folksPOD:LIVING WELL

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO......OOOOOOOOOO

2009-09-21T23:32:00.002-04:00

How To Breakup…When It’s Over

Author: Tonja Weimer

Did you ever breakup with someone? Did you try to avoid causing them pain? Breaking up can be hard to do. These are the kinds of letters I find in my email box everyday:

Dear Tonja,

My boyfriend and I have been seeing each other for two years. But I know I’m not in love with him. I don’t want to hurt his feelings. How to I breakup without causing him pain?

Dear Tonja,

I have been in a relationship with someone for over a year that I don’t know how to get out of. Recently, I started seeing someone on the side that I really like but I feel like I’m cheating on the girl I don’t want to hurt but don’t love.

Help!

The main theme in the above letters is that the people don’t want to hurt anyone. Since everyone’s worst fear is rejection, no one wants to be the person who inflicts that imagined wound on another.

Would you like to have a better sense of “breaking up” etiquette? Would you like to know what’s appropriate, what isn’t, and the mature way to handle a difficult situation? Here are the major points to keep in mind when you know it’s over—but you know the other person doesn’t want to hear it:

1. Step up

Just as you worked your way into this relationship, you are going to have to work your way out of it. It’s not fair if you send an email, leave a post-it note, send a text by phone, or tell a friend to deliver the message. Nor is it fair to distance yourself emotionally and/or physically, waiting for the other person to break up with you so you can remain blameless in the situation. There is no easy way out.

It is also not fair to let someone hang out with you in a relationship, thinking you are committed when you don’t want to be there. This is far more hurtful and damaging to the individual than a mere breakup. You are preventing that person from moving on to find their soul mate by your chicken-heart. Don’t do this—to them or to yourself. You both deserve better. Do the RIGHT thing.

2. Show up

It is required that you show up in person and as a human being to deliver your breakup message. Keep it simple, succinct, and to the point. Do not defend your decision or explain yourself or be guilty if you don’t want to be in this relationship. There is no law that says you have to remain together—nor should you. Here is a short example of what you might say:

“As you may have recognized, I’m not feeling that this relationship is working for me. I think you are (give the person an acknowledgement here.) Thank you for (list a few things you are feeling grateful for.) And at this time I’m going to be moving on. It works best for me if you don’t call or email.”

Then, say goodbye and mean it. There is no point in dragging out the conversation or trying to be “friends” or saying things like “if you’d have come along at another time in my life, this might have worked out.” When one person wants the relationship to be a romance and the other doesn’t, these kinds of messages just muddy the waters. Further, you cannot extend a friendship. That’s just another way of trying to soothe your conscience about breaking up— and another inauthentic way for them to hang on, hoping you will have a weak moment and change your mind. Make it a clean break so you are both free to find other people.

3. Face up… to the lie in “rejection”.

It’s time to face up to the false thinking of being rejected…or, rejecting another. When you are the one telling someone that the relationship is over…that isn’t rejection. That’s important information you both need to know so you can both move on.

If you have ever been afraid of “rejection”, remember this: don’t make yourself emotionally vulnerable to someone before you know the person well. Keep good boundaries while you determine if you can trust them with your feelings. If you’re telling someone you’re in love on the first or second date, you aren’t in love with that person—you’re in love with your IDEA of that person. If someone you thought you had mutual feelings for suddenly says they don’t want to be with you… guess what? You don’t want to be with them either. This is a matter of dignity and self-respect.

Breaking up IS hard to do, but that goes with the territory in relationships. If you have the heart to fall in love, you have to find the grit to break up when it’s clear you don’t belong there.

About the Author:

About Tonja Weimer:

· Columnist: Weekly syndicated singles and dating columnist (over four million readers in the U.S. and Canada)

· Media: Coverage on TV, including CNN’s ShowBiz Today; rave reviews in USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Publisher’s Weekly

· Author: NBC/USA TV Network, selected author for articles on dating and singles for website

· Articles: In House Beautiful, New Woman, GRAND, and other national magazines

· Coach: Master Certified Singles Relationship Coach; Associate Certified Life Coach; International Coach Federation; Relationship Coaching Institute; Institute for Life Coach Training

· Keynote Speaker: Regional, National and International conferences in U.S., India and Europe

· Academic: BA; MA in Human Development; U.S. Dept of Mental Health full fellowship

· Published Author: 7 Books(Fingerplays for Children; Creative Movement for Children, etc) winning over 25 awards.

Visit Tonja's website for more exciting dating tips!

Singles Dating Tips Online

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How To Breakup…When It’s Over

A mother talks about discovering her sons are gay.

2009-09-18T23:50:00.004-04:00

My Gay Children - A Parents Perspective

Author: title="Susan Dean" Susan Dean

Finding out you have gay children is for most of us unsuspecting parents a life changing experience.
How much it changes our life depends on many factors. I know personally how it does change your life as I do have gay children.

I am a mother that has been married for 26 years to the same man and have 2 wonderful sons from that marriage.
I still remember from a very early age that I would marry a man and have a family of my own. My children would grow up in a happy home and they would one day find the love of their dreams and settle down, get married and have children and then the whole cycle would continue on the same from there.

How your life, your views, your ideals and your dreams of the future can change in an instant. I have learnt that nothing is set in concrete when it comes to life. When I gave birth to my children I had somehow forgot that I was giving birth to two individual little human beings not clones of my husband or myself.

This can be a hard concept to handle for some of us especially when your child or children in my case come out of the closet so to speak and tell you that one is gay & the other bisexual.

Wow! In fact this can be disastrous.
This closet that they have just climbed out of, well,we've just climbed in!

All of a sudden, your life is nothing like it was or what you expected it to continue to be. For some of us it is a real shock or maybe it is a relief. See, we are all different from each other even though we are the same.

We will all react differently, some very badly and some ok, and some only just ok. For most of us this is mind blowing news. What will we tell our friends and family? Will they shun us, hate us, laugh at us or will they support us?

We don't really want to find out because we are scared of what they may say or do.That's why we go into that closet.

We may be angry because our child has brought us into something we don't understand and don't know how to handle. Confrontation can be a very difficult thing to handle especially when it is about something that is not accepted with in the majority.

Our religious beliefs may start to confuse us as we may need to choose between our religion and our child.
Many may feel repulsed and disgusted because all they can think about is the actual sexual acts that they think their child will be participating in.

There are so many reasons that parents are confused and upset or saddened because their child has said they are gay.

I know I was shocked and also relieved when I first found out about my eldest son. But I new I couldn't change him so I just wanted to find out more about homosexuality and help him survive in this homophobic and cruel world.

It's funny, that I was under the conception that everyone would not accept our son or us and yet I couldn't have been more wrong. Sure, society in general are not so accepting but the people that mattered to us are.
It takes guts to come out of that closet that our child was in. Once we saw how very brave and courageous our son was it made it easier for us to also come out.

In may ways the full circle had come around because once we were there to teach and guide our sons and then the tables turned for them to guide and teach us. For that we are very proud.

It can be difficult for us at times and none so more than when our second son told us he was bisexual. This was a shock once again but not a relief as with our other son. I felt a little isolated as I had two gay children not just one. My family is not unique in this. There are many families with more than one child being gay.

The important thing for us was to band together and support each other. Talk and learn together. Sure it took awhile for us to fully come to terms with this but it has strengthened our relationship and made us more understanding and tolerant towards others.

Life is a funny thing sometimes. Often it takes something of this nature to put life into perspective and remind you of what is really important and of what isn't so important. Our children are and always have been the most important thing in our lives.

The fact that they are safe, healthy and happy means everything to my husband and myself. We have been inside that closet and we have come out of that closet.

Because of the family that we are we are truly blessed.

About the Author:
Susan Dean (Debbie) has two sons, one is gay and one bisexual.Her website < a href="http://www.gayfamilysupport.com">http://www.gayfamilysupport.com is full of relevant information and stories from parents who have gay children.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - My Gay Children - A Parents Perspective

I have trouble sleeping..and you?

2009-09-15T02:23:00.005-04:00

Fall is a Good Time to Re-establish Good Sleep Habits

Author: Tova

As the days get shorter and nights longer the natural triggers for sleep and waking – light and dark – day and night – are in transition. It’s back to work and back to school and a good time to re-evaluate your sleep habits and make adjustments especially if you are experiencing problems.

Our lives are built around schedules. Whether we like it or not, without regular work hours, nothing in the business world would get done and no learning could take place at schools. You wouldn’t be able to schedule a doctor’s appointment or reserve a table at your favorite restaurant. The world would be in a tizzy! The universe of nature functions on a schedule also, evidenced by day and night, and the seasons of the year, and are bodies were designed to be in tuned with nature to function at their peak.

It’s not that critical at what time you eat or when you exercise, but when it comes to sleep a regular schedule is a must. Most of us don’t realize how important a regular schedule is to ensuring that our internal sleep clocks don’t break down and destroy our ability to fall asleep naturally, and sustain sleep for 6-8 hours so we can wake up feeling refreshed.

We set our external clocks to wake us up at the same time 5 days a week to arrive at work on time. But we seem to push the envelope every night when it comes to going to bed at the same time, and on the weekends we totally throw our clocks out the window. Soon our whole internal timing mechanism, which is the electronic part of our make-up, has been thrown off (like a watch whose battery is running low) and we develop sleep problems.

Getting sufficient sleep is so important to how productively we will function the next day and how healthy we will be, that it cannot be over stressed. The danger to destroying our body’s internal mechanisms, which trigger sleep, is that it can take a long time to restore them and many of us get stressed in the process and further aggravate the problem. Unable to cope many people turn to external drugs, which they see as a much needed quick fix. And the pharmaceutical companies are all too happy to oblige us spending millions to advertise their miracle solutions. But no drug that enters the body comes without serious side effects or risk of becoming habit forming – making the solution more elusive and far off. Besides, we have our own natural drugs to keep our body functioning as it should when it comes to sleep– we just need to be able to tap into them – and that is the job of our internal clock.

So don’t fall victim to what seems easy. You need to correct the underlying problem which is that your internal clock is malfunctioning and needs to be re-tuned. That takes careful attention to your personal habits and to creating a work-life schedule that respects your body’s need for sleep above all else. Fall is a good time to incorporate this strategy into your life because there is more time to devote to sleep. Remember that your sleep clock is cued to induce sleep and then wake you up by the natural triggers of light and dark and it’s darker longer this time of year.

Life will be pleasant when you are in sync with your body clock so take good care of yourself and re-charge your batteries regularly by sleeping well.

For more information on good sleep hygiene and avoiding problems check out: http://www.TheSleepGenie.com

About the Author:

Tova Greenberg is Founder of The Sleep Genie Inc.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Fall is a Good Time to Re-establish Good Sleep Habits

Older woman with a younger man...

2009-09-14T23:41:00.002-04:00

Older Women in Love With Younger Men: Can it Last?

Author: Tonja Weimer

Have you ever dated a younger man? If you are a man, have you been seeing an older woman?

The older woman/younger man duo is more prevalent today than ever before. But this couple also faces some challenges. Some remain as a strong couple, but others disintegrate. Have you wondered why some older woman/younger man relationships last and others do not?

Here are some of the main reasons a couple falls apart, and what you can do to prevent it:

* A different vision for their lives.

Many couples who come to counseling express that they had one idea of what they thought the marriage should be and then discovered too late that their spouse had another.

Take some time and ask each other what you would have your life be if you had the ideal situation and partner. Ask what each of you expects of the other in a relationship. Write your answers on paper first, and then share them with each other.

* Different values.

You say that you value family relationships, and you have a close relationship with your family members. Your love interest says they value the same thing, but he or she never calls anyone in their family and they do not make plans to go and see them. How will this difference play out for you over time?

Make a list of the top 10 most important values to you and note if your beloved shares and demonstrates those same ones.

* Conflicting messages.

Conflicting messages will drive you nuts with the "come-here-go-away" attitude. One minute your partner is telling you that you are the most important person in the world to them. They are convincing and you believe them. The next minute they are unexpectedly running out the door, breaking your plans for the evening, to be with an old friend.

Develop your boundaries about what is okay with you and what is not. If you have an agreement with your partner and they break it, you need to let them know how you feel and then take appropriate actions. (Have clear cut, realistic expectations of each other; make sure your plans are stated clearly; have the hard conversation about what each of your priorities are and what you can expect from each other.)

* Communication.

This one seems obvious, but it isn't. The strength of any relationship lies in communication. Too many people walk around, not having the commitment they want or knowing where the relationship is going because they are afraid to ask. They don't want to hear what they think the other one might say. Whether you are the older woman or the younger man, after a reasonable amount of time, you deserve to know the intentions of your beloved, and the depth of their caring. In most cases, if you don't ask, you don't receive. And if you don't hear what you need and want, you need to move on, because you deserve someone wonderful.

All of the issues for a older woman/younger man couple seem to wind up in the domain of communication. If there is strong chemistry, values, shared dreams, and interests, communication makes those qualities stronger.

Visit http://www.tonjaweimer.com or http://www.singlesdatingtips.com for more tips, skills, and insight on dating, relationships, singles, and love. Subscribe to our F*ree Savvy Dating Newsletter from master single's coach, life coach, and syndicated columnist, Tonja Weimer. Copyright 2006, Tonja Weimer. (Please note source if reprinting this article.)

About the Author:

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Older Women in Love With Younger Men: Can it Last?

The Angry Child

2009-09-13T12:37:00.004-04:00

An interesting article filled with great tips~ Amber Columbia

Child and Adolescent Anger: Ways That You Can Help Right Now

Author: William DeFoore, Ph.D.

What do we do about the violent adolescents? Good question. Here are some possible answers. Angry children need love. The older and angrier they get, the harder they are to love, and the more frightening they can become. If you have an angry teenager in your home, extended family, your child’s school or your community, here are some ideas that may help:

· Do everything in your power to get to know them.

· Find out what they like to do and do it with them. That’s a stretch in some cases, but do the best you can. They will notice the effort. Stay true to yourself—if they see you trying to become like them, they’ll lose respect for you.

· Ask them to tell you about the things they’re interested in. You may have to prove that you’re really interested before they will open up, but if you’re sincere and persistent, they will start talking.

· Be a steady, loving presence in their life. You may have to forego some of your other activities, but if you have an adolescent who is possibly moving toward violence or suicide, it’s worth it.

· Get in touch with your own healthy anger, so that you have the personal power and confidence to deal with the energy of adolescent anger.

· Work to master humor and love. Find as many ways as possible to have fun with the adolescent and show your love. Make sure that you are pursuing the relationship for them, and not to fulfill some unmet needs from your own past.

· Consult with other adults and parents who are good with teenagers. Watch how they interact with kids and learn from their example.

· Pray. You’re going to need all the help you can get, and you need to know you are not alone in your mission to bring love to this unhappy child.

EMBRACING THE OUTCASTS AND MISFITS

This is simply impossible if you have outcasts and misfits in your own subconscious body/mind. So the first order of business here is to make sure you have found, embraced and made a place for the children within you that you or others may have found that represent remnants of memories that you have yet to resolve. These are the inner children that symbolize your pain, shame and self-doubt.

Rest assured that the outcast child that you approach in the outer world will not accept your embrace if they see unresolved fear and anger in your eyes or actions.

Since we know that the outcasts and misfits are the children most likely to become violent, it only follows that we must pull them into the arms of love and/or acceptance, and find a place where they fit. If our system doesn’t have a place where a child fits, there’s something wrong with the system, not the child.

Look around you in your family and your community. Do you see the outcasts and misfits? The ones that seem to have no friends, or who only hang out with others like them? Look for the ones that don’t act “right,” are too this or too that or not enough of the other. Especially look for the ones that are not talking about their feelings, and seem to carry a lot of depression and/or anger.

Genius often hides in such places. If you are wise, healthy and dedicated enough to win an inroad to the heart and mind of one of these “personas non grata,” you may discover a hidden treasure. The movie “Good Will Hunting” depicts such a case, where an angry, violent misfit is also a gifted genius. The older movie “The Breakfast Club” also shows us the beauty in the shadow of the misfit.

Kindness and compassion will sometimes be greeted with doubt, fear and even anger at first. If you really mean it, and have the courage to do so, you can penetrate that outer shell and touch the tender heart within. You may be saving someone’s life.
Consider the outcasts and misfits in your world to be unexplored territories of your own soul, undiscovered treasures waiting for you. The rewards will be as great for you as for those you help.

When we look deep enough into any living being, we find the face of God.

Teach this to your children, like Max did in the following example.

Max had come to me for almost four years, to heal from a very painful childhood, and to learn to manage his anger toward his wife. He was making excellent progress, and was tapering off in his sessions.

Max’s son Derek was six years old, and the apple of his dad’s eye. Max was determined to give Derek the healthy guidance, love and positive role modeling he had never received as a child.

Smiling ear to ear, Max told me of some of his recent successes with his wife and son. “I have always been afraid I would end up homeless and living under a bridge. So, I decided to confront this fear a little more directly. After church Sunday, Derek and I took about 40 hamburgers to the homeless people living under the overpass downtown. Derek loved it! Now he wants to feed all of the homeless people in the city. Those people were so grateful.”

Max was quiet for a moment, as he wiped his eyes and regained his composure. He had given a great gift to some outcasts and misfits, to his son, and to himself.

METHODS FOR HELPING CHILDREN DEAL WITH THEIR ANGER

· What to say—When your child is in the middle of expressing anger, your verbal response is extremely important. Though it remains true that your non-verbal signals will speak more loudly than your words, we must not underestimate the power of the spoken word, particularly during intense emotional experiences.

o For a very young child, or if the anger is being expressed mostly in non-verbal ways, say something to the effect of, “Wow! I can see that you are really angry right now. I’m sure you have good reasons to be angry. Your anger seems really strong to me. I want you to know that it’s okay with me for you to be angry, and I want to help you deal with it so that nobody gets hurt—including you.” In these and other words, communicate the idea that “There’s nothing wrong with feeling anger, the important thing is what you do with it.”

o Practice reflective listening. Repeat back to the child what you hear her saying in a non-judgmental, soothing tone. This provides a comforting effect, and lets the child know she’s being heard. Start with phrases like, “So what I hear you saying is…” or “So you’re saying…” Stick with their words and references, using as little interpretation and as few of your own words as possible.

o Express empathy and understanding. This is simply a matter of imagining yourself in the child’s position, and attempting to see things from his viewpoint. Use phrases like, “When I put myself in your shoes, I can see why you would feel that way,” or “From where you stand, it looks like…” or “I think I see what you mean” or “That makes sense to me.”

o Avoid teaching, correcting or instructing while your child is angry. Only when the child starts to calm down and relax, you may want to share some of your own similar struggles or experiences. The goal is to help them deal with and understand their anger. Discipline needs to be kept separate from this kind of communication, and administered when both you and the child are calm. That way the child gets the clear message that it is not their emotion that is being disciplined, it is their behavior.

· What to do—If your child is small enough, you might want to try holding her during her anger episode. This has been found to be highly effective in many cases. It provides loving, powerful and safe boundaries when the child is feeling out of control. The non-verbal message is, “I’m here. I’m not going to leave you. I’m not going to hurt you, and I won’t let you hurt yourself or anyone else. I’m going to hold you until you feel safe again.” Here are some recommendations to make this procedure safe and successful:

o If you are extremely afraid or angry yourself, do not try this technique. Your emotions will feed the anger and fear of your child and make the situation worse.

o If you feel comfortable doing so, hold the child from behind, ideally with him sitting in your lap. Protect your face in case he tosses his head back toward you. The goal is for no one to get hurt.

o There needs to be both love and power in your embrace. Strong but not too strong, relaxed but not too relaxed. This lets the child know you are in charge, that you love her and can and will protect her.

o Be ready and willing to devote some time to this. If you don’t complete the process, you may do more harm than good. Hold the child, and wait until he calms down and relaxes. Often he might cry or even fall asleep as the anger subsides.

Through this gesture you are communicating love, acceptance, safety, protection and power all at the same time.

· What to have the child do—In some cases, the child may need to release anger physically. This can be accomplished in a number of ways:

o Supervised play with toys, or play therapy in a professional setting, can be very effective in helping children release anger. The violence that occurs between the toy characters is non-destructive, and can be very informative to the therapist and/or the parent who is observing. This can also include drawing pictures, or throwing clay against a wall or board where no harm can be done.

o Hitting pillows or a mattress with a harmless object such as a nerf bat or bataca bat. This can be done in a playful manner, and the child will still receive benefit. In therapy, I often call it “the anger game,, so that children feel safe in approaching the activity.

o Children may sometimes benefit from the “temper tantrum technique." Parents should use their own judgment as to when it is necessary to contract for the services of a professional for this type of exercise.

o One of the best parents I know told me that he had his daughters use the “Name it, claim it, aim it” technique for dealing with anger. In other words he taught them to put a name on their feeling, take responsibility for it, and direct it into some kind of release or constructive activity. An example might go something like, “I’m angry and sad, Daddy,” (naming and claiming it) “and I want you to help me talk to Bobby about taking my things” (aiming it). This is an excellent approach, and I highly recommend that parents use this and any other guidelines they run across that help them to teach their children to manage and express their emotions in healthy ways.

About the Author:

William G. DeFoore is a counselor, executive coach, author and speaker. He has 34 years of experience in helping people achieve healthy, happy relationships. Get free information, watch videos and purchase books, CDs and downloads at AngerManagementResource.com .

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Child and Adolescent Anger: Ways That You Can Help Right Now

9/11: Opening the Wounds to Heal the Pain

2009-09-12T07:15:00.008-04:00

I'm typical of most Americans who were deeply effected by the terrible events and loss of thousands of lives on 09/11/2001. I remember where I was and the disbelief of everyone around me as we sat in the College coffee shop watching the large screen televisions. There were tears and screams as we watched the second tower get hit and then both collapse. Although we were in far-away northern New England, protected on the 'Hill Top' and our "faith seeking understanding", our collective shock soon gave way to a palpable fear.

All across America, people were waking to the surreal news, and all across the world, telephones rang and people as some discovered that their lives were shattered; their loved ones were dead and thy and the world would never be the same again.

We all have stories and I can not even imagine the stories of the heroes, families, and survivors but for those I have read or seen in the news. Each and every one of us alive on that day will be forever changed.

On this 8th anniversary, "A Somber Obama calls for Renewal"...and actor Charlie Sheen, once again, brings up the ideas of conspiracy and coverup.

Charlie Sheen and others feel there has been a cover-up by the previous administration. Many Americans have wondered how much was known and if there were military actions on 9/11 that have been covered up as well.

What are your thoughts? Are we adding salt to the wounds of the American people, the families and friends? Or is there a TRUTH that we need to know?

Amber Columbia

School Uniforms, I'M FOR THEM!

2009-08-29T20:31:00.003-04:00

Editor's note:
School uniforms, in my opinion, help to take the competion, "keeping up with the Jones" and other social stigmas out of school. A child isn't wearing hers/his social economic status on his/her sleeves. Considering news reports stating that children have been mugged, and some killed for sneakers, watches, etc I would think parents would be happy with this approach.

School uniforms are more economical, too. No matter what your income level may be, wouldn't you like to spend less on dressing your children for school and perhaps putting more of that money toward their futures?

This is a serious consideration. Does your child really need to be an "individual" in dress or is the child's intellectual future and individualism really the goal. Critical thinking has little to do with clothing and accessories.
Amber Columbia,

Editor

Pros and Cons of School Uniforms

Author: Isaac Grauke

We have worked with schools across the United States, and
believe us, you are not the only person asking this question!
The answers that we have heard from our customers are as varied
as our customers are. The debate over school uniforms is
complicated, so we've included highlights from both sides for
you to consider:

Professional:

Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take
school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or
she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work.
Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes" rather
than "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to their
studies.

Promotes Good Discipline:

Many think that school uniforms help maintain school discipline,
decreasing the amount of discipline problems. The argument is
that children today are lacking in self-discipline because
parents refuse to discipline them. This makes it more difficult
on the teacher who has to deal with classes of 25-30 students at
a time.

Reduces Fighting and Violence:

Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting and
violence that arrise out of arguments over fashionable clothes.
Children invariably tease those who do not have trendy clothes.
Those who can't afford name brand clothes are often sensitive
about their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problems
report that school uniforms help ease tensions.

Distractions:

Many parents believe that students wearing school uniforms look
nicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that children
will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding
distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly
revealing. Some students have turned school into an unending
fashion show. This disctracts from learning, as some kids spend
more time focused on thier clothes than on homework.

Values:

School uniforms stress that individuality and self-expression
are not determined by designer clothing or the latest fashion
fad.

Low Cost:

School uniforms are a bargain. They are becoming far less
expensive than many other clothes. Schools argue that school
uniforms are economical, especially compared to designer
clothing, and parents agree given school uniform durability.
They say school uniforms last longer because they are made for
repeated wash and wear. Many schools capitalize on this by
starting used school uniform stores or swap meets. Parents can
get used school uniforms at discount prices, or just use them as
hand-me-downs between siblings.

School Spirit:

Some feel wearing a school uniform helps build school spirit. It
instills a feeling of belonging. As the Beach Boys said, "Be
true to your school." Schools report an increase in school pride.

Individuality:

Supressing individuality is the most commonly cited objection to
school uniforms. Educators argue that an academic program
encouraging students to pursue individual thought is much more
important than what they wear. They inhibit creativity and
self-expression, forcing students to conform.

Causes Discipline Problems:

Some students reject any rules. Forcing them to wear school
uniforms only aggravates their rebelious spirit. They alter
their school uniform by tightening, widening, shortening, or
lengthening them, and teachers are given the impossible task of
policing the students on a daily basis.

Little or No Relationship to Academics:

Opponents insist that their is no credible evidence that school
uniforms improve school discipline or promote higher academic
acheivement. The principal argument is that some great students
are terrible dressers. Dress does not necessarily improve
learning.

About the Author:
Isaac Grauke is manager of sales and marketing for Hall Closet
Uniforms and Apparel, http://www.hallclosetuniforms.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Pros and Cons of School Uniforms

Make Homework SEEM like less work....

2009-08-28T23:44:00.003-04:00

How To Make Homework Less Work

Author: howcastmedia

Check out the video version of this guide on Howcast.com:
How To Make Homework Less Work

Get more great studying tips at Howcast.com:
Classes and Studying

You Will Need:

Homework
A well-lit work space
And your favorite tunes

Step 1: Pick spot

Pick a spot where you can do your homework every day. Clear it of any potential distractions.

If possible, do your homework in natural daylight. Research shows that people who studied near a sunny window had grades about 25% higher than those who didn’t.

Step 2: Listen to music

Listen to music. Studies have found that, for some people, playing their favorite tunes helps them get through homework faster by acting as “white noise” that drowns out distractions.

Turn off your cell phone. You can hear all about what happened to your friend’s ex-girlfriend at the amusement park after you finish your homework.

Step 3: Take notes

Take notes while reading. Writing down key points can improve your recall.

Step 4: Snack

Snack on carbs, like pretzels and popcorn, while you do your homework. They boost serotonin—a brain chemical that makes you calmer and helps you focus.

Step 5: Chew gum

If you don’t feel like snacking, chew gum—it activates certain chemicals in the brain that help improve short- and long-term memory.

Choose mint gum—research shows minty scents help you stay alert.

Step 6: Take breaks

Take breaks! Keep the oxygen flowing to your brain and avoid eyestrain by getting up every half hour and moving around for at least five minutes.
Now back to work.

Did you know? In education-obsessed South Korea, it’s common for students to study 18 hours a day.

About the Author:

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How To Make Homework Less Work

Making Money on Line

2009-07-02T13:00:00.003-04:00

Make Money Online: 5 Powerful ways to make money online

Author: samantha

I have been working online since the beginning of 2005 after starting my marketing career offline a few years before that. I love making money online and the idea that I can be on holiday in an exotic location and have to just answer a few emails is what I would call real bliss. At the end of the day to run an online business and make serious money online all you need is a working laptop/computer and an internet connection.

I remember back in 2005 sat in a internet café on holiday in Lanzarote checking on my emails as I was selling numerous information products on eBay and was making sure that everything was ticking over whilst I was enjoying myself. It is also the idea that you don’t need to have any staff in order to run your own business. The idea that I can work solid one day and then take two days off is certainly the biggest thrill that it offers me.

I have several different streams of income that allow me to make money online. Some are better than others as they take less time and energy. Those that you have to put the extra effort into are always the most rewarding just because of the pain and passion that has gone into the creation.

Here is a list of my best ways to make money online:

One page information sites: This is where you create a one page site of information that people will need to know on a daily basis and cover it from head to toe in Adsense. To be able to make a decent profit you want to have at least a hundred of these and they require absolutely no maintenance and can be forgotten for years to come. They could cover things like maps for holiday destinations, calendars, local area events or even software that people are desperate to get their hands on.

Affiliate Marketing: Just by writing a review for someone else’s product can seriously increase the amount of money into your PayPal account. Aim for products that are new and not those that have already been oversaturated in the market as you want a prime position in Google. If you own a website why not include a couple of banners or a review on a customers download page.

Blogging: I personally love Blogging and if you can write a simple Blog Post there is lots of money waiting for you. Create small little niche sites with lots of Adsense and make sure that your Blog Posts reflect what is being currently searched in the search engines and you have it made. When your Blogs are doing well and you are earning a regular income from it you can get Blog posts written for you for a rather low amount so in effect you can have an automated business with very little work involved.

Article Writing: Just by writing 5 articles a day and then have a link through to one of your products can seriously increase your sales. They say that if you do write 25 a week so that’s 5 a day Monday to Friday you can expect to make $1000 in your first 30 days. However as your popularity grows and your reputation increases for being a accomplished writer you will earn much more than this.

Forum Marketing: This is my personal favourite you just NEVER knock the ability to build a business through the likes of internet forums. I use them most days and through answering a simple question and telling the person that I am replying to that they can find the answer on my Blog I can add over 100 clicks in a matter of minutes. This can work in any niche too and doesn’t just have to be associated with the make money online niche.

Social Marketing: This has to be the most powerful way of gaining traffic through to your products and services. As a member of many of them including Twitter, FaceBook, Digg, StumbleUpon and Yahoo Answers I have seen first hand how much they can help your business day in day out. By answering a quick question on Yahoo about Hostgator I can create at least $200 in affiliate commission. Using bookmarking sites like StumbleUpon and Digg has had an amazing affect on the amount of sales that I have received and placed me in the search engines a lot quicker than I could have possibly imagined.

I have now provided you with five excellent ways to make money online. I have to say without a doubt even though these are not the only ways they are my best ways to make money online. Just think about which ones are yours!

About the Author:

Samantha Milner is a well-known Internet Marketing expert and the owner of my easy online pay that gives free internet marketing tips to all:

"Become a Internet Marketing Expert Today!"

Head over to http://www.myeasyonlinepay.com to get your FREE advice now!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Make Money Online: 5 Powerful ways to make money online

OH, MY FACE, what is happening to my face?

2009-06-30T14:46:00.008-04:00

Years ago, a rather rude fellow walked up to me at a gallery opening and loudly asked "My God, what has happened to your face? It is FAT!" I flushed, and said little. It was a matter of shock and embarrassment, had I changed that much in just a few years? The answer was YES. Facial weight is one of the most difficult cosmetic problems I have had to deal with and it has been a struggle since my mid-thirties. This article is quite helpful.
Amber Columbia

How To Lose Face Fat

Author: Chung Leong Yu

Here is a fact that you should take note of. What do you look at first when you meet somebody? You look at their face first right? For example you meet up with old friends, colleagues, your neighbor or new friends, most of the time you will focus your attention on their faces first.

The point is that the face is very important and that is also why so many people are looking for ways to lose face fat. Any weight loss will show on the face first and when people look at your face, they will straight away notice changes. Plus, influences from the media and the entertaining world also create an impact on how a pretty or sexy face should look like. If you just would flip through the magazines, the faces of the models are all very slim and well defined with high cheekbones, sharp nose and a lean face.

Well, since so many people is looking for the answer to lose fat in their faces, here is a couple of tips on how to lose face fat. Before we move on to that, lets understand that there is no such thing a spot reduction. This means that if you are looking at a miracle pill or gadget that can get your cheeks down, you will be disappointed.

If you want to lose face fat, you have to begin with losing weight. This means losing excess water retention and also losing body fat. Usually, when a person loses weight, it is very noticeable that his face also gets sharper and leaner. Usually the face will slim down first because excess water is gone. Follow these simple steps to lose weight and you will get a lean, healthy and toned face.

Lose Face Fat Step 1: Drink lots of water.

You have to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Drink at least nine 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Drink more than that if you are an active person and always exposed to the sun. The thing is our body has a natural protective system. When you do not drink enough water, the body will naturally think that you are stranded in a dessert and have not enough water. As a result, it will store as much water as it can to keep you living and there is when you will get bloated. Vice versa, if you drink enough water, the body will flush out all the unnecessary water because it knows that the system has enough water. Stick to plain water. Sodas and sugared drink would not help because they contain sugar and will lead to bloating too.

Lose Face Fat Step 2: Do not forget your fruits and vegetables!

Stay natural and eat at least three servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables every day. This will not only fill you up with less calories and help you stay way from junk food, fruits and vegetables also contains water that can help you stay hydrated. Plus, they are filled with fiber that gives many health benefits. Make your self a healthy fruit salad for snack instead of a chocolate bar. Choose your fruits carefully though; control the amount of bananas, grapes and pineapples because they are high in fructose. Go for apples, oranges, all sorts of berries and grapefruit because they are low GI carbs and they packed full with anti oxidants.

Lose Face Fat Step 3: Reduce the alcohol

It does not matter what alcohol you drink. Wine, brandy or beer, alcohol is still alcohol. Alcohol can cause a good amount of bloating in the body because it really dehydrates the body. It can also add inches in you belly and under your chin because one gram of alcohol contains seven calories! That is almost like drinking fat! A five ounce glass of wine has 100 calories, that means a little drinking a little bit can add inches in your waist.

Lose Face Fat Step 4: Bump up the calcium

A lot of studies have proven that taking at least 1200 milligrams of calcium from dairy if possible daily can help in fat loss. There is also a study that showed that half of the females in that study experienced reduced symptoms of PMS including water retention after consuming 1200 milligrams of calcium. So, do not eliminate dairy in your diet, have some in moderation.

Lose Face Fat Step 5: Calories out more than calories in.

This is the golden rule of fat loss. In order to lose weight, you have burn more calories than you consume. So, the easy and healthy way to do this is to burn 250 calories and reduce 250 calories from your food intake. The reason to reduce 500 calories a day is because we need to hit a reduction of 3500 calories a week and that will result to healthy recommended weight loss of one pound of body fat per week.

To burn 250 calories, just go for a simple walk or jog for 30 to 40 minutes. To reduce 250 calories, just eliminate all the junk food and excess fatty foods from your diet right now and I am sure you can reduce 250 calories. Eat healthy and eat with a mind to feed your muscles and body with good fuel!

Lose Face Fat Step 6: Control Your Salt Intake

Salt is another culprit of water retention. That is why when you snack with junk food that is high in sodium, you will feel every thirsty and your face will bloat up the next day. Avoid foods like pizza, burgers, junk food, chips and other similar foods because they are loaded with salt! When eating out, be careful of the gravy, some gravy use a lot of salt. Eat home and prepare your own food when ever possible! Sprinkle your salt, do not use your spoon, that way you can really control the amount of salt that goes into your food!

Lose Face Fat Step 7: Go For Weight Training

You have to weight train to maintain and increase lean muscle tissue. With more muscles packed in your body, your metabolism will increase and you can burn more calories and fat! Plus, with more muscles in your body, you can burn more calories while you do your cardio and even while rest because muscles are living tissues and require calories to function and survive! For optimum fat loss results and to lose fat on your face, you have to diet, do your cardio and also weight train.

So, if you want to lose fat on your face, the main objective is to lose weight. By losing body fat, you will look much leaner and have a much more cut features because fat and water under the skin is reduced.

So follow these simple steps and get on a fat loss program now. Mark my words; if you manage to lose body fat until your desired body fat, your face will look much leaner and thinner. Even your nose will look sharper!

About the Author:

Yu Chung Leong is an experienced and motivated personal trainer for many years. He is passionate about health and fitness and enjoys helping people achieve their fitness goals. He writes many free weight loss tips at http://www.lose-fat-tips.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How To Lose Face Fat

The Tin Whistler in my GARDEN by Amber Columbia

2009-06-27T19:48:00.043-04:00

Every year, the Tin Whistler and I venture forth in search of just the right hosta, an unusual perennial plant, or a funky little garden ornament. She is a potter who makes beautiful naked raku vessels; I am a painter.

We met many years ago when I was 17 and our boyfriends were neighbors so of course, we 'double dated'. Years passed and boyfriends somehow turned into husbands.

From the moment I met the Tin Whistler I liked her. She was quiet, actually very reserved, but had a great gift for attracting friends. Her friends were usually outgoing and often opinionated (like me!). Over the years I met quite a few of her friends; many have become mine.

This year's pursuit took us many miles. She drove us, despite the threat of rain, far into the Helderburg Mountains, near the upper Catskill Range in New York state. The location wasn't new to either of us, we have been regular visitors to the Helderledge Nursery for over 15 years. We roamed the grounds and made our way into the hosta area and found the hostas that were to be ours. Hosta Blue Mouse Ears is now MINE and I added Paul's Glory, although I think I purchased it on a previous visit, too.

The next day, the Tin Whistler and I followed each other to a nursery that had been written about in the New York Times a few days earlier. It's the Loomis Nursery in Claverack, NY. Claverack is about five miles off the Taconic Parkway near the Hudson River. Loomis' prices were DEAR, very dear. Their container gardens were as wonderful as the Times author had stated, but prices on the individual perennials were out of our range. Our time together was sweet, I enjoyed every moment of her company.

Almost a year and a half ago I didn't think I would enjoying a gardening day with my friend, again. She is a cancer survivor of the greatest grace and dignity. She waited months before 'worrying' anyone with the news that had shocked her and her husband. The Tin Whistler was suffering from cancer of the salivary gland. It's a rare cancer, and especially rare in women. What was worse was that two of the four expert institutions who reviewed the pathology said it was a melanoma.

The Tin Whistler is an eternal optimist and went with the optimistic reports and began the treatment for salivary gland tumors which consist of radiation and other medications and monitoring. She told me something I didn't know~ once the treatment is over, life doesn't return to the way it was prior to CANCER. She said that doctors continue to monitor your progress on a regular basis and any mark, ache, or pain that you experience brings the fear back into your heart.

The Tin Whistler doesn't dwell on any of this. She is living her life to the fullest~ performing in Irish sessions throughout the Capital District of New York; searching for the perfect hosta for her garden, and offering her brand of love and friendship to all. I'm one of the luckiest people on earth to have the Tin Whistler in my garden!

Paul's Glory

Mouse Ears

Gateway to the back portion of the Tin Whistler's Garden.

Wheat free, Gluten free, and FEELING BETTER.

2009-06-26T23:52:00.004-04:00

Wheat Free Foods: 5 Tips to Find Tasty Baked Goods

Author: Lillea Woodlyns

The increasing awareness about wheat and gluten intolerance has led manufacturers and bakeries to create more gluten and wheat free foods.

The biggest sellers are usually cookies, breads and other traditional baked goods. But do these new wheat free and gluten free alternatives taste as good as the products they are trying to mimic?

Not long ago, commercial wheat free baked goods were often tough, gritty and over-priced.

The new generation of wheat free and gluten free baked goods can be quite affordable, with a much better texture. When real foods are used as ingredients, not simply a hodge-podge of gums and other questionable fillers, the taste can actually rival or even surpass the wheat foods they are substituting.

But there are still many icky products on the market, unfortunately. When you buy from a good company or bakery, the product still might not taste very good.

So how do you find the tasty wheat free baked goods, the ones that might even fool a die-hard wheat lover?

Here are 5 tips to get you started:

1. Read reviews online. There are many online stores that sell quality wheat free and gluten free products. The better web stores usually have a place for customer reviews.

2. Contact your local Celiac group and ask for a list of recommendations. Often they will have a list of local bakeries, restaurants and several online sources for good wheat free and gluten free baked goods.

3. If you like to bake, visit Amazon.com and read reviews of wheat free and gluten free cookbooks. Or search for blogs that offer recipes that readers have reviewed.

4. Call local bakeries to find out if they offer wheat and gluten free options (rice flour products are the most common). If they do, visit and ask for free samples.

5. Make sure that the ingredients in the product are foods and flavors that you (or the person you are buying for) like the taste of.

'Wheat free' does not guarentee that it's also gluten free. Gluten grains also include spelt, kamut, rye, triticale and barley. Oats are often contaminated with wheat, so they are out for most gluten and wheat intolerant folks as well.

Wheat free and gluten foods can be tasty and easy to find if you know where to look. As the awareness of wheat and gluten intolerance grows, the demand for quality wheat free and gluten free products and recipes will grow too.

About the Author:

Many Wheat free foods that taste great can be found at http://www.wheatfreefoodsonline.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Wheat Free Foods: 5 Tips to Find Tasty Baked Goods

Child Abductions Happen EVERY DAY!

2009-06-24T20:59:00.025-04:00

Teach Your Child to be Smart, not Scared

(Preface and notes by Amber Columbia June 24. This morning, I was enjoying TWITTER, posting and reading TWEETS when I saw something disturbing. This TWEET: @tweetmeblack Where's Jada? Missing #Black Child Ignored by Major Media http://bit.ly/1410s5 Help Find #jadajustice PLS RT! I googled Jada Justice and found very little and I didn't remember seeing anything on the news. So, I began to RT, Re-Tweet. There is passion and love for this little girl on TWITTER. "tweetmeblack" helped to focus attention on an abduction that occured 2 weeks ago. The FBI has been involved from the beginning, but the major media outlets had seemed to look the other way. Tonight,CNN is covering the story on line. To the best of my knowledge, Nancy Grace was the only major personality to discuss Jada Justice's abduction prior to today.

Jada's disappearance is every parent's nightmare. The little girl's cousin-baby sitter left her alone in a car while she ran in to get cigarettes. That's how quickly a tragedy can begin.

Chris Lowrey's article suggests ways to help prevent abduction. For additional resources please refer to:
America's Most Wanted National Center for Missing and Exploited Children FBI Crimes Against Children )

Adam Walsh

_________________________________Author: Chris Lowrey
Have you ever experienced the absolute horror when you are in a store and you lost your child? Or, your child lost you? Terror runs straight through your entire being! The what if's start flowing and, although we try not to, most of us fear the worst... Our child could have been stolen!

The majority of the time our fears are quickly calmed by the sudden appearance or discovery of our child. But, what if...

Every family fears a stranger taking your child. We all know that this is rare and the exception but it does happen. If even one child is taken in a lifetime, that is one too many.Yet, we also fear teaching our children to be scared to death of every stranger they meet.

Is there a happy medium? Child development will determine the steps to take. For example, if your child is very young, the chances of them being anyway other than your arms, is unlikely. But, your nine year old is prime for coming into contact with strangers.We want our children to be safe at all times but we also don't want them to avoid strangers altogether.Therefore, as a family, have a continued dialog regarding stranger danger. As the child gets older, modify and add on to your conversations.

Parenting Tips

Always carry a recent photo
·
When you are in large crowds, dress your children in bright clothes
·
Tell your children to yell! If someone is trying to take your child, teach them to scream, "This is not my parent!"
·
Make a rule about accidental separation. Tell your child that if you get separated, they are to stay put, you will find them.
·
If your child is feeling frightened, teach them safety check points. For example: if they are walking home from school and begin to feel unsafe, show them safe neighbors that they can run to. If you are in a store and someone is "bugging" them, show them where the registers are.
·
Remind them that most adults are wonderful people. Adults will normally help a child at any given moment. However, if an adult wants to take them somewhere without your permission or touches in a "yucky" way, tell your children that those adults may be unsafe and to get away quickly. As the parent, you will figure out the adult decisions to make after it happens. You simply want your child to get away.

· Assist your children in being polite to strangers. There are many incredible people for them to meet in their lives. However, if a stranger tries to give them anything, touch them or encourage them to go with them, get away from that stranger and tell an adult.

· Alert children to drivers asking directions. Adults should only ask other adults for directions (if, for example, your child is playing outside.) If a driver tries to ask directions or has something exciting in the car for the child to see, tell the child to run!

Parenting is the most all encompassing component of your life. It is a phenomenal responsibility. More than anything else in the world, we want to keep our children and family safe. But, we also want our children to be open to meeting new people. If we teach them safety and empowerment, as their child development stages emerge, they will feel comfortable with the safety precautions you have taught them.

About the Author:

Chris Lowrey commits herself to family and writing. Several of her books have been published and she now holds the position of Editor of Family Time Charm.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Teach Your Child to be Smart, not Scared

PMS? REALLY?

2009-06-24T13:50:00.003-04:00

PMS or princess?

Author: Kylie Welsh

A male friend asked me recently if PMS was just an excuse for women. "Excuse for what?" I asked. "You know, so a woman can be more…difficult, than usual."

Since when do we need an excuse? I jest, of course, but PMS is complex and an area of female health that is rife with misconceptions. It is also an area women feel embarrassed to talk about and partners can feel unsure how to broach.

I spoke with Nirala Jacobi about this. Nirala is a qualifed healthcare practitioner with over 10 years experience. She recently wrote this article on PMS to help women have a more thorough understanding of what is happening in their bodies when experiencing PMS and how you can manage this both effectively and naturally.

"Why am I so angry?"— Understanding PMS

When it comes to PMS and other menstrual disorders, women are often frustrated with the lack of understanding and proper care they receive from conventional sources. "One week before my period, I’m so irritable I could rip my husband’s head off" is a frequent statement. Oral contraceptives seem to be the one-stop treatment of choice for many of these complaints and although artificial stabilization of hormones can bring relief for the issues of PMS, it does not find the cause of the problem.

Natural medicine has much to offer for PMS sufferers, as it targets the root of the problem. In my practice in Brisbane, I help women unravel the cause of their particular PMS symptom picture.

Let’s take a look at what’s going on.

PMS symptoms start 1-2 weeks before the period. These include:

Breast pain
mood changes such as anger or depression
headaches
acne
digestive complaints such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
weight gain and water retention
sugar cravings
fatigue often 1-2 weeks before the period

All symptoms must resolve with the onset of the period to be classified as PMS or something else is going on.

Hormonal Balance

From the first day of the period to ovulation (typically around day 14), oestrogen rises slowly and declines after the egg is released from the ovary. In a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone is the main hormone after ovulation—it helps to offset some of the strong effects of oestrogen.

A common finding in PMS sufferers is an elevated oestrogen/progesterone ratio in which oestrogen is abnormally elevated compared to the level of progesterone. This can be due to an inefficient liver clearance of oestrogen or mild progesterone deficiency.

Another reason why progesterone is low in the 2nd half of the cycle is stress. Stress raises a hormone called cortisol. When stress is continuous, progesterone is taken from the menstrual cycle to convert to cortisol. This is a protective mechanism, as the body thinks it is running from a tiger. It considers cortisol more important than the reproductive hormone progesterone.

Irritability and Depression

Not only can high oestrogen cause all of the symptoms of PMS, but an elevated oestrogen/progesterone ratio has also been shown to impair proper neurotransmitter synthesis such as the "feel-good" serotonin. This may be due to oestrogen depleting B6 levels which is a necessary vitamin to produce proper serotonin levels.

B6 levels are frequently low in depressed patients, especially those taking oestrogens such as the birth control pill or menopausal medication such as Premarin.

Anger is also often experienced by women with PMS. Energetically, anger can be a frequent sign of liver congestion and oestrogen overload.

Oestrogen Dominance

The total amount of oestrogen in your body is determined by

how much you make yourself (technically, all oestrogen starts as testosterone and is converted in the ovaries or fat tissues—known as endogenous oestrogen)
how much comes from the outside (from hormones in animal products, chemicals in cosmetics etc—known as exogenous oestrogen)
and how well you detoxify both

Too high oestrogen is known as oestrogen dominance, a condition associated with PMS, breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis.

Other Hormonal Influences

In addition to the above mentioned effects, excess oestrogen has also been implicated in a rise in aldosterone secretion from 2-8 days prior to menses, causing fluid retention, a common complaint in PMS. Endogenous and exogenous oestrogen can also increase prolactin secretion by the pituitary gland. Elevated prolactin has been linked to progesterone deficiency, breast pain, fibrocystic breast disease, and hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism affects a large percentage of women with PMS, and should therefore not be underestimated. If symptoms persist, a simple blood test can identify blatant thyroid dysfunction.

Natural Approaches to PMS

It is always important to know what type of PMS you are experiencing before embarking on a treatment plan. The suggestions below are just examples of a wide variety of professional treatments.

Diet: In my practice, diet and lifestyle recommendations are always the foundation on which I build my treatment plan. I often start the treatment with a cleansing diet for 2-4 weeks, after which I focus on specific diet changes. Depending on the symptom picture, a typical dietary recommendation for a patient with PMS may be to reduce all animal products to decrease exogenous oestrogens as well as saturated fats. To put this into context: vegetarian women excrete two to three times more oestrogens in their faeces and have 50% lower free oestrogens than their omnivore counterparts. Overall reduction of fat, sugar and salt all have been shown to significantly improve PMS symptoms in some women.

Liver Detox: The liver is a very important organ of detoxification. Oestrogens are detoxified through the 2 main detox pathways of the liver. Abstaining from alcohol, caffeine, chemicals and processed foods can lower the total detox burden of the liver. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage) contain Indole-3-carbinol—a potent compound that aids in the liver detoxification of oestrogen. This is also available in pill form from a qualified naturopath.

The Gut: Another important aspect of PMS treatment is to establish proper bowel flora. To detoxify oestrogens, the liver binds it to glucuronic acid which prevents the reabsorption of oestrogens from the bowel. Certain undesirable gut bacteria produce the enzyme beta-glucuronidase which cleaves this bond and allows these oestrogens to re-enter the circulation, adding to the total oestrogen pool. Increasing fibre and adding probiotics to the treatment protocol can be very beneficial.

Exercise and stress reduction have been clearly documented in the literature for reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Specific Herbs and Nutrients

A professional naturopath has many herbal remedies and nutrients to design an individualized treatment plan.

By far the most commonly used herb in PMS is Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree berry). It is so effective in regulating menses and lowering prolactin it has been written up in Europe’s prestigious "German Commission E", a scientific database on herbal substances

B6 and Magnesium are important for proper serotonin production especially in cases of oestrogen dominance. It also seems to help with sugar cravings before the period.

Ten Tips for Women with PMS

Here are a few tips from Susun Weed’s best-selling book, NEW Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way (Alternatives for Women 30-90) to help ease these discomforts.

TO RELIEVE WATER RETENTION

10-20 drops of dandelion root tincture in a cup of water with meals and before bed.
A strong infusion (one ounce of dried herb in a quart of boiling water, brewed overnight) of the common weed, stinging nettle, not only relieves, but also helps prevent further episodes of water retention. Weed says she drinks a cup or more of this infusion daily whenever she wants to nourish her kidneys and adrenals.

TO MODERATE MOOD SWINGS

Tincture of the flowering tops of fresh motherwort is a favourite calmative of herbalist Weed. She uses 5-10 drops in a small amount of water as a dose, which she repeats as needed, sometimes as frequently as 3-4 times an hour, until the desired effect is achieved. "I never feel drugged or groggy or out-of-it when I use motherwort to help me calm down," she says.
For women who consistently feel premenstrual rage, use 20-30 drops of motherwort tincture twice a day for a month to help stabilize mood swings. Make it a priority to take a moon day - one day right before or at the start of the menstrual flow which is set aside for you and you alone.
One or more cups of an infusion of the herb oatstraw (the grass of the plant that gives us oatmeal) helps the nerves calm down and provides a rich source of minerals known to soothe frazzled emotions.

TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AND TENDERNESS IN THE BREASTS

20-30 drops of the tincture of cleavers, another common weed, works wonders. This plant, also called "goose grass", was used as a black tea substitute by the colonists. The dose may be repeated every hour or up to 6 times a day.
Women who get a lot of calcium and magnesium from their diet (leafy greens, yoghurt, and many herbs are rich in these minerals) have less breast tenderness. Increase the minerals in your diet with a cup or more of red clover/mint infusion daily.
Large cabbage leaves, steamed whole until soft, and applied as warm as tolerable, can be used as a soothing compress on breasts which are sore and swollen.

TO RELIEVE DIGESTIVE DISTRESS

A daily dose of 1 teaspoonful/5ml yellow dock root vinegar.
A cup of yoghurt in the morning (buy it plain and add fruit at home) replaces gut flora and ensures easy digestion all day long.

About the Author:

Kylie is an author and freelance writer for modern women. She has a popular local blog called Brisbane Woman with hundreds of ladies tuning in each week for a read. Kylie had her first book published in 2005 and her next book is due for publication in 2009. She currently freelances for The Courier Mail newspaper, Brisbane Magazine and QCG Magazine. kyliewelsh.com & brisbanewoman.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - PMS or princess?

Are you a stay at home parent in need of more income?

2009-06-23T11:20:00.004-04:00

Work at Home Typing Jobs - a Growing Trend

Author: Elaine Currie

If you want to work at home and have good typing skills, working online might be right for you. A growing number of companies are hiring people to work at home typing online. Employers are waking up to the idea that they don't need to rent office space to keep their employees corralled from 9-5, and they like the idea that they can save all sorts of overheads by employing people to work at home. This arrangement benefits the bosses by saving them money and it benefits the staff by enabling them to work where they want to be: at home.

What sort of home typing jobs are available?

There is no shortage of variety for work at home typists. Work at home typing online jobs include all the clerical/secretarial roles you would expect to find in any office. There are also home typing jobs which are purely internet-based and consist of things such as typing classified advertisements into online forms for companies or typing short articles onto blogs. There is also specialised work at home typing online in fields such as medical billing and medical transcription.

Some work at home typing online jobs are, quite frankly, repetitive and boring. It is best, therefore, to consider exactly what sort of typing work you would enjoy doing day in and day out before you start actively seeking a work at home typing position. If you want easy part time work you can do at home, typing classified advertisements into online forms is an easy way to make money. You can choose your own hours and just work for a couple of hours each day. If you want something more creative, a blog posting job might be more suitable for you.

Do I need experience to get a work at home typing job?

Many work at home typing online jobs require no previous related experience and can be done by anyone with reasonable typing skills. These jobs include the classified ad typing and blog posting positions. The companies hiring people to do this sort of typing work online will provide full training and show you exactly where and how to post the ads and deal with enquiries or feedback.

The main drawback with this type of work is that there is a huge amount of competition (as there is for any work at home job). So, if you have previous experience in medical transcription or customer services, this will give you an advantage if you choose to work in one of those fields.

What about work at home typing online scams?

There are scams relating to work at home and typing online jobs have their share. Some scams are obvious and you can almost "smell" them when you see their advertisements, but others are more difficult to detect. One thing to remember is that you should ask yourself "why would anyone pay me to do that?". If you can't think of a single reasonable answer, you could be looking at a scam that will cost you money or, worse still, something that will involve you in illegal activity. If in doubt, let the dubious opportunity pass and carry on looking.

Note: I have not verified any information provided. Be certain to check any leads before committing. Amber Columbia

There are plenty of legitimate work at home typing online opportunities around for people of all levels of skill and experience, just remember to be careful to avoid scams and to pick the kind of work you will enjoy doing.

About the Author:

Elaine Currie helps people to make money online working at home and is the author of Ezine Article Writing - 10 Steps To Success

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Work at Home Typing Jobs - a Growing Trend

LOVE...LOL

2009-06-22T18:06:00.003-04:00

5 Funny Love Poems

Author: Jay Gilbert

When most people think of love poems, they think of serious and soulful expressions of passion. Long sonnets by Shakespeare or romantic poems by Browning and Lord Byron are the norm for love poetry. However, funny love poems can be good for a laugh. They may not be romantic, but they do give your friends something to enjoy.

Some of the best funny love poems are limericks. Limericks started in Ireland and follow a standard form of five lines and a rhyme scheme of aabba. Here are a few limericks written by anonymous authors:

There once was an old man of Lyme

Who married three wives at a time

When asked "Why a third?"

He replied, "One's absurd!

And bigamy, Sir, is a crime."

There was a young fellow named Hammer

Whose had an unfortunate stammer

"The b-bane of my life"

Said he, "Is m-m-my wife

D-d-d-d-d-d-damn ‘er!"

She made friends with a young undertaker;

Her last boyfriend had forsaken her.

But she started to curse

When he turned up in a hearse.

She said next time I'll date a baker!

There was a young lady named Constance,

From boys she wouldn't stand any nonsense.

If her partners grew deft

She would lead with her left;

The results would not weigh on her conscience.

My sweetheart and I are just wed.

Already I wish I were dead.

Two weeks she's been spending.

It was time never ending.

We are thousands of pounds in the red!

Limericks are fairly easy to write if you can rhyme well, so you might try writing a limerick yourself that includes the name of your friend or loved one. This is a good way to make a funny love poem that is personalized.

You can find more information about funny poems at:

http://www.love-poems-quotes.info/funny-love-poems.html

About the Author:

Art Hill is an internet poet who operates an independant poetry publishing company.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 5 Funny Love Poems

Life's Rhythm

2009-06-22T13:29:00.002-04:00

Can we create rhythm in our lives?

Author: Kylie Welsh

My work involves interviewing and talking with many women. I often find one of the biggest challenges facing modern women is being able to successfully create balance in their lives.

Whether you are a high-flying career woman, a busy home maker, entrepreneurial business owner or a combination of all - finding balance is a challenge. What often sabotages this balance, is the inability to find a rhythm in our lives. Finding this rhythm means that life is in a natural flow - rather than a whirlwind of chaos, where you feel continually out of sync.

Have you ever felt like everything is just falling into place without too much effort? It is wonderful when it happens. Or perhaps life is so crazily busy but everything feels so right that you don’t mind falling into bed exhausted.

Can we keep creating this renewed feeling of passion or life force, that to me feels like life is simply ‘flowing’ in the right direction. I love that feeling, you just know you are on the right track because of it. I sometimes wonder, is this something that happens naturally though, when the time is right or do have the ability to create this feeling more?

Often in our modern lives there is too much chaos and we are trying to be experts in so many areas, sometimes we end up mastering very little. The result is feeling tired, frustrated and like we are not achieving enough. We get on a roll of believing that we are underachieving, become too competitive, feel like we should always be doing more and compare ourselves unfavourably to others.

If you have heard of the Chinese religion Taoism, the basis of this religion is about creating flow and rhythm in your life. Tao can be roughly translated to be in the flow of the universe. Even visiting a Chinese art exhibition recently, I found the experience so peaceful - there is a flow and rhythm in all the Chinese art. The simple act of observing this art made me feel peaceful.

I spoke with Joan Weir recently to see if we can create this sense of rhythm in our lives or whether to accept that it’s something that just happens naturally and we just need to ride the good tide when it does. (Joan is a qualified Personal Coach specialising in coaching women who want to succeed in life.)

The good news is we can actually create rhythm in our lives, we just need to work at it sometimes.

Joan has this to say, on how to create more rhythm in our lives.

“I attended a parent-teacher night last year where the issue of homework came up (actually I was the one to launch this rather touchy subject). After much discussion one brave parent asked, “Well, why do kids have homework?” Great question I thought.

The answer was about creating a rhythm or routine. By having to spend 20 minutes or so doing homework, the child learns the art of discipline. This quality time, compared to blobbing out in front of the TV or computer, strengthens a child’s willpower. It means they learn that having a rhythm creates results. What a great lesson for our kids!

So how does homework and rhythm apply to us?

Well, just as our kids benefit from having discipline in their lives, so do we. If we have a rhythm that we follow, we too will create results. I often see clients who aren’t consistent in their actions. I too fall into this trap too sometimes. I find that the more people stay focused on their goals and commit to doing something every day, even something small, then they achieve results much faster. They create a rhythm in their life.

For example, one client I worked with had a dream of being an artist. By being focused, she created a rhythm of painting every day. At the end of 3 months, much to her joy, she had her first exhibition booked! I’m not saying that it was easy for her, but the commitment she made to regularly paint, to be disciplined and take action every day, made a huge difference to her results. She created her rhythm.

So what are our daily rhythms?

Do we have a rhythm around handling emails? Updating our finances? What about our marketing rhythm? Do we have marketing activities we do each week or each month? Just think how much more productive we could be, if we did our “homework” and developed a daily, weekly and monthly rhythm to achieve the things we want in life.

I have learnt and seen many times over that being consistent in our actions, or keeping a rhythm, is one of the great keys to success. As Aristotle said “We are what we do repeatedly. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, it is a habit.”

Have your say…

Do you think you can create rhythm? How? When can you tell you are not in the flow? How do you get yourself back in rhythm?

About the Author:

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Can we create rhythm in our lives?

Blogging Women

2009-06-21T22:17:00.002-04:00

Women rule the blogosphere!

Author: Kylie Welsh

Woman are not only taking the blogging world by storm but according to a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald, women are now ruling the blogging world!

The focus of the article is Mia Freeman, former editor of Cosmopolitan and her hugely successful blog Mumamia. Mumamia has over 300 000 monthly visits and Mia writes about fashion, celebrity, relationships and current affairs. She says the "mummy-blog" phenomenon in particular is booming in Australia, following the lead of the pioneering US mummy blog, dooce.com, which attracts more than 4 million hits a month - bigger than any magazine in the world.

Why are modern mums turning to blogging, like mothers in the past took to tennis lessons and frilly knickers? "Because we’ve lost that sense of community with our neighbours and with our extended families, people are finding it online. It can be quite isolating being a stay-at-home mother, or a mother working part-time or just a mother being up at three o’clock in the morning with a baby that won’t sleep," says Mia.

But it is not only mums who are finding blogging so liberating, many women now use their blogs as a basis to connect with other like-minded women and as a valuable tool for attracting customers to their websites, growing their businesses and raising their profiles.

Interesting statistics on women bloggers: (This research is from BlogHer and Compass Partners)

35% of women aged 18 to 75 participate in the blogosphere weekly.
Of women online 53% read blogs, 37% post comments to blogs and 28% write or update blogs.
Of women bloggers 58% post entries at least weekly, and of those who actively read blogs, 80% do so at least once per week.

Why do women blog? (aside from business reasons)

65% do it for fun
60% to express themselves
46% to get information
41% to stay up to date on family and friends

40% to connect with others

34% as a diary

28% participate in the blogosphere in order to connect with others.

My goal is to promote the breadth and variety of women’s writing and to get women writing more. A blog is a simple first step towards that. It is a wonderful tool because it is unfiltered contact with your audience and your readership will grow slowly (or sometimes very quickly) over time. For an inexperienced writer, blogging is a medium that allows you to develop your confidence along the way.

In talking to women through my journalistic work, many women love writing and have a goal of writing more. FEAR is the main reason that holds us back though. This fear is about not being a good enough writer, a fear no-one will read our work and a fear of being embarrassed. If you set up a blog and readers aren’t knocking on your door initially, no-one else will know so it doesn’t really matter. I have a friend who has a blog about her garden. She started the blog because of her passion for gardening and each week she is a little perplexed by her growing readership. You’ll be surprised how many people will also share your passion and be interested in what you have to say.

The reality is we all fear our writing will not be good enough and if we allow ourselves to always submit to this, then we’d never have the privilege of reading so much magnificant feminine literature. Watch the wonderful talk by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love on this website and you’ll see even the most successful writers still struggle with this notion.

Just think about where would we be today without the romance of Jane Austen to get us through the lonely nights, or the passion of Emily Bronte to remind us that there is a Healthcliffe out there for all of us?

Now seriously, in the aftermath of World War 2 our fabulous female writers started creating real change. Back in 1949 French Author Simone de Beauvoir, penned - The Second Sex, the first real exploration into gender inequity. How many frustrated housewives would not have broken free of miserable marriages and terrible sex lives if they hadn’t read Germain Greer’s – The Female Unick, in the second wave of feminism (70’s). And in the next wave (90’s), Noami Wolf as she exposed the beauty industry and it’s destructive judgements upon women with her book, The Beauty Myth.

If you’d like to create change in this world and help others, then writing is undeniably a powerful phenomenon. For some real female inspiration on the power of blogging take a look at NxE’s Fifty Most Influential ‘Female’ Bloggers and Top 100 Female Bloggers by Ensha Blog.

I believe one of the best things you can do for yourself personally and professionally is to write Setting up and writing a blog is a great first step. Who knows where this may lead!

For more information please conact kylie@brisbanewoman.com or go to www.brisbanewoman.com

About the Author:

Kylie Welsh is an author and freelance writer for modern women. She has a popular local blog called Brisbane Woman with hundreds of ladies tuning in each week for a read. Kylie had her first book published in 2005 and her next book is due for publication in 2009. She currently freelances for The Courier Mail newspaper, Brisbane Magazine and QCG Magazine. www.brisbanewoman.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Women rule the blogosphere!

Concepts of Beauty....By Amber Columbia

2009-06-18T23:42:00.063-04:00

"In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful".
~Alice Walker

"Aboriginal" beauty doesn't always satisfy the "Western" view, this video of shows Ethiopian cultures and their creative and heart felt senses of themselves and appearance.

“Truth isn't always beauty, but the hunger for it is.”

~Nadine Gordimer

PLEASE, Click on above Images for Etsy HANDMADE sellers and use your browser to return to folksPOD.

Notions of beauty have changed with popular culture. Tatoos have become main stream and are sported by accountants, lawyers, and even doctors. Body piercings have moved from the ears and nose piercings of the early 1970s to navel, eyelid, genital, and breast piercing. Young people in particular are choosing to add plugs to their ears, adding plugs of larger dimensions every few weeks in order to stretch the lobe (childhood memories of National Geographic essays on Amazonian peoples).All is done in the name of beauty, individuality, and treating the body as a personal statement, a canvas on which to create.

Left, Vogue Magazine cover; center,Great Britain's Lesley Hornby, aka "Twiggy" helped to form 1960s body image trends; right, Queen Latifa.
Twiggy turned 60 this week and to honor the 1960s legend, British Rose Breeders and Growers along with Harkness Roses named one for her. When we looked at Twiggy in the 1960s, we thought "too thin" but we also desired her image. Which came first Twiggy or Anorexia? Anorexia, of course, but the popularization of her dangerously svelte form created more Twiggy Types including Helen Hunt,Paula Abdul,Sally Field, and Calista Flockhart.

Do you know that anorexia is PROMOTED and supported by over 400 websites that first appeared around 2000? They are targeted to teenaged girls who empathize and support each other on their personal roads to distruction. CLICK HERE for an article about Pro-anorexia sites that is a proactive help source for parents and friends.

"Everybody then was Twiggy, except me." ~Sally Field

"She's not a legend," 79-year-old Bacall said of Kidman, 37, on Britain's GMTV. "She's a beginner... . She can't be a legend, you have to be older."~Lauren Bacall
Three of the women below are legends, now and forever. Lauren Bacall, probably best known for her lead roles in The Big Sleep (1946) and Dark Passage (1947) was born in 1924. She is the widow of Humphrey Bogart. Her sultry looks and husky voice make her instantly recognizeable, even today.
Dame Helen Mirren will be 64 this year. Born as Ilyena Vasilievna Mironov, Mirren has "Ma and Apple Pie good looks"(yet she is a Brit).The Queen won her the 2007 Academy Award for Best Actress.
The legendary singer,Lena Horn, was born in 1917 and lives in New York City. If you are a child of the 1960s you may best remember her appearances on the Perry Como and Ed Sullivan Shows.This American beauty is also known for her work in Civil Rights. "She was at an NAACP rally with Medgar Evers in Jackson, Mississippi the weekend before Evers was assassinated." (Wiki) [

Above, left to right, Nicole Kidman and Lauren Bacall, Helen Mirren at aged 61, fames singer, Lena Horn.

Beauty is,Iram Saeed, above, a Pakistani Acid Throwing Victim. Her plight is like that of many women and girls, attacked for many reasons. "In some cases it is because a young girl or women has spurned the sexual advances of a male or either she or her parents have rejected a proposal of marriage." Now more attacks are taking place against men and older women for revenge and a miriad of reasons. Acid Survivors Foundation

Women have been physically attacked to obliterate their senses of beauty and self-worth. A MOVEMENT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, is a blogspot blog which in May, 2009, focused on Men disfiguring women. Historically, there have been many carefully calculated atrocities in which women are the victims. Disfiguring includes the removal of the labia and clitoris as well as mutilation of breasts, cutting of hair, and distruction of facial tissues including blinding.~

Pictured above, second from the left, Paula McGinley 46, a BBC Radio 4 producer from Camden, North London who underwent a micro mastectomy,Always beautiful, Robin Roberts finished her Chemotherapy a year ago.

Our BREASTS are part of our identity, indeed, we have linked them with our very womanhood. In the age of anorexia, BIG BOOBS are still desired by women and med alike...hmmm. Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham is reported to have her implants removed to change her "Cup" size from a 34DD to a 34B. Tennis star, Simona Halep,17, is planning on a breast reduction this year. In fact, women athletes have been know to bind their breasts to lessen the discomfort that they feel while in the game. A NEW YORK DAILY NEWS article reports that last year, about 140,000 women underwent reduction while "356,000...had a breast augmentation... About 46 percent of the women who had breast reduction were between the ages of 35 and 50, while 30 percent were between 19 and 34."

Breast cancer stats from www.cancer.org. Some women are tested for "THE GENE" and like Christina Applegate, they undergo Prophylactic (Elective) Mastectomy in order to remove that possibility.

Beauty isn't just skin deep. I hope this visual blog has given you pause as will this wonderful Helen Keller quote, "The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart."

YOUR THIGHS

2009-06-17T14:03:00.004-04:00

Thigh Exercises For Women

Author: Nitin Chhoda

For women, shaping the muscles of the thighs is an important fitness goal. A shapely lower body is considered very feminine, and the right proportion of the waist to the hips is part of the equation. It's surprising, but true, thigh toning exercises can be done at home, without equipment and results can be seen in 4-6 weeks. Also, did you know that thigh and hip toning gadgets are not required if you know which exercises work, and how to do them. Most importantly, thigh exercises are most effective when combined with aerobic exercise and a healthy diet.

This means that women must not only do the right thigh exercises, but also include aerobic exercise and sound nutrition to get best results. The following exercises are the most effective front thigh exercises for women. The routine also includes inner thigh and rear thigh exercises.

For best results, start with 15-20 repetitions and one set. Increase gradually to 2 sets. Complete the routine at least 2 times a week for best results. This is an effective beginner to intermediate toning program. Please remember that these numbers are general guidelines only. For an optimum program tailored to your needs, please consult a certified personal trainer. If you have any injuries or medical ailments, please obtain a physicians clearance before starting any exercise program.

Wall Squat: Front Thigh Exercise.

Starting Position: – Place your upper back against a smooth wall. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, toes pointed slightly outward. Distribute your body weight equally between both feet and lean back against the wall. Movement: – Inhale, keeping your heels in contact with the floor at all times, slowly lower into a squat position while sliding down the wall. Exhale as you slowly straighten your legs, keeping your head and chest up, returning to the starting position. Repeat as required.

Standing Dumbbell Squats: Front Thigh Exercise.

Starting Position:- Hold a dumbbell in each hand and allow them to hang down at your sides. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, toes pointed slightly outward. Distribute your body weight equally between both feet. Movement:- Inhale, keeping your heels in contact with the floor at all times, slowly lower into a squat position. Exhale as you slowly straighten your legs, keeping your head and chest up, returning to the starting position. Repeat as required. 5 lb dumbbells work well, but you can start with 2 lbs and then work your way up to 5 lbs within 3-5 weeks.

Lunges: Front Thigh Exercise.

Starting Position: – Assume a standing position with your feet slightly less than shoulder width apart. Grasp a barbell with a wider than shoulder width grip and place it across your shoulders. Movement: – Inhale, keeping your back vertical and slightly arched, slowly step forward with one leg making a long stride, lowering your body down slowly until your rear knee lightly touches the floor (if you cannot go as low as this, then work your way up to it over 2-3 weeks). Exhale and shift your weight backwards, taking one step (or 2-3 small steps if that sounds difficult) to return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. Remember to consult your doctor before this or any other knee exercises if you have had any knee trouble!

Lying Face Down: Front Thigh Stretch.

Starting Position: Lie on your stomach on a matt with your legs together. Movement: Reach behind you and grasp your right ankle with your left hand. Pull your right heel up as far as you can. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side. Please remember to hold for 10 seconds for this stretch.

Seated Split Stretch: Inner Thigh Stretch.

Starting Position: Sit on an exercise matt and spread your legs as far as you can. Movement: Lean to your right side and reach for your toes. Rest your hands on your toes or at your ankle. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side.

Seated Butterfly: Inner Thigh Exercise.

Starting Position: Sit on an exercise matt with your back straight. Movement: Bring the soles of your feet together and pull them in as close to your body as you can. Allow your hands to rest on your feet or to apply light pressure to your thighs. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Hold this position for 10 seconds. You will find this most effective if you gently push your knees down using your hands, be careful not to push too much.

Seated Hip Twist: Outer Thigh And Rear Thigh Exercise.

Starting Position: Sit on an exercise matt with your legs straight out in front of you. Movement: Bend your right knee and place your right foot over your left leg. Wrap your arms around your right knee and gently pull it in towards your left shoulder. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side. Remember to hold for 10 seconds.

Lying Leg Pull: Total Thigh Exercise.

Starting Position: Lie on your back on an exercise matt with your knees in the air and feet flat on the floor. Movement: Bring your right heel to rest on your left thigh. Loop your hands around your left thigh and pull it towards your chest. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side. Remember to hold for 10 seconds in each set.

About the Author:
For more information and to register for free diet plans and grocery lists, visit http://www.best-weight-loss-programs.net/ , for exercises for women, visit http://www.toningforwomen.com and to train with Nitin, visit http://www.phonefitnesstrainer.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Thigh Exercises For Women

How Does YOUR Garden Grow?

2009-06-16T20:38:00.005-04:00

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Mud season is long over in NEW ENGLAND. My husband and I prepared for our vegetable garden over a month ago and you would hope everything would be well underway. BUT, we have had rain and a colder season, so the vegetables are behind. Our parsley is great, after all, it thrives in cooler temperatures. But at 50 degrees yesterday morening and 55 this morning, the cold wet earth tends to cause damp off, so, it isn't looking good.

In New England, we have an occasional late frost, so it's a tradition to plant on Memorial Day Weekend. We did, we included the usual tomatoes, cukes, and squashes. The tomatoes are slow to grow and the cukes and squashes have rotten away.

This year, we were hoping to help our grocery bills along more than last summer. We eat most of our own vegetables all summer long. I'm hoping the weather will turn around soon as it isn't too late to continue planting.

Isabel and her Nanny are visiting on the July Fourth weekend. I'm interested in having the lovely little Bella try new gardening gloves I got for her...DORA THE EXPOLORER, of course, and in lavender. Children are facinated to watch plants grow. I learned a bit when I was her age and my enthusiasm has never died. The following article discussed making gardening a family affair. Enjoy! Amber Columbia

_________________

Make Gardening a Family Event

Author: Organic Gardener

Show them how much you enjoy gardening. Spend time in your garden. It is especially easy to stimulate a child's interests when they see you having fun.

Make gardening easy. Don't expect a perfect garden. Allow your family to work at their own pace and within their attention spans and age range, especially children.

Dig it! Kids love to dig. This is a great way to teach the basics while letting them play and just have fun.

Let them play an active role in planning. Take your children to the local nursery and let them pick seeds or transplants to start their garden. Take your time and let them browse and enjoy all of the beautiful plants.

Grow a theme garden. This is a great way to let your children use their imagination and express their creativity. The sky is the limit. Some great ideas are gardens that coincide with the holidays, alphabet gardens, a garden themed in their favorite colors, a sensory garden where you can experience different smells, tastes, textures and sights, or a "Freedom Garden".

Give children their own "kid sized" tools. They don't have to be expensive. You can go with an old spoon and a bucket that you have around the house or you can venture down to the garden center and purchase garden tools made for children's hands.

Give them a space to call their own. It doesn't have to be big. This will teach them ownership and responsibility, and your children will be able to take credit for their own little space.

Get crafty! Press or dry flowers to make a beautiful arrangement, make potpourri, or make a pomander ball. Children love making things and will be amazed at the crafts and gifts that they can make from the garden.

Grow a vegetable garden. Your children will be amazed that they can grow their own food. Be sure to use organic pesticides.

Use gardening to brush up your children's math and science skills. Let them count the seeds they are planting, or teach them how plants are living things. Not only will you capture their attention, you will be polishing their skills as you go.

Have a contest. Kids love to be rewarded. Be sure to give each child a reward; the biggest tomato, the prettiest flower, or perhaps the best tasting herbs (a little Spray-N-Grow will help!)

Don't try to do it all! Pick a few of these tips that you know are best for your family and have fun with them. After all, gardening is meant to be fun and easy. And with a little help, something the whole family can enjoy.

Original Article

About the Author:

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Make Gardening a Family Event

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A GIFT FOR THE EXPECTANT MOM, GET YOUR OWN 'BABY TICKER', below.

Isabel the DELIGHTFUL

2009-06-15T15:31:00.011-04:00

Miss Isabel is an adorable 4 year old who came into my world a year ago. Her "Nanny" is a dear friend who helps to care for my Dad. Isabel has brought great joy to Dad and to me. The finished blog is about this little love. Left, Dad playing Santa with Isabel receiving gifts; right, Isabel the OLIVE MONSTER.

A few weeks ago, the "Blue Devils" had me and when I'm feeling low, I tend to nap. It was a quiet, sunny Saturday. A perfect day to be outside working in the garden or riding a bike. I had driven my usual 203 miles the day before so the day appeared less perfect to me. About 2pm, I heard the sound of little feet pounding on the stairs and suddenly, Isabel the DELIGHTFUL was by my bed, tugging on my sheets and in a rather loud voice saying "It's day time, what are you doing in bed?"

I rolled over and looked at this little darling, looking quizzical, she started to climb up and over the foot board and onto the mattress. Then is her usual way, she started talking 'a mile a minute' about Sponge Bob, Dora, Nanny, and "Gerwee", that's my Dad, "Jerry". I couldn't help but feel good.
I had my lap top so I asked if she would like to watch something and I suggested that since we both enjoyed kitties, that would be a good subject. You Tube is FILLED WITH WONDERFUL animal videos to watch with kids and Isabel and I found the best.

Isabel LOVES to draw and fills her pages with bright color. Her pieces are complex; a personal iconography that holds her attention for a long time. We have a space for her in Dad's and my shared studio. Isabel is a healthy and happy four year old girl. Her parents are divorced and she lives with her mom. Both parents are loving and active in her life. Her NANNY also spends much time with her and that is why dad and I are SO FORTUNATE to be able to share in Isabel's life.

Yesterday, Isabel called to wish "Gerwee" a Happy Father's Day. Dad sparkled with delight. This week she will be over one evening and I plan to present her with a pair of "Dora" garden gloves; it is NEVER TO EARLY to teach children how to care for plants.

When Isabel visits, Dad and I are thrilled, but there is a negative and that is AGNES THE CAT really dislikes "Issy". Poor Isabel tries to be her friend but the more she tries the more Agnes growls and runs off to hide.

Next month, Isabel will be going to El Salvatore to meet her paternal Grandma. Her Mommie is taking her. What a marvelous event. Isabel the international child; Isabel the Delightful, Isabel our little queen.

On the LIGHT AND FUN SIDE: Baby Shower INVITATION Trends

2009-06-14T16:49:00.007-04:00

Baby Shower Invitation Trends For 2009 And Beyond

Addition by Amber Columbia, click images for great card sources at ETSY.

Author: Grace Chen

There are almost limitless theme possibilities when it comes to planning a baby shower, but there are three trends that stand out from the crowd in 2009.

The Retro Shower

This trendy baby shower has really taken off in 2009. It incorporates retro fashion colors into a fun and unique baby shower with a theme that everyone can enjoy. Retro furnishings and colors are popular in homes, hotels, and even automobiles, so it makes sense that this trend would extend to baby shower invitations. Simply choose a retro era, like the 50s, 60s, or 70s, and choose colors and shapes from that time for party decorations.

Right now, color trends combine pastel pinks, blues, lime greens, light browns, and red earth tones into stripes for the ultimate retro baby shower invitation. Any combination of these colors was popular years ago and represented optimism and rebellion. You could also choose a bold geometric pattern, particularly if you are planning a groovy 60s or 70s retro baby shower.

Scrapbooking Shower

Scrapbooking itself has catapulted to the top of the arts and crafts world, so it only makes sense that baby showers now incorporate this trendy theme. Choose baby shower invitations that mimic this theme, either with a colorful background layered with a photo and embellishments, or an embellished baby shower invitation designed to look like a scrapbook page.

In the baby shower invitation, mention this theme and invite each guest to bring enough scrapbooking materials to create two layout pages for the honoree. This way, after the baby is born, the pages are already created by her friends and family, ready for those precious first photos of her child.

People are so busy these days, especially mothers-to-be, that having this type of baby shower not only provides her with meaningful keepsakes created by close friends, but helps her prepare for her child’s arrival in other ways. These pages could be framed instead of included in a scrapbook, so she can decorate the nursery with them.

Bold and Eco-Friendly

Environmental issues are receiving tremendous attention lately, and another trend in baby showers combines bold colors with eco-friendly habits. Using recycled paper for baby shower invitations and choosing bold color combinations are a popular trend. Consider fuchsia, pink and lime green for girls, while turquoise, light or dark blue, lime green, and yellow are great for boys. Yellow, aqua, and lime green for gender neutral baby showers are all the rage. These colorful yet eco-friendly baby shower invitations set the tone for a "green" shower that is still tons of fun.

Guests might be asked to bring a book in lieu of a card to begin the baby’s library or asked to wrap gifts in colorful baby fabric instead of wrapping paper to reduce waste. Then, the decorations all comprise of reusable items like baby bottles filled with colorful jelly beans and colorful pacifiers piled in glass bowls for a centerpiece.

Any of these baby shower themes can be tailored for a boy or girl, yet work well for the gender neutral shower as well. Choosing one of these trendy themes for your baby shower invitations will guarantee you a memorable celebration.

About the Author:

Whether you are planning a casual or formal celebration, be inspired by the creative array of baby shower invitations that are available online. Consider matching the birth announcements to the invitations to create a unique theme surrounding your special baby.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Baby Shower Invitation Trends For 2009 And Beyond

Caring for an Elderly Parent by Amber Columbia

2009-06-14T15:18:00.018-04:00

Amazon.com Widgets

I never anticipated what life would bring, and why should I? When we are young, we see our parents in a very different light. For me, it was mostly positive and loving. I saw them as the two people who would always be there and love me unconditionally.

My mother would live forever and possibly take care of me in my old age. She was very active and fit even into her late 70s so what could go wrong? SHE DIED. She had osteoporosis, or so we thought. She became weaker and weaker, was then diagnosed with stage four multiple myeloma and in two weeks, she died.

Dad was never the same and had had health issues for some time previous to Mother's passing. Now, nearly 7 years later, I find myself as a caregiver to my father and managing a household of part-time helpers. Hopsice is a big help as are friends. But, I wasn't prepared and although Dad had purchased Long Term Care Insurance he didn't purchase enough, just $100 maximum a day, with a $75,000 payout.

My advice, LEARN ABOUT what might happen and how you should be prepared NOW and don't wait until you are one of many aging baby boomers juggling time between their parents, work, a partner, kids, and grandkids. Don't scramble around as I have. Go NOW to your community agencies and find out if you are eligible for services. Depending upon your financial need, the help is free or at a very low charge. Help includes meals on wheels; volunteers who call to chat or ask the elder to take his/her pills; transportation to the doctor's.

If your loved one is a Vet, go to the Veterans' Administration.The VA transported my father, round trip, to a VA facility that's an hour away from Dad's home. This was free of charge. The VA can also help with aids and other at home needs. They will provide a high quality walker, a wheel chair and other aids to help the Vet get around. The VA also provides health care including new eye glasses and prescription drugs as a reduced rate.

HOSPICE CARE is for people who aren't going to survive, however, death isn't a dirty word and the HOSPICE organizations of today often work with patients for months if not for years. Hospice does NOT take away necessary medicines, that is a fallacy.Instead, they seek to administer medicines as needed to keep the patient comfortable and that includes the patient's normal prescription drugs. In Dad's case, a Hospice nurse comes once a week to take vitals, and talk with dad. She has been able to help dad in staying as well as he can be. He also talks with the Hospice chaplin and they have become friends, singing and playing guitars together. The Hospice social worker was able to arrange for a respite for me; dad agreed to go into a nursing facility for five days at it was covered by Hospice and all arrangements went through their social worker. Their volunteers have been life savers. Not only do they socialize with the Hospice patients, they will run errands. Two of Dad's volunteers take him out for dinner, to museums, and for long rides in the country side.

Other helpful ideas...

Purchase LINK TO LIFE services or something similar. The elder wears a small device around his/her neck. At the push of the button, an operator is talking through a speaker and is ready to help. As with any home alarm, you are registered with the local police. A key is left in a box or with a neighbor.

If you know the neighbors, you might ask them to keep their eyes open. If you aren't with your parent 24-7 and there isn't an aid, "visitors" who may not have Mom or Dad's best interest at heart may be appearing at the door. Dad's neighbors have be very helpful in letting me know when they thought there might be a problem with unwanted 'guests'.

LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE: DO YOU NEED IT?

IF you can afford it and you want to stay in your home,you NEED IT. It can also be used in Assisted Living. Conduct RESEARCH about long term health care, different companies and plans, to see if it's right for your loved one or FOR YOU. Dad selected Genworth which is or was connected with General Electric health systems. I am VERY VERY PLEASED WITH THERE PROGRAM but it was Dad's mistake not to have purchased a more expensive plan that would provide more than $100 a day. He purchased the insurance late in life so the premiums were over $3,500 a year. It has paid for itself many times over and has allowed him to stay in the home he loves.

Today, Dad and I agree that if we were to do it again, the plan would be for $300 a day for a minimum of five years. This would cover the highest expense we have encountered which is the cost of hiring Home Health Aids. For experienced workers, plan on spending $15-$25 an hour. Depending upon the numbers of aids you use and the hours each works, you most likely will need to pay Social Security benefits, unemployment insurance, and other state tax and insurance requirements. We hired a housekeeper to do what I can not and if you can't be as active as I am, you will need to hire someone to organize your parent's home, pay bills, and do all the paper work. Also considered in the $300 a day is transportation needs for when you are not around. A nurse who comes to the home every six weeks to cut toe nails is $40. It all adds up and fast. Unfortunately, the premium will be HIGH. Some HOME HEALTH CARE INSURANCE is better than none so I recommend it at lower levels as well.

WHAT OTHER EXPENSES MAY BE INVOLVED IN KEEPING A PARENT IN THEIR HOME?

In 1998, my parents realized that Dad wouldn't be able to make it to the second floor so they built a first floor addition which housed a bedroom and closet. It was fantastic, they loved it. To save money, they didn't add a bathroom and instead, used the small 1940s bath that was close by. In creating the addition, no one considered the need of wider doorways, and there is more. By 2008, Dad is using a walker and wheelchair and can't get into the 1940s bath unless he leaves the walker behind. He needs assistance getting in and our of the TUB and it's hard for the aid and Dad to be in the little bathroom at the same time. The toilet is low so it's hard to get up and down. The doorways to the bath and to the 'new' bedroom aren't wide so Dad crashes into them with the walker. The fix: Build a LARGE new bathroom in the bedroom addition using Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications for most items. He now has a double shower with hand held and traditional shower heads and a large seat; the toilet is high and elongated and fitted with a special chair with rails. He is able to use his wheelchair or walker. Items are placed within his reach on a long counter and the doorways are three feet wide with lever handles for easy opening.

Dad and I have a few more obstacles, literally, to overcome. Helping him up and down the entrance stairs is getting more difficult. He is at great risque with me as I'm not strong enough to fully support him in the event of a fall. I want to install a ramp; he won't allow it as he wants me to wait for IF and until it is "REALLY" necessary. Dad may be 87, but he knows what he wants so I don't know if I will 'win' this one. My advice to all...don't ask first, if you can, just DO. It's too late for me, I asked and now, I won't disrespect his wishes...

Respect the elder parent's wishes as much as is possible and practical. Everyone is in a different situation but remember, treat your mom and dad the way you hope your children will treat you...with respect and dignity. Dad and I argue and sometimes SHOUT, but be get over it. It's difficult to be the child taking care of the parent so expect some conflict. But don't treat your parent like a child and dictate what they should and will do. If his or her cognition isn't impaired, talk with your parent as you normally would. Enjoy being together for as long as you can.

...Which leads me to my last bit of advice. Be sure to take care of yourself. Last fall I was so depleted of energy that I couldn't take care of myself very well. If you are that low on reserves, see a doctor, talk with a counsellor or your partner. But seek emotional and physical help.

PHOTOS: "Santa" is my DAD on Christmas Eve, 2008. We were waiting for a friend's four year old granddaughter to open her gifts. The gentleman in the straw hat is our neighbor, Mr.Ray. He is almost 90 and continues to take chain saws to huge maple trees while his 88 year old wife uses the 'come along'.

Women and Heart Attacks

2009-06-11T09:40:00.004-04:00

Women And Heart Attacks

Author: Vida Curnutt

Here is the story of one woman's experience with a heart attack.

"I had a completely unexpected heart attack at about 10:30 pm with NO prior exertion; NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might’ve brought it on. I was sitting all snugly and warm on a cold evening, reading an interesting story my friend had sent me. A moment later, I felt that awful sensation of indigestion, when you’ve been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried bite seems to feel as if you’ve swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in slow motion, and it is most uncomfortable. You realize you shouldn't have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly, and this time drinks a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach. This was my initial sensation-the only trouble was that I hadn’t taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 p.m.
After that had seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up my SPINE (hindsight, it was probably my aorta spasming), gaining speed as they continued racing up and under my sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when administering CPR). This fascinating process continued on into my throat and branched out into both jaws.
AAH!! NOW I stopped puzzling about what was happening. We all have read and/or heard about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of an MI happening, haven't we? I said aloud to myself, "Dear God, I think I'm having a heart attack!"
I lowered the foot rest, started to take a step and fell on the floor instead I thought to myself "If this is a heart attack, I shouldn't be walking into the next room where the phone is or anywhere else but, on the other hand, if I don't, nobody will know that I need help, and if I wait any longer I may not be able to get up in another moment".
I pulled myself up with the arms of the chair, walked slowly into the next room and dialed the paramedics ... I told the lady who answered that I thought I was having a heart attack due to the pressure building under the sternum and radiating into my jaws. I didn't feel hysterical or afraid, just stated the facts. She said she was sending the paramedics over immediately, asked if the front door was near to me, and if so, to unbolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see me when they came in.
I then laid down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness, as I don't remember the medics coming in, their examination, lifting me onto a gurney or getting me in to their ambulance, or hearing the call they made on the way, but I did briefly awaken when we arrived and saw that the cardiologist was already there in his surgical blues and cap, helping the medics pull my stretcher out of the ambulance. He was bending over me asking questions (probably something like "Have you taken any medications?") but I couldn't make my mind interpret what he was saying, or form an answer, and nodded off again, not waking up until the cardiologist and his partner had already threaded the teeny angiogram balloon up my femoral artery into the aorta and into my heart where they installed 2 side by side stints to hold open my right coronary artery.
I know it sounds as if all my thinking and actions at home must have taken at least 20-30 minutes before calling the paramedics, but actually it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before the call, and they are only minutes away from my home, and my cardiologist was already to go to the OR in his scrubs and get going on restarting my heart (which had stopped somewhere between my arrival and the procedure) and installing the stints”.
Why have I written all of this to you with so much detail? The more we know the better chance we could survive.

People who suffer illnesses or tragedies unfortunately set themselves up, saying, “It can’t happen to me”. It can happen to any of us, which is why we should take the steps in our youth to prevent illnesses and tragedies.

Exercise is the leading element we have offered to us in life that helps to reduce any disease, emotional reactions and so on. When you sit around feeling anxious, depressed, you are working toward worse health conditions. Reverse your actions and take the steps live longer by exercising each day.

Visit http://curvid.bezoogle.com/pp/weight-loss/ or http://vida-healthy-aging.blogspot.com/ for more information.

About the Author:

entrepreneur who loves to write on various topics

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Women And Heart Attacks

INVENTORS...women too!

2009-06-10T01:05:00.006-04:00

Mothers Of Invention

Author: Breadstreet.com

<>Editor's additions, by Amber Columbia: Virginia Apgar invented the Newborn Scoring System, also called the Apgar Score, in 1949 that assessed the health of newborns.

By James F. Cotter

When we hear the word "inventor" we tend automatically to think in terms of men. People like Thomas Edison, Ben Franklin, Elias Howe, Leonardo da Vinci, Richard Drew. This type of thinking--

Drew. Richard Drew. Well, he was, ahh--look, I'm pretty sure he invented something. I'll think of it later.

Almost sorry I mentioned him.

This stereotype of inventors as men only is, to put it mildly, skewed. For centuries, women have been contributing valuable innovations to the world, from the office to the orchestra, from millinery to the military. This article deals with only two twentieth-century women inventors in the United States; there are many others, from other countries and other centuries.

Bette Nesmith Graham was born Bette Claire McMurray in Dallas in 1924. A stubborn child, she inevitably encountered problems at school, from which she dropped out at 17, and landed a job as a secretary at a bank (1) even though she could not type. In 1942 she married Warren Nesmith. They had a son, Michael, in 1943, but the marriage did not last; they divorced in 1946. (2)

She eventually worked her way up to the position of executive secretary at the bank, though she still did not type very well. Her problems were compounded when the office switched to electric typewriters in the early 1950s. She could not erase mistakes without making a mess. Since she could not type over her mistakes, she decided to do what artists do: paint over the mistakes. So she mixed some waterbased paint, coloured to match her stationery, and brought it to work, along with her watercolour brush. She corrected her mistakes with this fluid, and her boss never noticed. All the other secretaries in the building began asking to borrow some of the fluid. (3) She refined her invention--which she named Mistake Out--by experimenting in the kitchen. (2)

Later she renamed the product Liquid Paper. When, in 1958, an office trade magazine mentioned her product, she received hundreds of orders from around the country. Then she was fired for accidentally typing her own company's name on a letter she had typed for the bank, but this may have been a blessing in disguise: She now had more time to devote to selling her product. And Liquid Paper was definitely a hit. By 1964 the company was making 5,000 bottles a week; by 1968 the company moved into its own plant and grossed over $1 million. (3)

Her son, Michael, incidentally, became a guitarist and songwriter for the Monkees in the 1960s.

Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler was born in Austria and while still a teenager began playing major roles in German films. At 19-Oh, yes! Scotch tape, that's what Richard Drew invented. (4)

Thank God, now I'll be able to sleep tonight.

At 19, she married an arms manufacturer 13 years her elder. He was a very controlling man with pro-fascist sympathies. In 1937 or 1938, depending on whose account one believes, she fled, obtained a divorce in Paris, then moved to London, where she met the film producer Louis B. Mayer, who hired her to act in films and insisted that she use the name Hedy Lamarr. (She was to marry five more times and adopt a son in 1941--after her divorce from screenwriter and producer Gene Markey.) (5)

Lamarr went on to make the films Algiers, White Cargo, Tortilla Flat, and others--more than twenty in all, not counting the films she had previously appeared in on the continent. In addition to her film work, the actress was eager to assist in the war against the Nazis. She mentioned to composer George Antheil her idea for a radio-controlled torpedo. The two discussed the matter and eventually proposed a plan for "frequency hopping"--the rapid and random switching of a radio signal's frequency, making it impossible to intercept or change the course of a torpedo. (6) They applied for a patent in 1941 and received it the following year, but the concept was ahead of its time, too advanced for the mechanical technology of 1942. It was finally implemented by the United States 20 years later, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Antheil and Lamarr made no money off the patent. Finally, in 1997, the Electronic Frontier Foundation presented Lamarr with an award for her contribution to today's anti-jamming technology. (5)

Hedy Lamarr would almost certainly rather be remembered for her brains than for her beauty. As she once said, "Any girl can be glamorous. All you have to do is stand still and look stupid." (6)

REFERENCES

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Mothers Of Invention

ALCOHOL v Fertility

2009-06-08T07:13:00.007-04:00

Alcoholism in Both Men and Women Can Result in Infertility

Author: Dennis

A person battling with alcohol dependency has the potential of suffering from different health ailments that occur from alcoholism and it can even result in being the cause to some men and women’s infertility problems. It does not matter if a woman just drinks occasionally or is a full blown alcoholic, she is at high risk for becoming infertile because of the use of alcohol and if a woman drinks alcohol when she is pregnant, there is a very high chance that if she can go through the pregnancy full term, her infant can suffer with fetal alcohol syndrome. This can lead to many conditions that can be devastating, some that occur from fetal alcohol syndrome are, slow growth rate, heart conditions that can be life threatening, retardation and different behavioral changes.

Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome from American Family Physician (Note from Amber Columbia. Fetal Alcohol syndrome isn't as simple as cosmetics. There are a number of related disorders. All include cognitive disability.)

Studies have shown that women who consume alcohol at any rate can struggle with infertility during their lives. Sometimes it could cause a woman who is trying to get pregnant to suffer from miscarriages, never having a successful pregnancy. Often times if the woman does carry on throughout the pregnancy, many complications can occur during childbirth and after, affecting the baby and the mother. Women need to be aware about all of the risks of infertility involved from alcoholism or just being “moderate” drinkers. Too much intake of alcohol in women can result in problems with ovulation, which is what would cause her not to have the ability to become pregnant. Another problem that can occur from women drinking too much alcohol is increased levels of progesterone and estrogen.

Men who are wanting to have children really need to think about the risks involved with alcoholism as well. Alcohol can cause men to have, what would be called, abnormal shaped sperm, which inevitably could lead to impotency. This could cause some very serious issues psychologically also, making the man feel inadequate, unworthy and less of a man really. It is very important for men to realize that alcohol can actually destroy your sperm generating cells and can have an affect on your hormone levels too. If you are wanting to have children one day then you really need to consider slowing down with your drinking, or even better than that, stop drinking. It would increase your chances of reproducing one day.

If you or someone that you love are struggling with alcoholism, it is so important to know all of the damage that can be caused due to alcohol related illnesses and conditions. Do some research on the internet, or talk to others who are going through what you are going through, sometimes that can be quite comforting. The important thing is to get help now, do not put it off any longer. You have many treatment options but first and foremost you have to admit to yourself that there is a problem, then your journey for good health can continue and be a success.

About the Author:

Dennis Isong is an Author and Publisher of various health related websites. He has some great related articles that you can't wait to read visit http://www.greatalcoholismhelp.com for more ...

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Alcoholism in Both Men and Women Can Result in Infertility

Woman and the Military

2009-06-07T12:30:00.004-04:00

Influential Women In The Military

Author: Heather

The Military Women

Throughout the history of the military, women have played a large role. Not only by supporting the soldiers but standing next to the male soldiers, ready to fight. Over nine thousand women served over in Vietnam and more served at hospitals caring for wounded soldiers (Wilson, 1996). In September of 2005 there were an estimated 203,000 women on active duty serving in the United States military (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2007, ¶ 24). While some do not believe women should be on the front lines, having women in the military has helped create a strong, more integrated fighting force

Vietnam and Other Wars

When Pearl Harbor was attacked the military did not have enough male soldiers to fill certain jobs which did not have to do with direct combat. These jobs are supported military occupational specialties (MOS). Many of these jobs were clerical duties, nursing, civil service and laundry workers. The government finally decided to let women fill these jobs and let them men go fight in the war. Many served in the civilian sector but some were sent overseas; and some women did die in World War II and Vietnam.

Vietnam was a remarkable breakthrough for women in all armed forces. Women served in the Marines, Air Force, Navy and Army. By the time the military was leaving Vietnam, 7,500 women had accomplished oversea tours (Holm, 1982, chap. 16). During Operation Just Cause in Panama 1989, a few hundred women served executing refueling missions and resupply missions while being shot at by the enemy (Wilson, 1996, ¶ 6). These missions still were not considered combat missions.

Women served in large numbers during the Persian Gulf War in 1990-1991. Over 40,000 (Ghajar, n.d., ¶ 8) women reportedly served in the battle between Kuwait and Iraq. These women had set a milestone in women’s history and set record numbers. Today the women serving overseas against the War on Terrorism has helped contribute to the success of the military women.

The War on Terrorism has brought men and women together. Not fighting against each other about gender but fighting together as a strong force. Even though the military does not consider what women do in Iraq and Afghanistan as combat, many women find themselves in danger at any given moment. The women of these wars have made exceptional achievements and accomplished many successful missions.

Achievements

The military has given credit to the well deserved men and women. Women, who helped in the Revolutionary War, were the first to receive pensions. These women, not yet considered military, were recognized for "drawing well water" (Wilson, 1996, Military Women "Firsts" and their History) for soldiers on the battlefield. These women were accredited no matter how small the pension was and today female soldiers receive the same veteran benefits and pensions of male soldiers. But few have received as many awards as their male counterparts.

The only woman to receive the nation’s highest award, the Medal of Honor, is a Civil War surgeon Dr. Mary Walker. She was awarded the medal, and Congress eventually took it away from her for reasons still not exactly known. After her death, President Carter "reinstated her medal" (Wilson, 1996). There have been many women to receive the Purple Heart, which is the oldest and first military award.

The Purple Heart is awarded to soldiers who have been injured or killed during combat, directly engaged with enemy. The Purple Heart is an award of honor and is held in high regard. With the awards come honor but to receive honor one must receive rank that deserves respect.

Recently the first female was given the rank of four-star General. This is the highest commissioned rank in the military. Army Gen. Ann Dunwoody was promoted in November of 2008, which shifted the outlook on women officers (CNN, 2008). Women have served all branches and parts of the military.

The Army’s non-commissioned officers (NCO) are thought to be the "backbone of the Army". These NCOs train and fight next to their soldiers guiding them through their battles. There are only a few exceptional women NCOs documented, but there are many who have served. These NCOs stand for, what the military is; they fight beside their soldiers and lead from the front. Women have participated in the long tradition of the NCO ranks. Women NCOs have showed that they too can do what is right and lead the force.

Even though there are more men given awards of merit and so forth; the women have stood by these soldiers doing the same job. The physical fitness and training standards may be different, but these soldiers work together to get the mission accomplished.

Feminizing the Military

Many people will argue that women do not belong in the military or front lines because the obvious physical difference. Can a woman carry the same weight as a man on her back? Can a woman run as far as the man running beside her?

The military adopted the different physical standards to help provide fair evaluations of female recruits. Some female soldiers are able to run further then male soldiers, some may even be able to carry a heavy load longer distances than men. These standards are set in place to help women overcome the physical differences. The training of soldiers though does not have the same standards.

Training in a co-ed environment may be a little stricter on language and harder on sexual harassment. The women are trained in the same areas of men and are given the exact evaluations. These training units instill a tough sexual harassment and equal opportunity policy. Still with these policies in place there is a list of units and batteries that women are not allowed to train for ("Women in the Army", n.d., ¶ 7). These units are thought to be ones that would send a woman into direct combat.

A unit that does go into direct battle needs support soldiers, these support elements are: criminal intelligence, clerical, medical, military police, civil affairs, engineers and signal. Women are allowed to serve in all support units and go to war with the combat units. The support elements will engage in missions that will put women on the front lines. And even though the military will not recognize women serving in combat, in a support MOS, a soldier will be in the line of danger and fight along with the combat soldiers.

Views on Women in the Military

The combat readiness of female soldiers is a long debate. There are many that believe that because of a woman’s emotional needs that do not belong on the battlefields. Some say women are a distraction to men on the battlefields and women cannot carry the same load as men.

Today there are numerous women serving in support units which complete dangerous missions daily. The military prohibits women serving in line units (infantry) (Norris, 2007, ¶ 4) but females are part of a specialized unit themselves. The War on Terrorism brought a new threat, women suicide bombers.

The Muslim beliefs made it hard for male soldiers to search Muslim women properly who could be hiding critical information or weapons. The military designed a group of women, usually belonging to a military police unit, to conduct missions with combat units to help search the women. The "Lioness" proved to play a very important role in the ground war (Solaro, 2006, chap. 3).

These women help show respect to the Muslim beliefs and are very important in the War on Terrorism. This job puts these women on the front lines and many women in these units find themselves in battles with the enemy. These women know all to well the effects of war and have firsthand experience. Again, the military will not acknowledge that they put women on the front lines, they are there.

Our history has shown us that no matter one’s race, religion or gender; oneself can be successful in this country. A woman can run a business just as well as a male. An African American woman can run the same business. And a Muslim, African American woman can run the business just the same.

Women and men of many races and religions fight the war together, proving the country is united. This lets our enemies know the United States of America does have equality and will rise from our shortcomings. The military may not recognize women are on the front lines because of the policies, but the women overseas know better. They are fighting alongside the male soldiers in direct combat and, they are just as important to the success of the war. Virginia Woolf a British author once said "As a woman I have no country. As a woman my country is my whole world."

References Chamber of Commerce. (2007). U.S. Census Bureau News Release Available from Census Bureau: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/cb07ff-03.pdf CNN (2008). Army general is nation’s first four-star woman. Retrieved December 15, 2008, from http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/11/14/woman.4.star.general/index.html Ghajar, L. (n.d.). Persian Gulf War. Retrieved January 10, 2009, from Hagen, M. (2004). Women in the Military. Retrieved December 15, 2008, from http://www.mscd.edu/~history/camphale/wim_001.html Holm, J. (1982). Women in the Military an Unfinished Revolution. Novato, CA: Presidio Press. Lewis, J. (n.d.). About Women and World War II. Retrieved January 3, 2009, from http://womenshistory.about.com/od/warwwii/a/military.htm Norris, M. (2007, October 1, 2007). Roles for Women in U.S. Army Expand. NPR. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14869648 Solaro, E. (2006). Women in the Line of Fire: What You Should Know About Women in the Military. Emeryville, CA: Seal Press. Wilson, B. (1996). Military Women "Firsts" and their History. Retrieved January 5, 2009, from http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/firsts.html Wilson, B. (1996). Vietnam-Southeast Asia. Retrieved December 29,2008, from http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/femvetsnam.html Women in the Army-Historical Highlights. (n.d.) Retrieved January 11, 2009 , from http://www.asamra.army.mil/eo/eo_docs/Women in the Army - Historical Highlights.doc Woolf, V. (n.d.). World of Quotes. Retrieved January 15, 2009, from http://www.worldofquotes.com/author/Virginia-Woolf/1/index.html

About the Author:

My name is Heather. I am 25 years old and currently live in Vicenza, Italy, with my husband of 2 years. I have no children but I have two cats. I currently am studying to become a social worker. I have always loved to write but never had a chance to show what I can do. I hope to eventually become better at writing andmaybe write a book one day!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Influential Women In The Military

The Arguments Against the Circumcisions of Babies

2009-06-07T10:11:00.016-04:00

by Amber Columbia

Circumcision is, to some, a religious rite. The fact is, religious rite or not, it is the surgical removal of living tissue from the penis. I don't see it listed among the Ten Commandments, yet many Jewish people consider it a commandment from God.
I was conditioned, as a non-Jewish woman, that the penis would become dirty per it's function and the foreskin held germs so it is necessary to remove it. In addition, many non-Jewish people hear that it isn't very painful and a baby won't remember the cutting.

I began to question it in earnest in 1986 when my then husband, a Jewish man, and I wanted to get pregnant and the topic became an issue that we never overcame as a couple. As a woman, I stood fast that if I had a baby boy, no one would cut the foreskin. I wouldn't allow that type of pain inflicted upon my child. At that time, however, I had NO IDEA of the many, many issues involved. Until YESTERDAY, I was unaware of what the removal of this tissue really means in the life of a man.

The arguments that I heard against my 1986 rebellion included "the son should look like his father"; "if you don't do this now and it needs to be done later, the pain and suffering will be horrible"; and of course, "It's his Jewish identity, commanded by God".

WEIGHING IN ON THE SCIENCE, The Mayo Clinic
According to the Mayo Clinic,
"...the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a policy statement that says the benefits aren't strong enough to recommend routine circumcision for all male newborns. Today, the AAP leaves the decision up to parents — and supports use of pain relief for infants who have the procedure". Furthermore, although there is an overall increase in the risk for penile cancer in uncircumcised men, cancer of the penis is rare. Risk of urinary tract infection in low in the first year of life, but may be up to ten times the risk in uncircumcised boys and this can lead to kidney problems later in life.

There are surgical risks, and we have heard horror stories as well. The Mayo Clinic article states: "Excessive bleeding and infection are uncommon, but possible. The foreskin may be cut too short or too long or fail to heal properly. If the remaining foreskin reattaches to the end of the penis, minor surgery may be needed to correct it."

If you choose NOT to circumcise your son, The Mayo clinic offeres this advice: "....Simply wash your son's penis with soap and water during each bath. There's no need to clean beneath the foreskin until it retracts on its own, often by age 5. Then teach your son to clean beneath the foreskin during each bath — gently pull back the foreskin, clean the area with soap and water, rinse and pull the foreskin back over the head of the penis. After each bath, pull back the foreskin again to dry the area".

I searched the Mayo Clinic site for "URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS" and found,"The urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. All play a role in removing waste from your body. Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, the defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and multiply into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract."

Women don't need to read the Mayo Site information to know that the most common types of urinary tract infections are found in women. We experience them at the onset of sexual activities often because of the proximity of the anus to the urethra and genitals. Our partners, if inconsiderate, bring bacterias on their hands and penises. Infant boys don't have sex and, per the article, the women, overall, are more suseptable.

This video, albeit non-scientific, is stunning and was shared with me by a young woman, a mother and anti-circumcision activist. The video features Jewish mother discussing circumcision as a cultural and medical issue. She is very well informed. Caveat, her words are graphic.

UPDATE: ADDED Friday, June 12 Australia appears to stand AGAINST circumcision:

Sunday, June 7, Trends and News

2009-06-07T10:05:00.013-04:00

Former Polk County resident Karen Olivo, above, won a Tony Award for her role as Anita in the revival of Leonard Bernstein's‘West Side Story’ on Broadway.
She won her award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical.

Olivo also starred in last year’s Tony Award-winning musical “In the Heights. CONGRATULATIONS!

Also in TONYS NEWS, actress Angela Lansbury has won a Tony Award as the medium in "Blithe Spirit". It is her fifth Tony in forty three years having won for "Mame" (1966), "Dear World" (1969), "Gypsy" (1975) and "Sweeney Todd" (1979). She has lost only one race for the Tony, when she competed for best lead actress in a play for "Deuce" two years ago.

American journalists Euna Lee,36, left, and Laura Ling,32, are convicted a 'grave crime' against the nation, and of illegally crossing into North Korea, and sentenced to 12 years in labor prison. The women were arrested March 17 along the China-North Korean border after top North Korean officials said they had encroached on North Korean soil while reporting a story on human trafficking for Current TV. U.S. officials have demanded release of the two women. Reuters notes the sentence came after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States is considering once again putting North Korea on the list of state sponsors of terrorism which would result in further financial sanctions against North Korea.

THE HUFFINTON POST, former THE VIEW host Lisa Ling on her sister's sentence.

Susan Boyle is going home

TWEET! D- Day, TWITTER, and Sotomayor

2009-06-06T12:05:00.033-04:00

SCROLL for newbie Amber Columbia's impressions of Twitter. Updated every hour or so.

National Review's upcoming cover June 22, 2009

ON THE COVER

Amber Columbia asks, "Is this image a mixed metaphor, mixed marriage, or is it just sharing the hatred?"

"Among the doleful consequences of our last elections is that our future is highly likely to include “Justice Sotomayor.” The question is whether Senate Republicans, who were also elected, should be complicit in her elevation. “No” is a reasonable answer to that question."- Ramesh Ponnuru

We can't wait to read what you will state, NOT.

D-Day

June 6, 1944, Marie-Louise Osmont lived in a chateau overlooking the Normandy beaches in here words, relive that fateful day.

D-Day Museum, Portsmouth, UK. Frequently Asked questions including "What does the “D” in D-Day stand for?

The “D” does not stand for "Deliverance", "Doom", "Debarkation" or similar words. In fact, it does not stand for anything. The “D” is derived from the word "Day". “D-Day” means the day on which a military operation begins. The term "D-Day" has been used for many different operations, but it is now generally only used to refer to the Allied landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944."

Very informative!

Listening to the news on Air France, and there is some discussion on terrorism. Two bodies were discovered. Bomb residue can be discovered on bodies and aircraft debris IF it is there.

Twitter

hosted from Time magazine's site.

I haven't formed an educated opinion, yet. CAVEAT, THIS SITE ISN'T FOR CHILDREN. It is a perfect place for pedophiles to lurk so keep your kids away from Twitter. I so understand, you must USE it, you must update often. It does seem to me that there is too much concern for gathering FOLLOWERS by offering DEALS to get more followers "1000 in a week, guaranteed". I'm tired of clicking on a link that offers something I may be interested in and instead viewing (yes, I watched as I couldn't believe my eyes) a video titled BUTT FART CHOCOLATE CAKE. Please don't ask, maybe you, too will be unlucky enough to find it. Then someone "named" TouchmyGSpot was trying to offer her 'wares' during the FIRST BIG CONAN TREND. Well, she isn't shy. Among my "follows" are the "queenofspain", I like her!

I find the 140 character limit a positive CHALLENGE. The folks who use extensive abbreviations drive me wild. Just type what you mean then work on editing it down to the correct number of characters. In most cases, it will WORK for you and your fellow twitts (ooooops) will appreciate it. Speaking of TWITTS, what do we call ourselves. Tweet is what we DO when we update, so am I a Tweeter, like a woofer?

There are celebrities on Twitter and the common person can follow them. Wow, a celebrity tweeting LIVE. Well, I doubt it. I imagine someone in a cubicle keeping an eye open for Tweets and RT that mention the celebrity, like a modern day clip file in a Public Relations office.

I addressed @Jack_Welsh, former CEO of the General Electric Company. I don't want him, them...whoever, to think I'm stalkin him, so I'm being careful with the numbers of tweets I post with his username. The General Electric Co. was the economic backbone in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. When they departed, circa 1980 (I haven't checked that date) it was in part due to Neutron Jack's actions. He left the buildings, allusion to a Neutron bomb, but cut the people. Pittsfield and the Berkshires haven't fully recovered. We have a good tourist industry, but General Electric was the number one employer. Beyond that, General Electric left Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Housatonic River, Crystal Lake, and in yards surrounding the properties. Even school yard became contaminated because of lack of oversite in using fill.

Added~~~ June 8 Berkshire Eagle article on PCBs.

In some ways, I admire Jack Welsh, and one of his Twitter worker bees did contact me to ask a question. I believe Mr. and Mrs. Welsh are in France for the D-Day commemoratives and memorials.

I have suggestions,DON'T use your real name and address on Twitter. I have some links that lead to my real name and I may remove them.

TIME MAGAZINE JUNE 5 "How Twitter will change the way we live.

Commentary by another TWITTERER,Tweeter, LOL Betsyanne Blog

11:28pm eastern, I MAY continue tomorrow..

Return to folksPOD main page.

Domestic Violence: They are Killing Us

2009-06-05T17:15:00.021-04:00

Berkshire County, Massachusetts is gentrified and cultured. It's the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood. The rolling hills and mountains, green against an unpolluted sky, are the backdrops for institutions boasting academic excellence such as Williams College and Bard. It's year round residents include "Sweet Baby James" Taylor and during the summer, the population explodes with well-healed visitors, mostly from New York City. Artist Norman Rockwell was "South County's" most famous resident. His sentimental paintings of the men, women, children, and places in Berkshire County are loved worldwide.

This morning, "I read the news today, oh boy!" On the front page of the Berkshire Eagle, the news that surprised no one but saddened all. Rebecca Moulton, 27, who had lived in one of Pittsfield's poorer neighborhoods, was dead and her 41 year old live-in boyfriend, David Vincent, stands accused. His violent nature is known to police because he had been arrested for beating her last fall.

Moulton had been severely beaten and was found in her Pittsfield apartment on Wednesday morning. Her injuries included a subdural hematoma, fractured ribs and lacerations to the liver. Vincent's lawyer claims his client is very upset about her death. We may never know why Rebecca Moulton stayed with this violent man, what we do know is this young woman is gone, cheated of life, assigned to eternity.

According to the American Bar Association, between 1998 and 2002, "Males were 83% of spouse murderers and 75% of dating partner murderers.." The statistics are stunning, "50% of offenders in state prison for spousal abuse had killed their victims. Wives were more likely than husbands to be killed by their spouses: wives were about half of all spouses in the population in 2002, but 81% of all persons killed by their spouse".

In 2002, the Bureau of Justice Statistics conducted a survey of 500 young women, ages 15 to 24, and discovered the disturbing news that 60 percent were currently involved in recurring abusive relationships.

Domestic violence isn't something that touches only the poor, under educated, or annonymous American. Actor and BOXER Mickie Rourke was arrested in July 1994 charged that he alledgedly had slapped and kicked Carre Otis, his wife.

"James Brown was arrested for domestic violence two months after women's rights advocates lodged a protest with the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, objecting to Brown's inclusion among the 2003 honorees".

And of course, there is Chris Brown and OJ Simpson. Brown had a history of committing violence against women;his alleged attack on girlfriend Rihanna was the last in many.
We know and have heard the case against OJ Simpson, ad nauseum. His late wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman were brutally murdered in 1994. There was a history of domestic violence in the Simpson household and photographs documenting Nicole's bruises from previous beatings were made public during the OJ Simpson trial.

Domestic violence includes women hurting men and gay partner violence as well. In 1997, Phil Hartman was at the top of his game. Then, in May 1998, the Saturday Night Live starwas murdered by his wife, Brynn. More recently (2001), Richard Hatch, the first Survivor winner was found guilty of domestic assault in which he allegedly shoved his ex-boyfriend down a flight of stairs.

Photos, above: Left David Vincent, right a painting by Frida Kahlo circa 1936 "Just a Few Snips", about spousal abuse and murder. Below, Nicole Brown Miller, Richard Hatch, Rihanna.

References:
American Bar Association http://www.abanet.org/domviol/statistics
Mickey Rourke http://www.absolutenow.com/mugshots/mickey_rourke.html
Battered woman syndrome http://www.divorcenet.com/states/oregon/or_art02
James Brown http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/1706/

Addition on June 23, 2009. From A TWITTER-ER ABUSE IS NEVER ACCEPTABLE,
Work_It_Mom "Abuse is never acceptable".

Cloth Diapers: The NEW Generation

2009-06-02T00:18:00.011-04:00

Editorial Notes by Amber Columbia~~CONTACT AMBER

June 2, 10pm Cloth Diapers lost it's Trend. It remains interesting. The PASSION among some gets mean spirited. That's something I don't understand. Why get angry about someone not wanting to use cloth? There were some proactive responses. One young woman offered sound advice; she noted she wasn't using water that was hot enough and CHANGED THAT and the odors she experienced disappeared. I have invited a MOM with experience with cloth diapers to be a guest and talk about the pros and cons and give some tips, here. I HOPE IT HAPPENS. Look for an update, soon. and Tweeter folkspod.

Guess what's TRENDING on TWITTER TONIGHT? You guessed it, Cloth Diapers. Cloth Diapers are TRENDING because of clever MARKETING tactics by a cloth diaper company. Well, that's how it works. Get everyone talking and you begin a trend and people BUY.

I'm old enough to have USED them on babysitting jobs. Oh, the diaper pals for hand rinsing (once you have flushed the poo/ then the "AROMA" and finally the washers and dryers FILLED with the first hand washed little lovelies. Oh, that wasn't FINAL, now it's time to fold. hECK, the pins are NOTHING compared with everything else.

Well, it's better for the environement, I think?!? You might be able to make them yourself or buy them on my FAVORITE HANDMADE LOCATION Etsy and if you are happy with your trip down memory lane I KNOW you can find garter belts and cotton feminine pads on Etsy, too.

Now that's just my opinion. Here is an article from the National Resources Defense Council filled with good ideas about NEW GENERATIONS of paper diapers as well as great ideas for cloth CLICK HERE.

___________________________________________

Not Your Grandmother's Way to Cloth Diaper

Author: Rachel Martin

It is extremely likely that your Grandma used cloth diapers to diaper her children. You may have even heard some of the stories of washing, drying, messes and pinning. Today’s diapers are so different. For starters there are the many different kinds. But that isn’t the only thing. There no longer has to be pinning. No sticking your finger or your baby. Don’t get me wrong some mom’s still like to use pins and are very good at it. Personally I’m not good at pinning and so I’m really excited about the changes in ways to keep the diaper all together.

For starters there are Velcro like tabs. These tabs are often called hook and loop closures in the cloth diapering world. They are the closures that are most like using disposables. They are the fastest and arguably the easiest closures to have. There is a downside to them though. Over time, they can wear out. They can get frayed and loose their grip. The other downside is that older babies and toddlers can easily undo them. Soon you have a little one streaking through your living room.

Another type of closure are snaps. Snaps are the top choice for many moms because they are not easily undone by toddlers. They are an easy and efficient way to close up the diaper. They don’t wear out like the hook and look closures either. The downside to snaps is that they do not allow for fit options that hook and loop allows. There are certain places for the snaps, and that is where they stay. The hook and loop allows for some options in fit.

The option that is used for prefold diapers is a snappi. The snappi replaces pins. The snappi is a three armed device. On the end of each arm are teeth that grab hold of the cloth diapers. No poking, no stabbing, just grabbing. They are a great alternative to pins.

Each type of closure has it's own benefits and downsides. Try each one for yourself and find the right fit for you and your baby.

About the Author:

I am a mother of three awesome boys. I own Sweet Infant an online baby store. I'm a cloth diapering, baby wearing, breastfeeding mama and advocate. Go to http:/www.sweetinfant.com for helpful information, wonderful products, and excellent customer service.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Not Your Grandmother's Way to Cloth Diaper

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON trailer in HD Video by Trailer Park - MySpace Video

2009-06-01T00:23:00.005-04:00

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON trailer in HD Video by Trailer Park - MySpace Video

Bella, Bella, Bella!
Shot 31: Bella runs toward Jacob, screaming“ Run Jake! Run!” Jacob becomes a shape shifter and becomes a wolf.

OFFICIAL Stephenie Myer Website

MAY 30 Susan Boyle dreamed but finishes 2ND

2009-05-30T21:56:00.011-04:00

By Amber Columbia

Susan Boyle dreamed a dream but finishes second to dance group

She finished second to a Dance group and did it with grace. Susan Boyle has helped to teach us a basic lesson that we all should have learned as children; NEVER judge a book by it's cover!

Susan Boyle became a world wide singing legend this Spring but her real debut was for a charity 10 years ago, Eddie Anderson talks about SUSAN BOYLE

I think there is not a doubt that Boyle will remain a singing legend and be counted among the most notable of great Divas including Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, and Billy Holiday.

It is unfortunate to think her physical appearance may have kept this great talent from making a public debut. There have been others whose talent overcame their physical shortcomings. Jim Nabors, who played the character Marine Private First Class "Gomer Pyle" took America by surprise. The well meaning, but not-so intelligent "Pyle" a Southern boy who couldn't get it together in boot camp brough the America to tears when he sang.

Now, nearly 40 years after Jim Nabors took everyone by surprise, Susan Boyle has DREAMED THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM, too.

OPRAH WATCH

2009-05-29T10:35:00.021-04:00

MONDAY, JUNE 1 ON OPRAH===IS YOUR CHILD SENDING OR RECEIVING Sexually explicit text messages? Maybe they are sending or receiving nude and semi nude photos of friends or even of themselves!Tune in.

fRIDAY, May 29 ON OPRAH===Women Leaving Men for OTHER WOMEN

THIS WEEK ON OPRAH, CLICK HERE FOR PREVIEWS! Watch Oprah!

TWEET:A reminder: BUYER BEWARE: I have NOTHING to do with acai berry scams on internet. Have tasted only ONE time on my show.
4:43 PM May 29th from web

________________

Weddings! IRISH or not, here they come!

2009-05-28T08:53:00.001-04:00

Our very good friends' son was to be married, a first marriage, he is 32. As good friends do, we bought a wonderful gift, and arranged time on our calender months in advance. The day came, we drove an hour to get there, fully expecting to be seated with long lost cousins and to know NO ONE but the parents of the groom.

When we arrived at the 'country club', which was directly across from a fast food restaurant on a very busy road, we thought, AH....an afternoon of obligation, that's fine, we love our friends. When we were directed the rear yard of the main building, SURPRISE...surprise, the most beautiful gardens and grounds; a rolling golf course and a koi pond complete with a graceful arching stone foot bridge.

c fairyangel on STOCKXCHNG

The music was TODAY, the ceremony beautiful and 'religion' was conspicuously absent. The groom and his men wore black...maybe a little much as the sun glasses added to a men in black look. The bride's attendants wore little black dresses with wide white sashes and an elegant bow at the back. Each carried a beautiful and full bouquet of roses, in all pink and white shades. Then the feast for everyone's eyes, the bride, her veil failed to conceal the tears of joy, crossed the footbridge to meet the man of her dreams and be bound forever in holy matrimony. Her gown was traditional, flowing. The large butterfly tatoo on her shoulder was further adorned with glistening 'jewels'.

Another perfect day and we sat with our dear friends at table number 1. Long live the bride and groom.

This young couple followed their own ways, here are some IRISH traditions and LORE for the married couple to be. Enjoy!

THE TRADITIONAL IRISH WEDDING by Bridget Haggerty
(C) Copyright http://www.ireland-information.com

There is one wedding Irish tradition that states: 'Marry
in May and Rue The Day' while another states: 'Marry in
April if you can, joy for maiden and for man'.

When I told my daughter about this Irish superstition, she
changed her wedding date so that she'd be married in April!

What began as a search for Irish traditions and customs
that she could incorporate into her celebration ended up as
an incredible pile of notes that eventually took on a life
of its own. Long after her wedding, I was still obsessed
with delving into history and folklore, looking for
everything I could find on how weddings were celebrated in
Ireland long ago.

I am convinced that if couples make the effort, they can
have a totally Irish celebration from beginning to end -
even to the pre-wedding parties. There's one quaint custom
where the groom was invited to the bride's house right
before the wedding and they cooked a goose in his honor.
It was called Aitin' the gander — it has to be where we get
the expression 'his goose is cooked!' We threw one of
these dinner parties for my daughter and everyone had a
great time. (The apple-potato stuffing has become a family
favorite!).

There are so many other traditions, customs and just an
incredible amount of folklore to draw upon, that it would be
remiss to be of Irish descent and not take advantage of all
the possibilities. Here are just a few ideas culled from
what eventually has become a 200-plus page book called 'The
Traditional Irish Wedding' and it is now available in the
United States and will be released in Ireland this spring.
As complete as I could make it, the book covers attire,
decor, menus, recipes, music, toasts, vows, and perhaps of
most value, a resource listing that will help you find
everything from Irish wedding gowns and tiaras to sheet
music for a Celtic Mass.

Here are some more:

* Bunratty Meade is a honey wine that's served at the
Bunratty Castle medieval banquet. It's from a recipe based
on the oldest drink in Ireland and if you've never tasted
it, it's well worth trying. In the old days, it was consumed
at weddings because it was thought that it promoted
virility. (If a baby was born nine months after the wedding,
it was attributed to the mead!) Couples also drank it from
special goblets for a full month following the wedding,
which is supposedly where we get the word honeymoon. This
was to protect the couple from the fairies coming to spirit
the bride away.

* Lucky horseshoe. Irish brides used to carry a real
horseshoe for good luck. (Turned up so the luck won't run
out). You can get porcelain horseshoes which most Irish
brides carry these days, or one made of fabric which is worn
on the wrist.

* Magic Hanky. This charming custom involves having the
bride carry a special hanky that with a few stitches can be
turned into a christening bonnet for the first baby. With a
couple of snips it can be turned back into a hanky that
your child can carry on his/her wedding day.

* Make-up bells. The chime of bells is thought to keep evil
spirits away, restore harmony if a couple is fighting, and
also remind a couple of their wedding vows. Giving a bell as
a gift has become an Irish tradition. You could also have
your greeters hand out tiny bells to your guests to ring
as you process. (You might want to let them know when
they're supposed to be rung - perhaps mention it in your
program along with an explanation of the custom). Guests
could also ring their little bells at the reception in lieu
of clinking glasses.

* Irish Dancers. Consider hiring a group of Irish dancers to
hand out your programs before the ceremony. Dressed in their
full regalia, it would add a wonderful touch of of pageantry
and color. They could also dance at the reception later. We
did this at my daughter's reception and it was a major hit.

* Music. There's so much wonderful Irish music available,
you'll have no problems in finding appropriate selections
for both the ceremony and the reception. The difficulty will
be in deciding which pieces to play!

* Readings: My daughter had the following Irish wedding vow
on the front of her program:

By the power that Christ brought from heaven, mayst thou love me.
As the sun follows its course, mayst thou follow me.
As light to the eye, as bread to the hungry, as joy to the heart,
may thy presence be with me, oh one that I love,
'til death comes to part us asunder.

On the back of the program, she had this old Irish proverb:
Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and just be my friend.

* The Irish Wedding Song. Very popular at contemporary Irish
weddings. We had two friends sing this at my daughter's
reception while the newlyweds cut the cake. (Afterwards I
thought we should have had the lyrics typed up and placed on
the tables so that everyone could join in).

* Flowers. In the old days, many Irish brides wore a wreath
of wildflowers in their hair; they also carried them in
bouquets. For my daughter's wedding, our florist designed
gorgeous bouquets that included a flower called Bells of
Ireland. In Wales, brides carried live myrtle and gave a
sprig to each bridesmaid which they planted. If it grew, the
bridesmaid would marry within the year. If you're planning a
more general Celtic celebration, this might be worth
considering.

* Ancient custom: In the old days, couples ate salt and
oatmeal at the beginning of their reception: Each of them
took three mouthfuls as a protection against the power of
the evil eye. Also, when a couple is dancing, the bride
can't take both feet off the floor because the fairies
will get the upper hand. Fairies love beautiful things and
one of their favorites is a bride. There's many an Irish
legend about brides being spirited away by the little
people! For the same reason, it's bad luck for a bride to
wear green. I've also heard that it's bad luck for
anyone to wear green at an Irish wedding - but I think it
really only applies to the bride. It's also bad luck for a
bride or the groom to sing at their own wedding.

Portents and omens:

* A fine day meant good luck, especially if the sun shone
on the bride. If you're a Roman Catholic, one way to make
certain that it won't rain is to put a statue of the Infant
of Prague outside the church before your ceremony.

* It was unlucky to marry on a Saturday.

* Those who married in harvest would spend all their lives
gathering

* A man should always be the first to wish joy to the bride,
never a woman

*It was lucky to hear a cuckoo on the wedding morning, or to
see three magpies

* To meet a funeral on the road meant bad luck and if there
was a funeral procession planned for that day, the wedding
party always took a different road

* The wedding party should always take the longest road home
from the church

* It was bad luck if a glass or cup were broken on the
wedding day

*A bride and groom should never wash their hands in the same
sink at the same time—it's courting disaster if they do

* It was said to be lucky if you married during a 'growing
moon and a flowing tide'

* When leaving the church, someone must throw an old shoe
over the bride's head so she will have good luck

* If the bride's mother-in-law breaks a piece of wedding
cake on the bride's head as she enters the house after the
ceremony, they will be friends for life.

Many other customs are interspersed throughout the book,
e.g. (from the reception section) the top tier of your
wedding cake should be an Irish whiskey cake which is saved
for the christening of your first baby. I've also heard of
another custom which just came to my attention and will be
included in the next edition: a bottle of champagne is saved
from the reception so that it can be used to 'wet the baby's
head' at the christening.

In finally making this book a reality, my hope is that when
he says to you 'would you like to be buried with my people',
or you say to him 'would you like to hang your washing next
to mine', you'll say yes, and then use the suggestions to
help you plan an Irish celebration reflective of your roots
and as romantic as your heritage.

And for all engaged couples and their families in the midst
of pre-wedding chaos, I raise a parting glass: May all your
joys be pure joy and all your pain champagne.

Sláinte!

Bridget Haggerty

Get this book by visiting here: AMAZON BOOKSTORE

______________________

notes:
The goose dinner image found in this article is from http://www.sxc.hu/profile/BeverlyLR---Bev Lloyd-Roberts. "Keen amateur photographer. Been a member of Abington Camera Club for 16years. Love doing still life photography best, then landscapes. Also love taking photographs of my our children and pets.
I love reading comments from people, so" please leave some.

MEDIOCRITY =Dunkin Donut's STICKS v New England Crullers

2009-05-14T21:49:00.020-04:00

Return to folksPOD main page

republished from one of my earlier blogs, 17.3.07
MEDIOCRITY: Dunkin Donut's has no NEW ENGLAND CRULLERS!

Below, Delightfully delicious assorted donuts and crullers from Allies' Donuts, Kingston, Rhode Island (RI), the perfectly formed NEW ENGLAND Cruller is to the left, YUMMY.

The year 2003 was a memorable year for me; I turned '50' and Dunkin Donuts dropped from their menu the FABULOUSLY POPULAR twisted delight, THE NEW ENGLAND CRULLER. Which is worse, the fact that the beloved New England favorite, "Dunkees" began machine EXTRUDING the dough to create oblong shapes which bare NO resemblance to the hand twisted traditional crullers. Their NEWER VERSION is called THE STICK, perhaps Turd, would have been a better name.!

cruller

SYLLABICATION: crul·ler
PRONUNCIATION: krlr
NOUN:
1. Chiefly Northeastern, Central Atlantic, & Upper Northern U.S. A small, usually ring-shaped or twisted cake of sweet dough fried in deep fat.
2. Chiefly New England & Pennsylvania An unraised doughnut, usually twisted but also shaped into rings or oblongs.
ETYMOLOGY: From obsolete Dutch krulle-koken, rolled-up cake, from Middle Dutch crulle-koken, to curl, from crulle, curly. (1)

-The French Cruller~~~~The Mexican Cruller (Churros)

The New England Cruller is a ARTISAN piece, a hand twisted oblong of delicious dough, fried in LARD-- an LDL nightmare. The twisting creates crusty ridges that adds to the texture and goes hand in hand when SAVORING this tradition. A modification in cooking oil that is lower in cholesterol and boosts the HDL is possible, albeit it does change the flavor it a bit- HOWEVER, the Hand twisting IS AN INTEGRAL part of the creating of this FAMOUS CRULLER.

Dunkin Donut's MEDIOCRITIZATION of a prized NEW ENGLAND tradition is, IN PART, emblematic of what is happening on all levels of society. In an article Joseph P. Kahn wrote for the Boston Globe on October 25, 2003 he interviewed Dunkin Donut's chief test baker who reported that the HAND MADE CRULLER had to go.

"We introduced a new doughnut mix over the summer, one which is lighter and moister and all machine-made," says Pitts. Handcut products, he adds, were beyond the capabilities of these machines, which can produce rings and sticks but not braided pastries. Therefore, something had to go. The cruller went because it could not be machine-produced, like the jelly stick, but required human hands." (3)

Oh, the horror,requiring human hands to uphold tradition, quality and EXCELLENCE!
But, alas, this corporate profit-first attitude is prevalent, so the mass market producers will continue to lower their standards and how low will they go?

Many of you may be reading this and asking yourselves what standards Dunkies ever upheld. If you are 50 or older, you know that Dunkin Donuts acted more like individual neighborhood bakeries in the old days. Many Dunkin Donuts entrepreneurs BAKED THEIR OWN in back room kitchens. The twisting of the cruller was done by your neighbor and you ate it freshly baked with your fresh brew.

I am finished with Dunkin Donuts! Try your local Artisan Bakery and enjoy a TRADITIONAL TWIST!

Dunkee's Nutrition Statement:

Serving Size 1 stick

Servings 1

Calories 420

Calories from Fat 260

Donut Ingredients: Enriched Flour (Bleached Wheat Flour, Barley Malt, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Water, Sugar, Soybean Oil, Nonfat Dry Milk, Egg Yolk Solids, Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate), Contains 2% Or Less Of The Following: Soy Flour, Wheat Starch, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Phospholipase, Sodium Silicoaluminate (Anti-Caking Agent), Salt, Toasted Wheat Germ, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Vegetable Color (Annatto, Turmeric), Konjac Flour, Carrageenan. (2)

end notes:

1.http://www.bartleby.com/61/60/C0776000.html
2.https://www.dunkindonuts.com/aboutus/nutrition/Product.aspx?Category=Donuts&id=DD-699
3.http://www.boston.com/ae/food/articles/2003/10/25/with_progress_a_cruel_twist/
Posted by VIM at 20:28 8 comments Links to this post
Labels: crullers, Dunkin Donuts, mediocrity, New England, tradition

Higher Education at WORK! The President isn't good enough for Arizona?

2009-05-14T17:56:00.001-04:00

This is a MUST watch. If you enjoyed Leno's "JAY WALKING", this will TOP IT ALL.

folksPOD is GREEN and we want YOU TO BE GREEN, too!

2009-05-14T01:52:00.001-04:00

Learn more about green fashion wear

Author: Maria Rozario

It's the season for the sun to blaze. Your fashion statement must take this fact into account, lest you find yourself sizzling under the heat. A lot of fashionable and colourful styles are set to make impact this summer. They come with delicate touches that lend style to the outfit. You can snuggle into them and look great this summer.

Fashion trend reports say that green is a particularly popular colour this season. Going green this summer is not a mere fashion wear but a duty as well.

By wearing eco-friendly dresses highlight the harmful effects of inorganic women's clothing.

To popularize the concept almost all designers have dedicated a part of their creation to organic women's clothing. So when you go out apparel shopping this summer head straightway to the shelves that have stacked green summer fashion wear exclusively for you.

Apart from dresses, designers have stuff ready which will help you go all-green from top to middle to bottom. You can easily avail a scarf and a designer belt made of eco-friendly materials. To top it a green hat on your head and a pair of organic shoes for your feet will make you a brand ambassador of green women's fashion apparel. Thus you set new summer trends. Remember by wearing green items made of 100 percent organic cotton you soothe your gentle skin.

If you are averse to the idea of going all green, there is no problem whatsoever. Green goes well with gold, chocolate, and forestry colours. So choose them for your tops.

Apart from clothing you also need to have the right kind of accessories in your wardrobe. To enhance your looks have some fun, feathery and exotic necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Feather earrings are the most popular.

When you re-stack your wardrobe for summer, do not forget to keep the latest collection of metal sunglasses handy. When it comes to protecting your eyes from the blazing sun, nothing can beat the sunglasses. What is more important is that they complete your overall appearance. Retro and metal styled sunglasses are in vogue this season. Also keep a good sun-protection lotion ready.

In summer when most people commit themselves to skimpy dresses, attention needs to be paid to the shoes you're wearing. You need to wear shoes more for comfort and less for fashion. However if it serves both, then all the better! Try out sandals, thongs and flip-flops as your summer shoes.

About the Author:

Maria Rozario is a fashion designer writes articles on fashion wear for summer trends and spring fashion for http://www.flyfashiondesigners.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Learn more about green fashion wear for this summer

Mama Partridge is 75!

2009-05-13T11:16:00.002-04:00

Playboy and Ms. Jones

By Amber Columbia

Shirley Jones is her own unique brand. The plucky Ms. Jones wears the same little pixie hair style that she wore 40 years ago. She is a wholesome 'ma and apply pie' type of gal, everyone's sweetheart... or is she and was she?

Now, according to Playboy Magazine, the all American Mrs. Partridge from the early 1970s sitcom "The Partridge Family" may pose nude. Are you shocked? Well, it may come as a surprise to many, but Shirely Jones played a call girl 40 years ago in "The Happy Ending" where she stared opposite Lloyd Bridges. Both were nude from the waist up.

Jones is busier than ever, even in our youth obsessed culture, she is in demand. Now, her husband is pushing for the Playboy shoot. Marty Ingels is her husband and manager for the past 31 years. If Jones goes through with posing nude for Playboy, will it tell us that beauty exists at any age or will we see Ms. Jones and Mr. Ingels as opportunistic publicity seekers?

Time will tell, and if opportunity knocks, I, for one, will purchase my first issue of Playboy.

Rules of Thumb for the Parents of a Bed Wetter

2009-05-12T15:08:00.001-04:00

Parents, this one provides the Rules of Thumb...

Reasons for the Stigma Surrounding Diaper Use in Older Bed-wetters and Ways to Reduce the Stigma

Author: Colin Ellison

One of the most difficult things a youngster can go through when they're growing up is bed-wetting. Although as a society we've become more sensitive about many issues, for some reason bed-wetting and the use of diapers to manage it is a topic that remains shrouded in shame.

While many cases of bed-wetting can be cured using alarms,medicines,and other methods, there are some instances of bed-wetting persisting into adulthood. In cases such as this the prudent course of action would be to use protective garments such as diapers. This article discusses both the negative image diapers have with many people, and steps we can take to overcome this negative image so society can become more accepting of people who have no other option but to use diapers to manage their bed-wetting.

Unfortunately there is tremendous stigma associated with diapers. Most people view diapers as babyish. This is the main reason most older children,adolescents,teenagers,and adults are reluctant to wear them to bed. In fact most of them wouldn't be caught dead in a diaper. Older children,adolescents,and teenagers are at a point in their lives where they want to become more independent and in their minds diapers represent a stage in their lives when they were more dependent on their parents. In their view wearing diapers to bed is regressing. Although I sympathize with this view,to a large extent I think it misses the mark.

CLICK HERE to CONTINUE

Handmade Jewelry by DK Designs

2009-05-12T13:30:00.001-04:00

Handmade Jewelry is the Perfect Fashion Accessory

Author: Dk Designs

If you have been looking for a fashion accessory to modernize your wardrobe and add an artistic flair to your personal style, then you should purchase some handmade jewelry. Handmade jewelry pieces are timeless fashion accessories, adding style and beauty to any ensemble. Even as fashion changes, handmade jewelry will always be in style. The unique patterns and colors of handmade jewelry contribute to their popularity in the fashion world.

Handmade jewelry is special and can be used as an extension of your personality. Adding handmade jewelry accessories to your outfit will let everyone know you have a perfect sense of fashion. The unique embellishments and materials used in handmade jewelry allow you to make a stunning personal statement that others can’t help but to take notice of. With handmade jewelry it is easy to find the right color and style that perfectly suits your look and personality.

For centuries, jewelry artists have crafted handmade jewelry from a variety of materials, the most popular being glass beads. Glass beads are amazingly vibrant in color and are used to make necklaces, earrings bracelets and rings. With their bold designs and rich colors, there is absolutely no wonder why handmade glass bead jewelry has become one of the leading fashion accessories.

The best quality handmade glass bead jewelry is made by glass bead artists, whose creative passion is reflected in each glass beads they create. Compared to machine made jewelry, handmade glass bead jewelry has more vivid colors, unique patterns and a higher sparkle quality. The glass beads handmade by glass bead artists offer a vast range of designs, from a rich chocolate color to soft transparent lite green colors edged with an earthy band to striking black and white dotted swirl patterns.

If you want to make a lasting impression then, handmade glass bead jewelry is perfect for you. Glass beads offer a wide variety of styles and colors making them perfect for any outfit or occasion. From your casual weekend outfit, to your professional business suit or sexy black dress handmade glass bead jewelry is sure to add a touch of bold sophistication. When you wear a stunning piece of handmade glass bead jewelry you will always make the right fashion statement.

Enhance the beauty of your jewelry collection by adding handmade glass bead jewelry. You’ll never have to worry about what type of jewelry to wear for that perfect occasion. Handmade jewelry is the one fashion accessory that will never go out of style and can last a lifetime. So, if you are ready to make a dramatic statement with your very own handmade glass jewelry piece, visit www.dkdesigns.biz now.

About the Author:

Diane has been beading for over 15 years, and has traveled and attended many beading conferences and workshop learning many different beading techniques. She has learned the art of Lamp Working 9 years ago creating glass beads with glass rods and a torch which sparked her creativity to produce varied and unique jewelry designs. Diane's creations can be seen on her DK Designs.biz and at art and craft shows throughout the southeast.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Handmade Jewelry is the Perfect Fashion Accessory

The ART of food....in oils, watercolors and acrylics

2009-05-05T16:49:00.001-04:00

Dazzling colors, beautiful strokes of paint, they look so good that you might want to eat them.

Follow the links to WONDERFUL PAINTERS offering delectable and tempting "dishes" on eBay. ORIGINAL ART, that you can buy directly from artists at affordable prices. GUARANTEED low in calories!

GLUTEN FREE COOKING~~for wheat intollerance and Celiac Disease

2009-05-04T13:42:00.000-04:00

Facing The Facts Of Gluten Allergy

Author: Charlene J. Nuble

Food allergy remains one of the most persistent forms of allergic reaction. No one knows why people have certain allergic responses to different types of food. But it is a fact that once a person is exposed to the food allergen, the symptoms will surely follow.

Gluten allergy is a food allergy that makes the sufferer sensitive to gluten. Coeliac disease is a health condition in the small intestine. What happens to a person with gluten allergy is once the allergen comes in contact with the small intestine, it causes the immune system to attack the lining of the bowel.

This attack on the small intestine's lining of the gluten allergy sufferer weakens the stomach and can cause serious health problems in the future. The delicate lining is responsible for the absorption of nutrients and vitamins in our body. Once it is weakened, we lose our capacity to effectively turn food into energy,

Gluten allergy starts at a young age, right after the weaning period and the mother is feeding the baby with cereals. There are no specific reasons why a person develops the gluten allergy but when it happens, the only thing the gluten allergy sufferer can do is avoid gluten at all cost.

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Symptoms of Gluten Allergy

Gluten is usually found in wheat products. Breads, pasta and other baked goods can be considered dangerous to a person with gluten allergy. Biscuits, pastries, breakfast cereals and instant soups and sauces also have gluten. The symptoms of a gluten allergy differ from children and adults.

Children with gluten allergy may suffer from slow physical growth, weight loss, with poor appetite. Gluten allergic symptoms also include vomiting and diarrhea. Because the small intestine's lining is damaged, the vitamins and minerals do not go to the body. The kids end up looking thin, pale and have no energy at all.

In adults, gluten allergy symptoms are similar, with loss of weight, diarrhea or constipation complicating the disease. Aside from this, adults often complain about depression, extreme fatigue, lethargy, bone pain and ulcers in the sufferer's mouth.

Treatment

Treatment for gluten allergies begins like all other food allergy, avoiding contact with the allergen. There are certain food substitutes for gluten allergy sufferers like using sunflower oil instead of the usual cooking oil and drinking wines instead of beer.

There are medications available to these sufferers. But unlike other food allergies that show external symptoms like rashes, gluten allergy destroys from the inside, making diagnosis and detection hard. Oral medication can help ease the pain from the small intestine and vitamin supplements must also be taken along with it.

Gluten allergy prevention

Gluten allergy sufferers are asked to be vigilant in monitoring their diet. Reading the labels for anything with wheat is a good start. Self-discipline is the key to beating gluten allergy. The food selection for coeliac disease sufferers is still varied like fruits, salads and vegetables, rice, corn, nuts, meat and chicken eggs and dairy products, fish and seafood.

What could be the worst-case scenario for gluten allergy sufferers? If left untreated, coeliac disease can result in anemia, bone disease and some form of cancer. The best advise is to steer clear of gluten-laden foods. The more the person does not intake gluten, the better their chances of not having a serious health problem in the future.

About the Author:

For answers to All your frequently asked questions about gluten allergy, please go to: gluten allergy or go to: allergyanswers.net blog.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Facing The Facts Of Gluten Allergy

An Interview with Raku Artist Nancy Wright

2009-05-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

c 2009 Nancy Wright

An Interview with rakuchic on eBay, Nancy Wright

Nancy sells her art on ebay, follow this link .

Adrienne La Vallee, aka ambercolumbia, talks with Nancy Wright, aka rakuchick

Nancy, aka rakuchic, was very young when she "first found...expression through art".She was hooked on the medium the first time she touched clay in a non-credit ceramics class. Later, she was inspired by her mentor, William Hynes, a ceramics professor at Shippensburg University. Today, Nancy is a full time artist.

ambercolumbia: Congratulations, Nancy, on being the first place winner in the Artists' Choice Awards Pottery category and thank you for participating in this interview!

rakuchic: Thank you! I am truly honored and inspired by this wonderful award. There is no praise more flattering than that from ones peers.

ambercolumbia: Nancy, when I think of your work, I envision the beautiful, classic forms along with the rich color you achieve. For people who may not understand your artform, would you give us an idea of how your finished surfaces are created?

rakuchic: Thank you. I use Soldate 60 clay which is a very smooth and "plastic" clay. I have found this particular claybody allows much more height when wheel-throwing and strength when firing. Because of the rapid temerature changes, sand must be added to the clay to absorb thermal stresses and even with this, breakages are, unfortunately, common. As far as the finished surfaces, it has been a "hit or miss" when it comes to my favorite glazes. My favorites are the ones with copper because the uniqueness of the finished product. Raku differs from traditional electric kiln firing (oxidation) in that through the final process, (called reduction) the lack of oxygen coupled with combustibles in the airtight container, creates rainbows of rich color, metallics and carbon coloration. The firing is always exciting and quite awe-inspiring if done in darkness. The temperature of the kiln reaches around 1800 degrees, so when the piece is exposed as it is removed with tongs, it is a glowing and beautiful sight to behold.(My Professor used to compare it to Marilyn Monroe's lipstick!) I have accumulated glaze recipes over the years and have always mixed the glazes myself.

ambercolumbia: Do you have a studio and how do you find balance between your work and your friends and family?

rakuchic: I turned my sunroom into my studio. Lots of natural sunlight is wonderful. I moved two years ago to the Charleston, SC area from PA where my much larger studio was in my basement with little natural sunlight. I find now, I am inspired more while having the ability to open the windows, feel the wonderful South Carolina breezes and see nature. Everyone knows when I am working…in the "zone," I need my alone time. When sales are good, I spend about 30 hours a week in the studio including firing. My children are grown now and I live alone, so besides my THIRTY pound cat, I am only limited to my own expectations. A funny story about my cat, Einstein. He believes my clay table is his own, so he is always close by when I am working. He is obviously not aware of his size and has, more than a few times, believed he could crawl inside the not-yet fired and still wet pieces. I have since learned to keep them out of reach of his "delusions." haha.

ambercolumbia: How does your inspiration for a piece come to you? Do you envision your end results or does the process of creating lead to the unexpected? It sounds as if Einstein might help to create a little of the unexpected, too.

rakuchic: I have a binder next to my bed. My ideas usually come to me right before I fall asleep. Sometimes I plan what I will create, but I mostly allow the piece to evolve without intended results. For example, there are times when I have an idea for a lid, sculpt it, then find it to be disappointing after placing it atop a piece. My visions are not always to my liking, so I change, manipulate, and re-create until they feel spacially and visually appealing to me. I have found that I am a very "symmetrical" thinker. That carries over into my work. As far as color, If I am brave enough to attempt a re-fire, I will sometimes add another layer of glaze, hold my breath, and re-fire. I normally just let "fate" do what it will and have learned with breakages, come lessons and patience.

ambercolumbia: Are there other forms of art you’d like to try and why?

rakuchic: I would love to try glass blowing to incorporate it with clay. I have always found blown glass work to be very free and beautiful.

ambercolumbia: What was the first piece you sold and when?

rakuchick: I sold a wheel-thrown piece at a festival before it was even fired! We were doing a demonstration outside and someone watching approached me and asked "how much for that piece?" I had no idea, so I said "How about $50?" He said SOLD! I was in shock and at the same time thrilled. I sold many pieces that day. That was about 12 years ago I guess.

ambercolumbia: Why did you decide to sell art on eBay and do you sell elsewhere?

rakuchic: My very bright daughter suggested Ebay to me when she was 12 years of age. Now, I sell to galleries from Ebay as well as to the private collector. I enjoy the opportunity to communicate with my buyers through Ebay. I have tried gallery consignment, but have never found the right fit for my work.

ambercolumbia: Do you keep much of your work?

rakuchic: My Mother has all my favorite pieces in her home. She has always been my greatest support and always made certain I was given any materials I needed when growing up. She was the "first' artist I ever knew with her talent being sewing and Interior design. She decorates her home "around" my work and always shows great pride in me as an artist. I am very fortunate, indeed. Both my children also have collections of their own as well as my sister. They are all my biggest "fans."

c 2009 Nancy Wright

ambercolumbia: If you were not an artist, what would you be and why? rackuchick: A psychologist. I have always been perceptive; sometimes I consider it a curse. So, because of that, I tend to notice life and human beings as an opportunity to learn and grow. I have always been fascinated by the human condition and am inspired in my work because of that. For example, the female figures I sculpt represent both the strength and the vulnerability of women in their roles in today's society. My vessel shapes tend to be feminine, and the sculptures atop the lids, tend to reflect my mood. Our expression is our art, and our art is our self-descriptor. That certainly proves true with me. ambercolumbia: I have enjoyed our conversation and wish you the greatest success in 2009.

Nancy sells her art on ebay, follow this link to her store: http://stores.ebay.com/Nancy-Wright-Raku-Pottery

Adrienne La Vallee, aka ambercolumbia, talks with Nancy Wright, aka rakuchick

Cooking for Hard Times:Clara and more...

2009-05-03T20:18:00.001-04:00

More Ways To Cook Your Food

Author: Jennifer Skipp

SIMMERING, OR STEWING.--The cooking process known as simmering, or stewing, is a modification of boiling. By this method, food is cooked in water at a temperature below the boiling point, or anywhere from to degrees Fahrenheit. Water at the simmering point always moves gently--never rapidly as it does in boiling. Less heat and consequently less fuel are required to cook foods in this way, unless, of course, the time consumed in cooking the food at a low temperature is much greater than that consumed in cooking it more rapidly.

Aside from permitting economy in the use of fuel, simmering, or stewing, cooks deliciously certain foods that could not be selected for the more rapid methods. For example, tough cuts of meat and old fowl can be made tender and tasty by long cooking at a low temperature, for this method tends to soften the fiber and to develop an excellent flavor. Tough vegetables, too, can be cooked tender by the simmering process without using so much fuel as would be used if they were boiled, for whatever method is used they require long cooking. Beets, turnips, and other winter vegetables should be stewed rather than boiled, as it is somewhat difficult to cook them tender, especially in the late winter and early spring. If dry beans and peas are brought to the simmering point and then allowed to cook, they can be prepared for the table in practically the same length of time and without so much fuel as if they boiled continuously.

STEAMING.--As its name implies, steaming is the cooking of food by the application of steam. In this cooking process, the food is put into a steamer, which is a cooking utensil that consists of a vessel with a perforated bottom placed over one containing water. As the water boils, steam rises and cooks the food in the upper, or perforated, vessel. Steamers are sometimes arranged with a number of perforated vessels, one on top of the other. Such a steamer permits of the cooking of several foods at the same time without the need of additional fuel, because a different food may be placed in each vessel.

Steaming is preferable to boiling in some cases, because by it there is no loss of mineral salts nor food substances; besides, the flavor is not so likely to be lost as when food is boiled. Vegetables prepared in this way prove very palatable, and very often variety is added to the diet by steaming bread, cake, and pudding mixtures and then, provided a crisp outside is desired, placing them in a hot oven to dry out the moist surface.

DRY STEAMING.--Cooking foods in a vessel that is suspended in another one containing boiling water constitutes the cooking method known as dry steaming. The double boiler is a cooking utensil devised especially for carrying on this process. The food placed in the suspended, or inner, vessel does not reach the boiling point, but is cooked by the transfer of heat from the water in the outside, or lower, vessel. A decided advantage of this method is that no watching is required except to see that the water in the lower vessel does not boil away completely, for as long as there is water between the food and the fire, the food will neither boil nor burn.

Because of the nature of certain foods, cooking them by this process is especially desirable. The flavor and consistency of cereals and foods containing starch are greatly improved by long cooking in this way. Likewise, custards and mixtures containing eggs can be conveniently cooked in a double boiler, because they do not require a high temperature; in fact, their texture is spoiled if they are cooked at the boiling point. To heat milk directly over the flame without scorching it is a difficult matter, and, on the other hand, boiled milk is hard to digest. Because of these facts, food containing milk should not be boiled, but should be cooked at a lower temperature in a double boiler.

BRAIZING.--Cooking meat in an oven in a closed pan with a small quantity of water constitutes braizing. This cooking process might be called a combination of stewing and baking, but when it is properly carried out, the meat is placed on a rack so as to be raised above the water, in which may be placed sliced vegetables. In this process the meat actually cooks in the flavored steam that surrounds it in the hot pan. The so-called double roasting pans are in fact braizing pans when they are properly used. A pot roast is the result of a modification of the braizing method.

About the Author:

To learn about low sodium diets and foods high in sodium, visit the Daily Sodium Intake website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - More Ways To Cook Your Food

Smile~~~Life is NOW!

2009-05-03T17:01:00.001-04:00

4 Steps to Transforming Yourself from a Worrier to a Warrior

Author: Karin Marcus

If you look closely, you will notice that there are only four small vowels that differentiate a worrier from a warrior. Similarly, with only a few small shifts in perspective, you can transform yourself from an ineffectual worrywart to a resourceful, decisive individual.

There is a difference between being concerned and being worried. A concern is something that requires your attention, interest, and care; it is something that affects your welfare and happiness. To be concerned engages your awareness toward a desired outcome. Whereas, worry is a repetitive thought pattern that causes anxiety and lacks clarity or perspective. It is corrosive and depleting. Worry is self perpetuating and disempowering, rarely leading to a solution or worthwhile course of action.

A warrior is not a person who seeks unnecessary conflict. A true warrior is a person who is able to respond in difficult or threatening situations, decisively with strength, focus, and determination. A warrior is able to turn fear into positive action. By transforming from a worrier to a warrior, you are able to meet concerns with right and just action. Here are four shifts in attitude and perspective that can help you in your transformation.

1. Worriers live in the past and the future. They recycle the past, reliving hurts, failures and injustices, and project them into the future with, "What if this... and What if that..." Warriors live in the present. Their creed is "What was, was, and what is, is." A warrior determines, what are the best options for optimum results from this point forward?

2. Worriers are stuck in their head, wasting time and energy battling perceived obstacles and playing out imagined scenarios. Warriors challenge their assumptions and preconceived notions, because they know the acronym for fear is: false evidence appearing real. Each challenge needs to been understood from all perspectives. Warriors utilize each of their six senses to assess the situation. Their mind, body, and heart are unified in knowledge and purpose before they move.

3. Worriers live from the outside in. External circumstances set off automatic reactions. There is no pause between cause and effect. Warriors live from the inside out. Their values and integrity determine how they respond to a situation. They have a strong honor code and a well established core belief system. They embrace the power of choice and their own response-ability.

4. Worriers expect the worse and see only limitations. Warriors see a myriad of possibilities and have a deep sense of faith and trust. They maintain a long term perspective, knowing you may lose a battle but still win the war. Warriors are able to let go of the uncontrollable and focus their attention on the areas where they can be effectual.

The next time you find yourself fretting over a situation, no matter how serious and real the issue may be, review the above list and select one shift in attitude or perception that you can make to gain greater clarity. This will not be an exercise that you try once and victory is achieved. It will take practice, practice, practice. But the awareness that you have choice and that your life need not be dictated by repetitive, autonomic emotions can be a huge and dramatic shift. This is the path of the Inner Samurai.

About the Author:

Karin Marcus, Certified Life Coach / Retreat Leader
"Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do" Rumi
Karin@Steppingoutcoaching.com 610-667-5247
http://www.SteppingOutCoaching.com
Download your complimentary "Walking with Intention: A Self-Guided Mini Retreat"
http://www.SteppingOutCoaching.com/newsletter.html

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 4 Steps to Transforming Yourself from a Worrier to a Warrior

I FEEL GOOD....so good

2009-05-03T13:21:00.001-04:00

Feel Better Live Longer

Author: Adam Khan

Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than old-fashioned exercise.

The merits of exercise — from preventing chronic health conditions to boosting confidence and self-esteem — are hard to ignore. And the benefits are yours for the taking, regardless of age, sex or physical ability.

We were made to move. It is what our bodies were built for. Exercising will:

Help lower blood pressure
Increase levels of good HDL cholesterol
Cut heart attack, and diabetes risk
Reduce insulin needs if you have diabetes
Reduce colon cancer risk
Keep bones and joints strong
Control weight
Promote better sleep
Improve mood
Ease depression
Put the spark back into your sex life

The older you are, the more important exercising becomes. Your metabolic rate slows down and you need fewer calories to maintain your correct weight. Weight-bearing exercise is also needed to help prevent osteoporosis in aging bones.

You may find the threat of a future illness is not enough motivation to change your habits now. There can be many reasons for not taking up exercise, including:

Lack of time due to work or family commitments
Cost of equipment or gym membership
Lack of facilities nearby
Personal safety when exercising outdoors alone
Poor weather or nighttime lighting

However, there are ways to overcome all of these potential barriers and work exercise into your daily life. This could include getting off the bus to work one or two stops earlier than usual.

You may find the threat of a future illness is not enough motivation to change your habits now. There can be many reasons for not taking up exercise, including:

Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. "Think 'move' in small increments of time," recommends Nerys Purchon in her book The Essential Natural Health Bible. "It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym, or a 45-minute aerobic dance class. That's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more."

You may find the threat of a future illness is not enough motivation to change your habits now. There can be many reasons for not taking up exercise, including:

Sixty minutes of physical activity every day is one of the "golden rules" for good health. That includes incidental activity (the calories we burn in our everyday activities) and planned exercise. To make a real difference, it must be regular and some of it needs to get the heart pumping.

Examples of everyday activities that count include:

Walking up stairs instead of using lifts
Walking up moving escalators
Walking instead of driving for short journeys
Doing the housework at double-time
DIY and gardening
Playing Table Tennis Table sports

Planned exercise doesn't mean a gym. The key is to find some activities you enjoy, and to do them regularly. Nerys Purchon gives some ideas in her book:

Examples of everyday activities that count include:

Aerobics, exercise classes, spin sessions
Dancing
Elliptical Cross Trainers
Exercise bikes
Weight training is very important
Paddling, rowing, and kayaking
Swimming, surfing, and body surfing
Team sports like baseball and basketball
Tennis, squash, and other racket sports
Yoga, pilates, tai chi

And, whenever possible, stay standing instead of sitting. Even standing still will burn more calories than sitting on your butt!

About the Author:

Adam Khan Buy Quality Exercise Bikes, Treadmills and Multi Gyms at Argos Sports & Fitness Equipment

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Feel Better Live Longer

he Essential Natural Health Bible

Food Born Illness

2009-05-03T13:16:00.001-04:00

Salmonella Poisoning

Author: Peter Kent

Salmonella is the most common cause of food-borne illness and causes a condition known as salmonellosis. Salmonella is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that pass from the feces of people or other animals to other people or animals.

What Foods Are Likely to Harbor Salmonella?

Any food that comes from an animal can contain salmonella. Meat, poultry, milk, dairy products, eggs, and seafood are can contain salmonella. Sometimes fruits and vegetables also can contain salmonella. Salmonella can cause sickness when animal products are not cooked to an adequate temperature or when produce is not adequately washed.

What is Salmonellosis?

When an individual is exposed to salmonella they are infected with salmonellosis. Salmonellosis results in more than 500 illnesses each year in the United States.

What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?

1. stomach cramps

2. chills

3. headache

4. nausea

5. vomiting

6. fever

7. diarrhea

How Does Salmonella Get Into Peanut Butter? The peanut butter-salmonella outbreak came as a surprise to many food safety experts. Bacteria typically do not thrive in the high-fat, low-moisture environment that peanut butter provides. Additionally, peanut butter usually is pasteurized; bacteria do not usually survive the high heat needed for the pasteurization process. Research into the topic of past peanut butter safety, however, provided even bigger surprises.

The salmonella outbreak is not the first associated with peanut butter; a similar incident affected about 50 people in 1996 in Australia. An "associated" source of salmonella contamination is considered a product such as peanut butter; however, this is different than say raw meat, eggs or poultry, which are considered a principle source. While salmonella can show up in peanut butter, there needs to be a source for the contamination to occur. A study published in Journal of Food Protection in November 2006 suggested that the high-fat, low-water composition of peanut butter was sufficient to sustain the growth of three different types of salmonella.

What Kind of Peanut Butter Was Affected in the February 2007 Recall?

ConAgra manufactured the contaminated peanut butter. Currently, the United States Food and Drug Administration recommends that all Peter Pan peanut butter purchased after May 2006 be thrown away. Additionally, the Great Value peanut butter from Wal-Mart is part of the affected recall.

How Do I Know If I Ate Contaminated Peanut Butter?

Exposure to salmonella generally results in fever, dehydration, abdominal pain, and vomiting within about 8 to 72 hours of exposure; those who display such symptoms as a result of salmonella exposure are said to have salmonellosis. Symptoms usually go away within four to seven days. Those with strong immune systems often do not need medical attention to get better. However, for children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems, salmonellosis can prove deadly.

Are There Permanent Effects of Being Exposed to Salmonella?

Those who have diarrhea as a result of salmonella exposure usually recover completely. A small number of those who are exposed to salmonella end up with joint pain, irritation in their eyes, and painful urination known as Reiter's syndrome. This can last for months or years and even can lead to chronic arthritis.

How Can I Protect Myself and My Family From Salmonella?

Sanitizing is an important part of salmonella avoidance. Alcohol is effective against salmonella, as is quaternary ammonium. Salmonella lives in the intestines of animals and generally is spread by contact with animal feces. Salmonella that is present in the juices of raw meat and in poultry can lead to food-borne illness and also can cross-contaminate other foods. Food also can become contaminated if handled by someone who has salmonella present on his or her hands.

The feces of pets can also lead to salmonella contamination, especially if a pet has diarrhea. Reptiles are particularly likely to have salmonella; after handling a reptile, people should always immediately wash their hands. Cooking meat products thoroughly and measuring inside temperature with a thermometer can help kill much of the salmonella that causes illness.

If you were sickened after eating Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter, contact an experienced unsafe products attorney for an evaluation. You may decide to file a Peter Pan peanut butter recall lawsuit and recoup compensation related to medical expenses, future medical care, and other costs.

About the Author:

LegalView offers additional resources on lawsuits and litigation at its homepage, http://www.LegalView.com/. Also use LegalView's vast array of legal topics to learn about the most controversial prescription drugs on the market such as Vytorin and Zetia or learn about the one of the newer practice areas found at http://baxter-heparin.legalview.com, which discusses Baxter Heparin's side effects.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Salmonella Poisoning

FDA Peanut Product Recall Widget. Flash Player 9 is required. Visit http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm to search for peanut product recalls or call CDC-INFO at 1-800-232-4636 for more information.

Old Folks at Home

2007-08-06T17:30:00.006-04:00

Two blogs melded into one

By: Amber Columbia

Just folksPOD: Who's Your DADDY? Mine is "BIG DADDY or "D". Daddy has always been DADDY; Mother was Mother and their very preferences for salutations sets the tone for my relationship with each.

Daddy and I always had more in common. Each,an only child surrounded by relatives who showered affection and gifts upon us. Aunts and uncles shielded us from the realities of the grown-up world. His old uncle was his childhood "pal" and later, as my Great Uncle "Hunk" he shared his life with me. Everything he did with Daddy, he did with me, including fishing and hiking; my girl-hood didn't matter at all.

"D" and I are painters. My love for painting and art, an inheritance, is his inheritance as well. "D"'s daddt, my Grandpa was a commercial artists and sign painter who was able to keep his business going and workers working even during the great depression. Grandpa painted realistic works as did my grandmother. But, when "D" wanted to go to art school,Grandpa said "No!" He wanted something different for "D" and directed him to study business at Babson outside of Boston, Mass.

Daddy has set the tone for what I want and expect in friends and in a standard for living. Kindness, intelligence, a liberal political consciousness and Christian ethics with or without Christianity. He is generous and outgoing; he doesn't often hesitate when someone asks for his help. Daddy enjoys a comfortable home and is always looking for interesting new additions to his rooms, although the new additions are usually something purchased in an antiques or second-hand shop.

Dad has a FANTASTIC VOICE and loves karaoke, he's an OLD CROONER!

My "Big Daddy" is 87 (ed 2009) and Mother is gone. I have no children; 38 first cousins; five of my mother's 10 siblings remain. Daddy has two cousins and me; He is a survivor of a once large and loving family. That saddens me but it is the way the world works. We are here and then we are not. Something of us remains through blood or memory as long as those who remember or who share DNA live.

Daddy knows each day is a gift. Many of his friends have died but his outgoing personality helps him to make new friends all the time. He loves to travel, shop, and of course eat out with friends but that has become increasingly difficult. Most days, he is in his studio and paints. It takes him longer to complete his work than before but he does. He's rather amazing and I KNOW I am one of the luckiest ladies in the world because I have my BIG DADDY still.

Just FolksPOD: Mr. Ray

Mr. Ray is a good neighbor. At 87, his mind is sharp but the once athletic body is wearing down. He walks slowly with shoulders slightly stooped, each step causes pain. His breathing is hindered by chronic sinus infections , his arms and face are covered by the scars that remain from numerous laser surgeries performed to remove skin cancers. Regardless of his advanced years or ill health, nothing stops this senior citizen from doing a day's work, often the heavy labor reserved for a man a third his age.

A month or so ago we spoke as he eyed a huge old maple in my front yard. The tree was alive but it's gnarled branches came tumbling down every time there was the slightest breeze. Mr. Ray had been collecting neighborhood wood for over 50 years. It fueled his maple sap operation in the early Spring; and kept he and his wife warm during the long and cold New England winter. Now, he wanted this tree, the entire tree and he offered to take it down.

I hesitated but smiled. The fact this tree was 50 feet tall, next to a well travelled road and over hanging the power lines meant nothing to this man. He was confident in his ability and had felled many just like it before. "NO!" I said, "I think we need to get the town involved. It's too close to the road; it's just too much for one person." He returned my smile and turned to make the slow walk across the street and home.

Today, as I look out across the lawn and to the road I see a large flat tree stump cut at ground level. No branches litter the lawn and a young spruce, newly planted, will soon grow as a specimin for all to admire. For weeks I thought the town had tired of clearing wood that littered the road and had removed the elderly maple. When it first 'disapeared', a very large stump remained and soon, Mr. Ray re-appeared, chainsaw in hand, and began cutting it away. I ran to his side, watching and worrying. "This is too much for him", I thought. Mr. Ray worked steadily for an hour before taking a break. I thanked him for attempting to rid us of the stump and asked if he was able to get the wood when the old maple was felled. He smiled again and began telling me the story of the day when he and Mrs. Mrs Ray, also 87, cut the old tree down. Methodically and without incident, they dropped the tree, cut it into moveable pieces and removed every limb, branch, and leaf to their yard.

This took me by surprise. He silently continued his work on the stump, when the job was done, he packed his tools and moved ever so slowly across the street where Mrs. Ray certainly was waiting to stack the stump wood with the rest of the tree. That evening their house was dark by 8pm. It is dark each evening around that time and so it goes, before the next dawn, Mr. and Mrs. Ray will rise to begin another very full and active day.

Dad loves Maine and has been visiting the state since the mid 1960s when he also worked there.

His interest and talent in watercolor and oil painting brought him to the state for workshops on several occasions. During the 1980s her worked on Monhegan Island with artist Larry Goldsmith.

Why folksPOD...Paying it FORWARD

2007-08-05T17:06:00.001-04:00

folksPOD is dedicated to the act of PAYING IT FORWARD. I hope that someone will gain knowledge or be helped by the contents and that they might pass along help to others. For me, paying it forward, even in the smallest way, is what life is about. Amber Columbia

Pay it Forward

Author: Tsoof and Eden Baras

Most young children believe in the goodness of human nature. Later on, parents start telling their kids those stories about being careful with strangers because parents know that the big bad world is…well…bad. As we get older, we start to see that maybe the world is not quite so perfect. We realize that maybe our parents do not always know the answers and that now that we are older, we have responsibility for our actions.

“Pay It Forward” is a movie about the big bad world and how we can each make it just that little bit better. 12-year-old Trevor Mckinney (played wonderfully, as always, by Haley Joel Osment) is given a project in school by his social studies teacher, Eugene Simonet (Kevin Spacey), to come up with a plan that will change the world through direct action. On his way home from school later that day, Trevor notices Jerry, a homeless man, and decides to make a difference in Jerry's life. Trevor then comes up with a plan for his project. He will do a good deed for three people and instead of "paying him back" they must each in turn do good deeds for three other people and "pay it forward". Each of those people must then pay it forward to three people each, and so on. Trevor's first good deed is to help Jerry by feeding and housing him so he can "get on his feet."

Trevor's mother, Arlene (Helen Hunt) is an alcoholic, single mother who is working two jobs. When she finds out Trevor is housing a homeless man she becomes angry with Trevor and confronts Eugene about the reason Trevor has allowed Jerry into their home. Eugene is also intrigued by Trevor's response to the social studies project.

Meanwhile, journalist Chris Chandler (Jay Mohr) finds himself stuck on the road without a car late one night after his 1965 Ford Mustang was damaged in a car accident. A stranger stops and gives him the keys to a brand new Jaguar S-type car, asking him only to pay the favor forward to someone else; astonished, Chris wants to find out where this philosophy came from.

For his next good deed Trevor decides to help Eugene by setting him up with his own mother. Their relationship comes along perfectly until Arlene's ex-husband Ricky (Jon Bon Jovi), shows up unannounced, claiming he is sober and Arlene decides to give him another chance. When things turn ugly and Arlene turns to Eugene when she discovers that Ricky is still the mean drunk he always was, Eugene is not willing to forgive her.

Chris finally tracks down Trevor as the originator of "pay it forward," and interviews him. Trevor explains his hopes for the concept, but expresses his concerns that people may be too afraid to change their own lives in order to make the whole world a better place. Eugene and Arlene are both present during the interview. When Eugene hears Trevor's words, he realizes that he and Arlene should be together.

For his last good deed, Trevor decides to help a friend who is constantly tormented by bullies.

Without giving too much away, the movie promoted a truly inspiring message that reminds you that there is still good in the world and even if you are just one person, you can make amazing changes. If we all did a good deed for three different people, and then they in turn did a good deed for three more people, is that hard? No. Is it possible? Yes. Would it make a difference? You bet! Make a difference, pay it forward.

About the Author:

Tsoof and Eden love to download full movies from the Internet.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Pay it Forward

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