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Thu, December 04 2008, 17:51:14 PST

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• TGIF my little cupcakes. What's up this weekend? -- Lady Lukkarinen, 04:36:08 10/10/08 Fri
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  • Leaving for our vacation tomorrow (finally!!!) A whole week away with just DH. Can't wait. (NT) -- kgp, 04:47:02 10/10/08 Fri
    • Enjoy kgp! DH and I just got back from Maine last night and it was so wonderful to have him all to myself for a week. (NT) -- LisaW, 06:34:08 10/10/08 Fri
      • Lisa, David really enjoyed the time he got to spend with your DH around the campfire while we were all inside listening to Diana read. Also, one other thing in here>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- Betsy Barefootspinner, 09:26:40 10/10/08 Fri
        • Wow, I think that is great. I would love to hear more about how he knows me. Dan and I felt such a connection to you both. We are blessed to have met you, and I hope you will be in our lives for a very long time. (NT) -- LisaW, 10:37:25 10/10/08 Fri
  • LONG WEEKEND! Heading to Grand Forks to shop today, before the 'storm' hits. Apparently that evil winter fiend snow might appear this weekend. Other than that, no plans. Going to hang out and relax! Happy Thanksgiving, Canadians! (NT) -- TracyAnn, 05:16:40 10/10/08 Fri
    • Bite your tongue - snow is a four letter word. You will only be a couple of hours away from me when you are in Grand Forks! (NT) -- LadyLindaS, 10:51:18 10/10/08 Fri
      • Oh I know. We were driving back and the clouds were grayer and grayer, I was like NO!!!!! My coworker LOVES snow, another gal smacks her with a newspaper every time she says it. It's hilarious. I wouldn't mind if it held off for oh, I don't know 2-3 months! (NT) -- TracyAnn, 16:08:34 10/10/08 Fri
  • The Prince Family Reunion being hosted here in Guelph. I can't wait to see my cousins and most importantly, my wee woobie again. (NT) -- Aislinn, 05:45:34 10/10/08 Fri
    • And I hope you have a wonderful time! (NT) -- 'becca beccabee, 06:04:05 10/10/08 Fri
    • Give your wee woobie a kiss for me. (NT) -- L.L., 10:53:43 10/10/08 Fri
      • Will do, ladies, to both directives. lol (NT) -- Aislinn, 22:02:21 10/10/08 Fri
  • DH and DS will be away tomorrow, so DD and I are going shopping! Other than that, it's major cleaning... church bazaar is fastly approaching and I have alot of junk to throw away. LOL (NT) -- ladyphantom, 06:27:23 10/10/08 Fri
  • Today is unpack from our trip to Betsy's and the Maine coast, DS is off school today so we are going to go to the newly remodeled DeYoung Museum in San Francisco. Saturday is relax and straighten up the house. Sunday will be work around the house day, got to get the back lawn in before the end of October. (NT) -- LisaW, 06:39:32 10/10/08 Fri
  • A nice quiet weekend of study, sewing, and packing for *next* weekend! (NT) -- LizT, 06:41:00 10/10/08 Fri
  • Tonight is soccer "friendlies" (games just for fun), tomorrow is DS1's birthday party. We're just having a family pizza party because DS decided he would rather have presents than a party (which is what your options at our house are from age 9 on) (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 06:46:07 10/10/08 Fri
  • Nothing major -- housework, yardwork, play. We lead an extremely boring life! (NT) -- Merrymags, 06:53:23 10/10/08 Fri
  • Friends in for dinner Saturday night - good times! And Sunday is Turkey, Ham and all the fixings for 16!!!!! Monday I may sleep all day! (NT) -- Hedy, 07:32:27 10/10/08 Fri
    • P.S. - HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FELLOW CANUCKS CELEBRATING THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!!!! (NT) -- Hedy, 07:34:16 10/10/08 Fri
      • Happy Thanksgiving!!! (NT) -- Cherie, 08:31:58 10/10/08 Fri
      • I love Canadians -- Happy Thanksgiving, friends!!!!! (NT) -- ladyphantom, 08:40:38 10/10/08 Fri
      • Happy Thanksgiving!! My SIL is doing the turkey dinner this year, so we're all heading out to White Rock for a family gathering. (NT) -- Lee, 10:42:12 10/10/08 Fri
        • And the sun will be shining! How nice!!!! Enjoy- - and see you in a couple of weeks!! (NT) -- Hedy, 14:10:18 10/10/08 Fri
    • Happy Thanksgiving Day to all my Canadian Lallypals!! Muwwahhs! (NT) -- Marcie, 14:18:23 10/11/08 Sat
  • Irish festival on Saturday and an Italian festival on Sunday!! Cannot wait!! (NT) -- Niseold, 07:49:58 10/10/08 Fri
  • DD has Women in Engineering workshops tomorrow (so a day for me to play), religious school on Sunday morning and I have a PartyLite show Sunday afternoon. (NT) -- LindaT, 08:09:07 10/10/08 Fri
  • Trying to get over this cold! I'm really up to my eyeballs in kleenex and OJ. Yuckers! (NT) -- LadyBelle, 08:13:32 10/10/08 Fri
  • Hayride tomorrow, Mexican feast for a birthday party tomorrow, and the local children's zoo on Monday! (NT) -- madelyn, 08:24:58 10/10/08 Fri
  • Eating Turkey!!! Long weekend!!! I'm hoping to get a start on my spare room that I'm turing into a walk in closet. (NT) -- Cherie, 08:31:40 10/10/08 Fri
    • Ooh! Ooh! I want to do that with our little den as well. What are you doing? How? :-D I'm so not sure how to get started on that. (NT) -- Lee (), 10:40:28 10/10/08 Fri
      • I went to IKEA and bought the closet/wardrobe frames. Then I picked some drawers, bars, shoe/pant racks. Home Depot, Canadain Tire lots of places have these. I went to IKEA to look at them to get some ideas. I ended up buying the frames because a colour was being discontinued. I got them for $10 each regular $300. So I spent the money I save on accessories *G* But I had to clean out the room, now I have to paint it. It's a terrible pink right now. (NT) -- Cherie, 13:25:27 10/10/08 Fri
  • I'm going to see Elbow play at Cardiff Uni tonight and a days shopping and lunch with a friend tomorrow. Sunday is catching up on housework day. (NT) -- Gwen, 08:37:04 10/10/08 Fri
  • Choir seminar Saturday morning, & DS#1's youth football game on Saturday evening--We're to have gorgeous weather, YAY! Oh, & church on Sunday. Squeezing in a visit sometime this weekend to see DH's Grandpa in the hospital too. (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 08:53:11 10/10/08 Fri
  • Homework. *sigh* (NT) -- Maria, 09:37:59 10/10/08 Fri
    • Good for you Maria!!! Keep up the good work (NT) -- Cherie, 13:26:49 10/10/08 Fri
      • I'm trying, but it's killing me! *G* I'm pretty sure algebra should be used as a torture method. (NT) -- Maria, 16:07:01 10/10/08 Fri
  • Turkey, turkey, turkey!!!!! God, I love thanksgiving. Almost as much as Christmas!!!!! (NT) -- Vicki, 11:13:55 10/10/08 Fri
  • Just got back from dinner after a hard week of labor getting DF's house ready for sale. Open House Sunday so we have one day left to "clean out the keyholes"! *G* I want to go to Greek Fest over in Augusta Sunday whilst we have to be out of the house. (NT) -- CarolE, 15:41:07 10/10/08 Fri
  • Well.... it's a quiet Friday night in for me with some wine and the wee heathens (um, sweet pups). Tomorrow I'm raiding a DGF's closet for some halloween costume pieces, and then we're off to SPA-FEST! It's the annual fall party for my company. It's apparantly lots of drinking, lots of food, live music, and lots of people stay and camp so as not to drive. I'll be making an appearance and socializing, but NO shots and home by 11! (NT) -- Sorcha, 17:34:59 10/10/08 Fri
  • Soccer. Again. I'll be glad when outdoor soccer is done, but theeeennnnn DD's indoor soccer starts. We are going for a long autumn drive and dinner in the little town DH and I lived in when first married. Would be romantic, but the kids and dog will fight in the backseat all the way. I will be humming and leaf peeping and ignoring them! (NT) -- LissC, 18:45:29 10/10/08 Fri
  • Well, we WERE going to do gardening, but it's raining! YAY! :-) Guess that means I have to do housework....booooo! (NT) -- Leigh, 21:55:42 10/10/08 Fri
  • We just started a weeklong autumn holiday - were supposed to go to Lappland but the course was cancelled. Right now (nearly 3 p.m. at Sat) my girls are decorating cupcakes and DH is cooking. Quiet family time. Great. (NT) -- Wilhelmiina, 04:43:00 10/11/08 Sat
  • It's Saturday, 1st day at home after my trip to Maine and I slept 'til 12.30 PM!!! Unpacking and laundry are the ongoing process. Tomorrow to my parent's to put the boats upside and pull up the jetty (?) from the lake. Have a great weekend, my friends! (NT) -- Helka, 04:57:04 10/11/08 Sat
  • Just got home from a weekend away with 2 other couples - sans children :) We went wine & beer tasting in The Margaret River region -Bliss! Back to reality... (NT) -- Janelle N, 05:51:49 10/12/08 Sun
    • Ok...I'm jealous! DH and I want to get to Margaret River some time because we love their wines! Glad you enjoyed! (NT) -- Leigh, 22:47:45 10/12/08 Sun
      • It's beautiful in the Margaret River region Leigh, I would be happy to take you on a tour :) (NT) -- Janelle N, 05:44:52 10/13/08 Mon
  
  

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• I know this has been asked before, but -- shellb, 18:19:23 10/09/08 Thu
  for those of you who do genealogy, what's your favorite software? What online resources do you like? What's worth paying for, what good free stuff is out there? Thanks!
  

