Better Safe than Sorry....

So I'm flippin' through my emails and news this morning, and I run across this header about 7 things you should have in your auto in case of emergency. I thought, hmm, ok, I'll check it out - see how I stack up...

Got that, yep, that too... that, that, that.... well hell, I have everything on the list. Damn, I'm good. heh. Seriously - that's all thanks to Captain Crazy. He told me years ago what I need to take with me in the truck, and I always kept the same in my personal vehicle.

Anyhow, check it out... you may laugh about the duct tape and electrical tape, but I have sealed a big truck airline with it long enough to get 2 miles down the road to get it fixed. In addition, I keep it all in a cardboard box (it really doesn't take up that much room and it stays organized) along with essential fluids (oil, antifreeze/coolant, brake fluid) as well as my scraper, a plug in defroster, jumper cables and a pair of work boots and heavy socks. (As ya'll know, I'm a barefoot or flip-flops kinda gal... walkin' 3 miles is not fun that way.) In the winter, I add a blanket, dried fruits/nuts, and half-filled water jugs (for expansion.) If you have any other ideas, please feel free to share for everyone... one can never be too prepared, and better over than under! (Prepared... jeez! *wink*)

Check out the link HERE...
As always, be safe!

*hugs*
miss b

Mix it up...

Ok, I know I've been promising, and it's just one of those days, so I'm gonna say "f~*~ it" and blog. It's not like I'm getting my freight in MS picked up anytime the rest of this f~*~en month anyway... right?

And I've been lurking, so I'm going to share. Some are fun, some are definitely for the mature crowd (18+) and some are just flat-out hilarious. And I'm sure I'll forget half of them, so I want to do this while I remember SOME of them... if you're offended by adult humor or content, then most of these are not for you. And I'm surprised you still hang out here. But I digress.

no hugs yet, 'coz I'm still pissy, but I hope you're havin' a good day...
miss b

muchadoaboutsumthin.blogspot.com (Miss Steph ~ so hilarious, and quite the following)
captainsmack.blogspot.com (Captain-courtesy of Miss Steph: thanks hon! and he is a fucking riot.)
kavanf1.wordpress.com (heh. he's a hoot. period.)
theheritagesisters.blogspot.com (honey with the psycho ex... those are always fun. ;) )
bikersballsandteacherstits.blogspot.com (most definitely for the adults - but they are real)

I found a couple more really fun ones, but I don't have them bookmarked here at work, so another post, another day...

Be Selective about who gets your Cell Phone Number...

Call me paranoid??? Well, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean someone's not out to get you!

I just typed in my cell phone number and watched with fascination and horror as it tracked me down.

UNBELIEVABLE!

http://www.sat-gps-locate.com

*hugs*

Miss B

This one's for the girls... 23 Ways to Reduce Wrinkles

Courtesy of WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/23-ways-to-reduce-wrinkles?page=2

Worried that your skin looks older than you feel? Here are 23 ways to reduce wrinkles – starting now!
How to Reduce Wrinkles: What You Can Do

1. Avoid the sun. It's the No. 1 cause of wrinkles, with dozens of studies documenting the impact. In one study that looked at identical twins, New York plastic surgeon Darrick Antell, MD, found sun exposure was even more important than heredity. Siblings who limited sun time had fewer wrinkles and looked younger overall than their sun-worshiping twins.

2. Wear sunscreen. If you must go out in the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology says, wear sunscreen! It will protect you from skin cancer, and help prevent wrinkles at the same time.

3. Don’t smoke. Some of the research is still controversial, but more and more studies are confirming that cigarette smoke ages skin -- mostly by releasing an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin, important components of the skin. Sibling studies done at the Twin Research Unit at St. Thomas Hospital in London found the brother or sister who smoked tended to have skin that was more wrinkled and up to 40% thinner than the non-smoker.

4. Get adequate sleep. Yale dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, MD, says that when you don't get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. Get enough rest, Perricone says, and you'll produce more HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain thick, more "elastic," and less likely to wrinkle.

5. Sleep on your back. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) cautions that sleeping in certain positions night after night leads to "sleep lines -- wrinkles that become etched into the surface of the skin and don't disappear once you're up. Sleeping on your side increases wrinkles on cheeks and chin, while sleeping face-down gives you a furrowed brow. To reduce wrinkle formation, the AAD says, sleep on your back.

6. Don't squint -- get reading glasses! The AAD says anyrepetitive facial movement -- like squinting -- overworks facial muscles, forming a groove beneath the skin's surface. This groove eventually becomes a wrinkle. Also important: Wear sunglasses. It will protect skin around the eyes from sun damage -- and further keep you from squinting.

7. Eat more fish -- particularly salmon. Not only is salmon (along with other cold-water fish) a great source of protein -- one of the building blocks of great skin -- it's also an awesome source of an essential fatty acid known as omega-3. Perricone tells WebMD that essential fatty acids help nourish skin and keep it plump and youthful, helping to reduce wrinkles.

8. Eat more soy -- So far, most of the proof has come from animal studies, but research does show certain properties of soy may help protect or heal some of the sun's photoaging damage. In one recent human study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, researchers reported that a soy-based supplement (other ingredients included fish protein andextracts from white tea, grapeseed, and tomato, as well as several vitamins) improved skin's structure and firmness after just six months of use.

9. Trade coffee for cocoa. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2006, researchers found cocoa containing high levels of two dietary flavanols (epicatchin and catechin) protected skin from sun damage, improved circulation to skin cells, affected hydration, and made the skin look and feel smoother.

10. Eat more fruits and vegetables. The key, says Kraus, are their antioxidant compounds. These compounds fight damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells), which in turn helps skin look younger and more radiant, and protects against some effects of photoaging.

11. Use moisturizer. "Women, especially, are so concerned with antiaging products they often overlook the power of a simple moisturizer. Skin that is moist simply looks better, so lines and creases are far less noticeable," says Ashinoff.

12. Don't over-wash your face. According to dermatologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center, tap water strips skin of its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles. Wash them off too often, and you wash away protection. Moreover, unless your soap contains moisturizers, you should use a cleanser instead.

Topical Treatments That Reduce Wrinkles
Studies show the following ingredients can reduce wrinkles. Most are found in a variety of skin-care treatments, both prescription and over-the-counter.

13. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These natural fruit acids lift away the top layer of dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes. New evidence shows that in higher concentrations, AHAs may help stimulate collagen production.

14. Retinoids (including Retin A). The only FDA-approved topical treatment for wrinkles is tretinoin, known commercially as Retin A. Ashinoff says this prescription cream reduces fine lines and large wrinkles, and repairs sun damage. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A found in many over-the-counter products. Studies show that in a stabilized formula, in high concentrations, it may be as effective as Retin A, without the side effects, such as skin burning and sensitivity.

15. Topical vitamin C. Studies at Tulane University, among others, havefound itcan increase collagen production, protect against damage from UVA and UVB rays, correct pigmentation problems, and improve inflammatory skin conditions. The key, however, may be the type of vitamin C used. To date, most of the research points to the L-ascorbic acid form as the most potent for wrinkle relief.

16. Idebenone. This chemical cousin to the nutrient coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)is a super-powerful antioxidant. In one study published recently in the Journal of Dermatology, doctors found that with just 6 weeks of topical use, there was a 26% reduction in skin roughness and dryness, a 37% increase in hydration, a 29% decrease in lines and wrinkles, and a 33% overall improvement in sun-damaged skin. Other studies have found similar results.

17. Growth factors. Part of the body's natural wound-healing response, these compounds, when applied topically, may reduce sun damage and decrease lines and wrinkles, while rejuvenating collagen production, studies have shown.

18. Pentapeptides. According to Lauren Thaman Hodges, associate director of global skin science for Procter & Gamble, the results of a study supported by the National Institutes of Health suggested pentapeptides can increase collagen production in sun-damaged skin. Several subsequent studies (including one presented at a recent national dermatology conference) showed that when topically applied, pentapeptides stimulated collagen production and diminished lines and wrinkles.

Medical/Spa Treatments That Reduce Wrinkles

19. Botox. An injection of this purified version of the A-Botulinum toxin relaxes the muscle just underneath the wrinkle, allowing the skin on top to lie smooth and crease-free.

20. Wrinkle fillers. The putty and spackle of medicine,in this treatment, doctors fill wrinkles with a variety of substances, includingcollagen, hyaluronic acid, and other synthetic compounds. Popular treatments include Restylane, Juva, and ArteFill, among others.

21. Laser/light resurfacing. Here, energy from a light source -- either a laser or a pulsed diode light -- removes the top layer of skin, causing a slight but unnoticeable skin "wounding." This kicks the skin's natural collagen-production system into high gear, resulting in smoother, more wrinkle-free skin.

22. Chemical peels. In this treatment, one of a variety of different chemicals is used to "burn" away the top layer of skin, creating damage that causes the body to respond by making more collagen. You end up with younger-looking, smoother skin.

23. Dermabrasion. A vacuum suction device used in tandem with a mild chemical crystal, dermabrasion helps remove the top layer of skin cells and bring new, more evenly textured skin to the surface. In the process, fine lines and wrinkles seem to disappear.

Update on my F$@*@& Sprint Phone...

As I have no issues with letting people know there's a product I'm not happy with (Sprint), so too am I just as eager to share with you the products I love.

In the continuing saga of the cell phone, I'm tellin' ya folks - this is the bee's knees. (70's show recently on-lol) This nifty little universal charger will charge ANY standalone cell phone battery within a few hours and is easily portable. It ships to you usually within a week, and at $5.90, I highly suggest getting one for all your loved ones. Even not on sale at list $13.99, it's worth every penny. I also picked up a replacement battery for my phone ($12!!!!) that normally runs $80 in the stores... hmmm, future in resales of electronics??? *mental note - hit the lottery, open electronics store*

Sure, you have the minor aggravation of having to switch batteries. Kind of a pain when in the middle of a conversation. However, sure beats knowin' that you can't talk whenever you want because you don't want to run the battery down and not have the means to recharge. And for me, some days its difficult to come up with the funds just to go to the grocery; there's no way a battery was in the budget. So I scrimped for a couple weeks, and it's the best investment I've made for awhile. I don't have the cost of a new phone. I don't have to extend a contract with a company I'm not happy with. I am now content. At least with my phone. :)

Check out cellphoneshop.net - All kinds of cool accessories and gadgets... I'm a gizmo girl!

*hugs*
Miss B

Operation Outreach ~ Support Soldiers' Angels on Armed Forces Day (May 19, 2007)

Harrison OH, Sat May 19, 2007, 8a, 5K (3.1mi) Run/Walk for Operation Outreach.

http://americanheroworship.blogspot.com/2007/03/operation-outreach-may-19-2007-harrison.html

Me and my chubby little butt will be down there... come on out to support our Heroes and a great cause... Soldiers' Angels Blankets of Hope and Armor Up! Projects...

Come see me... and let's walk for our Heroes...

*hugs*
Miss B

5 THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW YOUR CELL PHONE COULD DO

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 hundreds 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 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 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: * # 0 6 # A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When 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) FREE 411, or (800) 373-3411 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.

BEWARE OF PAPER AT THE BACK GLASS OF YOUR VEHICLE

Subject: NEW WAY TO DO CAR JACKINGS (NOT A JOKE)
Heads up everyone!
Please, keep this circulating...
You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside.
You start the engine and shift into Reverse.
When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of
your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view.

When you reach the back of your car, that is when the car jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised!

BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED.... If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away. Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you read this. I hope you will forward this to friends and family, especially to women. A purse contains all kinds of personal information and identification documents, and you certainly do NOT want this to fall into the wrong hands.

Another reason I'm glad I learned to drive big truck and mostly use my side mirrors... take care of you.

Freedom is Not Free... but damn it sure looks good!

Ok ladies, can't help it. I'm a HUGE supporter of all our Heroes, everywhere. Here's a wonderful opportunity for ya'll to get in on the charity. 100% of the proceeds go to support our wounded service men, women and their families... http://www.freedomisnotfree.com/, because Freedom is NOT Free.

But my time to peruse this particular charitable work is... ;) Happy 2007 ya'll!

Winter Blues? Light it up...

If you're anything like me, this time of year is just a bucket of fun. Not. It's so hard to explain the lackadaisical (not to be confused with lazy) feeling. It's very distressing wanting to do so much and get so much done, and not being able to pull yourself out of this funk to do simple things: shower, eat, leave the house. Science has given us information and tools(antidepressants), it's up to us to seek them out.

For more information, follow the links... Good luck! http://www.realage.com/news_features/article.aspx?id=523626
http://www.realage.com/news_features/article.aspx?id=522896
http://www.realage.com/news_features/articler.aspx?id=12709

Interesting News about Lipstick

Finally, a good reason to buy cheap!!


Something to consider next time you go shopping for lipstick......This comes from someone who works in the breast cancer unit at Mt. Sinai Hospital, in Toronto.


From: Dr. Nahid NemanIf there is a female you care anything about, share this with her. Idid!!!!! I am also sharing this with the males on my email list, because they need to tell the females THEY care about as well!

Recently a lipstick brand called "Red Earth" decreased their pricesfrom $67 to $9.90. It contained lead. Lead is a chemical which causes cancer. The lipstick Brands that contain lead are:
1. CHRISTIAN DIOR
2. LANCOME
3. CLINIQUE
4. Y.S.L
5. ESTEE LAUDER
6. SHISEIDO
7. RED EARTH (Lip Gloss)
8. CHANEL (Lip Conditioner)
9. MARKET AMERICA-MOTNES LIPSTICK.

The higher the lead content, the greater the chance of causing cancer.After doing a test on lipsticks, it was found that the Y.S.L. lipstick contained the most amount of lead. Watch out for those lipsticks which are supposed to stay longer. If your lipstick stays longer, it is because of the higher content of lead.


Here is the test you can do yourself:
1. Put some lipstick on your hand.
2. Use a Gold ring to scratch on the lipstick.
3. If the lipstick color changes to black then you know the lipstick contains lead.


Please send this information to all your girlfriends, wives and female family members.This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dioxin Carcinogens cause cancer, especially breast cancer.