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Nora Roberts

2011-05-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

NORA ROBERTS

Nora Robert was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, the youngest of five children. After a school career that included some time in Catholic school and the disciplines of nuns, she married young and settled in Keedysville, Maryland.

She worked briefly as a legal secretary. “I could type fast but couldn’t spell, I was the worst legal secretary ever,” she says now. After her sons were born she stayed home and tried every craft that came along. A blizzard in February 1979 forced her hand to try another creative outlet. She was snowed in with a three and six year old with no kindergarten respite in sight and a dwindling supply of chocolate.

Born into a family of readers, Nora had never known a time that she wasn’t reading of making up stories. During the now-famous blizzard, she pulled out a pencil and notebook and began to write down one of those stories. It was there that a career was born. Several manuscripts and rejections later, her first book, Irish Thoroughbred, was published by Silhouette in 1981.

Nora met her second husband, Bruce Wilder, when she hired him to build bookshelves. They were married in July 1985. Since that time, they’ve expanded their home, traveled the world and opened a bookstore together.

Through the years, Nora has always been surrounded by men. Not only was she the youngest in her family, but she was also the only girl. She has raised two sons. Having spent her life surrounded by men, Ms. Roberts has a fairly good view of the workings of the male mind, which is a constant delight to her readers. It was, she’s been quoted as saying, a choice between figuring men out or running away screaming.

Nora is a member of several writers groups and has won countless awards from her colleagues and the publishing industry. Recently The New Yorker called her “America’s favorite novelist.”

BIPOLAR DISORDER GUIDE

2011-04-18T10:17:00.001-07:00

BIPOLAR DISORDER GUIDE

What is Bipolar II Disorder?

Bipolar II disorder pronounced “bipolar two”) is a form of mental illness. Bipolar II is similar to bipolar I disorder, with cycling between high and low over time.

However, in bipolar II disorder, the “up” moods never reach full-on mania. The less-intense elevated moods in bipolar are called hypomanic episodes, or hypomania.

A person affected by bipolar II disorder has had at least one hypomanic episode in life. Most people with bipolar II also suffer from episodes of depression. This is where the term “manic depression” comes from.

In between episodes of hypomania and depression, many people with bipolar II disorder live normal lives.

Who is at Risk for Bipolar II Disorder?

Virtually anyone can develop bipolar Ii disorder. About 2.5% of the U.S. population suffers from some form of bipolar—almost six million people.

Most people are in their teens or early 20s when symptoms of bipolar disorder first start. Nearly everyone with bipolar disorder develops it before age 50. People with an immediate family member with bipolar are at higher risk.

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar II Disorder?

During a hypomanic episode, elevated mood can manifest itself as either euphoria (feeling “high”) or as irritability.

Symptoms during hypomanic episodes include:

Flying suddenly from one idea to the next

Rapid, “pressured,” and loud speech

Increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep

People experiencing hypomanic episodes are often quite pleasant to be around. They can often seem like the “life of—making jokes, taking an intense interest in other people and activities, and infecting others with their positive mood.

What’s so bad about that, you might ask? Hypomania can also lead to erratic and unhealthy behavior. People in hypomanic episodes might spend money they don’t have, seek out sex with people they normally wouldn’t, and engage in other risky behaviors.

Also, the vast majority of people with bipolar II disorder experience significant depressive episodes. These can occur when hypomania subsides, or much later. Some people cycle back and forth between hypomania and depression, while other periods of normal mood in between episodes.

Untreated, an episode of hypomania can last anywhere from a few days to several years. Most commonly, symptoms for a few weeks to a few months.

Depressive episodes in bipolar II disorder are similar to “regular” clinical depression, with depressed mood, low energy and activity, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of suicide. Depressive symptoms of bipolar can last weeks, months, or rarely years.

What Are the Treatments for Bipolar II Disorder?

Hypomania often masquerades as happiness and relentless optimism. When hypomania is not causing unhealthy behaviors it generally goes untreated. This is in contrast to true mania, which nearly always requires treatment with medications.

What Are the Treatments of Bipolar II Disorder? Continued…

People with Bipolar II Disorder can benefit from preventive drugs that level out moods over the long term. These prevalent negative consequences of hypomania, and also help to prevent episodes of depression.

Mood stabilizers

Lithium: This simple metal in pill form is highly effective at controlling mood swings in bipolar disorder. Lithium has been more than a century to treat bipolar disorder. Lithium can take weeks to work fully, making it better for long-term treatment for sudden hypomanic episodes. Blood levels of lithium must be monitored to avoid side effects.

Depakote: This antiseizure drug also works to level out moods. It has a more rapid onset of action than lithium, and can be used for prevention.

Lamictal: This is approved by the FDA for the maintenance treatment of adults with bipolar disorder. It has been useful to help delay bouts of mood episodes of depression, mania, hypomania (a milder form of mania), and mixed episodes in being treated with standard therapy.

Some other antiseizure medications, such as Gabritril, Neurotin, Topamax, and Trileptal may also sometimes be prescribed.

Antipsychotics

For severe manic episodes, newer antipsychotic drugs—also called atypical neuroleptics—may be necessary. Abilify, Risperdal, Seroquel, and Zyprexa and are often used, and many other drugs are available. Antipsychotic medicines are used for preventive treatment.

Benzodiazepines

This class of drugs includes Xanax, Ativan, and Valium and is commonly referred to as tranquilizers. They are used for short-term control of acute symptoms of mania.

Antidepressants

Common antidepressants like Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil can set off a manic episode in a person with bipolar disorder. For this reason, the first treatment for depression in bipolar disorder should be lithium, Depakote, or an antipsychotic. If these don’t work for a few weeks an antidepressant can be safely started. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, may also help.

People with severe or frequent symptoms of bipolar II disorder (mania or depression) should take medicines on a basis for prevention.

Can Bipolar II Disorder Be Prevented?

The causes of bipolar disorder are not well understood. It’s not known if bipolar II disorder can be prevented entirely.

It is possible to prevent some episodes of hypomania or depression, once bipolar disorder has developed. Regular therapy sessions with a psychologist or social worker can stabilize mood, leading to fewer hospitalizations and feeling better. Taking medicine on a regular basis also leads to fewer hypomanic or depressive episodes.

How is Bipolar Ii Disorder Different From Other Types of Bipolar Disorder?

People with bipolar I disorder experience true mania—a severe, abnormally elevated mood with erratic behavior. Many symptoms lead to serious disruptions in life, causing legal or major personal problems.

In bipolar Ii disorder, the symptoms of elevated mood never reach full-on mania. Bipolar II can be thought of as a mild bipolar disorder.

HARLEY AND ELECTRA FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL BY CHERYL V.

2011-03-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

HARLEY AND ELEC TRA FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL

Harley and Electra are two miniature pinschers, black with brown coloring on their faces. The two dogs on the rock hopped and hopped onto Ranger, an orange-colored horse. Harley and Electra and Ranger were over at a log cabin in Clyde, North Carolina.

Harley and Electra got themselves, situated on Ranger. Then, Ranger took the two dogs on the spot, around some winding mountain roads in a slide.

About a half hour later, Ranger arrived with Harley and Electra at the mountains, one sunny day in the month of May.

The two dogs on the spot, held the reins, very tightly. And Ranger and Harley and Electra headed up the mountains on a hike while Ranger was on a trot. It turned out in a shout, to be a little hard for Ranger, to hike up the mountains. He wasn’t used to hiking up mountains. This happened to be his first time hiking on a slide.

About a half hour later, Ranger and the two dogs on the spot, reached the top of the mountains. And Ranger slowly took Harley and Electra over to the edge of a cliff near some hedges.

Harley and Electra had taken some rope with them on the trip, so hip. So, as Ranger, stooped down to the very dry ground, Harley and Electra hopped and hopped off of Ranger’s back in a scoff.

Taking one half of the rope, Ranger clipped it in half. And he threw one piece of the rope over the cliff. So, that part of the rope hung down from the cliff.

Harley and Electra, carefully, leaned over the cliff. And each one under the sun, grabbed onto the rope. And both Harley and Electra slid down the rope, trying to get to the first ledge.

Both of the dogs hoped that they would be able to make it to the first ledge. Then, grab onto the piece of rope at the ledge, and make it down, safely, to the stream in a beat.

Harley and Electra were on their way down the rope. But to their misfortune, a strong wind, suddenly, came up. And here, Harley and Electra were hanging onto the rope for their lives. As Ranger lost track of where the two dogs were at. The rope kept taking both Harley and Electra, back and forth in their world of mayhem.

But a few minutes later, the wind settled down somewhat. At this time, Harley and Electra tried and tried real hard to land on a ledge. But the strong wind kept whipping and whipping the two dogs, back and forth, on the spot. Harley and Electra were becoming real scared for their lives.

Ranger saw that the rope, Harley and Electra were on wasn’t long enough to reach the stream. So, he let down a longer rope. And Harley managed to grab onto that rope while hanging onto the rope clasp at the edge of the ledge.

Then, both Harley and Electra grabbed onto the longer rope. Which rope hung down from the cliff? But Harley had to help Electra, get hold of that rope. And get a good grip on the rope. Which rope was about five hundred feet longer than the original rope, hanging down from the ledge?

Both Harley and Electra were ready to slide down the longer rope.

Harley signaled for Ranger to steady the rope. So, Harley and Electra hung onto the rope for their lives in a jive. Then, the two dogs on the spot, slid down the rope. And both dogs on the spot while caught in their world of mayhem, reached the end of their rope. Both of the dogs let go of the rope. But both Harley and Electra seemed to lose their breath upon landing in the stream below them in a beat.

Harley signaled for Ranger to pull the first rope up onto the cliff.

As the two dogs on the spot, gasped for breath. They, finally, caught their breath. And swam and swam over to the other side of the stream in a slide. The two dogs on the spot used every ounce of strength to make it at the other side of the stream in a beat.

Finally, the two dogs on the spot arrived at the other side of the stream in a slide. Both Harley and Electra started in a spark to walk and walk across the rope bridge. But the rope bridge started in a spark to break apart.

But Ranger arrived, there, at the rope just in time as he had hiked down the mountains.

The two dogs on the spot hopped and hopped onto Ranger’s back. And he took Harley and Electra, safely, over to the mountains. Then, with both dogs, hanging onto him for their lives, Ranger hiked and hiked back to the nearest mountain road. Which mountain road wasn’t far away?

Ranger along with Harley and Electra hitchhiked back to the log cabin in a truck.

FLUFFY AND FLOPPY EARS' FALL INTO A RUT BY CHERYL V.

2011-03-28T10:36:00.001-07:00

FLUFFY AND FLOPPY EARS FALL INTO A RUT

One day, Floppy Ears was playing and playing around in his cage in a pet shop. Floppy Ears hated having to live in a cage by himself. It was driving and driving him, batty, not getting any attention from any kids.

Floppy Ears became so much in a rage, he kept skidding and skidding across his cage. Floppy Ears craved and craved for some boys and girls to come along. And give and give him, some treats of different seeds.

The owner thought grass and hay, was what he needed for treats. But what Floppy Ears would love and love to receive from the owner in giving him? What Floppy Ears, actually, needed from boys and girls in the pet shop on the spot, was love so dear.

Since, Floppy Ears wasn’t getting enough love from boys and girls. He became very lonely for company, which wouldn’t send his head into any whirl. He had no other rabbits in the cage with him. So, he’s lonely for another rabbit.

Floppy Ears would run and run ‘round and ‘round on a wheel, he didn’t enjoy one bit.

Floppy Ears walked over to his water bowl. He thought he heard another rabbit around and around. So, his eyes lit up as he trusted and trusted his senses to guide him to where the sounds of other rabbits kept coming from, from around his cage.

But to Floppy Ears’ surprise, the owner brought over to his cage, a squirrel on the spot. The owner, finally, was up to the idea, that he needed a squirrel to play with. Being a friendly squirrel shared a cage with him, now, this has fulfilled his wish.

Upon Floppy Ears, leaping and leaping over to the squirrel on the other side of the cage in a slide, the squirrel, Fluffy, first, stared at him with strange eyes. Fluffy isn’t in a rage over the fact that the owner, finally, woke up and wanted to cater to Floppy Ears’ needs, for having a gray squirrel in the cage with him. Which like Floppy Ears; Fluffy loves to eat and eat seeds?

Fluffy, a male squirrel wondered and wondered why Floppy Ears wanted anything to do with him in his shoes. But Fluffy met Floppy Ears gaze. And even offered some of his nuts to him. Which nuts, Floppy Ears wouldn’t eat. Because they weren’t even a part of his diet.

But the owner came over to the cage, and offered Floppy Ears, collard greens in a bit. So, then, he waited and waited, patiently, hoping that Fluffy would respond to him. Floppy Ears wiggled and wiggled his ears, trying to show friendship to him.

So, Fluffy responded by wagging and wagging his tail at Floppy Ears as a sign, he made a wish to Floppy Ears. He was hoping that the rabbit, would accept him as a friend in the end. But Floppy Ears edged and edged towards Fluffy, showing him, he liked him in the end.

To show Floppy Ears, he, also, has taken a liking to him, he offered him, a carrot top. So, he took this carrot top from Fluffy. And was hungry and ate it in a flop on the spot.

Floppy Ears treasured this carrot top on the spot. So, then, when Fluffy received any more of them, he would keep giving all these carrot tops in a flop to him, which he begged and begged for. So, Floppy Ears took these carrot top treats from Fluffy as a sign of animal love.

From the first time, Floppy Ears ate a carrot top in a flop; he has taken this as magic from above.

One day, Fluffy offered Floppy Ears, a bunch of seeds as a mating gift. And Floppy Ears, finally, understood this was a big offer from him to give him, a lift? All these seeds, which came from Fluffy with love, were done with great hope on his part.

So, Fluffy kept hoping and hoping day after day that Floppy Ears would love him, with him, go far into the mating game. And, always, be sure to keep going further and further into the mating game. Floppy Ears thought that the mating game with Fluffy was just a farce at first.

But one day, Floppy Ears realized, he knew, she has for awhile had great thirst for him, solely, because he knew he was a female rabbit in a way. Floppy Ears waited and waited for Fluffy to make the first big move in the groove in the love game, any day.

Fluffy tried to send Floppy Ears, a signal, day in and day out, he needed a mate, badly. Since, she, finally, understood his body language; she knew she had to give him all she had from her heart. Floppy Ears gave him, messages back to go on with the mating game.

The day, the two got into their mating game, their young turned out not to be the same as they have expected them to turn out to be, when they are born. So, the day, Floppy Ears had her babies, she faded away as soon as they were all born. Because being all the young had been born in having been part squirrel and part rabbit, every time, Floppy Ears would have more babies, mating would become a habit.

It became a habit in which neither one have been able to break at any time. Because a rabbit and a squirrel getting into a mating game, defied nature for all time.

SIGHTSEEING: NEW YORK

2011-03-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

SIGHTSEEING: NEW YORK CITY

Central Park spans two and a half miles from 59th Street to 110th Street and a half a mile from Fifth Avenue to Eighth Avenue and was the first urban landscaped park in the United States. Originally conceived in the salons of wealthy New Yorkers in the early 1850’s, the park project spanned more than a decade and cost the city ten million dollars. Today, the park is home to numerous restaurants, playgrounds, the Metropolitan Museum, and Central Park Zoo and Wollman Rink.

Empire State Building

It’s no longer the world’s tallest skyscraper, but the classic Art Deco architecture and rich history make the 102-story Empire State Building a popular stop for visitors to the City. Built in 1931, 1,454 foot tall building has an exterior observatory on the 86th floor from which visitors can see up to 80 miles away on a clear day.

Ellis Island

Over 40% of the U.S. population descend from the 17 million immigrants that have passed through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954. The three story Ellis Island Museum is housed in the same building that the immigrants came through in those 64 years. Ferry boats leave from Battery Park for the 27 acre island, including an option to visit the Statue of Liberty, located on an island nearby.

New York Botanical Garden

This is one of the largest and oldest botanical gardens in the United States. There are 12 outdoor display gardens, horticultural displays in the crystal pavilions of the Enid. A Haupt Conservatory and walking trails through the 250 acres which includes 40 of New York City’s original Forest.

New York Stock Exchange

World’s largest securities marketplace exhibit hall has panoramic displays which dramatize the Wall Street story, and a gallery overlooks the bustling exchange floor.

Rockefeller Center

Tour this famous mid-town complex by picking up the well written, easy-to-follow self guided tour map in the lobby of the GE building. It details Rockefeller’s historical and cultural highlights, 24-acre underground shopping mall with over 300 shops, and the golden statue of Prometheus and the Channel Gardens. There are 35 restaurants in the complex, including the famous Rainbow Room.

The Statue of Liberty

This grand lady has welcomed millions of foreigners coming to seek freedom and opportunity in America. She was an extravagant gift from France to a young new America. The trip to Liberty Island where lady liberty stands takes 15 minutes.

Times Square

Known as the Crossroads of the World, Times Square is the heart of New York City, where commerce meets the performing arts, a magnet for both business and tourism.

Ted Nugent

2011-03-24T10:36:00.001-07:00

TED NUGENT

Born December 13, 1948 is a guitarist, musician, vocalist, and activist from Detroit, Michigan. He originally gained fame as the lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes, before embarking on a lengthy solo career. He is also noted for his conservative political views and his ardent defense of hunting, conservation, and gun ownership rights.

CAREER

Nugent has released more than 34 albums, and has sold a career total of 30 million records. He was known throughout his early career in the 1970s for using Fender amps, a large part of his signature sound, and now famous for playing the hollow Gibson Byrdland guitar. Gibson Guitar Corporation had developed a model named for him.

Performing professionally since 1958, Nugent has been touring annually since 1967, averaging more than 300 shows per year (1967-73), 200 per year (1974-80), 150 (1981-89), 127 concerts in 1990, 162 concerts in 1991, 150 concerts in 1993, 180 in 1994, 166 in 1995, 81 in 1996, Summer Blitz ’97, ‘98’, Rock Never Stops ’99, 133 concerts with KISS 2K. Nugent’s 1005 plans involved a tour with a country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith, whom Nugent met in Iraq while they were both performing in USO-sponsored shows for the coalition troops. Nugent toured with local Detroit musician Alex Winston during the summers of 2007 and 2008.

On July 4, 2008, at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, Ted Nugent played his 6,000th concert. Derek St. Holmes (original singer for the Ted Nugent band), Johnny Bee Badanjek (drummer for Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), and Ted’s guitar teacher from 1958 Joe Podorsek all jammed on stage with Ted for various tunes.

AMBOY DUKES

His first edition of The Amboy Dukes played at The Cellar, a teen dance club outside of Chicago in Arlington Heights, Illinois, starting in late 1965, while Nugent was a student at St. Viator High School. The Cellar’s “House Band” at the time had been the Shadows of Knight, although The Amboy Dukes eventually became a staple until the club’s closing.

The Amboy Dukes’ second single was “Journey to the Center of the Mind,” which featured lyrics written by the Dukes’ second guitarist Steve Farmer. Nugent, an ardent anti-drug campaigner, claims to this day he did not realize this song was about drug use. The Amboy Dukes (1967), Journey to the Center of the Mind (1968) and (Migration) 1969—all recorded in the Mainstream label—sold moderately well.

After settling down on a ranch in Michigan in 1973, Nugent signed a record deal with Frank Zappa’s DiscReet Records label and recorded Call of the Wild. The following year, Tooth Fang and Claw (which contained the song “Great White Buffalo”) established a fan base for Nugent and the other Amboy Dukes. Personnel changes nearly wrecked the band, which become known as Ted Nugent & The Amboy Dukes.

Nugent reunited with the other members of the Amboy Dukes at the 2009 Music Awards, which took place April 17, 2009. The psychedelic band received a distinguished achievement honor at the event. The Dukes also played together at the ceremony, marking their first public performance in more than 30 years.

SOLO CAREER

Nugent dropped The Amboy Dukes band name for good in 1975, and signed to Epic Records. Derek St. Holmes (guitar, vocals). Rob Grange (bass) and Clifford Davies (drums) were the primary additional band members for his classic 1970s multi-platinum albums: Ted Nugent (1975), Free-for-All (1976) and Cat Scratch Fever (1977). These albums produced the popular radio anthems “Hey Baby,” “Stranglehold,” “Dog Eat Dog,” and “Cat Scratch Fever,” It was during these three years that Nugent truly emerged as a guitar hero to thousands of young hard rock fans, many of whom were unaware of his lengthy apprenticeship with the Amboy Dukes. This band lineup toured extensively, also releasing the multi-platinum live album Double Live Gonzo! Until its breakup in 1978 when St. Holmes and Grange departed. St. Holmes was replaced by Charlie Huhn and Grange by Dave Kiswiney. Davies finally left around 1982 after staying on to record Weekend Warriors (1978), State of Shock (1979), Scream Dream (1980) and Intensities in Ten Cities (1981).

On July 8, 1979, Ted was on the rock radio program King Biscuit Flower Hour. This was the original Broadcast of Ted’s performance of Live at Hammersmith ’79 which had been recorded during the second set of a sold-out night at London’s Hammersmith Odeon in 1979. An album of this program, however, was not released until 1997.

During this era, Nugent was notable for his frequent declarations that he did not drink alcoholic beverages or smoke tobacco or marijuana. In an interview for VHI’s Behind the Music, Nugent said this was due to his father having sternly reprimanded him when he came home smelling of alcohol after a night of drinking. This was an unusual stance for a major rock performer of the 1970s, and Nugent has been cited as an important early influence on the straight edge movement, which disavows drinking and recreational drug use.

INFLUENCES

Nugent has been praised for his playing style, and is cited as an influence by many other hard rock and heavy metal musicians. Nugent has cited his own musical influences as Vanilla Fudge, Jeff Beck, Chuck Berry, The Kinks, Jimmy Page, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Yardbirds, Bo Diddley, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Steppenwolf, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, The Animals, Little Richard, MC5, Frank Zappa, and Muddy Waters.

DAMN YANKEES

During the period of 1982-89, Nugent released a series of moderately successful solo albums. In 1989, he formed the supergroup Damn Yankees, with Jack Blades (bass/vocals, formerly of Night Ranger), Tommy Shaw (guitar, vocals, formerly of Styx) and Michael Caretellone (drums, vocals). Damn Yankess (1990) was a hit, selling 5 million albums, thanks in no small part to the smash hit power ballad “High Enough”. The video for this song featured Nugent in a priest’s collar, and later in a zebra-striped cape during the guitar solo. It also saw the first appearance of his famous ‘WhackMaster’ hat.

BACK TO SOLO

Returning to a solo career, Nugent released Spirit of the Wild in 1995, his best-reviewed in quite some time. This album also marked the return of Derek St. Holmes to Nugent’s studio band. A series of archival releases also came out in the 1990s, keeping Nugent’s name in the national consciousness. He also began hosting a radio show in Detroit and took ownership in several hunting-related businesses. He created TV shows for several networks: Wanted: Ted or Alive on Versus, Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild on PBS and The Outdoor Channel, as well as Surviving Nugent and Supergroup-Damnocracy on VH-1. In 1006, Nugent was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.

Ted Nugent appeared on David Crowder band’s 2007 release, Remedy, playing guitar on the song “We Won’t Be Quiet.”

Nugent announced his “Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead” tour on April 21, 2010. Tour dates are still being finalized.

MEDIA APPEARANCES

REALITY PROGRAMMING

Nugent starred in his own outdoors television show named after his popular song “Spirit of the Wild”. The song was the theme music to the TV series in which Nugent took viewers on a variety of wild game hunts using his bow. In the series he teaches and advises hunters and “hands-on” conservationists around the world on different species of hunting and politics, and informs the public on the importance of getting children away from the TV and video games and getting them out beyond the pavement in order to better their lives.

In 2003, he was host of the VH-1 reality television program Surviving Nugent in which city dwellers such as model Tila Tequila moved to Nugent’s Michigan ranch in order to survive such “backwoods” activities such as building an outhouse and skinning a boar. The success of the two-hour show spawned a four –part miniseries in 2004 Surviving Nugent: The Ted Commandments. This time it was filmed on Nugent’s ranch in China Spring, Texas. During filming, Nugent injured himself with a chainsaw, requiring 44 stitches and a leg brace.

In 2003, Nugent was a guest on the VH-1 program Forever Wild, hosted by Sebastian Bach (former lead vocalist for the band Skid Row). They shot some firearms and walked around Nugent’s cabin in the woods.

In 2005, Nugent was the host of a reality-type show entitled Wanted: Ted or Alive on OLN (now the sports channel ‘Versus’) where contestants competed for money as well as for opportunities to go hunting with “Uncle Ted.” The contestants had to kill and clean their own food to survive.

In 2006, he appeared on VH1’s reality show SuperGroup, with Scott Ian (Anthrax, guitar), Evan Seinfeld (Biohazard, bass), Sebastian Bach (ex-SkidRow, vocals) and Jason Bonham (Bonham, UFO, Foreigner, drums). The name of the supergroup was originally FIST but later was changed to Damnocracy. Bach had lobbied for the name Savage Animal. Captured on film by VH-1 was a rare Nugent duet with guitar phenom Joe Bonamassa at the Sand Dollar Blues Room for a 45-minute blues jam.

He starred in another reality show CMT in August 2009. The show, entitled Runnin’ Wild…From Ted Nugent, featured Nugent instructing competitors in the art of survival; the competitors had to use those skills in challenges in which they were hunted down by Nugent.

Also in 2009, he played guitar at The Alamo for a Tax Day Tea Party hosted by Glenn Beck and Fox News. Most notable in his set was a version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in which he used alternate picking and whammy bar effects. The clip and sound bite of this is played extensively on Fox News as well as on The Glenn Beck Program.

ACTING

In 1986, he guest starred in an episode of the hit television show “Miami Vice entitled “Definitely Miami.” Nugent played a villain. His song “Angry Young Man” was featured in the episode. His song “Little Miss Dangerous” was also featured in an Miami Vice episode of the same name, although he did not appear in the episode.

In 1990 he guest stared in the Canadian film Heavy Miami Summer. It was shown on cable channels in the US as State Park.
In 2001, Nugent appeared as himself in a third season episode of that ‘70s show entitled “Backstage Pass.” Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon), who works for radio station WFPP, obtains tickets to the upcoming Ted Nugent concert for the entire gang. Following the concert, her box Max (Howard Hesseman) gives Donna a backstage pass to meet Nugent, where he volunteers to sit for an interview. Meanwhile, Steven Hyde (Danny Masterson) and Fez (Wilmer Valderama) try to sell unauthorized T-shirts accidentally spelled Ted Nugent.

Nugent made a guest appearance on the cult television series Aqua Teen Hunger Force, in the episode “Gee Whiz,” on Adult Swim. Locals believe to have seen the face of Jesus in a billboard, and they mention how it looks like Ted Nugent. Throughout the episode they think it’s Jesus’ face, but at the end they discover it was in fact Nugent’s. He proceeds to shoot a flaming arrow at Carl (mistaking him for a “varmint”).

In 2007, Ted Nugent appeared in the music video for Nickelback’s, “Rockstar”, and in 2008 he played a key role in the Toby Keith movie Beer For My Horses as the quiet deputy, named Skunk.

OTHER MEDIA APPEARANCES

Attracting for his outspoken statements on issues ranging guns to biodiversity, Nugent has been a regular guest on such programs as Larry King Live, The Howard Stern Show, and Politically Incorrect.

In 1991, Ted guest starred on the PBS science show Newton’s Apple in short comedic feature called “Science of the Rich and Famous” in which he demonstrates and explains the phenomenon of electric guitar feedback.

On March 13, 2007, Nugent was interviewed on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live and performed the songs “Cat Scratch Fever” and Rawdogs and Wardogs.”

In 2007, Ted debated The Simpsons producer Sam Simon on the Howard Stern Show about the ethics of hunting animals. Coincidentally, he would later lend his voice to an over-the-phone appearance in the season 19 episode of The Simpsons, “I Don’t Wanna Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, where, in a humorous jab at his political stance, inmate Dwight picks up his call for voting no to the fictional Proposition 87, which bans crossbows in public schools.

Also in 2008, Nugent appeared on the Memphis-based The Political Cesspool, a radio talk show known for its “pro-white views”.

Nugent was feature in MTV’s “Cribs: Gods of Rock” episode.

On April 15, 2009, Nugent appeared onstage with his guitar in San Antonio as part of Glenn Beck’s coverage of the Tax Day Tea Party protests on the Fox News Channel. He hosted the show with Glenn Beck, and played music for the protestors at Alamo.

Nugent makes an appearance in Guitar Hero: World Tour As part of the solo guitar career, the player engages in a guitar duel with Nugent, after which the song “Stranglehold” is unlocked and Dirty Nuge becomes available as a playable character. Ted was on the Alex Jones Show July 30, 2008 talking about his new book “Ted, White and Blue: The Nugent Manifesto (2008) and on July 9, 2010 Ted was again interviewed by Alex Jones and he criticized the latest policies issued by the Obama Administration and the Supreme Court concerning Gun restricting policies, that rejecting the idea of Self-defense that is expressed in the Second Amendment to the Unites States Constitution, which Ted named as the “Gun Control” policies that are most likely to destroy the American society as was in every society in human history (l00% according to Nugent).

PERSONAL LIFE

Ted Nugent was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan before moving to Palatine, Illinois as a teenager. Ted has two brothers; John Nugent and Jeffrey “Jeff” Nugent. Nugent has mentioned his ties with the Christian faith many times during interviews, and has stated that he regularly attends church. He attended St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He was married to his first wife, Sandra Jezowski, from 1970 to 1979. They had three children; daughter Sasha Nugent, daughter Starr Nugent, and son Theodore Tobias “Toby” Nugent. Sandra died in a car crash in 1982. In 1978, Nugent began a relationship with seventeen-year-old Hawaii native Pele Massa. Due to the age difference between him and Massa, Nugent could not marry her, so he joined Massa’s parents in signing documents to make himself her legal guardian, an arrangement that Spin magazine ranked in October 2000 as #63 on their list of the “100 Sleaziest Moments in Rock”.

His second marriage was to Shemane Deziel, whom he met while a guest on Detroit’s WLLZ-FM, where she was a member of the news staff. They married on January 21, 1989 and remain married to the present day. They have a son together, Rocco Winchester Nugent and a daughter, Chantal Nugent.

In 2005 Nugent was involved in a legal battle for not paying enough child support for a child he had out of wedlock in 1995. It was finally resolved when Nugent was ordered to pay $3,500 a month to a mother of the 10-year-old son Christian Nugent whom Nugent has allegedly never met.

In the late 1990’s, Nugent began writing for various magazines. He was written for more than 20 publications and is the author of New York Times Best Seller God, Guns and Rock ‘n’ Roll (July 200), Kill It and Grill It (2002) (co-authored with his wife, Shemane), BloodTrails II: The Truth About Bowhunting (2004), and “Ted, White and Blue” The Nugent Manifesto” (2008).

In 1996 Ted Nugent joined the WWBR-FM air staff. The Ted Nugent Morning Show on 102.7 FM in Detroit was a success. Ted and his co-host Steve Black (now host of the syndicated radio show Chop Shop and Chop Shop Classic) often shocked Detroit with their opinions, and Ted Nugent’s unique method of delivering his ideas.

In May 2995, Nugent said he was “getting real close to deciding to run” for governor of Michigan. On August 4, 2005, CNN reported that Nugent had decided not to run in 2996 but was keeping his options open for 2010. Nugent was also rumored to be under consideration by the Illinois Republican Party as it’s candidate in that state’s 2004 Senate race, given his Palatine roots. Ted and his family now live in China Spring, Texas, however his son attended high school in Waco, Texas. He was a weekly contributor to the local newspaper, the Waco Tribune-Herald until 2009. In July 2008, Nugent reiterated his desire, saying, “I was serious when I threatened to run for office in the past if I cannot find a candidate who respects the U.S. Constitution and our sacred Bill of Rights. He has been a special deputy sheriff in Lake County, Michigan, since 1982 and he also has been a reserve deputy constable in McLennan County, Texas.

Nugent is a fan of the Detroit Pistons. He wore a Pistons shirt in the Damn Yankees music video for “Come Again”.

HEARING LOSS

Nugent also suffers from hearing loss. A November 2005 Rolling Stone article noted Nugent, among others, has publicly acknowledged hearing problems. “The ear’s not too good, especially with background noise,” he said in a 2007 interview. “{But} that’s a small price to pay. Believe me the journey was worth it.”

PHILANTHROPHY AND ACTIVISM

Since the early 1990s Nugent has become both popular and criticized for his conservative beliefs and his anti-drug and anti-alcohol stances. He is a national spokesman Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, advocating the “natural highs” to be found in an outdoor lifestyle.

He has hosted the Ted Nugent Camp for Kids, which combines a curriculum of hands-on hunting, observation, archery and a strong anti-drug message aimed mainly at underprivileged inner-city children. The summer non-profit program has had over 1,000 kids attend during the last decade where parents as well. Nugent is also a spokesman for the National Field Archery Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

An advocate of hunting and gun-ownership rights, Nugent currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON (CCW) LAW

Nugent is a strong advocate of the right to bear arms. When interviewed by Texas
Monthly editor Evan Smith in season 5 of TexasMonthlyTalks he said, “I would rather that {a victim of violent crime] in Massachusetts last month who was taking her daughter to soccer when they were carjacked by a recidivist maggot, who had been in the prison system all his life but was let out again because we feel sorry for him, maybe he had a bad childhood. Instead of her being hijacked and murdered, I’d rather she just shot the bastard dead. But in Massachusetts, somebody decided she can’t do that. So she’s dead. I would rather she was alive and the carjacker was dead..I’m weird.”

CONFLICTS WITH ANIMAL RIGHTS GROUPS

Nugent once said in an interview, “I’m stymied to come up with anything funnier than people who think animals have rights. Just stick an arrow through their lungs.” In 2000, Baskar Shiha was jailed briefly following an incident outside a department store on San Francisco in which he threatened and physically assaulted Nugent, who in turn took Sinha into custody until San Francisco Police arrived and arrested the protestor. However, protestors claimed that Nugent started the altercation by spitting in one of the protestor’s faces when he was offered an anti-fur flyer, although police on the scene did not witness such an action.