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  • I use Family Tree Maker and it's great >>> -- LizT, 06:32:41 10/10/08 Fri
  • I have a Mac, so I use Reunion which I really like. I am not sure about the free stuff in terms of software cuz none of it is compatible with the Mac. I love the following sites for information >>>> -- LadyBelle, 08:11:49 10/10/08 Fri
  • Retired history/genealogy librarian here. 1) If you are not a frequent user of Cyndi's List, LINK HERE you are missing a lot of free sites in your area(s) of interest. 2) Also, before you personally subscribe to Ancestry.com ($$$), see if your public library subscribes....yes, you have to go to the library to use it. 3) If you are researching a particular county/city, check the website of the public library/historical society there. If they have an active web program, you might find a lot of local interest indexes on line that could help. 4) Have you heard of "Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness" LINK HERE? Basically they are volunteers who will do very specific local legwork for you (not hours of general research)....but then you would respond in kind to someone who needs some specific information from a local resource that you could get to. >>> inside for more >>> -- Joyce Mc, 08:34:36 10/10/08 Fri
  • Don't know what happened there, but here is the rest. 5) Check the National Archives website LINK HERE for genealogy info. Often you can order copies of documents online. 6) You can use Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.com to access the family history library if you are trying to locate records then go to the local Mormon family history center to rent microfilm you need. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 08:53:02 10/10/08 Fri
  • I use "Family Tree Maker" as software. I subscribe to Ancestry.com with access to everything.>>>>>> -- Kel, 10:43:57 10/10/08 Fri
  
  

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• Lens Implants -- Kirsten, 16:48:33 10/09/08 Thu
  You may remember a few weeks ago, Albion posted asking if anyone had had laser eye surgery, as she was looking into having it done. Lots of you answered and I was so taken up by it that I decided to see if I was suitable. I've been in contact with Albion and she's doing really well, I'm pleased to say.
  I gave my details and most recent prescription on line and was told I should be OK for surgery but had to have a consultation. I went for that today and to my great disappointment, was turned down. My eyes have changed since my last eye test 15 months ago and aren't suitable.
  Also, they discovered I have the beginnings of cataracts.
  That horrified me as I always associated those things with old people.
  I've been told that if I want to stop wearing glasses, then the best course of treatment is to have implantable contact lenses (or Refractive Lens Exchange, as it is also known) They are also called Intraocular lenses. It would sort out the cataract problem at the same time. I'm afraid I got a bit lost off with the technical details but I do know they would put in Multifocal implants to allow for distance and near vision simultaneously as I am long sighted in one eye and short sighted in the other.
  I would like to know if any of you have had this procedure done. It is very expensive, double the cost of the normal laser eye surgery. DH is very supportive but I'm not sure.
  I have to go to London for a further consultation and would have to go there to a private hospital for the operation. They would do each eye on different days and I would be in about 3 hours each time. Also the healing process is longer.
  I'm still thinking, any advice please?
  

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  • Hi Kirsten, I had lasik in 2000 and I've never been sorry. I have monovision-right eye is 20/20 for distance-left eye is 20/20 for reading. No glasses-ever! It's a wonderful thing. DH had cataract surgery on his right eye a few years ago-that corrected his distance vision to 20/20 in that eye-but, he still needed glasses for reading/close work. He had cataract surgery on the left eye a year or so later. They put in a 'reading lens' so he now has monovision and doesn't need glasses. Just like me. LOL So . . . not sure what your options are-just wanted you to know our experience. Best of luck to you. Ask lots of questions and get more than one opinion. I had my initial evaluation in Florida but decided to wait until I got back home to have my local opthalmologist do it. That was a good decision because he was available for follow-up and if there were any problems - there weren't. We helped DS get Lasik about a year ago. He's happy as can be. He got the bad vision from me. *G* (NT) -- CathyS, 20:42:44 10/09/08 Thu
  • My mom just had this done maybe a month ago, both eyes. It's been quite a process and like you said longer healing but she hasn't had any problems. She still can't see as well as before but was told to expect that so I guess she'll wait and see over the next few months. The hardest for her was having to recuperate without reading. Boring! *g* I can ask her more specific questions if you would like. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 21:12:50 10/09/08 Thu
  • Sorry to hear this Kirsten, I know you were so looking forward to it. I'm thinking of having multifocal contact lenses when I go this time but not the implants. I think I would if I could afford it though, and if I knew it to be successful. Good luck in whatever you decide hun. xx (NT) -- Gwen, 23:34:22 10/09/08 Thu
  • DH is just on the last legs of the healing time for this surgery. He is very pleased. Your eyesight won't change afterward because of the lens implant. He also had catarats removed and now we don't argue about colours anymore. *G* He may need a mild prescription for working on the computer all day but he won't have to wear glasses all the time. Make sure to investigate and understand the 3 different types of lenses offered before you decide. (NT) -- PD, 07:06:01 10/10/08 Fri
  
  

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• For all you nurses who are going back to school OR first time nursing students second career! Can you complete a short questionnaire for my twin who is getting her RN degree at the age of 54? questions are inside. She needs you to email them to her at eblong822@aol.com. thanks so much. It's for a course paper. -- mary beth, 15:15:22 10/09/08 Thu
  NURSING STUDENT QUESTIONAIRE
  
  
  1.What is your age and sex?
  2.Are you receiving financial aid, scholarship or grant money to attend school? Please circle one if applies.
  3.Are you in nursing school as a first career or a second career?
  If second, what is your current occupation?
  If second, why leave your current occupation?
  
  4.Why chose nursing? Please circle what applies:
  Good job potential
  Good wage and benefits
  Want to help people
  Am aware of nursing shortage and jumped in
  It¡¦s a calling
  Wanted to take Anatomy and Physiology ļ
  5.Do you personally know of any nurses that have stopped working?
  How many?
  6. Do you plan on working in a hospital setting or other? What is your job plan?
  

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  • shoot- I put it inside!! sorry Judy. (NT) -- MB, 15:16:04 10/09/08 Thu
  • MB, I'll ask DD if she'll do this. She's in her last year of nursing school. (NT) -- Betsy Barefootspinner, 09:29:31 10/10/08 Fri
  
  

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• Mortgage help -- LauraE, 10:10:26 10/09/08 Thu
  I'm hoping someone will have some advice about the companies that say they can negotiate with your mortgage bank to lower your payments by lowering the interest rate and extending the term of the mortgage. I have spoken with a company called Apply2Save that wants $1,000 to do this. It sounds too good to be true (although a little expensive up front) and I don't know anyone who has used a service like this. Good idea? Bad idea? Thanks!
  

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  • Have you approached your bank/mortgage company & spoken with a loan officer to ask about refinancing the mortgage balance for a longer term? (If you get a new mortgage for a longer term, you are refinancing....it's a whole new loan.) If you do & the bank says, "yes," you are spared spending $1000 for something you could get done with a phone call (at least to get the process started). Pardon my natural cynicism...sounds like an outfit that would take the money & run & you'd never hear from them again. I will try to be fair; how long have they been in business & are they willing to give you the names & contact info for a dozen or so clients who got what they paid for so you can check up on this company? How long ago did this "negotiation" place (time is a factor) & were the clients steered to a different lender or did they stay with their original lender? It's_your_money_&_it's_your_home....you_can't_be_too_careful. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 11:47:23 10/09/08 Thu
    • The way they explain it, it's a restructure of your current loan, not a new one. No closing costs. A new bank won't touch our loan because of our bad credit. I have tried talking to anyone and everyone at our bank, and I'm told that with our history it's "not cost-effective" for them to keep us and they'd rather take the loss and move on. The new company claims that they talk to officers of the bank who won't speak to the public. Still undecided, so thanks for the ideas. (NT) -- LauraE, 14:05:37 10/09/08 Thu
  • I always use a mortgage broker, which sound like what this company might be. But, here the brokers are paid by the bank they sign you up with. A broker will shop around your mortgage and get the best rates for you. But I would definatly call your bank (NT) -- Cherie, 12:13:19 10/09/08 Thu
  • Avoid them like the plague. You search out a credit counseling agency in your area, with real physical known people, or go through your bank. I can't tell you how many scams are being perpetrated where a group charges you big money to settle your mortgage and then runs away with the bucks. (NT) -- Susannah, 12:44:12 10/09/08 Thu
    • Yes, that's exactly what I'm worried about, but if it's the real deal, we get to keep our house. I hate being a grown-up sometimes. (NT) -- LauraE, 14:07:22 10/09/08 Thu
    • Or, you unknowingly have signed over your house to them & they evict you. Run! (NT) -- Kel, 10:47:11 10/10/08 Fri
  • Things are changing so fast in this area that you need to talk with your mortgage holder. Government help is in the works right now and may take over some mortgages at market value now and extend the terms. Please talk with your mortgage holder before you pay some business that may or may not be legit. The banks themselves are having trouble getting money, so I don't see how a company like this could and you shouldn't have to pay a middleman to negotiate with your bank ! (NT) -- FranS, 21:05:17 10/09/08 Thu
  • Laura, a reputable company will be able to renegotiate your mortgage but will not charge you up front. I work for a mortgage broker and we get paid by the mortgage company, not the client. If you are concerned, call around. (NT) -- Vicki, 11:19:48 10/10/08 Fri
  
  

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• There's still time to head on over to BROCH TALK and cast your vote in the OCTOBER POLL! -- Pollsketeers, 08:04:00 10/09/08 Thu
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• Give-away website? -- Pat, 07:08:07 10/09/08 Thu
  A friend of mine will be moving to Chicago soon and they have nothing, having lived in furnished houses for decades and moving into an empty house now. While she does want to buy things, of course, for now she is looking for cheap or free stuff while she settles down, and she'll spend the money for "her own" things little by little. (Imagine having to buy the entire household things all at once - beds, tables, desks, sofa, washing machine, fridge... everything!)
  Wasn't there a website where people post things they want to give away? I remember vaguely reading about it and thinking nah, that's in the US, of no use to me and then forgetting about it.
  Do you have any other ideas about where she could get stuff?
  Her DH works for a church, so she's hoping for a few gifts from there...
  

