EASY ORANGE CHICKEN
When my children were young, chicken was a less expensive meat, therefore I made a lot of chicken recipes. So many that I actually had to invent new recipes to keep my children interested in eating it as often as we did. Since it was mainly for them I kept in mind that their tastes were simple and less refined than adults. Therefore, I came up with this simple easy chicken recipe. I also found it a good change of pace from ordinary. This recipe though is not for those on sugar-restricted or diabetic diets.
Grocery list:
1)One cut-up chicken or chicken legs and thighs combination
2)Salt
3)Pepper
4)One 10 ounce can of frozen Orange Juice concentrate
Preparation:
1)Take out and allow to thaw at room temperature or in a bowl of water the frozen Orange juice concentrate.
2)Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3)Remove skin from chicken pieces.
4)Wash chicken pieces and pat dry gently.
5)Pierce the pieces at least once per side with a fork. This allows the flavor of the orange juice to permeate throughout the chicken.
6)Place chicken in shallow baking pan.
7)Lightly season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
8)Pour thawed Orange concentrate over chicken pieces.
9)Place in oven to bake.
10)Baste chicken every fifteen to twenty minutes during baking process.
11)Chicken should be done in one hour to one hour and twenty minutes.
12)Check for doneness by piercing the pieces. When the juices run clear then they are done.
13)Remove from oven and baste one last time.
14)Let stand for ten minutes.
This recipe is great served with any type of potatoes or a green/macaroni salad. Rolls/bread sticks/garlic bread or also great with it too.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Is It Heartburn Or More?
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, that builds up behind the breast bone, that feels like you are on fire. It generally comes after eating a huge or spicy meal. It affects at least sixty million Americans each month. Occasional heartburn does not necessarily mean you have a health problem. However, it is irritating nonetheless. So let's see what are some of our options for treating occasional heartburn.
Antacids
Loose weight
Eat smaller meals
Wear looser clothing
Don't eat too close to bedtime
Eat more slowly, chew your food thoroughly
Avoid food and beverages that are acidic or have caffeine
Drink warm tea following your meal to help with digestion
For Heartburn that occurs frequently please see your doctor for an evaluation. I have also placed links at the bottom of this post for you to take a few quizzes in regards to other conditions that sometimes mimic heartburn symptoms. Take the quizzes then take your results with any questions to your doctor.
gerdquiz
herniaquiz
ulcerquiz
infantrefluxquiz
gastritisquiz
gastroparesisquiz
Antacids
Loose weight
Eat smaller meals
Wear looser clothing
Don't eat too close to bedtime
Eat more slowly, chew your food thoroughly
Avoid food and beverages that are acidic or have caffeine
Drink warm tea following your meal to help with digestion
For Heartburn that occurs frequently please see your doctor for an evaluation. I have also placed links at the bottom of this post for you to take a few quizzes in regards to other conditions that sometimes mimic heartburn symptoms. Take the quizzes then take your results with any questions to your doctor.
gerdquiz
herniaquiz
ulcerquiz
infantrefluxquiz
gastritisquiz
gastroparesisquiz
Friday, March 28, 2008
When To Start Golfing:
Our grand-daughter is going to be nine years old in April. Her Dad and Grandpa believe it's time she starts golfing. Therefore, she needs to have her own clubs for her birthday. Her grandpa began golfing at the age of seven years old. He raised four sons, three of whom learned to golf. The fourth one just played around without much interest. Therefore, he didn't have to develop his golfing skills like the others. One now is deceased. That leaves two brothers who grew up to be avid golfers, just like their father. Each son now has two daughters, the youngest one just recently added a newborn son to his family. Neil is the oldest, Scott is the one with the newborn. It's Neil who's daughter will be nine in April. Scott's daughter will be fourteen in April. Neil and Scott live about fifteen minutes from one another, managing to golf at least once a week together(sharing a golf cart once dear old dad's). They golf with other people also during the week. Therefore, it is not uncommon for them to go golfing at least three or more times per week during the golf season. My husband and his two sons would golf everyday if they could afford it and their wives would let them. I go golfing with them on occasion. I am not an avid golfer. Actually, I still call myself a beginner. Therefore, while they golf all eighteen holes, I only golf the front nine. I usually golf with other friends too on executive nine hole courses. Which is not what my husband likes to play.
Neil told his dad (my husband) that his daughter had gone golfing with him a few times already. Actually Kyla is a very active in different sports. She's played on the school soccer, basketball, and softball teams. She is a very tall girl for her age, therefore most children's beginner golf sets were going to be too short. Especially ones made for girls, since those made for females are always made shorter than their male counterparts. Scott's daughter Alex, who is going on fourteen, believes golf to be boring. However, she is into taekwondo and wrestling. Her Grandpa raised four sons. However, he realizes that with eight grand-daughters and four grandsons that he will have to make some concessions. Especially when the females out number the males (he is a very smart man, my husband).
I myself played miniature golf as a child, believing it was golf for children. Well, that was definitely the wrong idea, I had, according to my husband. It was not until the age of fourteen and a half years old that I picked up a "real" golf club. I found out how much more difficult the game of golf actually was than miniature golf. Addressing the ball and following it through were tough enough. Actually they still are for me today. I don't know if a child at the age of seven or nine is ready for the game of golf. As it is a game of patience. I have seen grown men cry or throw clubs due to impatience or a bad slice. Yes, we bought our grand-daughter the golf clubs and they are awaiting her birthday. After all, she says she likes going with her dad to the course and has hit a few times. However, his clubs were a bit long for her even though she is tall for her age. Every child and every situation, no matter the sport, should be judged on it's own merit. It is up to the parent's to determine at what age their child is ready to play the game called golf.
golf-terms
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Recycling Cell Phones:
Verizon has a program in which they recycle and reuse cellphones. They collect the old cell phones that customers no longer want. Then they refurbish them and put them back into use through a program called "Hopeline." Hopeline is a program for victims of domestic violence. In which the participants receive a free cell phone and usage. All the participants need to do, when they need help, is dial #4673 then press send. They are connected directly to the National Abuse Hotline to get information and the help they need. In 2004 Verizon donated over 11,500 phones to shelters, 2005 it was 9,600 and in 2006 it was over 16,000. Verizon is one of the biggest recyclers of cell phones. The total of cell phones recycled in the year 2004 was over 139,000, in 2005 it was over 267,600 and in 2006 it was beyond 242,600. Verizon actually collected over 990,000 cell phones in 2006. Those not recycled or sent to hopeline were refurbished and put back into use by customers/loaners.
AT&T also has programs that help our environment through recycling cell phones. Theirs is called Keep America Beautiful. It also helps recycle computers too. On their site you get to choose from a list of charities in which you would like to donate your old cell phone. These charities range from domestic abuse to child abuse agencies, animal advocates, the red cross, foreign agencies abroad that help other causes including those in the service, different ministries ect.
By recycling cell phones and their batteries it helps to keep our landfills empty. Thus saving us from the deadly leaching of lead and mercury that can happen when they are disposed of improperly. Cadmium is another toxin in which can be found in cell phones and other electrical devices. It is deadly in which it affects our lungs and kidneys. Mercury oftentimes finds it's way into our streams and fish. When we get are exposed to toxic amounts of mercury it affects our brain. Mercury has been found to be a main link to those who develop Alzheimer's disease. Lead is the worst of all three as it affects the environment by entering our waterways, grasslands, and even the air we breathe. It causes more health conditions for us also. It attacks our bodies through our bones, muscles, fat and blood. Damaging organs such as the kidneys, nerves, brain and liver. When lead affects the brain and nerves it causes seizures, memory problems, mental retardation and mood changes. It will also cause osteoporosis. It can lead to heart and blood problems such as anemia, high blood pressure and heart disease. If this is what happens to us. Think how is also affects our wildlife.
Cell phones are fun for teenagers to call their friends. They have also become a necessity in our world of business and mobile society of today. However, just like many other things we need to take special care when we no longer have need of the old ones anymore. Therefore, cell phones their chargers and batteries should be disposed of just like any other hazardous waste. Do not just throw them away in your trash can to where they end up in the landfill. Please let's protect, not pollute and destroy, our earth. Below are a few links to charities in which you can donate your old cell phone.
discardedcells
charitable recycling
donateurcell
AT&T also has programs that help our environment through recycling cell phones. Theirs is called Keep America Beautiful. It also helps recycle computers too. On their site you get to choose from a list of charities in which you would like to donate your old cell phone. These charities range from domestic abuse to child abuse agencies, animal advocates, the red cross, foreign agencies abroad that help other causes including those in the service, different ministries ect.
