Essential Chatter

Free Download Games, Play Online Games Free, Games To Try Before Buying

2009-06-09T01:54:00.027+01:00

At Big Fish Games you can either Play Online or Download Games for free, to try before buying.

I have always enjoyed playing games, especially after a hard days work, as I find it really helps to relieve my stress levels. This has meant consistent time spent trawling through the maze of game sites out there, and believe me, there are a ton of games sites to join.

I very quickly found myself frequenting the same game site, Big Fish Games, as they appeared to have all the games I enjoyed playing. I would regularly download the Free Trial Versions of games that caught my eye, and depending on how I got on with the game, I would then go back and purchase the full game.

Games Played Free Online or Downloaded

The latest Big Fish Game I've played online for free and then purchased is TREASURE SEEKERS: ENCHANTED CANVASES, and I must say the graphics on this game are fantastic!! This is a variant on the traditional 'I spy' game, but with more subtle clues requiring you to use your memory more. I love this kind of game as it poses so much more of a challenge to me to play.

DREAM CHRONICLES is another Big Fish Game with excellent graphics, where the lines between reality and fantasy fade away in this fairytale style setting. This one really tested my memory and logic skills. Follow subtle clues to help Faye find her missing husband and escape from the mysterious sleeping spell that has taken over the town of Wish! Stay sharp and focused and you just may unravel this intriguing, dreamy mystery!

Another series of 'I Spy' games that I thoroughly enjoy are MYSTERY CASE FILES: HUNTSVILLE, MYSTERY CASE FILES: PRIME SUSPECTS, MYSTERY CASE FILES: RAVENHEARST, and MYSTERY CASE FILES: MADAME FATE, all which are based on a search basis, where you have a list of items to find within each and every incredibly busy room. I loved playing this game time and time again, with the competitor in me striving to beat my best time each time I restarted a new game!

REAL CRIMES: THE UNICORN KILLER, a game based on a true story, lets you help a rookie FBI Agent Jennifer Lourdes, and veteran detective Alan Michaels catch the infamous Unicorn Killer! Track down the murderer, Ira Einhorn, as you bring him to justice in this exciting Hidden Object game. Travel all around the globe and explore important crime scenes. This game takes you on the long-running chase and extradition of this dangerous criminal! Race against the clock, or relax and take your time in two game modes

There are of course many more games to trial and buy from this site, and not all of them are of the same genre as the ones I have told you about here.

I have actually become a member of Big Fish Games, joining their Game Club, which has afforded me the ability to buy a new game each month for very little. You save big with Big Fish Game Club and get all your games for $6.99 which is 65% off of the retail price! In fact, the game I purchased this month, Treasure Seekers: Enchanted Canvases, was completely free, much to my initial confusion and then absolute delight because of the deal I signed up under with Big Fish Games Club.

Big Fish Games has games for everyone, from kids games to games for parents too. Big Fish Games has made the process of purchasing the games very easy and straightforward, and with their policy of allowing you to try the game online before buying, you just can't go wrong.

Big Fish Games is most definitely a Game Site worthy of note in your bookmarks!

Hopefully this has given you enough of a review of Big Fish Games and a taste of some of the games they have available. Check out Big Fish Games, where you can try out your game before buying!

Big Fish Online & Download Game Links

Big Fish Games Home Page | Online Games | Download Games | Action & Arcade Download Games | Mahjong Download Games | Puzzle Download Games | Card & Board Download Games | Word Download Games

Popular Online Game Sites & Gift Shopping Sites

2009-06-02T21:36:00.005+01:00

List of Popular Online Game Sites and Gift Shopping Sites

As one that likes to spend my time playing games online and shopping online for gifts, I thought I’d share a quick list of some of the more popular Game Sites and Gift Shopping Sites that I frequent.

POPULAR GAME SITES

POPULAR GIFT SHOPPING SITES

Fraudulent Charges by MiPay Talkmobile Brookwood Surrey

2009-04-26T23:45:00.016+01:00

Fradulent Charges by MiPay Talkmobile Brookwood Surrey found on my bank statement!! We have just checked our online banking this evening and we've found a mysterious charge that we didn't recognize for £30 against one of our Bank Debit Cards. It appeared to have been charged for a phone top up.

This is the entry we found:

"6 Apr 2009 POS 03APR09 MIPAY TALKMOBILE T BROOKWOOD SUR"

After doing a quick online search, we came across a thread on Money Saving Expert Forum where many others out there are reporting this happening to them over the past 3 weeks. We are not alone!!!

As a user 'Underground' put it on the Money Saving Expert Forum:

'Talkmobile is a 'cheaper calls' company run by Carphone Warehouse. It's primarily a PAYG service and Mi-Pay manage the payment systems.

If you or your family don't have a Talkmobile SIM then your card has definitely been used fraudulently.'

According to one of the blurbs on MiPay, they:

'facilitate the direct transfer of funds between mobile phones onto overseas banks'

So from what we can gather, it would seem that someone is charging people's bank accounts for a mobile phone charge and then having the funds transferred to overseas banks.

We contacted the telephone banking part of our bank this evening and it turned out to definitely be only one of our two debits cards, which has now been canceled, with a new one being issued in 3 to 4 days. We will still need to follow up on this in the morning with the bank themselves, before we can find out what will happen, but for the now, we've stopped any further fraudulent charges being taken out of our account.

Just this past February, on the same debit card, our on line bank statement also showed a £30 payment to O2 that was NOT authorized, which is still under investigation. At the beginning of each month we had been in the habit of putting £20 phone credit on both of our girl's accounts, one being with T-Mobile, and the other with O2. The payment had always been made over the phone, giving the debit card number out to the operator on the phone, but who knows if this is how they got our details. The theory does seem to hold some water though as from what others have been saying on the forum thread, many paid for mobile phone top ups with that debit card that had the fraudulent charge applied to it.

We are extremely careful about using our debit cards, or any credit cards for that matter, so it came as a complete shock to us that this had taken place. These fraudulent charges seem to be widespread so be sure to check your online bank accounts for a withdrawal of £30 to MIPAY TALKMOBILE T BROOKWOOD SUR, a subsidiary of Carphone Warehouse.

For those of you that don't have on line banking, we strongly suggest you check with your banks to see if such a payment has left your accounts.

According to another poster on the moneysavingexpert.com forum:

'The banks/ building societies also have concerns over Carphone Warehouse, ( the linked company ). I had a valid transaction to them blocked by my card provider, Nationwide, they told me it was because of the high amount of fraudulent activity that is linked with CPW.'

So apparently the word is getting out there in the business community about this particular scam that is going on, but the word needs to continue to get out there. And it's important to understand that often times low fraudulent charges will be taken out of your account so that it goes by unnoticed. It is vital that you check each charge that is coming out of your bank accounts in order to catch any fraudulent charges that might be hitting your account. If you find that this is happening, notify your bank immediately, ask for the refund and cancel the card and have a new one issued. They'll likely pass you on to their fraud department so that they can follow up on the case and check it out before issuing a refund.

You can get a more comprehensive known list of Fraudulent Charges at digitalagefraud.com.

Here is another story on someone's experience with small fraudulent charges being taken out of their bank accounts: http://www.stopbuyingcrap.com/personal-finance/goodie-my-first-fraudulent-charge/

Fraudulent Charges MiPay Talkmobile Update

I just spoke with Michele, a representative from MiPay, just a few moments ago and have received more information to share. According to Michele, MiPay is fully aware of this situation and is investigating it vigorously. They are also aware of the number of people that have been posting their case both here at Essential Chatter and over on the forum for Money Saving Expert. At this point they have not yet responded publicly because of the ongoing investigation but plan to do so very soon. According to Michele at MiPay, she is due to hear from managers sometime today on whether or not they will be putting out a public notice on these fraudulent charges that a large number of people have been getting hit with over the past few weeks.

I have already received my replacement debit card from RBS and have destroyed my old card that the fraudulent charge was posted against. I have also received the paperwork from RBS' Fraud Dept which officially starts up the investigation on this fraudulent charge. I was informed that it would now take about 7 to 10 working days till I hear back anything.

It must be said that MiPay is just as much a victim in this as the rest of us. They are a company that processes payments for mobile phone topups, if my memory serves me correctly from what Michele stated, and they are not personally the ones taking this money from people's accounts. Michele was very helpful and gracious over the phone, and I appreciated that more than anything.

If anyone has any more information they can provide, please leave a comment.

Aloe Vera Gel Peach Flavored Drink for Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS

2009-04-08T19:41:00.014+01:00

I have just purchased the Aloe Bits n' Peaches off of the foreverliving website today, Wednesday April 8th, '09. I am now anxiously awaiting it's delivery as I can't wait to try this out! I had originally tried the standard non-flavored Aloe Vera Gel over a year ago and found it very difficult to get by the taste. After finding out on The Aloe Vera Miracle blog that they have added 2 flavors, I had to give it another try.

I myself have suffered greatly from Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS since 1991, surviving one day at a time with it. I have tried many things through the years and have never found anything that worked, so I am hoping for great things with this Aloe Vera Gel peach flavored drink!

I have used Aloe Vera off of the Aloe Vera plant before, squeezing the juices out of the leaf and onto my sunburn, and it works wonders! I have always sworn by Aloe Vera for use on the skin for cuts and burns, so the discovery of this peach flavored Aloe Vera Gel drink is very encouraging.

To find out more about Aloe Vera visit The Aloe Vera Miracle blog.

I'll keep you up to date as I begin to use the product and let you know how I get on with it as time goes by.

Till the next time,

Carl

Hoodlamb Hemp Jackets

2009-04-05T22:24:00.015+01:00

I was taking pictures while down at Languard Point, Felixstowe, Suffolk this past Thursday the 2nd of April 2009 and one in particular stood out so I thought I'd share it with you. Though I am a complete novice at taking pictures, I love taking unconventional pictures while out and about in the UK, and every once and a while I get lucky with a gorgeous pic. I'll share a picture of the UK now and then on here as I find the gems. :)

It was rather chilly that evening and my hands were quickly turning to ice cubes while taking numerous photo shots. However, I was bundled up in my very coveted Hoodlamb Hemp Jacket. I gotta say, these Hoodlamb Jackets are the absolute best jackets you will ever find! It's made of 55% hemp. These Hoodlamb Hemp Jackets keep you warm and dry in all types of weather. Hemp is naturally organic and sustainable, making this a great leather-free eco-friendly jacket alternative for vegetarians as well.

You will fall in love with these Hoodlamb Jackets the instant you put it on as our family has. After receiving my black one, as a gift from a couple of personal close friends a couple years back, I just had to get one for everyone in the family. These Hoodlamb Hemp Jackets are just that awesome! They are a must have for everyone who wants to stay as warm as possible when in the cold elements. The Hoodlamb Jackets have so many special features about it too, with even a secret hidden pocket! All pockets are fake fur-lined as well, so you get to feel the extra luxury when you slip your hands into your pockets or reach into one of your many specialty pockets throughout the Hoodlamb Jacket.