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  • The website is: CLICK HERE FOR FREECYCLE.ORG. Interestingly, local television news has stories from time to time of people who furnished entire apartments or houses with giveaways. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 07:12:04 10/09/08 Thu
  • I LOVE Freecycle! Not only have I gotten a few really good things, but I've been able to get rid of things I no longer needed. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 07:31:18 10/09/08 Thu
  • Since I moved out my whole house is furnished with furniture I've been given. The only thing I have bought is a bed for Ceri's room. It was all donated by friends, even the TV, I count myself very lucky. Good luck to your friend, I bet she'll find lots of people (especially at the Church who will help too) (NT) -- Gwen, 08:11:51 10/09/08 Thu
    • I think I could furnish two families with all the stuff we have in the attic. People seem to just "drop" pieces of furniture at our place and then never come and get them... I just found out Freecycle exists in Toulouse. I'm so giving away all these things!!! (NT) -- Pat, 08:32:50 10/09/08 Thu
  • I think Craigslist is similar -- even though things are for sale, they seem to be very good prices. My sister got a piano for free, all she had to do was pick it up! Here is the main link: http://www.craigslist.org/ (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 08:15:12 10/09/08 Thu
  • Craig's list also has free things on it and don't forget good old ebay. I rarely ever buy anthing new any more. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 08:32:26 10/09/08 Thu
  • I think Craigs List is more popular. Its not always free though. Where she moving in Chicago do you know? In the city or the suburbs? (NT) -- M&M, 08:46:12 10/09/08 Thu
    • I know they have selected three areas, in the suburbs I think, but as I don't know Chicago I can't tell you more. I'll ask her. I know they've been doing lots of research on the Internet about schools... Her DH is leaving end of October and he will find the house. She stays on here with the kids and they move at Christmas. (and we're doing the same: DH will leave before us, not because we need a house but because he needs the rest, and I'll stay until the end of the fall term with the kids) (NT) -- Pat, 09:29:20 10/09/08 Thu
      • Lady Belle is in Chicago, and I still quite a few friends there. So if they know what school districts they are looking at, maybe we can help. Housing varies a LOT with where your are looking too. (NT) -- M&M, 12:37:59 10/09/08 Thu
  • Hi Pat! I'm from Chicagoland and I have friends who use Freecycle here. It is my understanding that Freecycle is a great program, but if she just posts what she wants and does not post anything to give away, she may be deleted off their site by the moderators. My friend is a moderator for our area and they remove people trying to furnish their entire house. It is against their code of conduct. Just an FYI. If your friend has Chicagoland questions, please let me know. (NT) -- LadyBelle, 11:43:13 10/09/08 Thu
    • LOL, I didnt scroll down enough and didnt even see you replied. *G* (NT) -- M&M, 12:43:01 10/09/08 Thu
    • That's good to know! I don't think she'd post what she wants, she'd probably just reply to what is offered. Does that make a difference? She doesn't have anything to give away - or rather: she has loads of things to give away, but she's giving it all away here! *g* Thanks for your help re. Chicago, I'll let her know. (NT) -- Pat (), 15:26:01 10/09/08 Thu
      • She'd probably be okay if she didn't put out some kind of "wanted list." Tell her good luck from me. We're a friendly bunch here in Chicago, aren't we M&M? *G* And DG usually comes here for book signings. (NT) -- LadyBelle, 16:56:47 10/09/08 Thu
        • We are! :-) (NT) -- M&M, 19:44:24 10/10/08 Fri
      • I agree, if you want things, you sign up and wait for them to be offered. Our freecycle frowns on "wanted" listings and you are limited in how many you canhave, But there's no limit to how many give-away ads you respond to. Good luck to your firend! (NT) -- Lady Naiad, 20:30:54 10/09/08 Thu
  
  

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• wind Turbines -- Lady Elizabeth, 05:18:07 10/09/08 Thu
  Do any of you live near or have friends who live near the new windmill wind turbines? My town has them coming in and we have been approached to lease our small farm for 39 years to put one up. I want to know if the darn thing's noise would drive me nuts or not. Any information would be helpful. Yes I have seen them but the guy says ours are going to be bigger than the ones locally. (100 miles).
  

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  • We live near lots but I've never noticed much noise. I'm mostly driving by in the car but we did go and stand at the bottom of one when they were new and I don't remember a lot of noise. (NT) -- Fiona, 06:12:43 10/09/08 Thu
  • Very interesting - our town is building a new high school & a committee is looking at using turbines to power it. I have not heard anything definite about the pros & cons yet - just the 'old town naysayers' vs 'new-fangled idea people' so far; but they are at the point where serious decisions are ready to be made - I'll post again if I hear anything specific about them. (NT) -- MaryJ, 06:13:51 10/09/08 Thu
  • I saw a news report about a guy who had one on his farm and was claiming that it had changed the way his crops were growing because it lowered the temperature. Also, he said that he no longer had any birds anywhere on his property and that he had fewer bees for pollination. I have no idea if there is any basis to his claims, but would think it might be something you would want to check. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 07:34:35 10/09/08 Thu
    • I read that if a bat flies near one, its lungs explode due to the low pressure area that is produced by the whirling arms. My sister calls the big windmills "bird shredders." She lives in California, where there are lots of them. (NT) -- shy gal, 10:50:02 10/09/08 Thu
  • FYI the power from wind turbines goes into a grid and is sold back to you as electricity. You can't put one on your property and suck energy out of it. Also, because the wind is unreliable and they turn off and on, NO power plant turbine is ever turned off because of turbines. Yes less fuel is sometimes used in power plants but they still have to be running. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 08:30:03 10/09/08 Thu
    • Hey Lady Elizabeth, I'm not trying to be argumentative, but yes, power turbine plants do turn off. My DH is a parts supplier for combined cycle power turbines and when I asked him, he indicated that they are frequently turned off and that they only use as many turbines at a time as it takes to provide energy for the demand. There are even plants called "peakers" that are only turned on at times of high demand (such as during the very hottest parts of the summer). Combined cycle turbines actually use two turbines to produce power, but only one requires fuel. The gas turbine produces energy by burning the fuel, then the heat off the gas turbine is used to run a steam turbine that also produces energy. Double the energy produced from the fuel for 1 gas turbine. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 11:15:43 10/09/08 Thu
  • Best of luck to you. I never realized how big they are till I saw a Dirty Jobs show on cleaning them. I have friends that buy land just to put a cell phone tower on, they get about a 1000 a month per cell phone tower. (NT) -- M&M, 08:49:01 10/09/08 Thu
  • I think they are beautiful, such clean energy. We have a wind farm near us and I've been up next to them and never noticed any noise. (NT) -- Gwen, 10:53:04 10/09/08 Thu
  • You should not hear them unless you are quite close. When they are really cranking it's in high winds and you hear the wind. One thing that's an issue in Europe (where turbines are more likely to be close to houses) is shadow flicker, where people are annoyed by the repetitive blade shadow. Normally developers will do flicker studies before getting permission to develop. They also have to do bird and wildlife studies. More inside... -- MacPudel, 20:15:12 10/09/08 Thu
  
  

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• 3 questions in one concerning cake -- AmyGirl, 06:05:09 10/08/08 Wed
  My DD's fourth birthday is coming up and she wants a barbie cake (the kind where a real barbie sticks out of the top and the cake is her gown). I've found a few online but want to see if anyone has some real world experience.....
  
  quest. 1) Has anyone made a barbie cake before? Any tips?
  quest. 2) Does anyone have a recipe for the really sweet, old fashioned bakery
  style frosting that has almost a tiny crunch to it's outside?
  3) Does anyone have a recipe for a white (wedding cake type) cake
  mix?
  
  Store bought white cakes are good but I really want a good white cake recipe like you'd find in your neighborhood bakery ditto the frosting. I've found quite a few online but I was wondering if any of you have one you really love.
  
  Thanks
  

  [Edit]
  
  Replies:

  • No experience here, but I did see some kits and supplies for a doll cake at Micheal's (craft store) recently. (NT) -- LizT, 07:12:06 10/08/08 Wed
  • I've made 2 Barbie cakes. I baked the cake (I really can't remember if it was a box mix or I made it) in a big glass measuring cup. Make sure the sides are well greased so it slides out easy. You can buy Barbie "tops" it's just the torso & head. Or just take the legs off the Barbie, it fits in the cake easier (NT) -- Cherie, 07:21:26 10/08/08 Wed
  • My mom used to make mine by making an Angel Food cake and sticking my real Barbie in the hole. The icing was whipped cream with strawberries which she grooved to look like pleats in the dress. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 07:30:55 10/08/08 Wed
  • My sisters have made some good Barbie cakes for their daughters. I know they baked it in a Pampered Chef glass measuring bowl for the "dress." I believe I have pictures somewhere at home, they were very cute! If I find them, I can post. Also, Sister #2 used to make cakes, & has a wonderful recipe for homemade cake frosting, given to her by a lady who used to make wedding cakes. It has lots of shortening & powdered sugar in it, plus a couple other ingredients. It has a bit of a hardening on the outermost part, so I think that may be the "crunch" you mentioned. I can post that too, if you want. (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 07:49:57 10/08/08 Wed
    • I do remember that they used some small frosting tips to put the frosting "dress" on the doll's upper body too. even did a tiny little earrings, necklace & ring & bracelet for Barbie too! (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 07:51:41 10/08/08 Wed
    • CathrynL, if you could post the recipe that would be great. (NT) -- AG, 08:50:51 10/08/08 Wed
      • Sure--It'll be late tonight though, After the kiddos are in bed. (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 10:55:23 10/08/08 Wed
        • no problemo (NT) -- AG, 12:21:45 10/08/08 Wed
        • Frosting Recipe inside>>> -- Cathryn_L (), 17:53:37 10/08/08 Wed
          • P.S. I have 6 nieces (ages 1-15), so I've been to a few Barbie bdays. But, I only found 1 picture of a barbie cake, it looks nice, but it wasn't the one w/the frosting jewelry--guess I wasn't the photographer at that bday. If you want it, I can email to you. I did notice my sister used the smaller 1 quart pampered chef bowl for that one--she thought it fit the size of the doll better. However, a different niece got the 2 quart dress another year. Depends on what size bowl you have--either would look fine. Inside for PC bowl link...>>> -- Cathryn_L, 09:44:55 10/09/08 Thu
            • Thanks for all of the info Cathryn, you've helped a bunch! (NT) -- AG, 11:48:29 10/09/08 Thu
  • I've never done the Barbie cake, my mom did one once and I dont' remember her having any issues with it. I use the Wilton Buttercream frosting recipe, but don't use the vegetable oil (crisco) in it. I substitute margerine, so the whole thing is made with margerine. it's a bit sweeter that way and you will get the texture I think you are looking for. If you can fit it in the refrigerator for a bit after you frost it, that helps. I made DD's b-day cake in July and it was super hot, the frosting was almost melting off the cake by the time we got to cut it! As for cake mix, we've always used box mix. We always beat the eggs seperate before adding them to the mix, and you can always add apple sauce for extra moisture. (NT) -- Colly, 09:04:16 10/08/08 Wed
    • just to add, this is everyone's favorite frosting. I always have to make extra as the kids and adults fight over it. (NT) -- Colly, 09:05:25 10/08/08 Wed
    • To add to Colly's suggestions....if you use a box cake in white or yellow, you can add about a 1/2-1 tsp of almond extract to the mix. This gives it that rich "bakery" taste. (NT) -- Tam, 10:58:21 10/08/08 Wed
    • I always add an extra egg & a box of instant pudding to a box cake mix. Makes it verra rich & moist. (NT) -- Donna Mc, 16:17:05 10/08/08 Wed
      • Trust me on this one! 1 cake mix, 1 small box of instant pudding mix, 1/2 C oil, 1/2 C H2o, 4 eggs mixed in seperately, a little vanilla, and 1 cup sour cream. Mix for 2 minutes and bake for I don't know how long and you can sell that sucker for $30 dollars or just really enjoy it. Trust me ; ) (NT) -- Toddles, 20:00:37 10/08/08 Wed
        • I'll follow this recipe with a white cake mix and white chocolate mousse pudding mix! Thanks Toddles!!!! (NT) -- AG, 13:14:35 10/11/08 Sat
  • Sorry to hijack your request but Cake Wrecks has a Barbie cake example. It's more of a "don't do this" than a recommendation though, ha ha! Click HERE and scroll down to the 4th or 5th picture to see it. (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 09:18:16 10/08/08 Wed
    • Oh my gosh, I went to this site and literally laughed until tears were running down my cheeks. Can't thank you enough for directing me to this site! Extremely funny!! (NT) -- shy gal, 09:47:03 10/08/08 Wed
  • Amy!!!!!!!! How are you??? I'm no help on any of your questions, but how the heck is dd 4?????? You just had her yesterday!! I shouldn't talk really, though, J will be 8 on the 22nd! For her party we are taking 9 girls to see High School Musical 3. I just bought the advance Tix today for Oct 26... (NT) -- FloraMac, 10:18:54 10/08/08 Wed
    • FM- How are you? I know, I feel soooo old lately! Wow, 9 girls to HSM -- bring some tylenol! LOL (NT) -- AG, 12:25:21 10/08/08 Wed
    • Great minds, Florama :-) I'm taking Kaete and about 12 of her friends to see it here, in early december. She and I are also going to the stage show two days before christmas - the tickets were our birthday presents from my DFIL. Lucky me, eh?! Let me know how much you enjoy it - you'll be about a week before us. (NT) -- Kylie McA, 02:05:35 10/14/08 Tue
  • I haven't done it, but have seen it done with the Pampered Chef glass mixing bowl. I do know that you don't bake the barbie, though, you put her in after the cake is baked *G*. (NT) -- MaryJ, 10:26:14 10/08/08 Wed
  • You're supposed to BAKE your kid's birthday cake yourself? Wow! Who knew? *G* (NT) -- Leigh, 18:26:31 10/08/08 Wed
    • LOL Leigh - yeah I used to do that back in the days when I did housework (NT) -- Margy, 02:09:05 10/09/08 Thu
      • Haha, Leigh I was thinking exactly the same, I am in awe of some of the posters above, I don't feel so bad now. (NT) -- Gwen, 04:39:07 10/09/08 Thu
    • Good one Leigh! I was starting to think I was the only slacker mom here. My kids happily accept bake and break cookies as 'real' ones. I've got them trained not to expect too much *g* (NT) -- HollyC, 05:38:54 10/09/08 Thu
  • I have made a few Barbie Cakes, I bake the cake in a pudding basin steamed sponge type) then stick Barbie in the middle, if to tall, take her legs off! then have covered in either icing or buttercream and stuck on bought sugar flowers, i pink of course, always gone down well and shes four so she won't notice any imperfections --- good luck (NT) -- trixiara, 05:09:53 10/09/08 Thu
  
  

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• LOL Holiday Card Exchange... -- M&M, 05:56:37 10/08/08 Wed
  
  
  CLICK HERE FOR INFO and how to sign up!
  

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• Can you talk within your family about politics? I tried but my siblings wouldn't go for a dialogue. A friend of mine and I used to have the best 'dicsussion's over coffee - I miss that. -- mary beth, 05:31:18 10/08/08 Wed
  [Edit]
  
