Other Subjects

Cradlepoint MBR 900

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:13:52 -0500

Hi all. I've had my Cradlepoint router since March and have been using it every day without problems until this morning. I can't connect to it wireless with either my or my wife's computer. The computers don't pick up the signal from the router, I don't think the wireless part of the router is working. I can connect with an Ethernet cable. I have reset the router and upgraded the firmware but still can't get it to send out a signal. Any ideas are greatly appreciated. I'm thinking I have a broken router. All the lights are working as though everything is normal.

Garry

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cloud Pie

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:28:15 -0500

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cloud Pie

Crust
1 package (2 to 2 1/2 cups) of Oreo cookies, separated with sweet filling removed, crushed (run them through the food processor)
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted

Filling
2 8 oz blocks of full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter (Jif is recommended - avoid all-natural types)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 pint whipping cream, kept cold
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350F.

Mix cookie crumbs, sugar, and butter together into a spring form pan (9 1/2 or 10 1/2and press down into place. Bake for 8 minutes - Be careful not to over bake! You want this a little on the soft side so you can cut it later. Remove from oven and cool.

Beat whipped cream just until stiff peaks are formed. Add vanilla and continue mixing until stiff. Set aside.

Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and sugar together until fluffy. Add whipped cream mixture and fold until well combined. Pour into cooled pie crust.

Melt chocolate chips in microwave. Stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth. Put a few tablespoons of the melted chocolate into a heavy duty zip lock bag. Snip the very end of the bag. Slowly pipe out a design on the top of the pie. You can also use a squeeze bottle or pastry bag instead of a zip-lock bag if you have either handy. For an even prettier design, use 1/4 cup each of dark and milk chocolate and layer the two one on top of the other. I've used two kinds of chocolate and made 4 layers.

Chill for at least 4 hours or until set.

To make it easier to cut, use a warm knife to cut through the chocolate. This is best achieved by submerging a sharp, long knife in a tall glass or pitcher of hot water. Keep a clean rag or paper towels close by too and wipe down the knife after each cut.

100% disabled

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 10:49:29 -0500

A friend of mine who is 100% service connected disabled told me that he had not made any arrangements for his wife after his death because since he was 100% "she would be taken care of".

Is this true? I would really appreciate some information on this. TIA

Dave O

This little girl with a heavenly voice.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:29:37 -0500

This little girl with a heavenly voice.

http://www.vimeo.com/12348372

Cantaloupe Chicken Salad Recipe

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:31:11 -0500

Cantaloupe Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients

* 1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons fat-free sour cream
* 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
* 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* Dash salt and pepper
* 1 cup cubed cooked chicken breast
* 1/2 cup sliced celery
* 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved
* 2 green onions, chopped
* 1 small cantaloupe, halved and seeded
* 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Directions

* In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, peel, lemon juice, ginger, salt and pepper. Add the chicken, celery, grapes and onions; toss to coat. Spoon 1 cup salad mixture into each cantaloupe half; sprinkle with almonds. Yield: 2 servings.

Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:05:46 -0500

Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

* 1/2 Cup Sugar (or sugar substitute, Ideal is my new favorite!)
* 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
* 1/2 cup butter
* 2-3 flour tortillas

Melt butter in microwave. Brush one side of each tortilla with melted butter. Stir cinnamon and sugar together* and sprinkle over buttered side of each. Repeat with other side. Cut each tortilla into eight wedges. Place on baking sheet and bake at 350 for five to ten minutes,until lightly browned. Turn over and bake another five to ten minutes, or until lightly browned on other side.

Google plugs 'high risk' Chrome security holes

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:49:49 -0500

Excerpt:
"Google has shipped a new version of its Chrome browser to fix three high-risk security holes that expose web surfers to malicious hacker attacks.

In addition to the security patches the Google Chrome 5.0.375.125 update also includes workarounds for two critical vulnerabilities where the root cause lies in external components � a Windows kernel bug and a glibc vulnerability.

The patch is available for Linux, Mac, Windows and Chrome Frame.Technical details on the vulnerabilities are being withheld until the update is pushed out to end users."

Here's the whole article with specifics for Chrome users:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/google-...952?tag=nl.e550

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:38:54 -0500

Lemon Sugar Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup granulated or raw sugar for rolling cookies (I used raw sugar, which I think was an awesome choice)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or tin foil and spray lightly with Pam.

2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

3. Rub together the zest and granulated sugar until the sugar is a pale yellow color. This helps to infuse all of the oils in the zest into the sugar and gives your cookies an even more lemony flavor. Using a mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until smooth and very fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).

4. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.

5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients and mix until just moistened.

6. Roll rounded tablespoons of dough into balls, and roll in sugar. Place on lined cookie sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart.

7. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly golden and set.

8. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks. As soon as the cookies have cooled, store them in an airtight container to keep them nice and soft. Makes around 20 cookies.

"SKP-MUG.ORG" NO LONGER FUNCTIONING

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:48:25 -0500

Greetings "MAC USERS" 26 July 2010

I am sorry to inform everyone that "SKP-MUG.ORG" is no longer functioning.
I shut it down effective on July 1st, 2010. And, all subscribers were notified
except those who may have changed their email address and did not update
on the site...Sorry, if those folks were missed.

After over 4 years of of administrating/publishing/editing of "SKP-MUG.org" and tons of spammers from
all over the world I had to continue to delete and ban from the site are now over!

We reached almost the number of "100" in membership! I had hoped to gain recognition from
Apple as a sound Apple Macintosh Group (MUG) but, they had issues because there was no
basic meeting place with local meetings, schedules...etc. We as RV'ers are a "invisible" sort of group
when we are in the fulltiming mode. So, it's difficult to lock into a specific routine meeting area.
And, even though the Escapade meets once a year...that really is not enough to gain a sense
of regularity in meeting membership. Apple needs more in security for the MUG it supports.
There are numerous discounts offered to MUG's across the country on all Apple and 3rd party products.

If anyone wishes to grab onto this idea that I had, I welcome them. And, I would offer any
support of ideas..etc., to launch it again for all Escapee Macintosh Users!

This site was only offered to Escapee Members...

BUTTERMILK BISCUIT SAUSAGE PINWHEELS

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:42:33 -0500

BUTTERMILK BISCUIT SAUSAGE PINWHEELS

1/4 cup shortening
2 cups unsifted self-rising flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 pound raw bulk pork sausage, room temperature

With a pastry blender, cut shortening into flour. Add buttermilk; mix.
On a lightly floured surface, knead for a few seconds, adding additional
flour if necessary. Roll out onto a lightly floured surface into a
12-in. x 9-in. rectangle. Spread sausage over dough. Roll up, jelly
roll-style, starting from the short side Chill. Cut into 1/2-in. slices.
Place, cut side down, on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 425F
for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Yield: about 9 servings

Gap Insurance

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:01:38 -0500

I will be 65 this year, but the DW will only be 61. Is there a gap coverage that someone would recommend for her between 62 and 65? We currently have other coverage but it is expensive and I have coverage through VA Thanks, Tom and Brenda

Quick and Easy Taco Dip

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:10:54 -0500

Quick and Easy Taco Dip

Ingredients:

* 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
* 1/2 red onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 ounces light cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup light ranch dressing
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 2 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
* 2 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded
* Tortilla chips

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400�F. Spray a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray and set aside.

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain, and return the beef to the skillet. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, chili powder, and ground cumin. Add the beef mixture and half of the shredded cheese. Stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pie plate, and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips.

Watermelon Sherbet Smoothies Recipe

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:12:38 -0500

Watermelon Sherbet Smoothies Recipe

Ingredients

* 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon
* 1 cup crushed ice
* 1 cup watermelon, raspberry or lime sherbet
* 4 teaspoons lime juice
* 2 teaspoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

* In a blender, combine the watermelon, ice, sherbet and lime juice; cover and process for 30 seconds or until smooth. Stir if necessary. Pour into chilled glasses; sprinkle with chocolate chips. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings.

Researchers develop �smart� metal alloy; 175% more efficient cooling systems

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:11:01 -0500

Excerpts from the article:

"Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new, �smart� metal alloy could help cool homes 175 percent more efficiently than current technology.

The thermoelastic shape memory alloy is intended to be used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems

The two-state alloy can alternately absorb or create heat just like a compressor-based system. The difference? It uses far less energy, doesn�t use environmentally harmful chemicals and has a smaller operational footprint than existing technology.

�Air conditioning represents the largest share of home electric bills in the summer,� said Eric Wachsman, director of the University of Maryland Energy Research Center, in a statement. �So this new technology could have significant consumer impact, as well as an important environmental benefit.�

The whole article is here:
http://www.smartplanet.com/business/blog/s...g-systems/9179/

The RV implications for reefers and smaller much more efficient rooftop units are obvious. This is one to follow up on as they go.

Firefox hit by drive-by download security holes

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:57:12 -0500

Excerpt:
"Mozilla has shipped a mega patch for Firefox to fix a total of 16 security flaws that expose Web surfers to drive-by download, data theft and local bar spoofing attacks.

The latest Firefox 3.6.7 update includes fixes for nine �critical� issues that could be exploited to launch remote code execution attacks. Two of the 16 bugs are rated �high risk� while five carry a �moderate� severity rating."

The full article with details is here:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/firefox...896?tag=nl.e539

If you haven't gotten an update alert today you might want to check for and get these updates today.

Safe computing!

Call for Photos

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:27:11 -0500

I am Webmaster for the Radio Attic's Archives, which is an identification resource for (primarily) antique radio collectors. There are currently 9,360 photographs of unique identified comsumer radios on the site. None of the radios is for sale.

There is also a page for Communications & Amateur Radios for which I am soliciting photographs. While there are a few photos of more modern equipment, what I seek are photos of vintage gear (you can see when you visit the page). While amateur radio operators on an RV forum probably don't travel with boatanchors on board, if any of you have older equipment in the stick house, I'd be grateful for photos with model identification (and abbreviated specifications if possible). At some point I'd like to break out the page in its own web site (oldcommunicationsradioarchives.com has been registered), but for now I'm still looking for photo donations to get the numbers up.

Thanks in advance!

Oops, edited to add contact info. Please send photos as e-mail attachments to steve@radioattic.com

Frozen Lemon Cake

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:08:27 -0500

Frozen Lemon Cake

1 cup crushed graham crackers, divided
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 eggs, separated
1 lemon (all juice and all zest)
� cup sugar
1 cup whipping cream
4 tablespoons sugar, divided

Combine 3/4 cup of the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter, stirring until a crumbly loose mixture forms. Line the bottom of an 8�8-inch pan with the mixture.

In a bowl set over hot water (not boiling) mix egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar.Stir constantly until the mixture thickens. At this point Nanny�s instructions say �Keep cool.� � this is because it will take about 10 minutes for the mixture to thicken. Cute. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.

Beat egg whites until light and fluffy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar and continue to beat until glossy, stiff peaks form. Next, beat whipped cream until fluffy, and gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar. Then, gently fold all three mixtures together.

Spread the mixture in the pan over the prepared crust. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of crushed crackers. Place in freezer for at least 3 hours. When you�re ready to serve, remove from the freezer, and cut into squares and plate them. Then allow to melt ever so slightly � about 4-5 minutes. Serve immediately

Missing Alberta Canada RVing couple

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:00:34 -0500

Has anyone seen or heard an update on the RV couple that went missing in Alberta, Canada? It is a scary situation and I hope the out come is a good one this time.
Carol

Escapees Magazine Online

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:23:34 -0500

When can we see July/August magazine online?

Mac

Bean dip

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 14:42:04 -0500

I cannot claim that I created this recipe as I was given it in 1982 while stationed at DMAFB in Tucson.
This dip is mandatory fare at about every gathering we have.
We use the freshest white corn chips we can find but about anything will do. Tastes best warm but room temp is great also.

The amount you make will vary so I will give ratios of ingredients.
Large microwave safe bowl
Refried beans (2 large cans for big batch)
Sour cream (16 oz tub for big batch)
Velveeta cheese preferably the Mexican flavored variety (Comes in 3 sized loafs as far as I know. Use the mid sized loaf for a large batch)
Chopped green and regular onions I use the large yellow ones (I use one bundle of greens onions and one large yellow for a large batch)
Diced Chili's fresh or canned (2 4 oz cans for large batch)
Diced Jalape�os (1-2 4 oz cans depending on "heat" level of guests)
Favorite salsa (varies according to flavor / heat you want.)
I usually make a large batch but you can make smaller batches by using the ratios.

Put two 2 large cans of refried beans or the same amount of freshly made refried beans into the bowl. Heat in a microwave till the beans are good and hot and stir easily.
Blend the cheese into the beans and add in the chopped green and regular onions and cook for a few minutes until it stirs easily and is good and hot.. Finish blending the cheese and onions into the beans.
Add in the sour cream I use the 16 oz tub for this size batch and reheat stirring every couple of minutes.
Add in Chili's, Jalape�os and Salsa.
Cooking time for the dip varies according to microwave power.
Start off with small amounts of Jalape�os and Salsa to adjust the "heat" according to your guests likes.
You can place additional chopped Jalape�os in a bowl next to the dip for those who want more "heat"

Enjoy!

