Say Yes To Michigan! / General Discussions / General Interests Forums

Unemployment - It is not what the media is telling you

Patrick — Sat, 09 May 2009 04:42:09 GMT

Year over Year changes in employment (% of people working) has not been this bad since, well, maybe before the 1950's.

All Data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

They say unemployment is worse than 1982, really you have to go back to the mid 1970's

so we still alive in here or what??

mamalisa2006 — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:57:04 GMT

Me i have been laid off work since dec and am bouncing off the walls, now hubby is laid off to ekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

but that gvae me time to go to the museum and see the dinasore exhibt, and thats was pretty cool i havnt been there in YEARS

Urgent help needed for family IN Holland Michigan

mamalisa2006 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:35:25 GMT

Hi,
I am BJ. recycleeverything@yahoo.com
Due to job loss of both heads of household, we are having a very
difficult time feeding our animals. With the economy the way it is,
no one is buying either. We are not looking for a handout but we
have things we are willing to trade for hay if anyone has any extra.
We have
all natural beef,cattle, horses,some equipment,artist talents and
more.We are also willing to work for it if you need some odd jobs
done. We
are in the Holland, Michigan area. Please contact us if you have any
interest or ideas.
I would like to stress how hard this is for me to ask for help. We
have usually been the ones to help others out. If it were not for
the circumstances of both of us losing our jobs and only one of us
getting unemployment, I would not be asking now. We have been
searching for any work but the answer is always the same....no one
is hiring. Anyway, we are not asking for a handout, just a fair
trade for what we have to be able to keep our home and feed our
animals. We have lost 3 animals within the last 3 weeks from the
cold and not enough food to keep them warm. We do have a source for
large hay bales at $20.00 each, but our wonderful farmer/hay
supplier cannot lend us much more credit. We put out 3-4 bales
every 2-3 days which isn't as much as they should be getting but its
the best we can do. They should be getting grain during this cold
time but that is not an option right now. So, again...we have all
natural lowfat beef (texas longhorns), some farm equipment, a 1961
Ford Stepside pickup I am an artist and can
paint/draw/woodburn /photograph etc your animals, kids/grandkids,
farms. I can set up websites (I have several sites for you to check
out) I have alot of my stuff for sale at a local flea market
(antique-new items) I can crochet/sew make signs....probably alot of
other things I can't think of right now. We are willing to work if
you have odd jobs to be done.....and whatever else you can think of
that is legal. If you have any leads on jobs or are interested at
all in anything I mentioned (or have something different you need)
Please let me know and I can get back with you.

I have been involved in rescues since I was 12 when a took in a pony
that was left to die when a his family moved out of our neighborhood
and left him behind. I have taken in probably 20 horses and maybe 50
dogs and cats over the last 35 years until I could rehabilitate them
and find them good homes. Some of the ones I have now are rescues. I
just never thought that I would be on this side of it. I swallow my
pride now because I don't want the animals to suffer. With the way
things are now in this world there are so many scammers out there
along with there being real needs to be met. I just don't want
anyone to think that we are trying to get a free ride here. We have
always been hardworking individuals and want to continue to be that
way. After working at the same factory for over 30 years then having
it shut it's doors, it has been very difficult to keep a positive
outlook Asking for help doesn't help either BUT....if it can help
the animals, I will do what I have to do. I will gladly accept any
help that anyone is willing to offer....AND offer my help in
whatever ways I can that will help others in need. I can use large
or small bales of hay, whatever is cheapest as far as grain
goes....they can even eat plain corn. I have a feed mill about 2
miles from me that is much cheaper than the TSC stores, or more hay
can be purchased from my supplier at the $20.00 per large bale and
he will deliver to us. We can help with unloading on this end too.
You are correct in sensing that this is our livelihood and it is
very painful at times.....

The last thing we want is people to think that we don't care about
the situation we are in. We spend many restless nights trying to
find a solution and asking for help is our last resort. We also
don't want people to think that we are crying over spilled milk.
This is a very serious problem that we would love to take care of
ourselves but see no way out. We are trying to keep it together and
remember that "I will be given nothing that I can't handle" (even
though I think that he has me mixed up with someone else)

We also have 4 horses. One Chincoteague that I got from Chincoteague
Island, Virginia 16 years ago as a 4 month old wild colt.He went
from being mine, to my son's and now is my granddaughter' s. He has
earned his place here and will remain here until he
passes.Hopefully, he will be around for my great grandchildren. The
3 others are rescues that I have had for several years and do have
some individuals that are helping support them as a group effort. I
have two dogs. One that was on death row at a shelter and one that I
got from someone that let her dog have litter after litter of pups
until her uterus came out with the last litter. She finally
consented to having the dog fixed and my daughter and I took two of
the pups and helped pay for the surgery. We have a cat that was left
behind at my daughters apartment complex. The dogs and cat were
taken to C-snip so that they will not contribute to the unwanted
animal explosion. We did not get into this situation irresponsibly
as we both have always worked full time jobs and are very careful
about how we spend our money. We don't waste our money on smoking,
drinking, gambling or anything else that is frivolous. We don't
drive new cars or have any other luxuries. We live very simply and
spend more on the animals than ourselves. I know that we are not the
only ones in circumstances like this and I do feel shame in asking
for help now.... .
So here we are again...if you are in a postion to help, the feed
mill I mentioned is Piers Feed Co. 4384 58th Street Holland Michigan
616-396-2586. I have not contacted them yet but I will in the
morning. I will check on current prices and the best way to go. It
is so close, I could pick up the supplies. I do not want to post the
hay farmers name on the internet but can provide that by phone or
whatever other way would work. You are welcome to crosspost if you
think that will help. Thank you again for all the help and
understanding. BJ

FROM Lisa:
Monday I got the account set up with the feed company and posted it in my group ONe sweet heart of a friend matched my donation so we got them started on emergency feed for the
animals. It is so wonderful to see people actually step up and help
others. The account is at Piers Feed Co. If anyone
can call them with a donation, it will be put for feed. They also
take credit and debit cards. The owner even took time to check a
few things out to make sure the request was legit. When he called
back, he said it is. Even a couple of farmers happened to be in the
store at the time and they both said they are very good people, in
need of help, and both looking for work. So yes, this IS a
legitimate need for help. I know many of you are not in Michigan.
But if you've been watching the news, we are one of the many states
hit with a very early winter, and deep freeze conditions for weeks
and weeks now... We need to get help out there to keep these animals
warm and fed and safe. Many of us are also checking with local
grocery stores and bread stores. We were told bread would make a
good filler along with the hay and feed, and make it stretch
further...
So please, we are trying to show the true spirit of caring. If you
can only donate spare change, bags of pop bottles, anything will
help... and please, we all must know and realize, this could be us
someday... Please give whatever you can afford, anything will be
appreciated.

Piers Feed Co.
616-396-2586
The account is under "BJ's Wish"
and anyone can call and help as they can or see fit.

Thank you and May God Bless You.

News and New Years

Weseye — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:06:36 GMT

The '08 news in revue:

[url=http://www.youtube.com/UncleJayExplains]http://www.youtube.com/UncleJayExplains[/url]

For New Years:

[url=http://www.icq.com/img/friendship/static/card_16961_rs.swf]http://www.icq.com/img/friendship/static/card_16961_rs.swf[/url]

Trunk Monkey - Do you need one?

Patrick — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:35:02 GMT

Very Good Video for a new item anyone can use for their car!

Watch the entire video (about 5 minutes)

Digital Art

Weseye — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:44:06 GMT

I was getting a drink of water in the evening and notice how pretty the tomatoes I had in a bowl looked in the windowsill as the sun set.

I took several shots and took one to make into a digital painting.

Then I took this image and made a closeup of the tomatoes:

I'm going to have some printed and mat and frame them.

Jeff (weseye) Wesley

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5660189

Salute

Weseye — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:46:14 GMT

Today is Veteran's Day and I salute all Vets whom have served.

Jeff (weseye) Wesley
USN 1964-1968

Parking Ticket

Weseye — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:40:07 GMT

I received a parking ticket in the mail Saturday (July 19) from the city of Chicago, IL. The problem is I wasn’t in Chicago on the issue date. I haven’t been to Chicago in many years. The car the ticket was issue to, was an older one that I had previously owned. I sold the car (1987 Grand Marquis) last Sept 2007. I left it up to the new owner to properly transfer ownership. He assured me that he would.

But somebody didn’t do his or her job—The new buyer didn’t register and transfer the title, or the state of Michigan didn’t remove the old information and update with the new information. The ticket lists my old vehicle license number that would have expired last November. I didn’t renew the plate. (Yes, I had removed it from the car.)

No matter, now it’s a mess. I am left with a parking ticket that I will not pay. If the city of Chicago doesn’t rescind the ticket then they will issue a bench warrant for my arrest.

I contacted the buyer and he wrote back that he did register- transfer the title. He said he sold the car. He confirmed that I did take the license plate off the car. I put it into my garage. Sometime later my wife or I tossed the plate into the trash. I can only surmise that somehow someone got hold of the license plate and used it. That plate although expired was still linked to me.

I contacted the city of Chicago this morning after going to the web site listed for tickets. You have the option of paying online or to contest the ticket by regular mail after proving you aren’t at fault. I told the woman in Chicago who took my call that it is a total scam. (She didn’t care.) She said I would have to contact the Michigan Secretary of State to get a written document that I no longer had this vehicle and the plate wasn’t valid. So I contacted the Michigan SOS.

I found out that the plate, although expired due to not renewing; still was a license plate that someone could use (fraudulently of course) until the plate was destroyed and/or I requested the state of Michigan to document that I no longer used this plate. . Then if the plate were used again it would be on record that I didn’t own it and that it was stolen. It will cost me 7 dollars for the records and 4 more dollars to go to the SOS to get the license plate noted. It’s going to cost more when I get all the paperwork together to mail (certified) to Chicago. I have only to July 31.