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  • I can't have discussions with people who, if Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck were the candidates, they would defend to the death just because they are the "party" they want. I would rather they say, "hey, I think so and so is a jerk and I don't particularly like him better than the other candidate, but I agree more with the parties philosophy as a whole". Then, be able to tell me specifics of that philosophy that they stand behind. (NT) -- conmama, 06:24:41 10/08/08 Wed
  • Its tough to do. I have more limited discussions with my family. I have a large family that is predominantly conservative and religious. My DH & I are more liberal and non-religious. At family get togethers, there's the typical guys in there and gals in here division. The guys go at it, they get intense but not angry. The women are less comfortable "arguing", so we avoid the topic to avoid any possible bad feeling. It is difficult for my DH - a brilliant man, well read, articulate with many facts, figures and historical references at his disposal - but he is one against 4,5 or 6. I tend to agree with him and, I think, when you feel strongly about some issue or another, you tend to see the opposite as wrong or misguided or even (insert offensive term here). I don't like feeling that way about any member of my family, nor that my DH frequently does. So I'd rather the conversations were about something else. But they are all political junkies..... (NT) -- TheresaS, 06:42:51 10/08/08 Wed
    • I forgot: Judie for President! (NT) -- TheresaS, 06:46:45 10/08/08 Wed
      • ROFL! Thanks, Theresa. The funny thing is, I love Michael Moore and I love Glenn Beck. Can there be two more dissimilar people to like? hahahahahahahaha I (NT) -- Judie, 08:05:26 10/08/08 Wed
        • If government could be run as smoothly as these webpages with the same compassion, understanding and tolerance exhibited by all the LOL'ers, the world would be a much better place! (NT) -- TheresaS, 09:34:58 10/08/08 Wed
          • I think its more because we dont talk religion and politics. *G* (NT) -- M&M, 16:12:34 10/08/08 Wed
    • Thats my dh too, he wont say anything because he doesnt want to correct someone and tell them they are wrong and then why. Hes getting better though. *G* I dont discuss it with my inlaws anymore ever since Clinton was running the first time and they insisted he was going to hand out condoms to Kindergartners. LOL (NT) -- M&M, 07:09:11 10/08/08 Wed
    • Same with our family-we steer clear of religion & politcs. We are liberal, Unitarian Universalists up against families that are Jewish & Catholic. My DH knows politics, history and is extremely well-informed. But it just doesn't pay-I'm not going to change anyone's mind, and they're not going to change mine. Kind of like Frank and Geneva...*BEG*! (NT) -- Rollaine, 08:09:18 10/09/08 Thu
      • What!? Were they an item? Which book? (NT) -- Lemora, 15:34:20 10/09/08 Thu
  • Yes, and I enjoy it a lot. I actually met my DH at a political seminar when I was 20 and he was 19 *g*. Both our moms have also always been active in local politics. My DS, now 14 is very interested in politics and he has strong opinions and makes good points and he discusses these issues also with his friends. I love it when kids are interested in society. (NT) -- Wilhelmiina, 06:52:34 10/08/08 Wed
    • Oh, and we are all in the same lines but I really enjoy discussing with the people with opposite views too. (NT) -- Wilhelmiina, 09:41:59 10/08/08 Wed
  • I come from a big family and we're pretty evenly split in our politics. My two eldest brothers run a business and two others assist, so their politics tend to be more conservative; the females in the family tend to be more liberal. My in-laws are arch conservatives and they have no idea that their son, my DH, is leaning to the left, simply because of the events in our lives. Recently, my FIL sent an email that was so horrible, called A CONDENSED HISTORY OF MAN, that I couldn't let if rest. I "popped off" on him and we haven't gotten anything since. I don't discuss politics except with my mom who, at 83 years of age, has history on her side. Her brain is a steel trap -- she remembers situations and their precursors, and can out-fact anyone -- she is liberal. (NT) -- Merrymags, 08:33:17 10/08/08 Wed
  • Can't do it at all. My dad always votes a straight party ticket. So do my in-laws, but for the other party. So no matter what you say, you're in trouble with somebody, and we've learned to just not discuss. On the other hand. I can talk politics with the DH with no problem at all, and he's the one who really matters anyway. (NT) -- Susannah, 08:33:18 10/08/08 Wed
  • As a registered independant I have no problem listening to both party's supporters (I generally go issue by issue and don't like either extremes) discuss the issues (if only more people would stick to the issues) of the day. My parents, DH, and in-laws all belong to the same party or vote that way, so these conversations go pretty well. DH's sister however is 100% in a different camp than most of the rest of the family. Very extreme, and very militant (fierce) in her defense of said party. WHen she and my DH get together the conversation always turns to politics (because she stears it that way to engage my DH) and things can get heated fast. This can get uncomfortable so I try to get the conversation to go elsewhere. I stick to the "no politics or religous conversations at dinner parties and get togethers" motto. They are fine at the end but it's maddening while it's going on. I stay out of it but would love to jump in when I hear some blatant mistruths spouted. (NT) -- AmyGirl, 09:12:28 10/08/08 Wed
  • My immediate family - DH, DS & DD - are all pretty much in agreement - as well as one of my sisters/BIL. ALL of my other family is/was of the other party - whether they know of what they speak, or not. We don't discuss politics with them - but even current affairs are often triggers for their wrath or condescending behavior. We no longer get together as a huge group with extended family - but when we did it was often not a pretty scene. DB - a known troublemaker - would often throw out an inflammatory statement at the dinner table and then just sit back and watch the fireworks. I miss those days. LOL (NT) -- CathyS, 09:32:48 10/08/08 Wed
    • There seems to be one of those flame throwers in every family! (NT) -- AmyGirl, 12:27:54 10/08/08 Wed
      • Flame thrower? Yep! That about says it! LOL (NT) -- CathyS, 20:31:23 10/08/08 Wed
  • I don't belong to either party, and rarely vote a straight party ticket anyway. I used to have the best discussions with my MIL--she watched C-SPAN all the time and knew all kinds of obscure facts about everybody. We didn't always agree, but were always civil. I miss her! I never talk politics with my bros, just never have. WIll talk some with dh's sis and bros. (NT) -- FloraMac, 10:32:06 10/08/08 Wed
  • Dsis is uninterested, thinks they're all crooks but will listen to me if I need to go on about something. She knows I'm a news junkie during an election. My SIL and I agree mostly so no problem there. All in my house are solidly in the same camp as me as are most of the folks I hang out with and all candidates are fair game. (NT) -- kgp, 12:49:12 10/08/08 Wed
  • No way, Jose! I'm registered Dem, and my DH is a non-voter, but I suspect he is Republican at heart - I'm just glad he doesn't vote, or we'd cancel each other's votes out if he did. (NT) -- LissC, 17:43:46 10/08/08 Wed
  • Nope, don't even bother. DH and I are confirmed conservatives, so we already have mostly the same opinions, and I'm just not going to knock heads with anybody else. In fact, I've had to tell liberal friends -repeatedly- that I'd really prefer not to get into debates, and I don't care to receive e-mail rhetoric; let's just agree to disagree, and keep our friendships! (NT) -- littlebit, 05:16:09 10/09/08 Thu
  
  

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• Yahoo Answers -- JenK, 12:23:49 10/07/08 Tue
  I recently found this site... or at least paid attention to it on my yahoo page. Yahoo Answers. Has anyone else seen it??? It's so addictive! All sorts of topics to post answers for and a great place to ask questions.
  
  So what have you found recently that you just can't get enough of? :o)
  

  [Edit]
  
  Replies:

  • A French quiz on general knowledge. Thank heaven you're only allowed to play once a day without paying, otherwise I'd spend all my evening playing it. (NT) -- Pat, 13:42:16 10/07/08 Tue
  • jen.... i have been on there. some weird questions tho........ in fact that's where my friend told me to go to find out what a certain something was that i'd not heard name of! ......... lately seems to be sudoku on my phone for me..... i annoy myself by trying the 'genius' ones and dont give up and it's scary cos it times you and it takes me awhile (NT) -- oorjanie, 13:47:51 10/07/08 Tue
    • I know what you mean about the weird questions. I tend to just stick to certain areas but I have gotten decent advice when I posted a question or two. I haven't played sudoku yet, I really need to try that. (NT) -- JenK, 07:00:16 10/08/08 Wed
  • www.15minutelunch.com. I have read all the archives and pant for new entries. This guy is so funny and his unfunny blogs are so good. Everybody just has to try him out. (NT) -- 'becca beccabee, 17:00:36 10/07/08 Tue
    • I love 15 minute lunch. He cracks me up! (NT) -- FloraMac, 10:33:39 10/08/08 Wed
  • My new obsession is the blog "Cakewrecks.com" and the Naked Mohawk-Baby Carrot Jockeys! I can't say this enough, do NOT eat or drink while reading or you WILL need a new keyboard. And you won't want to eat cake for a while either.... (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 18:48:53 10/07/08 Tue
    • I LOVE this blog too. It's become a must check daily for me. My favorites are the ones where the decorator writes everything that was on the ticket on the cake (including the instructions). (NT) -- RisaB, 22:39:58 10/07/08 Tue
      • That was my fav. too, Risa. Mary, I stayed up waaayy too late last night looking at these cakes. Too funny! (NT) -- AngieLass, 06:52:33 10/08/08 Wed
        • OMG, did you see the Mario cake? That is amazing!!!!! I totally want one of those just to stick on my shelf!!! (NT) -- Vicki, 11:04:44 10/08/08 Wed
      • How do you get to that site? I typed in www.cakewreck.com and cakewreck.com and keep getting a site that just keeps generating listings for other sites. Do you have a specific link??? (NT) -- 'becca beccabee, 10:51:01 10/08/08 Wed
        • Sorry about that 'becca, here is the URL (should be clickable): http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 11:33:11 10/08/08 Wed
  • My two favorite time wasters are Facebook and Craigslist. I got adicted to CL while looking for a sideboard for my dining room. After 6 months, I scored an amazing antique that is cleaning up beautifully. I've seen similar going for $1200-$1500. I paid $200!! (NT) -- FloraMac, 10:35:28 10/08/08 Wed
  
  

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• Paypal question -- Vicki, 06:13:17 10/07/08 Tue
  I know a lot of you use paypal on here so I figured since I couldn't find the answer on their site I'd ask here. My boss has a paypal account and he just got 2 emails from someone claiming to be from Paypal. How do we know if these are legitimate? They very well could be but I just don't know. Any tips?
  

  [Edit]
  
  Replies:

  • Tread carefully. I totally ignore the emails from "paypal" even though I have used paypal to make purchases. Check the paypal security center website CLICK HERE and scroll down to the "Take Action" box on the right. You can always report such emails to paypal without directly responding to them. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 06:20:57 10/07/08 Tue
  • This used to happen to me quite often. I always logged into PayPal from my browser, not via the email, to see if there was something I needed to know or attend to. (NT) -- shy gal, 06:27:46 10/07/08 Tue
  • I totally ignore emails from paypal, if they want to get a hold of you they will tell you when you sign into your site. (NT) -- M&M, 06:29:02 10/07/08 Tue
  • Tell him to forward it to spoof@paypal.com - I got one a few weeks ago. I knew it was spam so I sent it to them. They wrote back and confirmed it. I did it so hopefully they can track something, although I doubt it. If he does send it tell him to make sure the long headers are showing. You might have to look that one up. :D (NT) -- Judie (), 06:42:49 10/07/08 Tue
  • Emails from Paypal and banks are NEVER legitimate. There might be one they send you as part of the original sign-up process (it's been a long time, so I don't recall) but other than that, it's all spam--every bit. (NT) -- Susannah, 07:27:33 10/07/08 Tue
    • Thanks guys. I thought that's what I remembered from what I had read before and I did tell him to ignore them. But just to be safe, I thought I would ask here. (NT) -- Vicki, 07:40:52 10/07/08 Tue
  
  

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• This is a TWOFER: I need suggestions for DD's Halloween themed 13th birthday bash ... -- Tam, 14:43:06 10/06/08 Mon
  She's having a costume party at the house. We're circling the firepit with enough bales of hay for benches. They'll roast hotdogs and marshmallows.
  
  I need activity suggestions and anything "Halloweeny" you want to share.
  
  We've got bubble wrap to create a "Poppin' Dance Floor, where we'll play Monster Mash type tunes. lol We've also got a mummy-wrapping contest. You partner with someone and first team to have the mummier totally wrap the mummy with toilet paper wins. :) She mentioned bobbing for apples, but that kinda grosses me out. lol
  
  She REALLY wants a scavenger hunt too. What should I have them look for? DO I turn them loose on our street (14 houses that dead end into cul-de-sacs)? I was thinking things like a button, key, penny, piece of string, piece of ribbon, etc. Any suggestions?
  
  Any suggestions of songs, activities, recipes etc would be appreciated!!!
  
  ****************************
  
  What are you going to be for Halloween? Do you go out? Have party to go to? I was thinking about Dorothy with DH as the TinMan. Or, a vamp or witch (I already own the stuff for these) I also have a Cruela De Vil wig, and DH could be a dalmation *EG* Any other creative suggestions? I love Halloween. This year DS has his Senior Night football banquet after the last home game on Halloween night. So, most we'd do is go out for a beer after the banquet, unless friends throw a party.
  

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  • You could pin the name of a famous monster on each kid's back and have them ask questions of the others until they guess it. What about a Ouija board? I am going to be a bellydancer again this year. Same 'thing' but new costume. I'm also going to be a pirate again. I have a party to go to on the 18th that will have a lot of the local bellydancers there, so I'm wearing my pirate digs there. I'm going out with friends on the 31st and will be in my bellydance getup then. (NT) -- Sorcha, 18:29:15 10/06/08 Mon
  • I think the idea of a scavenger hunt seems fun, especially if you trust your neighbors. I would probably warn them first. Another thing you can do, which might be a bit expensive (honestly I have no idea of the cost) is to rent one of those big blow up movie screens and a projection thingy and play a scary movie (or semi-scary depending on the crowd) (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 19:25:23 10/06/08 Mon
    • Oh, I forgot to add that I don't know what my kids will be for halloween. I had them all ready to go as Rock, Paper and Scissors, but now they claim it's lame. Sigh, oh well. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 19:27:05 10/06/08 Mon
    • Best Halloween movies for a teen's party; The Addams Family and Addam's Family Values. They're both slightly creepy and very funny. (NT) -- Shads, 21:18:49 10/06/08 Mon
  • Instead of a scavenger hunt, how about a find the plastic pumpkins hidden in the yard armed only with a flashilight? My mom used to do this with the halves of plastic easter eggs and let us loose with flashlights in the yard at night. Whoever found the most egg halves making up complete eggs won. It was her way of upgrading a normal easter egg hunt for teenagers. I know places like walgreens and CVS sell small plastic pumpkins which you could spread around the yard. And in answer to your second question, DS#1 and I will be pirates and DS#2 will be Superman. DH won't be here to be dressed. We go to our friends' house every year for a themed party and costume contest. (NT) -- LadyBelle, 19:37:16 10/06/08 Mon
    • DD is set on the scavenger hunt, but I may add the pumpkin gathering to it. (NT) -- Tam, 11:21:19 10/07/08 Tue
  • I found the perfect polka-dot shirtwaist dress with a flared skirt so...I'm going to be Luuuuuccy! (NT) -- LizT, 21:04:40 10/06/08 Mon
  • I still remember my brother leading me through his own scaled-down haunted house when I was a kid. He blindfolded us and led my sisters and me through a series of sensory experiences--touching something weblike (some sort of floaty gossamer stuff), putting my hand in a bowl filled with eyeballs, (peeled grapes), and so forth. And there are all kinds of great gross foods to serve. Cookies that look like cut-off fingers (best when tipped with almonds for nails and a bit of red food gel to simulate blood) Cheeseballs that look like pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns, Kitty Litter cake, and lots more. Inside for some websites with recipes and pix. (NT) -- Shads, 21:35:16 10/06/08 Mon
    • Oops, forgot to put the websites in. In here>>>>>>>>> -- Shads, 21:40:52 10/06/08 Mon
      • Those are great recipes! The vegan fingers look completely disgusting (in a Halloween way, of course!) (NT) -- MaryJ, 21:52:00 10/06/08 Mon
  • Don't have any ideas to add, but the paranoid person in me picked up on "haybales" "toilet paper" and "firepit" and went into overdrive. Make them be safe!!!! (NT) -- LallyVic, 22:53:38 10/06/08 Mon
    • Maybe they can stop, drop and roll for apples? (NT) -- Jeanie, 09:47:00 10/07/08 Tue
    • Jeanie, you should come be my humble kid wrangler, I mean assistant. :D Nah, the mummy wrapping is indoors. The hay bales are to sit on...several feet away from the firepit. Trust me, I already thought of these things, and stuff just in case we have crappy weather. (NT) -- Tam, 11:14:24 10/07/08 Tue
      • I wish I could. We're neck deep in a children's production of Dracula and I'm dealing with 28 little bloodsuckers. The idea of rolling them in toilet paper is pretty tempting. At least it's a start. (NT) -- Jeanie, 12:40:08 10/07/08 Tue
        • Maybe you should use duct tape and tell them they're the Tin Man. ;) Hey, just tryin to help. (NT) -- Tam, 20:16:40 10/07/08 Tue
          • Ha ha ha ha...we did "Oz" last season...you're a little late! We also did Frankenstein last season which led to an interesting philisophical question >>>>> -- Jeanie, 07:23:54 10/08/08 Wed
            • HAHAHAHAHA (NT) -- Tam, 11:04:30 10/08/08 Wed
            • OMG Jeanie you make me laugh until my sides creak. *G* (NT) -- Maria, 21:51:58 10/08/08 Wed
  • I don't know about any games, but you HAVE to make the kitty litter cake!! I'm having Bunco at my house this month and I'm making it!! Here's a pic CLICKET Shads, I'm SO glad someone else has heard of this!!! We have an adult party to go to on the 25th. I am going to wear my renfest costume and Jason is actually going to wear a kilt!!! WHOO HOOOO!!!! Mom is making me a new corset because my old one doesn't fit due to my new girls!! *snerk* Nate is going to dress up as Slash for Halloween!! (NT) -- Leaha, 02:40:43 10/07/08 Tue
    • That cake is so GROSS looking. I'll ask Kate about it. I love the fingers in Shad's Vean recipe. Those look so narly. :D (NT) -- Tam, 11:20:24 10/07/08 Tue
      • The recipe looks easy to convert to standard ingredients, so you wouldn't have to make it vegan. I don't know what I am doing yet for Halloween. Proabably just pull something out of my costume storage. I have quite a stockpile from over the years. I haven't worn the Viking chick costume in a while, and it's really funny with a gold breastplate and a horned helmet. (NT) -- Shads, 13:42:58 10/08/08 Wed
  • You could do that one where they have to identify things blindfolded, like peel grapes and call them eyeballs, cooked spaghetti for intestines, that kind of thing. Also, if you do a scavenger hunt have them find a dead body!! Some type of dead bug fits the bill. (NT) -- Vicki, 04:03:48 10/07/08 Tue
  • I think what you have planned sounds great and I like the scavenger hunt idea. I agree with WE, let your neighbors know though. :o) We never end up at parties so we don't dress up but my DD is going to be Minnie Mouse this year complete with the yellow shoes! (NT) -- JenK, 05:25:43 10/07/08 Tue
  • DD's party sounds great! I love the hunt for mini pumkins idea. My DD is going as an Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer. Thankfully there is no sewing involved. (NT) -- Toddles, 10:38:23 10/07/08 Tue
  • I have part of an idea.... a million years ago at a sleepover, it was the blindfolded gross out taste test...... grapes in diluted cornsyrup were eyeballs , linguini pasta in oil with bread crumbs was worms in dirt..... there were a few others Maybe someone knows..... but everyone had to put on a blindfold and taste the eyeballs, and the worms. (NT) -- TheresaS, 06:52:08 10/08/08 Wed
  • Instead of apples, bob for donuts. Blindfold the kids and have them hold their hands behind their backs, tie a string through the hole in a donut and hang it above them. You could do it as a one bobber at time thing, or a bunch of bobbers at once, maybe a prize for the first one to eat their donut? Use the little donuts you get in a big bag - don't use powdered unless it's outside, or you get powdered sugar everywhere. Give the donut a little swing to make it more interesting. As far as what I'm going as.....no clue, but It was once suggested to me that since I liked things Scottish, DH should wear a kilt and I could be a sheep. *BG* We are invited to a party, but it's being thrown by a 22 yr. old coworker and involves bringing a pint for the trash can. Not sure I want to relive THAT part of my youth! (NT) -- Maria, 21:49:39 10/08/08 Wed
  
  

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• How do you all handle tension and conflict at home? -- ladyphantom, 06:54:07 10/06/08 Mon
  My DH and teenage DD are very much alike... head strong, independent and often times, stubborn. So needless to say, arguments and disagreements are a common thing. I grew up in a household with little communication (it was loving, but we just didn't talk about things). Anyway, it's hard for me to sit back and watch, while my DH and DD "battle it out". I will often times try to referee and the other day, when I said to them "why can't we all get along", my DD responded, "Mom, that's just not how the world works". I know on one hand, she's absolutely right, but on the other, it stresses me out and sometimes leaves me on the verge of tears.
  