Caramel Apple Dip

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 14:16:08 -0500

Caramel Apple Dip

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 c. light brown sugar
1 c. sour cream
2 t. lemon juice
2 t. vanilla flavoring
1 c. milk
3 oz. pkg. vanilla instant pudding mix

Beat cream cheese and brown sugar together, until creamy and smooth. Add sour cream, lemon juice, flavoring, milk and pudding mix. Mix well. Refrigerate at least 2 hrs. prior to serving. Serve with apple wedges.
Print this Recipe

Butterfinger Fruit Dip

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. light brown sugar
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1 t. vanilla flavoring
3 lg. Butterfinger candy bars, crushed

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugars and flavoring. Mix well. Stir in candy bars. Refrigerate several hours prior to serving.

Mac Users - How do I paginate a document using TextEdit?

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:52:05 -0500

My old Mac had Appleworks but the Mac I'm using now only has TextEdit.

Can someone tell me how to paginate documents on my Mac using TextEdit? Some of the documents will be books 400 pages long. I need to be able to get the manuscript into shape so I can upload it, paginated correctly, to the company who prints my books for me.

Or would Bean work better for writing/type setting books?

I'd like to keep things as simple as possible and still achieve a good looking professional book when it is printed.

Thanks for your help. -Rick

Did anyone see the economic crisis beforehand?

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:04:54 -0500

As I have been reading various financial news web sites over the past year I have seen many statements about how "nobody" saw the various bubbles or the debt crisis forming. This, of course, is overstated, but it seems to me that many frustrated people believe it.

I have been reading about half of the following list of financial writers for the past five years. Most of them started explaining (well before 2007) and warning about the problems with ever-rising house valuations, ballooning debt and the growing probability of a "day of reckoning" and a coming recession. If you want some good reading that isn't prone to "cheer-lead" the stock market like CNBC and the typical financial advisers, you might google some of these names and check them out. They have helped me and I want to share them with y'all for your consideration. Most of them are still very wary of stocks and the recovery.

Nouriel Roubini, John Mauldin, Steve Keen, John Hussman, Dean Baker, Robert Shiller, Ann Pettifor, Joseph Stiglitz, Michael Hudson, Wynne Godley.

Cheers John

Different type of Clock

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:35:29 -0500

Clock Design

A different way to display time on the green time line. This is a really interesting clock! It comes from a Dutch web site. Here is what you will see when you look at this clock.

Don't do anything. It's automatically adjusted to your time zone.

Just look at it and study it. It gives you the EXACT TIME of the DAY in seconds, minutes, hours, the day, month and year.

Just read the green line.

1st Line is Seconds

2nd Line is Minutes

3rd line is Hours.

4th Line is Days

5th Line is Months

6th Line is Years

Click on link below:

http://home.tiscali.nl/annejan/swf/timeline.swf

Goof Balls

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:18:21 -0500

Goof Balls

1 cup butter or margarine
One 14 oz. can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 pound package large marshmallows, MUST be fresh.
15 oz. package caramels, unwrapped
approximately Five cups of Rice Krispie cereal

Place unwrapped caramels, milk, and butter in large microwave safe bowl, melt together until caramels are liquid. Stir once in process, only takes a little bit.

Place a toothpick in each marshmallow, dip them in the Caramel

mixture, roll in Rice Krispies and place on waxed paper lined sheet to cool. So much fun to enjoy, the heat from the Carmel mixture makes the marshmallow

swell up sort of like toasted ones. Some folks freeze.

the marshmallows before dipping, but my recipe did not ask for that. It is a great recipe for a family to do together. Makes about 60. You can also roll the marshmallows in nuts, crushed candy, coconut and grated chocolate. Just use your imagination.

securing a laser printer

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:51:05 -0500

For two years now, I've stowed my laser printer under the desk when traveling so that it wouldn't fall off. I've been redesigning and reorganizing the office so that I don't have to take it apart when I'm traveling, but the printer has me stumped. It's a big 'ol heavy HP model with a drawer on the bottom that prevents me from securing it the way I did my dishwasher--enclosing it in a low square so that it can't move. At this point, I'm thinking that eyebolts and a bungee cords could work, but I wanted to see first if anyone has a more elegant solution.

New Roadways

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:29:40 -0500

Interesting and someone is working on it already.

http://www.consciousmedianetwork.com/video/2010/061810.htm

Creamy Tomato Bisque

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:07:28 -0500

Creamy Tomato Bisque

1/4 cup of butter
1 chopped shallot
2 stalks of celery chopped
3 to 4 tablespoons flour
1 to 2 cloves of garlic, cracked
Fresh chopped or
canned tomatoes coarsely chopped
Chicken broth
Cream or milk
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper

Optional: Dill, chives or Basil

Melt butter over medium heat.
Add chopped shallots and celery and
saute for a few minutes to slightly soften.
Add the flour and cook
stirring for a couple of minutes. Add chicken broth, cream (or milk),
the tomatoes, garlic cloves, bay leaf, season with salt and pepper andsimmer on low heat for 30 minutes or so.

Adjust seasoning to suit your own taste by adding fresh dill, chives or fresh basil

Water spots on windshield .. HELP !

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:28:48 -0500

I am posting here in the "Other Topics" for maximum exposure to other members because I am desperate for help.. thanks..

***************************************************

Hey guys, I need help....

My windshield has translucent white water spots on it and none of the things I have tried will remove the spots..

Soap and Water ... Vinegar ... Dishwasher soap ... Windex ... Lime Away ...

None of these things work ... any suggestions other than replacing the windshield ...??

The spots are so bad that when driving into the sun, the glare/refraction makes it almost impossible to see the road ahead...

On the other forum, several folks suggested using things like "Bon Ami" .. "Toothpaste" .. etc...

but.... won't that scratch the windshield and make things worse ..?

thanks for any help you folks can offer,
John

Cheese-Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:25:06 -0500

Cheese-Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe

Ingredients
� 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 2-inch x 1/2-inch x 1/4-inch strips
� 15 jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
� 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
� 1/4 cup real bacon bits
Directions
� Place a cheese strip in each pepper half; sprinkle with bread crumbs and bacon. Grill peppers, covered, over medium-hot heat for 4-6 minutes or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted. Serve warm. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.

Butterfinger Pie

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:09:51 -0500

Something really easy today.

Butterfinger Pie

3 large Butterfinger candy bars
1 large cool whip
1 graham or chocolate crust

Crush 3 large Butterfingers between sheets of wax paper. Add to Lg. Cool Whip. Place in graham cracker crust. Refrigerate or Freeze. No need to thaw.

USB Hub and Flash Drive?

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:19:36 -0500

Hi, my laptop has very few USB ports.
My USB Hub is sitting on my desk and when I plug in any flash drive, the laptop does not recognize it. Am I wrong in expecting the flash drives to work when plugging in directly into the hub? They show up when I plug into the laptop USB port. A PCI to USB is not an option for me.
I'm running Vista 64 and the hub is pretty old. It has it's own power source and as far as I know doesn't require any driver. D-Link's website does not support this model anymore.
If I purchase a new USB hub, should I be able to expect the flash drives to work when plugged in directly into the hub?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Ann

Any square Dancers out there?

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:25:31 -0500

If there are any square Dancers out there near or in Oregon, we are having a Square dance festival at Diamond Lake July 21st thru the 24th. Dance outside under the stars and fish during the day. (Altho there are dance actives during the day.) Great campground but no hook-ups.

Twinkie Cake

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:01:37 -0500

Well, this is something different!

Twinkie Cake

* 1 box (of 10) Hostess Twinkies (9 for cake, one to have with coffee or tea)
* 4 large bananas, sliced
* 1 large can crushed pineapple (drained, but not pressed dry. Keep a little of the juice for moisture.
* 1 large box Jello instant pudding (mixed with milk according to directions on box)
* 1 � 12 oz. Cool Whip (I just used the big size and had extra since it was a little more than 12 oz)
* Maraschino cherries and pecans for garnish (optional)

Remove Twinkie cakes from wrappers. Cut each in half lengthwise from top to bottom. Place Twinkie halves in 9 x 13 baking dish with cream side facing up. Layer sliced bananas, pineapple, pudding, and Cool Whip over Twinkies in that order. Sprinkle chopped cherries (drained well on paper towels) and chopped pecans over the top. Keep refrigerated. Cool and refreshing dessert with no heat in the kitchen.

New GPS unit: can I copy & paste the mapping S/W to an older unit?

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:52:28 -0500

I currently have a Garmin Nuvi 260W; it's about 2 to 21/2 years old and the mapping software is outdated.

I'm getting a new Garmin Nuvi 1200 for the wife via an incentive program here at work.

Updated mapping software from Garmin is at least $100, about $120 if I want to get 3 updates a year. It's almost cheaper to just buy another GPS unit.

In any event, is there anyway to download the mapping software off the new unit and then transfer that new software to the old unit? To my computers, the Garmins are treated as if there are just another hard drive.

Thanks for the help.

Al

prison break

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:40:11 -0500

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEaFK2v6PbM have you seen this escapee! you can't stop the dawn Colorado

Yes, Windows 7 SP1 is on the horizon

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:32:01 -0500

Excerpts from the article:

"Holding out for SP1 before making the leap to Windows 7? Well, you�ll be pleased to know that Service Pack 1 for Microsoft�s latest OS is now on the horizon.

So, what�s likely to be in SP1? Top of the list will be all the patches and bug fixes that have been delivered to customers already. If you�re keeping up with patches than you already have these. On top of these patches and bug fixes will be tweaks and fixes based on feedback and telemetry received by Microsoft. Don�t expect anything ground-breaking here, it�ll mostly be under the hood tweaks.

SP1 will also bring with it support for new technologies. USB 3.0 is likely to be at the top of what is, admittedly, a short list."

The full article is here with a lot more info:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/yes-win...he-horizon/6714

Apple admits to dodgy Time Capsules

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:11:40 -0500

Excerpt from the article:

"Apple has owned up to something that owners have suspected for some time - that the early batch of Time Capsule devices were prone to an early death.

This applies to Time Capsules sold between approximately February 2008 and June 2008. Problems include the device failing to power on or shutting down unexpectedly after starting up."

The whole article is here, with links to the Apple announcement on the Apple website.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/apple-a...881?tag=nl.e539

If you bought one of those and/or paid Apple to repair one from that batch, you need to contact them and get a refund/repair/replacement.

The serial numbers of the affected units are in both the article and the Apple link in the article. If you have one of the affected units and it still works, you might want to claim a replacement to insure your backups are reliable.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:14:04 -0500

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip

3/4 cup chopped pepperoni
1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
4 green onions, finely chopped
1 can (2-1/4 oz) sliced black olives, drained
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1-1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 package (8 oz) refrigerated breadstick dough
1 Tablespoon butter, melted
2 teaspoons minced parsley

In a heavy pot, over medium heat, combine pepperoni, sliced olives, green onions, oregano and pizza sauce. Cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add cream cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and mixture is well combined. Turn heat to low while preparing the breadsticks. Stir occasionally.

Remove breadsticks from tube and cook according to package directions. If you are really fancy, clever and an over-achiever, you could make these from scratch.

When breadsticks are finished baking, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley.

Anyone care for a fried catfish sandwich?

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 20:25:17 -0500

I was there in 1968.
Delicious Fish

Best Way to Record Our Travels

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:32:41 -0500

Looking for a program for keeping general history of our travels. Want to know where we stayed, how long, anything special about the campground. Any recommendations?

Outrageous Oreo Crunch Brownies

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:05:42 -0500

Outrageous Oreo Crunch Brownies

Ina Garten found on La cuisine d'H�l�ne

2 sticks (1 cup) butter
1/2 pound semisweet chocolate chips
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3 eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
1 tablespoons vanilla
1 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp flour
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped Oreo cookies (25 cookies)

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350�F. Butter and flour a 9"x13" baking pan.

In a heatproof medium bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, heat butter, chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, coffee, vanilla and sugar. Blend chocolate mixture into egg mixture; cool to room temperature.

In a medium bowl, sift together 1/2 cup flour, baking powder and salt. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture. In a small bowl, stir Oreos and remaining 2 tablespoons flour. Add Oreo mixture to chocolate mixture. Pour batter into baking pan and smooth top with a rubber spatula.

Bake 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 3 inches from center comes out clean; do not overbake. Allow to cool. Refrigerate, tightly wrapped, until cold; cut into squares.

Orange Slice Jello Shots

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:12:55 -0500

Orange Slice Jello Shots

* 2 x oranges
* 1 pkg orange-flavored Jello
* 1/2 cup Vodka

Directions:
Orange Slice Jello Shots

1. Slice oranges in half. Using a spoon, scoop out all the flesh and divider pith. Reserve.
2. In a medium bowl, add Jello and 1/2 cup boiling water. When Jello has dissolved, add vodka. Pour liquid Jello into orange halves. Refrigerate for approximately 4 hours, or until firm. To serve, slice each half into 3 wedges. REMEMBER, YOU ARE SERVING SOLID BOOZE.

Ziploc Omelette

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:00:44 -0500

I'm sure most everyone has heard of this but just in case. Make sure you use a real ziplock bag, it does make a difference.

Ziploc Omelette

Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- Your choice of add-ins (ham, bacon, onions, peppers, cheese, hash browns, etc.)

Set a large pot of water to boil. Meanwhile, crack the eggs into the bag, and shake to combine them. Put in your ingredients and shake gently to combine.

Before placing the bage in the boiling water, make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up. Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot.

Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared to be amazed.

Kentucky giving 100% disabled vets free camping +

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:31:01 -0500

Kentucky has joined the many other states that offer a little extra to disabled vets. information
My understanding is it includes cabins, or camping sites. The BIG draw back is it is for KY residents only. I thought I served for the UNITED STATES not just KY. It is a start but should include ALL disabled vets from ALL 50 States.

Mounting a Shakespeare 393 Vertical?

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:23:20 -0500

Hi,
I just got one of these antennas and am waiting for a mount to arrive. My plan was to bolt the mount to my aluminum solar panel rack. This is on an aluminum body bus. I was told by a friend that the connection was a pigtail that came out of the base of the antenna and had a coax connector on it. Of course it isn't that way so I'm wondering could I just bolt the ground from the coax to the antenna base which is bolted to the panel rack which is bolted thru the aluminum roof to the steel framework of the bus and bolt the hot to the side terminal?
Thanks
Jerry
KB7BKN

Bacon Breakfast Pizza

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:56:37 -0500

Bacon Breakfast Pizza

* 1- 8 count can crescent roll dough
* 3 cups shredded hash browns (can used cubed)
* dozen eggs
* 1 cup shredded cheddar
* 6 slices bacon (more or less, depending on what you have on hand)
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Optional: Other toppings of your choice. Examples are: Onions, mushrooms, other meats, other vegetables, etc

Cook bacon and set aside. Spray a 9�13 inch pan with cooking spray. Place crescent roll dough in the bottom of the pan, pinching seams together to seal. Spread frozen hash browns over dough. Salt and pepper to taste (I start with 1/2 tsp of each). Beat all eggs in a bowl and pour over hash browns. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over. Place in oven at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until set in center. Sprinkle cheese over top and return to oven just until melted. Serve warm.

OFFA

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:58:15 -0500

I'm not sure exactly when it happened. I suspect it sneaked in around 2:30 or 3:00 one morning while I was asleep.
Darn thing didn't make a sound, it just arrived like fog on a field. There was no break in period, no manual or DVD for instructions. As I understand it ...once it arrives you've bought it hook line and sinker..no returns!
I have yet to find a good use for it..fact is its down right annoying at times. And to make matters worse it will probably be visiting most of you in your life time.
Ok you ask.. just what is this OFFA? Folks its called "Old Fart falling Apart".
What ever time mine arrived my first knowledge of it happened one morning when I awoke. I can recall awakening and leaping out of bed to start each day for all those years. Everything worked to perfection...legs,arms, and most of all the ole bean..you know ..knoodle..brain. Hey..I had mountains to climb and villians to face. Suddenly things began to run roughly, kind of like that first car I owned. The operation of this finely tuned machine began to sputter and the smooth daily operating mode faded into history.
I noticed that sleek trim body that was there the day before must have been stolen by some theif in the night. To make matters worse he left a rather plump one behind. I had legs that could carry me through 9 inings of sand lot baseball as a kid and later in life do a full days work and take the love of my life out dancing until dawn. Darn that theif!
And just to add insult to injury ...my sharp/clear mind was now missing too. I could recall dates and times from the past as clearly as it happened yesterday. The morning OFFA arrived I had to ask my bride where the heck I left my shoes and car keys. I'm telling you guys keep your doors and windows locked...don't let OFFA creep in some evening.
Another warning here...aches and pains will also result in its visit. "I feel great" will be replaced with "ugh that hurts".
THERE!..I feel just like I rode the horse through the village and warned you that OFFA is coming. I'd climb the old north church too...but my darn legs won't let me. Now where did I leave that asprin? Honey!

Domestic Travel for Medical Care may save U $$

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 07:05:33 -0500

By Julie Appleby, Kaiser Health News
When employee John McNally needed a knee-replacement operation, Alpha Coal West offered to pay his travel expenses if he would have the surgery in Fort Collins, Colo., a five-hour drive from his home near Gillette, Wyo.
The Colorado surgery center had data showing good results with such operations, and it charged far less than the hospital in Gillette. Despite feeling "every bump on the way back," McNally was so pleased with the outcome of the operation that he returned to Colorado a few months later to have his other knee done.
Forget about traveling to Thailand or India for low-cost surgery. More employers and insurers are offering financial incentives to encourage workers like McNally to consider "domestic medical travel." By steering workers to facilities with high-quality care and lower prices, employers say they can reduce their costs 20% to 40% � more than enough to cover the travel expenses.

The complete article here: Domestic medical travel is taking off for surgery deals

Medicare Supplement changes in effect June 1

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 05:35:08 -0500

� The �At-home recovery� benefit will be dropped from 2010 Medigap Plans D and G. The benefit was deemed underutilized and outdated, given the limited availability of the benefit in the old plans.

� All plans will have a hospice care benefit added to them. The preventive care and athome recovery benefits will be eliminated from all supplemental policies.

� Preventive care will be dropped from 2010 Medigap policies. This was considered underutilized, given the enhanced benefits now available for preventive care under Medicare Part B that are not subject to Medicare�s deductible and co-payment requirements.

� Plan G will have 100 percent coverage for excess charges; it currently has 80 percent coverage for such charges.

� A new hospice benefit will be added to all plans except Plans K and L, which already include a hospice benefit. This will ensure that hospice coverage is available to all beneficiaries. The new hospice benefit covers cost sharing for all Part A eligible hospice and respite care expenses. Medicare provides coverage for inpatient respite care up to 5 days, less a co-pay amount of 5 percent of the daily benefit. The new hospice benefit will pick up this 5 percent co-pay.

� Plan E will no longer be available for new sales because Plan E is the same as Plan D once benefit eliminations are made.

� Plans H, I and J will no longer be available for new sales, due to the elimination of the prescription benefit.

� Two new Medigap plans - Plan M and Plan N - will be available for sale beginning June 1. The two new plans are designed to give beneficiaries higher cost-sharing responsibilities and lower estimated premiums. New Plan M includes 50 percent coverage of the Medicare Part A deductible, but does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. New Plan N includes full 100 percent coverage of the Part A deductible, but no coverage for the Part B deductible, similar to Plan D. Coverage of the Part B deductible is subject to a new co-pay structure The co-pay is up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived upon admission to the hospital)

A Hungry Man's Quiche

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:34:55 -0500

A Hungry Man's Quiche

Readers say this quiche recipe is a keeper. "Fast, simple, and outstanding! What more do you need! A++ all around." Perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
1 10-inch deep-dish pastry crust
3 small potatoes, cooked and mashed
1/4 cup cubed ham (1/4-inch cubes)
2 cups grated cheese
5 eggs
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 325 F. degrees. Place pastry crust in 10-inch dish, crimp edges, and prick bottom in several places. Bake crust for 15 minutes, then remove from oven. Increase oven temperature to 375 F. degrees. Layer potatoes, ham, and cheese into crust. Beat eggs and milk together and pour into crust. Bake 30 minutes at 375 F. degrees. Lower heat to 350 F. degrees and bake for additional 10 minutes.

Ringo at 70: �I�m Not Hiding From It, You Know�

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:13:58 -0500

Ringo Starr, 70 tomorrow? No it can't be!

Still rockin and rollin and doing concerts in New York on his 70th. What a trip it has been for him and for us watching him grow up since he was in his 20s.

Some excerpts:

"Ever since Ringo Starr vowed, on a well-known cover of Buck Owens�s hit �Act Naturally,� that he�d become �the biggest fool to ever hit the big time,� the renowned rock �n� roll drummer has done all right for himself. As a member of the Beatles and as a solo artist, Mr. Starr has sold more than a few records, won some Grammy Awards and even had a minor planet named for him. But on Wednesday Mr. Starr will reach a very special milestone: he turns 70 years old."

As you�d expect, he plans to mark the occasion with a little help from his friends, and anyone else he can round up. Finding himself in New York on the big day, he is celebrating with a private event in the morning at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square; Hard Rock International is honoring the day at locations around the world. (Details are at ringostarr.com.)

In the evening he will perform a concert at Radio City Music Hall with his All Starr Band, which includes Edgar Winter, Gary Wright and Rick Derringer."

The article has an awesome interview after those quotes. He's a pretty consistent nice guy and working at 70, still at the top of his game.

Here's the whole article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/arts/mus...p;th&emc=th

Enjoy!

Ringo 70? Man I am feeling old!

Yahoo mail reject my Gmail

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:09:26 -0500

Has anyone have a solution for this.
Very strange email problem.... while sending mail from Google ID using MS outlook (Not express) to any Yahoo ID is returned. Only Yahoo ID is returned all others email work.
My question first then detail of problem after:
1) Have you had any experience with YPOP? Does it work to solve this problem?
Link: http://expertester.wordpress.com/2008/08/2...om-outlook-pop/
2) or will I have to pay for Yahoo Plus to make my outlook work?
Note: I do want to stop using MC Outlook.
Problems #1:
I am facing very strange problem. I am using my gmail id using MS Outlook and the problem is that: When I send mail to any Yahoo ID from MS outlook (Gmail ID configured on it) it bounced back and getting this error:

---------------
Technical details of permanent failure:
Google tried to deliver your message, but it was rejected by the recipient domain. We recommend contacting the other email provider for further information about the cause of this error. The error that the other server returned was: 554 554 Message not allowed - [320] (state 18).
------------------

And the strange thing is that: When I send email to same Yahoo ID using webbased Gmail panel instead of using MS outlook it successfully go through.

Please let me know if somebody have any idea about this error and can suggest solution?

Fact about my set up:
� Toshiba lap top
� VZ Verizon stick for wireness connetion � started April first.
� Google is my ID buhlontheway@gmail.com
� deleted Hughes.net first of June from my system
� First return June 16th
� Time zone is correct

Ran all the test, my account is set up correctly. Read other web pages Etc.
Ploblem #2:
P.S. From my Micro Explorer � I am not able to link to the main Gmail page. Error msg read � �internet explorer cannot display this wed page�. I can link to all other Google link and use my password. I get into Gmail and my account using Fox Fire.

The questions I have.
1) Have you had any experience with YPOP? Does it work?
2) Or will I have to pay for Yahoo Plus to make my outlook work?

Don buhlontheway@gamil.com

Fulltimer or not?

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:00:01 -0500

I saw another thread about the quinquennial Escapees member survey and wonder if these are made public to outsiders.

I'm trying to decide whether or not to join. From an outsider standpoint, it looks to me as though Escapees caters to fulltimers. We are not, nor will we ever be, fulltimers (DW likes the garden too much). Plus, I can't fit my collection of 300 antique radios in the fifth wheel...

So my second question is (since I'm sure I will not get to see the stats from the survey), what do you NON-fulltimers and occasional-use RVers find attractive in this organization? The forum is very useful to everyone, I'm sure, but what about membership and Escapee benefits?

It's not like I can't afford to plunk down the dues, I'd just like to hear it from members who live in their stick houses and RV for fun.

Rude treatment at St. Louis VA hosptial

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 07:42:20 -0500

I have been suffering from severe headaches for several years. Luckily they go away for a few months and only stay a few weeks at a time. But when I get them I do need medical attention for pain killers and observation.

Last week we were visiting relatives in St. Charles, MO and I had started with one of my wonderful headaches a couple days before we got there. While there I called the St. Louis VA hospital to see where the closest VA clinic was. I was referred to the clinic in St. Charles. I called to see if I could get an appointment and the gal I talked to was extremely rude and told me that they never see anybody from out of state and that I should go to the emergency entrance at the St. Louis hospital. It wasn't so much what she told me but the way she told me. I must admit that I did not take ebonics in school and I don't always understand that language very well. She was very nasty and put out that I would even bother to call her.

Normally I would get her name and try to notify someone about this treatment but when my head is pounding and I'm ready to vomit I don't pursue these maters.

I went to a "doc in a box" and got in right away. The Dr. gave me three prescriptions and I was at Walmart within an hour getting my meds. $75 office visit and $48 meds.

Have any of you guys been able to go to a VA clinic while out on the road? This was my first experience with a clinic away from my "home" clinic.

VA Medical and Medicare

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 07:22:24 -0500

I'll turn 65 in October, good Lord willing. I have been using the VA for all of my medical needs for 2 years and just yesterday I received my "Welcome to Medicare" packet via U.S. mail. After studying the Medicare info. carefully I still do not know if I should continue with the VA medical benefit for doctor visits. Or should I take Medicare Part B for doctors (check-ups, minor medical issues, etc.) and not use any of my VA medical benefits? As many of you know much more than I do about this topic I thought I would toss this out for discussion. What have you guys done?

I have an appointment at the Cincinnati VA hospital for a hearing aid adjustment next week and I will will try to talk to a counselor about my decisions on this mater at that time. But Cincinnati is a long drive for me and the hospital there is sometimes a zoo with lots of long lines and sometimes very long waits.

On a side note . . .
I have had a few early morning appointments at the VA hospital in Cincinnati and the entrance and waiting areas are very crowded and sometimes you have to "work" your way through the crowd to get to where you're going. One day I asked a doctor why the place is so crowded in the mornings. He told me that most of the people in the the entrance and waiting areas are not even veterans or patients. They are local people, many homeless and many from the ghettos, who come to the hospital each morning to get free coffee and doughnuts. Several different military organizations take turns providing this free service. Very interesting.

Sony Vaio Restore Question

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:37:41 -0500

I have a 2 year old Sony Viao that I want to sell, but need to clean up the hard drive/restore to original settings first. I have restore disks that were made when I purchased it, but having never done this before, I would like to hear from someone who has. Thanks!

Firefox 6.6.6 on openSuse linux

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:22:04 -0500

Help from you opensuse gurus. I upgraded Firefox using yast and while it shows I have it nothing happens when I try to start it. Any ideas? I have turned the computer off and reloaded it. If nothing else how can I get back to 3.6.4 which worked?

Patriotic Punch Bowl Cake

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:45:32 -0500

Patriotic Punch Bowl Cake

* 1 pkg Angel Food Cake
* 1 pkg 3.5 ounce instant vanilla pudding mix*
* 2 C milk (can use skim)
* 1 (8 oz) carton whipped topping (Can use light)
* 1 pint fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
* 2 Cups blueberries, rinsed

Trim brown from cake. Tear cake into small pieces. Prepare pudding as directed. Mix in cool whip. Place 1/2 cake pieces in a bowl. Top with 1/3 pudding mixture and all of blueberries. Top with remaining cake pices, 1/3 of pudding mixture, and all of strawberries. Finish with remaining pudding mixture. Garnish with additional berries if you like. Cover and refrigerate.

nahanna

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:24:24 -0500

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VvVw60XvQw
you can't stop the dawn Colorado

What is your minimum wage ?

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:17:05 -0500

Want to see what the minimum wage is in your state ?

Many people don't realize that the "Federal" minimum wage only applies to "Federal" jobs...

and each state can decide what it wants it's minimum wage to be.. if anything at all.

Example...

Tennessee does not have a minimum wage law... thus an employer can pay any wage he wants to...

How many of you will work for 35 cent an hour ..?

Oklahoma minimum wage is $2 hr..

http://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/america.htm

Very interesting ....

John

Cleaning a computer

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:03:19 -0500

I recently had a desktop computer fry and replaced it. I decided to salvage the good parts and the TV tuner board even though out of date. For years I cleaned out the accumulated dust as best I could using vacuum attachments for computers and those expensive spray air bottles, which could damage components even worse if used to the point that the air was too cold coming out as they always do. Never could get all the sticky stuff off the fan blades and get every speck of dust in the cooling fins of the CPU and other components, cotton swabs or not.

This unit was fried so I took it out to my workshop, sans the good hard drive which I installed in the new unit to transfer my data. I had no worries about damaging anything and cracked the case and was really amazed at how much accumulated and sticky dust was coating everything. So I cranked up my regular air compressor and got a hose and air nozzle attachment with the trigger and proceeded to spray out all the crud. MY compressor is set to 110 psi and I was amazed at how easy it blew out the power supply, the cooling fins for the CPU under the CPU fan, and the dust in all the empty USB and other ports! It even cleaned the fans when they were held by finger or popsicle stick every speck! I was amazed at how clean it was with only a couple minutes work.

Previously I would not have used the full size compressor on a working computer. Too easy to over spin a fan or blow a wire loose. But it worked so well that I realized I had another tool in the arsenel.

My wife's computer is older than the one that fried, and was slowly getting louder when scans or long defrags were done. So I proposed that we be proactive, backed up all her data, made a fresh image, and disconnected it telling her that I would either save it or break it, and if it broke I'd do the work on a new computer for her. She agreed.

So I took out a working computer and making sure not to spin up the fans by holding them gently, I cleaned her unit out to like new, being careful about wires and boards by backing up a bit on those but was again amazed at how easy it cleaned the critical CPU cooling fins that always were difficult to clean completely by holding hte fan and getting right in there. Took maybe three minutes after removing the desktop side cover.

We took it back inside, hooked it up and voila! It booted. Not only that but it was quieter than it had been in years! Running cooler than in years as well.

I have not tried it on a laptop, I still use a vacuum on those, but with a bit of care really does the job on a desktop.

I am also glad I wore eye protection as I had no idea that much stuff was going to come out at all angles.

I cleaned the mass dust culprits, the Power supply fan and CPU first so the big chunks were gone, then all the USB and flash card slots, then the add in boards and motherboard just close enough to clean but not cause damage. This left a lot of particles all over the bottom of the case which from a greater distance I just sprayed out until clean.

For me, I am not ever going to use canned air again.

And unless you know your way around the inside of a computer it may be a bit of a risk. But for those that realize heat is the enemy, and have tediously cleaned them themselves, and have access to an air compressor, and know what is fragile and not, this really beats anything I've tried in 30 years.

Warning: If you don't at least replace your own RAM and know how to add and remove boards this may break a perfectly good computer. Never touch the metal spray nozzle to any part of the computer except the plastic fan blades that you are holding to keep from spinning the bearings out.

ipad is good but not the best

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:37:31 -0500

What I miss in ipad?
1) Camera
A forward-facing camera would have allowed video chat via Wi-Fi or 3G, and there are many apps that use the camera.
2) Multitasking
Without multitasking users won't be able to type in a document and have a Web browser with pertinent information open at the same time.
3) SD Card Slot
For removable storage media, the SD card has become the de facto standard. SD card slots allow users to expand the storage of a device with an easily removable flash memory card. It also facilitates easy transfer of files to and from other devices, such as cameras and digital camcorders.
4) USB Port
The USB port is the standard way for devices to connect by cable. Most cameras, external hard drives, smartphones and other portable devices connect to a computer via USB cable.
And last and much important thing
5) Flash
Much of the video and interactive elements on the Internet run on a special kind of software produced by Adobe, called Flash. YouTube videos, browser games and interactive sites all use Flash to run.

If you have children/grandchildren or small children in general

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:31:14 -0500

Don't know any other place to put this.

Our delightful, healthy, 2-year-old grand-niece, the joy of her parents, grandparents and siblings,
died Monday morning at three minutes after midnight.
A week ago, she lost her appetite and was fussy; on Wednesday she became semi-conscious;
on Thursday, at the hospital (the top hospital in the Richmond, Va., area), she arrested
and was resuscitated. An X-ray revealed the cause: a round object in her stomach � a camera or cell-phone battery,
which used her as an electrical conduit from one pole to the other, short-circuiting her
nerves. No one knows where it came from.

Friday, she was in great pain, then unconscious. On Sunday afternoon she mechanically
waved her arms and never responded again. Now she�s in heaven, beyond pain,
unable to bless anyone on Earth again.

A battery, smaller than a piece of candy, put her through hell on earth for a week
and broke a lot of hearts.

Friends, mind your batteries! Never, never leave any battery where young children can get hold of it. Dispose of all batteries properly, as the industry says. And be aware of battery-operated toys.

latest VA bumble 9 mos. after last one

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:48:41 -0500

WASHINGTON (July 1, 2010) -- The American Legion expressed outrage today over revelations that a VA medical center may have exposed veterans to serious infections through improperly cleaned dental equipment. Because cleaning protocols were not followed by workers at the John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis, more than 1,800 veterans may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis viruses. Those veterans recently received letters from the VA center, warning them of possible exposure to the diseases and offering screening and support.

Red Cinnamon Pickles

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:40:36 -0500

Red Cinnamon Pickles

7 pounds peeled seeded cucumbers
1 cup lime
1 gallon water
1 cup vinegar
1 bottle red food coloring
1 tbsp alum
Enough water to cover pickles
3 cups vinegar
2 cups water
10 cups sugar
2 to 3 large packages of red hot cinnamon candie
8 sticks cinnamon

Soak cucumbers lime and 1 gallon water for 24 hours
Wash cucumbers
Soak in ice water for 3 hours
mix 1 cup vinegar, food coloring, alum and enough water to cover pickles
simmer in this mixture for 2 hours

Pour off liquid and throw away.

Boil 3 cups vinegar 2 cups water, the sugar, candies cinnamon. Pour over cucumbers. Let stand 24 hours
Drain liquid and bring to a boil. Put cucumbers in jars with 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks in each jar. Pour hot liquid over jars and seal
Do not use red hots that list cornstarch as the ingredients. They will not work for this recipe.

The Ultimate Story

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:27:49 -0500

This used to be a great game I played when sitting around the campfire with a bunch of friends. I think most of you know what this is, but for those who don't this is how it goes... I will start a sentence of a random story and the next poster will continue the story by adding another sentence to the story. Have fun! - Walking down the street, a young boy spotted a shinny new penny just sitting across the street.

Flying J files for bankruptcy

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:20:02 -0500

Flying J files for bankruptcy - Company cites falling oil prices, credit crunch

Fair use
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/4985610...travel.html.csp

Flying J files for bankruptcy
Company cites falling oil prices, credit crunch
By Paul Beebe
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 12/22/2008 12:34:55 PM MST

Flying J. Inc., which operates 250 travel plazas and fuel stations across the country, on Monday filed for bankruptcy, citing a cash shortage brought on by plummeting oil prices and problems getting credit.

The Ogden-based company filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

Flying J said all its operations will remain open as the company restructures.

The company is seeking protection from creditors after facing "an unprecedented combination of factors," said J. Phillip Adams, Flying J CEO and president.

He cited a precipitous drop in the price of crude oil and a lack of available financing from its usual lending sources.

"With this sudden and unanticipated inability to meet our liquidity needs, we regret we had no other choice than a Chapter 11 filing to enable us to stabilize our financial base," Adams said.

Sony Cyber Shot H55 camera

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:22:35 -0500

I have been looking at the Sony Cyber Shot H55 digital camera to replace my larger Sony Cyber Shot DSCH1. I am looking for a smaller pocket size camera so I don't feel like I am carrying a sack of potatoes around my neck when hiking or walking around towns, etc. I love my DSCH1 and will still use it when I can but it has become very cumbersome when out and about like we are.

I looked at the Sony H55 DSCH55-B because I was so pleased with my older camera and have no problems with it.

Has any one purchased this camera and had it for awhile? Is this a good overall camera? The reviews are so mixed I thought I would ask the real people in the know!! Please respond to this paticular camera question.

Carol

Turtle Burgers

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:09:10 -0500

found on another forum..........
Bacon Cheese Turtle Burger

Step 1: Handmade ground beef patties, topped
with sharp Cheddar cheese, wrapped in a bacon
weave.
Step 2: Add hot dogs as the heads, legs, and tail.
Step 3: Place on an oven rack, covered loosely
with foil and baked for 20-30 minutes at 400˚F.

Enjoy!

Have you seen this man? Or his shopping cart RV?

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:25:06 -0500

Some guy has created RV's that fit into the back of bicycles, and a shopping cart camper.

Has anyone seen this guy in real life? Or these "Campers"? I'd imagine they're tiny but fun to see!

BACON & CARAMELIZED ONION DIP

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:44:32 -0500

BACON & CARAMELIZED ONION DIP

Back in my Mom�s day, an hors d�oeuvre got the ultimate stamp of approval when �the men loved it.� This recipe definitely falls into that category. The strands of caramelized onions make this dip kind of messy to eat, but press on. It�s worth it. Oven roasted fries (recipe follows) make a good sturdy carrier. A little chopped fresh thyme or rosemary makes a nice addition to this hearty dip.

INGREDIENTS
(6 Servings)
3 strips bacon
1 medium onion
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon olive oil
One 16-ounce tub sour cream
Pinch of sugar
DIRECTIONS

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Pour the bacon grease from the skillet and dispose of it, but don�t wipe out the skillet.
2. Peel the onion and slice it in half lengthwise. Cut the halves crosswise into thin slices. Add the butter and oil to the skillet used to cook the bacon and melt butter over medium high heat. Add the onions and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are very soft and golden, about 25 minutes. Stir in the sugar and remove from heat. Let cool completely.
3. Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the sour cream, saving a few crumbles for garnish. Stir in the cooled onions and mix well. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving time. Bring to room temperature before serving.
TO MAKE OVEN ROASTED FRIES, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut 3 large, unpeeled baking potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half into thick wedges. (3 to 4 wedges per half, depending on the size of the potato.) Place wedges on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil; toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast 25 minutes. Using a metal spatula, turn wedges over. Roast until tender and golden brown in spots, about 10 minutes longer. The fries should be crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper, if desired and serve immediately. (Serves 6)

Hot Pepper Jelly

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:13:43 -0500

I made this today but I used 7 green peppers and only two jalapenos, it was plenty hot enough for me.

The original recipe along with my annotations, by popular demand, follows. The resulting jelly is thick, but easily spreadable. Notice that no exact measurements are made for the bell peppers or jalapenos. I do not know the reason, but liquid pectin and powdered pectin are NOT interchangeable. Good luck and buon appetito!

Jalapeno Jelly

from Jane Butel’s book “Hotter Than Hell”

Ingredients

3 large, very ripe red bell peppers, cored, seeded
6 to 8 jalapeno chiles, seeded (for a milder flavor, remove ribs too)
1� cups cider vinegar (5% acidity)
6� cups sugar
6 ounces bottled liquid pectin

Using a food processor or food chopper, finely chop bell peppers and jalapenos (I did it by hand).

Turn chopped peppers and chiles into a large saucepan, stir in vinegar and sugar and bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, about 30 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened and peppers are clear.

Remove thickened pepper mixture from heat; cool about 10 minutes. Stir in pectin, return to heat, bring to a boil and boil about 2 minutes longer (at sea level) or until jelly sheets off the edge of a large metal spoon held at right angles above pan.

Remove from heat, skim off and discard foam (I didn’t see any foam to skim off) and immediately pour jelly equally into 5 or 6 hot, sterilized �-pint jelly glasses (I filled jars half way each first, and then filled the completely next for even distribution of solids).

Cool, then seal with paraffin and cover with lids (I skipped the paraffin and sealed jars immediately).

Makes 2� to 3 pints.

Retired Feds & Health Insurance

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:06:44 -0500

Greetings:
My wife and I will graduate soon to the FT lifestyle and become "Texans". We are wondering if anyone has
a thought or two regarding carrying over your FEHB health insurance into your retired status and specifically, did you
go with one of the offered FEHB "nationwide plans" or choose an appropriate state or regional plan?
Either way, what are your opinions and/or experiences to date good or bad?

Thanks, Joe & Paula

Cannot Access Internet

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:55:05 -0500

Good Day...
About 6 year old Dell laptop computer Inspiron 8600...L
Last 2 days have to start in safemode...
It does not bring up desktop...
Then when run the repair deal thru computer properties...it does as it should...
EXCEPT....
It then has been having Restricted Zone come up in bar at bottom...for no reason...
This stops all internet connection until I run the repair deal again...
Something is making that annoying restricted zone deal turn on ...
But I have no idea what or why...
I tried system restore several times/dates...but...evidentally it is no longer working on this machine...
I googled various questions about it but no luck or I am not asking the right words to find an answer...
The computer works fine...except for the halt and annoying awfulness caused by the restricted zone stopping me from connecting to either internet explorer or firefox...
The only things I have done differently in the last 2 weeks is install and use MSE security because I saw it recommended here and the Avast that I had been using was slowing the computer way down...
For 2 weeks no problems and the computer was faster...
2 days ago I updated the firefox and am wondering if that might be it...
The restricted zone is set at high...which it has been all along...
Any assistance and advice appreciated...
Thanks...

New Health Care Bill Examination

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:01:07 -0500

This is a short breakdown of the new healthcare bill when different items take effect.
It is not a political discussion just a timeline when items take effect from, USAA banking.

Helathcare bill time line

Veterans' grave medallion available for order

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:12:46 -0500

Release No. 06-10-10
June 29, 2010

Veterans' grave medallion available for order

WASHINGTON (AFRNS) -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki announced June 29 that the Department of Veterans Affairs is offering bronze medallions to attach to existing, privately purchased headstones or markers, signifying a deceased's status as a veteran.

"For veterans not buried in a national or state veterans cemetery, or those without a government grave marker, VA is pleased to offer this option that highlights their service and sacrifices for our country," said Secretary Shinseki.

The new item can be furnished instead of a traditional government headstone or marker for veterans whose death occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.

Under federal law, eligible veterans buried in a private cemetery are entitled to either a government-furnished grave marker or the new medallion, but not both. Veterans buried in a national or state veterans cemetery will receive a government headstone or marker of the standard design authorized at that cemetery.

The medallion is available in three sizes: 5 inches, 3 inches and 1� inches in width. Each bronze medallion features the image of a folded burial flag adorned with laurels and is inscribed with the word "Veteran" at the top and the branch of service at the bottom.

Next of kin will receive the medallion, along with a kit that will allow the family or the staff of a private cemetery to affix the medallion to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarium niche cover.

More information about VA-furnished headstones, markers and medallions can be found at www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmtype.asp.

VA is currently developing an application form for ordering the medallion. Until it is available, applicants may use the form for ordering government headstones and markers, VA Form 40-1330. Instructions on how to apply for a medallion are found on the VA website at www.cem.va.gov/hm_hm.asp.

Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a VA national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or grave marker.

The new medallions will be available only to veterans buried in private cemeteries without a government headstone or marker. Families of eligible decedents may also order a memorial headstone or marker when remains are not available for interment.

VA operates 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than 3 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict -- from the Revolutionary War to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan -- are buried in VA's national cemeteries on more than 19,000 acres.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA website on the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000. (Courtesy of VA News)

Best Key Lime Pie

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 05:12:14 -0500

Best Key Lime Pie

Ingredients:

Graham Cracker Crust:

* 3/4 pound graham crackers
* 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar
* 2 sticks melted butter
* 1/4 tsp. sea salt

Filling:

* 4 egg yolks
* 1 can (14 ounces) condensed milk
* 2/3 cup fresh Key lime juice
* 1 lime , grated zest

Topping:

* 1 cup heavy or whipping cream , chilled
* 2 Tbsp. confectioners� sugar
* 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

To make graham cracker crust: Preheat the oven to 325�.

Break up the graham crackers, place in a food processor and process to crumbs. Add the melted butter, sugar and salt and pulse until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, forming an even layer on the bottom, sides and edge. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool.

To make filling: While the crust is resting, in an electric mixer with the wire whisk attachment, whip the egg yolks and lime zest at high speed until fluffy, or 5 to 6 minutes. Gradually add the condensed milk and continue to whip until thick, 3 to 4 minutes longer. Lower the mixer speed and slowly add the lime juice until incorporated.

Pour the mixture into the crust and bake for 15 minutes, or until the filling has just set. Cool on a wire rack, and then refrigerate for 20 minutes.

To make topping: Whip the cream, confectioners� sugar and vanilla until nearly stiff. Evenly spread the whipped cream on top of the pie, and place in the freezer for 20 minutes prior to serving.

An old friend came by the House today.

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 01:43:49 -0500

We had an impressive show of firepower steam by the house today. You can see the Nevada memorial, the USS Ronald Reagan steaming by, and in the background the USS Missouri and the USS Arizona.

Pearl Harbor is really filling up.

may you walk in sunshine

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:32:40 -0500

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1se60Wm7eTE
you can't stop the dawn Colorado

LLC Question ?

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:20:42 -0500

Hope someone can point me in the right direction.

We are 18 months and 5 days away from retirement. When my mother in law passed away several years ago she left a beach front house in Panama City, FL along with other real estate to three sisters. My wife and one sister bought out the third sister two years ago. I rent the house during spring and summer and it more than pays for itself. There is no mortgage just incredibly high taxes. The house is now titled under our four names. The two sisters and their husbands. The house is really two different units. A large 4 bedroom three bath with huge kitchen and dinning room, oversize pool with outside kitchen and full bath then a smaller one bedroom one bath unit with kitchen and sitting area. We plan to make the smaller house our base of operations when we go full timing.

Would it be beneficial to form an LLC for tax purposes and liability ?

Crab Bisque

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:24:31 -0500

Crab Bisque

This is an excellent crab bisque recipe, best with real crab meat and good with imitation crab meat, too.

Ingredients:

� 1 Tablespoon-Minced Onion

� 2 Tablespoons-Butter or Margarine

� 2 Tablespoons-Flour

� 2 Cups-Chicken Broth

� 2 Cups-Half and Half

� 1 Pound-Crab Meat

� Salt-to taste

� Parsley-Garnish

Saute onion in butter. Add flour, cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually stir in chicken broth and half-and-half, cook and stir 5 minutes. Break crab into chunks; add to broth. Salt to taste. Heat thoroughly. Garnish with parsley.

Serves 6.

Firefox 3.6.6 !

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:15:10 -0500

It's out today ! That didn't take long
Thanks for the replies RE: Flash everyone

GMAIL Down

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:15:44 -0500

Any suggestions for getting my e-mail up and running again? It's been down as a 500 Temporary Error since 8 pm yesterday! I have submitted reports but nothing back.
I can't get in via my Blackberry, desktop, laptop and others computers. It doesn't seem to be everyone as the couple next door were using their Gmail just fine but when I tried to log on through their computer I get the same error.
I could use some SKP help or suggestions as I really need to have my e-mails coming in. This is the 1st time it has happened but v-e-r-y frustrating
Hugs, Di

Cole Slaw Dressing

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 12:30:59 -0500

The only way Phil will eat cole slaw. His Mom's recipe

Cole Slaw Dressing

1 cup sugar
1 heaping Tbsp flour
1tsp salt
Pepper
2 tsp mustard
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar

Mix ingredients together.
Put on heat and stir until thick.
Pour over shredded cabbage

Emergency Air Evacuation Plans

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 10:44:07 -0500

I got an email yesterday from GEOS MediVac offering a special deal for owners of a SPOT unit. Since we've been talking about getting something like this, I went to their website to check it out and noticed that they have an age limit of 75 at which point all benefits cease. I guess they think anyone age 75 or older just sits around in a rocking chair and doesn't go any place that might require evacuation!

Do other emergency evacuation plans (such as MASA and SkyMed) have the same age limit? My husband is a little over 4 years from 75, so if all these types of plans have an age limit, I can't see that they would be of much use to us. We certainly have no plans to stop traveling in 3 years!

Oreo Balls

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:55:20 -0500

Oreo Balls

Ingredients:

- 1 Package Oreo cookies, crushed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 bag chocolate chips, melted or 2 packages dipping chocolate (white, dark, milk � whichever you prefer!)

Directions:

1. Mix the crushed Oreo cookies and cream cheese together in a bowl. Use food processor or blender to speed up this process.
2. With your hands, roll Oreo and cream cheese mixture into small balls. Place on baking sheet lined with wax paper.
3. Chill in freezer for 30 minutes.
4. Melt chocolate chips or dipping chocolate in the microwave until melted.
5. Using a toothpick, dip the Oreo balls into the melted chocolate. Cover well.
6. Let Oreo balls harden on a wax-paper lined cookie sheet in fridge or freezer. Takes about 15 minutes.
7. Keep in fridge! Serve cold and enjoy!

Makes about 25 � 40 Oreo Balls, depending on how you make them.

Confused Brits !

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:23:39 -0500

We are David & Sandra Kempson, SKP #99508, and we are seeking some advice from Members who may be in a similar position to ourselves or may have experience of others in such a situation.
We are English, retired, and travelled to the US in Feb. 2008 with a ten year visa and we maintain our home in the UK.
On arrival in San Francisco we were given a 6 month visitor permit. We purchased an RV and a Jeep to tow and set off to have a great time. And we did, leaving the US in July 2008 with RV & Jeep in storage. We returned in September, just 7 weeks, later into S.F. and we were asked to go to the immigration office. Having explained to the Officer our plans for continued touring he said there was no problem and we were issued a 6 month visitor permit, but were advised that a "meaningful departure" was expected between visits.
Five months into our visit, Jan 2009, we returned to the UK from Houston for a family bereavement. We came back to the US (Houston) after just 3 weeks and were given a 6 month visitor permit without any query. We then left the US in August 2009 from Orlando.
Upon our return to the US (Orlando) in March 2010 (after 7 months away) we were again given a 6 month visitor permit but advised quite strongly that it was a 'requirement' that we spend more time out of the US than in it during any 12 month period.
We are somewhat confused and do not seem to be able to obtain any positive information regarding a "meaningful departure" or any other requirement. We shall be leaving the US in August and would like to return some 3 months thereafter, but how long should we stay away? Are the 'rules' different from one airport to another? Which airports are the most favorable?
We do not want to return too soon and be rejected! We are having a wonderful time in this huge Country with so much to see and do and want to continue our travelling here for the next year or two. Any advice or comments would be really appreciated.
David & Sandra #99508 e.mail david.kempson@yahoo.com

Established "home base" in Tucson, AZ

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:35:43 -0500

We are Cliff & Virginia Haycock, SKP # 13748. Amateur Radio calls: KD4ZBP and KE4VRW. Have establlished a "home base" at Crazy Horse RV Park in Tucson, AZ. Email address: hayvirginia (at) yahoo.com Cell phone: 919 412 4029

Triple Chocolate Mess Cake in a Crock-Pot

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:09:49 -0500

Triple Chocolate Mess Cake in a Crock-Pot

Ingredients

* Chocolate Cake Mix - 1 package (I used a dark chocolate mix)
* Sour Cream - 16 oz.
* Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix - 1 package
* Chocolate Chips - 1 8 oz. bag (I used the mini-sized)
* Canola Oil - 3/4 cup
* Water - 1 cup
* Eggs - 4

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and blend thoroughly with a large wooden spoon.
2. Spray or rub the Crock-Pot with oil.
3. Pour the chocolate mixture into the Crock-Pot and turn on to Low.
4. Vent the top a bit (an inch at most) by placing something between the top and the pot (I didn�t do this, but I think it would help.)
5. Cook for 4 hours and check for done-ness with a knife in the center, which should come out fairly dry. Also, the sides of the cake should be separating from the sides of the pot. If not, let it cook for another half an hour and check again. The first Crock-Pot cake you make will require a bit of checking but once you have determined the timing on one cake, future cakes will be more predictable and easier (see below for more information on how to tell if your cake is done.)
6. Cool for at least a half an hour or more. The cake stays warm for a long time.
7. When you can�t wait anymore, slide a dinner knife around the edge to separate the cake from the pot.
8. Center a serving plate on top of the pot and flip it over so that the cake falls onto the plate. You may need to jiggle it a bit, and when it has come out, slowly lift up the Crock-Pot.
9. Your wonderful cake is ready!

Goes great with vanilla ice cream - or on its own.

About determining if your cake is done: Crock-Pots are inherently moist cookers and so the top will always be much moister that a typical oven-baked cake. But, the top will be the bottom once you flip it, so it doesn�t have to look perfect. And, the knife will probably never come out bone-dry, because Crock-Pot cakes are very moist. It�s important to make sure the sides don�t overcook, so doneness will be a combination of the middle being fairly dry and the side being well done but not over-cooked. Even if your cake is a little messy in the middle, it will still be delicious.

Is this SPAM or what?

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:42:02 -0500

In the last week or so I have received several emails from Amazon(and maybe other places) not addressed to me but addressed to other Escapees. I trashed the first few thinking they were spam but now I am not sure.

My email address is not who the emails are addressed to but I am receiving them. Today I emailed the recipient back to see if this was a real person at Escapees or not.

I forwarded the email to Escapees to see if it was a server problem.

Is anyone else having this problem?

Peanut Butter Cookies with Milk Chocolate Chunks

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:24:12 -0500

Peanut Butter Cookies with Milk Chocolate Chunks

(Makes 24 cookies)

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling

1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup creamy peanut butter

6 ounces good milk chocolate, coarsely chopped

Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugars together until fluffy. Scrape down the bowl and add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. The mixture will look light and fluffy. Add vanilla and peanut butter and beat until just incorporated.

Add half of the flour mixture and mix for 15 seconds. Add remaining flour mixture and mix until incorporated.

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in chocolate. Cover bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, at least 2 inches apart. With palm of your hand, very gently press each cookie down so it forms a very tall disk shape. Do not press too hard and do not press it flat.

Sprinkle tops of cookies with granulated sugar and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating pan halfway through baking time, until tops of cookies just begin to brown.

Remove pan from oven and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Use a spatula to transfer individual cookies to the rack to cook completely (although they are also delicious warm).

The cookies can be stored, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.

Apply directly to hips

New Firefox Released

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:07:07 -0500

Firefox 3.6.4 available now

Mediterranean Shrimp

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:26:22 -0500

Mediterranean Shrimp

Ingredients
� 1/4 cup olive oil or salad oil
� 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
� 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot (1 medium)
� 2 tablespoons snipped fresh oregano
� 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
� 1 tablespoon lemon juice
� 1/2 teaspoon salt
� 1 clove garlic, minced
� 1 pound frozen large cooked shrimp (with tails), thawed
� 4 ounces smoked provolone cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, or crumbled feta cheese (1 cup)
� 1-1/2 cups grape tomatoes and/or yellow pear-shaped tomatoes
� 1/2 cup drained capers

Directions
1. In a large resealable plastic bag combine oil, vinegar, shallot, oregano, lemon peel, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. Seal bag; mix marinade well. Set bag in a large bowl; add shrimp, cheese, tomatoes, and capers to marinade. Seal bag; marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 6 hours, turning bag occasionally.
2. Chill 8 margarita glasses or small glass serving dishes in the refrigerator until ready to use. To serve, spoon shrimp mixture into chilled glasses. Makes 8 servings.
Cajun Shrimp: Prepare as above, except for the marinade, in a large resealable bag combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup salad oil, 1-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. Omit provolone cheese and capers. Add 1 cup chopped red, yellow, and/or green sweet pepper and 3/4 cup sliced celery to the marinade with the shrimp.
Citrus Shrimp:Prepare as above, except for marinade, in a large resealable bag combine 1/2 cup grapefruit juice; 1/4 cup salad oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons snipped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed; 1/4 teaspoon salt; and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
Quick & Easy Shrimp: Prepare as above, except for marinade, in a large resealable bag use 1 cup purchased Italian vinaigrette, or dried tomato vinaigrette.

Zucchini stuffed with Crab Meat

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:09:33 -0500

Zucchini stuffed with Crab Meat

You will need 2 thick Zucchini�s, sliced lengthwise, with the center scooped out (leaving about 1/4 in shell), and chop the insides.

1/4 cup chopped Onion, 1/4 cup chopped Green Bell Pepper, 2 cloves of Garlic chopped fine and 1/4 cup chopped celery.

Take your chopped vegetables and toss in the frying pan with a tablespoon of Olive oil and cook until the vegetables are soft (about 10 minutes).

While the vegetables are cooking, in a large bowl combine, 1/4 cup of seasoned bread crumbs, 1/2 teaspoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of Thyme.

When the vegetables are done add them to the bowl along with 8 oz of Crab meat. Mix together.

You can add a little lemon juice or clam juice if the mixture is �too dry� according to the recipe, but I found I really didn�t need it.

Take Stuffing and fill shells of Zucchini, sprinkle a touch of Parmesan Cheese on top and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes (or until Zucchini starts to get soft).

Looking for someone's blog

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:15:43 -0500

I think I may have asked this once before, probably years ago. There was an RV blog I used to enjoy reading by a guy that lived in his Lazy Daze. He had bought the first one and then later on was living in a newer used one. Cannot remember who he was, but hope someone might remember coming across his blog somewhere. I think he may have been a writer. Thanks ahead of time if anyone remembers this fellow. Also, have not seen anything by Lee Jacobs in awhile. Maybe just overlooked it.

golf clubs

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:14:45 -0500

Golf clubs are a bulky item for full timers, and take up a lot of space, especially 2 sets. What do you golfers do.

Host File

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:16:34 -0500

For several years I used a free Host File suggested by Kim Komando. A couple times a month I would receive an email that I should download the newest zipped host file from somebody who tracked the baddies. He included step=by=step instructions on each procedure to get it into the right spot. Some time ago (many months) that free system must have gone pro or just quit because I don't receive emails anymore. Can anyone recommend another? Maybe there isn't much use for one if you're using Zone Alarm and AVG stuff? What's your opinion?

Thanx

New Computer

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:49:46 -0500

My DW and I agreed last weekend to buy a new Computer. Our windows machine was down with a virus, so we opted for a brand spanking new iMac. Not the biggest or fanciest, but 'enough' for our needs.

Someday I hope my studio will be able to afford that powermac with the really humongous displays, but this will stand in just fine until that comes along.

next on the list, an iPod Touch or MAYbe an iPad.

learning to speak Lakota

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:04:30 -0500

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhKb1AxAVhA
you can't stop the dawn Colorado

Campground Reviews & Info ?

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:08:08 -0500

Am I blind ? Do we have an area to post reviews and information about campgrounds. On another RV site it takes you to a Woddal's site.

Thanks

native american commandments

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:56:15 -0500

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq0SHrdFthM
you can't stop the dawn Colorado

HIPPOPOTAMUS STEW

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:23:01 -0500

HIPPOPOTAMUS STEW

1 med. sized hippo
1 ton salt
Pepper to taste
500 bushels potatoes
1000 gals. brown gravy
200 bushels carrots
400 sprigs parsley
2 sm. rabbits (optional)

Cut hippo meat into bite sized pieces. This will take about 2 months. Cut vegetables into cubes (another 2 months). Place meat into large pan and cover with gravy. Simmer for 4 weeks. Shovel in salt and pepper to taste. When meat is tender, add vegetables. A steam shovel is useful for this. Simmer slowly for 4 more weeks. Garnish with parsley.

Will serve 2, 700 people. If more are expected, add 2 small rabbits - this is not recommended as very few people like hare in their stew.

Ok so I was feeling silly this morning.

Crab Casserole

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:58:36 -0500

This crab casserole is the perfect dish for parties and summer gatherings. Prep the night before and bake this when you're ready to serve.
Serves: 6
Cooking Time: 30 min

Ingredients
� 1 cup sour cream
� 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
� 1 tablespoon lemon juice
� 1 tablespoon grated onion
� 1/2 teaspoon salt
� 1 dash Tabasco sauce
� 2 pounds backfin crab meat
� 3/4 cup soft bread cubes
� 1 tablespoon melted butter
� Paprika
Instructions
1. Combine sour cream, cheese, lemon juice, onion, salt and Tabasco; mix thoroughly. Pour over crab meat and mix lightly. Place in six well-greased individual shells or custard cups.

2. Combine bread cubes and butter; sprinkle over top of crab mixture. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake in a moderate oven, 350 degrees F, for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

Tomato Fritters

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:56:08 -0500

Tomato Fritters with Mango "Tzatziki"

Ingredients:

1 mango, peeled, sliced
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, chopped
6-7 mint leaves
1 tablespoon dill, chopped
Salt, pepper to taste

2 medium heirloom tomatoes (1 cup chopped)
1 teaspoon fresh marjoram, finely chopped
1 tablespoon mint, finely chopped
1 green onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking power
Salt, pepper to taste

Directions:

Combine mango slices, Greek yogurt, garlic, mint, dill, salt and pepper in a blender and mix well. Chill until ready to serve.

Place tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drop them in cold water. Peel the skin off and chop (will need 1 cup of chopped tomatoes for this recipe).

Mix chopped tomatoes, marjoram, mint, green onions, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix in flour and baking powder.

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large frying pan. Drop heaping tablespoons of tomato batter into the pan, flattening each round a little bit. Fry on each side until golden brown.

Serve the fritters immediately topped with a dollop of mango tzatziki sauce.

Medicare & Health Savings Account

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 10:11:40 -0500

I will be on a health insurance plan that qualifies for a Health Savings Account July 1, 2010. I have figured out what out of pocket medical expenses for me qualify except for my insurance premium. Does my insurance premium qualify? My husband is already on medicare. Do his out of pocket medical expenses qualify and does his Part B and drug plan monthly costs qualify now or only when I am on medicare. Medigap plans do not seem to qualify at all. The more I read the more confusing it is when it comes medicare. I am sure there are some of you out there that can help us!!

A police officers point of view

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 08:25:13 -0500

I want to share one ex officers view of this if I may. Many valid points have been made here on this topic and no one knows for sure how each officer will react in any given situation. In all my years as an officer I never met the perfect.. cop....I hate that term. I do know that most new recruits take the exam..training.. and all thats required because they feel that they can make a difference. I also know that RAMBOS don't last long in uniform. It is not your normal 9 to 5 and it sure isn't the movies either. A bad officer will in time be weeded out by his department or his/her fellow officers for his conduct. If they abuse their job it becomes a pattern and a price is paid. Having said that I never met an officer who didn't either make a mistake or let his bad day ruin yours. Not right..of course it isn't. As I said .. never met a perfect officer.
I won't waste your time with all the old and many stated reasons why police should be given some..slack..here. In the end we all have rights and they should not be violated. It was my experience that when contact with someone was made for a violation....the person already knew or suspected why he/she was approached. It doesn't make for a pleasent situation. I usually saw two emotions....anger at being caught or anger at committing the violation.
In closing I'll say that the new Ohio law is like most on the books in that state. As an ex Ohio officer, my guess is it will most likely be viewd as a tool to be used and not abused by the vast majority of men and women who serve.
As I stated ...there are no perfect cops. But then again their are no perfect auto repair men or teachers or judges either. Most of us are/were just attempting to do the best job we could. As far as using the new Ohio law..I wouldn't have used it. Like most officers I suspect I would not be comfortable acting on traffic violations on a guess.

Political Correctness

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 07:04:00 -0500

This being an election year in a lot of states gives credence to my favorite political statement.

'Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional
illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by an unscrupulous
mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is
entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end'.

Escapees E-mail problem

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 19:46:41 -0500

Hi, I know that you do not want to mess with the mail server any longer, but I can't remember my password to have mail sent through an other client. What can I do? I have been trying to ween off of the site all together but there are still some people who can't seem to quit sending me stuff there.

Windows Vista

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:28:45 -0500

I need some help. When I go to the picture file I use to be able to see what was in the folder and now I nave to click on it then click on each picture to see what it is.

Thanks Don and Barb

Useful site for all veterans

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 06:48:21 -0500

Comment: Someone has gone to a lot of trouble. If this helps one person, then it was worthwhile. Please pass this on to all Veterans on
your e-mail list.

Below are web-sites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Please pass this information on to every Veteran you know. Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won ' t tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it. You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests.

Appeals http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc
Board of Veteran ' s Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm
Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html
Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6%20/ch07.doc
Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm
Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc
Duty to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/
Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/
Environmental Agents M10 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPub...asp?pub_ID=1002
Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPub....asp?pub_ID=315
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPub...asp?pub_ID=1158
See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC
Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE http://www1.va..gov/vhapublications/ViewPu....asp?pub_ID=206 Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005 http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf OR, http://www1.va..gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm
Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
General Compensation Provisions http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/p...chaptervi_.html
Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/
Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm
Guide to Gulf War Veteran ' s Health http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf
Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&a...in&letter=A
Gulf War Veteran ' s Illnesses Q&As http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf
Hearings
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc
Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/
Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm
Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/
Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
M 10 for spouses and children < http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPu...asp?pub_ID=1007
M10 Part III Change 1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPub...asp?pub_ID=1008
M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html
Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOO...ART4/S4_130.DOC
Mental Health Program Guidelin es http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPub...asp?pub_ID=1094
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
NASDVA.COM http://nasdva.com/
National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/boo...4/s4%5F124a.doc
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez..med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Parkinson ' s Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicita.../parkinsons.pdf
and, http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/
Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/ge...Cite:+38USC1131
Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/p...bchapteri_.html and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/p...chapterii_.html
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/p...hapteriii_.html
Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPub...asp?pub_ID=1003
This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005: http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPu...asp?pub_ID=1232
Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPub...asp?pub_ID=1006
Persian Gulf Veterans ' Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Ve..._Appendices.doc Persian Gulf Veterans ' Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf
Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPub...asp?pub_ID=1004
Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPub...asp?pub_ID=1005
Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba..va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/
Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPub....asp?pub_ID=337
Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/
Public Health/SARS http://www..publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4
Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individ...ge=gulf_war.htm
Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html
Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT ' S RECORDS http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/g...e=3288-form.xft
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Reportand...ations_2004.pdf
Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm
Survivor ' s and Dependents ' Educational Assistance http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/p...chapter35_.html
Title 38 Index Parts 0-17
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-.../38cfrv1_02.tpl
Part 18
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-.../38cfrv2_02.tpl
Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart AÃƒÂ¢ÃƒÂ¢,Ã�Â¬"Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-...fr3_main_02.tpl
Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief (also ÃƒÆ’,Ã�Â§ 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here) http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-...fr3_main_02.tpl Title 38 PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B--DISABILITY RATINGS
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-...5.2&idno=38
Title 38 ÃƒÆ’,Ã�Â§ 4.16 Total disabiliity ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the individual. PART 4ÃƒÂ¢ÃƒÂ¢,Ã�Â¬"SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart AÃƒÂ¢ÃƒÂ¢,Ã�Â¬"General Policy in Rating http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-....11&idno=38
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
VA Life Insurance Handbook ÃƒÂ¢ÃƒÂ¢,Ã�Â¬" Chapter 3 http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite...kletch3.htm#310
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/
VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http://www.va..gov/oig/hotline/hotline3 .htm
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm
Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13 http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/UrlBl...dError.aspx>
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http: // www.publichealth.va.gov/
VHI Guide to Gulf War VeteransÃƒÂ¢ÃƒÂ¢,Ã‚Â¬™ Health http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html
Wartime Di sability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/ge...Cite:+38USC1110
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/
Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/
What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html

Print this out and save it in your VA files. There may be a time for use in the future .

virtualwall.org

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:33:04 -0500

Vietnam veterans Memorial Wall lookup is a convenient online reference tool.

New Submarine documentary.

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:29:43 -0500

I assure you all, you do not want to miss this one. I havent seen the show, but let me tell you I am confident you will be impressed. The capabilities of these SSGN's is remarkable.

Below is an excerpt from a National Geographic Channel show that is going to be shown on the SSGN on 24 June at 8 pm.
"Countless movies and novels have fictionalized the secret brotherhood of the submariner. But few of us outside this close-knit community ever get to witness what really goes on deep beneath the ocean waves. Take an unprecedented journey with the US Navy's latest weapon in the global fight against terrorism: the SSGN or 'guided missile submarine.' National Geographic Channel joins Captain Randy Crites and the crew of the USS Florida as they engage in a covert Joint Operations mission with Special
Forces: sneaking Navy SEALs on to shore to identify a terrorist target, and taking it out with guided missiles - fired from the submarine itself.
Get an
in-depth look at the technology that allows this sub to go deeper, remain submerged longer, and stay quieter than previous generations of submarines.
And witness the secret weapons that lay hidden within her hull, allowing her to enable Special Forces deployments anywhere, anytime. This is a new weapon for a new war. Come aboard as National Geographic takes a ride on the 21st Century Stealth Sub. The program airs Thursday, June 24th at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel. Read more:

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/naked-science/4254/Overview

Microsoft Launches Centralized Fraud Alert System For Reporting Stolen Data

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:00:21 -0500

Microsoft has taken the initative in aiding security researchers and banks etc in finding data breaches and alerting them to scams and attacks providing a centralized resource and alerting system for new threats.

Excerpt:

System and program will be housed and managed by the National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance (NCFTA) Jun 17, 2010 | 04:38 PM

By Kelly Jackson Higgins
DarkReading

Microsoft today kicked off a new Web-based mechanism for researchers to securely report stolen credentials, bank and credit card data, or other data they discover, and as a way to quickly alert the appropriate banks, retailers, or government agencies of a compromise.

The new Internet Fraud Alert system is a free, members-only portal of sorts that centralizes the stolen information found by investigators and automatically determines the affected bank or retailer. Aside from Microsoft, Citizens Bank, eBay, and PayPal are all charter members of new program, which was launched today with the blessing of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the American Bankers Association, the Anti-Phishing Working Group, and the National Consumers League.

Tim Cranton, associate general counsel for Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit, says Microsoft developed the underlying tool for the alert system, which will be housed and managed by the National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance (NCFTA). "Before, it's been an ad hoc system in place" for reporting stolen information, Cranton says. "Researchers don't have to know any more than the stolen [information] they found. The tool does the batch lookups to determine the bank involved," for instance, he says. "The bank that owns those accounts will only [be alerted] that it was compromised."

Microsoft's recent work on the takedown of the Waledac botnet helped inspire the creation of the new Internet Fraud Alert program, according to Cranton. "We uncover large volumes of compromised data across all of our investigations. It was real frustrating for us as well as other researchers to learn that there was no mechanism to deal with [the reporting of it]," he says. "We felt that in addition to strong enforcement efforts, we wanted to add a prevention level."

The whole article is here:
http://www.darkreading.com/database_securi...cleID=225700538

Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:47:20 -0500

DISCOUNTS ON ANNUAL ENTRANCE PASSES FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES RETURN TO TOP

Effective July 1, 2010 Florida�s state parks will provide discounts on or free Annual Entrance Passes to those who currently serve or have served in the United States military branches, veterans with service related disabilities and surviving spouses of members of the US military who have fallen in combat.

The discounted Florida State Parks Annual Entrance Pass is only available for purchase at any Florida State Park staffed ranger station. The free annual pass can only be obtained at a staffed ranger station. View list of staffed ranger stations.

Effective July 1, 2010 the Florida Park Service shall provide discounts on the purchase of Annual Entrance Passes to persons who present satisfactory written documentation which demonstrates their eligibility:

25% discount on Annual Entrance Passes for active duty and honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard or reserve units of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard who present proof of eligibility.

Satisfactory written documentation to prove eligibility includes:

Current military identification card showing the bearer as active duty, reserve or retired member of a branch of the Department of Defense, or
Personal identification (i.e.: driver license) and
Most recent DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the named individual�s Character of Service as Honorable, or
Other current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as active duty, reserve, veteran or retired military.
Free for Life Family Annual Entrance Passes for honorably discharged United States veterans who have service-connected disabilities.

Satisfactory written documentation to prove eligibility includes:

Personal identification (i.e.: driver license) and
Most recent DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the named individual�s Character of Service as Honorable, or
Other current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as veteran, or retired military, and
Current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as having sustained a service-related disability.

Here is link with all info for disabled vets.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstok...untsforveterans

Pet lovers, I need your help

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 07:18:19 -0500

There is a no-kill shelter here in MD that is in competition for a grant from Pepsi. You can vote for it once a day (every day!) until June 30. If you have a heart for pets, pls vote.................
Check it out at
www.refresheverything.com/lunashouse
and
www.lunashouse.org

TKS!!

Knee Replacement in AZ ?

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:59:40 -0500

Hi.
My husband needs a new knee and we are thinking about doing it in AZ in Nov or Dec. or Jan. Has anybody done this? How do we find a Dr. and a place to stay? We just went full-time in January. We are in MA now but heading for MN for 6 weeks and then CO for Sept, NM for Oct. and finally AZ.
Kathy

Opening the Door

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:39:35 -0500

New Breaching Technique---

Don't be concerned about the Hebrew writing......the clip starts on its own and most of you will recognize the former SEAL from various military channels......awesome squad level weapon..... Hooyah!

Israel once again demonstrates its ingenuity.

http://new.ba-bamail.co.il/View.aspx?email...memberid=685618

Warrior Song

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:30:56 -0500

Site for a warrior song.

http://www.thewarriorsong.com/video.html

Assurant Health Insurance

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 06:40:12 -0500

Hi all,
My wife's cobra coverage is about to run out and an agent suggested Assurant. The policy looks ok and it's 100.00 less per month than her current Anthem policy. Does anyone here have experience with Assurant?

Where to look for cheap transportation?

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:55:47 -0500

I know this is a bit off topic, but thought maybe I'd pose the question anyway...

I am looking for a cheap used vehicle for a friend. (Transportation... could be car, light truck, stick, auto, base model, it just has to get by minimal MS inspections and run.) Probably not gonna be able to go past maybe $1500 to $2000, just don't have it.

A friend of mine, who is an awesome guy, btw, has had some bad things happen in his life. He's about a year or so out of prison, maybe mid 50s in age, and trying very hard to turn life around and be a good and productive citizen. With the title of "convicted felon" following him around, he's had an awful time finding work but he finally did find a job. It's not an easy bike ride from where he lives (his single speed bike is his only transportation right now) and he really needs a car.

Dang it, I'd give him one if I had one. I gave away two vehicles in the last 5 years and sure wish I had one of them back that I could give this guy. But I just don't have anything to give him.

I hate like heck to see him go to a payday-loan-car-dealer-sheister-type to get a $300 beater for $4k. Just ain't right. But I haven't got a lot of cash to put in either.

Whatcha think? Are there good places for a non-dealer (me) to look for something that won't cost a lot that has a chance of getting the guy through a few months while he saves to get something better? I know, there are no guarantees, especially with something that cheap.

Are there any particular makes/models/years that you might suggest I keep a look out for?

Incidentally, we're both in central Mississippi at the moment so a car in central California just isn't an option, probably not even if it's free.

Any ideas? My heart really goes out to this guy. He's really, really trying.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Brian

Major mix ups in burials at Arlington National Cemetery

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:34:57 -0500

Have been following this story since yesterday. This is IMOP a major disgrace. One source states that the records are not even computerized but rather they still use a card system. How on earth in this day and age can they not be computerized?

Arlington National Cemetery Mixup

Air Force Web site offers legal assistance

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:31:38 -0500

This could be a real time saver for us AF retirees!

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFRNS) -- Next time clients need a will, power of attorney or just have a legal question, they can visit the new Air Force Legal Assistance Web site at https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil. The Web site is designed for active-duty and reserve component members, retirees and dependents.

Officials created the Web site to increase efficiency and track client satisfaction with the Air Force legal assistance program. Because it is a public site, clients may access the site's features from the comfort of their homes without a common access card.

The site's features include:

-- Legal topics: Short papers on common legal-assistance topics such as wills and family law issues. It also contains links to other helpful sites.

-- Legal worksheets: Access to online questionnaires for wills, living wills and powers of attorney. After completing the online worksheet, the Web site provides each client a unique "ticket number." Data entered by clients is secure and may be accessed only after clients visit their local legal office and provide their ticket numbers to legal office officials.

-- Online survey: Following a visit to the legal office, clients are encouraged to provide feedback concerning the professionalism and helpfulness of Air Force legal professionals.

Many clients have visited a legal office to obtain a will or other legal document and realized, after arriving, that they needed to gather more information or documents from home. Sometimes clients have realized they needed to speak with their spouse about an issue.

Completing an online worksheet will help minimize these multiple visits. By filling out an online worksheet, clients will be able to consider critical issues before visiting the legal office.

After receiving a ticket number, clients bring it to the legal office. An attorney or paralegal will then access a client's data with the ticket number and prepare the appropriate legal documents.

While the Web site increases convenience for clients, everyone should note the following:

-- Information on the Web site is for educational and informational purposes only. The Web site cannot replace consultation with a local judge advocate general, and Airmen should never rely solely on the Web site when making decisions.

-- Clients will not have the ability to print a legal document from the Web site. Clients will need to visit the legal office and provide their ticket numbers in order to obtain their legal documents.

-- The Web site is designed for client convenience, but no one is required to use the Web site before visiting the legal office. (Courtesy of Air Force News Service)

Veteran's BOF

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:38:41 -0500

The Veterans BOF is just about dead. I'd like to get it going again, if for nothing else, to have someone to play pinochole and dominoes with.

There's no dues, no costs, and not even a newsletter yet. I'll even start the newsletter back up, if there's enough interest. I'm not sure that there is even an existing list for the old BOF group. So, I'm trying to rebuild one from scratch.

My email's listed here. Help get the Veteran BOF (escapee-vets@leftyfrizzell.net) going. You might pick up a new war story or two for you use other places.

RV park rescue

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:31:48 -0500

We had some heavy rain and local flooding in the area, especially around New Braunfels, which got about 10 inches. The following is part of an article in the SA Express news.

NEW BRAUNFELS � As predawn thunder rolled and lightning flashed, Peter Serebrenik carried a 7-year-old girl out of rising floodwaters that were rapidly swallowing his campgrounds on the banks of the Guadalupe River.

Nearly 12 inches of rain had pelted parts of Comal County overnight � a downpour that resulted in a tourist's death and left widespread damage.

After hours of falling, the rain had turned into a battering ram of muddy water that tore through this resort community and, at that moment early Wednesday, was washing away Serebrenik's River Ranch RV Park.

To keep his balance, Serebrenik braced his legs against a steel cable at the boundaries of the campground, which sits under the Interstate 35 bridge. Still clutching the child tightly, he was inching his way to rescuers at the water's edge.

But the current proved too strong. It lifted a picnic table and slammed it into Serebrenik, quickly pinning the 63-year-old owner against the cables.
The water was rising. He couldn't move. Sheets of rain lashed relentlessly.

The girl � he still doesn't know her name � screamed frantically. Firefighters threw them a lifeline, but it was out of reach.
No help was coming.

With two lives at stake, Serebrenik gambled.

He intentionally gave in to the current. His legs buckled and he fell backward into the churning floodwaters.

�I had to go under,� he said. �I had to let the water take me under (in order) to free myself.�

Free from the cable, he was able to surface, gained his footing, and made it to the lifeline. Firefighters then pulled Serebrenik and the girl to safety.

Everyone survived at River Ranch, but floodwaters claimed Norman Walker, 65, from the North Texas town of Iowa Park. The tourist was swept away from an upstream campground. His body was recovered near the Gruene Road bridge a short time later

Old Popular Science on Line

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:10:23 -0500

A link to old Popular Science Mags...

http://www.popsci.com/archives

Annoying Pop-ups

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:15:48 -0500

Is there a method to stop the annoying little popups that occur when you're cursor passes over an underlined word while browsing the web. I use FireFox and run XP. These little windows seem to pop up when you pass the arrow over underlined words, blocking the text. After a few moments they then disappear. I have my pop up blocker activated. TIA for any ideas.

Mac Mapping Programs

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:18:25 -0500

Good Morning!
I recently bought a new MacBook Pro. I have used MS Streets and Trips for years and so far, I can't find a program equivalent program for the Mac. I know I can run MS S&T's on my Mac with the right program installed but if there is a good program out there written for the Mac I would rather do that.

Any suggestions? How about a web site that lets you do what I want and also allows you to save the maps you create?

Thanks!

Open Mesh networking

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:55:36 -0500

Is anyone in the group using or familar with Open Mesh hardware to create a broader AP coverage area? From the write up and description it appears to be the real solution for a problem a friend has between her house and an adjoining business of hers.

Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.

Gene

(I posted this in the forum Internet on the Road before I found this one. )

A question about Win7

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:28:10 -0500

I've been learning about my new Win7 OS and somewhere along the way I remember seeing something about a built-in "selectable" screen capture feature. But now that I want to use it I cannot remember where it is or how to find it.

I used to use that feature on my Paintshop Pro app but it's not 64 bit compatible so I will have to use something else.

Does anyone know about this feature on Win7? Thanks.

Gene Simmons salute to the military

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:32:14 -0500

Link to a salute to the military.

http://www.resistnet.com/forum/topics/gene...mons-from-kissa

Newbies say Hi

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:56:21 -0500

Hi, I am new to the forum and presenting a quote by Monroe Forester "Hope is always available to us. When we feel defeated, we need only take a deep breath and say, "Yes," and hope will reappear." Thanks

Microsoft quietly turns on free version of Office Web Apps

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:12:42 -0500

I use office, but for light use it appears folks can get Office apps free to use online.

Excerpt:
"Microsoft officials said last month to expect the free, consumer version of Office Web Apps to go live starting June 15. Microsoft, instead, turned on the Webified versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote on June 7."

Here's the whole article:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/micros...479?tag=nl.e589

A Poem Worth Reading

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:32:56 -0500

A Poem Worth Reading

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simply headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

Military Discounts - Verizon, Home Depot, Lowes

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:52:05 -0500

Hi all,

Looking for some information:

1. Does Verizon, Home Depot, and Lowes still offer military discounts?

2. My hubby was in the AF from 1960-1964 - would he be eligible for the discounts?

3. What does he need to show to get the discounts?

Thanks bunches,

Diane

My husband was in the service from 1960-1964. Is

File Hippo Update Checker

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:49:22 -0500

RE: RV's posts on security and updating.Flash and Open Office.........................
File Hippo Update Checker works really well for keeping up with updates ,I run it every day when I turn on the computer,,I'm still using Adobe Flash because I haven't found a replacement yet,,,File Hippo found the latest update last week and the Open Office update showed up, I think it was saturday....Give it a try..................................................... http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/

Email Alarms

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:07:02 -0500

Hi to everyone on this thread. I posted the message below in the Internet On the Road thread, but had no response. I thought I would try with another group. Thanks.

From time to time we will leave the coach for a period of several days. I have found the Simple Com Tools, Comm 1000 Internet Appliance will do well in sending email notifications to my Palm Pre via VZ G3.

I want email alerts regarding AC power and temperature -- at least to strat with. A single digital and analog input will do.

The COM1000 at $399. isn't bad, but does anyone know of (and preferrably have experience with) a less costly and simpler interface that I can create custom email alerts using a digital and analog input? Thanks.

http://pcmicro.com/com1000/com1000_datasheet.pdf

Where is everyone?

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:01:28 -0500

After years or radio silence I purchased myself a new Yaesu FT60 HT and a FT 8800 mobile rig and I have just one question, Where is everyone?
I remember many years ago the repeaters were busy, you could call and almost always get a response, now I listen for hours and hear no one.
I have had my rig on 146.52 for a week and have not heard a single person.

Tom WA4UPO

OpenOffice 3.2.1 fixes bugs, updates logo

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:53:24 -0500

Excerpt:
"The developers say that the update includes fixes for several security issues and advise all users to upgrade to the latest release as soon as possible. However, the OpenOffice.org Security Team Bulletin, has yet to be updated with details of the vulnerabilities. According Florian Effenberger, the OpenOffice.org Marketing Project Leader, further details on the security fixes will be announced "in a few days".

More details about the release can be found in the release announcement and release notes. OpenOffice.org 3.2.1 is available to download from the project's site and mirrors. OpenOffice is released under version 3 of the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPLv3)."

The whole article is here:
http://www.h-online.com/security/news/item...go-1015655.html

Adobe warns of Flash, PDF zero-day attacks

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:41:05 -0500

I do do not use any Adobe products on my computers anymore, but for those that do the free reader, which I have replaced with FoxIt reader free on mine, and flash there is a zero day exploit that is being used as of Friday last, 4 June.

Excerpt:

"Adobe issued an alert late Friday night to warn about zero-day attacks against an unpatched vulnerability in its Reader and Flash Player software products.

The vulnerability, described as critical, affects Adobe Flash Player 10.0.45.2 and earlier versions for Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Solaris operating systems. It also affects the authplay.dll component that ships with Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x for Windows, Macintosh and UNIX operating systems, Adobe said."

The full article is here:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/adobe-w...606?tag=nl.e539

ohio's new law

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 09:03:47 -0500

Yesterday the ohio supreme court ruled that a police officer could ticket you for speeding by using their judgement on how fast they think you are going. I feel like this is something out of the twilight zone. I understand municipalities are hungry for cash but I think this is awful and as a motorist you do not even have a fighting chance.

Hard Disk Drives

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 08:50:08 -0500

I think I have my new Dell Inspiron 15 notebook going.
Files transfered from from old comp but still sorting through which to keep.

When I open computer page it shows me Hard Disk Drives (2)
OS (C:) 36.5GB free of 58.5 GB. So guess this is Windows 7 and other files.

Local Disk (D:) 229 GB free of 229GB No Idea what this is for. Lot of GBs though

Google search not much help except quite a few "Better leave it alone" or some such.

Pretty Funny!

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 14:44:05 -0500

Sometimes it helps to laugh at the scary financial mess the world has gotten itself into.
So check out this short You Tube video by Australian comics, Clarke and Dawes

Cheers John

BP ADS!

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:34:21 -0500

It was reported on ABC News tonight that BP is LAUNCHING a $50 MILLION AD CAMPAIGN!

PLEASE contact ALL the National Broadcasting Companies to NOT ACCEPT their ADS!

THAT MONEY WOULD BE BETTER SPENT In the GULF!

IF we boycott BP that would JUST reduce what they could throw INTO the Recovery Effort!

In Case You Missed It!

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:26:20 -0500

As long As There Is One Of These, There Will Always Be America!

TR Dojo: Five Linux tools to recover Windows, Mac, or Linux machines

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:39:03 -0500

TR Dojo starring Bill Detwiler, from tech republic is an awesome set of videos that provide tips and tricks for those of us that do tech help, be that for family, or as an IT professional. Browse the others as well.

In this video, 5 minutes long, he covers linux recovery tools for all three major OS'. I also love that he includes bloopers at the end.

Stan already posted about the F-secure rescue disk, which is a great tool but not the only one. I am a member of Tech Republic which is free, and does not have privacy or spam issues. Each tool has specific uses, all of which those of us who support others, professionally, or as support for family friends, might want to know about.

Enjoy, whether OSX, Windows, or Linux users, or all three OS', all require a learning curve as always, and for specific issues each may fit perfectly, or in combination.

Here's the link:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/tr-dojo-five...382?tag=nl.e539

Neat site

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:50:26 -0500

http://www.wolframalpha.com/

Smitty

A picture is better than an avatar.............

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:49:30 -0500

Instead of posting my picture on my name place, I decided to post this for all of you to look at. Now when you see me in the parks or along the road, you will know who I am.

http://ebaumnation.com/2010/05/22/breakfast-at-gingers

Patch Tuesday heads-up: 10 bulletins, 34 flaws (IE, Windows affected)

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:35:42 -0500

Just a reminder that the monthly patches come out next Tuesday.

If you don't do your Windows updates or have them set on automatic, then disregard.

Not a giant update but several critical holes being patched to make your system more secure from attack.

Here's the full article:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/patch-t...593?tag=nl.e589

Free apps install spyware on Macs

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:08:22 -0500

For my Mac and Apple friends, here is a report just in that some trusted Mac download sites have been passing along infections that steal your data and may be stealing banking and creating backdoors that can add to the botnets created. The infections are only for those that downloaded screensavers or other software from those sites so it is a limited, but serious, concern. These are out there and infected Macs that downloaded them. If you did just a heads up.
An excerpt:

"Mac users downloading free screensavers and a video converter app from several popular download sites also got spyware that installs a back door, collects data, and sends encrypted information to remote servers, security company Intego said on Tuesday.

The high-risk spyware, dubbed OSX/OpinionSpy, was being installed along with nearly 30 screensavers developed by a company called 7art and an app called MishInc FLV to MP3, according to a list compiled by Intego.

They were found on Softpedia, MacUpdate, and CNET-owned VersionTracker, according to a post on Intego's Mac Security Blog.

VersionTracker had removed all of the items on the Intego list by late afternoon. Representatives from MacUpdate and Softpedia said the companies had disabled the screensavers on Tuesday and had never offered the MishInc converter. "Our users were discussing the software installed alongside the 7art screensavers as far back as March," MacUpdate said in an e-mail."

The full article is here:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20006502...torsPicksArea.0

And this article just in from The Register with more details is here:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/01/mac_spyware/

Safe computing!