations for Haiti are mounting. Unfortunately, not all of them through legitimate sources.
One of the earliest scam / hoax posts I noticed was in status updates on Facebook, claiming that FB was monitoring statuses and donating $1 for every repost. Because people wanted to believe that they could do something for nothing, the reposts were rampant. I am reminded of the emails that claim some Internet-related company is paying money to people who forward the bogus message.
As always, know the source of the information. Yes, we all want to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake - but repeating hoaxes and scams helps no one. Truly, it doesn't matter the intent of the person initiating these ridiculous claims. The damage is created through disinformation.
If you are looking to help, but don't know where to start - there are a number of valid, vetted organizations on the Global Disaster Relief Facebook page. You don't have to be a member to access the information.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Hazelnuts Recalled
I had stopped reviewing FDA recalls, because of the time delay between when they occurred and when I got them posted. It seemed I was always running behind. However, I still believe that it's important information that should be shared.
Consequently, I went back through some of the recent notices and found a number of recalls for hazelnuts. Although these are from December, 2009, there are too many to ignore.
It appears that the Salmonella exposure occurred at a common processing location. Most of these nuts were distributed and sold in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, although some were included in packages and products sold in Arizona, Colorado, New York, Texas, and Utah.
Please use the above links for product, package, and return information.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
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. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Getting Rid of Belly Fat
One of the great 'joys' of being female - and female at my age - is this extra layer of fat that we women carry. It's what gives us that lovely little rounded appearance to our bellies. And it is incredibly difficult to minimize.
Once, several years ago, I managed to virtually eliminate that little 'problem' and I wasn't even trying. During a time when Mark was most ill, I did a lot of hefting, toting, running, carrying, and other strenuous work. Calories burned far exceeded calories consumed. It just happened.
Now, they have supplements to reduce belly fat. Or at least half of the Internet claims that they do. The problem I ran into is, among other things, most of the sites seem inter-related. Clones, as it were.
Today, I found no less than 10 - yup Ten - sites with the exact same marketing format for their 'top picks.' Six of those sites blatantly used javascripts to pull marketing details. The other four were a tad more subtle. But all 10 pages were identical ...
Down to the shared typographical error in the description for their #1 product.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
FDA Recall Notices - January 15, 2010
The following recalls, market withdrawals, and/or safety alerts were listed today by the FDA:
Please visit the above links for complete product information, recommendations, and return details.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Serious Acne Treatment
Okay, this is getting seriously annoying. Got up today, looked in the mirror, and found a brand new collection of blemishes. At my age, zits are very very
not amusing. (Okay, they're not fun at any age.)
Notice - amidst all the whining - I said blemishes. With the reading I've been doing about acne and treatments, I don't think my skin problems qualify as serious. Especially not for something as powerful as tazorac, a treatment I stumbled across today.
While not new, it was introduced in 1997, I hadn't heard of Tazorac until recently. Briefly, Tazarotene is a retinoid - related to vitamin A - used as a topical acne treatment for moderate to severe acne. Apparently, it is also quite popular, with dozens of user comments on the Internet. And, happily, not those planted-by-company-stooges comments.
There are lots of review sites out there; I've spent plenty of time looking for them today. Some have precious little information; some have nothing to offer, at all. Others let actual sufferers explain how they use a product, what their symptoms are like, and whether or not others should invest their time, money, and energy.
Those are the sites that I enjoy finding.
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
Exercising or Snacking?
Until very recently, if someone suggested I try the
dip station, I'd be looking for the nearest snack tray. Though I know better, I'm still craving potato chips and french onion dip - which happens to be sitting in the fridge, whispering my name. Or maybe apple slices and caramel dip, with some chopped nuts?
Exercise is just not the first thing that comes to mind when I get up in the morning, or when I have time on my hands. Not (only) because I tend to be a sedentary soul, but mostly because it's a lot of work - before the workout even begins.
Finding the energy to make space, drag out equipment, and - then - actually exercise? I need a nap after I get done in the shower! But, perhaps, I could be convinced to try something simple.
Simple - minimal prep, small size, no complex instructions. Sounds a lot like a dip station. On the other hand - where were those chips?
Be sure to stop by
JMark Afghans. Or catch us on
Squidoo and
Facebook.
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules