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  • There's a constant battle here these days, lp. My DD and DH are both very much alike also. It makes me crazy. My sympathies, my friend. (I wish I had the answers.) (NT) -- LindaT, 09:14:27 10/06/08 Mon
  • OMG, we're living the same life with teens....please come inside.... -- Conmama, 09:30:50 10/06/08 Mon
  • Here's the amazon editorial review. It's even so much better than this. It got 5 out of 5 stars. -- Conmama, 09:37:16 10/06/08 Mon
  • Thanks, Linda and Con. The book sounds really good -- I wonder if my library would have it... I am definitely going to check it out! (NT) -- ladyphantom, 10:53:08 10/06/08 Mon
  • My DH "wrangles" with both of my girls, but DD#1 more so than DD2. He doesn't do a very good job of "picking his battles," as I say - choosing to take a stand on the important issues, and letting go of some of the lesser issues. What's really making me CRAZY right now is how my girls act towards each other. Inside please>>>>> -- ScarlettO, 13:06:14 10/06/08 Mon
    • *G* The only epiphany that I've come to at our house is .....pretty soon they'll be moving out. (NT) -- MaryJ, 15:09:46 10/06/08 Mon
  • Ladyphantom, hijack of your post re your 'Alexander' photo inside>>> -- HollyC, 13:31:45 10/06/08 Mon
    • Alexander >>>>> -- ladyphantom, 17:38:27 10/06/08 Mon
  • Vodka, antidepressants, valium....j/k I WAS the ref between DS and DH, until I told them to consider me neutral and not to ask my opinion on things they battled over. Still tension is often thick. (NT) -- Tam, 14:21:08 10/06/08 Mon
    • OK, Tam, that I can do. Where do I sign up? (The Vodka & Valium, not the referee thing!) (NT) -- ScarlettO, 20:32:08 10/06/08 Mon
  • It's the same in our house with DS1 and DH. They clash badly! I always thought it was because they are so different. Also, DH was brought up in a household that was very strict whereas I was brought up in a household that was pretty laid back. Besides that, DS1 is very mature for his age (he's now 17) and doesn't suffer fools gladly (like his mother *g*). I think the problem is that if he disagrees with his father, instead of shutting up, he's not afraid to say what he's thinking. This causes a whole lot of conflict, coz DH grew up being told that kids should be seen and not heard. I don't have the answers either...sorry! (NT) -- Leigh, 16:49:47 10/06/08 Mon
  • I think hoser mom's of teenagers need a "spa" getaway. Any suggestions? lol (NT) -- ladyphantom, 17:39:57 10/06/08 Mon
    • I am SO in. When are we going? (NT) -- Wilhelmiina, 09:45:05 10/08/08 Wed
      • The sooner the better!!!!!!!!! (NT) -- ladyphantom, 12:31:56 10/08/08 Wed
  • I can't even start on this post without getting upset. No combination of the 3 of my men can be in the same room together. I tell myself that I am probably making it worse by playing referee, but I just can't help it. And of course, I always take "their" side, no matter who I feel is right. Can I just put all of THEM on valium? I get along fine one-on-one with each of them, but no such thing as a 3-way conversation. (NT) -- TanyaB, 09:41:52 10/07/08 Tue
  
  

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• Bottles -- Lady Elizabeth, 04:40:14 10/04/08 Sat
  My DD is expecting our first GC and will be breastfeeding him. However, she will need bottles for others to feed him. Could you new Lallymoms tell me what you chose to use and why? PS I took one look at the electric dual breatpump and shuddered.
  

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  • I used the Playtex hollow bottles with the plastic bag drop ins, b/c I could pump and freeze in the plastic bags, and they were easy to pull out of the freezer and put in the plastic holder, cap and go. Congrats! (NT) -- LissC, 05:53:29 10/04/08 Sat
  • I used thePlaytex ones also. I never used a pump -too expensive. I used to just express into a clean measuring cup and stockpile it in the freezer after each feeding. (NT) -- kgp, 06:03:34 10/04/08 Sat
    • Gawd - how lucky you were to be able to do that so easily. For me to express, when I had my two sons, it would take me about 10 minutes to fill a bloody thimble! :-( (NT) -- Leigh, 16:12:49 10/04/08 Sat
  • Probably won't be an issue in the near future but for now the biggest concern is getting ones that are BPA free. My grand Dylan's are mostly Nuby tho I think a few chain stores have their own brand. Using a drop in liner may avoid that tho they wouldn't take the washing part away since I'd have to do that to recycle them. My gran prefers the nuk type nipple but you can buy them seperately. My DD had to pump the enitre time she nursed cos he wouldn't latch on. Pump looks awful but its more aggrevation than anything when you have to do it every 2 hrs. (NT) -- drm, 06:35:40 10/04/08 Sat
    • BTW - Congrats on your first grandchild. Get ready for a whole new world of fun ( its so much better when you can give them back :+). (NT) -- drm, 06:37:25 10/04/08 Sat
  • Playtex is good. I used a single breastpump, but often times, I had better luck expressing myself. (NT) -- ladyphantom, 06:36:34 10/04/08 Sat
  • Hi Elizabeth I used the Avent Isis manual pump and regular bottles with DD (who will be 3 yo on the 10th.) I unpacked the pump and am using it again (for my DS who is 2 days shy of 7 mos), but use the Avent Via system to pump my milk. The Via bottles are supposedly made of polypropelyne (sp?) which doesn't have BPA. I still use the regular Avent bottles but only for juice. The nipples for the Avent system are made of silicone and come in slow flow, medium flow and fast flow I believe. I chose Avent because the advertising said their nipples most closely resembled nursing and were made for anti-colic. I was also afraid of the electric pumps and that's why I chose a manual! ;) The price was somewhat of a decision-maker as well. The Avent pump was middle of the road in terms of price. You can find their products at: www.aventamerica.com if you want to have a closer look. HTH and best wishes to your family as you welcome the new little one! :) (NT) -- ErinD, 08:46:13 10/04/08 Sat
    • I used Avent, and also Tommee Tippee - not sure if you get them over there, but the teats are the closest thing to a nipple shape you can get! (NT) -- Em, 11:53:52 10/04/08 Sat
      • Avent and Tommee Tippee are the two most popular brands here in Australia too. (NT) -- Leigh, 16:13:21 10/04/08 Sat
        • Good old Tommy Tippee! My sister has the one she used as a very young child (she's 40 now) and it's one of her most treasured possessions. (NT) -- shy gal, 15:27:59 10/05/08 Sun
  • I used a Medela dual breast pump and it was well worth the money! Very easy on the old nips if you know what I mean. Also, you can adjust the suction. Used all Avent bottles with DS1, and DD, but with my DfosterD she had some Dr Brown's that are ok to keep gas off the tummy, but terrible to clean. I've found myself going with the Avents because she takes them better. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 17:15:37 10/04/08 Sat
    • I was going to write about the Medela too WE. It was a lifesaver at first and continued to help me feed DD breastmilk longer. I rented mine for my first two kids. One caution - probably know this already, Lady Elizabeth, but be sure your DD doesn't use a microwave to heat the frozen/cold bottles. Microwaves heat from the inside & babies have gotten burnt mouths when parents checked the first few drops, but not from the middle of the bottle. (I also think not microwaving the bottles would help with the plastic toxins issue.) Congratualtions!!!!!! (NT) -- MaryJ, 17:43:36 10/04/08 Sat
    • Me,too! Medela works wonderfully. and I used the playtex bottles. I made so much milk I ended up throwing alot away. Microwaving also "kills" the good stuff in mama's milk. (NT) -- Amy Hope, 10:01:22 10/06/08 Mon
  • thanks for all the advice. It's been 21 long years........hey kinda like J&C (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 04:57:48 10/05/08 Sun
  • I'm expecting and work at Babies R Us, and Avent & Dr. Browns are the most popular/successful for folks by far. both also have BPA free versions (NT) -- shellb, 14:01:29 10/05/08 Sun
    • I've been using the Dr Brown's glass, the one with the reserve funnel thingy that promises no colic. Will never know for sure if it worked but I can say my son has never had any gas or tummy issues, no crying for no reason...the only way I would have known a difference is if I had tried something else and just wasn't about to test that out. *g* (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 11:46:26 10/06/08 Mon
  • I used Avent. In the breastfeeding class I took, they recommend them as the closest to the breast and easy for baby to transition between the two. (NT) -- Valerie H., 07:13:10 10/06/08 Mon
  
  

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• High school abroad programmes -- Pat, 18:50:31 10/03/08 Fri
  We're thinking of sending DS#1 abroad for a school year in 2009-2010 (US, CAN, AUS, NZ...?) and I'm trying to find serious organisations. Has anyone done this? LindaT, aren't you involved with a foreign student programme? So far, I've found a lot of not-so-serious sounding companies. The only ones that stand out IMO are YfU and AFS. There's a German programme called Step-in, but as he's in the French school system it won't work for us. Are there others you know of? I was advised not to go the private route because a year is a long time and the organisation will help with potential problems.
  Also we've been advised to avoid the UK and Ireland because the families there are paid for hosting (very high demand from all over Europe).
  It would cost a lot of money, so we want to be sure what we're doing. Any advice would be very appreciated.
  DH is not as convinced as I am, he says DS would have been in 3 different schools in two years (French school in Senegal, French school in France and the high school abroad). I think DS can take it and if he wants to go, he should. He's not totally sure he wants to do it yet, but he's interested.
  

