Here is something that might work for you. So far, I have been unable to get it to work for me, but others report success. Could be that because I have dialup or AOL, something is different enough to make it not work. It's a little bit tricky, but not too bad, and if it works will remove most ads (including banners and those animated things) from all sites. First, go to this website: http://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/~atman/spam/adblock.shtml It will direct you through the steps for blocking ads by updating your host file. This works for all browswers--IE, Firefox, Netscape. The directions on the webpage above do not really explain too well how to open the host file, so here are the preliminary steps: --First, open Notepad (on my computer, Notepad can be found by going to Start, All Programs, Accessories and clicking Notepad). --Next, click File and then Open. --You will be looking for a directory that can be found in one of the following places: Windows XP C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC Windows 2K C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC Windows 98 C:\WINDOWS *Note: I have XP but found the directory in the place shown for Windows 2K (WINNT). The website above shows a table that is pretty accurate and includes other operating systems besides Windows. --Now, open the file in Notepad. On my computer, once I had 'etc' I had to change "Files of type:" to "All Files" with the arrow and then click on 'hosts' and Open. From there you can use the directions from the website given above and paste in all of the entries to add to your host file. Supposedly, this will tell your browser that these ad servers are located on your machine and so attempts to retrieve the ads will fail. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked yet for me, but others say it works great for them. In addition, here are some more entries that I found from a Gardenweb post a while back that are specifically targeting GW ads. I don't know whether or not they are also covered by the entries above, but here they are just in case: 127.0.0.1 amch.questionmarket.com 127.0.0.1 a820.g.akamai.net 127.0.0.1 iv.doubleclick.net 127.0.0.1 i.ivillage.com 127.0.0.1 m.2mdn.net 127.0.0.1 tste.ivillage.com 127.0.0.1 img-cdn.mediaplex.com 127.0.0.1 ads.vmirror.com 127.0.0.1 cmhtml.ivillage.overture.com 127.0.0.1 ads.pointroll.com Edit each entry above so that there is a tab between the IP address 127.0.0.1 and the URLs. Click Save and you're finished. Close and re-open your browser and hopefully all the ads will be gone. Now, the second part of the directions on the webpage tell you to update your proxy configuration (even if you aren't behind a proxy). I can't figure out how to do it, though. I get to where I paste in the long line into the No Proxy box, but my computer then tells me I need more info in the address/port box and I have no idea what I'm supposed to put in there. If anyone knows this, let me know!

I have used AS chalk paint on several pieces. At first it was to see what the excitement was all about, and I bought only sample jars when they were much less expensive than they are now. The sheen is VERY FLAT, and personally, I don't care for it without wax. I have not bought the AS waxes, but I have Butcher's Wax in clear, and Briwax in both light brown and dark brown. All of them protect and (to me) enhance the appearance of the chalk paint. This was a black and gold CL mirror that I did in blues and grays in AS chalk paint. I then used Briwax in dark brown to get into the carvings and add a bit of sheen to the mirror. BEFORE - AFTER - I experimented last year with a maple bureau that I bought from Craigslist. I put on patches of several colors (both chalk paint and regular latex in different brands). What I found was that the chalk paint stuck to the unsanded finish like glue. When I made my decision to go with a chalk paint color, I found that I could easily remove the latex paints by just running my fingernail over them. THAT is what I like about the chalk paints on furniture vs. the other types. This is the bureau that I mentioned above, still in progress. I used AS Paris Gray, and I am decoupaging fabric to the drawer fronts. In order to preserve the color match between paint and fabric here, I will use the butcher's wax in clear when I finish this one. I am replacing the knobs with chunky 'English style' knobs that I have painted in the AS Paris Gray. And before I started it, in the seller's garage -

Hi all I agree with Sally about switching dog foods. Variety is good for them. What I do and many may not agree with this, is to buy 3 kinds (I rotate between Natural Balance, Eagle Pack Holistic, Canidae, Wysong, Solid Gold Holistic Blendz) and mix them. I top off the mix with either N-R-G (a dehydrated food), table scraps, hard boiled eggs, salmon oil, yogurt, veggies and so on. It works for me. I don't believe that any one food fed all the time is ideal. Do I have scientific evidence that what I am going is good for my dogs? Nope, but I do have happy, healthy dogs with gorgeous coats. You need to find what works for your dog. Be aware that if they get hot spots, flaky skin and other ailments, to remember to reevaluate the food. I found out that my old girl is allergic to lamb the hard way. It took me a while to figure it out but now that I know, I stay away from the lamb and she is a lot happier and more comfortable. By the way, if you decide to supplement your dog, remember that onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts are not good for them. Egg whites also need to be cooked. Danni

The clumping litter thing is good fodder for emails and that's about it. Not one reputable place has ever supported that hysteria. But back to the topic. Do you have a Mill's Fleet Farm nearby? Possibly other farm type stores might have deals too but I can buy 40# clumping cat litter at Fleet Farm for $7.49 full retail and they often put it on sale for as low as $5.50. Excellent cat litter too. Worked well in the Litter Maid and not all of the cheap stuff will. I don't go there often anymore so I haven't checked for a while plus I stocked up on different sales at Target. They often have sales where you buy 2 and get a $5 gift card at the register. That made the Tidy Cats 35# bucket about $9.50 and one time I had a $1 coupon so that's $8.50 for 35#. Tidy Cats is pretty good. Also bought some Scoop Away that netted out at about $11 for 2-28# (56# total) after the gift card deducted. The worst stuff I ever used was Cats Pride. I got that for what I thought was a great deal but ugh, awful stuff. Never again.