Life’s lessons learned: Insure you get a notarized bill of sale or go with the buyer to the SOS to register/transfer the title. Also cancel the license plate or transfer to another vehicle. If you don’t cancel then cut the plate into pieces before discarding.

Jeff (weseye) Wesley

P.S. (I've been informed this is a scam. The government entities can access vehicle info via the web-- send out thousands of tickets to out of state residents. Most will ignore the summons, but enough will send in payment to avoid the hassle to make it profitable.)

Joke Thread NON ADULT PLEASE

mamalisa2006 — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 15:29:59 GMT

1. If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling
through
18 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will
swim by, you might live in Michigan.

2. If you're proud that your region makes the national news 96
nights
each year because Pellston is the coldest spot in the nation, you
might live in Michigan.

3. If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March,
you
might live in Michigan.

4. If you instinctively walk like a penguin for five months out of
the
year, you might live in Michigan.

5. If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work
there, you might live in
Michigan.

6. If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle
of
his forehead, you might live in Michigan.

7. If you have worn shorts and a coat at the same time, you might
live in Michigan.

8. If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, you might
live in Michigan.

9. If you have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone
who
dialed a wrong number, you might live in Michigan.

Part 2 - You know you're a true MICHIGANDER when . . .

1. 'Vacation' means going up north on I-75

2. You measure distance in hours.

3. You know several people who have hit a deer more than once.

4. You often switch from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day.

5. You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging
blizzard, without
flinching.

6. You see people wearing camouflage at social events (including
weddings).

7. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave
both
unlocked.

8. You carry jumper cables in your car and your girlfriend knows
how to use them.

9. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

10. Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled
with snow.

11. You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter
and
road construction.

12. You can identify a southern or eastern accent.

13. Your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next
to
your blue spruce.

14. You were unaware that there is a legal drinking age.

15. Down South to you means Ohio.

16. A brat is something you eat.

17. Your neighbor
throws a party to celebrate his new pole barn.

18. You go out to fish fry every Friday.

19. Your 4th of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost.

20. You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.

21. You find 0 degrees 'a little chilly.'

22. You drink pop and bake with soda.

23. Your doctor tells you to drink Vernors and you know it's not
medicine.

24. You can actually drink Vernors without coughing.

25. You know what a Yooper is.

26. You think owning a Honda is Un-American.

27. You know that UP is a place, not a direction.

28. You know it's possible to live in a thumb.

29. You understand that when visiting Detroit, the best thing to
wear is a Kevlar vest.

30. You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to
all your
Michigan friends.

Coats - Funny VIDEO!!!

SpeedRacer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:47:47 GMT

The Dark Knight- Joker Interrogation Scene Spoof

Patrick — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:43:36 GMT

If you saw Dark Knight you will love this!!

Meditation Video

Patrick — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:40:24 GMT

This video is from OverallWellbeing.com. It features binaural beats and frequencies and videos that should pull you into a state of relaxation and mediation.

New jewelry

Weseye — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:14:26 GMT

I've been busy making jewelry for my new store.

Here are a few pictures:

Measures about 3/4 inch X 1 1/2 inches. A limoge pin.

Measures about 1 inch square. A limoge- cloisonne pin.

Summer's over!

Weseye — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:47:54 GMT

Yikes! Summer went by way too fast! Maybe we'll have a nice fall.

Last Sunflower Sept. 2, 2008

Morning Glories Aug. 29, 2008

Tomatoes are ripe. Where's the salt? Hmmm, are they tasty or what?:D

Jeff (weseye) Wesley

GETTING STARTED IN METAL DETECTING

John's Detectors — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 13:47:36 GMT

HI EVERYONE!, YOU KNOW GETTING STARTED IN THE GREAT HOBBY OF METAL DETECTING IS EASIER THAN ONE MAY THINK. THERE ARE SOME GOOD DETECTORS AROUND THE 200.00 MARK THAT WILL HELP GET YOU STARTED. THE FISHER F2, GARRETT ACE 250, BOUNTY HUNTER TRACKER IV ARE A FEW TO NAME. OF COURSE THERE ARE SOME VERY EXPENSIVE MODELS IF ONE CHOOSES TO GO THIS ROUTE ALSO. IT IS NOT UNUSUAL TO MAKE ENOUGH FINDS THAT WILL ACTUALLY PAY FOR THE DETECTOR IN A SHORT TIME. AND DETECTING IS EASY TO LEARN TO WHERE IT BECOMES A REWARDING HOBBY. OK JUST A SHORT NOTE TO THOSE THAT MAYBE THINKING ABOUT GETTING THEIR FEET WET AND STARTING A NEW HOBBY. THANKS EVERYONE AND HAPPY HUNTING!:)

JOHN TOMLINSON,CET

JOHN'S DETECTORS

www.johnsmetaldetectors.com

GM & Ford asking the U.S. Government for $50 Billion

Patrick — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 06:43:58 GMT

I just read that GM and Ford want money (asking for $50 billion) from the U.S. Government to support building alternative cars, it really burns me.

Did you know that GM actually built a successful electric car in the 90s? It was only available in California on lease. California built an entire infrastructure that allowed people to charge the car while working, shopping, or going to school. The car had a range of 150 miles on one charge. With advanced batteries the range was expanded to 300 miles.

Still a good looking car by today's standards.

Rent the documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car" and see how GM crushed all these cars even when people begged to purchase the vehicles. They were going to pay double the value.

Why did GM crush these cars? Well the DEALERS could not make any money servicing these cars. They did not require oil changes, air filters, or spark plugs. They did not need a "tune up."

California is on the hook for this as well. The CA legislator was forcing car manufactures to produce emission free vehicles. This got the ball rolling then later canceling the law. Guess what, GM responded with destroying all the cars.

On of my neighbors "was" an engineer at Ford. He was just let go. Ford and GM begging for money and at the same time pushing jobs to India, now they want loans from the U.S. Goverment! Give me a break!

Lost Coin Caches

John's Detectors — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:44:20 GMT

HI EVERYONE, IN CASE YOU ARE WONDERING, THERE ARE STILL LOST CACHES ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY! THEY CAN BE IN AN OLD POST HOLE, IN THE WALL OF AN OLD HOUSE, UNDER THE HOUSE, OR IN CLOSETS. A FRIEND OF MINE FOUND ONE A FEW MONTHS AGO IN AN OLD HOUSE DOWN NEAR BEAUMONT,TX.. IT WAS IN A BOX ON THE TOP SHELF OF A SMALL CLOSET. HE DIDN'T EVEN USE A METAL DETECTOR TO FIND IT! THE BOX HAD TWO 100 OZ. SILVER BARS AND FULL OF LOOSE SILVER COINS. HE HAD A PARTNER WITH HIM AND THEY SPLIT IT. HIS TAKE AFTER THEY SOLD OFF ALL OF THE SILVER WAS 4,000.00 WOWWEEE! SO IT JUST TAKES A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND GETTING AROUND TO INVESTIGATE. OK I HOPE THIS WILL GIVE EVERYONE A LITTLE BOOST TO GET OUT AND LOOK AROUND. GOOD LUCK TREASURE HUNTERS!

JOHN TOMLINSON,CET

JOHN'S DETECTORS

What's Cooking

mamalisa2006 — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:08:43 GMT

What's Cooking page in the sidebar.

Hash Brown Casserole

2 pounds frozen hash browns ( used WalMart's Great Value brand)
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
8 ounces sour cream
2 sticks margarine, melted
2 cups corn flakes

Spread potatoes evenly in greased 9 x 13 inch casserole pan.

Mix together soup, sour cream, cheese and 1 stick of melted margarine.
Spread over potatoes.
Crumble cornflakes over top.
Pour remaining stick of melted margarine over top.
Bake 400 degrees about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Do you believe in honesty,loyalty and truthfullness

massaman — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:57:05 GMT

Do you believe in honesty,loyalty and truthfullness,then look no further. I am looking for someone with good communication, open and honest. I am looking for my a friend, best friend and lover. I want someone romantic and who is a single un-attached female who has no kids but would like to have some some day for a possible relationship and preferred age range around 24-37 years of age and from around the saginaw,midland,mt.pleasant or sanford area and must be from Michigan and either a hispanic caucasian,native american or a oriental or a middle eastern. Someone who likes to kiss, cuddle and hold hands. I am open and honest and have a good heart.I want someone who also likes playing computer or online games like everquest,reading,writing,travelling, bowling,chatting,walks on the beach,jet-skiing,and many other things. I want someone who likes to travel. I am ready to settle down. Well, I hope to hear from that special person and and my email is massa@centurytel.net or massaman@hotmail.com

Save money on milk bills

Weseye — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:05:52 GMT

Milk prices rise! Ice cream makes you scream 'cause it costs so much. Cheese for the rich only?

Here's a site for urbanites whom want to save money on milk stuff.

http://www.mydairycow.com/

I am ordering one soon, how about you?

;)

New sculpture design

Weseye — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:38:50 GMT

I made a new cross.

6x4x1 inches. Cut nails with copper-brass figure. Wall mounted display

I had some at the Meridian Art Market and they sold well. I'll make more for future shows.

Here's a picture:

Makes a wonderful gift or purchase for yourself.

The cost of fuel affects everything!

mamalisa2006 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:33:49 GMT

The cost of fuel affects everything! Fertilizer and other supplies needed to grow food crops uses fuel for an ingredient and to move it to the fields and apply it. Then the crops need to be trucked to processing and to markets. All foods and fibers use fuels before we buy them. I see the fantastically high prices now for farm grown stuff and wonder if even those prices are covering the input cost for those crops. As a old farmer at heart I think farmers have always been took...when you work every hour of every day possible, do every thing the best you can, but one member of the farm family must work off the farm to earn the money to support the family.....farming has only supported the farm for too many years.

I don't believe for a second the price is fair on fuel. It has been driven up by commodity markets and foriegn governments trying to drain off our money. Add the greedy oil people (what business has more profit?) We are being held hostage by the oil industry!

The world can't continue on this path for long but I have no clue what will solve it or when or if it will ever end and get more sensible.

For me, I sit on my porch, watch the birds and flowers, take some pictures, sip some iced water. My car sits in the garage until I must go somewhere. Using about two tank of gas a month now with getting a job closer to home. Stepping out to the porch again, Lisa

Bugs invade garden

Weseye — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:02:25 GMT

I took some pictures of big bugs in my patio garden.

Cucumber beetle?

A lady bug and an aphid on my summer squash?

New species?

Wow! It sure looks menacing, doesn't it?

Don't worry; these bugs are miniature vitreous enameled copper sculptures. (About 1 inch x 1/2 in x 12/inch.) They won't harm anything and usually bring on a smile.

Summer is going fast! ;)

Take care all!

Jeff (weseye) Wesley

GM to Cut Health Insurance for Retirees

Yoda — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:19:45 GMT

Well GM takes the step of dropping health insurance for retirees. What a great company. Now with all the mis-management the stock is down to $9.00 a share, they have lost billions of dollars and may even file for bankruptcy next year if they cannot get out of the hole.

http://www.thestate.com/breaking/story/460894.html

Sweets and Treats

mamalisa2006 — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:30:27 GMT

Sock It To Me Cake

1/2 c Sugar
1 ea Box yellow cake mix
1/2 c Oil
8 oz Sour cream
4 ea Eggs

Filling:
3 tb Brown sugar
2 ts Cinnamon
1 c Chopped nuts

Glaze:
10 1/2 tb Butter
1 1/2 c Sugar
1/4 c Milk
Vanilla to taste

Mix sugar and cake mix.

Mix oil and sour cream and then add cake mix.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.

Pour half of batter into greased tube pan; then add
filling. Pour rest of batter on top.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for 45-50 minutes. Cool in pan
30 minutes. Remove and glaze.

Filling:
Mix together sugar, cinnamon and chopped nuts.

Glaze:
Cook the butter, sugar, and milk until smooth; add the vanilla.

I had to share this

mamalisa2006 — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:15:41 GMT

I had to share this website with everyone . I hope you don’t mind.

A great tribute to our flag and all it stands for.

http://home.comcast.net:80/~nw-fla/tribute_flag_B_thompson.htm

Thanks for the well wished on the new job interview

mamalisa2006 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:41:18 GMT

I got tomorrow for the three hour testing fo rthe solar plant

But guess what happens today .. Well monday I got laid off fo rthe rest of the week due to the fact I was a week ahead on my schedule and Im like WHOO HOO I cna do this and this and this ..

well of course that goes down the tubes the minute i start making fun plans my phone rings this morning and its a job that s 10 minutes from my house i have been trying to get into for the past 4 months but due to the American axel strike they ended up having a hiring freeze, well I get the call today, can ya come in today for your orinentaion and start tomorrow.. UMMMMM, darn,,, rattts. Yep I'l be there.

so tomorrow i go for testing and then have to go right into the new job and work a second shift and somewhere along the line i have to call my current boss and tell him the news Im not gonn abe working there .. I HATE GOOD BYES in person, I'd cheet and send an email but i have to go get my last check and return my tools..

so much for relaxing and chilling for 6 days lol

sighs a newbie once again...feels liek highschool and Im a freshman

If you have a fear of a Colonoscopy

mamalisa2006 — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:49:59 GMT

If you have a fear of a Colonoscopy , maybe this will be what you need to read ...
If you have ever had a colonoscopy, you know by now that it is no big deal

It just sounds like it is going to be.  When I had mine I was chatting away with the nurse anesthetist and was still chatting away...but with the recovery room nurse.
Scoping the Colon: Dave Barry

If you've ever had a colonoscopy, you can't delete this without reading.
Pretty funny.
;
This is from news hound Dave Barry's colonoscopy journal:
... I called my friend Andy Sable, a gastroenteritis, to make an
appointment for a colonoscopy. A few days later, in his office, Andy
showed me a color diagram of the colon, a lengthy organ that appears
to go all over the place, at one point passing briefly through
Minneapolis . Then Andy explained the colonoscopy procedure to me in a
thorough, reassuring and patient manner. I nodded thoughtfully, but I
didn't really hear anything he said, because my brain was shrieking,
quote, 'HE'S GOING TO STICK A TUBE 17,000 FEET UP YOUR BEHIND!'

I left Andy's office with some written instructions, and a prescription
for a product called 'MoviPrep,' which comes in a box large enough to
hold a microwave oven. I will discuss MoviPrep in detail later; for
now suffice it to say that we must never allow it to fall into the
hands of America's enemies.

I spent the next several days productively sitting around being nervous.
Then, on the day before my colonoscopy, I began my preparation. In
accordance with my instructions, I didn't eat any solid food that day;
all I had was chicken broth, which is basically water, only with less
flavor. Then, in the evening, I took the MoviPrep. You mix two packets
of powder together in a one-liter plastic jug, then you fill it with
lukewarm water. (For those unfamiliar with the metric system, a liter
is about 32 gallons.) Then you have to drink the whole jug. This takes
about an hour, because MoviPrep tastes - and here I am being kind -
like a mixture of goat spit and urinal cleanser, with just a hint of
lemon.
 
The instructions for MoviPrep, clearly written by somebody with a great
sense of humor, state that after you drink it, 'a loose watery
bowel movement may result.' This is kind of like saying that after you
jump off your roof, you may experience contact with the ground.

MoviPrep is a nuclear laxative. I don't want to be too graphic, here,
but: Have you ever seen a space-shuttle launch? This is pretty much
the MoviPrep experience, with you as the shuttle. There are times when
you wish the commode had a seat belt. You spend several hours pretty
much confined to the bathroom, spurting violently. You eliminate
everything. And then, when you figure you must be totally empty, you
have to drink another liter of MoviPrep, at which point, as far as I
can tell, your bowels travel into the future and start eliminating
food that you have not even eaten yet.

After an action -packed evening, I finally got to sleep. The next
morning my wife drove me to the clinic. I was very nervous. Not only
was I worried about the procedure, but I had been experiencing
occasional return bouts of MoviPrep spurtage. I was thinking, 'What if
I spurt on Andy?' How do you apologize to a friend for something like
that? Flowers would not be enough.

At the clinic I had to sign many forms acknowledging that I understood
and totally agreed with whatever the heck the forms said. Then they
led me to a room full of other colonoscopy people, where I went inside
a little curtained space and took off my clothes and put on one of
those hospital garments designed by sadist perverts, the kind that,
when you put it on, makes you feel even more naked than when you are
actually naked.

Then a nurse named Eddie put a little needle in a vein in my left hand.
Ordinarily I would have fainted, but Eddie was very good, and I was
already lying down. Eddie also told me that some people put vodka in
their MoviPrep. At first I was ticked off that I hadn't thought of
this, but then I pondered what would happen if you got yourself too
tipsy to make it to the bathroom, so you were staggering around in
full Fire Hose Mode. You would have no choice but to burn your house.
When everything was ready, Eddie wheeled me into the procedure room,
where Andy was waiting with a nurse and an anesthesiologist. I did not
see the 17,000-foot tube, but I knew Andy had it hidden around there
somewhere. I was seriously nervous at this point. Andy had me roll
over on my left side, and the anesthesiologist began hooking something
up to the needle in my hand. There was music playing in the room, and
I realized that the song was 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA I remarked to
Andy that, of a ll the songs that could be playing during this
particular procedure, 'Dancing Queen' has to be the least appropriate.

'You want me to turn it up?' said Andy, from somewhere behind me. 'Ha
ha,' I said. And then it was time, the moment I had been dreading for
more than a decade. If you are squeamish, prepare yourself, because I
am going to tell you, in explicit detail, exactly what it was like.

I have no idea. Really. I slept through it. One moment, ABBA was
yelling 'Dancing Queen, Feel the beat of the tambourine,' and the next
moment, I was back in the other room, waking up in a very mellow mood.
Andy was looking down at me and asking me how I felt. I felt excellent.
I felt even more excellent when Andy told me that It was all over, and
that my colon had passed with flying colors. I have never been prouder
of an internal organ.

ABOUT THE WRITER Dave Barry is a Pulitzer Prize-winning humor
columnist for the Miami Herald.

Have you noticed

mijeff57 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:06:42 GMT

Thats the new Dollar coins have removed the

IN GOD we Trust on them?

They actually did it..

Pissers!!!!!

Helping Michigan

mamalisa2006 — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:44:27 GMT

Found in a recent issue of Hour Detroit magazine, 'If we all spent $10 a week on Michigan products, we could put $36 million every week back into the state's economy'. Jeanne Lipe at the Michigan Agritourist Department confirmed that the numbers were correct The idea is to shift $10 per week of your grocery budget to products that are from Michigan companies. I wanted an easy to use list of Michigan products that I could find at my local grocery store. Attached is a copy of that list. It is not complete, but it will get you off to a good start if you should choose to help out. There are a lot of Michigan owned grocery stores that are supporting other Michigan businesses on their shelves. Spartan stores are a cooperative, this means that if you buy a Michigan made product from a Spartan affiliated grocery store, you are getting a 'triple dip'. The product is made in Michigan, the grocery store is independently owned by a Michigan family, and Spartan Stores headquarters is located in Grand Rapids. Other independently owned stores are a 'double dip'. This includes stores like Randazzo's and Westborn markets. Meijer is based in Grand Rapids, so also counts as a double dip. There are also products that are not mass distributed, but are available online and in some specialty food shops

BEST BUY, MY FOOT

mamalisa2006 — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:26:02 GMT

BEST BUY, MY FOOT

Best Buy has some bad policies....

Normally, I would not share this with others, however, since this could happen to you or your friends , I decided to share it. If you purchase something from, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, JC Penny, Sears etc. and you return the item with the receipt they will give you your money back if you paid cash, or credit your account if paid by plastic.

Well, I purchased a GPS for my car, a Tom Tom XL.S from 'Best Buy'. They have a policy that it must be returned within 14 days for a refund!

So after 4 days I returned it in the original box with all the items in the box, with paper work and cords all wrapped in the plastic. Just as I received it, including the receipt.

I explained to the lady at the return desk I did not like the way it could not find store names. The lady at the refund desk said, there is a 15% restock fee, for items returned. I said no one told me that. I said how much would that be. She said it goes by the price of the item. It will be $45.00 Dollars for you. I said, all your going to do is walk over and place it back on the shelf then charge me $45.00 of my money for restocking? She said that's the store policy. I said if more people were aware of it they would not buy anything here! If I bought a $2000.00 computer or TV and returned it I would be charged $300.00 dollars restock fee? She said yes, 15%.

I said OK, just give me my money minus the restock fee.

She said, since the item is over $200.00 dollars, she can't give me my money back!!!

Corporate has to and they will mail you a check in 7 to ten days.!! I said 'WHAT?!'

It's my money!! I paid in cash! I want to buy a different brand..Now I have to wait 7 to 10 days. She said well, our policy is on the back of your receipt.

I said, do you read the front or back of your receipt? She said well, the front! I said so do I, I want to talk to the Manager!.

So the manager comes over, I explained everything to him, and he said, well, sir they should of told you about the policy when you got the item. I said, No one, has ever told me about the check refund or restock fee, whenever I bought items from computers to TVs from Best Buy. The only thing they ever discussed was the worthless extended warranty program. He said Well, I can give you corporate phone number.

I called corporate. The guy said, well, I'm not supposed to do this but I can give you a 45.00 dollar gift card and you can use it at Best Buy. I told him if I bought something and returned it, you would charge me a restock fee on the item and then send me a check for the remaining 3 dollars. You can keep your gift card, I'm never shopping in Best Buy ever again, and if I would of been smart, I would of charged the whole thing on my credit card! Then I would of canceled the transaction.

I would of gotten all my money back including your stupid fees! He didn't say a word!

I informed him that I was going to e-mail my friends and give them a heads up on this stores policy, as they don't tell you about all the little caveats.

So please pass this on. It may save your friends from having a bad experience of shopping at Best Buy

It's true! read it for yourself!!

Best Buys return policy

Happy Mothers day to My MOMMY

JESS — Sat, 10 May 2008 12:19:51 GMT

Love ya !!! Sorry we couldn't see you for mothers day!!!

thought this would make you smile.. it me and you playing Jacks

But we'll call ok....Jess and Kids

RED MARBLES

mamalisa2006 — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:06:13 GMT

RED MARBLES

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean,hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.

I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.
Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.

'Hello Barry, how are you today?'

'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'

'They are goo d, Barry. How's your Ma?'

'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'

'Good . Anything I can help you with?'

'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'

'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller.

'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'

'All I got's my prize marble here.'

'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller.

'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'

'I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.

'Not zackley but almost..'

'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.

'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, a l l three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas , apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'

I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado, but I never forgot the story of this man,the boys,and their bartering for marbles.

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.

They were having his vis itation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.

Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket.

Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefl y and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.

'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt.'

'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho'
With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

The Moral : We will not be remembered by our words, but by our ki nd deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath..

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself...An unexpected phone call from an old friend...Green stoplights on your way to work...The fastest l ine at the gro cery store...A good sing-along song on the radio...Your keys found right where you left them.

Send this to the people you'll never forget. I just Did...

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you are in way too much of a hurry to even notice the ordinary miracles when they occur.

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED

Simple Gas

mamalisa2006 — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:36:01 GMT

Simple Gas

I hate that people in the world are starving because oil barons need
to make more money. Greed - Plain and Simple. I don't have it all
figured out, but in my way of thinking, America still is the greatest
country in the world. But the cost of fuel is crippling. We seem to
be our own worst enemy. Dropping the Federal or State gas tax is not
the answer. That will only cripple our economy more. Our roads are
in terrible shape as it is. Crippling to the people who just have to
get to work to make a living to pay the rent and put food on the
table. Crippling to the farmer who plants the seeds, and milks the
cows, and harvest the crops, who is finally making a decent wage, but
still can't get ahead for fuel prices. When are we going to learn?

Someone said recently that we might not want to get out of Iraq,
since we now have a strong presence in the middle East. No wonder
the insurgents want us out! But since we have paid billions of
dollars to fight the war, why doesn't Iraq, one of the richest oil
countries at least give us a break on gas prices? Doesn't add up.
If America produces the most food in the world, and you can't grow
food in a desert, and the desert lands of the world control OPEC,
does it take a person more intelligent than me to figure out that we
do have a bargaining chip? Not everyone has to drive, but we all
have to eat! (And no, I'm not a Poker player), but I don't get it!
We are the richest nation, and yet, our jobs are going south. Can't
we put someone in office that can actually figure out how to keep
jobs in America, keep banks from lending to people who can afford
what they want to borrow, keep our farms from going bankrupt?
A store clerk recently said to me, "When it comes to the election, a
lot of people are going to be looking for the `none of the above'
button. I couldn't agree more.

Michigan can't get it right. We are in our 6th straight year in
the job-loss category. And we elected that. Twice! As Bill Cosby
says, "Come on People!" Everyone's got an opinion, but does anyone
really know what's going on?

All this to say, find ways to use less gas. Burn alternative
fuel whenever possible. Use your clothes line. Get groceries after
work, to save a trip. Make the kids ride their bikes – it's good for
them. Heck – you ride your bike! My friend Bill just bought his
daughter an electric scooter. Hey, it burns less gas than a car.
Stay home. Buy a fuel efficient car, if possible. I figure I will
be able to afford a Prius (at least they are made in America!) in a
few more years, (and why are Ford and GM so far behind in the Hybrid
wars?)

We don't have an excuse not to vote - or, to know where we stand
on the issues. More than any time in history we need to KNOW what's
going on, not just guess, or go with the flow. Find out how you
stand on the issues. And, for your families' sake, don't go into
debt, get OUT of debt. Save part of your income. Buy food that is
good for you, not junk food. Grow your own, if possible. Support
the workers in your area by buying their products, such as local
factories, or farm markets. And if you live in America, BUY
AMERICAN! One day, it may be your grandchild's job on the line. You
will have to look to find the products, but they are there.
Substitute, if necessary. Can't get American strawberries? Use a
fruit that is from America. We may not ever be president, but we can
to our part!

by Sheryl Simons

We are Americans

mamalisa2006 — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:33:54 GMT

We are Americans. Our Grandfathers, fathers, sons, brothers,
friends and now sisters are fighting for our freedom. We are proud
of the fathers of the great revolution who by their own demise, made
our country what it is. We are inventors, researchers, teachers,
parents, and patriots, but mostly, we are Christians- and proud of
it! We will not let anyone tell us what to believe, or when or where
we can pray. We do believe in God. We do not believe that because
there is some good in us all, that we all have God in us. If we
believe that, we would believe that a frog has the right to one day
be President. We will not forget our Sunday Schools days, our memory
verses, or let our faith take a back seat. We fail at times, but we
strive to be honest and hard working. We do what we can to make
things better for our families, and we won't settle for less. It's
our job to set a good role model. To be an excellent parent. To
volunteer when there are needs in our community. To get out of debt,
and stay there. To do the right things whenever possible. And to
still put our hand on our heart when we hear the National Anthem. We
are proud Americans, and we won't forget our roots, or the faith of
our fathers who brought this great nation to where it is

Written By Sheryl Simons

Memorial day

Weseye — Mon, 26 May 2008 08:35:01 GMT

It's too bad that we have to celebrate this day at all. And yes, I am a Veteran. I served honorable in the U.S.N. from Sept. 28, 1964 through January 3, 1968. I didn’t fight in the war, but I was the part of the support personnel for the men who did fight. One day out of 365 is not enough; we should be grateful and thank them everyday.

Remember those whom served:

http://www.wwiimemorial.com/

http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/projects/WashingtonDC/korean.html

http://www.thewall-usa.com/

Jeff (weseye) Wesley

The Rare Thailand Parrot Flower

mamalisa2006 — Sun, 25 May 2008 12:03:13 GMT

Such a beautiful gift to see
http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Rare%20Thailand%20Parrot%20Flower%
20SP.html

Will you take part of any of the stimulus package bonuses?

mamalisa2006 — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:10:59 GMT

Many stores are taking part in stretching your stimulus check further
with added incentives. Meijers is offering a $30 off coupon with a
$300 gift card purchase. Kroger is offering $30 extra on a gift card
purchased for $300. KMart is doing the same.

Even Cedar Point is offering a stimulus deal, offering a family pack
of 4 adult tickets for only $132. I'm sure there are other small
businesses offering perks, such as no interest, no down payment, no
tax, etc if you use part or all of your stimulus check with them.

Will you take part in any of these deals?

Help a local community art organization.

Weseye — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:52:35 GMT

This weekend a purchase of a book at any Barnes & Noble Book Store (Nation wide), will earn the Mid Michigan Art Guild a 10% contribution. Just mention that you want your purchase to credit the MMAG.

Thank you for your support.

Jeff Wesley, member of the

http://www.midmichiganartguild.org/

Loooking to start a garden ministry

Pastor Steve — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:19:44 GMT

I am in the process of putting together a garden ministry to help feed those who could use a little help.

If you have extra seeds, plants, or anything that may help in this venture please email me back.

Blessings form Pastor Steve