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  • What a wonderful experience that would be for your DS. Stick with an established program. AFS has been around for ages (I remember it from high school in the 60s). Here is the link to the website CLICK HERE FOR AFS. Looks like a very informative site with access to student blogs & facebook pages. You, DH and DS will have time to make a very studied review. Reminds me of a German man we met ages ago who had spent a high school year in the 1970s in southern California.....his German-accented English had the distinctive "valley-speak" that some pick up in the area around Los Angeles. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 04:05:24 10/04/08 Sat
    • German and "Valley Speak" - OMG, that's too funny! (NT) -- LizT (*former SF valley girl*), 06:31:10 10/04/08 Sat
  • I don't have any recommendations for you (I will have to check around) but I do agree that AFS has been around for ages, and I believe they are pretty reputable. My family had an exchange student from Spain my younger sister's age in high school, and my DH's family had a guy from Germany (BTW, this was in the 70s in the valley!) But I've met him several times and his English doesn't have any valley-speak to it! Both our experiences were great and I would highly recommend it as long as your DS wants to do it. I do prefer the school-year long ones - my niece went to France for two weeks in the summer and stayed with a family but it just wasn't the same. (NT) -- Lady Naiad, 11:37:39 10/04/08 Sat
  • I've worked with Aspect Foundation and they were a wonderful company. Email me off-group and I can send you their website info (or you can Google them). Email inside>>>>>>> -- LindaT, 13:16:49 10/04/08 Sat
    • E-mail sent, thanks! (NT) -- Pat, 03:18:03 10/05/08 Sun
  
  

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• HELP.... boston hosers............. my lovely sister who was so excited to go to Berklee for College is having a real problem. they found what they thought was a cool apartment but now they're having nasty problems with rats, cockroaches, bedbugs. ewww. they are paying $2400 a month - her and 2 friends. wahhhh. how can landlord get away with this. upon searching, my mom found that there were rat problems 4 years ago too. what is the legal standing since they signed a lease. surely they can get out of it??? does anyone know. how horrible - she's just 18. and does anyone know anyone renting anything close to that area or in that area? they got the place through an agency or realtor type place too so i can't even believe a company would associate themselves with that. her friend got video of it and it's so disgusting apparently. shouldn't have to live in those conditions. my poor sister......... ok thanks for listening. if anyone has any ideas pls write:) -- oorjanie, 15:44:54 10/03/08 Fri
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  • Oh Janie - that's revolting! Surely there must be some way of getting out of the lease if they've got video evidence. Are they renting through a rental agent, or directly from the landlord? I hope something can be done - keep us posted. (NT) -- Leigh, 15:48:30 10/03/08 Fri
    • rental agent!!!!! ccan't believe it. they thought it was so good when found it before school started! (NT) -- oorjanie, 15:52:58 10/03/08 Fri
      • They need to tell the agent that they want something done about it PRONTO, or that they'll report the agent to the higher authority. And if the kids can't summon up the courage, get your Mom or Dad onto them. These asshats shouldn't be allowed to get away with renting out property that is unfit for human habitation. (NT) -- Leigh, 16:06:22 10/03/08 Fri
        • yeah my dad was on phone to health inspector today (NT) -- oorjanie, 16:07:19 10/03/08 Fri
  • here's a YOUTUBE> OMFG>>>>>>> -- oorjanie, 15:51:15 10/03/08 Fri
    • Janie - when I tried to watch the video, it said "This video is no longer available"...???? (NT) -- Leigh, 16:11:55 10/03/08 Fri
      • hmmmmm worked for me. try again? maybe cos you're in AUST? you know how it doesn't let you see canadian stuff like C&J?:P (NT) -- oorjanie, 16:19:19 10/03/08 Fri
    • *gasp* Omg....Janie!!! I just watch a bit of that video and it's DISGUSTING!! They have GOT to move out. No way can they hold them to their lease it's totally unsafe and a health hazard. I'd call the school and the Boston housing authority ASAP!! eeeeeck!! I'm horrified...oh, your poor sister. (NT) -- Noelle, 04:44:01 10/04/08 Sat
    • OMG Janie!!!! That is totally unacceptable - thank goodness they can break their lease. I'm going to contact our school director there and see if she can give me any tips on apt hunting in Boston. That video was SO GROSS!! (NT) -- Lee, 11:02:41 10/05/08 Sun
  • oorjanie--I just looked up the Tenant/Landlord Rights on the Mass.gov website. Come Inside>>>>>>>> -- FloraMac, 17:48:22 10/03/08 Fri
  • Janie, they also should notify the Dean of Students at the school and see if they can help out in some way!! (NT) -- Leaha, 21:26:35 10/03/08 Fri
  • As a landlord, I am scared of the local building inspector. I say call them. I had this happen once, in NY, the lady found a dead mouse in the basement. The inspector came out and I had to fix quite a few things to his satisfaction BEFORE the lady had to pay me rent again. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 04:44:15 10/04/08 Sat
  • Yikes, I just watched the video!!!!! OMG OMG, it's absolutely awful! That poor kid with all the bites on his arms... poor all of them, what a nightmare! Those rats are HUGE, and they're not even scared of the person with the camera. *shudder* The whole place needs to be sanitised immediately. After that, they should be able to stay on, no? The one guy says the problem didn't exist last year. But they should ask for a couple of months free rent, as a landlord that's what I'd offer them before being taken to court! BTW, which one is your sister, Janie? (NT) -- Pat, 08:24:27 10/04/08 Sat
    • hi pat, you just hear my sister talking in background at one point. i think there's a quick shot of her sitting on a couch but she's not a 'main' person in it....... her myspace - www.myspace.com/beatonemma ----------- i agree, awful!!!!!! (NT) -- oorjanie, 09:35:31 10/04/08 Sat
  • EWWWW!!!! Oh Janie how absolutely horrible. I couldn't even finish watching that disgusting video *shudder*. Your poor sister and her friends. I agree with FloraMac and Lady Elizabeth that they should go to the Housing Inspection Dept. I had to help my inlaws deal with rental problems before and it's amazing what can be done when a fire is lit under the landlords butt by the authorities!!! Hope everything works out for them. (NT) -- Jay-Lee, 10:21:12 10/04/08 Sat
  • That's disgusting! I guess that's one big advantage to living in cold Calgary - no cockroaches or bedbugs that I know of, and rats are kept out of the province to protect the grain stores. We have mice, but not too many other home-invading nasties! (NT) -- LT (Denise), 10:43:33 10/04/08 Sat
  • Holy crap! Maybe they should also contact their local television stations. Many of them have on-air reporters who love to go after the disreputable and dishonest. It worked for my neighbor and me, when we got no response from our city public works department after numerous requests to remove some very large dead trees from city property which, if they fell, would hit our houses. We never made it to TV, but the next day the trees were gone. (NT) -- MiladyM, 12:35:27 10/04/08 Sat
    • Oh, I like that idea of contacting the local news station!! They'd eat up a story like this!! (NT) -- Noelle, 16:21:09 10/04/08 Sat
  • I didnt watch the video Janie didnt think I could take it! I cant believe she pays that much and its that infested. I would be bug bombing.........lots! (NT) -- M&M, 18:36:11 10/04/08 Sat
    • exterminator was already in!!! couple weeks ago (NT) -- oorjanie, 20:03:13 10/04/08 Sat
      • What did he use? Bubble bath?!! (NT) -- Leigh, 21:33:26 10/04/08 Sat
  • UPDATE - thanks everyone so much for your replies........ my sister says health inspector has been in and they can break their lease with no penalties. he was shocked and said it's the worst he's seen. so she's on lookout for new place as we type! (NT) -- oorjanie, 09:20:47 10/05/08 Sun
    • That's good news, though apartment/house hunting might be difficult. Those poor kids need some piece of mind! Best of luck to your sister and her housemates! (NT) -- LT (Denise), 10:54:11 10/05/08 Sun
    • I'm so glad! Hope the school's housing office can help them- after all those kids have been thru, they could use a hand. (NT) -- SueW, 12:44:48 10/05/08 Sun
    • Whew! So glad they can get out of that hideous situation, J! I'll keep my fingers crossed that they call all find alternative accommodation that is vermin-free! (NT) --