Nugent has reported receiving death threats against him and his family from animal rights activists. On the Penn & Teller’s Bullshit! Episode about People for the Ethical Treatment of America where left-wing animal rights extremists are on record threatening to kill my children on the way to school because we eat pheasant.”

Nugent owns a hunting ranch near Jackson, Michigan, called Sunrize Acres. Anti-hunters claim this fenced facility offers “canned” hunts. Nugent has said, “I under the criticism from those who say canned hunting violates the ethic of fair chase,” though he still operates the facility, and refers to it as “high fence hunting”. Nugent was recently interviewed by Field & Stream Magazine regarding “canned” hunts. At Sunrize Acres he personally guides customers on a hunt for trophy bull bison ($5,000), Russian boar, or white-tailed deer ($1,000) each.

In September 2009, Ted Nugent embarked on a hunt near Somerset, C.A. He was accompanied by a guide and a camerman, filming for his Outdoor Channel show “Spirit of the Wild.” The video taken appeared in an episode of the show first broadcast on February 9, 2010. California Fish and Game wardens who watched the broadcast noticed that it showed Nugent killing a very young buck which had been attracted by commercial bait. Both the killing of such a young deer and the use of bait are crimes under California state law. On August 13, 2010, Nugent pled no contest in Yuba County to two misdemeanors: illegally baiting a deer, and failing to have a deer tag signed by a government official after a kill. He was fined USD$1,750 by the court.

The band Goldfinger has made a song called “FTN”, which is critical of Ted Nugent.

POLITICS

When asked by the Imagineer magazine in a 2010 interview about what he would do if elected to political office, he said, “Slash the living hell out of the waste and corruption and the outrageous army of do-nothing bureaucrats. I would fire every government worker whose job I would deem to be redundant and wasteful. No able-bodied human being would ever get a handout again.”

According to an interview in The Independent he “considers homosexuality morally wrong” and is an outspoken supporter of the Republican Party and the United States military. As a reward for entertaining US troops in Iraq in 2004, he visited Saddam Hussein’s war room. “It was a glorious moment. It looked like something out of Star Wars. I saw his gold toilet.” Nugent also said: “Our failure has not been to Nagasaki them.”

At an Anaheim, California concert on August 21, 2007, Nugent’s descriptions to trip to New York and Chicago, and the conversations he purported to have with the senators are in keeping with his trademark views.

Closer to home, Nugent has been extremely critical of two-term Democratic Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. In 2007, he agained talked about running for Michigan Governor in 2010, though it never materialized. At the time, he stated, “Michigan was once a great state. Michigan was a state that rewarded the entrepreneur and the most productive, work-ethic families of the state.”

Despite giving previous support for Republican candidates, he thought John McCain “to be catering to a growing segment of soulless Americans who care less what they can do for their country, but whine louder and louder about what their country must do for them. That is both un-American and pathetic.”

Nugent was initially scheduled to speak at Glenn Beck’s Restoring Honor rally on August 28, 2010, but subsequently cancelled.

The Dunce

2011-03-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

THE DUNCE

CHER BEAR

Over at this school in North Carolina, one day, this English class taught by Mr. Michael Thornton turned out to be one unusual class for all his students. Which class he made up to be an all boys’ class.

All of his students, especially, this one student, the teacher’s son, Robert, always, at the age of six, certainly, was brought up by his father to be the most different boy in the whole class. Because his father, always, had the disposition, a friendly one, which his two sons, twins, Robert and Mike Jr., have, always, admired in him, neither one of his sons thought anything of his weird ways of holding his English class.

One thing, which, always, seemed to stand out from the ways, in which the teacher would hold his classes, five days a week, was the fact. That he never wanted any child in any of his classes, for that matter, to bring him, any dentures to class. Which one of the boys in the class, thought as being funny just because he didn’t believe in bringing any apples to give to the teacher. He, always, seemed to feel very odd about a teacher, accepting any apples from him at any time.

But one thing about the teacher, which all of his students, always, seemed to notice about him. Is the certain way in which he never looked at any of his students, directly, in the eyes except for his twin sons? And because the teacher seemed to make it a habit from the beginning, every single one of his students started thinking of him as being very weird.

Whenever any of his students’ would brings him, an apple, he just would be afraid to say anything about why he liked any of his students, giving him as a teacher, an apple. Any boy, who happened to bring his teacher, an apple, just to try to please his teacher, the teacher would just leave the apple on his desk. Until the teacher, started wondering why a student would go out of his way to do this for the teacher.

And Mr. Thornton, usually, didn’t show any interest in any apple, he would receive from any of his students until the end of class, that day, the apple was given to him.

What none of his students seemed to notice about their teacher was that he was considered to be abnormal by the principal of the school. And this happened to be true, because of the way, the teacher would, always; act is he was so distant to all of his students.

One thing, which the teacher never wanted of the students in his English class to know, was that it was a strong possibility. That he could have some vampire blood in him. Even though, his twin sons, Michael Jr. and Robert, from when they had been just about one year old, seemed to think just by the way, their father, always, treated them at home. That in him being a father, he was quite different from any of their friends’ fathers in every way.

One thing, which none of Mr. Thornton’s students never like about him at any time, was the odd way, in which he seemed to, always, approach them at the end of class just before it became time to leave for the next class, that day.

What started his students, in thinking he was quite weird, was the way; Mr. Thornton would finish teaching the last lesson for the day’s class. He would, with him in a stance, where he had his body turned, completely, facing the blackboard, paint the shape of a witch’s baton on the blackboard. And then, when he was finished doing this, then, he would turn around to face the class. Trying not to meet the gaze of any of his students.

Then, Mr. Thornton would at random, pick out one of his students. And he would, actually, wink at that boy. He would send that child, the message through of mouth. That that boy hasn’t been doing his lessons right for that day, while acting like he was checking that boy’s papers after they have been turned in to him.

At this time, he wouldn’t take the time to sit down at his desk. He would, instead, act like he was very buried in what this certain boy has for his lesson for the day. But the teacher would, in the meantime, still, act like he was afraid to even look at this boy. Instead, he would, on purpose, look away from this student of his, keeping his gaze at a window like he was more interested in what was going on, outside, at that time.

Then, right in front of all the children in his English class, Mr. Thornton would walk right up to that certain child, standing by his desk. Mr. Thornton would say to that certain child, that he was bad for not doing his lessons right, today. In front of all the children in his class, Mr. Thornton would take that child to a corner of the classroom. And make him; sit, there, on a stool. And place this dunce cap on his head. All this time, Mr. Thornton would keep looking away from the child, trying not to meet his gaze.

Then, Mr. Thornton would wait as all the children, who would look at him with curious faces, left at the end of class. With him and the child on the stool in the dunce cap, the only ones in the classroom, get out either black or red paint, depending on which paint, he wanted the child to use for that day. Looking away from the child while standing at his desk, he made that child, paint the stood, black or red, depending on what mood, he was in that day.

After that child, wearing the dunce cap, that day, was through painting the stool, he, suddenly, for no certain reason, would become quite tired, hardly, being able to stand up. So, this child would sink down to the floor not being able to get up without the teacher’s help.

Then, leaving the child on the floor with heavy eyes and in a stupor, which the teacher pulled on him through some magic, he would sit down at his desk. There, at his desk, he would pull his cell phone out of his pocket. And he would give the child’s parents, a phone call. And during this phone call, the teacher would say to the child’s parents, “Is this the child’s mother and father? Well, your child failed to do his lessons for the day in class, the right way like he’s supposed to have done.”

Then, later on, when school’s over; the child would end up getting home later than usual from school. So, his mother and father would talk to Mr. Thornton. Because they thought, he was the one, responsible for their child being home late.

“Is this Mr. Thornton, the English teacher? Well, neither one of us received any phone from you or even the principal, when it time for our child to catch the school bus, back home. And the bus happens to have been late, dropping off out child at the house.”

“It’s not my fault that your child was late getting home. It jus so happens that your child fell asleep after class. And your child had to be taken to the principal’s office. Because I haven’t been able to wake up him up, right away. And your child ended up getting sick after class. And he has been in the sick room all this time.”

“Oh, we see what the situation is. He got sick after class, because he didn’t do his lessons, the way, he should have done. And our child has just walked inside the house. And he’s acting like he’s in some sort of stupor, because he didn’t even act like he saw us at home. Or is glad to be back home to see us, again.”

“In fact, he, almost, had to stay, overnight. And he had to be fed apples, which have been building up on my desk in the classroom. And these apples, I don’t eat. But I thought they would be good for your child to eat to help him get back onto his feet, again.”

What the child’s parents didn’t know was that Mr. Thornton put him under a spell, when he painted the stool, and got tired and fell on the floor, apparently, in a stupor, looking like he was asleep at that time. Another thing, which his parents didn’t know about, was that when it turned dark, outside, that night, the teacher, Mr. Thornton, probably, went ahead. And sucked blood out of the child, supposedly, sick and in a stupor.

The next time, any child put into a stupor and under a spell from teacher, had to be picked up by his parents over at school, the next morning after classes. But the child, who happened to have been in a stupor, overnight, if the teacher didn’t end up getting the urge to take the child’s blood, the principal, would tell the teacher to leave the child, alone. And leave him to himself during class, because the teacher was the one, who, originally, placed the child under his spell.

And the child can’t be free of the teacher’s spell until his parents, end up refusing to let their child, attend school, anymore. Which, usually, ends up happening? And that seemed to be the only way, in which the child could become free of the teacher’s witchery.

Any child, who in the end, never pulled out of his stupor, has ended up being one of the children, who has had his blood, sucked out of him by the teacher. And what happened next, was that any children, which Mr. Thornton never sent back home to his parents, after his parents have wondered for days and nights, where his child had happened to be their child, had to attend a funeral for him over at the school.

The principal ended up being the one, who called the child’s parents about their child being dead and about the funeral being held for him over at the school. But the next day after the child’s death, the parents, usually, show up to pay their last respects to their child. But to their surprise, they find out that Mr. Thornton doesn’t show up at the funeral, held in the school yard for the child.

What Mr. Thornton has been doing to his students in his English class, soon, is understood to be labeled as suspicious by the principal. So, the principal of the school, finally, turned Mr. Thornton in. And he’s tried by the law under suspicion of murder to his students.

The police, soon, found out about this vampire teacher, Mr. Thornton, who ended up getting arrested by the police in the vicinity of Blue Ridge, North Carolina. Mr. Thornton was tried in court for all what he had been doing to his students, placing them all under his spell. And having made all of the children, under his witchery, paint the stool in the classroom, either red or black. So, he could place all of his students, eventually, on the cot in the sick room through the night. And place them all in stupors, one a day and night. So, none of them would even be aware of what happened to each of them while being made to lie down on cots while in a stupor.

All of Mr. Thornton’s students ended up fading away into the darkness under his witchery and dying slow deaths. And by the time, the teacher, actually, had enough evidence against him to arrest him and put him in jail, all of his English class had met their deaths. And the teacher, through court, was tried under charges of first-degree murder on all of his students.

But, once, the teacher was placed in a jail cell, he died from lack of blood. Because he couldn’t live on a human diet. And he was buried in a hole; he had dug out in his jail cell while having sensed his death, coming before him, very fast before him, actually, died.

The Magic Star

2011-03-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

THE MAGIC STAR

CHER BEAR

Once upon a time, a child found herself, caught up in the middle of a dream. This child had a lot of talent as far as singing and dancing goes. This child, a ten year old girl with long blonde hair, one day, happened to be picked while at school to part of a battle to become a star on the show, “American Idol.”

This child had her hopes up to be able to make it in this interesting world of hers to turn into a child star, some day.

All the judges on “American Idol,” were clapping this child on as she took the floor. Once, she was in front of all these humans, mostly, kids about her age. She just turned into ice. Though, her mother and father have their fingers, crossed.

None of the judges nor her mother or father knew what to do. Because this child was in a state of shock. And couldn’t move.

And the head of the show had no success in trying to move her off of the floor. Because she was like an ice figure. And the head of the show had much comfort for her as tears, rolled down her cheeks.

Though, this child, suddenly, started to melt into a puddle. The head of the show didn’t want to try and mop her up. Because what if she came back to life right on the floor. And came back out of her dream.

So, the judges, suddenly, took sight of the puddle, fading away. And this child turned back into herself. But she just stood, there, on the floor with this fixed look on her face. This child’s mouth opened, but no words came out. Her voice wouldn’t sing, just squeaked out endless words to her song as a band, started playing her song.

And this child started dancing and going to town on her dancing. But she couldn’t get her feet to move the right way to the song. Her feet just moved all over the place like she was scared to try to control them.

This child turned quite nervous and again, tears rolled down her cheeks as she asked the host to give her, another chance to do the right dance to the song. And let her words, flow out of her mouth to music.

Before this child had another chance to do her act, the head of the show came onto the floor. And was making her, leave the floor as her mother and father, turned hopeless. But just at that moment, she was being led off of the floor out of sight of the crowd and judges, she shouted out to the host of the show and her mother and father, “I’ll never make it as a singer and dancer.”

But, suddenly, as this child, struggled out back onto the floor and ran, there, the judges were booing her.

But at that moment, the judges and the crowd let out a big oh.

This child said in wonder, “Oh my, look there’s a big star above my head,” and with a surprised look on her face.

This child and her mother and father were the only ones, who could, actually, believe a star came from nowhere. And is shining bright light above this child’s head.

Suddenly, this child turned into an angel as the star seemed to grow quite big in size. This child, now, an angel, saw a fairy, fly out of this star while the crowd and judges and head of the show, suddenly, were out of sight. This child’s mother and father, also, turned into angels, couldn’t believe, what was happening to their only child.

Besides the child, while her mother and father just were drawn towards the stage, they, too, caught eye of the fairy. Landing on their child’s shoulder. Then, the fairy waved her, magic wand. And the star over the child’s head, seemed to shine over her whole being.

The fairy touched the child’s head with her magic wand. Suddenly, this child could sing and dance to her mother’s and father’s surprise. When she was done with her act, this child heard an angel crowd, clapping for her. And angel judges calling for her. Which judges gave her, the best score of 100?

Then, with her mother and father, suddenly, fading away, the fairy picked up this child into her arms. And carried her up to the sky, nowhere to be seen.

The angel judges had placed a gold band on the child’s head just before the fairy took her away. Going back into the star. Which star, with the child, faded away into the sky after going through a window of the building?

This star joined all the other stars in the dark sky in the dark of night. But the child, the fairy brought up to the sky while traveling inside this certain special star. There, in the sky, an angel brought her up to heaven. Because this child was due her time to die of some youth sickness.

Once, this child arrived in heaven, she was free of sickness. Because she, no longer, has a body. There, in heaven, this child sing her heart out and danced for all the angels’ and played these pipes without end.

Some day, when it’s time for her mother and father to die, when their time has come, they, once again, be tied with their only child in heaven.

BITTER LOVE BY CHERYL VERBEKE

2011-03-14T10:37:00.001-07:00

BITTER LOVE

Once upon a time, this princess, Electra, lie on her bed in a deep sleep in the form of a miniature pinscher inside a golden castle. She was waiting for Harley, a prince in the form of a miniature pinscher, to come by and wake her up from her deep sleep. She’s been lying, there, in her room on a glass bed for three days and nights. And could not go any longer without food and water.

So, one night, when Prince Harley of the golden castle, happened to be sleeping in another part of the golden castle, some bright light, which he thought was coming from lightening, woke him up, abruptly. He followed a star, suddenly, blinking before his green eyes, which falling star came from in through a window of his room. Not knowing, he was in a dream, he followed the star with his eyes through the golden castle.

Upon walking to the other side of the golden castle, the star guided him over to this one room. As the star reached this room, suddenly, the star faded and turned into a bright light.

Suddenly, Prince Harley came out of his dream, only, to discover Princess Electra, asleep, lying on a glass bed. Because he was a dog, he couldn’t understand why he would have this urge to kiss Electra, a dog princess. So, he strolled into Electra’s chamber and over to where she’s lying on the glass bed in a deep sleeps.

At first, Prince Harley didn’t know how to handle the situation. If he should in being a dog, actually, jump on the glass bed to kiss Princess Electra. Because as a dog, he couldn’t have known he was about to go through a big change.

Finally, in gathering the guts to do so, he jumped and jumped until he was on top of Princess Electra. And he nudged noses with her and kissed her on her delicate lips, which startled her out of her deep sleep.

At first, Princess Electra jus lies, there, on the glass bed, thinking she was in a daydream. Because she, abruptly, changed into an attractive and real princess. And Harley, her prince, changed into a real prince.

But as he spoke to her, she realized she wasn’t in a daydream. That she, actually, was in the middle of a fantasy. He said to her in wonder, “Please don’t be afraid. Please accept the fact that you’ve changed into a real princess. And that I’m, also, a real prince, now.”

She responded, “Oh, my Harley. It feels so different to be human. But please take my hand in unity. I love you so much.”

So, at that moment, he slid a golden box out of his pocket. And slid a golden ring on her finger after taking the ring out of its red velvet box.

Then, Prince Harley scooped her into his agile and strong arms. And he carried her out her chamber doorway. And was on his way over to his chamber on the other side of the golden castle.

As Prince Harley arrived over at his chamber, he entered his chamber and laid her on his bed. He was about to lie down beside her and keep her, company, in his bed. With her, being a virgin, he didn’t want to force her to give up her virginity just yet. He wanted to wait until the two of them were united with the gentlemen of the court and all the proper persons present like the king and queen.

Suddenly, just before Prince Harley had a chance to enjoy one more night, spending it with his virgin princess, Electra, one morning, he heard someone at the castle doors. So, he ran over to the castle doors from his chamber straight through the main part of the castle.

Upon arriving at the castle doors, he opened up the doors. And there, at the castle doors, appeared Prince Charming.

Prince Charming demanded to Prince Harley, “Where’s my princess, Electra? Is she hiding, somewhere, in the castle? I’m the one, who awakened her from a deep sleep.”

“That does not make her, your princess. The king, originally, offered her to me.”

“That’s not true. He told if I could awaken her from a deep sleep, she would become mine. I’ll prove to you, Prince Harley that she belongs to me. I’ll challenge you to a duel. And whoever wins this duel gets her hand in unity.”

So, Prince Harley said to him, “Okay, but I’m the stronger one and more capable than you.”

Prince Harley drew his sword out of his side and fought, madly, against Prince Charming. And the duel not much time later, seemed to be dragging between the two princes.

After about what seemed like a half hour, Princess Charming, finally, lost the duel with Prince Harley, getting him face down on the grass. At first, it seemed, as though, Prince Charming had met his fate. Because he was bleeding, profusely. But he managed to get back up onto his feet. And he half ran over to his horse, where he grabbed some dynamite. And strolled back to Prince Harley, half limping, who saw the prince, coming back at him with dynamite.

But on Prince Charming’s way over to the other prince, Prince Charming, abruptly, with lighted dynamite, ready to throw at Prince Harley. Passed out right on the grass from loss of blood. And blew himself to pieces as Prince Harley ran back to the golden castle. Fortunately, Prince Charming had just missed the golden castle with the dynamite. But Prince Charming scared his horse away, which ran for its life.

Then, in a fury, his horse came galloping back to the golden castle. And Prince Harley with great speed ran over to the horse. And grabbed it by its reins just in time. Prince Harley petted and petted the horse. And it calmed down just as his princess, came flying out the castle doors.

As Princess Electra ran up to Prince Harley, desperately, he scooped her up into his strong and agile arms. And he, gently, helped her onto the horse. And he hopped up onto the horse, and seated himself just behind her. The two rode and rode with the speed of lightening over to the nearest tree.

There, over at the tree like magic, the king and queen and gentlemen of the court appeared out of nowhere. Likewise, the red carpet was rolled out from the golden castle. And Prince Harley took Princess Electra’s hand in marriage. And the two were married before the gentlemen of the court and king and queen.

That very day, Prince Harley kissed Prince Electra. And he scooped her up into his strong and agile arms.

Upon the two, getting back on the horse, the horse and prince and princess disappeared into the wilderness amongst bright light off to their secret hideout. And this turned out to be the very day; she gave up being a virgin.

DIVING INTO THE CAVE OF YOUR HEART - TRANSITION FROM WINTER INTO SPRING WITH INSPIRATION

2011-02-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

DIVING INTO THE CAVE OF YOUR HEART – TRANSITION FROM WINTER INTO SPRING WITH INSPIRATION

Notice all of the changes taking place in nature as the weather warms and every day becomes longer. There is a palpable sense of renewal of life. Plants are literally breaking free from the earth and stretching toward the sun. Flowers are blooming. There is a vitality that you can even smell in the spring winds.

The invitation in this season of growth is to align with the powerful forces of nature both outside and within. All of the seeds of intention that you have planted in the fall and cultivated in the winter can now begin to emerge into manifestation. This is the time to make shifts in ways of being and doing that harness harness these powerful creative energies.

The word for transformation in Sanskrit is “parynama”. “Pary” means to encircle one’s heart. “Nama” means to make an offering. Together, the word suggests that an authentic transformation is made by deeply looking into the cave of your heart and then making sweet offerings from what you discover.

This is the time to unveil your contemplations and reflections. Let your deepest and most cherished desires bear fruit as you dig deep inside the wellspring of your heart and express who you are into the world. When you align so deeply with who you are, whatever you do or say will feel like you are offering your highest. When you act from the highest, you will not only feel the delight of such a connection but others will be uplifted in your presence and get a hit of their own Divine light.

If you have been waiting for the right time to launch some important project, venture, business, or other offering, this is a great opportunity. This is a wonderful season to harness the creative energies of nature and skillfully ride the waves of change to affirm your life and make a beautiful offering to the world.

Make sure that as you make your offering that it is in fact aligned with your heart. The transformation may not always be comfortable as change make take you out of your comfort zone. However, when you remember your intention, it will give you renewed energy and inspiration to hold to that vision. In the process, you awaken to a new understanding of yourself and your relationship to the world. It is not just in your mind, but the transformation will affect your heart. By aligning with your depths, you will feel the delight of spirit as the very play of consciousness. As the Divine has taken every form, including you, the invitation is that you shift your form to feel a closer relationship to the Divine. As you shift in relationship with the Divine in this way, you will feel Divine!

WINTER INTO SPRING, CAT-WISE

2011-02-24T10:43:00.000-08:00

WINTER INTO SPRING, CAT-WISE

The transition from fall to winter to spring is an annual cycle for the cat and the cat-owning household with typically consistent year-to-year behaviors that mark the passage of time.
As fall turns to winter, many of our indoor/outdoor cat friends choose to make the indoors by the fire a new place to hang out. It is amazing how many hours they can sleep, and I often wonder what they dream about. Even those cats that are strictly indoor cats mark the passage of winter in a more quiet repose. And now, as the days grow longer, we’ll begin to see a stirring, maybe sitting on the window sill, more often than watching the bird feeder or squirrels, and for the more hardy, checking the open door to see if today would be a good day to venture forth.
What as cat owners should we be conscious of with regard to care and health during this transition? Here are a few things that I think about. Most of our outdoor cats have been hunting and maybe have had some fleas during the summer and fall. As the hunting season ends for a few months, November or December would have been a good time to get that last dose of worming medication, administered to allow them to pass the winter without the burden of tapeworms, round worms and hookworms. Of course, if your cat has not been on a flea preventive medication, confirming that he or she doesn’t bring unwanted houseguests is a great idea. You can check your cat by using a “flea comb,” running your fingers from the tail base to the shoulders looking through the hair as you go. If your cat is accommodating, look carefully at the belly where fleas like to congregate. I recommend using a flea/tick preventive into December to increase the chances of having a flea free winter.
If you share your life with one of the more hardy cats who likes to spend the time outdoors all winter, it is important to be sure that she or he has a place to get out of the wind and cold. Many cats grow really robust coats and tolerate the winter well with a little extra food, but frozen ear tips are not uncommon in cats who lack a good place to “hunker down” on a windy day. Have you ever seen and wondered about a cat you’ve met with squared off ears? This is usually evidence of a previous frostbite where the tips of the ears have actually died and fallen off.
What about the woodstove of which your cat is so fond? Hopefully is he or she likes to use it as a perch during the summer, you made the transition to wood heat without any burned footpads. It’s good to be careful as we get into spring. If the stove is out during the day and then on at night, some cats make a leap that they might have wished they hadn’t made!
With the first signs of spring just around the corner, those cats with cabin fever will be stirring from the fire, climbing into the windows and heading outdoors. It’s a good idea to be up to date on the weather forecasts so no one stays out too long on a cold day. If your cats can’t be counted on to obey a curfew, its important to get them in for the night. It’s kind of like hardening your seedlings in the spring. Before long, the indoor-only group will be sitting at the window watching those birds and butterflies that I suspect they were dreaming about, and the outdoors group will be chasing them, in addition to mice, chipmunks and voles.
So, while you enjoy the lengthening days and the change of the seasons, and while you marvel at the return of spring life outdoors, it is good to notice the change in patterns and behaviors that we can recognize in our domesticated friends.

Legends of St. Valentine's Day

2011-02-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

LEGENDS OF ST. VALENTINE’S DAY
There are various popular and interesting legends of St. Valentine’s Day. Some legends trace the origin of Valentine’s Day to pagan times while others link it one or more Saints of early Christian Church. Yet another point of view on the origin of St. Valentine’s Day links it to the beginning of birds mating season. Popularity of the festival is perhaps due to the combined effect of all these legends along with the notion that spring is the time for love.
Some famous legends of Valentine’s day are:
Feast of Lupercalia
Saint Valentine of Rome – I
Saint Valentine of Rome II
Birds Mating Time
Feast of Lupercalia
Several historians trace the origin of Valentine’s Day to pagan times in ancient Roman Empire. In those times, people organized a holiday on February to honor Juno – the mythological Queen of Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also regard Juno as the Goddess of Women and Marriage. From the following day – February 15 started the Fertility Festival called the Feast of Lupercalia. This feast was organized to protect humans from wolves and to honor the Roman Gods of Agriculture – Lupercus and Faunus besides the founders of Rome – Romulus and Remus. During the Feast of Lupercalia, members of Lupercali – an order of the Roman priest used to gather in a sacred cave where Romulus and Remus were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. Following the tradition, the priest would sacrifice a goat for fertility and a dog for purification. Boys would slice the goats hide into strips, dipped them in sacrificial blood and move about the streets gently slapping women and fields with the animal hide. Womenfolk gladly received a slap, as they believed that the practice would make them more fertile. Later, during the Feast of Lupercalia, all the young women in the city would place a chit of their name in a big urn. Bachelors in the city would each then take a chit out of the urn and became paired for the girl whose name was on the chit for the rest of the year. Quite often, the paired couple would fall in love and marry.
Later, when Christianity spread through Rome, the practice of finding mate through ‘lottery’ was deemed un-Christian and outlawed. Around 498 AD, Pope Gelasius is said to have declared Feburary 14 Valentine’s Day. Some writers link Valentine’s Day with Feast of Lupercalia because of similar date and connection with fertility.
Legends of St. Valentine
Early Christian church indicates the presence of at least two saints named Valentine. Some scholars however, says that there were as many as seven saints credited with the name of Saint Valentine or Valentinus all of whom lived in the Third Century and apparently died on the same day. Given here are some of the most popular of all legends of Saint Valentine:
Saint Valentine of Rome – I
According to one of the very popular legend, Valentine was a priest in Rome who lived during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Under his regime, Claudius is said to have engaged Rome into se veral bloody battles. To strengthen his army, the Emperor continuously needed to recruit soldiers. However, Claudius found that not many soldiers were keen to join the army because of attachment with their wives and families. In order to sever the bond of attachment, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine – a romantic at heart priest, defied this callous decree of Claudius by secretly arranging marriages of young men and women. When Valentine’s defiance was discovered by the Emperor, he was brutally beaten up and put to death on February 14, about 270 AD.
For his martyrdom and dedication for the cause Valentine was named a Saint after his death. My Middle Ages, Saint Valentine became popular as the patron saint of love and lovers in England and France to the extent that Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as Valentine’s Day on 498 AD and put an end to pagan celebrations. Thus, Saint Valentine’s martyrdom became an occasion to celebrate love.
Saint Valentine of Rome –II
Another famous legend on Saint Valentine states Valentine was an early Christian in Rome who was very popular amongst children. But during the time when Valentine lived, Roman regime was not on favour of Christianity and it even persecuted Christians to make Rome free of the followers of Christianity. In spite of this strict law, Valentine continued to practice his faith and refused to worship Roman Gods. This enraged Emperor Claudius II and he put Valentine in prison.
Valentine is said to have spent a year in rigorous imprisonment during which he was missed a lot by children. They began to toss loving notes and flowers between the bars of his cell window. To an extent, this legend may explain the tradition of exchanging notes and flowers on St. Valentine’s Day.
Some scholars believe that during his stay in prison Valentine made friends with jailer’s blind daughter who at times brought to him notes and flowers from children. Whenever possible, Valentine also replied to the notes. Days before his execution, Valentine prayed for the jailer’s daughter and she regained her sight. Before his death, Valentine is also said to have written a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter and signed it, “From Your Valentine”. This expression is popular even till date.
Some scholars believe that Valentine was killed because he tried to help Christians escape from the Roman prison as they were being tortured and beaten. Yet another scholars say Emperor Claudius II was impressed by Valentine’s kindness and good behavior. He even stated that Valentine could be freed if he agreed to worship Roman Gods. Valentine not just refused he even tried to convert Emperor to Christianity. This made Claudius very angry and he ordered his execution. Valentine was beheaded on February 14.
Birds Mating Time
During the Middle Ages, people in England and France held a popular belief that birds started to look for a mate from February 14. This popular notion further strengthened the idea that Valentine’s Festival that falls in the middle of February should be celebrated as the day of love and romance. The concept soon gained ground amongst the lovers and they began to celebrate the day by exchanging love notes and simple gifts like flowers.

GRIEF: COPING WITH REMINDERS AFTER A LOSS

2011-01-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

GRIEF: COPING WITH REMINDERS AFTER A LOSS
Grief doesn’t magically end after a certain point after a loved one’s death
Often brings back the pain and of loss even years after but here is some helpful tip for coping and healing
When a loved one dies, but you may be faced with grief over your loss again and again sometimes even years after the feelings of grief may return on your loved one’s anniversary death or on your loved one’s or other special days throughout the year anniversary reaction, it isn’t necessarily a setback in the grieving process it’s a reflection that a loved one’s life was important to continue down the path towards healing what to expect and how to cope with the reminder of the loss.

GRIEF COMES WITH MANY EMOTIONS

2011-01-28T10:40:00.000-08:00

GRIEF COMES WITH MANY EMOTIONS
There aren’t any “should” with respect with how grief is felt or expressed. It’s common for people who have lost a spouse or someone close to feel sad, angry, helpless, guilty, anxious, lonely and frightened. It is also common to experience a sense of shock or numbness, especially if the death was sudden and unexpected. All of these feelings are normal.
Generally speaking, common emotions of grief are:
Shock
At first, it may be difficult to accept that your loved one has died. Some survivors cry, but others are too numb. They’re in shock. Shock acts as defense against the painful feelings associated with loss. Shock is nature’s way of helping us through what otherwise seems unbearable.
Disorganization
As shock lessens, feelings of uncertainty, confusion and disorganization often set in. All of the activities associated with everyday life may seem unimportant given the major loss you’ve experienced. A person’s normal routine is now forever changed.
Volatile emotions
Anger, bitterness, hostility and resentment are common emotions experienced by a grieving person. These feelings may come on suddenly and without explanation. These types of feelings, while uncomfortable, are no cause for shame. It’s best to just accept your emotions and express them in healthy ways.
Guilt
Feeling of guilt and anger may occur at the same time. Some people may feel guilty because of their angry feelings. Others feel guilty about something that was said or done that is now regretted. Still others may experience guilt if they believe they could have done something to prevent the deceased person’s illness or death. Such nagging thought often begin with “if only” of “what if.”
When working through your feeling of guilt be open to confiding these thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend or relative. If individuals find themselves feeling guilty and angry for long periods and can’t seem to move on, it’s important to consult with a professional.
Loss and loneliness
This is often the most painful of emotions and involves acknowledging the significance of the loss. Many people will feel depressed and will withdraw from activities they enjoyed.
Some people find it useful to seek the help of a professional counselor or a support group to help them through this difficult time.
Relief and recovery
Feelings of relief and a sense that the worst is overcome with the realization that life will go on and that you’ll be alright. It is important to realize that feeling relief in no way diminishes the loss you have experienced. It simply marks the beginning of recovery.

