Tee Shirts For Wounded Soldiers
December 7, 2009 by admin
Filed under Holiday Gift Guide, featured, informational, living with me
MeDoGood.com believes in our military troops and the sacrifice they make every day for our freedom. We invite you to show our Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed and Brooke Army Medical Centers how much we appreciate their sacrifice! There are approximately 1,100 of our heroes at these two hospitals. It would be wonderful if we could get a shirt and card to each and every one of the soldiers. WE CAN do this!!
Please order one or two or more of the shirts. They will be sent to the soldiers before Christmas along with a card telling them that they are truly our heroes!! Shirts are only $10! (MeDoGood.com will pay for shipping and handling and the Thank You cards).
One shirt and one card will be given to each wounded soldier returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and the soldiers that are still receiving ongoing treatment for injuries suffered while in battle. Please help MeDoGood.com show our men and women how much they mean to us!
We will be encouraging the soldiers to correspond with those of you who do include your address. It will be nice to hear from them and allow us to keep in contact with them too.
Interested in participating? Click here for all the information, I’m going to do it right now!
Americans Choose The Gift That Keeps On Giving
November 19, 2009 by admin
Filed under Holiday Gift Guide, featured, informational
Donation or Gift? Americans Choose the Gift that Keeps on Giving
New American Cancer Society survey reveals positive findings surrounding donations in lieu of birthday or holiday gifts
ATLANTA – November 10, 2009 – As the season for celebration nears, the American Cancer Society, the Official Sponsor of BirthdaysTM, today announced new survey results that reveal positive findings surrounding the gift of a donation in lieu of birthday or holiday gifts. The survey of 1,044 U.S. adults revealed that nearly half of consumers are likely to ask for or give a donation instead of a traditional gift. In addition, results show that women may be more charitable than men when it comes to asking for a donation in lieu of a gift this holiday season.
Key findings of the American Cancer Society’s donation survey include:
This year, nearly half of adult consumers are at least somewhat likely to change conventional gifting traditions by asking for or giving a donation in lieu of birthday or holiday gifts.
- Women may be more charitable than men, at least when it comes to asking for a donation in lieu of a gift this holiday season. The survey showed that almost 50 percent of women are very or somewhat likely to ask for a donation in lieu of a holiday gift, compared to less than 40 percent of men.
- Giving to health causes, like the American Cancer Society, is among the top causes on wish lists this year. Of those women who would prefer a donation in lieu of a birthday or holiday gift, they would most likely prefer a donation in support of a children’s cause (no. 1) or health cause (no. 2).
- Finally, the survey predicts that the average donation in lieu of a gift this holiday season will be just above $50, an amount that can make a significant impact.
The American Cancer Society invites people to visit www.morebirthdays.com where they can give the gift of a charitable donation and help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. People can also participate in the movement for more birthdays by visiting www.officialbirthdayblog.com, becoming a fan of more birthdays, taking a similar donation quiz on Facebook or by following the movement on Twitter (@morebirthdays).
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
Ten Online Fraud Awareness Tips
November 19, 2009 by admin
Filed under informational
Hi, my name is Carrie and I am an impulse shopper.
That sentence above is a true statement, but unlike most character flaws admitting it doesn’t change anything. I can’t recall any event in my recent history where my impulsiveness had the side effect where I became part of a scam (knock on wood) but I have seen way too many victims telling their personal stories on the nightly news in hopes of preventing others from suffering the same fate.
I’ve been given an opportunity to pass along a 10 online fraud awareness tips to keep in mind when shopping online for any item. These tips are generated by AutoTrader.com, the largest online automotive marketplace, in consultation with renowned fraud prevention expert Sid Kirchheimer.
- Research Prices. When researching cars and other big-ticket items for sale online, similar items typically fall into a general price range. If one falls way below that range, be suspicious. Scammers use ridiculously low prices to lure consumers to their ads. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Don’t Fall For Sob Stories. Beware of “act now” low-ball price offers accompanied with a story that speak of some hardship on the seller’s part – such as a soldier needing to sell a car quickly before being deploying to Iraq, or a recent divorcee wanting to sell her husband’s belongings. These bogus ruses usually just empty your wallet, as the items typically don’t exist.
- Don’t Rush. A seller pushing to rush a transaction could be trying to prey on a consumer’s desire for the item.
- Watch for “Scammer Grammar.” Many scammers posting fraudulent ads are based overseas, and English is not their native tongue. In online ads or in email correspondence, watch for frequent misspellings, misused words or other errors not likely to be made by someone fluent in English.
- Make Phone Contact. Be suspicious of sellers who only want to correspond by email – and are not willing to provide a telephone contact number.
- No Wire Transfers! A wire transfer is the quickest way to lose money – especially if it’s sent overseas, outside the jurisdiction of U.S. officials. If buying a car or another large item locally, make an in-person transaction with cash, money order or another method sanctioned by a bank. If buying from a more distant seller, talk to a bank or reputable escrow service about ways to safely conduct this transaction.
- Never Go Alone. When meeting a seller to look at a car or other big-ticket items or to conclude the transaction, always go with a friend and, if possible, meet in a public place during the day.
- Don’t Go Off-Site. Many scammers cruise reputable online auction sites, but may entice you to go offline for a similar item. Others will email a link to another site, claiming that it is helping with the transaction. But once you leave a reputable site, your vulnerability to a financial swindle or identity theft increases.
- See the Product. Many scammers post ads for cars and other items that don’t even exist – they simply steal the pictures and descriptions from other sources. When buying any high-ticket item, insist that you see it in person, get proof it is owned by the seller and be able to have it inspected before any money is exchanged.
- Use Common Sense. If a shopping experience does not feel right, pay attention to the warning signs and verify that the site and seller are safe before proceeding with the transaction.
BigWarmUp.Com
November 11, 2009 by admin
Filed under featured, informational, living with me
This is an opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life. Watch the video and see how you can play a starring role.
Kmart Reaching Out To Assist Unemployed
November 10, 2009 by admin
Filed under informational, living with me
20% Off Select Own-Brand Merchandise for Unemployed Customers
Kmart own-brands give you huge savings versus your favorite national brands every day…and now you’ll get to increase those savings by an additional 20% off over 1,500 regular-priced grocery and drugstore items for up to six months!
Milwaukee Theatre Presents Annie, The American Musical
November 10, 2009 by admin
Filed under featured, informational, living with me
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Leapin’ lizards! Our “Dinner Theatre” package for ANNIE is perfect for your holiday party of 10 or more! When the new Broadway touring production of ANNIE comes to the Milwaukee Theatre December 18 & 19, our “Dinner Theatre” package offers an ideal setting for your holiday get-together — employees, tour groups, family, friends, volunteers, etc. — any party of 10 or more! For Dinner Theatre parties, Levy Restaurants Executive Chef Thomas Meier will prepare a variety of specialty entrees, signature salad and delectable desserts. Your party will be seated two hours before the show, in a breathtaking setting at the Milwaukee Theatre. A cash bar will be available. ANNIE performances are at 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Dinner Theatre packages range from $60 to $88.50 per person. To order or get more Dinner Theatre information, call Samantha Catena at 414-908-6299 or email scatena@wcd.org. For more about ANNIE visit AnnieOnTour.com. |
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Jif’s Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest For Kids
October 13, 2009 by admin
Filed under informational
Quite frequently I get solicited by advertising companies asking if I would promote their contest or inform my readers of a new product. I’ve been asked to motivate, educate, pontificate, and medicate. Alright, I’ve never been asked to pontificate or medicate but I love to illiterate. Actually I’m rhyming but using the word illiterate was more fun.
Anyway, I frequently pass on these golden opportunities unless I believe it is an idea worth sharing and this is one of those ideas. My kids are Jif kids and I love the idea of Jif’s Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest For Kids and the fabulous $25,000 scholarship prize.
Before you read about the contest, I’ll be honest. I remember very little about math facts or geography and all that readin’ and writin’ stuff we were supposed to retain because we just might need it when we were all grown up. However, when I was searching for “vintage” Jif commercials I had total recall and I was able to recite the words to these commercials even though I hadn’t heard them in almost twenty years!
A Creative Jif® Peanut Butter Sandwich Will Help Pay For College
Adding some creativity to mundane lunch routines could have a huge payoff. Jif ® Peanut Butter, the trusted peanut butter of choosy Moms, is accepting entries for the Eighth Annual Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest™. Through November 13, 2009, parents can help their kids ages 6 – 12 submit their most creative recipe for a chance to win a $25,000 college scholarship fund. Four runners-up will each receive a $2,500 scholarship fund.
“For the past seven years, Jif has been committed to nurturing creativity in children while engaging families in the kitchen,” said Maribeth Badertscher, Director, Corporate Communications, The J.M. Smucker Company. “Lifelong skills such as measurement and teamwork can be taught as parents and kids enjoy making memorable mealtime moments together.”
Last year, the contest received the most entries in its history and 10-year-old Jordyn Boyer of Lebanon, Pa., was awarded top prize with her “Po’ Boy Peanut Butter Chicken Cheesesteak.” Inspired by regional culinary influences, her sandwich was made with Jif Creamy Peanut Butter, chicken, peppers, onions, mozzarella cheese – and even apples – providing a new twist on her home state’s staple cheesesteak. For added flavor, she created a dipping sauce of Jif Peanut Butter, Worcestershire sauce, honey mustard with a drizzle of honey.
The Eighth Annual Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest encourages families to spend time together in the kitchen as an activity to foster creativity. A parent can submit their child’s original recipe which is scored based on creativity, nutritional balance, taste, appearance and ease of preparation. Ten semifinalists’ recipes will be selected in January 2010 and posted on www.Jif.com as part of a nationwide online vote. Peanut butter lovers who are 13 years or older can then vote for the five finalists who will compete in a live judging event in New York City during March 2010.
The Contest is open for entries through November 13, 2009. Entries must be postmarked by November 13, 2009, and be received no later than November 20, 2009. Send complete entries to Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest, c/o Cohn & Wolfe, 292 Madison Avenue, Floor 8, New York, NY 10017. For Official Rules and entry form visit www.Jif.com.
When submitting an entry to the Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest, read the Official Rules closely and remember these important points:
* All sandwiches must contain at least 2 tablespoons of Jif Peanut Butter and specify which variety of peanut butter used (Creamy, Crunchy, Honey, etc.)
* All entries must include 1 photo of the sandwich only
* All entries must list all ingredients in exact common U.S. household measurements and step-by-step instructions
* Children must be between ages 6 and 12
Moms also have the chance to exercise their creativity for a chance to be a judge at the finals event of the 2010 Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest. Through November 13, 2009, adults can submit an essay, 250 words or less, answering “How do you make the best choices for your family?” The winner will earn a seat at the judging table at the final live judging event in New York City. Adults can enter and see Official Rules for complete details by going to www.Jif.com.
“Last year’s winner, Judy Detter, from Pennsylvania helped judge the seventh annual event,” said Badertscher. “In her winning essay, Judy said she wears ‘many hats throughout the day’ and described her jobs as the family’s cook, financial manager and role model as challenging but rewarding.”
For more information about other Jif tips, recipes, contests and promotions log on to www.Jif.com. While on the Web site, families can watch never-before-seen footage of the Seventh Annual Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest.
For more than 100 years, The J.M. Smucker Company has been committed to offering consumers quality products that help families create memorable mealtime moments. Today, Smucker is the leading marketer and manufacturer of fruit spreads, retail packaged coffee, peanut butter, shortening and oils, ice cream toppings, sweetened condensed milk, and health and natural foods beverages in North America. Its family of brands includes Smucker’s®, Folgers®, Jif®, Crisco®, Pillsbury®, Eagle Brand®, R.W. Knudsen Family®, Hungry Jack®, White Lily® and Martha White® in the United States, along with Robin Hood®, Five Roses®, Carnation®, Europe’s Best® and Bick’s® in Canada. The Company remains rooted in the Basic Beliefs of Quality, People, Ethics, Growth and Independence established by its founder and namesake more than a century ago. The Company has appeared on FORTUNE Magazine’s list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the United States 11 times, ranking number one in 2004. For more information about the Company, visit www.smuckers.com.
The J.M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks, except Pillsbury is a trademark of The Pillsbury Company, LLC, used under license and Carnation is a trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., used under license.
PSA: World Sight Day, 2008.10.08
October 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under informational
As a parent, you do your very best to ensure your children are safe and healthy. Unfortunately, in developing countries, this is a much more difficult task.
Today I am writing to you on behalf of ORBIS International, a non-profit, global development organization whose mission is to eliminate avoidable blindness in developing countries. ORBIS envisions a world where no one is needlessly blind, where quality eye care; education and treatment are available to every human being.
Now is a great time for us all to get involved, as October 8th is World Sight Day. Did you know that an estimated 45 million children and adults are blind worldwide, two-thirds being women and girls… and every year between 1 and 2 million more will lose their sight? What makes these facts even more upsetting is that 75 percent of cases could have been prevented, or their eyesight restored, if only people had access to proper eye care. Unless steps are taken now, it is estimated that by the year 2020 blindness will affect more than 76 million people! There is hope though. ORBIS, with support from Alcon, carries out programs onboard its Flying Eye Hospital and at hospitals in developing countries to help the blind see. While they are in these countries, ORBIS also trains local doctors and nurses in the latest sight-saving techniques so that they may gain the tools and knowledge needed to carry on the work that is done.
This year, ORBIS will be giving Bloggers an exclusive inside look to see the great work that goes on first hand! These inside accounts are called “Eye Reports,” and will be added to the website weekly to include inspiring moments from the field.
Want to check out the latest news and updates? Simply visit: ORBIS-EyeReports and be sure to check out ORBIS on Facebook!
I really encourage you take a moment today to learn more about this extraordinary organization.
Juvenile Myositis
October 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under informational
Kevin of Always Home and Uncool has asked me to post this as part of his effort to raise awareness in the blogosphere of juvenile myositis, a rare autoimmune disease his daughter was diagnosed with on this day seven years ago. The day also happens to be his wife’s birthday.
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Our pediatrician admitted it early on.
The rash on our 2-year-old daughter’s cheeks, joints and legs was something he’d never seen before.
The next doctor wouldn’t admit to not knowing.
He rattled off the names of several skins conditions — none of them seemingly worth his time or bedside manner — then quickly prescribed antibiotics and showed us the door.
The third doctor admitted she didn’t know much.
The biopsy of the chunk of skin she had removed from our daughter’s knee showed signs of an “allergic reaction” even though we had ruled out every allergy source — obvious and otherwise — that we could.
The fourth doctor had barely closed the door behind her when, looking at the limp blonde cherub in my lap, she admitted she had seen this before. At least one too many times before.
She brought in a gaggle of med students. She pointed out each of the physical symptoms in our daughter:
The rash across her face and temples resembling the silhouette of a butterfly.
The purple-brown spots and smears, called heliotrope, on her eyelids.
The reddish alligator-like skin, known as Gottron papules, covering the knuckles of her hands.
The onset of crippling muscle weakness in her legs and upper body.
She then had an assistant bring in a handful of pages photocopied from an old medical textbook. She handed them to my wife, whose birthday it happened to be that day.
This was her gift — a diagnosis for her little girl.
That was seven years ago — Oct. 2, 2002 — the day our daughter was found to have juvenile dermatomyositis, one of a family of rare autoimmune diseases that can have debilitating and even fatal consequences when not treated quickly and effectively.
Our daughter’s first year with the disease consisted of surgical procedures, intravenous infusions, staph infections, pulmonary treatments and worry. Her muscles were too weak for her to walk or swallow solid food for several months. When not in the hospital, she sat on our living room couch, propped up by pillows so she wouldn’t tip over, as medicine or nourishment dripped from a bag into her body.
Our daughter, Thing 1, Megan, now age 9, remembers little of that today when she dances or sings or plays soccer. All that remain with her are scars, six to be exact, and the array of pills she takes twice a day to help keep the disease at bay.
What would have happened if it took us more than two months and four doctors before we lucked into someone who could piece all the symptoms together? I don’t know.
I do know that the fourth doctor, the one who brought in others to see our daughter’s condition so they could easily recognize it if they ever had the misfortune to be presented with it again, was a step toward making sure other parents also never have to find out.
That, too, is my purpose today.
It is also my birthday gift to my wife, My Love, Rhonda, for all you have done these past seven years to make others aware of juvenile myositis diseases and help find a cure for them once and for all.
To read more about children and families affected by juvenile myositis diseases, visit Cure JM Foundation at www.curejm.org.
To make a tax-deductible donation toward JM research, go to www.firstgiving.com/rhondaandkevinmckeever or www.curejm.com/team/donations.htm.