By recycling cell phones and their batteries it helps to keep our landfills empty. Thus saving us from the deadly leaching of lead and mercury that can happen when they are disposed of improperly. Cadmium is another toxin in which can be found in cell phones and other electrical devices. It is deadly in which it affects our lungs and kidneys. Mercury oftentimes finds it's way into our streams and fish. When we get are exposed to toxic amounts of mercury it affects our brain. Mercury has been found to be a main link to those who develop Alzheimer's disease. Lead is the worst of all three as it affects the environment by entering our waterways, grasslands, and even the air we breathe. It causes more health conditions for us also. It attacks our bodies through our bones, muscles, fat and blood. Damaging organs such as the kidneys, nerves, brain and liver. When lead affects the brain and nerves it causes seizures, memory problems, mental retardation and mood changes. It will also cause osteoporosis. It can lead to heart and blood problems such as anemia, high blood pressure and heart disease. If this is what happens to us. Think how is also affects our wildlife.
Cell phones are fun for teenagers to call their friends. They have also become a necessity in our world of business and mobile society of today. However, just like many other things we need to take special care when we no longer have need of the old ones anymore. Therefore, cell phones their chargers and batteries should be disposed of just like any other hazardous waste. Do not just throw them away in your trash can to where they end up in the landfill. Please let's protect, not pollute and destroy, our earth. Below are a few links to charities in which you can donate your old cell phone.
discardedcells
charitable recycling
donateurcell
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Raft River Geo-thermal Plant:
Located 200 hundred miles, from Boise, is the small town of Raft River Idaho. In 2002 the town of Raft River and Idaho Power combined their resources to begin a project to create an alternative source of energy that was eco-friendly. This source is known as geo-thermal energy. The project began with the drilling of the wells in December 2006. In June 2007 construction began on the power plant. In November 2007 the power plant was completed and the first test was run. In January 2008 geo-thermal becomes a new source of energy for residents of Idaho.
The positive use of geo-thermal plants is that there is less than one percent chance of harmful impact on our planet.Their emission levels are very low because they do not burn fuel to generate electricity. The basic concept of geo-thermal power is based on hot water from the well being pumped to the surface. Then it's pumped through a heat exchanger, re-pumped into the ground where it is reheated and reused again. No smoke is being emitted into the atmosphere only clean steam. The cycle repeats continually. Geo-thermal plants use up to five gallons of fresh water per mega-watt hour (the binary air cooled don't use any water). While the natural gas facilities use 361 gallons per mega-watt hour. Also, geo-thermal plants emit very low carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as compared to all other energy resources. Therefore, it has the "lowest level" of impact upon global warming. No wonder the EPA states that geo-thermal energy is considered to be the most cost effective, energy efficient and environmentally clean energy source.
geothermal
The positive use of geo-thermal plants is that there is less than one percent chance of harmful impact on our planet.Their emission levels are very low because they do not burn fuel to generate electricity. The basic concept of geo-thermal power is based on hot water from the well being pumped to the surface. Then it's pumped through a heat exchanger, re-pumped into the ground where it is reheated and reused again. No smoke is being emitted into the atmosphere only clean steam. The cycle repeats continually. Geo-thermal plants use up to five gallons of fresh water per mega-watt hour (the binary air cooled don't use any water). While the natural gas facilities use 361 gallons per mega-watt hour. Also, geo-thermal plants emit very low carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as compared to all other energy resources. Therefore, it has the "lowest level" of impact upon global warming. No wonder the EPA states that geo-thermal energy is considered to be the most cost effective, energy efficient and environmentally clean energy source.
geothermal
Stress Relieving Journal:
People that have experienced traumatic events or just everyday stress find that writing them out often helps. The best way to do this is by setting aside a time each day, about fifteen to twenty minutes to write. Try to keep the same time therefore it falls into your schedule as something that is routine, normally people will do things that are more routine than extra.
Go somewhere quiet where you are alone. Get comfortable, but don't lie down (often times lying down will trigger you to fall asleep). Write your feelings down, such as anger, frustration and grief. In this way your blank piece of paper is giving you a therapeutic way in which to vent your feeling that you have been bottling up. Feelings that often are unhealthy to vent in many ways because they can cause conflict or pain. Oftentimes you have bottled up feelings that you were unable to vent from a traumatic event such as a rape or domestic violence or even loss of a loved one through murder/kidnapping. Journal writing can help assist you to heal these often unexplored hurtful, terrifying, sad feelings that you have kept deep inside you for so long.
When my children were pre-teens I had them begin to journal their thoughts. I found this to be a way for them to vent their frustrations towards feeling "unjustly punished ect." in their eyes. Once I stumbled across my daughter's journal and found some disturbing things written in it about how she felt about me. However, she may have written them while frustrated she never acted them out. Thus, I never had a child that went to a public school and shot anyone or murdered her parents. I had a normal teenager who thought her Mother was "too strict" that wished Mom would die so she could live her life her way. A very natural wish for a teen when Mom wouldn't allow her to go to an "unchaperoned party." Of course had my daughter written detailed plans on how to murder me I would have been concerned then.
Writing about traumatic events or feelings also helps improve your health. It can improve your blood pressure, your heart rate and muscle tension. All due to the fact that it is a stress reducer. Therefore keeping a stress relieving journal is one way to improve your health and get something off your chest. Therefore, I believe this works no matter what the age of the person.
I'm sure everyone has a lot of things that bother them everyday that they could write about. The boss made you angry because you got passed over for promotion for the second time. Your son got arrested for a DUI. Your spouse invited his boss to dinner, forgot to tell you until he gets home from work, and the boss is due in one hour. The guy in the parking lot wasn't watching and backed into your car. Then there's more traumatic things like the loss of a parent or child in an accident or robbery. Some drunk drive crippled you for the rest of your life. Someone you know was raped or abused. Cancer has creeped into your family.
You feel devastated, invaded, full of hatred, want to lash out, want to scream, want to cry in desperation. Reach for that pen and tablet, write it out. Write it all out. Don't miss anything. Write your feelings down. Let the dam overflow from the pen unto the paper. That's right, write it all out. Don't hold back. I write when I am upset and life doesn't seem fair. I wrote when my Mother died. I wrote about the turmoil that I felt boiling inside me. It helped relieve my stress. I kept writing about how much I missed her being around. Eventually it helped ease the pain. It will help you too. The pain threshold lessens as the stress level decreases. That's why it's called a stress relieving journal.
de-stressing
Go somewhere quiet where you are alone. Get comfortable, but don't lie down (often times lying down will trigger you to fall asleep). Write your feelings down, such as anger, frustration and grief. In this way your blank piece of paper is giving you a therapeutic way in which to vent your feeling that you have been bottling up. Feelings that often are unhealthy to vent in many ways because they can cause conflict or pain. Oftentimes you have bottled up feelings that you were unable to vent from a traumatic event such as a rape or domestic violence or even loss of a loved one through murder/kidnapping. Journal writing can help assist you to heal these often unexplored hurtful, terrifying, sad feelings that you have kept deep inside you for so long.
When my children were pre-teens I had them begin to journal their thoughts. I found this to be a way for them to vent their frustrations towards feeling "unjustly punished ect." in their eyes. Once I stumbled across my daughter's journal and found some disturbing things written in it about how she felt about me. However, she may have written them while frustrated she never acted them out. Thus, I never had a child that went to a public school and shot anyone or murdered her parents. I had a normal teenager who thought her Mother was "too strict" that wished Mom would die so she could live her life her way. A very natural wish for a teen when Mom wouldn't allow her to go to an "unchaperoned party." Of course had my daughter written detailed plans on how to murder me I would have been concerned then.
Writing about traumatic events or feelings also helps improve your health. It can improve your blood pressure, your heart rate and muscle tension. All due to the fact that it is a stress reducer. Therefore keeping a stress relieving journal is one way to improve your health and get something off your chest. Therefore, I believe this works no matter what the age of the person.
I'm sure everyone has a lot of things that bother them everyday that they could write about. The boss made you angry because you got passed over for promotion for the second time. Your son got arrested for a DUI. Your spouse invited his boss to dinner, forgot to tell you until he gets home from work, and the boss is due in one hour. The guy in the parking lot wasn't watching and backed into your car. Then there's more traumatic things like the loss of a parent or child in an accident or robbery. Some drunk drive crippled you for the rest of your life. Someone you know was raped or abused. Cancer has creeped into your family.
You feel devastated, invaded, full of hatred, want to lash out, want to scream, want to cry in desperation. Reach for that pen and tablet, write it out. Write it all out. Don't miss anything. Write your feelings down. Let the dam overflow from the pen unto the paper. That's right, write it all out. Don't hold back. I write when I am upset and life doesn't seem fair. I wrote when my Mother died. I wrote about the turmoil that I felt boiling inside me. It helped relieve my stress. I kept writing about how much I missed her being around. Eventually it helped ease the pain. It will help you too. The pain threshold lessens as the stress level decreases. That's why it's called a stress relieving journal.
de-stressing
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Superstitions:
There are many different superstitions in society. Some date way back into Medieval times. Superstitions is a belief that something, like "bad luck" exists in many ways, due to certain instances/circumstances that can bring it about. There are many different categories of superstitions; religious, home, animal, good luck, bad luck, cards, baby, acting/stage, holidays, death, new home, hair, fishermen, mining, parsley, wedding, moving into new home, and the general category too.
I am going to go into a few of the ones that I grew up with and some people I've talked with have spoken about. Superstitions seem to be still very much a part of our society even today. We may not believe in all of them. But, we do probably have one or two that we do pretty much practice. Maybe, you will notice one that you practice in the list below. If not check out the link I posted at the end of the article for more superstitions. Maybe yours is there. I believe many of us probably try to dismiss the fact that we aren't superstitious. Old wives tales also fall under superstitions as does urban legends.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Tying a knot in a handkerchief wards off evil.
It's bad luck to put a hat on a bed.
A cricket in the house brings good luck.
Unlucky to sit cross-legged when playing cards.
Finding & keeping a four leaf clover will bring you luck.
Itchy nose means you will have an argument with someone.
A horseshoe hung above your doorway will bring you good luck. Hang it upwards so the luck won't run out.
Ringing bells means an angel has received it's wings.
It's bad luck to walk under a ladder.
It's bad luck to change a horse's name.
A frog brings good luck to the house it enters.
If your right palm itches you will soon be getting money (don't rub it so you can get more money).
If your left palm itches you will be paying out money -- to pay out less rub it against wood.
Cut your hair on Good Friday to prevent headaches in the year to come.
Carry an acorn to bring luck.
Don't step on a crack or you break your Mother's back.
Only pick up a coin if it's heads up (that's good luck--tails down is bad luck).
Golfers can have a successful day on the course if they start their round with odd numbered clubs and don't use balls with numbers higher than 4.
It is very unlucky to give parsley.
To drop a comb while you are combing your hair is a sign of a coming disappointment.
It is bad luck to light three cigarettes with the same match.
Luck for the Bride: Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe.
Never bring an old broom into a new house/place to live (when you move leave your old broom there).
Throw back the first fish you catch then you'll be lucky the whole day fishing.
To break a mirror means 7 years bad luck.
Money attracts money, so never leave your pockets, purses or wallets completely empty and never completely empty your bank account. Always leave at least a coin or two. It was also considered good luck to give a gift of a wallet or a purse with a coin or two in it.
If a mirror in the house falls and breaks by itself, someone in the house will die soon.
Carry a rabbit's foot for good luck.
Ladybug landing on you is good luck. Number of spots on the ladybug equals number of happy months ahead.
Having peacock feathers indoors is bad luck (the eye of the peacock feather is evil).
It is bad luck to spill salt unless a pinch is thrown over the left shoulder into the face of the devil waiting there.
It's good luck when you see a falling star. Make a wish on it and it will come true.
Actors never wish each other "good luck" before a performance as it might have the opposite effect. It's safer to tell an actor heading for the stage to "break a leg", "knock 'em dead", or "see you on the green".
It's bad luck to open an umbrella inside the house.
Killing a spider can bring very bad luck (It is unlucky to kill spiders because a spider spun a web over baby Jesus to hide him from Herod).
Seeing a spider cross a wall is good luck.
A spider on your clothes brings money.
The most unlucky card to hold in one's hand is the four of clubs.
Putting a shirt on inside-out is bad luck.
If you spill pepper you will have a serious argument with a friend.
It is bad luck to put on the left shoe before the right one or to put the shoes on the wrong feet.
Knocking on wood is good luck, as it awakens the good spirits of protections and fortune.
If your shoelace persists in coming untied, take it as you are about to receive some kind of good news.
When you are talking to someone, and if you should both happen to say the same word or sentence at the same time, you must each clasp the other's little finger and wish. Then, if you do not tell your wish, it will come true.
If you get a chill up your back or goosebumps, it means that someone is walking over your grave.
Two people pull apart the dried breastbone of a chicken or turkey until it cracks and breaks, each one making a wish while doing so. The person who gets the long half of the wishbone will have his or her wish come true.
If you use the same pencil to take a test, that you used for studying for the test, the pencil will remember the answers.
If you make a wish while throwing a coin into a well or fountain, the wish will come true.
All wishes on shooting stars come true.
Rosemary planted by the doorstep will keep witches away.
If your nose itches, someone is coming to see you.
Wear new clothes on Easter for good luck throughout the year.
If your feet itch it means you will be walking on somewhere new.
It is bad luck for the groom to see the bride on the eve of their wedding or in her wedding gown.
When a couple is walking down the street holding hands and an obstacle (like a pole) comes between them you must say "bread and butter"...thereby keeping the union until the hands meet again on the other side of the pole.
You clink two glasses of alchol to scare the demon out of the alcohol.
The list goes on. Some of these above may seem outlandish yet people today still feel that there is something in them that rings true enough to follow the advice in it. There is really nothing wrong with being a little superstitious actually. Why not see how many of these you or your friend actually find yourselves doing without even realizing it. Maybe it's because you were raised on them and just thought is was common sense that your parents were teaching you. I have provided links below to two of the sights where I found the largest available content on various superstitions.
One more thought on Superstitions:
IF YOU BELIEVE IN A SUPERSTITION, IT WILL ALWAYS FOLLOW YOU!
superstitions
urbanlegends
I am going to go into a few of the ones that I grew up with and some people I've talked with have spoken about. Superstitions seem to be still very much a part of our society even today. We may not believe in all of them. But, we do probably have one or two that we do pretty much practice. Maybe, you will notice one that you practice in the list below. If not check out the link I posted at the end of the article for more superstitions. Maybe yours is there. I believe many of us probably try to dismiss the fact that we aren't superstitious. Old wives tales also fall under superstitions as does urban legends.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Tying a knot in a handkerchief wards off evil.
It's bad luck to put a hat on a bed.
A cricket in the house brings good luck.
Unlucky to sit cross-legged when playing cards.
Finding & keeping a four leaf clover will bring you luck.
Itchy nose means you will have an argument with someone.
A horseshoe hung above your doorway will bring you good luck. Hang it upwards so the luck won't run out.
Ringing bells means an angel has received it's wings.
It's bad luck to walk under a ladder.
It's bad luck to change a horse's name.
A frog brings good luck to the house it enters.
If your right palm itches you will soon be getting money (don't rub it so you can get more money).
If your left palm itches you will be paying out money -- to pay out less rub it against wood.
Cut your hair on Good Friday to prevent headaches in the year to come.
Carry an acorn to bring luck.
Don't step on a crack or you break your Mother's back.
Only pick up a coin if it's heads up (that's good luck--tails down is bad luck).
Golfers can have a successful day on the course if they start their round with odd numbered clubs and don't use balls with numbers higher than 4.
It is very unlucky to give parsley.
To drop a comb while you are combing your hair is a sign of a coming disappointment.
It is bad luck to light three cigarettes with the same match.
Luck for the Bride: Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe.
Never bring an old broom into a new house/place to live (when you move leave your old broom there).
Throw back the first fish you catch then you'll be lucky the whole day fishing.
To break a mirror means 7 years bad luck.
Money attracts money, so never leave your pockets, purses or wallets completely empty and never completely empty your bank account. Always leave at least a coin or two. It was also considered good luck to give a gift of a wallet or a purse with a coin or two in it.
If a mirror in the house falls and breaks by itself, someone in the house will die soon.
Carry a rabbit's foot for good luck.
Ladybug landing on you is good luck. Number of spots on the ladybug equals number of happy months ahead.
Having peacock feathers indoors is bad luck (the eye of the peacock feather is evil).
It is bad luck to spill salt unless a pinch is thrown over the left shoulder into the face of the devil waiting there.
It's good luck when you see a falling star. Make a wish on it and it will come true.