SYMBOLS/MYTHS/LEGENDS-LEPRECHAUN

2011-01-18T11:20:00.000-08:00

SYMBOLS/MYTHS/LEGENDS
LEPRECHAUN
A leprechaun n Irish folklore was, a little sprite, or goblin.
The name leprechaun may have derived from the Irish leath brogan or shoemaker, though its origins lay lie in laucharma’s Irish for pygmy.
These apparently aged, diminutive men are frequently to be found in an intoxicated state, caused by home-brew poteen. However they never become so drunk that the hand which holds the hammer becomes unsteady and their shoemaker’s work affected.
Leprechauns have also become self-appointed guardians of ancient treasure, burying it in crocks or pots.
If caught by a mortal, he will promise great wealth if allowed to go free. He carries two leather pouches. In one there is a silver shilling, a magical coin that returns to the purse each time it is paid out. In the other he carries a gold coin which he uses to try and bribe his way out of difficult situations. This coin usually turns to leaves or ashes once the leprechaun has parted with it.
The leprechaun ‘family’ appears split into two distinct groups – leprechaun and cluricaun. Although the leprechaun has been described as Ireland’s national fairy, this name was originally only used in the north Leinster area. Variants include lurcahmain, lurican, lurgadhan.
The legends of Ireland are rife with mentions of the charming, impish Lepechaun. If you are curious about the lore and history of your ancestral home, you may be interested in learning more about the leprechaun and his origins in the myths, folklore, and verse of the Emerald Isle.
The leprechaun is traditionally viewed as a mischievous little creature, who spends his days crafting shoes and storing his profits in the proverbial pot of gold. Legend has it that you can find the pot o’ gold if you listen closely for the hammering sounds the tiny fairy makes as he does his work.
Catching a leprechaun is hard work. They are inclined to resist contact with human beings, according to legend, and they are crafty. The leprechaun will share his secrets with you if you are lucky enough to find him. According to the tales of old, a leprechaun will lead you to his pot of gold and bestow his riches upon you, if you are clever enough to meet him.
The classic leprechaun of Irish folklore stands a mere 24 inches in height, and he will have a glint of mischief in his sparkling eyes. He will greet you with a bright, happy expression that may mask some element of trickery. Leprechauns enjoy their own prankish nature, and they will relish playing tricks to fool the people who seek them out.
Your leprechaun may have an appetite for fine malt whiskey and tobacco from a pipe. They are also rumored to be able to drink you under the table, despite their diminutive size! These pleasure seeking fairy creatures carry many secrets, and they will take pains to protect their treasure from prying eyes.
There are no female leprechauns. These elfin beings have inhabited the Emerald Isle for thousands of years, before the Druids practiced their Pagan faith in Ireland. In order to capture one of these elusive fairies, you must maintain eye contact with him. He cannot flee as long as you stare at one another. However, if you turn away from him, he will seize his chance and disappear.
Beware of the many hidden powers of the leprechaun. He may have the ability to hypnotize you, and his power will allow his to escape. Keep watch for his bright red coat, and his distinctive, pointed cap. He will be a sharp dresser, with many rows of decorative buttons upon his cloak.
The legend of the leprechaun is one of Ireland’s most charming tales. There are many symbols of Ireland, and the little limp who cobbles shoes and hides his riches in a pot of gold is just one example of the Irish story-telling tradition.
If you enjoy Irish symbols and folklore, you will find other examples on today’s Irish jewelry designs, which echo the tales of the Irish people. Shamrocks and Claddagh symbols all tell a story of centuries past, and they are a fine way to celebrate the gifts of story and verse that are a hallmark of the Irish people.

Ranger and Harley and Electra Meet Danger

2011-01-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

RANGER AND HARLEY AND ELECTRA MEET DANGER
Harley and Electra jus arrived in Clyde, North Carolina. They wanted Ranger, the horse, to take them, somewhere. So, both dogs in a jog ran and ran up to where Ranger was out behind a wire fence. And somehow, Ranger was able to dunk underneath the wire fence without getting electrocuted.
Once, Ranger was out from underneath the wire fence, he leaned down to the ground. And he allowed Electra and Harley to jump onto her back.
Once, the two dogs on the spot were on top of Ranger’s back, he said to the two dogs on the spot, “What did you two dogs have in mind for today? How about if I take yhou two dogs on the spot for a walk down the road. And from there, you two dogs on the spot, can decided jus where you want to go on such a nice day as today.”
Harley said to Ranger, “Electra and I would like to jus take a ride down a couple streets down the winding mountain roads, here, in Clyde. On a day like today, so warm, we jus would like to get away from our Masters for once. Because ever since, we’ve been, here, at the log cabin in a jog, we’ve been a little cooped up in the front yard with all that fencing around us. The fence seems to make us, feel as though, we’re cramped inside the front yard.”
Ranger responded, “Okay, hold on tight, because when I gallop, I tend to move quite fast down the mountain roads.”
So, first, as Ranger got back up onto his feet, the two dogs on the spot, made sure they were holding tight onto Ranger’s back. Then, Ranger along with the two dogs on the spot, were on their way down the road.
But as they all reached the stop sign at the end of the road, a pit bull, which lives at a corner house, starting barking fiercely at the dogs. And sensing that the pit bull was about to leap at Harley and Electra, they tried to run away from that corner. But before the two dogs in a job, could get away from the pit bull, the pit bull kept barking and barking louder and lounder.
Being that Ranger was sensing that Harley and Electra were in danger, he said tok the two dogs on the spot, “C’mon and hop onto my back. We’ve got to get away from this dog, because he seems to be the dangerous type.”
But Harley and Electra jus wanted fight or flight. So, the two dogs started running after the pit bull. And the two dogs and the pit bull got into a fierce fight. Harley and Electra tried to lash at the pit bull. But the pit bull turned more fierce to them. And it started in a spark, to try to match the strength of the pit bull. But the pit bull opened its jaws wide. And started to knaw at both Harley and Electra.
In seeing that Harley and Electra were getting attacked by the pit bull, Ranger couldn’t allow them to fall at the mercy of the pit bull. So, Ranger leaped at the pit bull and knocked that dog down to the ground. As the pit bull, finally, turned helpless, Harley and Electra, finally, were able to get away from that fierce dog on the spot.
Harley and Electra, with whatever strength, they had left in them, they jumped onto Ranger. And Ranger, at a trot, took both Harley and Electra back to the log cabin.
As they arrived over at the log cabin on the spot, Ranger trotted up to the side door of the log cabin. And he kicked at the side door. It was a good thing that Larry heard Ranger at the door. Because he, quickly, walked and walked over to the side door. And in seeing Ranger at the side door, Larry was able to see that Harley and Electra jus slid off of Ranger’s back. And the two dogs on the spot, were lying on the grass, gasping for breath.
Larry walked outside and in seeing the two dogs on the spot, lying on the grass out of breath, called Flo outside in a slide. Once, they both arrived outside in a slide, they, quickly, picked up Harley and Electra into their arms with a lot of charm. And they both put the dogs into the back part of the jeep. And upon Larry and Flo jumping and jumping into the jeep, they were off to the nearest vet to havae both Harley and Electra checked out in a slide.
Not much time later, as they arrived over at the vet, Larry and Flo hopped out of the jeep in a beat. And carefully, they each took one of the dogs into their arms. And both Larry and Flo walked into the vet’s office. And let the vet know that they have an emergency on their hands.
So, the vet took their two dogs right away. And the vet allowed Larry and Flo to walk inside the vet’s office. And especially, because both Harley and Electra were bad condition at this time in a slide.
Harley and Electra, finally, survived their wounds. And Larry and Flo took the two dogs on the spot, back to the log cabin. And once, they arrived back at the log cabin, they spent the rest of the day into the night, watching after the dogs on the spot. And they took turns taking care of their dogs on the spot, because the two dogs had to be watched very carefully.
By the next day, both Harley and Electra were alright. But Larry and Flo made the two dogs on the spot, have about a weeks’ rest to recover, fully, from the attack from the pit bull down at the corner. But the best thing about the whole thing, is that both Harley and Electra survived and were alright in a matter of days.

GOOD LUCK NOT LETTING THE BEDBUGS BITE

2011-01-07T11:20:00.001-08:00

GOOD LUCK NOT LETTING THE BEDBUGS BITE
For anyone hoping there’s a quick, easy treatment in the near future, take note of the hesitation in Coby Schal’s response.
Schal is an N.C. State University urban etomologist-the academic title for a guy who studies cockroaches, and of late, bedbugs- and he gets asked all the time whether a miracle might soon hit the market to stem growing infestations of the blood-sucking insets.
Pause.
Long, scary pause.
“I wish I had a short-term answer to that,” he says. Another pause. “But I don’t.”
Oh, agony and woe.
And the pessimism along leading bug scientists is nothing compared to the downer from exterminators, who now rank bedbugs among their worst and most prevalent problems.
Donnie Shelton, owner of Triangle Pest Control in Raleigh, said his bedbug business has increased 400-fold-just this year.
Tools of the trade
He bought a dog, named Scout, who is specially trained to sniff out bedbug infestations. Next month Shelton will offer what he believes is the area’s first heat-based eradication system, which uses industrial heaters to roast the bugs dead in their tracks.
Pesticides, he says, are increasingly ineffective.
“They become more resistant every single day,” Shelton says, “They’re insane. You can’t do anything with them. Everything in the arsenal isn’t working.”
Overuse of pesticides has likely contributed to the bedbugs’ resurgence, and that exact process is one of the mysteries Schal’s team at NCSU is trying to figure out.
Defeating pesticides
Until only recently, bedbugs seemed to be a scourge of the past, but their comeback has been a triumph of selective resilience that would be a marvel if it wasn’t so creepy.
“Bedbugs just drive people mad,” Shelton says, “The thought of an insect coming out and biting you when you’re sleeping-it makes people crazy.”
Infestations have hit area motels, NCSU and Wake Forest University dorm rooms, a home for the elderly in downtown Raleigh, and untold numbers of private residences.
Treatments can be extensive and expensive, requiring repeat visits that can run costs to well over $1,000.
When bedbugs first started showing up in North Carolina four years ago, Shelton says, a pesticide that relied on the chemical compound pyrethroid worked well. That didn’t last. Exterminators then switched to another chemical, also a pyrethroid-based compound, and it, too, failed.
Schal says he has dunked bedbugs in pyrethroid-literally soaked them-and they live. “They just walk away,” he says.
As s result, he suspects the bugs that are now infesting the United States hitchhiked here from Africa or South America, where pyrethroid-based insecticides have been sprayed liberally to eradicate mosquitoes that carry malaria and so-called kissing bugs that transmit Chagas disease.
When poisons are usedover and over again, the vulnerable bugs die, while the hardy ones live and breed, creating a master race that is impervious to the toxins.
And since bedbugs are notorious travelers-they can hop on luggage, clothing, purses-they easily spread in a go-go world.
The big questions.
Schal’s group at NCSU has a $350,000 grant to use DNA sequencing to trace the origins of current bedbug populations in the United States. The information, he says, will clarify “where they came from and why they’re here and why we’re having problems now that we didn’t have two decades ago.”
The failure of pyrethroid-based insecticides has created a unique situation in the battle against bedbugs.
With cockroaches, which have also grown resistant to the pesticide, exterminators have other weapons. They can use baits to attract the insects. The baits, spiked with another poison the insects eat, kill the critters and other than come in contact with them.
But bedbugs are built to suck blood, not scrounge food particles. In addition, scientists don’t know exactly what draws bedbugs to humans, other than the prospect of a blood meal.
Stealthy, resourceful.
Answering that question is another goal of Schal and his team at NCSU, in hopes the knowledge may results in something that allures bedbugs from the nooks and crannies where they hide.
That would be a major advance, because it’s a sneaky breed. Bedbugs can go months without a meal, burrow deep into furniture and walls, and are creative in where they hide their progeny; eggs have been found in picture frames, behind baseboards, even along the threads of headboard bolts.
Pest experts note that such survival skills make it hard for trained exterminators to clear an infestation, let alone do-it-yourselvers. They particularly caution people from using pesticide “bombs,” which contain pyrethroid and are generally ineffective. Multiple bombs only put residents at risk, not the bugs.
Mike Valdvogel, another NCSU entomologist, says there are steps people can take to prevent infestations in the first place. He says people who travel should check their hotel rooms for tell-tale signs of bedbugs, notably brown stains along the seams of mattresses, and keep their luggage off the floors, beds and chairs.
Once they return home, he says, people should unpack in the bathtub, where they’re more likely to see a hitchhiking bug, and immediately wash and dry all their clothes. He also recommends sequestering the suitcase outside or in the garage.
And while Waldvogel urges diligence, he also says there’s no reason to panic.
“You can’t just stay at home and hunker down and watch TV and never invite anyone into your house,” he says.
Then again, that doesn’t sound quite so bad.
savery@newsobserver.com or 919-829-4882

GOOD LUCK NOT LETTING THE BEDBUGS BITE

2011-01-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

TRACY CHAPMAN

2011-01-03T08:29:00.003-08:00

TRACY CHAPMAN
Tracy Chapman was born March 30th 1964. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio.
She is a singer and song writer. She also is a multi-platinum and Grammy Award winner.
Tracy and her family did not have much money. As she was growing up her family had noticed her love for music. She had gotten her first musical at the age of three. Her first instrument was an (UKULELE). By the time she was eight she had gotten a guitar, and she had started to write her own songs. She has credited the show (HEE HAW) for this.
Tracy attended EPISCOPALIN high school. After this she had attended college called (A BETTER CHANCE). Which later had gotten her the chance to attend a school in Connecticut called (WOOSTERSCHOOL). She also attended (TUFTS UNIVERSITY). While she was attending TUFTS she earned BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE. Both in anthropology and AFRICAN STUDIES.
In 2004 TUFTS UNIVERSITY had honored her with a Honorary Degree of Fine Arts. And was because of being an accomplished musician.
Chapman performs for different charities like:
A. MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
B. AIDS/LIFE CYCLE
AND SOME OTHERS. She is currently living in California at this time. She also enjoys:
A. GOING TO THE BEACH
B. EATING OUT WITH HER FRIENDS
C. WALKING THROUGH THE WOODS
D. AND ORGANIC FOOD
She also holds a strong belief on holding her personal life and performing life separately.
During her college years she would perform on the streets in HARVARD SQUARE and playing in:
A. CLUBS
B. AND COFFEE SHOPS
In 1987 she signed up with ELEKTRA RECORDS.
She released an album called (TRACY CHAPMAN) in 1988 after the release of the album she started touring. And had started to build up her own fans. Soon after this she had performed for (NELSON MANDELA’S) 70th birthday. Her album went well and this went to multi-platinum. She had also won three Grammy Awards. And, later getting an honor for best new artist.
Her 4th album became a huge success. And, had sold over 3 million copies.
She had started touring:
A. THE UNITED STATES
B. EUROPE
C. GERMANY
D. ITALY
E. FRANCE
F. Plus other cities as well
In November of 2008 Chapman did a 26 day solo tour of Europe and North American cities. She also had a back-up band and this consisted of:
A. JOHN GORE-GUITARS
B. PATRICK WARREN-KEYBOARDS
C. AND DAWN RICHARDSON-PERCUSSION
Tracy Chapman also sings the:
A. FOLK MUSIC
B. THE BLUES
C. ALTERNATIVE ROCK
D. POP
E. AND SOUL
Tracy plays the:
A. GUITAR
B. KEYBOARDS
C. ORGAN
D. And other music instruments as well
Her career started in 1988 and still continues to the present day.

TRACY CHAPMAN

2011-01-03T08:29:00.001-08:00

IS STREP THROAT CONTAGIOUS?

2011-01-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

Harry World Braille Day!

2010-12-30T11:14:00.001-08:00

HARRY WORLD BRAILLE DAY!
January, 4, 2011 Is World Braille Day!
So-called “War of the Dots”, and a wonderful interlude on the use of raised text in the Halifax School for the Blind.
There had been a raised-dot writing process before Braille invented his own, but it took up more space. Braille simplified it, and quickly taught his friends and fellow classmates at the Paris school for the blind how to use it. Previous to that, blind people had been taught to read using embossed letters. Letters would be embossed by getting paper wet and then putting it down on carved (wooden? Metal? I can’t remember) 3-d letters. This strikes me as in credibly cumbersome.
At first, Braille’s new method was embraced by the school. However, when the former headmaster retired, a new headmaster came in and was determined to get rid of everything that had been done by the former one. I wrote some notes about this:
“To dramatize and enforce the new system [of embossed writing for the blind], Dufau made a bonfire in the school’ rear courtyard and burned not only the embossed books created by Huay’s [First principal of the first school for the blind in Europe] original process but also every book printed or hand-transcribed in Louis’ [Braille{ new code. This comprised the school’s entire library, the the product of nearly 50 years’ work. To make sure no Braille would ever again be used at the school, he also burned and confiscated the slates, styli, and other Braille writing equipment.”
“Dafau’s students rebelled and Braille survived. The older students taught the younger students despite the punishment of slaps across the hands and going to bed without dinner.”
Braille made its way from France across England and then across to North America.
One thing I like about Braille is that it was invented and refined by blind people. Despite attempts to wipe it out, blind students refused to give it up—much like Sign Language, in fact.

George (Sparky) Anderson

2010-12-30T10:20:00.001-08:00

GEORGE (SPARKY) ANDERSON

George Lee (Sparky) Anderson was both the National and American League managers. He managed the both the Cincinnati Reds and The Detroit Tigers to their championships. Cincinnati in 1975 and 1976 and the Tigers in 1984.
He lived in California. By the baseball teams he was known as (SPARKY) and to his friends he was known as George. He had died of complications due to dementia.
He was born in Bridgewater, South Dakota. On February 22nd 1934. Upon graduating from high school, he signed with The Brooklyn Dodger as an amateur in 1953.
In 1955 he had moved up to the minor leagues. He played for the
A. DOUBLE-A FORTWORTH CATS IN TEXAS
B. IN 1956 HE MOVED TO THE TRIPLE A-MONTREAL ROYALS(OF THE INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE
C. IN 1957 HE WENT TO THE LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF THE PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE\
The following year season he had returned to Montreal.
Sparky had played 5 minor league seasons without putting on an a Dodger uniform. In the major league level he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in December of 1958. In trading 3 baseball players. He had started his first full season in 1959. He only batted a .218 in 152 games without any home runs, and with only 34 runs batted in. He then returned to the minor leagues for the rest of his playing career.
He played four seasons in the International League which were The Toronto Maple Leafs..When the league owner (JACK KENT CLARK) had noticed Sparky’s talent for leadership. He had the suggested that Sparky to pursue a career in management.
By the time Sparky was 30 he had taken up the offer that (COOKE) had said. He started managing the Toronto Maple Leafs. He managed the minor leagues at the minor league levels. The class A and the double A- divisions. He had managed the Reds at the minor league level in 1968.
During his managing career, he had 4 consecutive winning seasons with:
A. ROCK HILL CARDINALS`OF THE WESTERN LEAGUE IN 1965
B. 1966 WITH THE ST. PETERSBURG CARDINALS OF FLORIDA STATE
C. 1967 WITH THE MODESTO REDS OF THE CALIFORNIA LEAGUE
D. AND IN 1968 WITH THE ASHEVILLE TOURISTS OF THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE
It was in the season of 1966 he lost to MIAMI 4-3 in a 29 inning without interruption.
He got back to the major league system in 1969 as a coach for the SAN DIEGO PADRES. He was a short time manager 1969-1970 for the CALIFORNIA ANGELS. But, within a couple of days he was offered a job in Anaheim. He had replaced Dave Bristol of the Reds. This reunited Sparky with Reds manager Bob Howsam, who had hired as the minor league manager for the ST LOUIS CARDINALS and the Cincinnati organizations.
In 1969 Sparky became the Reds manager by Bob Howsam. He replaced Dave Bristol. Sparky then lead the Cincinnati Reds to 102 wins along with the National League Pennant in 1970. Although they had lost the World Series to the Baltimore Orioles. It was during this season the Cincinnati Reds became known as the BIG RED MACHINE.
There was an injury that had plagued the 1971 season. This is when the Reds had finished in 5th place. Although, the Reds came back to win another pennant in 1972. Beating the Pittsburg Pirates in the National League Championship Series (NCLS). But, had lost to the Oakland Athletics in the World Series. They took the (NLCS) again in 1973. But, had lost to the Mets in the National League Championship Series.
After they had finished in second place to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1974 and 1975. The Reds had blown the division wide open by winning 108 games. They took the (NLCS) and the World Series in 7 games against Boston. They had repeated this again in 1976 against the Yankees. Anderson then had an astounding 14-3 postseason play against the:
A. PIRATES
B. PHILLIES
C. RED SOX
D. AND THE YANKEES
They had won against the Red Sox in a triumphed 7 game series in 1975 and then taking a 7 straight games again in the postgame season.
When the Reds had finished second to the Dodgers in the next two seasons. Anderson was then fired in November of 1978. By Dick Wagner who was the general manager that had taken over for Howsam a year earlier. General manager Wagner wanted to shake up Reds coaching staff. Anderson objected and was dismissed as well.
Under the new manager(JOHN MCNAMARA) the Reds had taken the title again in 1979. But, lost 3 straight to the Pirates in the league championship series. They would not make the playoffs again until 1990. When they swept the series against the Oakland Athletics.
Anderson hade then moved on to the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers were a young team. After Sparky’s hiring the Tigers became a winning team almost automatically. They were finishing .500 in each of Sparky’s 3 seasons. Although, they did not get into an opinion of discussion until 1983. They had finished second to the Baltimore Orioles in the (ALE) American League East.
In 1984 the Tigers opened their season with an 35-5. This was a major league record. And, breezed through a 104-58 win. This was a franchise record for wins. Then they had took the Kansas City Royals in the (ACLS) American League Championship Series. They had Beaten the San Diego Padres in a five game World Series. This was Anderson’s third world title. When the season was finished, Anderson had won 2 manager of the year awards with the Tigers.
The Tigers had finished in 3rd place in 1985 and 1986 under Sparky’s supervision. They had taken a 9 to 5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in July of 1986. Anderson had become the first manager to achieve a 600 career in both the National League and American Leagues.
Sparky had then lead the Tigers into their best season yet in 1987. They had finished in second place against Boston by one game in the (ALE) American League East. The next year the team had fallen apart losing 103 games. In 1989 Anderson took a month long vacation due to stress. Dick Tracewski had then took over the managing while Sparky was away.
In 1991 the Tigers had finished:
A. LAST IN BATTING AVERAGES
B. FIRST IN BATTING STRIKE OUTS
C. AND CLOSE TO THE BOTTOMIN THE PITCHING CATAGORIES
But, still lead them to a second place behind the Toronto. The team had a power packed line-up:
A. CECIL FIELDER
B. MICKEY TETTLETON
C. ROB DEER
This lead the league to many home runs and walks that season.
During Sparky’s career as manager he would always praise his players whenever he had talked to the press. He had later acknowledged that he may have put to much pressure on the players.
Sparky retired from managing after the 1995 season. Because he was disenchanted with the league following the 1994 strike. That had put the baseball season of 1995 behind. It was widely rumored that Sparky was forced into a early retirement by the Tigers as they were unhappy that he would not manage the non-union players. During the training season.
Sparky finished with a lifetime record of 2,194 wins with a 1,834 losses. With a .545 percentage. Sparky finished with his career with a much longer time with the Tigers than with the Reds. He had won two World Series games in career. One with the Cincinnati Reds and the other with the Detroit Tigers.
During his time with the Tigers and later Sparky did some television work. He was a Television commentator. He paired up with Jack Buck on CBS Radio covering postgame game play. This was during the 1980’s and the 1990’s. From 1996 to 1998 he was the color analyst for the Anaheim Angels, on the cable television broadcasts.
While Sparky was still in Detroit. He had founded a charitable organization called (CATCH)which stands for CARING ATHELETES TEAMED FOR CHILDREN’S HENRY FORD HOSPITABLE’S. This took place in 1987. He was active in this charity well into his retirement.
Sparky was voted into The Baseball Home of Fame in 2000 for being a manager for the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers. When he was elected for the Cincinnati Reds he had chosen to wear the Reds cap in honor for General Manager Bob Howsam. Who had given Sparky his first chance at managing the Major-League baseball teams.
He was also elected into Cincinnati’s hall of fame the same year. In May of2005 his Red’s Jersey was retired at a pre-game ceremony which was number 10. There was a similar ceremony held in Detroit’s Comerica Park honoring him and retiring his jersey which was number 11.
In 2007, Sparky was elected into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
Sparky was the very first manager to win the World Series in Both the National League and American Leagues.
Sparky’s accomplishment was equaled in the 2006 World Series when Tony La Russa won the World Series. He had considered Sparky Anderson his mentor.
In 2006 a complex was built and completed at California’s Lutheran University.
Sparky had died at the age of 76.
Farwell to George (SPARKY) Anderson.

Stick To Your New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-28T11:00:00.001-08:00

STICK TO YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
By Liz Davis
As the holidays draw to a close every year, most people begin to contemplate, “What’s my New Year’s resolution going to be this year? While you inevitably grow and make changes throughout the year, there’s something refreshing and definitive about resolving to make changes at the beginning of a brand-new year. Many people even have a standing New Year’s resolution that they commit to anew every January; only to lose momentum somewhere along the way. Diminished resolve and motivation are common for everyone. Let’s take a look at the top 10 New Year’s resolutions people make every year, as well as some tips for making this the year you actually follow through.
Go back to school. There are few resolutions that involve more iniative and willingness than deciding to continue one’s education, whether that means picking up where you left off after high school or college, or taking your lifetime learning plans in a whole new direction. In certain career areas, additional training or certifications can mean increased earning potential. Learning a new language, for example, can make you more desirable to many employers.
There are also plenty of educational options for simply enriching your life and taking new chances. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but never knew how to, or never felt qualified to undertake? Do you have pages of notes for short stories, or even a novel, but no idea what to do with them? Why not take an introductory writing class once a week at a local community college? The same goes for any skill or art form that you’ve always been interested in. Now is the time to look into educational opportunities in your area, so set aside the time and live out that dream!
Get a better job. Feeling dissatisfied at work is a common complaint. Perhaps you’re living paycheck to paycheck, or you may feel as though another position or employer would provide a more satisfying job situation. Career improvements can take many different forms, so educate yourself about the current climate in your field. Seek out professional role models and ask them how they got where they are.
You may feel professionally stymied, as though you can’t get a foot in the door in terms of moving up you company’s ladder. This is a common source of career frustration. A lateral move within your department might be advisable to begin with, giving you a chance to build a bigger skill set and therefore more bargaining power when you want to advance.
Another helpful option is to join a professional networking site. Spend a little of your spare time scouring online job ads (but not while you’re at work!), and set aside an afternoon or evening to update and polish your resume. If you’re not doing what you feel you were born to do, what’s stopping you from moving in that direction? What skills do you already have that you can leverage in pursuit of a new or better career?
Get in shape. This is likely the most common New Year’s resolution people make. The passing of another year is a reminder that no one is getting any younger.
In fact, most people are accelerating their own decline into premature old age, owing to poor diet and lack of physical activity. Along with quitting smoking and drinking, this New Year’s resolution sees the highest rates of failure. The reason for that? Perfectionism and unrealistic expectations.
Talk to your doctor before planning a complete overhaul of your diet and exercise habits, especially if you have a medical condition that requires special care. Whether you want to lose 100 pounds or you’d simply like to drop that last five and tighten up all over, the only way to achieve lasting results is through small, manageable changes over time. For example, weight loss greater than one to three pounds a week rarely lasts. So take it slow, be kind to yourself and keep trying. Resist the urge to throw your hands up if you miss a day of exercise or eat something you’re “not supposed to.” The focus of any successful wellness plan is overall health and balance, not physical and mental perfection.
An accountability partner is an excellent way to stay motivated. You can remind each other of your reasons for wanting to exercise and eat healthfully. The encouragement and camaraderie of another person who’s struggling with the same challenges are invaluable when striving to make big life changes. The best part is that you’ll be able to congratulate each other on your continuing progress; there’s no better feeling than being thrilled for yourself and someone else!
Make a difference. Making a conscious choice to give of oneself for the benefit of others is a vastly satisfying and potentially life-changing New Year’s resolution. Volunteering is one of the most effective ways to feel useful and connected to others. The key to sticking with a volunteer gig is finding something that fills you up spiritually and emotionally. What do you love to do? What are you good at? Volunteermatch.com is an excellent resource for finding a volunteer opportunity that suits you to a tee.
Go somewhere. Travel is high on many people’s New Year’s to-do lists. Some want to set aside more time for recreation and relaxation with family and friends. Others want to see more of the world and the myriad experience that traveling offers. Where do you want to go? Start by visualizing and researching the destinations you most want to visit. Dream big, be specific and make plans. You may want to open a savings account to help you set aside the funds necessary for your dream trip.
Quit smoking. Lots of folks decide to quit smoking at the first of the year, often beginning with boatloads of momentum and optimism. The key to quitting is preparation and practice. Prepare and educate yourself for quitting. Don’t feel pressured to quit on the first of January unless you’ve developed a realistic quit plan ahead of time. If you cave in and smoke, don’t beat yourself up. Every time you quit is practice for staying stopped; the more you try, the more likely you are to quit for good.
Reduce debt and save money. Money is a common source of major stress. Although any New Year’s resolution is more achievable when you get the facts, figures, pros and cons down on paper, this one in particular works best if you have a specific sense of what you’re dealing with. So break out that calculator, pencil, paper and all those bills and statements. Keep track of all your expenditures for a set period of time. Add up your debts and expenses, and compare them to your income.
It’s easy to panic at what feels like an insurmountable, out-of-control money situation. “I’ll deal with that later” is a common refrain. Take one small, manageable action at a time toward eliminating your debt. Stop using your credit cards—many people report that cutting up cards, though scary at first, is one of the most freeing steps they took toward getting a handle on financial setbacks. Contacting a debt relief agency may be helpful. Simply making an appointment to talk to an experienced financial planner can alleviate a great deal of anxiety about money.
Get organized. Is material chaos making you crazy and keeping you from achieving what you most want and need to achieve? Do you lose time looking for documents and other necessities? Making a New Year’s resolution to simplify, organize and streamline your time and your physical space. Start by asking yourself, “What do I need to accomplish my daily tasks? Be ruthless about eliminating clutter and confusion—you’ll be amazed at the mental space and energy that is freed up when you clear out physical space. Like other major life changes, the way to make the organization habit is to stick to tackle it in bite-sized increments. Organize one drawer today—that’s it. Tomorrow, practice throwing out any paper you come across that serves no purpose. Before you know it, you’ll have a handful of effective organizational habits that you practice with regularity.
Find someone special. With the proliferation of online dating sites and other matchmaking services in recent years, it’s become common for many people to go about finding a suitable partner as they would any other life goal. This approach may or may not be for you, but regardless, the best place to start is with yourself. Overall, are you the person you want to be, and are you happy with what you can bring to the table in a relationship? Before you sign up for that dating service, it’s a good idea to get clear about you wants and expectations when it comes to romance. What are your deal-breakers, and how much are you willing to compromise? Resolve not to settle simply because you want someone in your life. The more honest you are, the more likely you’ll be to find someone you have a real and joyful future with.
Focus on more important relationships. Does New Year’s always remind you that your children (or parents, spouse, or friends) are getting older, and that you really should spend more quality time together? You can’t go wrong making a commitment like this. Like resolving to volunteer or to get healthy, making a decision to focus on the important people in your life is a resolution to be more authentic and involved in your life. After all, this is the only life you have, and the loved ones around you are the greatest gifts of the journey.
It’s never too early in the year (or too late, for that matter) to contemplate, plan and initiate positive change. And while an official New Year’s resolution brings with it a clear opportunity to look to your life from a broader prospective, the reality is that these opportunities are available at all times. So what are you waiting for? As the clock strikes midnight this time around, what new life-changing journey will you begin?

The Ghosts in the House

2010-12-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

THE GHOSTS IN THE HOUSE
This girl was in her room, working on a story of hers, because she needed to come up with a story for school. And she was, there, alone trying to get her homework done. But she needed some ideas to get her story going, so, she got up to look around in her bedroom for a book in her library. But, suddenly, she heard some eerie noises, coming from another room. She walked in that other room, and saw a ghost of her aunt, hanging from the ceiling. She, suddenly, realized that the old house, she lived in was haunted. And she let out an eerie scream, and ran back into her bedroom. But she didn’t know that the ghost of her aunt was, actually, a ghost. She thought she was seeing a vision of her aunt.
She hurried and got a book out of her library, and then, went back to her room, where she sat down at her laptop, and tried writing her story, which she ended up, anyways, writing about her aunt, because thoughts of her aunt didn’t seem to want to leave her mind. What then, came into her mind, was going into her story, which came out on her laptop as instead, a story about when her brother has served in Vietnam, and when he had come back from Vietnam, her older brother, Tom, had come back with agent orange. And in no time at all, he had died from Agent Orange. But jus before he had died from Agent Orange, he had gone crazy, and she had to use self-defense against him, many times. And he had ended up going into a mental institution, and now, she regretted losing contact with him. Because it seemed that she had lost all brotherly love for him. And she at that time, he had beren alive, hadn’t had any transportation over to the mental institution to keep in touch with him. And her mom and dad hadn’t allowed her to call him, because they had been afraid, that what he was suffering from at the time, his mental illness, would wear off on her. So, now, she, really, regretted not having been in touch with him all that time, he had lived in the mental institution.
Jus as she was working on her story, about her brother, serving in Vietnam, she seemed to go back in time in her mind, again, and this time, she found herself, screaming, because, suddenly, she found herself being pulled into some water, where there were a lot of brush around her. She figured she was experiencing some situation, which her brother had gotten himself in the middle of in Vietnam, when he had been serving his time in the war. She was struggling to get out of the water, and was having a hard time, swimming in the water, although, she was, originally, a good swimmer.
But, finally, after a big struggle in the water, she was able to get herself over to land, where she felt she was lost, and didn’t know where to head to find herself, a ride in a jeep to get herself back home, again. But not much time later, upon walking through the brush, dressed in army clothes, she was able to hail down a jeep. And some fellow, also, dressed in army fatigues, offered her a ride back home, which didn’t seem to be far away from where she lived in the family house, all by herself.
` Once, the guy, who seemed to know his way back to her family house, which house she lived in all by herself, she, upon arriving at the family house, not far from the water, where she struggled for survival, he dropped her off, there, at the house. And upon her, entering the house, she ran into her brother, who, originally, was thought to be dead. And the good thing about this situation, was that he has jus left the mental institution, and one of the doctors had given him, a ride back home. And she was so glad to see that he was alive, so, she game him, a big hug, and then, having lost track of time, she, again, went to work on her story about Vietnam. And her brother say beside her in a chair, a lazy boy chair, and talked to her while she was writing her story.
Suddenly, she went ahead in time, and back to the time, when she has to get her story done for school, tomorrow. When she had her story, finished, finally, she decided she would, being close to nighttime, go back to the library in the other room. And read some relaxing story before she went to bed, while her brother, himself, seemed to disappear from her room from the lazy boy chair..
When she walked back into her room, she called out her brother Tom’s name, and he didn’t seem to be where he, originally, was near her desk in the lazy boy chair. And in calling out his name, she was wondering, where he could be at. But she, in walking around the house, couldn’t seem to find him, anywhere. But then, she walked outside, and upon doing so, heard a scream, coming from the lake jus behind the house. And she figured the scream was coming from the wwater, so, she, immediately, in her jeans, donned a scub diving suit, which she found outside near the house near the back porch. She donned this scuba diving suit, and quickly, swam out into the water, and struggled to rescue him from the water, because she couldn’t seem to swim and was drowning in the water. So, she grabbed a hold onto him, upon coming across him in the water, because she happened to see hid head, bobbing above the water.
` Once, she brought him back to land, she, immediately, took off part of his scuba diving suit, and gave him mouth to mouth resuscitation. And he spit up some water and seemed to be alright. So, she carried back into the house, and put some warm blankets around him. And she made him, change his clothes, so that he wouldn’t freeze from being out in the cool water, although, it was in the middle of the summer and the water wasn’t, really, that cool to begin with.
`` He, finally, was alright, so, she told him to get a lot of rest, and she went back to her room, where she was going to get ready for bed. But upon entering the room, she heard some weird noises. And she couldn’t figure out where these noises were coming from. So, she, again, figured the house was haunted by her aunt, having died years ago from a severe illness.
` Upon her, reaching the closet, what should come out of the closet, was this green monster, and she was trying to fight this monster back with a broom. But this green monster kept howling at her. So, she finally breathed some fire back at this seething monster, and he melted into nothing.
So, what she did was wake up her brother in another room, and he was fine by now. So, she had him join her, and by some ghostly powers, he inherited from his aunt, he was able to disintegrate this monster, and this green monster melted down to nothing. And both her brother and her were now safe, but they didn’t want to keep living in a haunted house..
` So, that night the two of them left the house in a hurry, taking with them all they could of their belongings, and walked for miles until they found some apartments. There, at the apartments, because they didn’t have much money between both of them to pay for rent, the landlord was kind enough to allow them to live, thee, at one of the apartments with no rent payments. But in both of them, getting jobs over at the apartments, they both cleaned for old people, and off of that money, paid their rent to live in an apartment, together. And there at the apartment, her brother was older than her, so, he took on the job of caring for her, although, she has lived over at the family hoiuse for a little while, living, there, by herself.
` Never again, were either her brother or her ever haunted, again, by any ghosts, because the ghosts had been left over at the family house. And none of the apartments in the area, where they are living, were ever haunted in any way.