Men's Hoodlamb Jacket

In the men's version they carry it in black, navy, camouflage, green, gray and brown. These men's Hoodlamb Hemp Jackets are hard core heavy duty jackets! They come down roughly to the top of your thigh, keeping your backside toasty warm. They keep you so warm in fact that you don't need anything more than a simple T-shirt underneath!

Women's Hoodlamb Jacket

And in the very sexy women's tailored Hoodlamb Jacket version, they carry it in black, white, green, brown, camouflage and grey. They make any woman's figure VERY ATTRACTIVE!! So much so that I was tempted to ban my daughter's from wearing their's outside of the house LOL. Very form fitting indeed! You will definitely like these women's Hoodlamb Hemp Jackets!

These Hoodlamb Hemp Jackets are truly out of this world in my books! You can not go wrong with these. They make an excellent gift as well. If you do get one, please do leave a comment and let me know how you end up getting on with it. :D I'm sure you'll end up loving it!

Anyways, till the next pic, take care,

Carl

Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS Content for your iGoogle Homepage

2009-04-05T21:31:00.020+01:00

Search for Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS content for your iGoogle homepage. I stumbled across this great Google gadget while on my own personal hunt for more information on Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS. You can add this Google gadget to your personal iGoogle page, which is your Google homepage, but personalized. This cool Google Gadget will search out and list blogs regarding Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS and place it on your iGoogle Homepage as content for you to read.

Once on this Google Gadget page, you should see the Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS - Google Blog Search window, like the following:

Simply click the "Add to Google" button on the page and the Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS Google Blog Search content window will be automatically added to your iGoogle page, your Personal Google Homepage.

Once you click on the "Add to Google" button, it will then automatically take you to your iGoogle page and it should show the new Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS - Google Blog Search Result window, looking something like this:

Don't forget that you can customize this content by using the buttons in the upper right hand corner of the box.

Alternatively, you can add a blog search gadget for any subject matter as content for your personal Google homepage. All you need to do is go to Google, switch over the results to BLOGS ONLY by going to the menu at the top left hand side of the Google search page, where you see the choices of changing your search from the standard WEB result to: "Web, Images, Maps, News, Video, Mail, more". Click on the 'more' option and a drop down menu will appear. On that drop down menu list you will find the BLOG option, click on that, and then type in the item you want to search for. Google will then give you the search result for BLOGS ONLY that exists out there on your item searched for. Scroll to the bottom of that 1st blog search result page and you will find the link to: "Add a blog search gadget for (YOUR ITEM HERE) to your Google homepage"

This isn't rocket science I know, but hopefully this will be useful to someone out there. Happy blog reading. :)

Carl

Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS Guide

2009-04-01T19:29:00.003+01:00

Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS is a functional disorder of the bowel that may include the symptoms of bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and cramps over an extended period of time. The intensity of these symptoms can range from mildly irritating, to altogether disabling. In contrast to Inflammatory Bowel Disease, there is no physical change noted in the digestive tract with IBS. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 1 in 5 Americans have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, though women are affected by IBS three times more often than men.

There is not a single clear reason as to what causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS as it generally has a number of intertwined causes. Almost all mainstream medical institutions declare that there is no known cause for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. They speculate that it may arise as a result of stress or diet, with the symptoms of IBS usually beginning around age 20.

You may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

* A recurring change in bowel movements that can alternate between chronic constipation and bouts of diarrhea
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Nausea
* Painful bloating
* Flatulence/gas
* Abdominal discomfort, usually in the lower abdominal area

Source: Jigsaw Health

IBS explained for people who do not have IBS

One thing that most IBS sufferers have in common is that it’s hard to communicate to the people in their life about what it’s like to live with IBS. There are several reasons for this. First of all, talking about problems with your GI system is socially taboo. I mean, yuck! It’s a topic you’d associate with an infantile comedy routine, not with a conversation between two co-workers, or two people out on a first date. Secondly, like many chronic conditions, it changes how a person gets through their day.

It makes simple daily routines, like going to the bathroom, or ordering food, complicated, difficult and different. And when your day is different from everyone’s around you, it can be very isolating and hard to explain.

Unfortunately, people with IBS often find that they have to explain over and over again. In restaurants, in the office, on trips, and at home. Because even though 20% of the population suffer from some form of GI difficulty, the other 80% have a mental block about believing that it’s really real. Or that it’s really as bad as people say; that there’s a genuine difference between having a ‘bad stomach’ for a few days and having a chronic condition that effects your whole life.

It’s an embarrassing condition to describe, and it’s a difficult lifestyle to explain.

Some IBS facts:

* IBS is a high maintenance condition.
* IBS is not temporary, it’s life long.
* I'm not a picky eater, I just don’t want to get sick.
* When I’m having an attack, I need space.
* The rules are always changing, in terms of what works and what doesn’t work for IBS.
* I’m not using IBS as an excuse not to do things.
* People with IBS don’t talk about it too much.
* IBS is not ‘all in our heads’.
* There are many IBS symptoms.
* Don’t take my condition personally.
* I can’t always help being late.
* I can’t control how often I get sick.
* It’s not funny when you have to live with it everyday.
* There is no known cure for IBS.

Source: http://www.ibsgroup.org/main/aboutibs.shtml

Personal accounts from fellow IBS sufferers

There are so many people out there suffering from IBS. Here is just a small sample of what others have to say about their experiences with IBS. You can read these quotes below and many others like them at Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Self Help and Support Group Forums.

Apr 1 2007, 05:53 AM - "I got it; I'm in hell"

"Just realized it a few minutes ago. Along with my depression, general anxiety, I'm completely lost in terms my future goals including my career/major, where I want to live, etc. I'm even lost as to who I am. I can't answer the question of what I like to do in my freetime without being dishonest.

