S: Is for Get those laptops off your lap

Erythema ab igne refers to skin that is reddened due to repeated exposure to heat radiation. Causes can include exposure to open fire, or use of a computer on a lap extensively. Untreated, it can lead to skin cancer. This is from the Wikipedia that was installed on my Dell computer before I even bought it.
Since last January I have been using a Dell. My bedroom is bright in the morning and as a result I needed to move my computer off the desk onto my bed and thus my lap. I almost always had it on a pillow or I had sweats on (I like to be comfortable as I write). Since February I have been getting extremely tired. This December I had a problem with a skin rash on my chest and I saw a dermatologist. A couple of months prior to that I realized I had this weird bruise on my left leg so I decided since I was there I would ask about it. Imagine my shock and surprise to be told I had Erythema Ab Igne. I was informed that I needed a biopsy ASAP. When I got home I immediately called Dell and was given a case number but no one to talk to. I turned my computer upside down and there is an open space exactly where the computer rests on my leg. I realized the pillow I use was worn out exactly where the open space is. I looked in all the books and the back of the computer and nowhere does it say anything about being burned or radiation.
Though this disease has been known to derive from computers since 2004 in the UK, the computer industry has done nothing about protecting its users. The Dell inspiron 2650 is called a laptop. No one said you shouldn't use it on your lap. Nowhere was it written that this could cause permanent damage and hurt you beyond what you can conceive. Nowhere does it state that this computer can burn you. Nowhere in Dell's literature does it tell you how to solve this problem. Long ago companies stopped referring to laptops as "laptops". In a sort of perverse self-denial of engineered purpose, they're now formally called "notebooks". The reason…. it is documented that men can suffer from temporary infertility after prolonged laptop use. This is not related to the technology itself, but to the intense heat that the units emit. The longer a laptop is used, the hotter it gets. An engineer recently recorded the surface temperature of the bottom of a laptop reaching 50ºC after just 2 hours of use on a table. Now imagine what is does to your skin even when protected by clothing.
You may ask why Dell? Before this computer I had an HP and a MAC. I lived on a boat and spent a lot of time on them always bare legged. I always had to turn the computer upside down because the battery would become dislodged. They all were completely flat no open space. After I was diagnosed I went to a computer store and it was only Dell products that had wide-open spaces. Dell is 25th on the NASDAQ with assets listed at 568 Billion dollars. What I can’t understand is why they can’t warn consumers. Would it of cost that much?
I am lucky the doctor was knowledgeable and we caught this in time. It did not progress into skin cancer. I will however have to be tested for the next 5 years. On February 22 I will be the show and tell at the Dermatology Convention in New York. If I have anything to say about it I will warn as many people as I can about Erythema Ab Igne and the danger of putting your laptops on your lap. This shouldn't’t be my job but since the computer companies aren’t doing their’s I will take this on. Life should not be threatened by corporations neglect to tell the truth and that is most definitely a F.A.C.T.

T: Is for Geligne and also Michel Design Works

My friend Laura gave me a pair of Geligne terry cloth gloves and booties. What made these so ingenious is they soften and moisturize cracked and tender hands and feet with vitamin E, jojoba, grape seed, olive and canola oils. Think the ultimate home spa. She also gave me a product for healing after surgery. I used this product on a scar and it disapeared completely. While looking through their catalogue I discovered pumfort pads, which are non-skid gels for that tender part of the foot that heels put into agonizing pain. Now we can dance the night away in comfort or work the week long at the Javits.
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Today the International Gift Show ends. One of the companies that I have had the greatest of pleasure representing is Michel Design Works. Bruce and Deborah's new line is breathtaking in its color and design. Since my first day of working for them I have been addicted to their Palm Paradise lotion. The rich and creamy emollient smells like a Verner’s ginger beer, which makes my senses reel and my skin softer than it has ever been. The new scents for this show are Chocolate, Honey Almond, Lavender Rosemary, Lemon Basil and Flower Power, which is Peony. Peony has the property to delay the aging process. Gracing the pages of Lucky and Town and Country Michel’s creativity jumps off the page. I have been there when Oprah’s people have been to the show and chosen Michel products to be in “O”. The 1st time was with the baby line. “Just Ducky” and “Snuggle Bunny” are the most adorable lines with polka dotted blankets that are so soft you wish they made them in adult sizes so when you need comforting you could draw it around you.
The newest item is a building block with six pairs of socks. My friend’s Nick and Ghada’s baby Anastasia will definitely be the recipient of this.

This family owned and run company started as a stationary line and has changed with the times extending the beauty of their packaging to soy-waxed candles, luxurious and all natural bath and body products, the irresistible baby lines and the new decoupage trays and glassware. Always putting customer service and elegance 1st this is a company to admire and solicit. I recommend if you see this to run not walk to the Javits and go to the Crystal Pavilion before 12 noon and see what is a F.A.C.T. or log onto www.micheldesignworks to discover and xplore.