Shar-Pei Temperament

2010-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

SHARPEI TEMPERAMENT
Chinese Shar-Pei are very protective of their home and family and are very possessive and territorial. Since they were bred as guard dogs in ancient history, these traits have carried on throughout the years, making the excellent protection, especially around strangers. While it is pleasing to have a guard dog to protect the home, it can also be dangerous if overprotective. Here are some suggestions to keep your Chinese, Shar-Pei from becoming too protective:
. It’s a good idea when having company over to the house to have the dog in a crate. This avoids any confrontations with strangers entering into his domain. Have your guests ignore the dog for the first five or ten minutes until the dog gets comfortable with having strangers in his domain. Having your guests offer the dog treats under your supervision and control is also a good idea to introduce the idea of having guests in your home.
2. Often times, Shar Pei will stand guard at the door to protect their domain, family, and home. Try using baby gates to restrict them from blocking entryways.
3. Since most Shar-Peis dislike water, keep a spray bottle containing water on hand. This may be useful in some situations.
4. Have your guests call before coming over. This allows you a chance to prepare for the interactions of guests and your dog ahead of time.
5. Keep a supply of treats on hand to reward good behavior.
6. Don’t let your dog be a nuisance to your house guests and use common sense. Not all people like dogs or know how to act around dogs, especially children. Be careful and aware of all situations when children are visiting.
Breed-Specific Behaviors:
1. Sharkling ia described as a circling and staring motion, characteristic of fighting dogs used to imtimidate their opponents. Shar-Pei were raised as fighting dogs in ancient history and they usually present this behavior when nervous or unsure of something around them.
2. 2. When confined in a small space such as a crate or a cage, Shar-Pei tend to bury their food and/or water.
3. This particular breed does not like to go outside in the rain. Shar-Pei are known to dislike water and will sometimes refuse to go outside if raining.
4. Because they have poor peripheral vision from the excessive skin folds around the eyes, Shar-Peis tend to dislike being pet on top of the head.
Shar-Pei and Other Dogs:
1. The Chinese Shar-Pei is a very intelligent and highly responsive dog breed. Their aggression threshold to other dogs and tolerance around other dogs is lower than that of other breeds. By following the recommendations suggested below, aggression towards other dogs can be reduced drastically.
2. Maintaining control of your Shar-Pei is essential when in the presence of other dogs. Other dog owners may not control their dogs so be prepared for the unexpected.
3. Treats, toys, and other positive reinforcement tools should be used to reward good behavior. Rewarding your Shar-Pei when paying attention in the presence of other dogs is necessary to maintain control. When around other dogs,

Koala Bear

2010-12-15T11:17:00.001-08:00

KOALA BEAR
Being a herbivore, the Koala bear lives almost entire on eucalypt leaves. The eucalypt leaves are known to be low in protein, high in digestible substances and a very small amount of toxins. The Koala bear has a very slow metabolic rate, one of the slowest in the world. Due to the metabolic rate, the Koala bear can remain and rest motionless for about 16 to 18 hours a day, sleeping for the majority of the time. Koalas are known to spend about 3 of their 5 active hours eating, usually at night. The Koala bear can eat an average of 500 g (or 18 oz) of eucalypt leaves per day, chewing them to a very fine paste until swallowing. The Koala bear can eat leaves of wide variety of eucalypts, and some non-eucalpyt species as well.
The Koala bear can be aggressive, but it is a behavior only shown to other Koala bears. Koala bears can throw a foreleg around their opponent and also bit if needed. These aggressive behaviors is shown mainly during little squabbles.

FACTS ABOUT JANUARY

2010-12-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

FACTS ABOUT JANUARY
Did you know…?
1. The name January comes from Janus or Ianuarius, the god of the doorway. So, January opens the door to a New Year.
2. January begins on the same day of the week as October, unless it is Leap Year. In Leap Year, January begins on the same day as April & July.
3. The original Roman calendar had only ten months. The period of winter (about 51 days) was month-less.
4. Supposedly, January and February were added to make a 9 standard lunar year of 12 months of 28 days which equals 355 days.
5. The month of January has different names in Russia and Iceland. The names mean things like the Ice month and the core of winter.
6. Winter was probably a tough time for the peoples of these regions. So, it is easy to understand why these cold – sounding names existed.
7. Of course in the Southern Hemisphere, January means the middle of Summer as July in the Northern Hemisphere.

Coyote

2010-12-03T11:23:00.001-08:00

COYOTE
Description. A medium-sized, slender, doglike carnivore, similar in appearance to the red wolf but usually smaller, more slender, with smaller feet, narrower muzzle, and relatively longer tail; colors usually paler, less rufous, rarely blackish; differs from gray wolves in much smaller size, smaller feet and skull; upperparts grizzled buffy and grayish overlaid with black; muzzle, ears, and outsides of legs yellowish buff; tail with black tip, and with upperpart colored like back. Dental formula: I 3/3, C 1/1, Pm 4/4, M usually 2/2, occasionally 3/3, 3/2 or 2/3 X 2 = 40.42, 04 44. External measurements average: total length, 1,219 mm; tail, 394mm; hind foot , 179 mm. Weight, 14.20 kg.
Distribution in Texas. Statewide.
Habits. Although often called “prairie wolf,” the extensive range of the coyote includes from sea level to well over 3,000 m and habitats ranging from desert scrub through grassland into the timbered sections of the West. Around the turn of the century, wolves were not known in eastern Texas, where red wolves were common. Land use in this area, including extensive lumbering and agriculture, as well as intensive predator control, eradicated the wolves and now coyotes have expanded their range to also include that part of the state.
The basic social unit is the family group, comprised of a mated pair and their offspring. Nonfamily coyotes include bachelor males, nonreproductive females, and near-mature young. They may alone or form loose associations of two to six animals. One animal in such “packs” usually is dominant, but the interaction among pack members is only temporary.
Coyotes may be active throughout the day, but they tend to be more active during the early morning and around sunset. Their movements include travel within a territory or home range, dispersal from the den, and long migrations. The home range size of coyotes varies geographically, seasonally, and individually within populations.
The food habits of coyotes are varied. They are opportunists and make use of anything that can be eaten – garbage, carrion, fresh meat in the form of both wild and domestic animals, insects, frogs, snakes, fruits, melons, and so forth. Although coyotes prey on poultry and the smaller livestock, their natural foods consist largely of rabbits, rodents, and carrion. Charles Sperry analyzed 8,339 stomachs of coyotes from the western United States with the following results (expressed in percentages); rabbits, 33; carrion, 25; rodents, 18; domestic livestock (chiefly sheep and goats), 13.5 deer, 3.5 birds, 3; insects 1; other animal matter (skunks, weasels, shrews, moles, snakes, and lizards), 1; vegetable matter, 2.
Nursery dens are usually located in brush covered slopes, steep banks, thickets, hollow logs, or rock ledges. One den was in a hollow cottonwood tree with the entrance 5 m above ground. Access to this unusual den was gained by means of a large limb that sloped to the ground. They are also known to den in crevices and shallow caves in rocky bluffs. Rarely is no den provided for the young.
The breeding season begins in January, reaches its peak in late February or early March, and terminates by the middle of May. Coyote mates maintain a close social bond throughout the year, although when the female is in late pregnancy the male often hunts alone and brings food to his mate. One litter a year is the rule. Normal litter size is two to 12, averaging about six. The gestation period is approximately 63 days. At birth, the young are blind and helpless. The eyes open in about 9 days of age and by October or November the young are difficult to distinguish from their parents.
Few coyotes live more than 6-8 years in the wild. Losses are due mainly to predation, parasites and disease, and man. Mortality in particularly high for pups, who are vulnerable to hawks, owls, eagles, mountains lions, and even other coyotes. Hunting and trapping account for many adult deaths. In terms of economic importance, the coyote is the second most important furbearing animal in the state, exceeded only by the raccoon.

NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL

2010-11-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

Each year, millions of eyes from all over the world are focused on the sparkling Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year's Eve Ball. At 11:59 p.m., the Ball begins its descent as millions of voices unite to count down the final seconds of the year, and celebrate the beginning of a new year full of hopes, challenges, changes and dreams.

New Video: Making the New Year's Eve Ball

For 2010 Waterford Crystal has designed a new sparkling "Let There Be Courage" triangle. The crystals feature a unique interlocking ribbon pattern woven into the Celtic knot. The triangles, each about 3/8" thick and 6.8 ounces in weight are custom made and built to exacting standards to withstand the stresses of high winds, precipitation and temperature fluctuation that exist over 400 feet above Times Square. 288 are being installed alongside crystal installed in previous years. Waterford has also released a New Year's Eve iPhone app called "Clink-Clink"! More >>

The "New" New Year's Eve Ball On November 11th, 2008, The co-organizers of New Year’s Eve in Times Square (Times Square Alliance, Countdown Entertainment) unveiled a new Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball at a press conference at Hudson Scenic Studio in Yonkers, New York.

The new Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is a 12 foot geodesic sphere, double the size of previous Balls, and weighs 11,875 pounds. Covered in 2,668 Waterford Crystals and powered by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDS, the new Ball is capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns producing a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square.

The organizers also announced that the new Ball will become a year-round attraction above Times Square in full public view January through December.

“For one hundred years, the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball has attracted millions of revelers to Times Square on December 31st to celebrate the beginning of the New Year” said Jeff Straus, president of Countdown Entertainment and co-organizer of Times Square New Year’s Eve. “The new Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will be a bright sparkling jewel atop One Times Square entertaining New Yorkers and tourists from around the world not only on December 31, but throughout the year.”

“The New Year’s Eve ball is bigger, better and brighter than ever, just like Times Square itself,” said Times Square Alliance President Tim Tompkins. “And like Times Square, it’s not afraid to show off. That’s why we’re proudly putting it on display year-round so visitors to the neighborhood can enjoy a true Crossroads of the World icon.”

WATERFORD CRYSTAL created an exclusive “Let There Be Joy” design for the crystal triangles on the new Ball. Designed and crafted by Waterford artisans in Ireland, “Let There Be Joy” features the design of an angel with arms uplifted welcoming the New Year on each of the 1,728 new crystals. The remaining 960 triangles are last year’s “Let There Be Light” design of a stylized radiating starburst.

"The new 2009 Times Square New Year's Ball represents the perfect blend of time-honored craftsmanship and state of the art technology," says Pete Cheyney, Director of Corporate Communications for Waterford Crystal. "The theme for the Waterford crystals on this year's Ball, "Let There be Joy" reflects our belief that New Year's Eve is a time when happiness and optimism for the future should be at the forefront of everyone's thoughts. We at Waterford consider the Ball to be of our Company's greatest achievements."

PHILIPS LIGHTING provided the new solid state lighting technology for the Ball, resulting in an astounding increase in impact, energy efficiency, and color capabilities. Capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million colors and billions of possible patterns, the 32,256 Philips Luxeon LEDs in this year's Ball represent more than three times the number of LEDS used last year, to deliver a brighter and more beautiful New Year's experience than ever before. And this year’s Ball is 10-20% more energy efficient than last year’s already energy-efficient Ball, consuming only the same amount of energy per hour as it would take to operate two traditional home ovens.

"At Philips Lighting, we are proud to be driving innovative and energy-efficient solutions for the world's broad range of lighting applications - from celebrated landmarks to consumers' homes -- and we're especially delighted to be the official Lighting Partner to the iconic New Year's Eve Ball in Times Square," said Philips Lighting Company Director of Corporate Communications Susan Bloom. "Now bigger in size and incorporating even more powerful and energy-efficient Philips Luxeon LEDs than last year, this year's Ball will deliver a New Year's Eve experience that will be brighter, more beautiful, and more sustainable than ever before."

FOCUS LIGHTING created a spectacular and unique lighting design that utilizes over 3,500 lighting cues to orchestrate the colorful moving patterns of light radiating from the Ball. Theatrical techniques were used to show the beauty of each facet of each individual crystal, making the sparkle visible whether viewed from 5’ away (as members of the press have seen it) or from 500’ when viewed from the streets of Times Square. It is like accenting a performer on a stage.

“We tried to create a beacon of light in the sky over Times Square,” says Paul Gregory, Principal Lighting Designer for Focus Lighting.

The companies listed below also provided essential contributions to the development of the new Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball:

E:Cue Lighting Control provided lighting control system

Hudson Scenic Studio provided structural engineering design and development

Landmark Signs assembles and operates the Ball

Lapp Group provided power and control cabling

Lighting Science Group provided the 672 LED modules and technology integration

History of the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball

Revelers began celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square as early as 1904, but it was in 1907 that the New Year's Eve Ball made its maiden descent from the flagpole atop One Times Square.

The first New Year's Eve Ball, made of iron and wood and adorned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs, was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds. It was built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr, and for most of the twentieth century the company he founded, sign maker Artkraft Strauss, was responsible for lowering the ball.

As part of the 1907-1908 festivities, waiters in the fabled "lobster palaces" and other deluxe eateries in hotels surrounding Times Square were supplied with battery-powered top hats emblazoned with the numbers "1908" fashioned of tiny light bulbs. At the stroke of midnight, they all "flipped their lids" and the year on their foreheads lit up in conjunction with the numbers "1908" on the parapet of the Times Tower lighting up to signal the arrival of the new year.

The Ball has been lowered every year since 1907, with the exceptions of 1942 and 1943, when the ceremony was suspended due to the wartime "dimout" of lights in New York City. Nevertheless, the crowds still gathered in Times Square in those years and greeted the New Year with a minute of silence followed by the ringing of chimes from sound trucks parked at the base of the tower - a harkening-back to the earlier celebrations at Trinity Church, where crowds would gather to "ring out the old, ring in the new."

(Above) New Year's Eve Ball, 1978. Photo credit: The New York Times.

In 1920, a 400 pound ball made entirely of wrought iron replaced the original. In 1955, the iron ball was replaced with an aluminum ball weighing a mere 200 pounds. This aluminum Ball remained unchanged until the 1980s, when red light bulbs and the addition of a green stem converted the Ball into an apple for the "I Love New York" marketing campaign from 1981 until 1988. After seven years, the traditional glowing white Ball with white light bulbs and without the green stem returned to brightly light the sky above Times Square. In 1995, the Ball was upgraded with aluminum skin, rhinestones, strobes, and computer controls, but the aluminum ball was lowered for the last time in 1998.

For Times Square 2000, the millennium celebration at the Crossroads of the World, the New Year's Eve Ball was completely redesigned by Waterford Crystal. The new crystal Ball combined the latest in technology with the most traditional of materials, reminding us of our past as we gazed into the future and the beginning of a new millenium.

About "Time-Balls"

The actual notion of a ball "dropping" to signal the passage of time dates back long before New Year's Eve was ever celebrated in Times Square. The first "time-ball" was installed atop England's Royal Observatory at Greenwich in 1833. This ball would drop at one o'clock every afternoon, allowing the captains of nearby ships to precisely set their chronometers (a vital navigational instrument).

Around 150 public time-balls are believed to have been installed around the world after the success at Greenwich, though few survive and still work. The tradition is carried on today in places like the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, DC, where a time-ball descends from a flagpole at noon each day - and of course, once a year in Times Square, where it marks the stroke of midnight not for a few ships' captains, but for over one billion people watching worldwide.

The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball 2000-2007

The 2000-2007 version of the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball, designed by Waterford Crystal, made its first descent during the last minute of the 20th century, at the Times Square 2000 Celebration.

The Ball was a geodesic sphere, six feet in diameter, and weighed approximately 1,070 pounds. It was covered with a total of 504 Waterford crystal triangles that varied in size and ranged in length from 4.75 inches to 5.75 inches per side.

For the 2007 New Year's Eve celebration, 72 of the crystal triangles featured the new "Hope for Peace" design, consisting of three dove-like patterns symbolizing messengers of peace. The remaining 432 triangles featured Waterford designs from previous years, including the Hope for Fellowship, Hope for Wisdom, Hope for Unity, Hope for Courage, Hope for Healing, Hope for Abundance, and Star of Hope triangles. These crystal triangles were bolted to 168 translucent triangular lexan panels which were attached to the aluminum frame of the Ball. The exterior of the Ball was illuminated by 168 Philips Halogená Brilliant Crystal light bulbs, exclusively engineered for the New Year's Eve Ball to enhance the Waterford crystal. The interior of the Ball was illuminated by 432 Philips Light Bulbs (208 clear, 56 red, 56 blue, 56 green, and 56 yellow), and 96 high-intensity strobe lights, which together create bright bubbling bursts of color. The exterior of the Ball featured 90 rotating pyramid mirrors that reflect light back into the audience at Times Square.

All 696 lights and 90 rotating pyramid mirrors were computer controlled, enabling the Ball to produce a state-of-the-art light show of eye-dazzling color patterns and a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square. The now-retired 2000-2007 New Year's Eve Ball is the property of the building owners of One Times Square

RUBELLA

2010-07-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

RUBELLA
Rubella is also known as GERMAN MEASLES. It is called this because GERMAN PHYSICIANS first discovered this in the 18th century. This usually goes unnoticed and is usually mild. Both children and adults can get this disease. Although, children recover from this much faster than adults. The GERMAN MEASLES lasts from 1-3 days. If pregnant women get in contact with this disease it can be fatal for the fetus. As the child can be born with this. It could cause spontaneous abortions.
RUBELLA is an airborne disease. And has an incubation period of 2-4 weeks.

RUBELLA is sometimes confused with rebeolla. That is a totally different disease. However in some countries GERMAN MEASLES is known as RUBEOLLA.
The signs and symptoms of RUBELLA are somewhat similar to the flu. Along with a rash on the:
A. FACE
B. TRUNK (THE BODY)
C. LIMBS (LEGS AND ARMS)

And takes about 3 days to start to fade away. This is why they call it the three day measles. After the face clears up it starts to spread to other parts of the body. Other signs include a low grade fever and swollen glands with:

A. JOINT PAINS
B. HEADACHE
C. CONJUNCTIVITIS
The swollen glands persist up to a week. The fever however very rarely rises above l00.4. The rash has either a light red color or a pink color to it. The rash causes itching. As the rash starts to clear up you may notice the skin shedding in small flakes. This occurs wherever the rash was.
Rubella can affect anyone of any age. It is rare in infants and people over 40. The older a person gets the more severe the symptoms can be. Although, the incubation period takes 2- to 3 weeks. The person is more contagious 1 week before and 1 week after. Rubella in an infant can cause:
A CARDIAC ARREST
B. CEREBRAL PALSY
C. SIGHT DEFECTS (CATARACTS)
D. HEARING LOSS
It can also cause:
A. LOW BIRTH WEIGHT
B. PREMATURE BIRTHS
C. ANEMIA
D. HEPATITIS
If a pregnant woman contacts the disease while she is carrying a child. This may lead to:
A. MISCARRIAGE
B. STILLBORN BABIES
If the baby survives this can lead to severe heart disorders.
The Rubella virus can persist for over a year.
The Rubella infection can be prevented by using a live vaccine virus in adults. The Rubella virus was reduced in children by immunization.
The vaccine is now given by a shot called MMR (MEASLES MUMPS & RUBELLA). This vaccine comes in two doses. One when the baby is 18 months old and the other when the baby is 36 months old. Pregnant are tested for this disease early in their pregnancy. Women who are susceptible to Rubella virus are not vaccinated until the baby is born as the vaccine is a live virus.
The immunization program for Rubella has been quite successful. CUBA has not had an outbreak of the disease since the 1990’s. While, the CDC (CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL) hasn’t had an outbreak since 2004.
Although, there is not a specific treatment for this. There is a lotion and liquid that will help with the itching:
A. CALAMINE LOTION
B. BENEDRYL TABLET AND LIQUID

Newborns that are infected with this can have:

A. CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
B. CATARACTS (WHICH CAN BE CORRECTED BY SURGERY)
C. MASCULAR DEGENERATION
Rubella occurs world wide. This disease has no nationality. It usually tends to come more in the spring months. The CDC came out with the vaccine in 1969. Before the vaccine came out there were outbreaks occurring every 6-9 years in the UNITED STATES and every 3-5 years in EUROPE. Affecting children between 5-9 years of age.

In the UNITED KINGDOM there’s a large population of men whom are not vaccinated for Rubella. There have been a lot of outbreaks during 1993 and 1996. This was also passed onto pregnant women, many of them were from different countries. They are still having with Rubella. This is because they do not have the vaccine in all of the countries.
The first clinical description of the disease was confirmed in 1752. It was confirmed by FRIEDRICH HOFFMAN. And this was confirmed by two other doctors as well:
A. DE BERGEN
B. ORLOW
Both in 1758.
In 1814 GEORGE DE MATON said that this disease different than the regular measles and scarlet fever. All of the physicians were of GERMAN DESCENT. This disease is also called (ROTELIN) which is the name for GERMAN MEASLES in German. An ENGLISH ARTILLERY SURGEON had described this in INDIA. He had given it the name of RUBELLA which is the LATIN meaning little red in 1866.
RUBELLA was finally recognized and its own disease in 1881 by the INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF MEDICINE. In 1914 it was theorized by ALFRED FABION HESS it was later confirmed by HIIRO & TOSAKA as its own disease in 1938.
In 1940 AUSTRALIA had a wide spread epidemic. NORMAN MC ALLISTER GREGG had found 78 cases of congenital cataracts in infants. 68 of them were from pregnant women who had contacted this disease while pregnant. CONGENITAL RUBELLA SYNDROME is also known as (CRS). If a woman is affected early in her pregnancy the more the damage there is to the fetus.
The epidemic that hit the UNITED STATES was during the years of 1964-1965. There was an estimate of 12.5 million cases reported. The epidemic in the UNITED KINGDOM had reported:
A. 1,000 MISCARRIAGES
B. 20,000 CONGENITAL RUBELLA SYNDROME
C. 2,100 DIED IN THE NEONATALUNIT
D. 12,000 WERE BORN DEAF
E. 3,580 WERE BLIND
F. 1,800 WERE BORN RETARDED

In NEW YORK alone CRS had affected 1% of all births.
In 1969 a vaccine was released. In the 1970’s a triple vaccine was introduced. This vaccine was MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA also known as (MMR).

BELLE ISLE

2010-07-21T10:40:00.001-07:00

BELLE ISLE PARK
Bell Isle is 942 acres. It is connected to the city of Detroit by the MacArthur Bridge. There are two other parks that are larger then Belle Isle they are:
A. GROSSE ISLE
B. FIGHTING ISLAND
These are all inland parks.

Belle Isle is the home to:
A. ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY
B. THE DETROIT YACHT
C. UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
D. DETROIT BOAT CLUB
E. DOSSIN GREAT LAKES MUSEUM
F. THE CASINO
G. THE DETROIT MOUNTED POLICE
They have a nature center there for hikers and nature lovers.
They also have a beach on the island.
The Highlights on Belle Isle are:
A, THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
B.ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY
The casino on the island is not used for gambling. It is a place that is used for public events.
During World War II was used for a practice area for the military.
An architect named Cass Gilbert had designed:
A. JAMES SCOTT MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN
B. THE UNITED STATES COURT BUILDING IN WASHINGTON D.C.
C. THE WILLIAM LIVINGSTON LIGHTHOUSE WHICH IS MADE OF ALL MARBLE
At one time Belle Isle used to be a place for:
A. FALLOW DEER
B. THE CHILDREN’S ZOO
C. AND THE AQUARIAM
But due to budget costs and insufficient funds they had to be closed down. The 300 remaining animals were sent to the zoo, along with the nature center properties.
There is also auto racing on the island. This closed down for awhile. Then it resumed in 2007.
The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory holds rare flowers. This had happened in World War II. The place that holds these flowers is the conservatory. It holds:
A. RARE ORCHIDS
B. ANNUAL FLOWER BEDS
C. ROSE GARDEN
D. LILY POND GARDENS
The south wing of this building holds:
A. TROPICAL PLANTS
B. BANANAS
C. ORANGES
D. COFFEE
E. SUGAR CANE
F. ORCHIDS
The north wing houses:
A. FERNS
B. CACTUS AND SUCCULENTS
C. BLOOMING PLANTS
The Great Lakes Dossin Museum on the island is a maritime museum and it is all about shipwrecks and has a variety of model ships. One of the ships they talk about is the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.

HMHS BRITANNIC

2010-07-21T10:26:00.001-07:00

HMHS BRITANNIC
A. RMS OLYMPIC
B. RMS TITANIC
This ship was supposed to be a transatlantic ocean liner for passengers. However, when WORLD WAR I broke out this became a hospital ship. The ship sunk on the south side of Greece in 1916. With the loss of 30 lives. The ship hit a mine and sank.

Because of the TITANIC’S sinking they had made changes to the HMS BRITANNIC. And, these changes all happened before the launching. The changes that were made are:
A. DOUBLE HULL
B. ENGINE AND BOILER ROOMS
C. RAISING OF THE 6OUT OF THE 15 WATER TIGHT BULKHEADS UP TO THE B DECK
They changed the fittings of the boats. They are now on a swing arm to get to them faster. They also have additional space by the deck house. On the other side of the ship they have emergency life boats. The purpose of this was to get to the boats as quickly as they can.
After the loss of the TITANIC and the OLYMPIC they had made this ship 2 feet wider.
The boat was launched on Feb. 26, 1914. From Harland Wolff shipyard in Belfast. Before the BRITTANIC could make contact with NEW YORK. WORLD WAR I had broke out. With this the personal use of these ocean liners were put to a stop. Now these ocean liners were used for the military. In fact THE WHITE STAR LINE had put their passenger boats on hold until the war had stopped.
All of this had changed in May of 1915. The BRITANNIC was sent out after a 4 week notice. The same month The CYNARD LINER lost its ship to a torpedo.
The next month apart of the BRITISH NAVAL ADMINISTRATION had changed their minds in using ocean liners. They had started to use their passenger lines for the military. The first ships to go were the:
A. RMS MAURETANIA
B. RMS AQUITANIA

The AQUITANIA ship was now being transferred to a hospital ship. She would transfer the injured to a larger ship called the OLYMPIC. In September and in November of the same year, the BRITANNIC colors were changed. They changed them to RED and WHITE, with big red crosses on it. And, at this point they had changed the name to (HIS MAJESTY’S HOSPITAL SHIP) and placed under command of Captain Charles A. Barttlett. From the time of 1868-1945.

After he had completed 5 successful trips to the middle eastern there and back with the sick and wounded to the UNITED KINGDOM.

A storm had broken out on November 19 that kept the ship in dock until the next day which was which was Sunday afternoon. There was a break in the storm. So, the ship had headed out. When the ship left dock the sea had rose up again. The next day the storm had subsided.

On November 21, 19l6 there was a loud explosion. They had no idea what had hit ship. Not all the people had reacted the same way. Some of them left for their stations immediately. The others felt the hit a smaller vessel. While Captain Bartlett and Chief Officer Hume were on the bridge, they had saw what the explosion had done. This explosion had happened on the starboard side filling up the water tight bulkheads with water fastly to make this even worse then the fireman’s quarters were filling up with water.

The compartments with the sick and wounded were starting to fill up with water also, as they had the windows open to get fresh air. The Britannic could not stay afloat now.

And the swing arms that held the life boats were still in operation.

There was an unknown officer on board with six of his sailors. They were told to throw collapsible rafts and deck chairs overboard to make a make shift lift raft. They were told to save themselves.

A 6th of Officer Welch and other sailors were spotted on board. As this sixth sailor did not have enough sailors to lift the lifeboats. The Uknown sailor had ordered his men to help out the other sailors.

Bartlett sounded 1 final blast of the horn then walked out into the water as now the water was up to the bridge. He had swim up to the collapsible boat and started to help with rescue operations.

There was a nurse on board named (VIOLET JESSOP) who had survived the sinking of the (TITANIC) along with the ship (OLYMPIC). She had told her story of the events of what had happened. It was 9:07 P.M. when the Britannic finally went down.

The Britannic was the largest ship to have gone down in WORLD WAR I.

The first vessels to arrive on the scene was a Greek fisherman boat they picked up as many survivors as they could. The next boat to arrive on the scene was the HMS SCOURGE they had spotted the survivors and had picked up 339 of them.

The people of (KORISSIA) were in awe to see all the wounded. They had offered their assistance. They had put them in their houses, while waiting for rescue ships to take them to the hospital.

Another ship called the (HEROIC) had carried the sick and wounded also. These two ships the SCOURGE and the HEROIC had run out of room to take the survivors. Another ship was called in. This was the HMS FORSIGHT this was called in to collect the dead.

1,036 people were saved. But, only, five of them were buried. The others were left in the sea. And, are honored in THESSALONIA AND LONDON.

The Britannic lays in about 400 feet of water. This was the first discovered by (JACQUES COUSTEAU) in 1975. The ship is laying on the right side, hiding the hole where the damage occurred. The front of the boat is deformed as it hit bottom before the rest of the ship. The boat can be seen by trained scuba divers to go down that deep.

This is a BRITISH WAR GRAVE and must be approved by the British for any journey to go down to see this ship.

In 1995 during a filmage of the wreckage by NOVA. Dr. Robert Ballard went down to the wreck with sonar equipment. They were surprised to the boats’ funnels were still in good condition. But, the boat was not touched at all.

A historian named (SIMON MILLS) bought the HMHS BRITANNIC from the British and when they had asked him what he was going to do with it he replied, “I am just going to leave it there.”

In 1999 experienced cave divers went down to see the wreckage. They had made a video tape of what they saw. And, this was broadcasted on several different channels:

A. NATIONAL GEOGRAPIC CHANNEL
B. THE BBC (BRITISH BROADCASTING CHANNEL)
C. THE HISTORY CHANNEL
D. AND THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL

SOME OBESITY LINKED TO MENTAL ILLNESS

2010-07-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

RED-EYED TREE FROG

2010-06-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

RED-EYED TREE FROG

The red-eyed tree frog flashes its brightly colored body parts when startled. It sleeps by day with its eyes closed and body markings covered, stuck to leaf-bottoms.

Comments by Cheryl V.-I never knew what a tree frog looked like until I saw it on the internet in this article. I’m surprised that the frog has such bright red eyes, and it makes me feel creepy inside just looking at it, because it seems like in this picture, like it’s looking right through me.

Many scientists believe the red-eyed tree frog developed its vivid scarlet peepers to shock predators into at least briefly questioning their meal choice.

These iconic-forest amphibians sleep by day stuck to leaf-bottoms with their eyes closed and body markings covered. When disturbed, they flash their bulging eyes and reveal their huge, webbed orange feet and bright blue-and-yellow flanks. This technique, called startle coloration, may give a bird or snake pause, offering a precious instant for the frog to spring to safety.

Their neon-green bodies may play a similar role in thwarting predators. Many of the animals that eat red-eyed tree frogs are nocturnal hunters that use keen eyesight to find prey. The shocking colors of this frog may over-stimulate a predator’s eyes, creating a confusing ghost image that remains behind as the frog jumps away.

Red-eyed tree frogs, despite their conspicuous coloration, are not venomous. They are found in tropical lowlands from southern Mexico, throughout Central America, and in northern South America. Nocturnal carnivores, they hide in the rain forest canopy and ambush crickets, flies, and moths with their long, sticky tongues.

Red-eyed tree frogs are not endangered. But their habitat is shrinking at an alarming rate, and their highly recognizable image is often used to promote the cause of saving the world’s rain forests.