I mean it had to come down to this, the inability to crap. It's the most pathetic, embarrassing, frustrating illness. I mean you can't even do a simple daily task that every human being does, and that is the ability to excrete. It's a silly illness, really.

It's gotten to the point where I'm actually obsessing over it. I look at someone on the street and I envy them because they can go to the bathroom, take a dump, and feel relieved afterwards. I want to say they take it for granted but you know how ridiculous that sounds.

This has gotta be hell. Somewhere along my life I died and this is what I'm living with. Career anxiety, social anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, weight gain, depression, loneliness, agitation, hatred... The list goes on."

Jul 6 2006, 12:36 AM - "Had just about enough"

"OK, im going to take this opportunity to have a moan, i am sure i am not the only one that feels like i do."

"I don't live with IBS, i exist, i think it is impossible or very difficult to "live" with this complaint. I struggle through from one day to the next, dread waking up in the morning because i dont know how i am going to be that day, cant wait til i go to bed at night because i know that it is another day over and done with, though when i do get to bed time i lay there for a while praying to god that i have a good night and dont end up waking up ill."

"i am CERTAIN the medical profession, well maybe not ALL but most, underestimate how much of an impact this has on peoples lives, this is not just your usual run of the mill stomach complaint, not for me anyway this thing has control of my life, i dont really live life, i live IBS, which is a horrible thing for a 25 year old man to say but it is true. it is so depressing existing with this condition, would i rather have an alternative medical problem, offer me something and see if i turn it down, i probably wouldnt obviously i would not want to be terminally ill and there are worse out there, but hell, there are much better things to cope with than this i am sure. I get sick of lack of understanding from people who have NO IDEA what it is like going through this."

"OK im going to stop right there otherwise ill be moaning all night, i have 18 months worth of moaning trapped inside me."

Mad

Jul 26 2006, 06:02 AM - "Can't take it anymore"

"Its only been 4 years for me, not even quite that many yet, and yes im a rookie compared to some, but i just cant deal with it anymore. Being a man and all, i naturally dont get too emotional over many things, but it seems i cant go longer than an hour or two nowadays without thinking about my stomach problems and then getting all depressived over it."

Aug 10 2006, 07:21 PM - "I just want to cry"

"hi people well i dont realy know where to start, but this is the only place where i can express my feelings,it seems like nobody with ibs seems to understand how i am feeling, they just think this is some joke,but really they can not even begin to imagine what i am going through, im sure all you people reading this will know if you have the same problems. i was a prety normal healthy girl, only small,quite petite, i rember my friends syin to me i would love to have a figure like yours,i was really grateful of what i had,being able to eat nething i would want,and bang out of the blue i get ibs,3-4 months ago i discovrd that their was something wrong with my body but the docotrs did not take much notice,wish they had! and now i just cant cope,everyday i want to cry and i dont feel happy, i dont want to enjoy life like i ust to,really looking forward to doing things,buying new clothes etc,at the moment i dont even feel like wearing ne of my clothes,i just want to hide away from every1,my bf dusnt even understnd,i keep teling him ive had enuf,and he keeps going on about what he can eat etc,but i dont think he realises what i am going thru,like i say its all a joke. i have been get really bad stomach pains,really awful noises in my stomache, and the worst of all my stomache bloats up so much that it actually makes me look like i am pregnant. can you imagine how that must feel like.i hate it,once upon time i ust to love my figure,now i hate it.funi thing in the morning when i dont eat i can look normal. my stomach is down,as soon as i have something to eat,bang,it just bloats up so much.i hate it.plss ive tryd everything,medicine,mebeverine tablets, fibre gel, drink loads water,herbal tea,even been to the chinese doct but nothing at the moment seems to be working,pls you people out their i want you to pray for me,i just want my life back,i want to be normal agian without having tom worry about my ibs problems,my stomach makes so much noises i just can not bare it nemore. i feel deprsd,i feel hurt,i feel like why did this have to hapen to me for,nobody has been thru nethin like this in my family,why me!!! its not fair,life is so unfair.honestly. pls help.i look forward to hearin from you soon,and all you people with ibs i know exact how it must feel. i have my heart with you all. xx blessx"

Nov 21 2006, 11:08 PM - "I'm still sick and tired of this"

"After 20 years of dealing with this, i feel I have a right to gripe. I am so sick and tired of running to the bathroom all the time. I would like to take my granddaughter for a walk to the park. This would really make her day. But, no, I have to stay right by the bathroom. When it's time to cook dinner, what happens, I have to run to the bathroom while I'm fixing it. Sometimes, that means taking off the stove whatever I was cooking and hoping it doesn't mess up the food. Doing dishes, I get hit again. Sometimes I even sit on a stool just so I might be able to finish them. For me, my stomach is worse when I stand up. But, you can't sit and do everyday things. AWWW!!!!! Oh well. Life goes on. Tomorrow we can do it all over again. I know you have to do the best you can to get through it but sometimes, I'd like to have a hug. A little help with dinner or the dishes. A little understanding."

Apr 30 2007, 07:12 PM - "What now?"

... "At this point I'm back to sleeping all the time, having no energy and constantly worrying about my bowel movements. My libido is suffering (because who feels sexy when you are bloated and gassy?). I keep catching colds. And most of the time my entire body aches. I have heard that there are links between IBS and some disorders such as Fibro Malaysia but I'm almost afraid to talk to my doctor about it. I'm tired of being told there is no hard answer to explain my pain. I'm tired of everyone thinking I'm a hypochondriac. I'm tired of going through test after test, just to be told there is nothing that can be done because nothing can be found.

I like my doctors and I know they are trying everything they know and they try to be helpful and encouraging, but that doesn't give me the energy to get out of bed, it doesn't help my symptoms or make my friends and family really understand how I feel. Sometimes I feel like they get tired of it. I mean I'm not dying, I don't have cancer so what could be so wrong. But I feel awful most of the time and even when I feel ok I have to wonder if eating this is going to cause problems tomorrow or do I have to pass on that because it might upset my system. Sometimes I wish just for I second I could show them how it feels to be me, so they would understand." ...

Sep 12 2005, 12:00 PM - "Emotional and physical HELL!"

"Hi my names emily and im 16 years old. I have been suffering from IBS for 4 years now and every day of my life is a struggle! Until i found this website, i felt so alone, no one understood the amount of pain i was in. Im currently doing year 11 and i am missing so much school because of my IBS and somesays its so bad i feel like i cant go on. Apart from the physical pain, the emotional stress of it all is really hard to cope with, and even though people are sympathetic and listen to me, i feel like they dont really understand and that they think im just being over dramatic. Ive had so many tests done and tried all kinds of medications, yet nothing works. I just need to take each day as it comes, some days im ok and can function normally, but other days im in absolute hell and completely miserable. My life is a battle and im determined to get through this and not give up. To the rest of you out there, your not alone, keep your head up and hope for a brighter future xoxoxox"

Aug 5 2005, 03:13 PM - "IBS and me"

"I have been off work for 1 1/2 years. I go from severe diahrea and abdominal pain in the morning and severe bloating and constipation at night. My physican doesn't seem to understand how much pain i am in everyday. I had an ercp done in May of this year. Since then I have back pain and my body aches all over everyday. Within 3 months I have badly sprained my ankle and broke my wrist. By doing some research i found out that when you have IBS it also is linked with fibromyalgia and bone loss. Going through this everyday takes alot out of me and it is extremely hard to even do everyday household chores or even go in the workplace for 8 hours and do shift work. I get depressed because I feel like crap everyday and my doctor just doesn't get it."

Jan 7 2002, 02:11 AM - "Do the professionals really understand"

"I was told I had IBS 8 years ago, at that time it only flarred up every now and then, but as I get older it gets worst.For the last month or so it has gotten so much worst, the pain has been unbearable, a few trips to the ER to stop the pain with demoral.It is just awful.I feel like the professionals don't understand how much a problem it really is and how painful it really is. Hopefully soon, they will figure out something."

Jul 21 2001, 08:09 PM - "Life with IBS.. the Spouse's view"

... "Since being diagnosed with IBS, my husband has had several different test run and has been on several different medications.. Ativan, BuSpar, Efflexor, Belladonna/Phenobar, Phenergan, Meperidine/Promethazine (which is Mepergan), Levsin, and Asacol, the most recent medication was Paxil (which only made the symptoms worse).. they have tried antispasmatics and they have tried
anxiety medications ... nothing is working. We have a 2 yr. old son that loves to play with his father, and most of the time my husband's pain is so severe that he can't play with him. Which is stressful and cause his symptoms to worsen. Before November we had a normal life, he played with our son, we went out from time to time, we went shopping..... now there are days that I can't even get him to get off the couch." ...

... "I hear everyone telling me to help "keep stress down" but what a lot of
them don't realize is that with IBS its hard to do, the pain alone is
stressful. I am trying to be a strong person and help my husband and our
family through this, but it is a very hard thing to do when you don't have
anyone to talk to about all of it. Especially when they keep telling you
that it is all in his head. I can't talk to him about it.. because I don't
want to upset him.. plus he really doesn't want to talk about it ... and I
understand that" ...

... "no I am not an IBS patient ... but I am a wife of an IBS
patient.. and that is rough too ... so please.. those of you that are married
... understand one thing ... your spouse needs you just as much as you need
them ... try to be understanding when they get just as upset and frustrated
with IBS as you" ...

Essential Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS Links

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self Help and Support Group

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Self Help Group, established in 1987, is a patient advocate group in support of those who suffer from IBS, those who are looking for support for someone who has IBS, and medical professionals who want to learn more about IBS. The IBS Self Help and Support Group is the first and largest on-line community created specifically for sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. They have an IBS Forum, Blogs, Stories, Penpals and free eCards.

I encourage you to visit and join the largest IBS community on the Internet. You will be helped in many ways, and come to know that you are not suffering alone. It's extremely hard to do for me sometimes when in the midst of a world of daily agony, but if I force myself to focus on others pain and not my own, doing for others in general, then I don't notice the constant discomfort so much.

Revolution Health - Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Information - Blog
An IBS blog where you can learn more about IBS, post your thoughts, interact with people, and more. This site is a great resource for those struggling to cope with IBS daily.

The Rome Criteria for IBS - Help in accurately diagnosising IBS
At the 13th International Congress of Gastroenterology in Rome, Italy in 1988 a group of physicians defined criteria to more accurately diagnose IBS.

Known as the "Rome Criteria," this set of guidelines that outlines symptoms and applies parameters such as frequency and duration make possible a more accurate diagnosis of IBS.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQ

Good Eats for IBS
Delicious foods by a gourmet chef and fellow IBS sufferer. The only COOKING Website on the Internet dedicated to people with IBS. Sign up for Good Eats for IBS FREE Monthly great tasting recipes, which try to minimize the triggering of IBS symptoms.

Digestive Health SmartBrief Newsletter
Sign up for your FREE Digestive Health SmartBrief to receive a free weekly newsletter from the experts at the American College of Gastroenterology.

This newsletter provides a round-up of each week's most important IBS and GI health news stories. It's summaries are reviewed by ACG member physicians and are drawn from hundreds of top scientific and consumer health publications. It's a quick way to stay up-to-speed on the latest developments related to your digestive health.

If anyone has any links that are not included on the above list, please leave a comment with your suggestions and I'll be sure to update the list to include it. :)

My own personal story with IBS

In August of 1989, I severely injured my back on the job of a trucking company. I was off work for approximately 1 year while being ‘rehabilitated’. During those initial months, I developed a serious migraine that lasted an excruciating 6 months. That was shortly followed up by getting a severe chronic case of IBS. From mid 1990 until even now, today, I suffer greatly from pain, nausea, and loss of appetite, nearly every single day in varying degrees. There are barely a handful of days that I can count from 1990 to today, that I have not suffered greatly because of it. The anguish I go through and still deal with is immense.

Each person suffering from IBS is uniquely different from the rest, no two are the same. In my case, (according to the Pittsburgh Pain Clinic in PA, USA in 2002), I am in the minority 5% group of IBS sufferers that suffer the worst. It's virtually full on IBS 24/7. I was rated by the Pain Clinic and was told the pain level I endure is on the same level as a patient who endures stomach cancer. This has led me to being on morphine in the ER on numerous occasions and just as recently as here in the UK. This pain some IBS sufferers endure is completely debilitating and unbearable.

If you know someone with IBS, give them patience, understanding and forgiveness, and love them through each day. Believe them when they say they are suffering from IBS and don't feel well; they mean it. It is a hidden disorder or disease that everyone else just can not see.

When a person develops IBS, their body becomes a very difficult place to live in. By taking the time to understand IBS, you have helped to make their environment an easier place to live in.

I am painfully aware that this blog entry is a bit long, however, I felt it extremely important to get this information out. Over the years I have researched different sites and gathered various bits of information and thought that I'd share it with you here, all in one place. All links to sources have been given so that you can research further as needed.

Remember, you don't have IBS because you did something wrong or are a bad person. You have IBS because this is an imperfect world that we live in. Remember that IBS is not life threatening and we can learn how to live with it.

If you wish to share your own experiences with this disorder, please feel free to comment.

Take care,

Carl

Essential Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS Reading:

Get your own unique Caricature

2009-03-29T05:04:00.011+01:00

Get yourself an amazing personal Caricature! A caricature can make you appear anyway you want, as your favorite superhero, celebrity or absolutely anything you can think of. All caricatures are uniquely designed and hand drawn from the photo you provide, with any theme and background you wish. You can choose a personal caricature for one, or a group caricature, a black and white caricature, a personal unique logo (for your business), a personal animated gif caricature or a celebrity caricature.

There are many pages in Draw-me.com's Gallery of Caricatures to choose from, however if none suits you, come up with your own idea for a caraciture and send over the details to their Designers and they will work with you.

Send Draw-me.com your photo, giving the details of what you want done and their professional graphic designers will custom design an amazing caricature. Each drawing is created by hand, then colored and rendered digitally to ensure the richest color quality. You can use it for your web site, blog, email, business cards, business logo, business presentations, stationary, greeting cards, your ebook or software box cover and much more! Instead of agonizing over which imperfect pic taken of yourself that you want to use, to post up on your blog or website for instance, instead use Draw-me.com's low-cost service to get a fun and memorable attention grabbing caricature of yourself that makes a lasting positive impression upon your visitors.

You receive your personal caricature in two sizes:

1. 72 DPI resolution jpg picture file, for onscreen presentations and for sending by email.
2. 150 DPI resolution jpg picture file, for normal printing purposes.

They also provide a free bonus for Incredimail users: An IncrediMail stationery that contains your amazing caricature in IMF format.

Draw-me.com also can custom make you a clay-modelled doll for any occasion: Birthday, Wedding, Anniversary, Christmas or even just for yourself. And international shipping is FREE!! The clay doll is made of Polyresin and polymer clay, which is heat and water proof.

We have personally purchased several caricatures over the years and are thoroughly pleased with each one. Draw-me.com's customer service is also a top notch crew, having always answered my questions and concerns in a timely manner. The designer crew at Draw-me.com are extremely talented and have no problems working with you on the details of the caricature until you are fully satisfied with the result, plus they have a fast 48 hour turn around service as well.

Some time ago my wife Katrina and I decided to have the crew at Draw-me.com create a caricature depicting our rather special union, based on this drawing that my wife drew up:

After sending this above drawing attached in an email to the designers, and asking for several different things, they came back with exactly what we were after! The following is the finished product:

Because of their great prices and my addiction to getting a really cool caricature done of myself, in the past they have created several other amazing caricatures for me. Here are a few of them:

Here are just a few testimonials posted on draw-me.com:

OH MY GOODNESS! You've done an outstanding job on my caricature. I have been wanting to be like Wonder Woman since I was a little girl, Now look at me with my dream come true that took just days to do! By the one, the only draw-me.com, THANKS A MILLION
- Angela De Maio

I love it!!!! It came out even better than I had envisioned! It's wonderful and it was done so quickly!!! Thanks again and I will DEFINITELY tell my friends (and show them) and give rave reviews!!!!!
- Katie Gualco

Great design and service, sooo fast!
- Inez Tankesly

WOW! Talk about Customer service! You guys are great. Thank you for not only being good artist but also good business people. I will tell all my friends about you.
- Richard Parker

CLICK HERE to get your own unique Caricature from Draw-me.com

Please feel free to leave a comment and share your experiences with any caricatures that you may end up purchasing from Draw-me.com. We would love to hear from you.

Alternatively, if you have a talent for drawing or have a passion for taking photos, why don't you look into getpaidtodraw and start earning money for something you enjoy doing! The website connects buyers of art with sellers, and also provides sellers with the resources and channels to sell their art and photos to websites, companies and more. Submit your photos, paintings, artwork with oil paints, watercolors, sculptures, simple drawings and just about everything else that someone might want in their house, on the wall or on their website! You can upload thousands of photos and get paid every time someone downloads one of them. Simply incredible!

Take a look at this brief video if you are interested in more details:

Enjoy!

Carl

How to send and receive Hotmail emails in Incredimail

2009-03-18T11:56:00.041Z

Configure Incredimail to send and receive Hotmail email

For a while now I've been having trouble with downloading my Hotmail emails into my Incredimail email client. Initially I deleted the Hotmail account in Incredimail, and started over, adding it over from scratch. However, each time I did this, entering my address@hotmail.com, Incredimail would go to the default http settings, giving absolutely no entry field to enter the POP3 and SMTP server settings. Originally Incredimail would give you the option of "Let me configure settings myself", which would have allowed the entering of proper server settings, when adding a new email account, however, for whatever reason, that option simply was not and is not there.

Frustrated, I went on a Google search and found various confusing as well as complicated answers, and then I came across http://windowslivehelp.com/community/t/13141.aspx where others were asking this same question and receiving suggestions. Amongst the many posts on this page, I found a simple suggestion that worked for me. However it wasn't gone into with great detail, so I thought that I would try to explain this in full here for other's benefit, giving all the relevant information one would need to set it all up. Hopefully Incredimail will put a fix on this little glitch of a problems soon, but until then, this workaround simple fix will allow you to add your Hotmail email account to Incredimail.

The key to the solution is to NOT use the word "HOTMAIL" anywhere on the original setting up of the new account in Incredimail, so that the Incredimail program won't go to the default http server settings. Just use a made up email account name like maryjane@gmail.com, as an example, when adding a new account.

First, in Incredimail, go to your Accounts, under the Tools menu:

Once in the 'Mail Accounts' popup menu box, click on ADD and enter the dummy account name maryjane@gmail.com. At this point, it doesn't really matter what you enter, just be sure not to use the word 'Hotmail' and you should be fine. After you enter the few details click "Finish" on the account setup. This will bring you back to the 'Mail Accounts' popup window,

with that newly added account now highlighted. With that account still highlighted, click on "Properties".

Once in the Properties section, under the General tab, change the Account Name and Display Name to be as you want, (eg: Account Name: "Hotmail" / Display Name: "Mary Jane"), as well as changing the email address to be as it should, (eg: "maryjane@hotmail.com".)

Under the Servers tab change the following:

Incoming mail server: pop3.live.com
Outgoing mail server: smtp.live.com

(Incoming and Outgoing server settings can be found at Microsoft's Windows Live Help.)

On this same Servers tab, be sure the Incoming Mail Server Username and Password field is correct with your something@hotmail.com address of choice and the proper password for that Hotmail account.

Also be sure to tick the box under Outgoing Mail Server that states "My server requires authentication".

Next, under the Advanced tab, set the Server Port Numbers as follows:

Outgoing mail (SMTP): 25
Incoming mail (POP3): 995

Be sure to put a tick on "This server requres a secure connection (SSL)" underneath both the Outgoing and Incoming mail setting.

Finally, click on OK, and then that should do it!

To give it a quick test, compose and send a dummy test message to yourself at the hotmail address you just set up and then check your mail to see if it the test email downloads into your Incredimail client properly.

This could very well be the 'easy fix' for other email clients out there that suddenly out of the blue are no longer receiving your Hotmail emails. It is certainly worth a try.

Best of luck,

Carl

BRITA Water Filter Cartridges 6 Pack

2008-07-09T21:10:00.041+01:00

I have been using BRITA Water Filter Cartridges for about six years now, and will never go back to drinking straight tap water again. The adverts you see on TV are spot on, I no longer have to go through the lengthy process of de-scaling the kettle and then worrying as to whether I am about to poison the family by not getting rid of every last trace of the de-scaler from the kettle, tentatively tasting the first cup of tea for signs of bitter de-scale remnants. I no longer have to deal with the disgusting sludgy lime scale, that we seem to have in our area building up in my kettle, but worse yet, knowing that I must have had that sludge going through my own system!!

It's no wonder people end up with kidney stones, after all, the kidneys are our own filter system, and certainly where I live with the water being so chalky and full of lime scale, it follows that if your kettle gets full of this stuff then your kidneys are going to feel the impact too. In my mind it makes sense that if I eliminate the lime scale from my kettle, by using the Brita jug and filter, then I have to be eliminating the lime scale from my body too.

I would religiously go and buy a filter each month, opting to sometimes buy packs of three when the supermarket had them on "special". That is until I discovered the wonders of the web, I really could have kicked myself, when just recently I discovered that you can pick up this 6 pack of BRITA Water Filter Cartridges at Robert Dyas, at a much cheaper price of £16.99! Granted, you buy 6 months at a time, as each cartridge will last for up to 1 month, however, your savings are almost double, which makes this a must have bargain for all us filter freaks.

Incidentally, your water filter cartridges by BRITA can now be recycled at Robert Dyas, Argos, and some branches of Morrisons, doing your bit for a greener world.

That's it for the time being from this bargain hunting Mum, chat with you soon,

Katrina

Skydiving for a birthday present!

2008-07-01T23:32:00.041+01:00

Skydiving on her 21st birthday was just what my eldest stepdaughter Shana did on the 14th of May 2008, treating herself to the coolest birthday present ever! That dream of human flight temporarily realized! What a rush that must have been for her! As she put it in the end of the video, "that was the most amazing experience of my life!" If that were me, I don't think you would have been able to get me out those airplane doors, as there is absolutely no way I am going to be jumping out of any perfectly good working airplane, now that I'm in my 40's, not to mention the fact that I've got this thing about heights.

The company that Shana went tandem skydiving with is called Atlanta Skydiving Center. The ASC crew filmed the following footage which shows her being interviewed prior to take off and it follows all the way through the take off, the nerve racking ascent and final preparation, the jump out of the airplane itself, the free fall for a ways till the shoot is pulled open at which point the camera man takes it from there down to the ground where he quickly prepares to capture Shana's safe and very smooth landing back on solid ground. The 2 music tracks used in the video are Pearl Jam - "Alive" and Sublime - "What I Got".

This particular video arrived by mail the other day, addressed to my husband, Shana's father, and the minute he realized that his eldest daughter's 21st birthday skydive jump was on the disc, it immediately got played and shared with the family. He was quite excited and proud, as he shared the video over and over.

Here is the 5 minute skydive video:

If you are interested in doing a tandem jump or are wanting to get the perfect awesome gift for that someone special, you should check out this Ultimate Tandem Skydive Aadventure Gift Package from Buyagift.co.uk.

Here are a couple of awesome examples of what customers from Buyagift.co.uk had to say about their tandem jump:

"I got this for my 50th birthday and it was bloody brilliant! The instructors were all very good and made me feel incredibly safe. It was all so interesting, not one dull moment. The dive was amazing, as soon as I hit the ground I wanted to do it again! I'm going to do the 2 day parachute course next, I can't wait!"
by: John Spavins, Herts

"I got this for my 21st birthday after seeing how much my Mum enjoyed it. I absolutely loved it! I'm deaf and found the staff to be incredibly helpful and considerate. They expelained everything very well. I would definitely do this again and I think everyone should give it a go."
by: Caroline Edge, Liverpool

It takes a lot of training before you are allowed to jump from 13,000 feet, however if you are strapped to a pro skydiver, like my step daughter Shana did just a few weeks ago, you don't need any sky diving experience and after just a 30 minute briefing before you jump, you're on your way to one of the most amazing experiences of your life.

My husband has already warned me that he might just have to give it a go now that his eldest daughter has done it. One thing you can be sure of though, is that I will NOT be doing this, unless my husbands begging and pleading gets the better of me.... wow I think I must be coming down with something, anyone else just get a rush of nausea overcome them???

Keep watching this space!

Katrina

Acrylic Body Jewellery Retainers

2008-07-01T18:09:00.007+01:00

Discreet acrylic retainers for body jewellery piercings is the subject of today's chat. These retainers are aimed at the older age groups out there. This will probably apply more to those above the age of 16, but especially anyone with facial piercings struggling to secure a job.

I can't help but notice the amount of young people these days that have various facial piercing, and while I have no objection to these piercings, I can appreciate how visually they might be off putting to a potential employer during the interview process.

We all know first impressions are the ones that last, and just as a strong body odor will put off an employer, so can facial piercings... is this fair and right? Well of course it isn't, but it does happen.

Acrylic O-Ring Tongue Retainers

So with that in mind I would like to introduce you to this wonderful little gadget that I have come across. It is called a Acrylic O-Ring Tongue Retainer, because it simply pops into the piercing position in place of the existing piercing, keeping your piercing open. These transparent acrylic flat tongue retainers have o-ring adjustable ends to conceal your tongue stud. The clear o-ring is slipped onto the end, hiding of your tongue piercing completely! By the way, they can also be used if you need to remove your jewellery for an x-ray, operation or dental treatment. The tongue retainer comes in at an amazing price too, a real bargain at £4.00.

Curved Eyebrow Retainers

They also do a range for eyebrow piercings too, like this Curved Eyebrow Retainer and these, like the tongue retainers, are priced just as well at £3.00.

This eyebrow retainer is curved and features one fixed 'disc' and one removable rubber o-ring. This retainer is held in place with the o-ring once fitted onto the end.

Eyebrow Retainers simply replace your existing Eyebrow Jewellery. They are completely clear and excellent at concealing Eyebrow Piercings. They are worn with the small ball at the top of the piercing, so as to hold the bar in place. The bar is so discreet, you wouldn't even know you had a piercing.

Things to know:

* When handling or changing your body jewellery, you must always ensure to clean your hands, preferably with anti-bacterial soap.

* A hot shower or hot compress will help soften your skin before cleaning and inserting the retainer.

* Replacement o-rings can sometimes fall off and get lost, they are so tiny! Remember to purchase some spares to keep yourself organised, just in case.

The Body Jewellery Shop have been in business since 2000 and are ranked as one of the most popular piercings shops in the world and are able to boast customers in their tens of thousands, with millions of regular visitors to the online shop and forum, and have received many awards for this business from various bodies within the piercing industry.

Further more, I do actually have the pleasure of knowing the people that run the Body Jewellery Shop and can vouch for their above standard service, and business know how. They run a tight ship and are extremely helpful to their customers, whether they know them personally or not. After receiving their one of a kind type of customer service you will feel as though you have made a life long friend, it is through their customer services over the years, that I got to know them in private too, they are truly wonderful people. What's more, when you phone their help line, you actually go through to them, not someone sitting there with a script leaving you frustrated when needing help.

Here is one of the customer feedbacks on the tongue retainer:

"Retainers are a god send! What could be worse than having to take out all your jewellery at work?? I think this is the perfect solution because they're almost completely unnoticeable and really comfortable to wear, I'm so glad I didn't take the piercing out completely. If you really get attached to your piercings like I do then don't fall into the trap and just buy yourself one of these!"
by: Poison-Ivy

So to all the young people out there, good luck with your interviews, and never be less than you know you are.

See ya soon,

Katrina