C: Is for Fredericks

Receiving approximately 13-15 invites to new clubs and events per week they blend into a never-ending menagerie of faces and you begin to wonder is anything ever really new? My passion was dissipating and I felt like a blur on a carousel of what was expected. Across the electric waves came an invite I choose to accept. My friend Marisa loves clubs and it was her birthday and here was one I’d never heard of. Deja a gentle giant who did something rare greeted us at 8 West 58th. He treated everyone with respect despite a crowd clamoring to get in. Descending to the inner sanctum the spaciousness surrounds you yet I found out it was packed to its full capacity of 350. The pulsating rhythms spun bodies locking together on the dance floor. The eclectic on lookers lounged sipping cocktails that left their pockets still full. I suggest the Passion Martini! Surprisingly conversation ensued with out taxed vocal cords. Four separate sections of intimate encounters mix with the gathering of women scantily clad in strappy high heels. On any given night you could be mingling with Cameron Diaz, Hugh Hefner, Marc Jacobs or Sarah Furguson. Uma Thurman had her star-studded birthday party there last year.

Frederick’s I discovered is also a membership club with a private backroom. The cost is moderate yet the level of comfort and elegance is not. Thanks to my hosts Desta and Laura Rubin I had the pleasure of meeting the extremely good-looking Frederick Lesort half of the brother team who owns Frederick’s. Serving with a smile (yes this does exist) the busboys circulated with mouth-watering treats. I had the cubed short ribs and Marisa had the gougenettes of Skate.Look for another write up on their chef and menu's at a later time.

Laurent and Frederick just sent me this invite for Superbowl Sunday. Their private events are spectacular so I am sharing it with you. I will be at David's for his annual Bash but I can assure you I will be back and that's a F.A.C.T.

A: Is for the Arcturians

If you’ve watch the discovery channel as of late crop circles are a case of science fiction. However most researchers in this field have shown that the vast majority of crop circles that are found could not possibly be man-made. These so-called anomalies speak volumes. The crop circle formations have become more complex over the years due to the growth of consciousness. When mankind opens up the stronger the capacity for growth.
In November 2003 Dutch graphic designer and artist Janosh started to create a different kind of art than he had ever done before. He experienced a certain kind of transparent energy captured in different shapes and colors. Feeling that these holograms had something to tell him he translated them into computer art. After the holograms appeared on the Internet he received a surprising reaction. Crop circles appeared exactly as he had envisioned them.
Janosh received meaning for each of the hologram's he created. At that time Janosh had no idea what to do with all this information. It has now taken on a life of it’s own. Cosmopolitan has dubbed him the Andy Warhol of our time. In August he presented a multimedia presentation at the United Nation’s and activations at the Meta Center in Manhattan. This February Janosh is invited to be the key note speaker at The Conscious Life Expo being held at the LAX Hilton in Los Angeles, California. Once again May 31st will find these eye opening activations back in New York at the UN. Log onto www.the-arcturians.com and find your own truth or you can decided for yourself if it’s a F.A.C.T that there are things that must be taken on faith.

F: Is for New York Girl Style

What do Nole Marin from "America’s Next Top Model" whose clients include
Tyra Banks and Iman, Joel Yapching stylist for Sara Jessica Parker and Heidi Klum, Penelope Cruz’s main man Gary Mangi of Yves Saint Laurent and designer Carlos Miele have in common? They all joined "Project Runway’s" model Rebecca Holiday to celebrate the collection of Yves Saint Laurent. Held at New York’s Nikki Beach Caroline Rodehau founder of New York Girl Style states “It’s a forum for girls to experience trends outside the box”. For a chance to join in on February 1st be sure to RSVP(see above invitation). Be the 1st to preview the romantic and contemporary designs of Carlos Miele before they hit the runway at Bryant Park. Join in on the festivities for a chance be made over and learn the beauty secrets and trends that drive the pulse of NYC. Gift bags with samples from Sephora and a chance to win a date with Ryan Smith from ABC”s “Bachelorette" Show are also a part of this unique event. To learn all the F.A.C.T.S and log onto www.newyorkgirlstyle.com

As an addendum to the 20th Century Fox’s auction at Swann galleries John Steinbeck's signed contract for “The Grapes of Wrath” went for $24,000.00. Marilyn Monroe’s letter stating the terms for her appearance on the Lux Radio Show and Letter appointing Inez Melson as her business manger took a collective $13,500.00. While William Faulkner’s contracts for “The Sound and the Fury” earned $12,500.00. With all 154 lots selling this sale was a major success earning $321,756.00. It was 25% over the estimated profits. According to the MPTF “This gift will allow us to extend our mission and provide essential financial and social support to those in the entertainment industry. Well done Swann and 20th Century Fox for your generosity.