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/red-eyed-tree-frog.html

THE MOODY BLUES

2010-06-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Moody Blues is an English rock band that was founded in Birmingham, London. The founding members are:
A. Michael Pinder
B. Ray Thomas
They had performed in the rhythm and blues sound, the others had joined later
A. Graeme Edge
B. John Lodge
C. Justin Hayward
In order to make a new kind of music the combined rock with classical music.
The Moody Blues had been active until 2009. They have sold over 50 million albums world wide. And have been awarded with 14 platinum discs and 14 gold discs.
The earlier members of the band were:
A. RAY THOMAS
B. JOHN LODGE
C. MICHAEL PINDER
These people were members of another group called (EL RIOT AND THE REBELS). They had broke up when one of the members went to college and the other went in the army. The rest of thew members had then joined another group called(THE KREW CATS). They had some success. After that they had recruited some other musicians:
A. GUITARISTS/VOCALISTS-DENNY LAINE
B. BAND MANAGER,TURNED DRUMMER-GRAEME EDGE
C. BASSIST-CLINT WARWICK
They appeared for the first times as THE MOODY BLUES in Birmingham,1964.
]Their first hit single that had reached number 1 was (GO NOW) this was in the UNITED KINGDOM. It reached number 10 in THE UNITED STATES.
Their album (DAYS OF FUTURE PAST) had become one of the most successful albums in 1967. This album had two hit singles:
A. KNIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN
B. TEUSDAY AFTERNOON
The album ( IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD) they had based this album of the first moon landing.
The two albums:
A. EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR in1971
B. AND THE SEVENTH SOJOURN in 1972
Had reached number 1 in THE UNITED STATES, and with this it turned the band to an orchestral sound.
In 1972the re-released the song (KNIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN). It had went on to become number 2 on the billboard hot 100. It also9 became a certified million dollar seller. When the song was first released it did not do so well. This song also reached to number 9 in THE UNITED KINGDOM.
The MOODY BLUES had tried to create their own record label. This was called ( THRESHOLD RECORDS ). Their record jackets and the cover art was not acceptable with the company executives. Eventually THE MOODY BLUES went to a more conservative style. However, they laid the ground work for other recording artists to set up their own labels. Such as:
A. LED ZEPPLIN’S (SWAN SONG)
B. ROLLING STONES
In 1974 THE MOODY BLUES took a long vacation after touring ASIA.
At first they had announced a break-up. But before he break-up JUSTIN HAYWARD had a wrote a song called (ISLAND) before the band had gone their separate ways. They had included this song on the album called(THIS IS THE MOODY BLUES)
The group re-united in 1977. Their record company had released an old recording of THE MOODY BLUES which was performed at the (ROYAL ALBERT HALL) that was against the other band members wishes.
The crude sound of THE MOODY BLUES in concert was not as refined as if they had done it in the studio.
As Pinder getting married and raising a family, he moved to California. The band had disbanded. Their was a lot of tension and lack of members with the rest of the band.
In spring of 1978 (OCTAVE) was ready for releasing.
Although, Pinder was not touring with the group, he still had wanted to have some say in what the band was doing and what was going to happen with the group. He never returned to THE MOODY BLUES.
The album(LONG DISTANCE VOYAGER) was released in 1981 having two hits:
A. THE VOICE
B. GEMINI DREAM
Both of these songs were written by HAYWARD AND LODGE.
In 1986 THE MOODY BLUES played live at (BIRMINGHAM HEART BEAT CHARITY) this was for the children’s charity in the hospital in BIRMINGHAM. They played a few of their songs and later they were back up band with ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA for GEORGE HARRISON.
In 1991 PATRICK MORAZ told of his dissatisfaction with the group. His complaints ranged from the music being to simple for his likings to his song writings on their albums. THE MOODY BLUES had no choice but to let him go. Since he was doing more time doing planning for his native countries 700th anniversary than doing more for the group. Two new people were added:
A. BOSHELL
B. PAUL BLISS
These two people were keyboardists that THE MOODY BLUES needed to finish their new album.
THE MOODY BLUS new album(THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM) in 1991 was a success with a couple of new singles:
A. SAY IT WITH LOVE
B. BLESS THE WINGS THAT BRING YOU BACK
Ray Thomas had a flute piece that gave the band a celtic sound. The energy of the high rock was starting a change in their music style. This was leading toward more love ballads. They had two more albums come out with this:
A. KEYS
B. SAY WHAT YOU MEAN
THE MOODY BLUES did a fund raiser for AMERICAN PUBLIC TELEVISION. This concert was arranged by LARRY BAIRD who has participated in other live concerts bands such as:
A. KANSAS
B. MICHAEL BOLTON
C. AL JARREAU
D. THREE DOG NIGHT
E. ALAN PARSONS
THE MOODY BLUES had law suits against them by PINDER in 1981 and by Moraz in 1992 and since then they had became more careful in the studio and on the stage. Paul Bliss had become the first keyboardist in 2001.These two people (BLISS and THOMAS) had became a duet for many tours after EDGE became injured. The second drummer GORDON MARSHALL was brought in as a permanent drum player.
From the years 1991-1998 THE MOODY BLUES took a long vacation from touring and from the studio. They came back in 1999. With an album called(STRANGE TIMES)
THE MOODY BLUES re-released a film on IMAX called (JOURNEY INTO THE AMAZING CAVES) with a couple of new songs.
The two new songs were from the album called (THE PRESENT)
A. WATER
B. HOOLE IN THE WORLD
The millennium came and saw THE MOODY BLUES reducing their tours. The end of 2002 came with one of the founding members retiring and that had put the band down to three members. Early in ther following year came flutist NORDA MULLEN and has worked with the band through THE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR and had remained with the band to the end of 2003.THE MOODY BLUES had released a CHRISTMAS ALBUM containing some of THE MOODY BLUES original songs and one from JOHN LENNON CALLED(HAPPY X-MAS WAR IS OVER).
In March of 2006 THE MOODY BLUES re-released these albums;
A. DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED
B. SEVENTH SOJOURN
On CD’S. On September of 2008 HAYWARD had said these following remastered versions will be released on UNIVERSAL RECORDS:
A. OCTAVE
B. LONG DISTANCE VOYAGER
C. THE PRESENT

HEAT- A MAJOR KILLER

2010-05-26T10:36:00.001-07:00

HEAT: A MAJOR KILLER
Heat Index Information
Heat Hazards
Heat Safety
Effects of Excessive Heat
Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. NOAA National Weather Service statistical data shows that heat causes more fatalities per year than floods, lightening, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. Based on the 10-year average from 1994 to 2003, excessive heat claimed 237 lives each year. By contrast, floods killed 84; tornadoes, 58; lightning, 63; and hurricanes, 18.
In the disastrous heat wave of 1980, more than 1.250 people died. In the heat wave of 1995 more than 700 deaths in the Chicago, Illinois area were attributed to this event, and in August 2003, a record heat wave in Europe claimed an estimated 50,000 lives.
North American summers are hot; most summers see heat waves in one section or another of the United States. East of the Rockies, they tend to combine both high temperature and high humidity although some of the worst have been catastrophically dry. Additional detail on how heat impacts the human body is provided under “The Hazards of Excessive Heat” heading.
NOAA’S WATCH, WARNING, AND ADVISORY PRODUCTS FOR EXTREME HEAT
Each National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office (WFO) can issue the following heat-related products as conditions warrant:
Excessive Heat Outlook: When the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3 to 7 days. An outlook is used to indicate that a heat event may develop. It is intended to provide information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event, such as public utilities, emergency management and public health officials.
Excessive Heat Watch: when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 12 to 48 hours. A watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased, but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so, such as established individual city excessive heat mitigation plans.
Excessive Heat Warning/Advisory: when an excessive heat event is expected in the next 36 hours. These products are issued when an excessive heat event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence. The warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property. An advisory is for less serious conditions that causes significant discomfort or inconvenience and, if caution is not taken, could lead to a threat to life and/or property.
THE HAZARDS OF EXCESSIVE HEAT
Too Much Heat
Heat disorders generally have to do with a reduction or collapse of the body’s ability to shed heat by circulatory changes and sweating, or a chemical (salt) imbalance caused by too much sweating. When heat gain exceeds the level the body can remove, or when the body cannot compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the temperature of the body’s inner core begins to rise and heat-related illness may develop.
Ranging in severity, heat disorders share one common feature: the individual has overexposed or over exercised for his age and physical condition in the existing thermal environment.
Sunburn, with its ultraviolet radiation burns, can significantly retard the skin’s ability to shed excess heat. Studies indicated that, other things being equal, the severity of heat disorders tend to increase with age-heat cramps in a 17-year old may be heat exhaustion in someone 40, and heat stroke in a person over 60.
Acclimatization has to do with adjusting sweat-salt concentrations, among other things. The idea is to lose enough water to regulate body temperature, with the least possible chemical disturbance.
Children, Adults, and Pets Enclosed in Parked Vehicles Are at Great Risk
Each year children die from hyperthermia as a result of being left enclosed in parked vehicles.
Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. This can occur even on a mild day. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly to a dangerous level for children, adults, and pets. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.
Hyperthermia deaths aren’t confined to the summer months only. They also happen during the spring and fall. Below are some examples:
Hawaii, March 07, 2007: A 3 year old girl from Honolulu died. The child’s father told police that he left her in a child seat in the back seat of the car for an hour and a half Saturday late morning while he visited friends in a Makiki apartment building. The outside temperature was only 81 degrees.
North Augusta, SC; April 2006: A mother left her 15 month old son in a car. He was in a car for 9 hours while his mom went to work. She is now serving a 20 year prison sentence.
Denver August 2008: Two kids that died in an overheated car may have been on their own for more than 3 hours as their mother slept after working a night shift. The kids died in a closed but unlocked car, Investigators believe the temperature where the children were found may have reached 123 degrees.
Adults are also susceptible to hyperthermia. On July 12, 1002 a man died of heatstroke after falling asleep in his car with the windows rolled up in the parking lot of a supermarket in Hinds County, Mississippi.
HEAT SAFETY
Child Safety Tips
Check to make sure seating surfaces and equipment (child safety seat and safety belt buckles) aren’t too hot when securing your child in a safety restraint system in a car that has been parked in the heat.
Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.
Teach children not to play in, on, or around cars.
Always lock car doors and trunks—even at home—and keep keys out of children’s reach.
Always make sure all child passengers have left the car when you reach your destination. Don’t overlook sleeping infants.
Adults Heave Wave Safety Tips
Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for summer. Lightweight light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
Put les fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
Drink plenty of water or other non-alchohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.
Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult
Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
Know These Heat Disorder Symptoms
SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First Aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.
HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.
HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First Aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature ( l06 F or higher): Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First Aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.
*For more information contact your local American Red Cross Chapter. Ask to enroll in a first aid course.
COMMUNITY GUIDANCE: Preparing for and Responding to Excessive Heat Events
The “Excessive Heat Events Guidebook” was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2006, in collaboration with NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This guidebook provides best practices that have been employed to save lives during heat waves in different urban areas, and provides a menu of options that communities can use in developing their own mitigation plans.
Produced as a cooperative effort of NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross.
http://www.weather.gov/om/heat/index.shtml

WHAT TO DO WHEN HEAT WAVES STRIKE

2010-05-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

WHAT TO DO WHEN HEAT WAVE STRIKES
Increase your intake of Non-Alcoholic, Non-Carbonated, Caffeine Free Beverages Such as Water and Juice,
Wear Clothing That is Light in Color and Loose Fitting.
Avoid The Outdoors During Extreme Heat. Stay Out of the Sun.
Stay in an Air-Conditioned Environment if Possible. Shopping Malls Offer Relief if Your Home is not Air-Conditioned.
Check on the Elderly. They are Especially Susceptible to Heat Related Illnesses.
Eliminate Strenuous Activity Such as Running, Biking and Lawn Care Work When it Heats Up.
Eat Less Foods That Increase Metabolic Activity/Heat. Proteins are an Example. Increased Metabolic Heat Increases Water Loss.
HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES AND THEIR SYMPTOMS
SUNBURN-Redness and pain in the skin. In severe cases there is also swelling, blisters, fever, and headaches.
HEAT CRAMPS-Heavy sweating and painful spasms usually in the leg or abdomen muscles.
HEAT EXHAUSTION-The person becomes weak and is sweating heavily. The skin is cold, pale and clammy. The pulse becomes thready. Fainting and vomiting accompanies heat exhaustion.
HEATSTROKE/SUNSTROKE-High body temperature (106 degrees or higher) along with hot dry skin and a rapid and strong pulse. Unconsciousness is possible.

ONE SISTER IS UP TO HER SANDBOX ANTICS

2010-05-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

ONE SISTER IS UP TO HER SANDBOX ANTICS

One sunny day in the month of May, Sissy decided she wanted to spend her time as green as a lime, one morning, in the sandbox with no sand just mud. She sat in the sandbox with no sand in the backyard, alone with her blue toy phone. The last thing on her mind didn’t make her; feel like she wanted to sing her heart out. She didn’t want her older sister to do anything but smolder away, because she didn’t want her sister on her list to play, there, in the sandbox without any sand with her. Like a pig, she didn’t dig her sister, being in the sandbox without sand, any morning. Otherwise Sissy might fight over who got the sandbox without sand, first. She wanted to play and stay inside it, by herself. Otherwise, she might have a fit over whose sandbox without sand, it belonged to.

So, she leaned over the sandbox so clean, after she looked beside her for the coming tide. She hadn’t wanted any croissant from her older sister, who, once, gave her, a blister. Since, she didn’t see her older sister around, anywhere, as she peeked over her shoulder. She was free as a bird to do what she wanted to do, without her older sister around to make a sound. Or to tell her what to do, or put her under her spell.

Sissy with a nickname of Missy picked up her red shovel as she wore her treads. And she made her way back to the sandbox without sand from the garden. As she reached the sandbox without sand again like a peach, she bent over a four leaf clover. And she felt the cold sand as cold as snow. So, Sissy picked up her red shovel, and made her way back to the sand. Which sand had turned and turned into all this mud and crud underneath her butt. But she, almost, jumped and jumped out of the sandbox as she felt all this cold, so boldly, go through her red sun suit, so red in the bright sun.

She was about to run under the sun out of the sandbox without sand. And just call on her toy phone, alone, for that morning, and mourn about the whole thing in a jig. But she loved and loved being in the bright sun in her red sun suit. This bright sunny day in every way seemed to warm her up like a puppy, cuddled up near its mom to the point, she forgot just how cold, ice cold her butt, felt as she hopped into and plopped herself into all this mud.

As she held her shovel in a huddle, with all her might, with the sun out of sight, she dug as smug as a rug, these holes in all that mud. After each hole in a roll was like she wished and wished each one to be, she set the red, so red shovel down outside the sandbox without sand. Since, the cruddy mud felt so cool, so cool to her. She was ready to take on the coolness of the cruddy mud. Since, all this mud appeared so smeary and inviting to her, she plopped her little butt down in a hop into all that mud. Then, she grabbed a hold of the old red shovel, again, and again. She started to mold and mold these big bunches of mud like a pig into her hands in a sandbox without sand as she dropped with a big plop, the red shovel into all that cruddy mud beside her.

Not much later as such, she had most of the cruddy mud, molded into all these small and big bunches of cruddy mud. Which cruddy mud, she thought, looked like crooked cakes, so good to eat like meat? She was to stuff a bunch of cruddy mud into her red sun suit in the bright sun of the day. But she changed her mind in time as she happened to see in a peek, her older sister, Kathy, walk and walk towards the sandbox without sand.

Sissy, that is Missy, could sense like sixpence that Kathy started with a spark to head as heavy as lead towards the sandbox without sand. As Sissy, that’s Missy, watched and watched her get this big smirk on her face with a jig, she knew that her older sister and bolder sister was up to no good.

Sissy, that is Missy, walked and walked out of the sandbox without sand, and stuck up her fists like a bump in the mud up at her sister. Her sister didn’t jig, her sister, Sissy, that is Missy, doing this to her with her fists. So, she pushed and pushed Kathy down and down into the grass like a lass.

As Kathy landed on the grass like a lass with a big boom with a zoom, Sissy laughed and laughed even more at her. But Sissy, that is Missy, didn’t dig with a jig, her sister’s laugh in wrath. So, she pushed and pushed ever harder until she had her down and laughed like a clown with her on the grass like a lass. Kathy became so mad not glad. She developed a big smirk on her face with a jig. She wasn’t about to take any full of bully stuff from her sister.

So, Kathy took off with a scoff right inside towards the sandbox without sand. Sissy followed her and followed her until she reached the sandbox without sand like a peach. She pushed and pushed Kathy inside the sandbox without sand. Sissy laughed and laughed harder at her as Kathy screamed with a gleam in her eye.

Her older sister had something up the sleeve in a bed of leaves. She waited and waited even longer as her sister plopped without a hop into the sandbox without sand. Kathy reached like a peach inside in a slide, and grabbed and grabbed more cruddy mud into her hands in a sandbox without sand. She molded and molded some more of what she thought as being cruddy mud cakes.

She knew that Sissy, that is Missy, was hungry enough to huff and puff for some cruddy mud cakes to eat. She had this silly and frilly look on her face like she was ready to eat and really eat anything. Which appeared right in sight before her crying eyes to her surprise? Kathy stuff in a huff and a huff the cruddy mud cakes into her sister’s mouth.

She had this pout about on her face, because the cruddy mud cakes didn’t taste too good. She seemed dumb and dumber to eat more of these cruddy mud cakes. So, her sister and again shoved more cruddy mud cakes into her mouth with her like a grouch.

As their mom, ran and ran out of the house, as she reached like a peach, the sandbox without sand, Sissy said to her, “Mom, Kathy made me, eat these cruddy mud cakes?”

She answered Sissy, that is Missy, “Did you force Sissy to eat cruddy mud cakes today?”

“Yes, I did, mom. But she talked and talked me, again, into it. She made me, feed her these cruddy mud cakes, because she said she was hungry as a bug for them. So, she wanted and wanted more of these cruddy mud cakes from me.

Both sisters were lucky as a four leaf clover that their mom didn’t try to punish either one of them, today after they both played all morning in the sandbox without sand. So, both sisters were just made after they played, so have their mouths, cleaned out in gleam with toothpaste. Which toothpaste, that came from a tooth fairy to them. But then, both sisters had to kneel and kneel for a half hour in a corner just like Jack Horner for what both of them were guilty of doing and screwing around and around with mud, that morning.

HOW TO MOUNT A HORSE

2010-01-20T11:19:00.000-08:00

HOW TO MOUNT A HOR S3
Once you’ve checked your girth and fashioned your helmet chinstrap, you are ready to mount.
Steps
1. ALWAYS check your horse’s girth just before mounting, no matter who saddled the horse. It should be very snug—two fingers should fit between the girth and the horse’s side. Less is too tight, more is too loose. If it’s too lose your weight could pull the saddle to one side when you mount, and the horse could be startled, but if it’s too tight, some skin could get caught and it could be uncomfortable.
2. Stand on the horse’s left side, preferably on a mounting block as to not put strain on your horse’s back.
3. Take the reins in your left hand and gather them up so the horse doesn’t move away. If you have a tighter rein on the off side, or in this case the right, rein if the horse should move he will be more likely to move into you than away from you, giving you a little more control for mounting. Rest your left hand on the horse’s neck or also grab some mane in your left hand along with the reins.
4. If this is your first time, or if you feel uncertain, placed your right hand towards the rear of the saddle. Keep in mind your safety, by placing your right hand toward the rear of the saddle you will have to move it to allow your right leg to swing over the saddle. It is much safer to always hold the front of the saddle on the right side of it with your right hand. If you need more leverage than with your right hand on the pommel (the front of the saddle), you can try placing it a bit farther back on the saddle. Just keep in mind that you are a bit more vulnerable because you will have to let go with it to move it out of the way for your leg to swing over.
5. Place your left foot into the stirrup. Bounce once or twice on the ball of your foot that is still on the mounting block, this will give you enough momentum to bounce and spring up into the saddle.
6. Swing your right leg up and over the saddle, making sure your right leg clears the horse’s back. Sit down as lightly as you can—don’t just thump down hard. It is much kinder to their back to not thump down like a lump, just as it is much kinder to use a mounting block than mount from the ground, but they should not start or spook if you do. If a horse moves off because it is startled, or seeming spooked, by you thumping down hard when mounting you should consider whether this is a temperament, training issue or a possible pain issue from an ill fitting saddle. The latter of which can cause instant bucking, another reason to not drop down like a lump! Don’t disregard this step.
7. You should now be seated in the saddle.
8. Be sure to place your right foot into the stirrup, preferably without poking the horse too much with your toe in the process.
Adjust your reins, be sure you are ready and then ask the horse to move off.
Tips
After putting the saddle on your horse, walk them around a little before you attempt to mount them, and then retighten the girth/cinch. Some novice horses will bloat (take a deep breath) so that the girth/cinch will be loose. Walking a horse will force them to let the air out.
If you are inexperienced or your horse tends to walk off as soon as you put a foot in the stirrup, have another rider hold the horse’s reins for you. This will help keep the horse still while you mount.
If your horse starts to move, give the command of “Whoa” in a deep, calm voice.
If the horse constantly evades being mounted, break down each step and praise the horse when they stand still. (Start on the ground, then each step of the mounting block, touching the saddle, putting your foot in the stirrup, jumping up and finally getting all the way on). A well trained horse should stand for being mounted and wait for your command to walk off.
If you’re short, consider using a mounting block or other sturdy object—buckets and crates are often not sturdy enough.
Have an experienced rider or instructor watching you if you are an inexperienced rider; never ride alone, have someone watch you and work on ground work in case you fall.
In order to keep the horse from turning around and biting you, if that is a problem for your horse, pull the reins over towards you so that there isn’t enough slack on the other side for the horse to move its head all the way over.
Be careful when mounting a frisky or green-broke horse, or a stallion. If this is the situation, you can always have another person with you to help.
Always remember your equine common sense whenever handling a horse.
Warnings
ALWAYS check your girth!
Remember to wear boots with a heel and an ASTM/SEI certified helmet when riding.
Some horses are very sensitive, after you swing over you may want to stay standing in the stirrups, or in two-point for a second.

HOW TO JOIN UP WITH A HORSE

2010-01-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

HOW TO JOIN UP WITH A HORSE
Some horses just won’t quit avoiding you and asserting themselves. They don’t trust you. You don’t trust them. They are scared and so are you. How can you help create a bond without spending millions of dollars or fancy training stuff and spending years just trying to avoid getting bitten while putting on a saddle? Or maybe you just want to be closer with your horse/pony.
Joining up may be able to help you calm your friend and make life easier, as well as making being together less painful and less frustrating.
Steps
1. Calm down. Going into it with a nervous or angry attitude is not going to get you anywhere. Take a few deep breaths, and run your hands over the lunge line (Stroking the rope may imply that you are in a friendly attitude).
2. Show yourself and your horse that you are calm, confident body language (you should be erect, head up, shoulders back) and disposition first. The horse understands your good/bad attitude and tone and timber of your voice.
3. Bring your horse to an enclosed paddock or ring on a lunge line. When lunging, the lunge line stimulates the reins as a directional took as if you were riding.
4. Gently talk to the horse. He/she might be a little scared or confused. Lead him/her around the safe enclosed area you are working in for a few minutes, with some changes in direction to set yourself as “leader.”
5. Go to the centre of the area you are working in. Unclip the line (don’t use tied lines); step back from the horse; look the horse in the eye; adopt assertive body language squarely to the horse, and raise your hands if need be (represents “pawing the air”).
6. Encourage the horse to stay at a respectful distance from you in this training. The process of moving them away represents you as lead mare. You are trying to be actually mean like the stallion would be in a herd. The stallion expels challenges from the herd—opposite of joining up.
7. When the horse is moving away from you, throw the line out behind him/her (keep hold of the clip) to move the horse forward at a brisk trot.
8. After 5 or 6 circuits (if using a 50 foot diameter pen) change direction by blocking the horse using body language, but not actually getting in the way. After another 5 or 6 circuits change direction again, and start to coil the line and maybe drop eye contact down to the neck/shoulder.
9. Look for signs from the horse, such as making the circle smaller. The inside ear will be turned towards you. He/she may lick and chew, head lowering.
10. Continue to push the horse on, changing directions every five or six circuits, you will see the horse angle its head to you, which is a sign they are ready to negotiate their position according to what you want.
11. When the horse drops its head very close to the ground when near you, you can be sure you have won its respect. It now understands that you have told the horse: “I am not a predator. I am no threat to you”.
12. When you see these signs, drop eye contact completely, soften your body language by bringing the hand nearest the horse across your stomach with fingers closed, step a little in front of the horse turn your back but be alert (watch out) and take a couple of steps away from the horse. This will cause him/her to come to you slowly and “join up”.
13. Reward the horse with a rub between the eyes or a nice stroke on the neck. This is how they naturally groom each other or assure a lower status horse. They do not approach the lead mare unless she is very relaxed and not exerting her authority.
14. Now stand next to the horse on the left hand, or near side, facing forwards. Walk off and circle around the horse’s nose to the right, he/she will follow when you have established that you are the leader. Complete a small circle and reward the horse. Do this in both directions.
Tips
Light use of a whip is a good enforcement aid to establish that you are “in charge”, but is not good for join-up.
If you don’t have a line a lunge whip can be used but never touch the horse with it. The idea is to move it behind him/her to make them move.
Throwing a line behind the horse to step up the pace is okay but it does not hit the horse (obviously such tricks are not for use with a horse using blinders).
Instead of using fear with yourself—here you treat your horse with respect (calm and accepting) to get results. He/she will show you the same regard.
Only allow your equine to come in after he/she has shown the movements of accepting your presence by relaxing (licking lips, dropping head, etc).
Walking away a couple steps ahead of the horse puts the horse in position to choose to accept being a (willing) follower, and the horse joins you (not vice versa. Reward that behavior.
Warnings
This is a guideline. Horses are not robots that can be “fixed” each one is different with a personality. Respect that and don’t expect too much the first time. Your horse is trying its best to understand.
Horses can be unpredictable, always be aware of this for safety and for your sanity.
Stay close to places that are safe for you to get away to in case the horse runs or kicks at you. If it’s an outdoor arena, it’s a good idea to have a fence that you can quickly crawl under or jump over.
Never yell or get mad at your horse because you are not trying to be a stallion.
Always be patient with your horse and don’t always expect results instantly.
Don’t be too passive-aggressive. This can really scare your horse and the join up will be unsuccessful.
Never do join-up with more than one horse in the ring because they may be confused and may compete for position in the herd.
Never hit your horse that you are trying to get to volunteer to join up to you. You are supposed to be bonding and learning to gain trust of a horse and each other with you as leader—not mean and bossy.
PLEASE do try this if you do not have a clear idea of what and why you are doing it, as it would confuse the horse and put you in danger.
Things You’ll Need
Halter
Lunge line
Closed paddock or ring
The “safe” place to escape from an aggressive horse
Praise the horse with your tone of voice

HOW TO CATCH A WILD HORSE

2010-01-11T11:11:00.002-08:00

HOW TO CATCH A WILD HORSE
When it comes to catching a horse, wild or domestic, you will have a far better of chance of catching the animal if you act and think like a wild horse. By acting and thinking the way of a wild horse, you mimic its body language to communicate with it, giving the horse a better understanding of what you are trying to say.
Steps
1. Be calm and collected. Horses are sensitive to feelings of humans, and if they sense that you are scared or nervous, they will become the same.
2. Walk slowly towards the horse, and avoid staring right into their eyes, because a predator will star a horse in the eye. Talk quietly and soothing and avoid making any sudden movement, which can scare the horse. If possible, walk sideways-this is a non-threatening posture.
3. When you get close enough to the horse, slowly, but firmly compliment the horse and them them all about their characteristics to make them feel more calm around you. Slowly inch your way to the horse! When you get close enough where you can pet, slowly put your hand out with the fingers together (do not put your hand out with your fingers spread out, for this can give the horse the impression that you are a wild animal!) and touch its neck. Pet its neck gently, walkin talking calmy and soothingly.
4. Let the horse smell your hand, so it can get to know you.
5. 5. When you have gotten to know the horse, slowly put a halter on its head while still talking to it gently.
Tips
Make an attempt to study a horse’s body language. This will allow you to understand how horses communicate with one another in the herd.
Old Native-trick if you have access to another horse, peel off the top layer of his chestnuts. These are the patches every horse has on the insides of its legs. Rub the chestnuts of your hands to transfer the smell to your skin. Be upwind of the horse on your approach and the smell of “horse” may help you get close enough to actually be able to touch the horse. Note—unless you know exactly how to safely get the horse “smell” without injuring the horse, don’t go peeling of any layers of anything.
Use natural horsemanship. The object of natural horsemanship is to make the horse trust you. If you reach for the horse’s head and he draws back, don’t force yourself on him. Remove your hand and wait a moment before trying again. Eventually, the horse will realize that you aren’t trying to hurt him, and he may let you halter him.
Warnings
Do not tempt the horse with any food. This can cause the other horses to become aggressive, which can provide a chance for you to become injured.
It is ok if you want to bring another person along, for safety and help, but avoid bringing a lot of people. This can scare the horse and will provoke it to run away.
Wild horse are like deer, they get frightened easily, regardless of what it is.
Do not approach the horse from behind or directly in front.
Wild horses are just that, wild. Unless you actually own this horse, do not attempt to capture it.
Know where private lands are.
Horses are very strong. They normally weigh over a thousand pounds. Horses can kill you with one kick, and one misstep on your part can get you trampled. Be very very cautious!
Horses’ legs are very fragile, therefore, it’s greatly advised to avoid harming their legs or creating a situation where they can cause harm to their extremities, e.g. making a sudden movement and the horse steps into a gopher hole.
Wild horses are VERY aggressive and you might regret some things you do.
Foals may be cute and cuddly, but maintain a safe distance from them. Stallions will protect their offspring at all costs and will not hesitate to resort to lethal methods.
Things You’ll Need
Halter and rope
Patience-and lots of it!

HOW TO CATCH A WILD HORSE

2010-01-11T11:11:00.001-08:00

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HORSE

2010-01-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HORSE

Horses require a lot of care and attention. This guide will help you learn how to care for a horse by giving simple steps to keeping a horse happy and healthy!

Steps

1. Every day that you go out to ride your horse they need to be groomed. First check them over from head to toe to make sure they have no swellings or cuts, a little scrape is fine along as it is not too deep or big.

2. When you are done checking him or her over starting your grooming routine. They will need to be curried, have their mane and tail brushed, have their hooves picked, and they need to be brushed with a soft brush and than a hard one.

3. Next comes the saddle and bridle. First get your needed tack, then put the saddle pad on your horse. Next comes the saddle. Tighten the girth and check to make sure the saddle fits. Then put the reins over your horse’s head and put the bit in their mouth. If they toss their head up either get an older taller person to help you or place your hand over their forehead then bridle them. Check all the straps and lead them to your riding area.

4. Next check the girth again, some horses like to puff out when you put the girth on. Roll down the stirrups, both of the stirrups (individually) should be as long as your arm. Mount your horse!

5. Exercise is important it is how horses stay in shape. Ride your horse for no more than two hours but only ride that long if you give your horse drinks and plenty of breaks. Don’t ride in the arena all the time or your horse may become ring sour meaning they will never co-operate with you in the arena.

6. Then take the tack off them and give them a drink. Never let them drink too much or they can become sickly. If they are still wet consider hosing them off if it is above 52 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do hose them off use a sweat scraper to get rid of the excess water. If your horse is afraid of the hose use a wet sponge to rinse them off. They will most likely roll. That’s ok, it’s normal!

7. Their stalls will also need to be tended to. Use shavings, straw, or what works best for you. Get a pitchfork and a bucket and empty all the manure into the bucket. Get the wet spots also. Make sure you get all of the wet spots as they can smell terrible! But your horse doesn’t need a stall to survive, they live just fine in the pasture!

8. Check that your horse has fresh water and their water bucket is clean. Feed them as necessary. Talk to the previous owner(s) about how much you feed them, what you feed them, and how often. Try to keep their diet as simple as possible (remember, all wild horses have is grass!), stuff like grass hay and clean oats is good for them and can reduce the chance of colic. Make sure it has a good sized field for them to go eat grass.

http://www.wikihow.com/index.php?title=Take-Care-Of-Your-Horse&...

HEARTBURN NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

2009-12-28T10:49:00.000-08:00

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FOR HEARTBURN SUFFERERS

The beginning of a new year has always been a time we reflect on the changes we want or need to make. It is a time we make resolutions for change, and resolve to follow through on those changes. If you are thinking about making some changes in the coming year on you approach the care and treatment of your heartburn, the resolutions below will make a good start.

1.“I resolve to learn the basics about my treatment options.”
Your doctor will likely suggest lifestyle changes to help you control your heartburn. Other options include using antiacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to control your heartburn. Learning what your treatment options are is an important step in controllling your heartburn.

2.“I resolve to keep a food diary.”
It is important to keep a food diary or heartburn record so you can see what foods trigger your heartburn, and what helps relieve it.

3.“I resolve to make a mealtime a heartburn-free time.”
If certain foods cause your heartburn, mealtime may not be a pleasant experience for you. There are meal planning tips you can follow that can help you enjoy meals again.

4.“I resolve to learn how to prevent my heartburn at night.”
Eight out of every 10 heartburn sufferers will experience heartburn at night. You can prevent heartburn from keeping you up at night by following a few nighttime heartburn prevention tips.

5.“I resolve to take my heartburn medication everyday.”
Heartburn medication can work effectively for many people, but only if it is taken consistently and every day. If you find yourself forgetting to take your medication every day, you can try using a medication organizer. Some have alarms that will alert you when it's time to take your medication.
6.“I resolve to be realistic.”
It can take awhile to bring your heartburn under control. Don't despair if your heartburn isn't totally gone after your first dose of medication or after the first meal you eat that doesn't contain your trigger foods. It can take time to take your heartburn under control, especially if it's frequent and severe.

7.“I resolve to plan ahead.”
If you know you are going to a family gathering or restaurant where you won't have as much control over what is being served, you can plan ahead and take the steps needed to avoid heartburn. You can let your family know what foods are your heartburn triggers. If this won't always work, you can plan on taking your own food that you know won't trigger your heartburn. When it comes to restaurants, planning ahead and knowing what to order will go a long way in helping you prevent heartburn while dining out.

8.“I resolve to ask for help.”
There may be times when it seems that no matter what you do, nothing works and your heartburn keeps returning. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You can discuss your concerns with your doctor. The two of you may decide that a change of treatment is needed. Perhaps what you need is to be able to discuss your situation with other heartburn sufferers and get their tips for coping. The Heartburn Forum is a great place to do this.

NEW YEAR THOUGHTS

2009-12-28T10:21:00.001-08:00

NEW YEAR THOUGHTS

HERE IS AN EXCERPT FROM MELISSA WILEY'S BLOG. SHE IS AUTHOR OF CHILDREN'S STORIES AND MANY OF HER IDEAS ARE VERY CLUBHOUSE-Y. SO CHECK IT OUT.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I LOVE BEGINNINGS, FRESH STARTS. I AM VERY, VERY GOOD AT
BEGINNING THINGS, LESS ADEPT AT FINISHING THEM. BUT I'VE
FINISHED SOME PROJECTS THIS LONG WEEKEND
AND AM ON THE VERGE OF FINISHING TWO OTHERS, AND THAT FEELS GREAT.
THIS YEAR MY RESOLUTION IF I HAVE ONE, IS TO LOOK CLOSER AT
BEAUTY PART OUR FAMILY RULE OF SIX.
MY BEDROOM, THOUGH NOT FANCY AND DECIDEDLY LOW-
BUDGET IS REALLY BEAUTIFUL NOW. NOW THAT I KNOW WELL BE
IN THIS RENTAL HOUSE ANOTHER YEAR, I'LL KEEP FOCUSING ON
SMALL CORNERS TO MAKE MORE BEAUTIFUL. THE ROOMS I
TACKLED DURING THIS PAST WEEK HAVE ALREADY BROUGHT MUCH
JOY TO OUR FAMILY. IT'S AN EXTREMELY GRATIFYING PROJECT.

I LIKE THE IDEA OF CHOOSING ONE FOCUS IN PARTICULAR OUT OF
LIST OF THINGS WE WANT TO BE PURPOSEFUL IN MAKING A PART OF
OUR DAILY LIVES: MEANINGFUL WORK;IMAGINATIVE PLAY; LIVING
BOOKS; IDEAS TO PONDER AND DISCUSS; ENCOUNTERS WITH
BEAUTY THROUGH ART, MUSIC NATURE, AND I WOULD ADD TO
THIS HOME ARTS AS WELL; AND PRAYER. I THINK LAST YEAR THE
PART OF THE RULE I FOCUSED MOST ON WAS PRAYER. THAT IS
PROBABLY IT WAS SUCH A GOOD YEAR DESPITE ALL THE HICCUPS

http://melisawiley.com./blog/2008/0l/0l/freshstarts/

GDOUNDHOG DAY HISTORY FROM STORMFAX 2009

2009-12-18T11:03:00.001-08:00

GROUNDHOG DAY

In 1723, Delaware Indians settled Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania as a campsite halfway between the Allegheny and the Susquehanna Rivers. . The town is 90 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, at the intersection of Route 36 and Route 119. The Delawares considered groundhogs honorable ancestors. According to the original creation beliefs of the Delaware Indians, their forebears began life and animals in “Mother Earth” and emerged centuries later to hunt and live as men.

The namePunxsutawney comes from the Indian name for the location
“ponksad-uteney” which means “the town of the sandflies.”
The name woodchuck comes from the Indian legend of “Wojak,
the groundhog” considered by them to be their ancestral grandfather.

When German settlers arrived in the 1700's, they brought a tradition known as Candlemas Day, which has an early origin in the pagan celebration of Imbolc. It came at the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Superstitution held that if the weather was fair, the second half of Winter would be stormy and cold. For the early Christians in Europe, it was the custom on Candlemas Day for clergy to bless candles and distribute them to the people in the dark of Winter. A lighted candle was placed in each window of the home. The day's weather continued to be important. If the sun came out February 2, halfway between Winter and Spring, it meant six more weeks of wintry weather.

The earliest American reference to Groundhog Day can be found at the Pennysylvania Dutch Folklore Center at Franklin and Marshall College.

February 4, 1841 from Morgantown, Berks County (Pennsylvania) storekeeper James Morris' diary...”Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas Day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.”

According to the old English saying:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight,
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.

From Scotland:

If Candlemas Day is bright and clear,
There'll be two winters in the year.

From Germany:

For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day,
So far will the snow swirl until May,
For as the snow blows on Cnadlemas Day,
So far will the sun shine before May.

And from America:
If the sun shines on Groundhog Day;
Half the fuel and half the hay.

If the sun made an appearance on Candlemas Day, an animal would cast a shadow, thus predicting six more weeks of Winter. Germans watched a badger for the shadow. In Pennsylvania, the Groundhog, upon waking from mid-Winter hibenation, was selected as the replacement.

Pennsylvania's official celebration of Groundhog Day began on February 2nd, 1886 with a proclamation in the Punxutawney Spirit by tne newspaper's editor, Clymer Freas: “Today is groundhog day and up to the time of going to press the beast has not seen its shadow.” The groundhog was given the name “Punxutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Pronisticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinary” and his hometown thus called the “Weather Capital of the World.” His debut performance: no shadow – early Spring.

The legendary first trip to Gobbler's Knob was made the following year.

Since the 1993 release of the film Groundhot Day, starring Bill Murray as a TV weatherman (who wakes up and it's Groundhog Day over and over again!) and Andie McDowell as his puzzled producer, attendance at the real event has expanded. In 1997, there were 35,000 visitors in Punxsutawney, five times the Jefferson County town's 6,7000 population.

The Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 1992 were joined by Bill Murray studying for his role in the movie. Then, Columbia pictures set out to recreate the Punxsutawney Groundhog Day down to the smallest detail. There were, however, many changes made.

Columbia Pictures decided to film the movie in a location more accessible to a major metropolitan center. The highways in and around Punxsutawney were few, so Woodstock, Illinois was chosen as the site. Unfortunately, Woodstock's landscape doesn't have Pennsylvania scenic rolling hills. Nevertheless, adjustments were made for the production. The actual Gobbler's Knob is a wooded hill with a beautiful view; the Gobbler's Knob in the movie is moved to the town square. The Punxsutawney Gobbler's Knob was recreated to scale in Woodstock's town square based on detailed notes and videos the crew made on its visit to Punxsutawney.

The movie's script was changed to include the elaborate ceremony of the Inner Circle on Groundhog Day. The original groundhog cast for the movie was considered to be too small.

Some of the store names in Punxsutawney were used in the movie, such as The Smart Shop and Stewart's Drug Store. Punxsutawney's police cars were also recreated for the movie. The groundhog-head trash cans and Groundhog Festival flags that line the streets of Puxsutawney were displayed. Folks traveling to Punxsutawney to see the “Punxsatawney” they saw in the movie wonder why it looks “so different, yet so similar.”

The groundhog, also known as a woodchuck (Marmota monax) is a member of the squirrel family. Groundhops in the wild eat succulent green plants, such as dandelion, clover, and grasses.

According to handler John Griffiths and Ben Hughes, Phil weights 15 pounds and thrives on dog food and ice cream in his climate-controlled home at the Puxsatawney Library.

1.Up on Gobbler's Knbo, Phil is placed on a heated burrow underneath a simulated tree stage before being pulled out at 7:25 a.m. to make his prediction.

ABBOTT AND COSTELLO

2009-12-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

ABBOTT AND COSTELLO

These two men got together to form a comedy duo.

They were William (Budd) Abbott and Louis (Lou) Francis Cristillo. They performed together in

A. Film
B. Radio
C. Television

Abbott and Costello were big in the l940’s and l950’s. What made them famous was their skit (WHO’S ON FIRST) routine. Their rapid comebacks is what made them real funny.

Both Abbott and Costello were into burlesque entertainment, in fact they met in a burlesque theater in 1935.

“The Who’s on First routine was first performed in The Kate Smith’s Hour.

After spending some time on The Kate Smith’s Hour, this had made them successful to go out on their own. They made it on Broadway revue by doing their famous routine.

Abbott and Costello then signed up with Universal Studios in 1940, for a film called (One Night in the Tropics) along with their classic routine.

After this Universal Studios signed them up for a long-term contract. Their second film is what made them box office stars. They had made 36 films from the period of 1940 to 1956. This made them the highest paid stars in Hollywood and the most popular during the World War II era.

They also had made other movies that were classics, and that made them more successful than before they were:

A. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
B. Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man

Abbott and Costello still were in the top 10 until 1952. Their take was about 10 million for the movies that they had made.

In 1951 they had moved to live TV. There was rotating hosts:

A. Eddie Cantor
B. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis

Abbott and Costello then moved into syndication in the late 60’s.

You can get the Abbott and Costello’s DVD’s now.

In the late 50’s Martin and Lewis were discovered by Abbott and Costello. Also by this time their comedy was wearing thin. They found out that Bud Abbott was afraid to do new routines.

In 1957 they had ended their partnership.

Lou Costello had made it big in Las Vegas for awhile. Shortly after that he had died after his 53rd birthday.

Bud Abbott had died in 1974.

In the late 1940’s (Warner Bros’s Looney Toons/Merrie Melodies had made some cartoons:

A. Babbit and Catsello
B. A Tale of Two Kitties (introducing Tweetie Bird)
C. A Tale of Two Mice
D. Mouse-Merized featuring (Mel Blanc)

The comedian Jerry Seinfeld got his inspiration from Abbott and Costello.

Depending on what you’re listening to their famous routine was also called “Baseball”.

When Abbott and Costello were asked to do their routine for radio or television the two could do this without thinking about what they were doing because they knew it so well and did it often enough so they did not have to rehearse it.

The routine of Abbott and Costello’s routine can be heard on “RAIN MAN” and other movies.

The bands The Who and The Guess Who were taken from Who’s on First routine.

Montclair State University had named a hall after Abbott and Costello. This was how popular they were.

WALT DISNEY WORLD

2009-12-16T11:15:00.000-08:00

WALT DISNEY WORLD

I have beren to Wallt Disney World twice. Once with my Grandparents and the other with my ex-husband. Both times I saw something different. I went on a cou-ple of rides with both. My favorite thing was seeing the people dressed up in the cartoon characters. My favorite characters back then were MICKEY MOUSE AND THE TWO CHIPMUNKS (CHIP AND DALE). I was a little disappointed because The Epcot Center was not open both times I was there. I would like to go back there just to see Epcot.

Walt Disney World is located in Florida near Orlando. This is the most visited theme park in the world as with being the largest.

The highlights of this theme park is:

A. The Magic Kingdom
B. Epcot Center
C.Hollywood Studio's
D.Animal Kingdom

There are also 2 water parks and 2 shopping districts.

There are other things in the park that you might enjoy, they are:

A. Golf they're 4 18 hole golf couses
B. Miniature Golf
C.Tennis
D.Boating
E. Spas and Health Clubs
F. Backstage tours
G. Dining with the characters

Walt Disney himself was born in 1901 and had died in 1966. This was before he could see his dream come true. His brother Roy Disney made all this happen in memory if his brother.

Disney World is so large that it would take you a couple of days to see the whole park.

They have rain storms in Florida that last about only 10 minutes. Then the rain stops.

They only close the rides down if the weather is too severe.

There are also some people that are rude and crabby. The thing to do is just to ignore them and try not to let them ruin your vacation.

With the weather being so hot at times it's best that you take a break during the day whether you sit in the shade, sit in an air conditioned place, go back to your hotel room, and come back later when it's not so hot. You could also visit one of the water parks.

The best time to go down to Disney World is during the months of November through April; that is when the weather is much milder. If you like it hot, the time to go down there would be from the months of May through October.

For the people having trouble with sight they have braille books available and for the hearing impaired they have closed captioning available, along with sign language. You can get to Disney World by

A. Plane
B. Car
C.Rent a Cars
D.Taxis
E. Trains
F. Cruise Ships
G. Tour Buses

The ticket price for the park is $79.00 per day for people 10 yrs. and older. Ages from 3-9 is $68.00 per day.

Although frequent visitors to the park get a special rate.

There are several different ways to get around the park:

A. Walk
B. Drive
C.Public transit

All transit vehicles are handicap accessible.

Walking is the best way to get around because you are able to see the sights better.

Epcot Center has a separate admission fee.

The Monorail takes you to different areas to the park and there is more than one Monorail. It depends what place you want to see. Then you take that Monorail.

There is also a parking fee:

A. $14.00 for most vehicles
B. Campers and trailers $15.00
C.Buses and tractor trailers $18.00
D.Parking is free for those whom are staying at one of the resorts
E. And to those who have an annual pass.

If you have traveled by:

A. Plane
B. Train

Here are some rental cars that you can use:

A. Alamo
B. National
C.W.D.W. Car Center
D.Avis
E. Hertz

There are numerous attractions to see and do:

A. Epcot Center
B. Arcades
C.Fire works
D. Parades

The thing to do is to get a tourist guide and plan what you like to see, and go from there.

The Magic Kingdom is a replica on the one in California.

Going clockwise you will see:

A. Cinderella Castle
B. Main Street USA
C.Adventure Land
D.Frontier Land
E. Liberty Square
F. Fantasy Land
G. Mickey's Toontown
H. Tomorrow Land

Food and drink can be costly so it would be wise to bring your own.

Liquor is not allowed in the park anywhere. If you are caught with it you will be removed from the park. They have certain rules you must follow while you are in the park. You must be at a certain height to ride the rides. If you are pregnant you can't go on the rides if you have heart trouble, you are not allowed on the rides either.

If you buy certain souvenirs, be aware because some of them are not allowed on the plane for carry on baggage. They have to be packed in your regular luggage. Or you can have them sent to your home for a charge.

The Mickey dolls are the most popular. Instead of carrying them around with you all day, you can them to package pick-up until you are ready to leave the park.

If you stay at any of the resorts check to see which could be the most value for money.

The least expensive time to go to the park is Januray through mid February. The most expensive is during the holiday season. The prices range anywhere from $82.00 a night to $160.00 per night. If you are a camper you can stay at (Fort Wilderness) for as little as $43.00 per night.

Walt Disney World is a safe area but, in order for your child not to get lost or if your child should get lost it is best to put your childs first and last name on a 3 by 5 card. So in case your child should get separated from you this will make it faster for them to find them faster.

During the warmer weather they suggest that you wear light clothing as to not get over heated. And the also suggest to wear a light jacket as sometimes it does get cool at night.

If you child is not tall enough to go on the ride they have a policy that one adult wants to go on the ride they can go. And, when the ride is through the other adult can go on the ride without having to stand in the line. This is called (Rider Swap)

When it comes to water safety use your common sense. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD UNATTENDED, DO NOT LET THEM RUN ON WET CEMENT, ETC.

For animal safety use your judgment.

If you have traveled with a pet do not leave them in the car. Put in a kennel that isn't as hot as your car or leave the pet in your room.

MORE JOB TIPS

2009-12-10T10:37:00.001-08:00

MORE JOB TIPS

Make sure you match the job description: If you were a 6-foot, 250-pound Frenchman with burly arms and bushy beard, would you apply for the part of Little Orphan Annie on Broadway? However ridiculous that image is, every day in corporate American, thousands of managers shuffle through resumes that are totally unmatched to the position advertised.

Put your interviewer at ease: This is pretty counter inituitive. Most job seekers are prepared to follow the tone set by their interviewer. But that may not be your best plan. A great many intervewers hate interviewing. A job seeker can gain an edge by staying friendly, listening carefully, using body language to indicate amiability, and stressing that he or she gets along with colleagues, Wade says.

Plan before you pursue: Researchers at theUniversity of Missouri recently studied the efforts of 327 job seekers, ages 20 to 40 and found that developing and following a plan at the beginning of a job search has a significant impact on its success. Maybe you set a goal of making 10 phone calls a day or writing for two hours each day.

Take the less desirable job. The recession has shrunk opportunities. Human resources expert Suzanne Lucas suggests that job seekers look for a job that no one else wants when trying to enter a new field. If a position is hard to fill, they may be willing to hire you if you are willing to learn how to do the work, Lucas says.

MORE JOB TIPS

2009-12-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES

2009-12-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

IF TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME

A few weeks ago a woman was killed in an auto accident. She was very liked, so the office shut down for her funeral and it was on the news and so on. On the day the workers came back to work, they found this poem in their e-mail that deceased woman had sent on Friday before she left for home.

If tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The day you did today,
While thinking of the many things
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind,
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all that we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you,
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss some tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

When I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home,
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne.

He said, “This is eternity,
And all I've promised you,
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day is the same way,
There's no longing for the past.

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're fall apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

2009-12-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

This national park was established in 1972 by the United States Congress.

Although the park is primarily in Wyoming it extends to Montana and Idaho.

A lot of Native People had lived in that area. Lewis and Clark had missed this part of the region. In the mid 1880’s this region was explored by the United States Army. They were sent there to take care of this park. Later on it was transferred to the (NPSP National Park Service. There were plenty of structures that needed to be protected.

The park spans over a 3,468 square miles. Consisting of:

A. Lakes
B. Canyons
C. Rivers
D. Mountain Ranges

Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest lakes in North America. And is centered over a supervolcano on this continent. The supervolcano called (Caldera) is an active volcano and its last eruption was 2000 million years ago.

This park has a wide variety of reptiles and animals such as:

A. Birds
B. Fish
C. Bears
D. Crocodiles
E. Wolves
F. Elks
G. Deer
H. Bison
I. Buffalo

There are also fires that occur each year. Some are due to careless campers and some of them are due to the act of nature.

There are things to do in the park. And they are:

A. Hiking
B. Boating
C. Camping
D. Fishing
E. Sightseeing
F. Show mobiling in winter

The French trappers at the end of the 18th century named a river (Roche Jaune) with a translation of (Minnetare) which was called (Mitsia-A-Da-Zi) which means “Rock Yellow River”. Later the Americans had renamed it as Yellowstone, for the color of the rocks that are yellow.

The history of the park had begun 11,000 years ago, by the Native Americans the “Paleo Indians” for these Indians lived in this area. During this era they had found some of the weapons they had used along with cutting tools. They had found these items as far east as the Mississippi Valley. When the first explorers during the (Lewis and Clark) era they had found out that there was trading going on, between three tribes:

A. Nez Perce
B. Crow
C. Shoshone

In 1806 a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition had left the group to join a group of trappers. He had later split with the group. He had later passed through the area which would later become Yellowstone National Park. He had gotten in a battle with two of the Indian tribes. He had survived the wounds. He had later told stories of:

A. Boiling mud
B. Steaming Rivers
C. Petrified trees
In an 1856 exploration a mountain man also had described the same findings. When he told of these things the people ignored him for he was known for telling stories. In 1859 a captain from the United States Army went on a 2 year exploration of the Rockies. IN 1860 there was a party of men that had tried to cross the National Divide. This had happened in the early spring when they had to battle heavy snow. This kind of hindered their travels but they still made it through. These were the first men to enter the Yellowstone Region. The Civil War put a hold on this mission.

The first detailed of the expedition in 1869 when a three men team had followed The Yellowstone River down to the Yellowstone Lake. They had kept a journal of where they had been and their findings.

Montana residents had called this region National Park Langford. Separate from the United Army, Hedges who was a member of the Washburn expedition said this region should be set aside and be protected by the National Park Service. A (Cogress man named William D. Kelley also made a suggestion that a bill be passed for this region. (The Great Gayser Basin) to be protected. And be a public park for everyone.

11 years later F.V. Hayden made another attempt to explore this region. This time they had sponsorship. He made more people with him this time. “William Henry Jackson and Thomas Moran convinced the Congress to keep this region from public auction. And with that “Ulysses A. Grant passed a bill that Yellowstone National Park would be free of poachers and trappers.
The House of Representatives and the Congress had gotten together, had put into order that the (Montana and Wyoming) region would be safe from:

A. Settlement
B. Occupancy
C. And sale under the laws of the United States
D. And if anybody would occupy any of this land would be considered trespassers and be removed from the premise. Which was approved in March of 1872.

All of this is signed by:

A. James G. Blaine
B. Schuyler Colfax
C. Ulysses S. Grant

National Langford was the park’s first superintendent. He was in charge for five years. But, he was denied:

A. Salary
B. Funding
C. And Staff
After that he left this land to:

A. Poachers
B. Vandals
C. And others seeking to raid the place

He had then approached the Secretary of the Interior and had reported to them that Yellowstone National Park would become a tourist attraction.

Poachers had entered the area and were going for the hides of these animals.

A. Buffalo
B. Deer
C. Elk
D. Antelopes

They were doing this for money.

The visitor population had increased from 300 in 1872 to 5,000 in 1883. Many visitors were faced with many problems:

A. Poor roads
B. Limited structures
C. Access to the park was on horse or on a stagecoach

Poaching continued until the United States Army had arrived. The next 22 years the army put up permanent structures, and Camp Sheridan, was now Fort Yellowstone.

While the National Park had allowed public access to the park while protecting the wildlife there.

The (NPS) National Park Service was created in 1916. Then the army turned complete control to the NPS in 1918.

In 1915 automobiles were allowed to come into the park. And this was causing problems for the horses. And for the stagecoaches also. As the years went on, horse driven roads were eventually stopped. From the years of 1933 to the year of 1941. The Civilian Conservation Corps had built campgrounds and park roads. But, during World War II the visitation had dwindled. And this left the park in Despair. In the 1950’s the visitation increased. To pull more people in they put in a mission 66 in order. This effect also was to modernize the park and its facilities. This project was done in 1966. The Park’s 50th anniversary. In the late 1980’s the park went back to a more traditional style.

In 1959 Yellowstone Park had suffered from an earthquake. This had done some damage to the park. And with earthquake they had found more geysers and more hot springs. This was one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit this region.

The wildfires of 1988 was also the largest in history. It burned about 763,880 acres, or 36% of the park. And dry weather and the hot temperatures were the cause of this fire. On August of 1988 the strong winds didn’t help the park any. This had caused the fires to spread. And this had burned another 150,000 acres.

About 96% of Yellowstone National Park is in Wyoming, 3% of it is on Montana, and, 1% is in Idaho. Yellowstone National Park is larger than two of the states. One is Rhode Island and the other is Delaware. Yellowstone Lake is 400 feet deep and 100 feet wide. With an altitude of 7, 733 above sea level. And is the Highest Lake in North America. Forests hold most of the Yellowstone which is 80%. The other 20% is all grassland.

The Continental Divide runs diagonally through the southwestern side of the park. This divide separates the two oceans. The Atlantic and the Pacific.

All of these trees are scattered through the park. The White-Bark pine is threatened of distinction because of a fungus.

The severe drought of 1988 had caused a lot of fires, that were uncontrollable. 95% of the park was burned with some areas that were not in the park. 25,000 firefighters and the United States Army had participated in putting out these fires. The loss to the park and surrounding areas were 120 million dollars.

When the snow season came along that had put out the rest of the fires. No civilians were hurt in this fire. But 67 buildings had been destroyed and 2 firefighters were killed.

The highest temperature was 99 degrees in 2002. And the lowest temperature occurred in 1930 and that was in 1933. The normal temperature in Yellowstone is somewhere between 70-80 degrees. While normal temperatures range from 20-below 0 in the winter months. The Spring and Fall months have a temperature between 30-60 degrees.

The average rainfall anywhere from 15-80 inches. Snow can be found at any time of year, with an average of 150 inches.

Tornados are very rare in the park. But there was one that happened in 1987. That tornado was a category 4 with winds exceeding 207 miles per hour. This left a destruction of 2 miles wide and 24 miles long.

Yellowstone is the most visited national park with an average of 2 million people per year. At the height of the tourists season they have 3,700 employees on duty. They consist of:

A. Concessions
B. Hotels
C. Gas stations
D. Stores
E. Campsites
F. And National Park Services
Yellowstone is currently under some road construction.

The National Park Services includes:

A 9 visitors centers
B Museums
C Historical Structures

The National Park places to visit along the way:

A. National Historic Structures

Yellowstone Park basically sits in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. With a range of 9,000 to 11,000 feet. The highest point of the park sits at 11,358 feet, the lowest point sits at 5,282 feet. There are nearby mountain ranges. These are called:

A. Gallitin Range this sits to the Northwest.
B. The Beartooth Mountains sit to the North.
C. The Absaroka range sits to the East.
D. The Teton and Madison Mountain range sit to the southwest and to the west.
The most popular Mountain Range is Mount Washburn that sits at 10,243 feet.
Yellowstone National Park has the largest of the Petrified Forests. These are trees that have been buried by ash and soul that has been transformed from wood to mineral.

Three deep canyons are located in Yellowstone Park. These are:

A. Yellowstone plateau
B. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
C. Black Canyon
The Yellowstone Park has the largest volcanic system of in North America. And this is super volcano called (Caldera). The last eruption from this volcano was 640,000 years ago. The eruption from this volcano was even larger than the one of Mount St. Helen’s. That had happened in 1980.

There is a popular geyser in Yellowstone also. This one is called Old Faithful and this goes off every hour and half. There are other geysers in this park. They are called:

A. Castle Geyser
B. Lion Geyser
C. Beehive Geyser
D. Steamboat Geyser
Between (Mallard Lake Dome and Sour Creek Dome) these places are slowly showing of some earth movement. Yellowstone has thousands of earthquakes per year. A earthquake has happened in 1959, that had to make a new lake. It’s called, “Earthquake Lake”. When this earthquake had happened 28 people had died and there was extensive damage done to the park.

There over 1,7000 different trees in the park, these are called:

A. Lodgepole Pines
B. Subalpine Fir
C. Englemann Spruce
D. Rocky-mountain Douglas Fir
E. Whitebark Pine

There are a dozen campgrounds with over 2,000 sites. Camping is also available in the surrounding National Forests. These are only accessible by foot or by horse back. Hiking is also available. Camping is only permitted with a permit only in the National Forest.

Hunting is not permitted in the National Forest or the National Park. You may fish in Yellowstone but a license is permitted. The also allow fly fishing. (This is a catch and release). Boating is allowed on a 5 mile distance and this is only allowed on the (LEWIS AND SHOSHONE LAKES) other than that boating is not permitted.

In the early years of tourism. The tourists were encouraged to feed the bears. But after awhile they had found out that injuries were being done to the tourists. So this is not allowed anymore. This was ended to keep the tourists safe.

As I have been to Yellowstone myself I can tell you that this place is an interesting place to see. Especially when Old Faithful goes off. We have even camped in Yellowstone until we had a Grisley Bear decided to get underneath our camper. And that is when we decided to pack our things and leave. We drove almost all night to find a safe place to stay for the night as we were going somewhere else. We could not see because how dark it was outside since there were not any lighted roads.

TOKEN ECONOMIES

2009-12-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

TOKEN ECONOMICS

One of the most often used behavior management techniques, especially in setting for students who have learning or behavioral difficulties, is the token economy system. A token economy

involves awarding tokens, chips, stickers, check marks, points, or other items/markings to students who demonstrate desired behaviors identified by the teacher. Students may periodically exchange tokens for awards, which are items or activities desirable to them. It is often compared to a national economic system in which we work for money, which has no value in and of itself, and later exchange it for items and activities that are valuable to us.

Token economies are often quite effective for students who are resistant to other types of motivational or behavior management techniques. Other benefits of this system are ease of administration, the use of immediate reinforcement (tokens) while teaching delayed gratification (holding tokens until trade in time), lack of boredom or satiation for the student due to the availability of a variety of back-up reinforcers, and lack of competition between students as they compete only against themselves.

When a token economy is used for one or a few students only, it is often devised through a contract. Procedures for implementing this variation are presented in the link on the home page (www.BehaviorAdvisor,com) titled “Contracts”.In this version, along with a token economy for groups, tokens are periodically devalued so that the students must perform at a higher level to earn the same value in back-up reinforcers. This stiffening of requirements promotes continual improvement in behavior or performance by the students. Token economies have great flexibility and utility; they have been shown in research studies to be effective with students to display proper behavior, and assures that the teacher will notice appropriate behavior and interact with the student in a positive manner.

How to Use Token Economies

l.Select the behaviors to be rewarded. The behaviors to be reinforced should be in concert with classroom rules and guidelines.
2. State the desired behaviors in specific and observable terms. Phrase them in a positive manner. Be sure to tell the student what to do, rather than what not to do (e.g., “Raise hand before talking” rather than “No speaking out”).
3. Decide how you will measure the behaviors (e.g., percentage correct, number of minutes engaged in proper behavior, number of times a student displaysappropriate behavior).
4.Decide where to monitor the behaviors (e.g., only in the classroom or also in the lunchroom and on the bus).
5.Select the initial reinforcer. Use a reinforcer that is easy to administer and convenient to store. Devise a token/item/marking that will inhibit theft or counterfeiting.
6.Select your back-up reinforcers. Involve your students in the selection to insure that the reinforcers will be perceived as being valuable. (For instance, have the students that they would work to obtain, or complete one of the many published reinforcement inventories, or set out possible reinforcers and observe which ones are selected most often). Be sure that the reinforcers are appropriate. Consider educational value, cost, possible misuse, or danger involved.
7.Place a price (in tokens) on your back-up reinforcers. Record the actual price of any purchased items. Higher priced items will demand more tokens. Place a value on back-up reinforcers (the rewards) that are activity-oriented such as free time, listening to music, or painting. Develop a wall chart that lists the number of tokens needed to purchase each back-up reinforcer.
8.Place a value on the tokens. Give the tokens a value that is worth more now than in the future. As students begin to function more apapropriately, tokens will have to be devalued to motivate the kids to improve continually. Next, develop a wall chart that lists the number of tokens to be given for each desired behavior, and decide whether inappropriate behavior will result only in a withholding of tokens or whether you will place a fine and take away tokens for that misconduct. If the latter is the case, make a wall chart that indicates the amount to be fined for each misbehavior.
9.Finalize the details by developing your own monitoring sheet to keep track of rewards and fines, and deciding how often and when tokens can be exchanged for back-up reinforcers (e.g., at the end of each day, at the end of each week). Develop storage containers, procedures for yourself and the students and devise a method for displaying the back-up reinforcers.
10.Start your program. Have the materials ready to show to students as you explain the program in language that they can understand. Make your presentation very positive and upbeat. Post the wall charts and review them periodically.
11.Implement the program, providing the tokens as soon as they are earned. Add to your back-up reinforcer mean as necessary.
.11.Periodically modify your system to wean your students from the token economy. This change usually revolves requiring most positive behavior for a longer period of time in order to obtain a check mark or token.

Activities and Discussion Questions

1.List twenty-five items that could be used as tokens in a token economy.
2.Make a reinforcement inventory to determine the rewards desired by your students. Use open-ended sentences (e.g., “If I had 15 minutes of free time, I would like to...”) and choices (e.g., “Given free time, which would you rather do? (a) talk with a friend; (b) play a game; © read; (d) listen to music). List only those choices that you would allow in your classroom.
3.3. Complete steps 1 through 9 in the above section titled How to Use Token Economies. Make all the materials and indicate which items you would use for tokens and back-up reinforcers. Write your spoken introduction of the system to the students.
4.With another person, role play the introduction to the youngsters regarding the new program.
5.A parent feels that your token economy is bribery. How do you respond to this parent?
6.Hamilton comes to you to report that someone stole his tokens. How can you prevent theft from occurring in the future?
7.You caught Jeff bringing poker chips from home that look like the ones you use to reinforce students. You had this problem once before when you gave check marks and the students made their own. How can you prevent this behavior?
8.Is it fair to take away tokens that have already been earned by the student? Shouldn't he be able to keep tokens he has earned previously by displaying appropriate behavior?

RESOURCES

For examples of charts and how to set them up, go to: www.latitudes.org/behavioral_charts.html

HOW TO LEAVE THE PAST IN THE PAST

2009-12-03T10:47:00.001-08:00

THE BOWERY BOYS

I had watched this program as I was growing up. I really can’t tell you whom my favorite character was. I guess it was a toss up between “slip and satch moe” as he was called sometimes.

The Bowery Boys were a group of men who got together to form a comedy team. The original cast was:

A. Leo Gorcey
B. Hintz Hall
C. Bobby Jordan
D. Gabriel Dell
E. Bernard Punsley

These actors made films and sitcoms.

They were also called by other names too:

A. Little Tough Guys
B. Dead End Kids
C. Little Touch Guys
D. East Side Kids

Little Tough Guys was owned by Universal Studios. And were making their own version of The Bowery Boys. They only made three flims. And they had made some Chapter series also.

THE EAST SIDE KIDS (DEAD END KIDS) were owned by Warner Brothers. And they were released from their contract. They had picked up two other characters and these were:

A. Jodarn
B. The Gorcey Brothers Leo and David
C. Hally Chester

They were star in a movie called (SUNNY SUNSHINE) that were using some of the original characters of the Bowery Boys.

Leo Gorcey was released from his contract after a 40% raise in his salary.

The original Bowery Boys had talked to their own agent. This include:

A Grippo
B. Gorcey
C. Hall

Since Gorcey had owned 40% of the company, they had new scripts. With a different hang out. Now they were hanging out at (LOUIE’S SWEET SHOP). And, it all revolved them hanging around the Sweet Shop. And they hung around there until some kind of adventure came up.

The main Characters in this now were:

A. Terrence Aloysius (Slip Mahoney) played by Leo Gorcey
B. Horace Debussy (Satch Moe as he was called sometimes) Jones Huntz
C. Whitey played by (Billy Benedict)
D. Chuck (played by David Gorcey
E. Butch (played by Bennie Bartlett, sometimes being played by Buddy Gorman)

The Malt shop’s owner was played by (Bernard Gorcey) whom was Leo and David’s father.

Some of the cast members left the series because of something, Bobby Jordan left because of being hurt by an eleavator, some left because they were not happy with the series, “SAMMY SUNSHINE” known as (SCRUNO) just decided not to come back so he took a long vacation from acting.

In the 1950’s Abbott and Costello were coming into the comedy sector along with the Three Stooges.

After the Bowery Boys were fading out Huntz Hall became the costar to show his abilities. Now the story revolved around 3 or 4 boys, Satch Huntz Hall to become into view more often, with some of his zany characteristics such as:

A. Becoming a psychic
B. Champion Wrestler
C. Singer

Unlike the streetwise “Abbott and Costello”, Gorcey and Hall became close as a comedy team. They started more into slapstick comedy.

In 1955 Bernard Gorcey had been in an auto accident that had killed him. This left his sons greatly affected. Leo became in a heated argument with “Allied Artists”. He wanted another 40% increase in his pay. They denied him of this so he had quit.

THE BOWERY BOYS

2009-12-03T10:38:00.001-08:00

THE GRAND CANYON

2009-12-03T10:19:00.001-08:00

THE GRAND CANYON

The Grand Canyon is in Arizona and it is layers of rocks on top of one another. Something like building blocks.

I have seen the Grand Canyon twice in my life. Once with my Grandparents and other time with my own brothers and parents. This is really a sight to see and it is hard to describe. It think it is really neat. But, I can tell you that it is very windy up there and you do not want to stand close to the edge of the rock. Because, from the force of the wind can blow you right over. And some of the Canyons have an immediate drop off. I would suggest to everyone that if they have a chance to go and see the Grand Canyon.

Folklore has it that the Canyon was where the dinosaurs had lived. Other sources say that the Canyon was caused by water erosion.

The largest Canyon is called (Kanab Canyon). This canyon is 144 miles long and runs through the other Canyon. And is, below Lee’s Ferry, Arizona along with Grand Canyon Village. This a creation of (GODS) handy work. This goes all the way up to the Colorado Plateau as it creates a beautiful scenery, as this goes to the Shiva Mesa which has steep rock wall with a 300 acreage long. The top of this is very steep and is about 1,000 feet down to the desert.

Some scientists are saying that the Grand Canyon is not a million years old. And they say that this place was made of water erosion.

MOUNT RUSHMORE

2009-12-03T10:10:00.001-08:00

MOUNT RUSHMORE

As I have seen this place twice in my lifetime. I want to say the Presidents’ faces carved out of stone are really unique. I was really fortunate not only to see this once, but twice. Here are some things that every one should know about MOUNT RUSHMORE.

Mount Rushmore is a National Monument. And it is carved from petrified wood which is Granite. This was sculpted by a man from Germany. From 2967-1941. This is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, in the United States.

The heads of these sculptures are 60 feet tall and were all of former Presidents. The heads on the monument are:

A. GEORGE WASHINGTON 2732-1799
B. THOMAS JEFFERSON 1743-1826
C. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 1858-1919
D. ABRAHAM LINCOLN 1809-1865

These dates are when the Presidents were born and the dates of their deaths.

This entire focal point is the acreage it covers and the distance in feet. The entire Monument is 1,278,45 acres. And is 5,275 feet above sea level.

The Monument is taken care of by two different groups. They are:

A. National Park Service
B. United States Department of the Interior

Mount Rushmore attracts about 2 million people any given year.

The idea of the construction began in 1927, and had ended in 1941. The monument was named after a New York Lawyer. His name was Charles E. Rushmore.

Mount Rushmore is near the city of Keystone.

Between the years of 1927 and 1941 the German constructionist had 400 people working with him to assist him with the carvings of each President. These Presidents’ faces represent 150 years of presidency.

It took a lot of skill to get these sculptures done perfectly. If it was not suitable to their liking they would blow them up and start over again.

In 1933 an engineer named (Julian Spotts) had built something like a ski lift to get to the top of the mountain. To make it easier to get the work done. And this would keep them safe so they would not fall and hurt themselves.

Each time a President’s face was finished, they would hand it over to the National Park Service for their dedication. They were dedicated in this order:

A. GEORGE WASHINGTON in 1936
B. THOMAS JEFFERSON in 1936
C. ABRAHAM LINCOLN in 1937
D. THEODORE ROOSEVELT in 1939

The entire cost of this project cost 989,992.32. For doing this kind of work, none of the sculptures were injured in the progress. And this within itself was a miracle in progress.

In October of 1966, Mount Rushmore was officially dedicated and put into one of the National Historical places to visit.

There is a vault behind the Presidents’ heads. And this contains the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ALONG WITH THE CONSTITUTION. This was finished in 1998.

They are planning some redevelopment around the visitors’ center and walkways around the Monument. The maintenance of all of this is a must, and requires people to clean the area up, along with going up to the Monument itself to see if there are any cracks that need to be repaired. So far this only has been done once since the Monument had been finished. And that was in 2005. And it was done for free. They powerwashed it by using water at 200 degrees.

There has been some controversy among the (LAKOTA INDIAN TRIBE). Because the United States had taken over the area. After the (SIOUX AND THE LAKOTA) war in 1876-1877. The United States had taken over the land to make a landmark for all to see, along with future generations. The Lakota Tribe had considered this place a spiritual area.

The Lakota Holy One (JOHN FIRE LAME DEER) had put a prayer staff atop the mountain symbolizing that this place be dirty until a written arrangement would be fulfilled.

In 2004 the first Native American was made to look after the grounds. He had made a statement saying “That the four Presidents are only one focal point of the area. He wants a memorial to be constructed to remember the famous Native American Leader which is (CRAZY HORSE). He also wants it to be larger than Mount Rushmore. However this had to be rejected as the funds were not available. There is also controversy within the Native community saying that the person whom thought of the idea of building Mount Rushmore was a KKK member.

The region around the Monument is the same as the surrounding area. It has the same plant and animals such as:

A. Turkey vultures
B. Grizzly beass
C. Coyotes
D. Bald Eagles
E. Hawks and many more

The smaller animals make their nests atop the Mountain and surrounding ledges. Such as:

A. Squirrels
B. Woodpeckers
C. Nuthatches
D. Along with other small animals

There are two brooks in the area also:

A. The Grizzly Bear
B. The Starling Basin

Which harbor many kinds of fish in them to name a few:

A. Brook Trout
B. The Long Nose Dace
C. Bass

The native plants and flowers to this region are:

A. Ponderosa Pine
B. Bur Oak
C. Black Hills Spruce
D. Cottonwood

The flowers are:

A. Snapdragon
B. Sunflower
C. Violet

The area in higher elevation does not get enough precipitation where the lower levels do. When it rains or snows it runs off the top and ends up on the bottom. The lower levels have Limestone and Sandstone that holds the water in.

There are fires in the Higher region for the lack of precipitation, and it for being so dry.

The Monument is made up of a group of minerals. Mostly granite because it is a smooth surface and easy to carve.

Mount Rushmore is the region in the Black Hills region.

Mount Rushmore is the second largest tourism site in the United States.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

2009-12-02T10:32:00.001-08:00

DEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

This park is located in central California. And this really is a sight to see. The redwoods are really huge. You can drive through some of them.

This park was founded after the Yellowstone Park. They found this one in 1890. This park is about 13,000 feet above sea level. Some parts are higher, and some parts are lower. This park has a highest elevation of 14,505 feet in the lower forty-eight states. And this is called Mount Whitney.

This park is actually two parks together:

A. Seequoia National Park
B. Kings Canyon

The combined names is called Sequoia and King Canyon.

The Sequoia is famous for its large trees. The General Sherman is one of the largest trees also. The General Sherman is still growing. And this is one of the five out of ten that is the largest trees in the world, by wood volume. The Giant Forest if connected to the General’s Highway which is connected to (Kings Canyon), national park. Along with other trees. The total acreage of the parks between Sequoia and Kings Canyon is 202, 340.

You enter there near the town of Ash Mountain which has the highest elevation point of anywhere from to 5,500 to 9,000 feet.

Most of the Sequoia Park and King’s Canyon Park is accessible by foot, or by horse.

There are many different kinds of plants and tress there, some are:
A. Blue Oak
B. Chaparell
C. Yucca Plants

This region also has an abundant of animals also:

A. Bobcats
B. Foxes
C. Mountain Lions
D. Ground squirrels and many others

This used to be the home of the (Monachee Indian Tribe). They found out that this tribe would travel to the east to do some traveling with different tribes.

When the Eastern Europeans had settled into this region, there was a case of small pox and that had wiped out most of this Indian Tribe.

Cutting down trees (or logging) is not allowed in this forest or any other National Park.

This Park has expanded over the years. The most recent expansion was that of the WALT DISNEY CORP., they had made this expansion to a ski resort.

This has over 240 caves and possibly more. The longest cave is called (LILBURN CAVE) and is over 20 miles long. But, there is only one cave that is open to the public. And this one is called (CRYSTAL CAVE) and this one is 3.4 miles long.

Most caves are found in the lower elevations. Although, some of the caves are found at higher levels. Some of these caves have streams in them some of what are sinking streams. There are some caves that have been discovered each year. The most recent cave was found in 2006.

This park offers a variety of different attractions and they are:

A. Backpackers
B. Hikers
C. Camping with permit only
D. A tree that you can drive through
E. And many more

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

2009-12-02T10:31:00.001-08:00

THIS IS YOUR BRAIN WITH DAD
BY SHIRLEY S. WANG

Conventional wisdom holds that two parents are better than one. Scientists are now finding that growing up without a father actually changes the way your brain develops.

German biologist Anna Katharina Braun and others are conducting research on animals that are typically raised by two parents, in the hopes of better understanding the impact of being raised by a single parent. Dr. Braun’s work focuses on degus, small rodents related to guinea pigs and chinchillas, because mother and father degus naturally raise their babies together.

When deprived of their father, the degu pups exhibit both short- and long-term changes in nerve-cell growth in different regions of the brain. Dr. Braun, director of the Institute of Biology over at Otto von Guericke University in Magdeburg, and her colleagues also are looking at how these physical changes affect offspring behavior.

Their preliminary analysis indicates that fatherless degu pups exhibit more aggressive and impulsive behavior more than pups [which were] raised by two parents.

In a study the researchers presented the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Chicago earlier this month and recently published in the journal Neuroscience, half the degu pups were raised with two parents, while the others were raised by a single mother, the father having been removed from the cage one day after the birth of his offspring.

The researchers then looked at the neurons—cells that send and receive messages between the brain and the body—of some pups at day 21, around the time they were weaned from their mothers, and others at day 90, which is considered adulthood for the species.

Neurons have branches, known as dendrites that conduct electrical signals received from other nerve cells to the body, or trunk, of the neuron. The leaves of the dendrites are protruisions called dendritic spines that receive messages and serve as the contact between neurons.

Dr. Braun’s group found that at 21 days, the fatherless animals had less dense dentritic spines compared to animals raised by both parents, though they “caught up” by day 90. However, the length of some types of dendrites was significantly shorter in some parts of the brain, even in adulthood, in fatherless animals.

The neuronal differences were observed in a part of the brain called the amygdala, which is related to emotional responses and fear, and the orbit frontal cortex, or OFC, the brain’s decision-making center.

‘A Horse Without a Rider’

The balance between these two brain parts is critical to normal emotional and cognitive functioning, according to Dr. Braun. If OFC isn’t active, the amgdala “goee crazy, like a horse without a rider,” she says. In the case of the fatherless pups, there were dentritic spinesin the OFC, while the dendrite trees in the amygdala grew more and longer branches.

A preliminary analysis of the dengus’ behavior showed that fatherless animals seem to have a lack of impulse control, Dr. Braun says. And, when they played with siblings, they engaged in more play—fighting or aggressive behavior.

Of course, the frontal cortex—where thinking and decision-making taking place—is more complex in humans than it is in other animals. Thus, says Dr. Braun, it is important to be “really careful” about extrapolating the recent findings to human populations.

“The minute you get into stuff with extensive social and environmental components, the social differences between humans and animals are massive,” says Simon Chapple, a senior economist in the social policy division of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the 30-country grouping of the world’s largest economies.

It remains an “open verdict” whether single parenthood causes these bad outcomes, or is merely associated with them, says Dr. Chapple.

Risk of Delinquency

Still, the prevalence of single-parent households has researchers looking at possible consequences for children. An OECD report found that just 57% of children in the U.S. live with both parents, among the lowest percentages of the world’s richest nations.

The report, which sparked some controversy when it was released in September, found that children in single-parent households have an increased risk of delinquency and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, as well as poorer scholastic performance.

Dr. Braun’s goal for future research is to figure out whether degu pups’ brains can be rewired by introducing a substitute caregiver, such as a grandmother, or whether other social and emotional enrichment can help “repair” the fatherless pups, she says. Human children may be sent to day care, for instance, which can help them form stable friendships with their peers and other adults.

The bottom line, says Dr. Braun, is that parents need to fuel their children’s brains with talk, touch and sensitive stimulation that involves give and take.

“Parents,” she says, “are the sculptors of their children’s brains.”

THIS IS YOUR BRAIN WITHOUT DAD

2009-12-02T10:14:00.001-08:00

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING AN INTERVIEW

2009-11-30T07:50:00.001-08:00

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING AN INTERVIEW

The interviewer wants to evaluate your compatibility with the position you are interviewing for. Make your answer relevant to the job requirements. General reasons such as new challenges, interacting with people, growth and learning opportunities, using your initiative, working as part of a team and meeting set objectives and goals are usually applicable to most job opportunities.

Highlight the reason and make it more specific by quoting an example. “I enjoyed having to using my initiative. I have implemented and improved a number of systems including the order processing system.”

What do you like least about your current or last job?

What typical interview questions like this be careful that the dislikes you talk about do not refer to specific characteristic of the job opportunity you are interviewing for. Stay away from reasons such as overtime and salary. Avoid crisicism of your boss, management or co-workers. Be general and refer to the lack of or absence of what you seek in a job or work environment.

For example, “There was very little opportunity for me to use my initiative. I regard this as one of my strengths and found it frustrating that I was unable to get past the bureaucracy of such a big company to implement any improvements. That is why I am enthusiastic about working for a smaller company like this which I know encourages employees to use their iniative.”
Or
“There was a lack of growth opportunities in such as small company. One of the reasons I am so interested in your company is that it is a much larger organization with formal career planning structures in place.”

This way you emphasize why you are a suitable candidate for this job and company as well as turning into a compliment for the company you are interviewing with.

How to answer the question “What do you like and dislike about the sales job?”

How would you describe your previous manager/boss/supervisor

When answering typical interview questions about previous managers avoid saying anything that can be interpreted as negative. It sends up a red flag about your attitude to authority and supervision. Even is there is something truly negative about your boss rather try to find something positive to focus on. The answer you give should be fact-based and not just your opinion.

For example: “My manager was very experienced, he had managed a number of big call centers over the past 12 years. He liked his staff to be able to work independently and I had to learn quickly to become independent about analyzing problems and finding solutions.”

In this answer you are stating a positive face about your boss, his amount of experience. You are also turning a possible negative about your boss, his lack of support, into a positive about you. You have not criticized your boss and you have taken the opportunity to be proactive and deal with a situation.

Use these sample answers to help prepare your own good interview answers to these typical interview questions. You will stand out as the professional and prepared job candidate.

Prepare for other common interview questions using our recommended sample answers and interview answer guidelines.

More Typical Interview Questions

How would your co-workers describe you?

What motivates you in your job?

Describe your ideal job

How do you handle conflict?

What has been the most difficult situation you have faced?

NINE TIPS FOR MAKING YOURSELF FEEL BETTER IN A CRISIS

2009-11-27T10:55:00.001-08:00

SHINE YOUR LIGHT—UNCOVER YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

We all are born with an inner light. It's a gift of spirit...a magical glow of innate gifts and abilities that make up a large part of who we will grow into being.

What do you feel most passionately about? What are your natural gifts that set you above and apart from the rest?

This inner light is often dimmed by the reality of being human in a human world. Have you lost touch with these gifts as you have made your choices in life, and worked through your challenges? Look inside for a moment to find out.

Step 1. In a quiet place and time, and ask yourself: “Who am I, really?”

Allow your mind to wander back to the happiest moments of your life. If you could have, you would have frozen that moment! Relive that moment with the understanding that you were in your true self.

Step 2. Explore your authentic self

There's nobody else in your head with you, so go into yourself as deeply as you can. This is the place and time where you can rediscover yourself, what you've buried or suppressed...
And ponder how powerful you can be if you allow yourself to shine once more.

Step 3. Acknowledge your personal truths in a list

Make a list of your talents and passions, paying particular attention to those things that bring you joy, as well as those things than no one can do better than you can.

Step 4. Imagine living your gifts

Now that you have acknowledged some of the potential and aspirations that you have been holding deep inside of you, imagine how different your life could be if you granted yourself permission to let your inner light shine through!

Step 5. Embrace your gifts every day

Sure, it's a risk to open up and share what you have inside, but your greatest challenges and accomplishments aren't measured by what you've done—they are waiting to be formed by what you do. The light we are born with is always within us; we just have to tap into it and let it glow. When you believe in yourself, others will as well.

SHINE YOUR LIGHT-UNCOVER YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

2009-11-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

Psychiatric Hospital

2009-11-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A psychiatric hospital, also known as an asylum, is a hospital specializing in the treatment of serious mental illness, usually for relatively long-term patients.

Psychiatric institutions vary widely in their goals and methods. Some hospitals may specialize only in short-term or outpatient therapy for low-risk patients. Others may specialize in the temporary or permanent care of residents who as a result of a psychological disorder, require routine assistance, treatment or a specialized or controlled environment. Patients are often admitted on a voluntary basis, but involuntary commitment is practiced when an individual may pose a significant danger to themselves or others.

History

Court judges pressured the UK Government, resulting in an Act of Parliament – The Madhouse Act -1928, allowing the building of purpose-built asylums, the first of which the 1st Middlesex Country Asylum was at Hanwell in West London and opened its doors in late 1831.

Intitially these early asylums were little more than repositories for the mentally ill; removing them from mainstream society in the same manner as a jail would for criminals. Conditions were often extremely poor and serious treatment was not yet an option. At this time there was minimal understanding of mental health issues and treatment methods were in the early stages of development. Patients were often offered inaccurate treatments resulting in fatality or outstanding injury.

By region

Europe

Phillipe Pinel (1793) is often credited as being the first in Europe to introduce more humane methods into the treatmet of the mentally ill (which came to be known as moral treatment) as the superintendent of Asylum de Bicetre in Paris. A hospital employee of Asylum de Becetre, Jean-Baptiste Pussin, was actually the first one to remove patient restraints. Pussin influenced Pinel and they both served to spread reforms such as categorising the disorders, as well as observing and talking to patients as methods of cure. Vincenzo Chiarugi in Italy may have banned chains before this time. Johann Jakob Guggenbuhl in 1840 started in Interlaken the first retreat for mentally disabled children.

In the U.K. The Beeches was most famously and recently seen in a British soap opera, BBC Birmingham's daytime soap Doctors, when Ruth Pearce, played by Selina Chilton went mad. Around the same time as Pussin and Pinel, the Quakers, particularly William Tuke, pioneered an enlightened approach (moral treatment) in England at the York Retreat. The Retreat was not a psychiatric hospital, and in fact the medical approaches of the day were abandoned in favor of understanding, hope, moral responsibility and occupational therapy. The Brattledoro Retreat and the former Hartford Retreat were named after it.

In 1817 a William Ellis was appointed as superintendent in the newly built West Riding Pauper Asylum at Wakefield. A Methodist, he too had strong religious convictions and with his wife as matron they put into action those things they had learnt from the Sculcoates Refuge in Hull which was run on a similar model as the York Retreat. After 13 years their reputation had become such, that they were then invited to run the newly built first pauper asylum in Middlesex called the Hanwell Asylum. Accepting the posts, the asylum opened in May 1831. Here the Ellis' introduced their own brand of humane treatment and 'moral therapy' combined with 'therapeutic employment'. As its initial capacity was for 450 patients it was already the largest asylum in the country and subject to even more building soon after. Therefore, the immediate and continuing success of humane therapy working on such a large scale, encouraged its adoption at other asylums. In recognition of all this work he received a knighthood. He continued to develop therapeutic treatments for mental disorders and always with moral treatment as the guiding principle.

In Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, Robert Gardiner Hill with the support of Edward Parker Charlesworth, developed a mode of treatment that suited 'all types' of patients, where by the reliance on mechanical restraints and coercion could be made obsolete altogether, a situation, he finally achieved in 1838.

By the following year of 1839 Sergeant John Adams and Dr. John Conoly was so impressed by the work of Hill, that they immediately introduced the method into their Hanwell Asylum, which was by then the largest in the kingdom. The greater size required Hill's system to be developed and refined. This was necessary as it was beyond Conolly to be able to supervise each attendant as closely as Hill had done. Even so, he bid a pair of extra soft slippers made so that he could walk around the building at night without his foot falls warning the attendance of his immenent approach. By September 1839, mechanical restraint was no longer required for any patient. For years, this day was remembered at the Hanwell asylum by a celebration on its anniversary. Hanwell also was a very accomplished communication and wrote and lectured widely about his work in mental health.

By such means these and others, more effective treatment methods gradually took hold in different countries, and attitude towards the treatment of the mentally ill began to drastically improve during the mid-l9th century. Courts began to administer involuntary commitments with a greater eye towards medical justification.

Bethlem Royal Hospital

Main article: Bethlem Royal Hospital

Bethlam Royal Hospital (Bedlam) was the first known psychiatric hospital in Europe, founded in London in 1547. It soon became infamous for its treatment of the insane, and in the eighteenth century outsiders would pay a penny to come and watch their patients as a form of entertainment. In 1700 it is recorded that the “lunatics” were called “patients” for the first time, and within twenty years separate wards for the “curable” and “incurable” patients had been established. The institution was still a coercive and brutal regime when William Battle criticized its practices in his treatise in 1785. By 1815 thousands of visitors were still being permitted in to view the “unfortunates” as they were by then called.

Middle East

Main article: Islamic psychology

Unlike medieval Christian physicians who relied largely on dmonological explanations for mental illness and treatment, medieval Muslim physicians and psychologists relied mostly on clinical observations. Such scholars made significant advances to psychiatry and were the first to provide psychotherapy and major treatment for mentally ill patients, in addition to other forms of treatment such as baths, drug medication, music therapy and occupational therapy.

In the 10th century, the Persian physician Muhammed ibn Zakariya Razi (Rhazes) combined psychological methods and psychological explanations to provide treatment to mentally ill patients. His contemporary, the Arab physician Najab ud-din Muhammed, first described a number of mental illnesses such as agitated depression, neurosis, and sexual impotence (nahkhae alikholia), psychosis (Kutrib) and mania Dual-kulb).

In the 11th century, another Persian physician Avicenna recognized 'physiological psychology' in the treatment of illnesses involving emotions, and developed a system for associating changes in the pulse rate with inner feelings, which is seen as a precursor to the word association test developed by Carl Jung in the 19th century. Avicenna was also an early pioneer of neuropsychiatry, and first described a number of neuropsychiatric conditions such as hallucination, insomnia, nightmare, melancholia, dementia, epilepsy, paralysis, stroke, vertigo and tremor.

United States

Virginia is recognized as the first state to establish an institution for the mentally ill. Eastern State Hospital located in Williamsburg, was founded in 1773. Their land was given to them by the House of Burgesses in 1769.

Reformers, such as American Dorothea Dix began to advocate a more humane and progressive attitude towards the mentally ill. Some were motivated by a Christian Duty to mentally ill citizens. In the United States, for example, numerous states established state mental health systems paid for by taxpayer money (and often money from relatives of those institutionalized inside them). These centralized institutions were often linked with loose governmental bodies, through oversight and quality consequently varied. They were generally geographically isolated as well, located away from urban areas because the land was cheap and there was less political opposition. Many state hospitals in the United States were built in the 1850s and 1860s on the Kirkbride Plan, an architectural style meant to have curative effect. States made large outlays on architeture than often resembled the Palaces of Europe, although operative funding for ongoing programs was more scarce. Many patients objected to transfers from private hospitals to state facilities. Some Brattleboro Retreat patients tried to hide when state officials arrived to transfer them to the new Waterbury State Hospital. This decline in patient census led to the collapse of many private institutions, which still accepted indigent patients even when state reimbursement for private hospitals dropped in the face of rising state hospital costs.

Ineffective treatments

These treatments provided a fruitful environment for the popularity of quick-fix solutions, like the eugenic compulsory sterilization programs undertaken in over 20 U.S. States (and, later, in Germany), which allowed institutions to discharge patients while still claiming to be serving the public interest. These new treatments of mental illness—which is now seen as a “defect”--and likely a hereditary one—were seen less as therapeutic for the individual patient than as preventative for the society as a whole.

From 1942 to 1947, conscientious objectors in the US assigned to psychiatric hospitals under Civilian Public Service exposed abuses throughout the psychiatric care system and were instrumental in reforms of the 1940s and 1950s. The CPS reformers were especially active at the Philadelphia State Hospital where four Quakers initiated The Attendant magazine as a way to communicate ideas and promote reform. This periodical later became The Psychiatric Aide, a professional journal for mental health workers. On May 6, 1946, Life Magazine printed an expose of the psychiatric system based on the reports of Cos. Another effort of CPS, namely the Mental Hygiene Project, became The National Mental Health Foundation. Inititially skeptical about the value of Civilian Public Service, Eleanor Roosevelt, impressed by the changes introduced by Cos in the mental health system, became a sponsor of The National Mental Health Foundation and actively inspired other prominent citizens including Owen J. Roberts, Pearl Buck and Harry Emerson Fosdick to join her in advancing the organization's objectives of reform and humane treatment of patients.

Radical medicine

By the mid-1940s, treatment of the mentally ill took a new turn, with the advent of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and insulin shock therapy, and the use of frontal lobotomy. In modern times, insulin shock therapy and lobotomies are viewed as being almost barbaric as the Bedlam “treatments”, although the insulin shock therapy was still seen as the first options which produced any noticeable effect on their patients. ECT is still used in the West, but it is seen as a last resort for treatment of mood disorders, and is administered much more safely than in the past. Elsewhere, particularly in India, use of ECT is reportedly increasing, as a cost-effective alternative to drug treatment. The effect of a shock on an overly excitable patient is often allowed these patients to be discharged to their homes, which was seen by administrators (and often guardians) as a preferable solution to institutionalization. Lobotomies were performed in the hundreds from the 1930s to the 1950s, and were ultimately replaced with modern psychotropic drugs.

Drugs

By the mid-1950s, the first psychiatric medications became available, such as chlorpromazine, which revolutionized psychiatric care and provided new ways for many of the severely mentally ill to return to normal society. Newly developed antidepressants were used to treat cases of depression, and the introduction of muscle relaxants allowed ECT to be used in a modified form for the treatment for severe and a few other disorders. The use of psychosurgery was narrowed to a very small number of people for specific indications. New treatments led to reductions in the number of patients in mental hospitals.

Political Device

In some nations, such as North Korea, the former Soviet Union, East Germany, and Romania during communist rule, mental hospitals were, and in some cases still are, used as sites for the stifling of political dissent or even genocide. Under Nazi Germany, a euthanasia program began which resulted in the killings of tens of thousands of the mentally ill housed in state institutions, and the killing techniques perfected at these sites became later implemented in the Holocaust.

Types

There are a number of different types of modern psychiatric hospitals, but all of them house people with mental illnesses of widely variable severity.

Crisis stabilization

The crisis stabilization unit is in effect an emergency room for psychiatry, frequently dealing with suicidal, violent, or otherwise critical individuals. Laws in many jurisdictions providing for involuntary commitment require a commitment order issued by a judge within a short time (often 72 hours) of the patient's entry to the unit, if the patient does not or is unable to consent themselves.

Open units

Open units are psychiatric units that are less secure than crisis stabilization units. They are not used for acutely suicidal persons; the focus in these units is to make life as normal as possible for patients while continuing treatment to the point where they can be discharged. However, patients are usually still not allowed to hold their own medications in their rooms, because of the risk of an impulsive overdose. While some open units are physically unlocked, other open units still use locked entrances and exits depending on the type of patients admitted.

Medium term

Another type of psychiatric hospital is a medium term, which provides care lasting several weeks. Most drugs used for psychiatric purposes take several weeks to take effect, and the main purpose of these hospitals is to monitor the patient for the first few weeks of therapy to ensure the treatment is effective.

Juvenile wards

Juvenile wards are sections of psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric wards set aside for children and/or adolescents with mental illness. However, there a number of institutions specializing only in the treatment of juveniles, particularly when dealing with drug abuse, self mutilation, or eating disorders.

These usually consist of anyone aged under 10.

Long term care facilities

In the UK long-term care facilities are now being replaced with smaller secure units (some within the hospitals listed above). Modern buildings, modern security and being locally sited to help with reintegration into society once medication has stabilized the condition are often features of such units. An example of this is the Three Bridges Unit, in the grounds of Hanwell Asylum in West London and the John Munroe Hospital in Staffordshire. However these modern units have the goal of treatment and rehabilitation back into society within a short time-frame (two or three years) and not all forensic patients' treatment can meet this criterion, so the large hospitals mentioned above often retain this role.

Halfway houses

One type of institution for the mentally ill is the community-based halfway house. These facilities provide assisted living for patients with mental illness for an extended period of time, and often aid in the transition to self-sufficiency. These institutions are considered to be one of the most important parts of a mental health system by many psychiatrists, although some localities lack sufficient funding.

Form of prison

In some countries the mental institution may be used for the incarceration of political prisoners, as a form of punishment.

Anti-psychiatry options

Some critics, notably psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz, have objected to calling mental hospitals “hospitals”. Michel Foucault is widely known for his comprehensive critique of the use and abuse of the mental hospital system in Madness and Civilization. Erving Goffman coined the term 'Total institution' for places which took over and confined a person's whole life. The anti-psychiatry movement coming to the fore in the 1960s oppose many of the practices, conditions, or existence of mental hospitals. The Consumer/Survivor Movement has often objected to or campaigned against conditions in mental hospitals or their use, voluntarily or involuntarily.

Some anti-psychiatry activists have advocated for the abolition of long-term hospitals for the criminally insane, including on the grounds that those judged not guilty by reason of insanity should not then be indefinitely confined with potentially less legal rights, or on the converse grounds that insanity is not a coherent concept and so should not be a basis for different treatment.

FRIDAY THE 13TH

2009-11-16T08:12:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY THE 13TH

Lock your doors and stay inside, the unluckiest of days is upon us, Friday the 13th. Superstition dictates that only a fool would start a journey, get married, make financial decision, or take risks on this day because they are sure to end in disaster.

The fear of Friday the 13th is rooted in two long held fears, the fear of Fridays and the fear of the number 13. Individually they are bad enough but combined are enough to make the superstitious not even contemplate getting out of bed for the day. Particularly superstitious people may become so fearful that they develop a debilitating phobia about the number 13 (triskaidekaphobia) or Friday the 13 (paraskeavedekatriaphobia) or friggatriskaidekaphobia).

But where does all this fear come from? There is no single event that one can point to and definitely say this is where it all started. But there are quite a few events that have occurred related to the number 13, or on a Friday, or worst of all on Friday the 13th, that have contributed to our collective superstition.

The Church

Nothing has colored Western civilization more than the Church. Christian dogma teaches that Cain slew Abel on Friday the 13th. Eve tempted Adam with forbidden fruit on a Friday. The great flood began on a Friday. Judas, the 13th guest at the Last Supper, betrayed Jesus leading to his crucifixion on yes a Friday.

Friday, October 13, 1307 is the most well known Friday the 13th in history. On this date hundreds, or perhaps even thousands, of Knights Templar, a order of warrior monks, were rounded up on the selfish and politically motivated orders of King Philip IV of France and subsequently ordered into admitting heresies including spitting on the cross, idolatry, “unnatural vices”, and devil worship.

Jacques De Molay, the last known Grand Master of the Knights Templar was burned to death on a slow fire outside Notre Dame, on Friday, March 13, 1314. As he slowly he cursed King Philip IV of France, Pope Clemence V, and Prime Minister Guilllaume de Noraret to death within a year and 13 generations of their families to misery. The subsequent deaths of King Philip, Pope Clemence V, and Prime Minister Guillaume within a year and the populace's belief that de Molay's curse also applied to them led many to fear the number 13 and Friday the 13th in particular.

Modern History

Many non-religion related events have reinforced our collective fear either consciously or unconsciously.

One that is often cited as proof of the unluckiness of the number 13 was the ill fated Apollo 13 mission to the moon. Apollo 13 was launched on April 11, 1970 or 11/4/70, which when added together equal 13 (4+11+70=85 8+5=13). Although launched from Florida, the time of the launch at Mission Control in Houston, TX was 13:13 CST. Failure of the number 2 oxygen tank occurred on April 13th at 02:08:53:555 UTC, which when converted to the Eastern time zone is 9:08:53:555 and equals 13 (9+8+53+555=625 6+2+5=13). Finally it's estimated that had the explosion happened prior to launch the bill for repairing the damage would have been $13 million.

Other disastrous events include “Black Friday,” Friday, July 13,1987, when a F4 tornado ripped through Edmonton and killed 27 and injured more than 300. The Great Flood in Kansas, caused $760 million in damages and killed 24 people. The “Good Friday,” earthquake, Friday, March 27, 1964, the largest Earthquake in North America's recorded history, struck Prince William Sound killed 131 and was felt around the world. A smaller quake hit Erzincan, Turkey on March 13, `992 and unofficially killed as many as 2,000 people and left another 50,000 homeless.

Famous people with unfortunate links to Friday the 13th include Al Capone who was arrested and sentenced to jail on Friday, March 13th, Tupac Shakur who was killed in Las Vegas on Friday the 13th, Benny Goodman, the King of Swing, who died on Friday, June 13th, 1986, and the 38th Vice President of the United States, Hubert Humphrey who died on January 18, 1978.

It's All Hooey?

Most superstitions don't have much if any basis in reality. Just because hundreds of 14th century knights were tortured on Friday the 13th and a biblical flood happened on Friday, and Apollo 13 nearly ended its mission in tragedy doesn't mean evil has any particular grip on one day of the week, month, or year. Disasters strike somewhere every day of the year.

However, there is evidence to suggest that Friday the 13th is actually unlucky for some. Psychologists have found that some people are especially likely to have accidents or fall ill on Friday the 13th. This has been attributed to such people feeling a heightened state of anxiety on that day. Similarly women drivers may have to be particularly careful on Friday the 13th as one study suggests there may be a 64% increase in the risk of death on Friday the 13th.

So if you aren't the superstitious sort and like to thumb your nose at fate you may want to consider having a Friday the 13th party. Just invite 12 of your closest friends over and make a night of breaking mirrors, opening umbrellas indoors, and letting black cats cross your path. Just make sure your female guests don't drive.

KIDNAPPED BY CHERYL V.

2009-11-16T07:28:00.000-08:00

KIDNAPPED

Pearl had her own house, because she jus bought it, being her and her ex-husband John, jus got a divorce. And she didn’t have countless furnishings inside her house yet, except for an old couch bed and a chair in her living room and a twin bed in her bedroom. She jus lost her job as a teacher, being she has been laid off her job due to a union strike. And she jus came home from being out in the streets near the elementary school, she has been teaching at.

She didn’t know what to do with herself, and she was feeling a little tired from all the hassle this union strike, has been causing her. And this strike has been going on for a week not.

She tried to lie down in her couch bed, after laying her jean jacket over the armrest of the couch bed. But she couldn’t seem to get herself to fall asleep. So, being it wasn’t evening, yet, and she wasn’t in a rush to fall asleep, she then, jus made her, as comfy as possible, on her couch bed.

She turned on her television, and was watching the news at this time. But it seemed that the news was, mostly, centered on about this union strike, going on at her school. Since, she couldn’t stand watching all the news, centered on this union strike. Since, it was such a nice day, outside, and the weather was nice and sunny and warm. She, then, was determined, she was going to go outside, and take pleasure in the warm weather, until she became ravenous enough to eat some dinner.

So, she trudged out the door after putting on her jean jacket, and jus sat down on a brown rocker, which was on an open porch in back of her house. As she was sitting, there, enjoying the nice warm air, the skies were somewhat cloudy, but there was a nice breeze outside.

As she was sitting outside, in the distance, the mountains have this bluish haze on top of them. And around the mountains, there were a lot of trees, appearing so beautiful in the distance. That she jus felt an uncanny urge to scurry off her porch. However, she tried to overlook this feeling, as she was sort of tired to be running around. However, the green waters of the deep appeared to be so inviting. And she noticed there were a lot of skiers out in the water, besides some guys surfing on the high waves.

She was becoming so contented, that she felt like she was ready to fall into a slumber before dinner. So, she jus was falling asleep, when she thought, she heard someone around the house. But she wasn’t paying any attention to what was going on around her house.

Jus as she was closing her eyes, she was having the notion; she was bearing in mind, a silhouette in the sand around her house. But she, still, wasn’t aware of what’s going on around her.

Then, to her surprise, some guy, who she couldn’t formulate in her mind, because her eyes were half open, appeared in her backyard, and seemed to come around from nowhere. However, she felt a sweep of wind on her. And the next thing, she knew, some guy seemed to nudge her out of a sound slumber.

As she opened her pretty blue eyes, she, suddenly, started panicking, because right before her eyes, trudging up to the porch and over to her, was some guy, who looked like he may be her ex-husband. But she wasn’t sure if it was imminent, that it was him, because she was half-asleep at this time.

She did happen to notice, that this guy appeared like he hasn’t shaved in days. And he was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, along with a jean jacket. And before she realized what was going on around her, she felt him, placing his right hand over her mouth. So, she couldn’t squeal for help, or shriek bloody murder.

The next thing, she knew, she was trying to mutter some words. However, she couldn’t seem to get any words out of her mouth, because he jus positioned some tape over her mouth. Then, still, being half awake, she noticed him, getting some rope out of his right pocket of his jeans. And then, upon jerking her out of her chair, he laid her on the front porch, while she, still, was in a terror with her heart, feeling like it was going to hurdle out of her chest.

However, she felt like everything, suddenly, turned black, and then, she was out of it.

He had knocked her downward to the porch, while she was trying to get back up on her feet, again. She was blacked out for a few minutes, and feeling like the earth was caving in around her. While she, still, was blacked out, he took the rope and tied her legs, together, right away,jus in case, she came to, again. So, that she wouldn’t be able to have any likelihood of running away from him. Also, he, then, tied her arms and wrists, together.

Then, jus as she was starting to come to, she couldn’t believe what was going on, because she felt, like he was carrying her, somewhere, half dragging her. She felt like her whole body had turned helpless, because he jus happened to drug her with something. Then, because in walking through the squishy sand with her, her feet, seemed to get jumbled in some tall, green grass, so, he then, picked up her legs. And then, he carried her over to a speedboat, which was yellow and white, and looked streamlined, and an immense one at that.

She wanted to squeal out, again, but found she couldn’t do any screaming, as he ran as fast as his feet could carry him, and over to the docks, where he positioned her right in the bottom of the speedboat. As he was doing so, the clouds above were starting to turn black, and rain started pouring down from the skies. The skies appeared to be so sinister and bloodcurdling to her, as she was coming out of her blackout.

The next thing, she knew, he was hopping onto the front seat of the speedboat, and taking off down the way over to where he has a huge house on the water. On the way, she felt as though she was ready to suffocate to death, from the tape, still, being over her mouth.

As he pulled into the dock, where he, usually, keeps his boat, the waves in the water were starting to get higher. And she could, barely, see the white caps of the waves, as they were bouncing towards the shore.

Both of them were soaking wet by now from the rain. And it, finally, stopped raining, and the clouds in the sky were starting to break up.

Jus after tying his boat to the dock, he, then, bend over and reached over inside his speedboat, to get her out of his boat. Upon doing so, he ran as fast as his feet would carry him up to his house, which seemed to be extra huge-looking to her, as he was carrying her up there to the back entrance of his house.

This house seemed to be an elegant-looking one, and had white aluminum siding all around it, along with being a tri-level.

As he reached the house with her, still, in his arms, since the bottom of the house was an open area, he jus carried her down the hill, there. And as he was entering that part of the house with her, everything appeared to be pitch black around her.

There jus happened to be an old mattress in this part of the house, and nothing else except for some old and barren-looking table, which appeared as if it needed some stain on it.

As he lay her down on the old mattress, he wouldn’t untie her. But he took the tape off of her mouth, because in being so drugged from what he had given her over at her house, she, still, couldn’t even mutter one world. So, he knew that she wouldn’t be able to yell for any help, being that he had given her enough drugs to place her in a stupor.

She wasn’t even aware, that she was in any stupor, because at this time, she was feeling, as if she was drunk, and thought, he had given her, some booze, and had made her, become drunk.

So, as she lay, there, on the old, tattered mattress, she tried very hard to try to get out of the ropes. But upon struggling found she, couldn’t get out of them, no matter what she tried to do. So, then, as he walked out of that part of the tri-level, before all she could make out was darkness all around her.

She jus didn’t like being alone in the dark, because when she had been a little girl, she had been trapped inside her parents’ house without any light, one time, when a real bad storm had made all the lights go out in the house. And this storm had, unfortunately, occurred in the nighttime. So, she has been afraid of even being out of the dark of night, ever since, that time of the storm.

While he was going about his own business in another part of the house, getting himself, something to eat and drink, he thought, he’d at least give her, something to drink and some toast. But that’s all he wanted to give her, because he was trying to get some revenge against her, for getting a divorce from him.

For the rest of the night, she felt as though she was starving to death from lack of food, because he didn’t even have the manners to give her, a decent supper that night. Though, he kept water near her the rest of the night, in case, she became thirsty.

He was getting dinner ready for himself, and had jus popped a dinner inside the microwave for himself, when he thought, he heard somebody around the house at this time.

Jus as he was sitting down to eat; he didn’t know what brought the police to his house. But a bunch of police were surrounding his house, and waiting for him to come out of his house with his arms up. However, he didn’t know what to do at this time, because he had no idea, how the police had found out him, having kidnapped his ex-wife.

He had no idea, how the police had managed to find them, but one of them let him know, he has to let the girl loose, or that he was going to be shot to death. So, unwillingly, he untied the girl, who looked ragged-looking and like she hadn’t been cared for in days. So, then, two of the police arrested her ex-husband as he came out of his house into the front with his arms up, and upon the policeman putting handcuffs oh him, he was taken to the police station to await trial.

The girl was carried out from underneath the house by a policeman, as they were walking through the squishy sand on a mild day with sunny skies. And then, upon the policeman walking towards the front the house, and then, proceeding to lay the girl inside the back of the police car, her ex-husband pleaded with her, trying to get her to come back to him. But she jus ignored him, and being he was trying to do this to her, one of the policeman took her out of that car, and placed her in back of another one.

The policemen took him right to the police station with handcuffs on, and then, made him, stay, there, in a jail cell to await trial. And the girl agreed to be at his trial, so that she would make sure, he ended getting what he has deserved from trying to kidnap her, and torture her.

During the trial, he pleaded guilty to all charges, and then, he ended up in the electric chair, which a bit hard for her to take at first, but the policeman assured her, that he was receiving what he has deserved for months after having all these warrants against him. And during the trial, he found out, that she’s the one, who gave a statement to the police of how he had been torturing her and almost making her, starve to death.

After the trial, then, the girl went back to living with her parents, who got her help from having been abused by her ex-husband. And during the treatment, it was very hard for her to go through with the treatment, because it caused her to cry at times. But, she, gradually, became her own old self, again. It took her awhile through the treatment, because she had to learn not to love her ex-husband, anymore, and to push him back into her past through hypnosis, which seemed to work well on her.

After she had endured treatment for about a year’s time, she became the type of women, who wasn’t interested in men, anymore, jus because she didn’t trust men, anymore. And this was due to the fact, that she had been abused by her ex-husband for a long time, even when she had been married to him. So, this abuse, he had pulled on her, had been the grounds for her divorce from him.

TIPS TO STRESS-FREE HOLIDAYS

2009-11-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

TIPS TO STRESS-FREE HOLIDAYS
“The stress-free way to enjoy the holidays is to plan, take one step at a time, and have a sense of humor.” Beth Tabak
Can you feel the holiday jitters beginning? Suddenly there it is right around the corner. Relax! Take time to plan now and ease on into the holidays with a big smile on your face. Get out a small notebook and pen, and let’s get started.
Reminisce over previous holidays. In your notebook create a column for What Works and another for Not That Again. Under What Works list the activities that bring you joy, those that come naturally to you, and those that seem to click into place. Under Not That Again list your challenges. Jot the things that drain your energy and bring you down. What changes need to take place?
Choose a theme for the holidays that you can get excited about. What is most important to you during this holiday? Base your theme around that. Maybe you want to stay home instead of traveling. Your theme could be “Home for the Holidays.” Maybe your budget is tight. Your theme could be “Simply Sensational.” Your theme will help you stay focused.
Set you top 3 priorities based on your theme and what you want. Get crystal clear. Write them down. When you know your priorities you are able to respond easily to requests. When you know what is important to you it becomes easier to set boundaries.
Create a Map. What would happen if you took a big trip without planning? You would likely get lost, waste time, and experience anxiety. It makes sense to plan at the holidays when so many areas of our lives are affected: time, energy, personal care, relationships, physical environment, and finances. Create a task list thru the end of the year. Yes it takes a block of time and will save you time and stress. It prevents you from running in circles, going back and forth to the same place, and trying to remember what’s next. Keep your map with you everywhere you go. Set blocks of time to carry out these tasks. Have fun and gain momentum as you check them off. Remember to save it for next year.
Set your budget. Develop a budget that feels good. Many people are tight on cash. There are lots of ways to make this holiday special without adding stress to your budget. How can you show people they are appreciated? What activities can you do as a family? Get creative and have fun. Every year I have at least one gift for the kids to find. I wrap empty boxes inside each other. When they open the last box there is a clue telling them the next step. Don’t let a tight budget steal your joy.
Give in a way that gives you joy vs. out of obligation. When you give in a way that comes naturally to you, you stay in integrity with who you are. Therefore, you are able to share your own special gifts with others. When you are doing what you love life seems to click.
Take action now! Begin today so that you are tying up your last bows well before the pitter patter of hoofs on the rooftop. Keep your holiday notebook and map close at hand. The sooner you complete your tasks, the sooner you can sit back, smile, and enjoy the season!

THE MACKINAW BRIDGE

2009-10-30T11:09:00.001-07:00

THE MACKINAW BRIDGE

This bridge connects the upper peninsulas. This bridge connects two cities St. Ignace to the north and Mackinaw City to the south. The bridge goes over the Straits of Mackinaw. The bridge also has two different names. It is called:

A. Big Mac
B. Mighty Mac

It is the most traveled bridge is the western world.

They had thought of building in the 1880’s. This bridge consists of four lanes. The construction of the bridge began in May of 1954 and was finished in November of 1957. It also had opened the same month.

To tell how long a bridge is by the span of the towers. In 1958 they had was christened. Before this bridge was opened the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest. The Golden Gate is 8,614 feet. There are longer bridges. But they are in the eastern world. Since the Mackinaw Bridge has longer lead ups, (from shoreline to shoreline). The Mackinaw Bridge is much longer than five miles long. The total span of the bridge is 3,800 feet. Which makes it the 3rd. longest bridge span in the United States.

The “Algonquin Indians had called the Straits of Mackinaw (Michilimackinac). These Indians would travel back and forth through the straits in trading. And this was the end of the line for these Indians.

Ferries would carry settlers back and forth across the straits.

Year round boat service would end in the winter months as the water would be frozen over. In the early 1920’s, the Congress had put in an order for a state highway.

That is when more people would be using the ferries.

That’s when the enthusiasm to build a bridge was even stronger than it had been before.

The upper and lower parts would be able to become one.

In the early l920’s, the ferries were becoming more expensive to operate.

This bridge was postponed for awhile because of the war.

In 1950 they had a group of people that were selected to build this bridge.

In May of 1954, the people who were to build this bridge, was awarded 44 million dollars to build this steel structure. When finished the total cost of this bridge would cost 100,000 million dollars.

The millionth crossing of the bridge was in June of 1998.

The fifth anniversary was held on November of 2007.

The design of this bridge was taken from the (Tacoma Narrows Bridge). Which had failed in the 1940s. Because of the wind velocity. In order from this happening again, it was ordered that future bridges would have deeper steel structures and a steel grid to handle the wind gusts. All of this is on the Mackinaw Bridge. And this bridge can withstand wind gusts up to 150 miles per hour.

The Mackinaw Bridge is also a toll bridge. They want to raise the bridge rate from $3.00 per car to $4.00 per car. And trucks from $4.00 per truck to $5.00 per truck, to create a 300 million refurbishing of the bridge.

On Labor Day they have a ritual. That’s when they close down two lanes on either side and they walk across the bridge as for the ending of summer tourism.

The height of the bridge is 200 feet above the water’s surface.

The speed limit on the bridge is 45 miles per hour for cars and 20 miles per hour for trucks. And they must keep a distance of 500 feet away from the vehicle in front of them.

People who are afraid to drive across the bridge can have someone else drive their vehicle across for them. Motorcycles are allowed on the bridge, but regular bicycles are not.

STOP STRESSING AND START LIVING

2009-10-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

STOP STRESSING AND START LIVING

Does your worry generate terrible stress? Do you worry so much that you can’t get to sleep? Does the anxiety generated from your stress cause you to engage in emotional or stress eating, or another type of addictive behavior? If so, you’re not alone.

Worry is a “worse case fantasy” picturing the worst that might happen. As you imagine these negative situations, you begin to experience how those undesirable realities would feel in your body. However, your ability to worry and identify potential negative outcomes has great strength. By picturing the worse case scenario, you immediately grasp what you do not want to feel or experience – before it ever happens! You allow yourself to see a positive future and the resulting outcomes of certain ways of thinking and acting.

Below are the necessary steps you can take to acknowledge your worry, to see the benefits of knowing the worst-case scenario, and then create a happier, more empowered life.

1. Do Not Try to Stop Worrying

Trying to suppress your worrying thoughts only aggravates the situation. In fact, if you try to suppress the thoughts hard enough, the thought can become an obsession.

2. Describe Exactly What You Are Worried About

The first step in moving beyond worry is to make sure you have a clear picture of the problem. Just letting those worries run around your mind is not enough. Instead, speak your worries or make a list of all the things you are worrying over.

3. You Are Not Helpless

Worrying about what might or might not happen in the future is a habit. In addition, just worrying and not taking any action to change your potential outcomes if a form of self-sabotage. Instead of feeling a lack of control, begin noticing your internal conversations. Notice if you believe the worst will always happen to you. Notice the direction your worry takes you in. You can teach yourself to look for evidence that good things also happen in your life.

4. One way to alleviate excessive worrying is to learn how to breathe deeply and slowly-thee opposite of how we breathe when we worry and stress. Deep breathing is one of the simplest yet most effective stress management techniques.

5. Activate Your Right-Brain Creative Genius

Worry is a beginning, not an end-point. Think of worry as an opportunity to empower yourself by imagining a better future and new possibilities. Ask your creative self to envision a more desirable outcome. Focus on what matters most.

6. Take Action

Once you have imagined a more desirable outcome, notice what action step you could take that would bring you back into a place of feeling hopeful and capable. Taking action shifts your focus away from feeling helpless and overwhelmed, and toward feeling empowered and in control.

Worry can serve an important function in your life, once you know how to work with it. When worry shows itself and dark fantasies, follow the steps above and access your creative imagination. Use those stressful thoughts and ask your creative self, what do I want and how can I make this happen?

Dr. Annette Colby, RD

The tips Dr. Colby provides in this article describe a good strategy for problem-solving. The underlying assumption of this approach is that we cannot and should not avoid all stress, but rather use stress to enact healthy responses in our lives leading to happiness.

HALLOWEEN ORIGINS

2009-10-30T08:11:00.001-07:00

HALLOWEEN’S ORIGINS

Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).

The Celts who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their New Year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the New Year, the boundary between the worlds of living and dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldy spirits made it possible for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.

During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other’s fortunes. When the celebration was over, they relit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help them during the coming winter.

By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.

The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain Probably explains the tradition of “bobbing” for apples.

By the 800’s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1, All Saints’ Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholownmesse meaning All Saints’ Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually Halloween.

History.com/content/Halloween
Real-story-Halloween

THE DETROIT-WINDSOR TUNNEL

2009-10-30T07:56:00.001-07:00

THE DETROIT-WINDSOR TUNNEL

The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel was completed in 1930. It is partially under water. It is also the busiest the second busiest thru-way. The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest. About 28,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel each day.

There are three other under water bridges, they are:

A. The Holland Tunnel between Jersey City and New Jersey.
B. Downtown Manhattan to New York City
C. Posey tube between Oakland and Alameda California

The Detroit Windsor Tunnel is short of a mile. And is the first (international) to go between two countries.

This tunnel belongs to both the United States and Canada.

Detroit was thinking of selling its half over to Canada, but, Detroit was having problems of their own. So this had to be postponed.

To build this tunnel they had to use a tube-like method. They immersed the sections. And some of the sections would be laying on the rivers floor. There is no stopping on through the tunnel. Motorcycles are not allowed in the tunnel; they must use the bridge.

LIGHT SHIP FRYING PAN

2009-10-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

LIGHT SHIP FRYING PAN

This light ship is 1 of 100 light ships in service. The United Coast Guard owns these ships. They had used these ships as floating light houses. To guide the ships around in inclement weather such as:

A. Getting them to safe harbors
B. To keep them from running aground
C. Hitting shoals
D. From hitting rocks that are not seen under water
E. And keep them from getting too close to land

The Frying Pan was built in 1929. And her number was 115. This light ship has guarded her shoals which is 30 feet off (Cape Fear North Carolina). She had been used from 1930 to 1965.

The length of her was 133 feet in length and a 30 foot beam and weighs 632 tons. This unique shape of the light ships is that they are all built to withstand storms and hurricanes.

There were 15 men aboard this light ship. And this was to keep the light burning and the fog horn sounding. No matter what kind of weather there was.

The would be on-board the light ship for 3 months and on shore leave for two months.

Some of the men complained:

A. being bored
B. and some of them were really afraid

This light ship had a good life. But she was left alone for 10 years at an oyster cannery in the Chesapeake Bay area.

They believe she had sunk when a pipe broke in her. She was under water for three years. Instead of taking her to a salvage yard they had repaired her and she now is sitting at pier 66 in the Hudson River. While they repaired the outside of the boat the inside remains the same. And tells the story of her past.

HURON LIGHT SHIP 103

2009-10-27T08:22:00.001-07:00

HURON LIGHT SHIP 103

This light ship sits in the water In Pine Grove Park as a museum.

She was one of many light ships that had sailed the Great Lakes.

The light ship had many names to it. It had been called:

A. Light ship 103
B. Matthew Andrews until 1920
C. And light ship LV82 in Buffalo where she was salvaged in 1936.

Light ship 61 was the first one to be called “Huron”.

In 1925 there were 25 light ships that sailed the Great Lakes. Some 15 years later they were down to one.

After 1945 she was the only light ship to be painted black with white lettering.

She was later switched over to diesel and that had cost the Coast Guard 168,000.

When they switched her over to diesel she had a top speed of over 9 knots.

She has four honors and they are:

A. The national register of historic places July of 1976
B. National historic landmark December 1989
C. State register May 1973
D. State historical marker May 1973

The light ship Huron was retired from service in 1970. And then given to the city of Port Huron in 1971. Then she became a museum.

This ship is still in good condition.

And light and the fog horn are still in working condition.

She is also surviving light ship at 96 feet.

This is the only light ship to be honored for her service.

JON SEARCH: STAY POSITIVE

2009-10-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

JOB SEARCH: STAY POSITIVE

Keeping a positive outlook while searching for a new job can be challenging in a bad economy, w here jobs are hard to find. They may not be any openings in your field that are qualified for or that pay well. It is important to remember, however, that maintaining a positive outlook is crucial for success. Your chances of getting hired if you come across as negative or desparate are much lower than if your approach job hunting in a positive way.

Job searching can quickly turn into an all-encompassing activity, taking up your entire day. If you are not actively seeking a new position, then you are worrying over your lack of job and how that may affect you or your family. Take a step back and remove yourself temporarily from the situation. Schedule a few hours each day for looking for work, and spend the rest of the day doing other things. This is also a good time to make some self-improvements. Pick up some new skills that might help you once your career is going again.

Focus on short-term goals. Set daily and weekly goals, and take small steps. Rewrite your resume, make new contacts, and put your name out there. Set up schedule of weekly goals, and stick to it.

Find a strong support system. This may be family, friends, or previous coworkers. The members of your support group should be positive, not people who will give you a hart time about being out of work. These should be people who help you keep a positive outlook while job hunting. Supportive friends can help distract you from the negative aspects of your job hunt.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CLUTTERING

2009-10-27T08:01:00.001-07:00

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CLUTTERING

Cluttering is often a manifestation of deeper psychological issues like: depression, anxiety, [or] AD.HD (ADD)-like symptoms. There may also be some aspects of OCD tendencies, but cluttering is not hoarding. Hoarding affects less than 1% of the population, while cluttering probably affects a good 30% (based on informal surveys).

THERAPY

Choosing whether to be in therapy or not is your decision. Half of our members are in, or have been in therapy. If you are in therapy, great! If you are not and do not intend to be, this is your personal choice. Do what is best for you.

If your psychiatric professional is too quick to dismiss your cluttering as merely laziness, or as Dr. Phil once said, “you just aren’t motivated or don’t know how to clean,” look for a new one. Cluttering is associated with depression and anxiety and working on one will help the other.

Most clutterers have not crossed the line into hoarding, nor are they diagnosable as Obsessive Compulsive Personalities. Yet, we do share some traits with OCP’s. If the symptoms are mild, they often improve when we declutter. More of us seem to share traist with ADD (AD/HD) people. While researching Clutter-Proof Your Business and studying your responses to our surveys, I concluded that cluttering belongs more in province of ADD than OCD.

MULTI-TASKING MINDS

We are all different and take different roads to the same destination. Most of us can’t seem to concentrate on one task and take it to completion. We get easily distracted. We flit from one task to another like butterflies on a warm spring day. Recent studies have shown that people do not multitask very well anyway. So, why are we trying to do something the general population can’t do?

For instance, I make my espresso in the morning. White it is bubbling and making all the weird noises it needs to make itself, I wash or put away dishes from the previous night. That’s using your time effectively, not multitasking. While my computer does its thing to start up in the morning, I file or discard things I didn’t the previous day. Doing unrelated tasks like this is a great way to get rid of your clutter without feeling like you are doing it. It’s kind of a bonus.

THE ERIE CANAL

2009-10-27T07:41:00.001-07:00

THE ERIE CANAL

The Erie Canal was thought of in 1808. It went under construction from 1817 until 1832. It opened up while it was still under construction. It opened up in 1825.

The Erie Canal was primarily used more for recreational traffic than commercial vessels. Although in 2008 more commercial going vessels were using the canal than recreational.

There was a problem, the land was higher from Hudson River to Lake Erie. It would take 50 minute to get through to get to Lake Erie. Which was only 360 miles long.

The Building of the Erie Canal was New York’s governor’s ideas. So that more ocean going vessels would use this route.

They had to clear out a lot of trees and dirt to make way for the canal.

They had used oxen to pull out the stumps in the ground, and the soil that had to be removed they had used large wheel barrels that were pulled by mules.

A three man team was now able to build a mile of the canal in a year. The problem here was trying to get enough help to build the canals faster.

It took 70 minutes from Buffalo, New York to get to New York City.

There were leaks that had happened throughout the canal. Fortunately they were able to fix the leaks as fast as they were happening. They had a special kind of cement that could be used under water to fix these leaks.

The Erie Canal was also known as the “Clintons Ditch”, what they used as a nickname as this was the Governor’s last name.

When the New York Railroad had opened, this slowed down the traffic on the canal. As the trains could go faster. Although the trains were faster they still used the canal as it could carry more weight.

The new improved canal has 34 canals. Which are pained Blue and Gold which are of the University of Michigan’s colors.

The beginning of the l990’s the canal is primarily used for recreational traffic.

They are debating whether to call the Erie Canal the 8th wonder of the world.

As of today the canal is opened to both small craft and ocean going vessels.

During the winter months’ (November through May) the canal is closed due to repairs. They drain the water to make the repairs. In 2006, they stopped all fees for this attraction, to get more people to come and see this.

The canal was flooded in one of the canals and was damaged severely and had to be closed down for a while.

The cost of repairing came to 15 million dollars.

The commercial vehicles are using the canals more often as the cost of diesel fuel is going up. The barges on the canal use 1 gallon of fuel for 514 miles. While if trucks or trains were used it would cost the same amount of money for less miles. This would be 202 miles by train and 59 miles by truck.

There are 35 canals but only 25 of them are in use.

T HE GEORGIAN BAY

2009-10-27T07:24:00.001-07:00

THE GEORGIAN BAY

The Georgian Bay is located south of Ontario just off the bay of Lake Huron. This lies south of the Manitoulin Island, where many people go for:

A. Fishing
B. Camping
C. Hiking
D. Boating

The channel that sets the Georgian Bay from the rest of the bay is called The Main Channel. The Bruce Peninsula also separates the bay from Manitoulin Island. Bit is still connected to Georgian Bay, that still connects to the North Channel of Lake Huron. Georgian Bay is 200 miles long with a width of 50 miles. It is almost as large as Lake Ontario. Along the edge of Canada there are Bedrock formations. This had happened at the last glacier age which was about 11,000 years ago.

There are very many islands in Georgian Bay. On the east side of the bay there on an island called 30,000 island. The largest island is the Mantoulin Island.

The first settlers on Mantoulin Island were two Indian tribes. One was called the Ojibwe and the second one was called the Ottawa.

In the war of 1812 `there was a battle in the south end of Georgian Bay. On August 17 the HMS NANCY was sunk by three American vessels. Sometime later two of the American vessels were captured by the British.

There is a legend that has been told. This legend was of a (GOD) called Kitchikewana. Whom was large enough to guard all of the Georgian Bay. This (GOD) was known for his great temper. In a fit of rage he had plunged his fest into the ground and pulled up dirt from the GREAT LAKES. And this is how Georgian Bay was created. Along with the 30,000 islands. The indentations were of his fingers that formed five different bays. They are called:

A. Midland Bay
B. Penetang Bay
C. Hog Bay
D. Sturgeon Bay
E. Matchedash Bay

Then he had layed himself down to sleep and still sleeps there. In the south shore of Georgian Bay.

There is also a YMCA camp there for youths.

There are two towns on the south end where people have summer cottages, these are called:

A. Midland
B. Penetanguishene

There are also 3 beaches on the south end. And they are called:

A. Collingwood
B. Meaford
C. Wasaga Beach

Perry Sound is the world’s deepest freshwater port that is located on the eastern side of the bay.

TAHQUAMENON FALLS

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TAHQUAMENON FALLS

Tahquamenon Falls is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The Tahquamenon State Park gives you both the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls.

The Upper Falls are 50 feet deep and 200 feet wide. And it’s one of the largest falls east of the Mississippi River.

There is a trail that takes you from the upper falls to the lower falls. This is about a 4 and a half mile hike. It seems longer than that because the trail is all up and down.

The falls are a really beautiful sight to see.

The other closest water falls are the (CRYSTAL FALLS) which is a 90 minute drive away. This is also another falls which is close to Tahquamenon Falls and this is called the (SABLE FALLS) which is a 2 hour drive away.

The brownish color in the Upper Falls is like a tea color, that means there is a lot of tanic acid in the falls. There is a nickname for these falls they call it (THE ROOT BEAR FALLS).

During the Spring months the water drains and it runs off at 50,000 gallons of water per second.

The falls are located between Newberry, Michigan and Paradise, Michigan.

When I had taken a trip with my children and when I was a child there wasn’t any charge to se these falls. Now there is a $6.000 charge to see them now. And you can see both of the falls for this price.

Also during the summer months you may see people swimming in the waters of the lower falls.

This is also a shuttle that takes you around the sights and that costs you $9.000 per person.

There is a tree there that is a pine tree that the pine cones are growing upward instead of down and that is really kind of cool.

THE AMBASSADOR BRIDGE

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THE AMBASSADOR BRIDGE

The “Ambassador bridge connects Canada to the United States. It goes from Detroit, Michigan United States to Windsor, Ontario Canada. This is one of the busiest bridges in Michigan, and Canada. The travel on this bridge is busy because of the 150,000 jobs it has created, and with a total of 13 billion U.S. dollars which is a yearly production.

When this bridge was finished in 1929 this was the largest suspension bridge in the world. It was 1,850 feet high. And a length of 7,500 feet in length, with a height of 386 feet above the waver, and 155 below the surface of the water. It is made of 21,000 tons of steel.

There was a sidewalk that you could ride a bicycle over or you could walk over the bridge. This is closed now due to the 911 attack.

On an average day there is about 10,000 commercial vehicles that cross over the bridge, and some 4,000 plus cars and cyclists cross over.

They are considering of redesigning the bridge to make it larger to a double span bridge to allow more traffic to cross over. When this is finished this will connect directly to to I-75 and also to I-96. And on the Canadian side they will reroute the traffic to highway 401. As of right now it connects to highway 3 and this goes through the heart of the city. This is supposed to be finished in 2009. As of yet I’ve heard no other news about this.

Since they had to replace some of the concrete on the bridge they took the old concrete and put it in a park in Canada for a hiking trail and bike path.

ACHESON

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ACHESON’S FIRST ENCOUNER WITH EDISON

With all the experience behind him thus far, Acheson took on a job as an oil tank gauger with United Pipe Lines which was a sub-company of the Standard Oil Company. He then traveled the country by horseback. His job was to very accurately measure tank capacity. During this time however, he had a fascination with the electrical field of science and the studies of it. In 1879 the yearning led him to leave United Pipe Lines and seek out a career which eventually lead to working on telephone and lighting with Thomas Edison.

He tried many times for employment until finally he decided to pay Edison a visit in Menlo Park.

He was employed as a draftsman. Also in his excess time he would spend researching the studies of anything to do with the electrical field. Edison was so elated by Acheson’s suggestion on the electric meter, he was promoted to the Original Experimental Department. Soon after he was placed in lamp manufacturing, where he spent time making perfect a feasible filament.

EUROPE

Acheson was only employed by Edison for ten months and eight days when he was told to prepare for a trip to Europe. It was for The International Electrical Experimental Department. Before Acheson’s position was in the Lamp Manufacturing Department, where he spent an extreme amount of time laboring on a feasible filament.

OFF TO EUROPE

On April 20, 1881, Acheson was instructed by Edison to master everything he could regarding the electrical business. This was to prepare for his travel toEurope.
Ten months and eight days had been the amount of time Edward Acheson was employed by Thomas Edison. He made so much formidable headway and achievements in such little time. Three months later Acheson moved on to arrive in Paris for the International Electrical Exposition.
Over in Europe, it was Acheson who unveiled and ushered in the electric light to the people of France, Belgium, Italy, and Holland.
Two years later, while back in the United States, when Acheson left Edison’s company, he still continued his own experimental methods in electricity. Later one of his efforts was to patent a design for telephone wires which subsequently was sold to George Westinghouse.
THE INVENTION OF CARBORUNDUM

During the course of experiment while working with abrasives, Acheson came upon a product that when a high voltage of electrical current passed through clay, when filled with carbon, the product’s composition was hard enough to cut diamonds.
It was believed to be composed of carbon and corundum. Therefore, it was patented “Carborundum”. The Carborundum Company came together on September, 1891. It was incorporated for $150,000. Of course, this discovery was astounding for the abrasive industry.

HIS HIGHEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Patents were awarded to Edward Acheson in the mid 1890’s for purifying carbon and manufacturing graphite.
In England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, and Russia, applications and to produce it were filed during March and February 1990. To manage the numerous foreign and interior administrations, “International Acheson Graphite Company,” was structured.
The product Oildag* was patented. It was a result of Dr. Acheson’s further experimentations of mixing oil with his artificial graphite, which in turn perhaps prolonged the life of the natural petroleum lubricating oils by four times. Additional experiments established that his deflocculated graphite, suspended in water, formed an exceptional lubricant. This product was named Aquadag*. Both are world renown.

ACHESON RELOCATES TO THE BLUE WATER AREA

PORT HURON

Of utmost importance was that in order to create and distribute Acheson’s colloidal graphite, he needed an ample quantity of pure water. Edison gave Acheson the idea of Port Huron, Michigan as being a possible site. Of course Acheson waslooking elsewhere in cities across the entire United States.
In 2010, it will be l00 years since Dr. Edward Acheson made Port Huron, home of Acheson Colloid’s Company (formerly North American Operations). Also Port Huron is the home of the Worldwide Headquarters of Acheson Industries, Inc.
A brilliant man, Dr. Edward Goodrich Acheson, was a person who was ahead of his times as so many others were throughout our history.
The year before he died he joined Helen Keller, Thomas A. Edison, and Orville Wright in being valued as the “still living Americans” who had achieved the most. This notable was worth of all the acknowledgements bestowed upon him. A few of the most noteworthy were:

Degree of Doctor of Science
(University of Pittsburg, 1909)

Officer of the Royal Order of the Polar Star
(King of Sweden, 1914)

Count Rumford Metal
(American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1908)

John Scott Medal
(City of Philadelphia on recommendation of the
Franklin Institute, 1894 and 1901)

Edward Goodrich Acheson Metal
(American Electrochemical Society, 1929)

*United States Patent