Actors never wish each other "good luck" before a performance as it might have the opposite effect. It's safer to tell an actor heading for the stage to "break a leg", "knock 'em dead", or "see you on the green".
It's bad luck to open an umbrella inside the house.
Killing a spider can bring very bad luck (It is unlucky to kill spiders because a spider spun a web over baby Jesus to hide him from Herod).
Seeing a spider cross a wall is good luck.
A spider on your clothes brings money.
The most unlucky card to hold in one's hand is the four of clubs.
Putting a shirt on inside-out is bad luck.
If you spill pepper you will have a serious argument with a friend.
It is bad luck to put on the left shoe before the right one or to put the shoes on the wrong feet.
Knocking on wood is good luck, as it awakens the good spirits of protections and fortune.
If your shoelace persists in coming untied, take it as you are about to receive some kind of good news.
When you are talking to someone, and if you should both happen to say the same word or sentence at the same time, you must each clasp the other's little finger and wish. Then, if you do not tell your wish, it will come true.
If you get a chill up your back or goosebumps, it means that someone is walking over your grave.
Two people pull apart the dried breastbone of a chicken or turkey until it cracks and breaks, each one making a wish while doing so. The person who gets the long half of the wishbone will have his or her wish come true.
If you use the same pencil to take a test, that you used for studying for the test, the pencil will remember the answers.
If you make a wish while throwing a coin into a well or fountain, the wish will come true.
All wishes on shooting stars come true.
Rosemary planted by the doorstep will keep witches away.
If your nose itches, someone is coming to see you.
Wear new clothes on Easter for good luck throughout the year.
If your feet itch it means you will be walking on somewhere new.
It is bad luck for the groom to see the bride on the eve of their wedding or in her wedding gown.
When a couple is walking down the street holding hands and an obstacle (like a pole) comes between them you must say "bread and butter"...thereby keeping the union until the hands meet again on the other side of the pole.
You clink two glasses of alchol to scare the demon out of the alcohol.
The list goes on. Some of these above may seem outlandish yet people today still feel that there is something in them that rings true enough to follow the advice in it. There is really nothing wrong with being a little superstitious actually. Why not see how many of these you or your friend actually find yourselves doing without even realizing it. Maybe it's because you were raised on them and just thought is was common sense that your parents were teaching you. I have provided links below to two of the sights where I found the largest available content on various superstitions.
One more thought on Superstitions:
IF YOU BELIEVE IN A SUPERSTITION, IT WILL ALWAYS FOLLOW YOU!
superstitions
urbanlegends
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A Short Story: Brontophobia
Brontophobia
“I realize it Doctor Fredricksen, it’s ....it’s just that” Jenny paused taking in a deep breath before continuing on “I’ve been afraid of lightening ever since I was almost struck while next to the lighting pole when I was only seven.” It was so very scary to see the lighting zig zag down the pole....within just inches of my face” she finished in a quivery voice.
“Jenny, explain to me exactly what it is you do whenever there is a storm and your children are at home with you? Are you brave for them? Do you cower in front of them? Or do you go into your bedroom?” asked Dr. Fredricksen.
“I’ve heard that during a lightening storm you need to unplug appliances and t.v.’s. So first I go around doing that. Then I gather my children, I don’t allow them on the second story of the house, for fear of lightening striking there and starting a fire. Then we lie down on the living room floor, I have each one of them lie on each side of me. We lay there until it is over. And I keep the cordless phone handy in case I need to make a call to the fire department or someone.”
“Jenny, do you realize that you are setting your children up to fear lightening and thunder? Tell me what happens when your husband is at home? Does he allow such things to take place?”
“Oh no” Jenny sobs. Dr. Fredricksen hands her a Kleenex. She sobs for a few more minutes. Then takes in a gulp of air and proceeds after dabbing at her eyes. “He actually berates me. He refuses to let me unplug anything. He tells me everything is on a surge protector so the lightening or outages won’t hurt anything. Then he says if I want to hide to go into the bedroom. But he and the kids are going outside to enjoy the lightening. I beg him.” Jenny starts sobbing again for several minutes, gulps some air then continues on. “I beg him not to take them from me, but he does” her voice raspy now “All three of them get on the roof and watch the lightening. It terrifies me so much.” “Yet,” Jenny’s voice becomes a whisper “sometimes I wish I could be that brave.”
“Maybe you are no longer as afraid of the lightening as you think. Sounds like you want to protect your children. Whether or not a parent is always there bad things will happen to children. We can’t protect them always. Life happens as it is destined. We must continue to live. To live without fears and phobias controlling us, keeping us from enjoying life. You just told me you wished sometimes you could be with the three of them on the roof and watch the lightening. Why don’t you go next time?”
“Do you really think I’m cured enough that I could?” Jenny asked.
“Yes I do. Facing and realizing why we have a fear is the main root to overcoming a fear.” replied Dr. Fredricksen.
“I realize it Doctor Fredricksen, it’s ....it’s just that” Jenny paused taking in a deep breath before continuing on “I’ve been afraid of lightening ever since I was almost struck while next to the lighting pole when I was only seven.” It was so very scary to see the lighting zig zag down the pole....within just inches of my face” she finished in a quivery voice.
“Jenny, explain to me exactly what it is you do whenever there is a storm and your children are at home with you? Are you brave for them? Do you cower in front of them? Or do you go into your bedroom?” asked Dr. Fredricksen.
“I’ve heard that during a lightening storm you need to unplug appliances and t.v.’s. So first I go around doing that. Then I gather my children, I don’t allow them on the second story of the house, for fear of lightening striking there and starting a fire. Then we lie down on the living room floor, I have each one of them lie on each side of me. We lay there until it is over. And I keep the cordless phone handy in case I need to make a call to the fire department or someone.”
“Jenny, do you realize that you are setting your children up to fear lightening and thunder? Tell me what happens when your husband is at home? Does he allow such things to take place?”
“Oh no” Jenny sobs. Dr. Fredricksen hands her a Kleenex. She sobs for a few more minutes. Then takes in a gulp of air and proceeds after dabbing at her eyes. “He actually berates me. He refuses to let me unplug anything. He tells me everything is on a surge protector so the lightening or outages won’t hurt anything. Then he says if I want to hide to go into the bedroom. But he and the kids are going outside to enjoy the lightening. I beg him.” Jenny starts sobbing again for several minutes, gulps some air then continues on. “I beg him not to take them from me, but he does” her voice raspy now “All three of them get on the roof and watch the lightening. It terrifies me so much.” “Yet,” Jenny’s voice becomes a whisper “sometimes I wish I could be that brave.”
“Maybe you are no longer as afraid of the lightening as you think. Sounds like you want to protect your children. Whether or not a parent is always there bad things will happen to children. We can’t protect them always. Life happens as it is destined. We must continue to live. To live without fears and phobias controlling us, keeping us from enjoying life. You just told me you wished sometimes you could be with the three of them on the roof and watch the lightening. Why don’t you go next time?”
“Do you really think I’m cured enough that I could?” Jenny asked.
“Yes I do. Facing and realizing why we have a fear is the main root to overcoming a fear.” replied Dr. Fredricksen.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
My Easter Memories:
I have many fond memories of dying eggs with my brothers and sister. The day before Easter we would jostle one another around the dining room table. Somehow one of us would end up spilling one of the cups of the dye all over the tablecloth. Then we'd giggle as that one would try to mop it up as fast as they could before it reached the floor and Mom walk in. Of course Mom normally came in first due to all the giggling and the "you're in big trouble." Mom feigned being angry but seemed to be ready with a bucket of suds, mop and a cloth. As if expecting a catastrophe from one of her troops. She'd help the offender clean the mess by giving him/her the sudsy cloth while she mopped up the pooling coloring on the floor. Then she would place the tablecloth in the bucket and leave us to finish the egg-dying. She'd peek around the corner now and then as she heard the oohs and aahs we'd make as we decorated our four dozen eggs. We always got to do a dozen a piece. We had to have enough for the Easter bunny to hide for the hunt on Easter morning.
We believe the Easter bunny must have elected Mom as his helper since we rarely saw him enter our home. However, on Easter morning she'd tell us we needed to go to the other room for a few minutes so she could see if the Bunny already hid the eggs. Didn't he do that when he delivered the baskets? Or did he make two trips? Maybe he was just so old and senile Moms needed to double check on the Easter bunny like they did Dads. So we went to the other room as instructed and waited till we heard the "okay, come on out!" The hunt was on. In good weather the bunny hid them outside, I guess this must have been what Mom was checking on to see whether he hid them inside or outside. In bad weather they were inside, except never in breakable things, smart bunny kept us out of trouble that way. Our family must have had stock in Kodak because cameras were always snapping. Flashing making you blind and seeing spots. 'Will you just leave us be so we can see to find our eggs', was all we thought, whilst the grown ups kept flashbulbs popping in our eyes. It turned out years later I would do the same thing to my own poor tykes. As Easter Egg Hunts were our family tradition and there was no getting around them. The winner, one with the most eggs, got a prize. The prize? Well, some years it was a toy or special chocolate rabbit or egg (normally a bit larger than everyone else's). Later, as we became over the age of eight it was money (no more than a dollar in my time). By the time you turned thirteen you were too old for the egg hunts. At thirteen you helped the babies and small children hunt eggs.
Afterwards, our grand-father would make deviled eggs out of three dozen of them, much to our delight. Normally we would hang around him trying to dip our fingers in the egg yolk mixture before he could stuff all the scooped out shells. If we weren't quick enough we'd end up with a few red fingers that smarted for a minute or so.
Traditions are wonderful aren't they? I think so, especially when it comes to food. The magic word. Glazed ham, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes with brown sugar, black eyed peas, Grandma's sweet potato pie, collard greens, Grandpa's hush puppies, Mom's lemon meringue pie, Grand-pa's deviled eggs, Grandpa's pecan pie, okra, Auntie T's chocolate rolls, Auntie B's yeast rolls, Mom's potato salad, my jello salad, Grandma's giblet gravy, mashed potatoes (and not from any box), and sweet tea. Just all the trimmings you enjoy. Family, tradition and a feast for you to eat till you pop. Of course you just can't be like my baby brother and start to eat before everyone is ready. Everyone must be seated, heads bowed and a prayer of thanksgiving said to God for his blessings and sacrifice. After all, Easter is about God and the sacrificial offering of his Son on our behalf. "Roger, put that back, we haven't said amen yet."
Blessings to you all, amen. Okay now enjoy your Easter and it's memories.
We believe the Easter bunny must have elected Mom as his helper since we rarely saw him enter our home. However, on Easter morning she'd tell us we needed to go to the other room for a few minutes so she could see if the Bunny already hid the eggs. Didn't he do that when he delivered the baskets? Or did he make two trips? Maybe he was just so old and senile Moms needed to double check on the Easter bunny like they did Dads. So we went to the other room as instructed and waited till we heard the "okay, come on out!" The hunt was on. In good weather the bunny hid them outside, I guess this must have been what Mom was checking on to see whether he hid them inside or outside. In bad weather they were inside, except never in breakable things, smart bunny kept us out of trouble that way. Our family must have had stock in Kodak because cameras were always snapping. Flashing making you blind and seeing spots. 'Will you just leave us be so we can see to find our eggs', was all we thought, whilst the grown ups kept flashbulbs popping in our eyes. It turned out years later I would do the same thing to my own poor tykes. As Easter Egg Hunts were our family tradition and there was no getting around them. The winner, one with the most eggs, got a prize. The prize? Well, some years it was a toy or special chocolate rabbit or egg (normally a bit larger than everyone else's). Later, as we became over the age of eight it was money (no more than a dollar in my time). By the time you turned thirteen you were too old for the egg hunts. At thirteen you helped the babies and small children hunt eggs.
Afterwards, our grand-father would make deviled eggs out of three dozen of them, much to our delight. Normally we would hang around him trying to dip our fingers in the egg yolk mixture before he could stuff all the scooped out shells. If we weren't quick enough we'd end up with a few red fingers that smarted for a minute or so.
Traditions are wonderful aren't they? I think so, especially when it comes to food. The magic word. Glazed ham, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes with brown sugar, black eyed peas, Grandma's sweet potato pie, collard greens, Grandpa's hush puppies, Mom's lemon meringue pie, Grand-pa's deviled eggs, Grandpa's pecan pie, okra, Auntie T's chocolate rolls, Auntie B's yeast rolls, Mom's potato salad, my jello salad, Grandma's giblet gravy, mashed potatoes (and not from any box), and sweet tea. Just all the trimmings you enjoy. Family, tradition and a feast for you to eat till you pop. Of course you just can't be like my baby brother and start to eat before everyone is ready. Everyone must be seated, heads bowed and a prayer of thanksgiving said to God for his blessings and sacrifice. After all, Easter is about God and the sacrificial offering of his Son on our behalf. "Roger, put that back, we haven't said amen yet."
Blessings to you all, amen. Okay now enjoy your Easter and it's memories.
An Interactive Easter Morning:
This is such a cute way of creating a story. I wanted to share this with all of you. It was created by a 15 yr old in Canada. Go here and creat-your-own-story; Eastermorn.
Easter Videos:
For your viewing pleasure and in honor of Easter, I thought today's post would be more visual. Therefore, I am posting links for you to visit and enjoy. I found this link to be quite an intersting way to dye your easter eggs by using vegetables and not chemicals, they came up with some interesting designs; natural. This video is more explicit as it starts from how to boil the eggs for the begginers out there. However, don't skip over this just because of that reason as it does have some good decorating tips; howto. I found this one to be simple but wanted to include it as it shows a child coloring the eggs himself; cougar. Easter is always best with children and there reactions, don't you agree? I loved this little girl's reaction to the color of the easter egg when it was pulled out of the dye cup; cassidy.
Now here is an oldie Easter cartoon that will give you a chuckle for sure; bosko. Here's a bit of a funny, yet a bit of religous easter message. Not too religous though. It's a fun little skit, watch these hard-boiled eggs; don'twanna. This one is actually about egg art that is done with blown out eggs. It's incredible how some people can decorate the shells. I really love the fish one the best; blown. Here's an interesting one painting easter eggs; painted.
Here's some sisters dying eggs, I like the characters they make. Also, notice how well-behaved they are while dying eggs. My children would always want to have their own bowl of eggs to color instead of sharing, it prevented arguing over the eggs. They show off their eggs in their baskets; sisters. What easter isn't complete without chocolate, at least for most people (I myself am allergic to it). Therefore, here is a video about ornamental chocolate eggs; chocolate. Also, I've found a clever one on how to make a cream filled chocolate egg; makeachoc. After Easter you will probably have many leftover hard-boiled eggs. Here is just a few suggestions on how to use them up; leftover.
In closing I thought I'd leave you with this comical video;pinkegg.
Happy Easter everyone -- here's your card; eastercard.
Now here is an oldie Easter cartoon that will give you a chuckle for sure; bosko. Here's a bit of a funny, yet a bit of religous easter message. Not too religous though. It's a fun little skit, watch these hard-boiled eggs; don'twanna. This one is actually about egg art that is done with blown out eggs. It's incredible how some people can decorate the shells. I really love the fish one the best; blown. Here's an interesting one painting easter eggs; painted.
Here's some sisters dying eggs, I like the characters they make. Also, notice how well-behaved they are while dying eggs. My children would always want to have their own bowl of eggs to color instead of sharing, it prevented arguing over the eggs. They show off their eggs in their baskets; sisters. What easter isn't complete without chocolate, at least for most people (I myself am allergic to it). Therefore, here is a video about ornamental chocolate eggs; chocolate. Also, I've found a clever one on how to make a cream filled chocolate egg; makeachoc. After Easter you will probably have many leftover hard-boiled eggs. Here is just a few suggestions on how to use them up; leftover.
In closing I thought I'd leave you with this comical video;pinkegg.
Happy Easter everyone -- here's your card; eastercard.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Help Abused Children And Animals:
The other day, on another blog, someone had posted the comment "What can I do? It doesn't seem to be enough to just sign petitions to save animals from cruelty." Let me answer that here, I've been signing many petitions and sending hundreds of letters to my Congressmen, Senators, Mayors, and any other State Officials in all the states that are involved in whichever animal cruelty issue going on. I have even contacted Diplomats of Foreign Countries. Don't you say it doesn't matter, it makes a difference even if one less animal or one less child is saved. In our world today we need to stand up for those who can't speak up for themselves, and that's the Children and the Animals. Martin Luther King was just "one man", yet his legacy lives on today, the greatness of his work continued even after his death. One person started something. Think about that and tell me that signing that petition or writing that letter isn't going to make a difference. I have seen it happen. If you subscribe to the newsletters of the areas you are advocating then you will see the success stories also.
I've even received letters from the Senators, Congressmen and various others I have written telling me how much my views have opened their eyes and that they will be casting their vote (the way I want) when it goes comes up for voting. You are not alone in this, you have a voice, get others involved, join in with those that already are involved, then you are one of many, you will be heard. Whether as a lone voice or a group. I have seen, since I have been doing this, the average has been about four out of every nine petitions passed into laws or some type of legislation. Therefore, I know that signing petitions and writing letters is effective. We are making a difference. We are saving lives from being abused/neglected or in need of care. Stopping abuse/neglect (or getting the care) of Children and Animals who can't speak for themselves is our job. So take a stand beside me and all the others out there. Sign petitions, write your Congressmen and other officials. Even if we save one life I believe it's worth the effort.
Below are some Petitions:
Children;
My number one Petition, if you don't sign any other, is this one as it only has a dozen signatures! It is to say no to all forms of Child Abuse - which includes neglect - here is an excerpt from it: "without the basic utilities in their homes and the sad fact that because of the cost for the services increasing and the status of the parents income staying the same it causes ,depression and the children don't see a way out of the darkness of no utilities into the once again light of a bulb from the usage of electric , nor a drink of water or bath in the tub. its time we take a stand or our children will fall into the darkness of no electricity and want see their way out." Please sign this one at least: NO To all forms of Child Abuse
End Water Poverty
Children Without Lights
Prevent Pediatric HIV/AIDS
Safety of Our Children/Welfare of Farm Animals
Children Targets of Witch hunt
Women & Children in Sex Slavery
To Remove Pedophile Website
Animals;
Wolf Recovery
End Worldwide Animal Suffering
Artic Refuge
Pebble Mine
End Euthanasia
Officers Murder K-9 Partners
Fight Animal Cruelty
Horse Slaughter
I've even received letters from the Senators, Congressmen and various others I have written telling me how much my views have opened their eyes and that they will be casting their vote (the way I want) when it goes comes up for voting. You are not alone in this, you have a voice, get others involved, join in with those that already are involved, then you are one of many, you will be heard. Whether as a lone voice or a group. I have seen, since I have been doing this, the average has been about four out of every nine petitions passed into laws or some type of legislation. Therefore, I know that signing petitions and writing letters is effective. We are making a difference. We are saving lives from being abused/neglected or in need of care. Stopping abuse/neglect (or getting the care) of Children and Animals who can't speak for themselves is our job. So take a stand beside me and all the others out there. Sign petitions, write your Congressmen and other officials. Even if we save one life I believe it's worth the effort.
Below are some Petitions:
Children;
My number one Petition, if you don't sign any other, is this one as it only has a dozen signatures! It is to say no to all forms of Child Abuse - which includes neglect - here is an excerpt from it: "without the basic utilities in their homes and the sad fact that because of the cost for the services increasing and the status of the parents income staying the same it causes ,depression and the children don't see a way out of the darkness of no utilities into the once again light of a bulb from the usage of electric , nor a drink of water or bath in the tub. its time we take a stand or our children will fall into the darkness of no electricity and want see their way out." Please sign this one at least: NO To all forms of Child Abuse
End Water Poverty
Children Without Lights
Prevent Pediatric HIV/AIDS
Safety of Our Children/Welfare of Farm Animals
Children Targets of Witch hunt
Women & Children in Sex Slavery
To Remove Pedophile Website
Animals;
Wolf Recovery
End Worldwide Animal Suffering
Artic Refuge
Pebble Mine
End Euthanasia
Officers Murder K-9 Partners
Fight Animal Cruelty
Horse Slaughter
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Scam Alert:
Today, I want to tell you about Mega Typing a.k.a. Tying For Dollars.It's an internet company that will send you an email that states that for $47.00 you can receive information on how to begin your own business, making an income from home, typing information for companies. That information mostly is ads and such. The information packet they have for the $47.00 will tell you how to do everything and who to contact and what information is needed in your ads etc. Depending on how fast you get depends on how much money you will be able to earn in the long run. Well, that sound pretty logical doesn't it. Doesn't sound like those others out there that promise thousands per month. So I sent off my hard earned money.
What I got was not what they described. It was just information that said to go open a zoofer account. Then it told me to open an adsense and clickbank account and the how-to's on those. Then in directed me to another site to open a blog account. Then it later stated that there were opportunities in typing available for making money such as typing ads for companies, however they didn't have the time to go into the details here for that. What???? That was what I paid for -- that particular information -- and they weren't going to go into the details.
Well, they did say there was a thirty day money back guarantee. So I contacted them 48 hrs after receiving the information that I had purchased (which is done over the internet). I received an email stating the following:
Customer Service wrote: On Feb. 5,2008
Hello Pamela,
I have asked our accounting department to send you a check in the amount of $47.00. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you.
I believed them that the refund check was in the mail until after three weeks and I still hadn't received it. Then I wrote them again, this time they never responded and I have continued to write them every single week since then and still no response. Still NO Refund Check!
Do NOT waste your money with these people. It's not worth even spending five dollars on what they sent me. It might have been worth three dollars maybe at the very most. And I'm being generous. I just don't want to see anyone else taken advantage of as I have obviously been. Since I don't seem to be getting my refund I will be notifying as many people as possible about these people and their scam. I also wrote them again today telling them what I was doing. I do hope that this may save someone from throwing away their hard earned money on a company that is less than reputable. A company that doesn't stand behind their 30 day money back guarantee. I've never had problems in the past with companies giving me refunds, the few times I didn't like a product, but this company has been a non-compliance with their guarantee so far. It certainly looks like they have no intention of returning my money, not after seven weeks. Even though I had asked within 48 hrs of receiving their product and finding it was not what they advertised it to be.
What I got was not what they described. It was just information that said to go open a zoofer account. Then it told me to open an adsense and clickbank account and the how-to's on those. Then in directed me to another site to open a blog account. Then it later stated that there were opportunities in typing available for making money such as typing ads for companies, however they didn't have the time to go into the details here for that. What???? That was what I paid for -- that particular information -- and they weren't going to go into the details.
Well, they did say there was a thirty day money back guarantee. So I contacted them 48 hrs after receiving the information that I had purchased (which is done over the internet). I received an email stating the following:
Customer Service
Hello Pamela,
I have asked our accounting department to send you a check in the amount of $47.00. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you.
I believed them that the refund check was in the mail until after three weeks and I still hadn't received it. Then I wrote them again, this time they never responded and I have continued to write them every single week since then and still no response. Still NO Refund Check!
Do NOT waste your money with these people. It's not worth even spending five dollars on what they sent me. It might have been worth three dollars maybe at the very most. And I'm being generous. I just don't want to see anyone else taken advantage of as I have obviously been. Since I don't seem to be getting my refund I will be notifying as many people as possible about these people and their scam. I also wrote them again today telling them what I was doing. I do hope that this may save someone from throwing away their hard earned money on a company that is less than reputable. A company that doesn't stand behind their 30 day money back guarantee. I've never had problems in the past with companies giving me refunds, the few times I didn't like a product, but this company has been a non-compliance with their guarantee so far. It certainly looks like they have no intention of returning my money, not after seven weeks. Even though I had asked within 48 hrs of receiving their product and finding it was not what they advertised it to be.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Alzheimer's In Baby Boomer Generation:
Right now more than five million people have Alzheimer's. Researchers estimate that between eight to ten million baby boomers will probably develop Alzheimer's. Some estimates say that by 2050 it will be as high as sixteen million. Wow, that's some staggering numbers. A woman's chance of developing Alzheimer's by age fifty-five is two to one, to that of a man. Alzheimer's has been known to strike people as young as thirty years of age and as old as eighty five. Every 71 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
What is Alzheimer's?
It is a form of dementia. Which is a loss of memory and other functions that help us to deal with our daily lives. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells that cause memory loss, loss of our daily function to work and socialize. Eventually we don't recognize our loved ones. Alzheimer's is the seventh leading cause of death.
What are the signs of Alzheimer's?
Memory loss; everyone forgets things occasionally so don't panic yet. People with Alzheimer's forget very recent information and can't recall it at all; this happens quite often.
Difficulty completing routine tasks ; once in a while you may forget what you went to do (that's normal and okay). People with Alzheimer's will forget how to prepare a meal or play a card game (things they've usually done all their life before).
Forget words/phrases/names; once in a while all of us forget a name (you haven't seen the person in ten years or so) or can't find the right word we want to use. People with Alzheimer's forget simple words or use a substitute word (that doesn't make sense) or describe it like "that place you mail things" for post office.
Disorientation; we all forget the time/day of the week (because we get so busy it seems to fly by) or where we were going (because we were distracted by someone/something else). People with Alzheimer's get lost very easily, even in their own block/neighborhood and can't find their way back home.
Poor Judgement; well who hasn't once in a while--right. People with Alzheimer's have decreased/poor judgment to the effect that they may dress inappropriately by overdressing for hot summer days or under dressing for cold wintry days. They may also just give away things like antiques or even large sums of money to strangers.
Performing Mental Tasks; we all have problems once in a while balancing our checkbooks. People with Alzheimer's may not remember what numbers are for or how to use them.
Misplacing things; who hasn't done this once in a while. People with Alzheimer's may place things in unusual places such as car keys in the freezer or mail in the dryer.
Changes in mood/behavior; all of us have times/day that we are moody once in a while. People with Alzheimer's may have multiple mood swings from anger to fear or tears to happiness in just a few minutes, for no apparent reason.
Personality changes; it's normal for people's personalities to change some as they age. People with Alzheimer's personalities change drastically to where they can become totally dependant on one person primarily. They are very confused, suspicious and fearful.
Loss of Initiative/Socialization ; it's normal for us to get tired at times and want to just kick back, be alone and do nothing. People with Alzheimer's sleep more than usual, don't want to do any activities/socialize and become very passive.
People more at risk of developing Alzheimer's are those with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. Therefore, you need to be more watchful of your health. It has been discovered that Omega-3, from fish, is one way to slow the possible progression of Alzheimer's. Therefore, reinforcing the fact that staying heart healthy is one way to ensure that you may not get Alzheimer's. Other evidence suggests that by staying healthy overall decreases your chances of developing Alzheimer's. This is done by exercising your mind along with your body, avoiding tobacco, watching your weight (consult your BMI tables for your frame size), avoid drinking alcohol in excessiveness, avoid non-prescription drugs, see your doctor regularly (at least once per yr for your annual check up provided you have no medical conditions warranting more visits). If a health problem arises see your doctor and do as instructed.
The actual cause of Alzheimer's is not totally known, some of what we know about the cause is linked to mercury. However too many efforts and research dollars have already been spent to find the origin/cause. Instead what we need to do is put aside that notion and pool all the monies towards finding ways to cure/treat Alzheimer's. However, it is too early to tell. One thing is for sure, research money is best spent on creating drugs/pharmaceuticals that will benefit Alzheimer's patient.
Caregivers at some point will be necessary to those that are inflicted. Thus, putting a strain on our family and loved ones. The alternative nursing home will add to the rising costs in order to free those of us unable to care for our loved ones. Thus bringing up the costs of healthcare/Medicare even higher. The cost of Alzheimer's is approximately $148 per year for Medicare right now. It is projected that Medicare's costs will be about doubled around 2015. It seems the Baby Boomer generation will need to become more prepared for this disease. Since Medicare will not be able to support such alarming numbers. If we begin now to better take care of ourselves it can possibly delay or maybe decrease the numbers of baby boomers that develop Alzheimer's. Who knows possibly in the near future maybe one of the drugs that are "currently in trial" could be the one to either "cure" or significantly "delay progression" of Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's Facts
www.msnbc
ten-million-baby-boomers
What is Alzheimer's?
It is a form of dementia. Which is a loss of memory and other functions that help us to deal with our daily lives. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells that cause memory loss, loss of our daily function to work and socialize. Eventually we don't recognize our loved ones. Alzheimer's is the seventh leading cause of death.
What are the signs of Alzheimer's?
Memory loss; everyone forgets things occasionally so don't panic yet. People with Alzheimer's forget very recent information and can't recall it at all; this happens quite often.
Difficulty completing routine tasks ; once in a while you may forget what you went to do (that's normal and okay). People with Alzheimer's will forget how to prepare a meal or play a card game (things they've usually done all their life before).
Forget words/phrases/names; once in a while all of us forget a name (you haven't seen the person in ten years or so) or can't find the right word we want to use. People with Alzheimer's forget simple words or use a substitute word (that doesn't make sense) or describe it like "that place you mail things" for post office.
Disorientation; we all forget the time/day of the week (because we get so busy it seems to fly by) or where we were going (because we were distracted by someone/something else). People with Alzheimer's get lost very easily, even in their own block/neighborhood and can't find their way back home.
Poor Judgement; well who hasn't once in a while--right. People with Alzheimer's have decreased/poor judgment to the effect that they may dress inappropriately by overdressing for hot summer days or under dressing for cold wintry days. They may also just give away things like antiques or even large sums of money to strangers.
Performing Mental Tasks; we all have problems once in a while balancing our checkbooks. People with Alzheimer's may not remember what numbers are for or how to use them.
Misplacing things; who hasn't done this once in a while. People with Alzheimer's may place things in unusual places such as car keys in the freezer or mail in the dryer.
Changes in mood/behavior; all of us have times/day that we are moody once in a while. People with Alzheimer's may have multiple mood swings from anger to fear or tears to happiness in just a few minutes, for no apparent reason.
Personality changes; it's normal for people's personalities to change some as they age. People with Alzheimer's personalities change drastically to where they can become totally dependant on one person primarily. They are very confused, suspicious and fearful.
Loss of Initiative/Socialization ; it's normal for us to get tired at times and want to just kick back, be alone and do nothing. People with Alzheimer's sleep more than usual, don't want to do any activities/socialize and become very passive.
People more at risk of developing Alzheimer's are those with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. Therefore, you need to be more watchful of your health. It has been discovered that Omega-3, from fish, is one way to slow the possible progression of Alzheimer's. Therefore, reinforcing the fact that staying heart healthy is one way to ensure that you may not get Alzheimer's. Other evidence suggests that by staying healthy overall decreases your chances of developing Alzheimer's. This is done by exercising your mind along with your body, avoiding tobacco, watching your weight (consult your BMI tables for your frame size), avoid drinking alcohol in excessiveness, avoid non-prescription drugs, see your doctor regularly (at least once per yr for your annual check up provided you have no medical conditions warranting more visits). If a health problem arises see your doctor and do as instructed.
The actual cause of Alzheimer's is not totally known, some of what we know about the cause is linked to mercury. However too many efforts and research dollars have already been spent to find the origin/cause. Instead what we need to do is put aside that notion and pool all the monies towards finding ways to cure/treat Alzheimer's. However, it is too early to tell. One thing is for sure, research money is best spent on creating drugs/pharmaceuticals that will benefit Alzheimer's patient.
Caregivers at some point will be necessary to those that are inflicted. Thus, putting a strain on our family and loved ones. The alternative nursing home will add to the rising costs in order to free those of us unable to care for our loved ones. Thus bringing up the costs of healthcare/Medicare even higher. The cost of Alzheimer's is approximately $148 per year for Medicare right now. It is projected that Medicare's costs will be about doubled around 2015. It seems the Baby Boomer generation will need to become more prepared for this disease. Since Medicare will not be able to support such alarming numbers. If we begin now to better take care of ourselves it can possibly delay or maybe decrease the numbers of baby boomers that develop Alzheimer's. Who knows possibly in the near future maybe one of the drugs that are "currently in trial" could be the one to either "cure" or significantly "delay progression" of Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's Facts
www.msnbc
ten-million-baby-boomers
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Yellowstone Bison:
The government is killing the Yellowstone Bison whenever they wander out of the borders of Yellowstone National Park. Already one thousand and ninety eight of those beautiful bison have already been slaughtered this winter so far. It could still reach as many as two thousand at this rate yet. Why? They fear that the bison may carry a disease known as brucellosis to free-roaming cattle. However, cattle no longer roam the free ranges of the Horse Butte Peninsula. Yet, the government continue to needlessly kill the Yellowstone Bison despite that fact. Also, the bison are not even being tested before or after being slaughtered to determine if they have the disease. What kind of preventive measures is that? I find that to be sloppy governing and pure laziness on the part of the rangers themselves. Yet, there also has been "no documented transmission" of brucellosis occurring between bison and cattle either. It just seems the Park Service is intent on destroying these remaining bison unless we stand up and let our voices be heard "LOUDLY." These bison are the last of America's free-roaming herd of our western heritage. The government is spending our tax dollars to kill these bison "needlessly" since there are "no free-roaming cattle" any longer on the Horse Butte Peninsula. It is up to us as American citizens to ask "our government officials" to put an end to such "senseless" killings and "waste" of our tax dollars. There must be a new study put in place to manage the bison and be their guardians not their executioners.
Please sign the petition below:
Yellowstone Bison Petition
proposed solution
send a letter
Please sign the petition below:
Yellowstone Bison Petition
proposed solution
send a letter
Monday, March 17, 2008
Preparing a Disaster Kit:
Every year California is plagued by fires and mudslides, even the occasional earthquake. The coast of Florida is plummeted by pounding waves with high-velocity gales and hurricanes. Tornadoes run through the panhandle of Oklahoma on a routine basis during their season. Severe snowstorms blanket many parts of the East coast for weeks at a time in knee to waist high snow. Parts of the Mississippi river overflow flooding surrounding areas, causing residents to climb atop their homes awaiting to be rescued. Arizona is known for flash floods or people dying of heat exposure. Many people loose power, their homes, some even their lives. Is your family prepared for a disaster of any caliber. Even a house fire will cause you to become disoriented and displaced. Are you ready? Do you have a plan that everyone in your family knows about? Do you have an emergency preparedness kit ready and easily accessible? If you don't. Don't hesitate to do so now. Being prepared, even if you never have to use it, is better than needing it and not having it. Okay, you say. So where do you begin? Glad you asked. Read on.
Making three kits is always the best alternative; Kit one is for when you are forced to stay home -- in the case of an earthquake or tornado (and you've taken shelter and are safe after the disaster; staying home would be the safest option unless you are evacuated due to outages or fires/gas line breakage etc.) Kit two is for if you are evacuated. Kit three is for your vehicle, in case you don't make it to home to get your kit and have to be evacuated from your work for example. At the bottom of the article I have placed a checklist link (from FEMA's site) to help you with creating you kits. Still I will go over some of the items anyways.
I have also provided a link with info on making contact information cards, which are necessary for each member to have in their wallets/purses in time of disasters. In such times there is general panic and confusion and people can forget or jumble phone numbers. These cards are a way in which you will be able to contact certain persons in case you can't contact one another. Remember to make a plan on where to meet in cases that you are not together if such an event occurs. Please stress the importance of using the contact cards and having a meeting place (if it is safe-if not then leave info on your location with each of the contact's on your card so the other members will be able to find out your whereabouts when they call in).
In your "Stay At Home Kit" you will need: (this is for an average 3 day stay)
Water-is an essential ingredient for every kit, at least 3 gallons per person in this kit is needed since you don't know how long you'll be home.
Toilet paper, Canned food and non-perishable snacks (i.e. dry fruits like raisins), handheld can-opener, blankets, first-aid kit, medication (you might be taking or a family member), pet food/pet supplies, bleach (non-scented), pens/pencils and paper , clothes (for each family member), books/games (to occupy your time).
In your "Evacuation Kit" you will need:
Water-is an essential ingredient, as you are traveling you can't take 3 gallons per person therefore it can only be 1 gallon per person. Flashlight (with additional batteries-or a flashlight that doesn't require batteries is actually the best type to have actually), small hand-held radio (additional batteries), canned or dried food, hand-held can-opener, pet food (one day supply),one change of clothes (for each family member), plastic/paper plates/cups/silverware, personal hygiene items (don't forget hand sanitizer "waterless"), medication (you or family members normally take), identification cards, contact information card (with numbers of family and friends out of state), sleeping bags.
Place this kit in one place that is easily accessible for everyone. Make it simple to get to, so you can grab it and go without much hesitation.
In your "Vehicle Kit" you will need:
Same as your Evacuation Kit plus the following items; NOAA weather radio (if your small hand-held one doesn't get the weather station), signal flares, matches (in a waterproof container), tools (wrench, pliers, shovel at least), duct tape and scissors, whistle, plastic sheeting, work gloves, tent, compass, needle and thread, battery operated travel alarm clock, ABC fire extinguisher.
Remember to change your supply of water every six months (dump, rinse, clean, container and refill). Please be sure that you date your water with a label to make it easier to know when to refurbish your supply. Keep water in plastic containers, not glass. Also, write dates on your food items and refurbish them every six months too.
Look also on the Kit checklist link for a checklist of other items. These will be documents and extra keys and such. These things you will probably either store in another location entirely that is easily accessible outside your home. Some people find a safe deposit box a good idea. But in the case of an earthquake or power outage I'm not sure that it would be totally accessible. Some prefer to store them in their garage or even in their car or at work. The choice is yours.
Familiarize yourself with the use of a fire extinguisher, below is a link to a basic fire extinguisher use. Also is a link about terrorism fact information in case of another attack. Take CPR and First Aid courses through your local Red Cross or Hospital. Some Red Cross chapters also offer classes in preparation for terrorism attacks if you decide you would like to be more prepared in that area. Preparedness is the best way to be when an emergency arises. Remain calm as possible, you may be the one people depend on.
localnews8
kits checklist
contact info card
OSFMFireExtinguisherGuide
TerrorismFacts
Making three kits is always the best alternative; Kit one is for when you are forced to stay home -- in the case of an earthquake or tornado (and you've taken shelter and are safe after the disaster; staying home would be the safest option unless you are evacuated due to outages or fires/gas line breakage etc.) Kit two is for if you are evacuated. Kit three is for your vehicle, in case you don't make it to home to get your kit and have to be evacuated from your work for example. At the bottom of the article I have placed a checklist link (from FEMA's site) to help you with creating you kits. Still I will go over some of the items anyways.
I have also provided a link with info on making contact information cards, which are necessary for each member to have in their wallets/purses in time of disasters. In such times there is general panic and confusion and people can forget or jumble phone numbers. These cards are a way in which you will be able to contact certain persons in case you can't contact one another. Remember to make a plan on where to meet in cases that you are not together if such an event occurs. Please stress the importance of using the contact cards and having a meeting place (if it is safe-if not then leave info on your location with each of the contact's on your card so the other members will be able to find out your whereabouts when they call in).
In your "Stay At Home Kit" you will need: (this is for an average 3 day stay)
Water-is an essential ingredient for every kit, at least 3 gallons per person in this kit is needed since you don't know how long you'll be home.
Toilet paper, Canned food and non-perishable snacks (i.e. dry fruits like raisins), handheld can-opener, blankets, first-aid kit, medication (you might be taking or a family member), pet food/pet supplies, bleach (non-scented), pens/pencils and paper , clothes (for each family member), books/games (to occupy your time).
In your "Evacuation Kit" you will need:
Water-is an essential ingredient, as you are traveling you can't take 3 gallons per person therefore it can only be 1 gallon per person. Flashlight (with additional batteries-or a flashlight that doesn't require batteries is actually the best type to have actually), small hand-held radio (additional batteries), canned or dried food, hand-held can-opener, pet food (one day supply),one change of clothes (for each family member), plastic/paper plates/cups/silverware, personal hygiene items (don't forget hand sanitizer "waterless"), medication (you or family members normally take), identification cards, contact information card (with numbers of family and friends out of state), sleeping bags.
Place this kit in one place that is easily accessible for everyone. Make it simple to get to, so you can grab it and go without much hesitation.
In your "Vehicle Kit" you will need:
Same as your Evacuation Kit plus the following items; NOAA weather radio (if your small hand-held one doesn't get the weather station), signal flares, matches (in a waterproof container), tools (wrench, pliers, shovel at least), duct tape and scissors, whistle, plastic sheeting, work gloves, tent, compass, needle and thread, battery operated travel alarm clock, ABC fire extinguisher.
Remember to change your supply of water every six months (dump, rinse, clean, container and refill). Please be sure that you date your water with a label to make it easier to know when to refurbish your supply. Keep water in plastic containers, not glass. Also, write dates on your food items and refurbish them every six months too.
Look also on the Kit checklist link for a checklist of other items. These will be documents and extra keys and such. These things you will probably either store in another location entirely that is easily accessible outside your home. Some people find a safe deposit box a good idea. But in the case of an earthquake or power outage I'm not sure that it would be totally accessible. Some prefer to store them in their garage or even in their car or at work. The choice is yours.
Familiarize yourself with the use of a fire extinguisher, below is a link to a basic fire extinguisher use. Also is a link about terrorism fact information in case of another attack. Take CPR and First Aid courses through your local Red Cross or Hospital. Some Red Cross chapters also offer classes in preparation for terrorism attacks if you decide you would like to be more prepared in that area. Preparedness is the best way to be when an emergency arises. Remain calm as possible, you may be the one people depend on.
localnews8
kits checklist
contact info card
OSFMFireExtinguisherGuide
TerrorismFacts
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Migraines:
Migraines affect about 16-17 percent of us at one time in our lives. That's on the average of 20 million migraines daily. Statistically women are three times more apt to get migraines than men. