Seven Weeks Anniversary

Seven weeks plus one day!! I want to advise the reader that I am (finally) experiencing optimism about my health recovery (from acute ozone poisoning). Gratefully, I'm feeling much better!! If we ever have Spring weather I think recovery will be complete. I want to open the windows and door; I want to walk briskly throughout the neighborhood!! I attribute much of my recovery to daily use of Max nutritional supplements: MaxGXL and Max N-Fuze. Read about the products at my web site http://SeniorSecurity.MaxTrax4u.com.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition

Last night, I changed the TV channel after the top of the hour so I missed the introduction to ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Very quickly, however, I recognized the mountains in the background. I "knew" that was the Antelope Valley!! I spent over forty years in that area!! It took a Google search this morning to learn the exact location--Phelen, California. Briefly, I felt "homesick" but there isn't anything, or anyone, to go home to. The children I raised in that area are scattered across the states. I now live in North Carolina. ~~ Read an excellent article about Forever Wild, and the Extreme Makeover. View part one. View part two.

One Minute Cure for Cancer and Virtually All Diseases

I just received this link from a friend. The first thing I did was a Google search to see if this topic reveals lots of complaints. None. (But lots of supporting links.) So, I share this information with you and suggest you report back to me with your opinion.

Cancer Cure One-Minute Cure for Cancer and Virtually All Diseases

Shopify.com as an alternative to StoresOnline & DotlessDomain ??

Searching the Internet, I found Shopify.com and consider it a possible alternative solution to StoresOnline SCAM. I did not find any complaints during a Google search. I'm still reading, and evaluating, but at first glance sounds good. You can try it for "free," there are no set up fees, and Basic is $24. per month, Professional is $59. per month, and Enterprise is $299. per month. During my search for additional information, I found this review by a customer.
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I'm back with an update to what I wrote earlier (above). I opened a "free" store in less than one hour's time. Really free because I didn't even have to secure my store with a credit card. If I subscribe to one of the programs, I can cancel at any time. As with any program, it takes time to learn how to navigate around. But in less than two hours total time I had some experimental information on the home page, and tested the links. I'm calling my web site PURSUING THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. Check it out at http://pursuinghealth.myshopify.com. "Yes" there's a lot of work needed to improve the appearance!!

Magic Jack - SCAM !!

I just received this as a "full page," bigger than life, email. Until this moment, I had forgotten that I invested over $60. for Magic Jack and it only worked for a few hours. So I visited my new best friend--Google--and found that there are hundreds of complaints about this product, too. Oh, my gosh, are there no legitimate businesses any more?? The ad is misleading because it repeatedly mentions $19.95 per year. Well, on 6/19/08, MagicJack cost me $46.90 for the gadget and one year service. At the same time I paid $19.95 for a second year service. I've only been able to use it a few times for outgoing calls. If someone tries to call me, I can't talk to them because we don't have a viable connection. Read the complaint (on RipOffReport) from one disillusioned customer. That's only one of 143 complaints on RipOffReport.com. Over 130 complaints on ComplaintsBoard.com. Over 20 complaints on ConsumerAffairs.com. Please read my 3/24/09 blog about DotlessDomain Scam, and 3/25/09 blog about StoresOnline Scam. Caveat emptor. Buyer beware!

I love HubPages.com !!

Confession: Until February 9th, I rarely spent any extended length of time on the Internet. I would do an occasional search but it didn't take long to find info on (example) Map Search, or Allergy, or Asthma. Now I confess that I am addicted to searching for information, and exploring various links (I spend hours each day on the 'net). It has opened up exciting new possibilities. Recently I discovered numerous complaints about Dotless Domain. Yesterday I spent hours reading complaints about StoresOnline. During the searches I found HubPages.com. It was "love at first sight"!! Effortlessly (yesterday), I published my acute ozone poisoning article on HubPages. This morning I edited the article and then (out of curiosity) did a Google search. My article was at the top of the Google search!! I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing!!

Glance up to the top of my blog and read the words I used to describe myself when I created my blog on November 30, 2008. I've been writing for decades.... How awesome to find a location where I can publish articles. I love HubPages.com !!!!
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Postscript (3/27/09): Oops!! My "hub" was quickly removed from their site because they considered it "too commercial." I don't know how to revise acute ozone poisoning without all the links.

StoresOnline - SCAM !! SCAM !! SCAM !!

The gospel truth: I was busy--yesterday evening and this morning--regarding Dotless Domain SCAM. Just moments ago (12 noon) I did a Google search for STORES ONLINE and found there are hundreds of complaints!! I was suckered for the second time in less than three months!! This expense was (thankfully) a modest $38.00. Yesterday, the presenter, Joanna Larsen, was young, beautiful and articulate. I really "bonded" with her because she came across as someone who sincerely wanted to help small business entrepreneurs succeed. Unlike my negative (over the phone) experience with Dotless Domain, this seminar was in an attractive meeting room in a Marriott Hotel. After the presentation--and most of the attendees purchased a "license"--sandwiches and cookies were served. I did some mental arithmetic: 50 attendees times $38. = $1900. The meeting room, food, "free" MP3 players, and three staff members salary would have, conceivably, exceeded the income. I didn't suspect a SCAM!! (Isn't there a saying to the effect: "We only see what we want to see"?) I'm such a gullible old woman!! ~~ From 554 listed on RipOffReport, here is one complaint about StoresOnline, and a second, and a third. Now I understand... the money is made by "selling" web sites at the second meeting. The StoresOnline expenses far exceed the $2,985. I lost to Dotless Domain. I'm heartsick for the unsuspecting victims of this fraud!! One more link and I'm finished for today. (The morning devoted to Dotless Domain, and over four hours this afternoon reading StoresOnline complaints.) Excuse me, after more research, visit Storesonline Reviews for more complaints.

~~~~~~~~~

From one of my readers, I'm quoting a portion of a newspaper article that mentions StoresOnline (near the end of the article). "Another company that donated to Shurtleff, Storesonline, which markets a service selling and hosting online-business Websites, has been named in two individual lawsuits and settled eight actions with various state attorneys general from California to North Carolina. It is also facing two pending actions in the United States and one in Australia. The 2007 pending case with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission comes only a year after Storesonline settled with the country in 2006. In that agreement, the company promised to stop making false and misleading statements and agreed to refund 175 Australian consumers a total $673,478." ~~ There's more!! Read the article.

Furthermore, you might like to sign a petition to Clean up Utah's Call Centers, Lead Providers and Fulfillment Centers .


~~~~~~~~~

Postscript: Please visit my GDI website.

Dotless Domain - SCAM !! SCAM !! SCAM !!

I'm either a perennial optimist or a perennial fool!! I've just returned from an afternoon seminar about growing our business' on the Internet. Less than three months ago I was approached with similar information but it was a SCAM and cost me $2,985. (no possibility of a refund)!!!!!!!! A $38.00 investment today.

Let me caution you about a company called DOTLESS DOMAIN. After-the-fact, I discovered my blunder and found many complaints listed at RipOffReport.com. Dan Oliver, at InternationalBizReviews--http://www.inter-nationalbizreviews.com/Dotless_Domain.html--wrote an excellent description of the high-power sales tactics. Reader, if you found this message via a search engine, please hang up if you receive a call from Dotless Domain. An affiliate (partner-in-crime?) is www.webmenu.com. Click on the following link to read my complaint at RipOffReport . Click on the next link to read other complaints . Also, visit ComplaintsBoard to register your Dotless Domain complaint. My ComplaintsBoard complaint is similar to RipOffReport complaint.

I choose to believe that there are honest, hard-working individuals (and companies) who have created portals for the eager (but less informed) entrepreneurs. Thus today's seminar and a training class to follow in two weeks.

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Postscript 3/25/2009, 10:30 AM: Already receiving comments from my blog. It appears that there is a similar SCAM involving Solutions4thenet.com. Find the complaints at Scam.com . Solutions..., or variations of the name, does not come up by typing that web address into the browser. Perhaps they changed their name to Dotless Domain?!?!

Postscript 6/30/09: Please visit my GDI website.

Be ... thankful in adversity

Be generous in prosperity,
And thankful in adversity.

Be fair in judgment,
And guarded in speech.

Be a lamp unto those,
Who walk in darkness.

Be eyes to the blind,
And a guiding light.

Be a breath of life,
To the body of mankind.

Be a dew to the soul
Of the human heart.

And a fruit upon the tree,
Of humanity.

- Bahá'u'lláh

Ozone Used for Air Purification

A concerned individual sent me this link to the article Ozone Used for Air Purification by Dr. James L. Marsden, PhD. ~~ So, for full disclosure, I share it with my readers.

Six Week Anniversary

On this six-week-anniversary (recovery from acute ozone poisoning) I want to direct you to the very brief movie called "Finding Joy." Approximately three minutes of inspiring photographs, and beautiful music!! After you watch that... come back and click to experience the "Bless You" movie. Let me explain: I'm "finding so much joy" now that I'm feeling reasonably healthy again!! I feel so "blessed" and I want to extend those blessings to you. ~~ This past week I tackled a mountain of receipts, and statements, as I prepared my Turbo Tax Income Taxes. It is ready to e-File!! Two weeks ago that would have been physically and mentally impossible. I sincerely appreciate all the prayers for my recovery, and best wishes received.

Nature's Inspiration

I'm an expert at appropriating info from other people's web sites, and email (but I always site the source). Please take a few minutes to listen to the beautiful music and feast on the gorgeous photography. P.S. The California Poppy Preserve near my former hometown of Lancaster, California. Enjoy!!

Nature's Inspiration Movie

Simple Truths Inspirational movies

How to Survive Allergy Season

By Alice Daniel, Special to LifeScript;
Published March 20, 2009

Ugh, that sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and maddening post-nasal drip, drip, drip. You need allergy relief. But with aisles of products in the drugstore, how do you know which is right for you? We turned to the experts for answers…

Trying to decipher drug labels can clog your brain even more. You’ll see products containing antihistamines or decongestants. Some combine both – and others throw in a pain reliever as well. Do you need one? Two? All? Here’s what you need to know: ... Click here for the entire article. I've extrapolated information regarding the "natural approach."

Home Remedies
What if you want a more natural approach?

Some allergy sufferers swear by sinus rinses that irrigate and moisturize your nasal passages.

“Saline rinses may actually be safer than medications because there are no side effects and you don’t have to think about how the rinse will react with other medications you’re taking,” Kinzy says.

Rinses involve a saline solution poured into your nose through a teapot-like device called a neti pot, available at most health-food stores. NeilMed is one popular kit with packets of saline powder and a neti pot.

“If you have a lot of allergies, rinse daily,” she says.

You’ll also find supplements and foods that will naturally fight allergies. Among Cohen’s recommendations:

Quercetin: This strong antihistamine is found in supplements and some foods, including capers, apples, green tea, and many red-skinned fruits and wine. Follow label directions, or take 200 to 500 mg one to three times daily, Cohen says.

Bromelain: It’s found in pineapples and dietary supplements, and is “fantastic for reducing inflammation and allergies.”

Mullein tea: “The herb is known to ease respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, chest congestion and allergies. It helps to thin mucus,” Cohen says. You can find it in most health-food stores. Steep it in water for five minutes before drinking, about once or twice a day.

Aloe vera juice: Cohen loves this juice, which has a mild antihistamine effect, “plus dozens of other wonderful healing effects on the body. It’s also very affordable.” Her recommendation? “Lily of the Desert brand because it is certified organic and it is ‘whole leaf,’ so it has all the aloe nutrients.” Drink about 2 ounces daily, straight (it’s tasteless) or mix with other brands.

German chamomile: This is a powerful anti-inflammatory and “a wonderful essential oil to use if you have allergies,” she says. Steam your face with hot water containing a few drops of the oil.

Spirulina: “Spirulina sparks the production of your body's natural fighter cells, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and anti-cancer 'natural' killer cells,” Cohen says. “If it can regulate immune function then allergy symptoms should alleviate too.”

I've skipped several paragraphs but you can read them by clicking here.

Asthma should never be treated with over-the-counter medications. If you’re having any trouble breathing or you feel like an elephant is standing on your chest, see a doctor immediately.

The upshot? You don't have to sneeze your way through life. Although feeling better may require a few stabs at different treatments, you will be able to shut down your body’s waterworks.

Check out our (LifeScript) Allergies Health Center.

Lorraine here: Yes, after many months suffering with an allergy, or asthma, I found the answer. However, I am still very interested in the subject and continue to read articles, and check web links. So many articles, and recommendations, revolve around prescription drugs, and over-the-counter remedies. I was encouraged to see that the author included home remedies. ~~~ I represent a company that sells nutritional supplements. Please check MaxGXL and Max N-Fuze at my web site.

Cholesterol and Heart Disease

What’s the nation’s No. 1 killer? Heart disease. It causes one death every 35 seconds. So protect your heart with these 10 tips to reduce cholesterol from Janet Bond Brill, a registered dietitian and author of Cholesterol Down (Three Rivers Press). Plus, test your heart attack risk...

What’s cholesterol? It’s a type of lipid or fat. In our bodies, it travels through our blood stream in particles called lipo-proteins. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are bad cholesterol because they can lead to a buildup of plaque in arteries.

A mass of plaque can narrow your arteries and restrict blood flow – much like trying to sip juice through a clogged straw. Eventually, the plaque ruptures and a blood clot forms, cutting off the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

Hello, heart attack and stroke!

High-density lipoproteins (HDL), on the other hand, are good cholesterol because they pick up the LDL clogging your arteries and take it to the liver, where it’s processed and eventually excreted.

Chow Down
“Lowering your cholesterol reduces your risk of contracting heart disease and dying from a heart attack,” Brill says.

What you eat can affect the amounts of HDL and LDL flowing through your bloodstream, and Brill has a cholesterol-lowering eating plan that’s tasty and effective.

“My diet is about what you can eat – not what you can’t” she says.

What’s on her list? Try these 8 super-foods:

(Aim to eat all eight daily, and heed the two bonus tips as well. If you follow only half the steps, you’ll only get half the benefits.)

1. Oatmeal
Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that acts like a sponge to soak up cholesterol.

How to sneak it in: Add cinnamon or dried cranberries to your morning oatmeal for a flavor boost. Oat-bran is a highly concentrated source of beta-glucan, and it’s easy to mix into homemade bread, muffin and pancake batter.

Brill’s daily Rx: 3 grams of beta-glucan, found in a half cup of dry oatmeal or oat bran.

2. Almonds
Almonds contain two powerful antioxidants – vitamin E and flavonoids – which prevent the oxidation of LDL, a precursor to plaque buildup.

How to sneak it in: Eat almonds with their skins, which pack a hefty dose of flavonoids. Stir a handful into yogurt or spread two tablespoons of almond butter on whole-wheat bread.

Brill’s daily Rx: One ounce of dry-roasted, unsalted almonds.

3. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds contain lignan and soluble fiber, which block the production of LDL and increase your body’s ability to get rid of cholesterol.

How to sneak it in: Eat ground flaxseeds rather than whole ones, because your body can better absorb its nutrients. Brill likes to sprinkle them in her morning bowl of oatmeal.

Brill’s daily Rx: 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds.

4. Garlic
Garlic impedes the liver’s ability to make cholesterol.

How to sneak it in: Chop garlic into small pieces to release its flavor. Sauté it with steamed spinach, add it to sauces and soups or purée roasted garlic with cooked potatoes and olive oil for a heart-healthy version of everybody’s favorite: mashed potatoes.

Brill’s daily Rx: One clove and one Kyolic One Per Day Cardiovascular aged garlic extract supplement.

5. Phytosterol-Containing Foods
Phytosterols are a fat found in plant foods such as fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. They interfere with cholesterol absorption by blocking it from your intestinal cells.

How to sneak it in: Even a vegetarian diet provides no more than 300 to 400 mg of plant sterols a day, well below Brill’s recommendation. Supplement this with foods containing added phytosterols – chocolate bars, margarine, cheese, granola bars and cookies, to name a few – but keep an eye on saturated fat and trans-fat content.

Brill’s daily Rx: 2 to 3 grams of phytosterols a day spread over two meals.

6. Apples
Apples, particularly the skin and outer flesh, are rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help prevent plaque buildup.

How to sneak it in: Chop, slice or dice ’em, but leave the peel on for maximum health benefits.

Brill’s daily Rx: One apple a day – to keep the doctor away, of course.

7. Beans
Beans contain a special type of soluble fiber that’s fermented in the colon. Healthy bacteria eat the fiber and bean sugars to form short-chain fatty acids, which travel to the liver and hinder LDL cholesterol production.

How to sneak it in: Brill loves Adzuki beans, which are used in Japan to make sweet red bean paste. She also recommends cannelloni beans (try them in Tuscan soups, a type of Italian bean-based soup) and kidney beans, perfect in Southwestern chili.

Brill’s daily Rx: 1/2 cup of legumes (beans, peas or lentils).

8. Soy Protein
Soy protein contains phytoestrogens – compounds that increase the number and effectiveness of LDL cholesterol receptors, improving the liver’s ability to get rid of cholesterol in your bloodstream.

How to sneak it in: Order a soy latte at your favorite coffeehouse, throw tofu into a fruit smoothie, use soy flour when baking, or mix a handful of roasted soy nuts with dried fruit for an energy-boosting trail mix.

Brill’s daily Rx: 20–25 grams.

Diet isn’t your only defense against cholesterol.

“Every step works to lower cholesterol in a specific way,” Brill says. “By combining them all, you get an extremely powerful LDL-lowering multi-pronged approach.”

Here are two of her favorite non-food-related tips:

9. Take Metamucil (Psyllium Husk)
Metamucil contains psyllium husk, a fiber that blocks cholesterol from entering your intestinal cells. It’s “the most powerful LDL-lowering viscous soluble fiber in existence,” Brill says. This fiber soaks up cholesterol so you excrete it rather than absorb it into your intestinal cells.

How to sneak it in: Adults should consume 10 to 25 grams of soluble fiber a day, advises the National Cholesterol Education Program, but most get only 3 to 4 grams.

Brill says you should get half your fiber from a supplement and the rest from food. Take half your daily dose of Metamucil before breakfast and half after dinner to avoid overloading your body on fiber, which can cause gas, constipation or even diarrhea.

Brill’s daily Rx: Work up to 12 capsules a day, for a total of 6 grams of psyllium husk.

Or use the powdered version, which you can mix into water. It varies by product, but most Metamucil powders contain 3.4 grams of psyllium husk per serving.

10. Work Up a Sweat
Brisk exercise speeds up blood flow in your arteries, reducing your chances of inflammation and clogging (two precursors to hardening of your arteries).

How to sneak it in: You don’t have to hit the gym to get some exercise. Clip on a pedometer while you run errands and aim for 10,000 steps a day.

Brill’s daily Rx: 30 minutes of exercise.

Each of the foods and tips mentioned play a crucial role in lowering your cholesterol and keeping your body healthy.

For more on their benefits, and for delicious recipes and meal plans (you'll love the walnut-crusted salmon), get a copy of Cholesterol Down and check out CholesterolDownBook.com.

For more information on cholesterol, visit our Heart Disease Health Center.

Are You on the Road to a Heart Attack?
Every 20 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a heart attack. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in this country and contributes to the 1.5 million heart attacks that strike each year. Will you become a statistic? Find out if your ticker is a time bomb with this heart attack quiz.

Lorraine here: I had intended to write about my happiness because this is the first day of Spring!! I'm so "ready" for sunshine, blue skies, green trees, colorful flowers.... Instead this message caught my attention among the many incoming e-mail messages. Despite, IMHO, sensible eating habits, I have to be vigilant about controlling my cholesterol. I differ slightly on several points but, overall, I think the "points" have merit.

Counting my blessings !!

Today the media has a lot to say about the tragic death of Natasha Richandson, age 45, from traumatic brain injury (after a fall on the ski slopes). Four and one-half years ago, I took a bad fall and hit the back of my head on the pavement. The gash in the back of my head required several stitches. I knew (in August 2004) "this old lady" had been blessed (no debilitating aftermath)!! In sickness (acute ozone poisoning) and in health, I know I am B-L-E-S-S-E-D !! Sometimes bad things happen to good people. My heartfelt sympathy to Natasha's family.

Acute indoor ozone poisoning from EcoQuest ozone generator

I'm humbled, and gratified, by an email I received today. Another person has suffered from acute indoor ozone poisoning and was encouraged when they found my earlier documentation. I speculate that there are many individuals suffering from exposure to "too much ozone" and their health care professionals have not made the connection. If you are reading this message--and missed the earlier publications--here are three links to investigate: (1) My compiled documentation, (2) a complaint with Consumer Affairs, and (3) a complaint with RipOffReport. Someone who identified themselves as an "employee" added a rebuttal to my RipOffReport saying "Read the manual." Believe me, I did read the manual!! I'm a voracious reader and I'm extremely conscientious about products I sell!! On 3/18/09, "John" added a comment at the Consumer Affairs web site.

St. Patrick's Day & Turbo Tax

I'm delighted to report that I spent the afternoon entering income tax information into Turbo Tax. It's ready to submit!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so-o-o-o-o happy!!!!!!!!!!!! If I wasn't a vegan, I'd rush out and find a restaurant serving corned beef and cabbage. I'd like to celebrate!!!!!!!!!!!! Instead, I'll have a big homemade green salad, and some lightly steamed broccoli. ~~ Today I dressed in green from head to foot and, at 10 o'clock, joined a number of senior citizens from my church. We visited a con-valescent home for singing and fellowship. When I left my apartment it was foggy and gloomy. Before noon the sun was out and it has been a beautiful afternoon!!!!!!!!!!!!

Five Week Anniversary

Spring is only five days away!! An Irish Pot O Gold and Rainbow tomorrow?!?! My tired old body is rejuvenated, and encouraged, after acute ozone poisoning. I -K-N-O-W- that "wellness" is around the corner because (after ignoring forthcoming April 15th) I spent several hours (today) compiling and organizing information for Income Taxes. A few days ago, a few weeks ago, I couldn't approach that task!!

Tracing Your Family's Roots

(A topic that is dear to Lorraine's heart, and I wanted to share this with you.)

Tracing Your Family's Roots, by Brad and Debra Shepp

What makes learning about family history so fascinating? In a world that seems ever more rootless, tracing your genealogy leads to a sense of connection with the past. Knowing more about "where we came from" brings a deeper understanding of who we are now. For children, who learn best by story-telling, exploring their family tree makes the sweep of history personal. The Internet has made researching our ancestors simpler than ever. Once you uncover places, people, and facts through your research, you’ll want to take a road trip or two to visit relatives, and also check records not yet available through the Internet.

Learn the 10 ways to trace your family tree.

Brad and Debra Shepp are the authors of "The Online Genealogy Handbook" (Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.). For more information, visit http://www.bradanddeb.com/.

Start with What You Know
Write down everything you can remember about your parents, their parents, and their siblings. Think back to all those family gatherings when you were small. Be sure to include details about the jobs they had and the neighborhoods where they lived.

Talk to Older Relatives
Track down members of your family who are older than you. Schedule a visit. Ask them about their childhood memories, particularly any memories they may have of older family members. Ask about marriages, military service, and even neighbors. Try to pin down dates and places. And don’t forget that tape recorder and camcorder.

Ask for Documents
Ask your family members for any family documents they may have, such as birth records, wedding certificates, cemetery records, naturalization records, and probate records. Tell them you would like to photocopy these. Do so at your earliest convenience--and return them promptly.

Select a Software Program
There are more than 40 genealogy software programs available. Your goal is to find a program that allows for easy data entry, easy navigation, easy report creation, and direct access to the Internet. For the PC, one very popular program is Family Tree Maker. Or for the Mac, consider Reunion, which is the best-selling program for that platform.

Visit Your Library
Your library probably provides free access to databases and other research tools that could help you with your research. Some databases you’ll need to use right there, such as Ancestry.com, which often sells licenses for in-house use only. Other databases will be available for patrons to use remotely. Your reference librarian will be only too glad to assist you.

Say Hello to the Historical Society
If you still live near your family’s ancestral home, visit the local historical society, the court house, and the public library's archive collection. There you may find old maps showing your family's homestead, their neighbors, and details of their social and professional lives.

Keep It All Organized
As you amass details of your family's history, you'll need to use certain forms to keep everything straight. These may include research logs, probate record checklists, and ancestral charts. Some websites that provide a variety of useful and free genealogy forms include:

Family Tree Magazine’s Downloadable Forms (www.familytreemagazine.com/freeforms/)

Bailey's Free Genealogy Forms (www.cs.williams.edu/~bailey/genealogy)

Free Genealogy Forms (www.free-genealogy-forms.com)

Check Out Helpful Websites
If you do, we’re sure you will want to return to them again and again. They contain the most information that’s geared to beginning genealogists, and are thankfully very well organized. One warning: When you are checking them out be sure you’ve set aside enough time to explore them thoroughly.

Cyndi’s List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet (www.cyndislist.com). This should be the first stop for any budding genealogist.

About Genealogy—A Genealogy Research Guide (http://www.genealogy.about.com/).

This site provides something for all genealogists: both hobbyists and professionals.

FamilySearch.org—Family History and Genealogy Records (http://www.familysearch.org/).

This is a nonprofit service with the largest collection of free genealogy, family history, and family tree records in the world.

Verify the Details
Don't assume that written records or family stories and legends represent the truth. A fact isn't a fact until you can confirm it from another source. Memories fade, handwriting may be hard to decipher. Confirm details with alternative sources, such as church records, newspapers (for obituaries or birth announcements), land records such as deeds, mortgages, applications for homesteads, and other property records. They can all provide the names of relatives or further clues about where you can learn more.

Connect with Other Searchers
It’s likely that there are others worldwide who are also working on your family tree. They may be just climbing a different branch. Places to connect are:

CousinConnect (http://www.cousinconnect.com/). Post your questions there and get ready for some answers!

OneGreatFamily (http://www.beliefnet.com/sitecore/Documents/www.onegreatfamily.com). There is a charge to use this site but it offers some great features you won’t find elsewhere. For one thing the site will merge two online family trees automatically when it finds a common ancestor listed in each one.

OneWorldTree (www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/trees/owt). From Ancestry.com their system can find probably matches in names and then shows the records in a consolidated way in a worldwide family tree.

Now it’s your turn to look ahead and decide what comes next! Ultimately this is your journey, and we’ll leave you with the hope that your genealogical travels will be endlessly rewarding.

Lorraine here: My "travels" were very rewarding!! I have an extremely interesting ancestry!! If you Google Lorraine Frantz Edwards you will find many of my family connec-tions. The bulk of my vast library was donated to the Brethren Heritage Center, Brookville, Ohio. My publication, Frantz Families--Kith & Kin, is in major genealogy libraries, and on microfilm from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Green Your Routine

I'm a subscriber to organizations that encourage the consumer to "Go Green." My most recent issue of "Energy Times" (available free in your health food store) has an article titled "Green Home, Sound Body" (March 2009, pp. 40-48). Imagine my delight (3/13) when the NBC-TV "Today" show did a segment regarding friendly cleaning products. Click here to actually view.

"Energy Times" is an attractive magazine with lots of valuable information!! You can subscribe for one year, for $10., by sending a check to Marketing Services, P.O. Box 11190, Reno, NV 89510-1190, or phone 1-800-937-0500. For "free," you can receive an online subscription by registering at http://www.energytimes.com/. (Their most recent articles have not been archived.)

The Energy Times referenced article got me where I live: The last point was "Trade in the SUV." Sorry, can't do that!! Payments on a hybrid, or small car, would cost this old lady more than the extra gas consumed. (Sorry!! I'd really like to use less gas!!) But I'm thrifty: I rarely leave home, and I plan all stops for every trip.

Computer connection confusion!!

FYI (for your information): I have relied on WiFi for my Internet connection. Several neighbors in my apartment complex have various paid services. I've truly been deeply grateful for the benefits without paying the exorbitant amount of money. (As an aside [FYI]: I use a cell phone and receive television with "rabbit ears." A Time Warner "bundle" with cable, telephone, and broadband is $100.00, or more, per month!! A luxury this Senior can't justify!!) Frankly, I've had uninterrupted WiFi for two years. Suddenly, I have limited connections. It may be that my several-years-old-laptop-computer has decided it needs a vacation?? (I really spent hundreds of hours on the Internet researching, and documenting, a solution to my illness!!) All this to explain why you may not find new messages each day. I'll continue to check for an answer to my computer connection confusion!! (Here's a thought: One, or more, of my neighbors cancelled their expensive cable "bundle" because they, too, feel that Time Warner is a luxury they can do without?!?!) Meanwhile, I'm thankful for MaxGXL, and Max N-Fuze, which keep me healthy, and my Max network marketing business that keeps my busy!!

5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do

For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.)

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.

Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:

FIRST - Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND - Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be h undreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!'

THIRD - Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

FOURTH - How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

If your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

And Finally.

FIFTH - Free Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3 411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends.

Lorraine here: This was a hasty post. I'm having difficulty accessing the Internet!! I've tried everything I know; the problem is a mystery to me!! This was received as an e-mail. Feel free to copy it and share with family and friends.

Prayer on Being Made Redundant

Redundant – the word says it all - ‘useless, unnecessary, without purpose, surplus to requirements.’ Thank you, Heavenly Father, that in the middle of the sadness, the anger, the uncertain-ty, the pain, I can talk to you. Hear me as I cry out in confusion, help me to think clearly, and calm my soul. As life carries on, may I know your presence with me each and every day. And as I look to the future, help me to look for fresh opportunities, for new directions. Guide me by your Spirit, and show me your path, through Jesus, the way, the truth and the life. Amen.

Vegetarian Grace

"We thank God for all the food placed before us for which no living creature has been sacrificed, and may there be peace on earth. Amen."

Happy Anniversary !!

Today is the four week anniversary of my search for a solution to my health problem (see Feb. 9th). I'm so happy to report that I am feeling much better!! No more coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes!! Occasional mucus but I no longer use the saline sinus rinse. I'm not using over-the-counter remedies, or prescription drugs; I'm using nutritional supplements and Goldenseal (natural antibiotic). As weather permits, I force myself to walk in the neighborhood. (Now I carry a long piece of pipe; see Feb. 10th.) Despite my lingering constant fatigue, exercise should restore my energy?!?! I appreciate the prayers, and messages expressing concern (with suggestions). Thank you!!

iGuard

What is iGuard.org?

iGuard.org is a healthcare service that helps monitor the safety of your medications (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, nutritional supplements and herbal extracts).

iGuard.org helps you stay safer by:

Routinely checking the safety of your medications, screening for drug-drug and drug-disease interactions.

Alerting you and your doctor (optional) as important safety information arises for your medications.

Providing an easily accessible summary of your medications and conditions that you can share with your healthcare team.

Helping you learn and share treatment satisfaction and side effect information within our patient community.

Click here to start using iGuard.org today.

Lorraine here: This appears to be a valuable service.

Breaking News! Pandemic Alert! "Accident" contaminates vaccines with Avian Flu

Natural Solutions Foundation
Health Freedom Action eAlert

March 6, 2009

This is an urgent communication to our opt-in Action eAlert system.

Please open this link for the full eblast:

http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/?p=2220

From the eAlert -

Action Item: Protect your right to refuse medical experimentation
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/568/t/1128/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26830
____________________________________________________

The General's Communiqué
Maj. Gen. Albert N. Stubblebine III
(US Army, Ret.)

Big Pharma Company "Accidentally"
Contaminates Vaccines With LIVE
AVIAN FLU VIRUS in 18 Countries

Dr. Rima and I are still in Germany where the talk of health freedom advocates is this horrifying late-breaking story, though you may already be aware of it. Although it is being widely reported around the world, the US MMD (media of mass deception) appears to have a blackout placed on this story.

World media are reporting that Baxter Pharmaceuticals has admitted that it "accidentally" contaminated various vaccine batches with Avian Flu viruses. These batches were shipped to 18 countries. Clearly, either 1. stupidity and incompetence or 2. intentional contamianation of flu vaccine lots was at work...

[This ebalst continues on www.HealthFreedomUSA.org - we have been trying to send this eblast out for two days, but it continues to be blocked, so we are sending this "no html" version with the full ebast posted on our Health Freedom Blog.]

To read this very important eblast please click here:

http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/?p=2220

General Stubblebine
Dr. Laibow
Counsel Fucetola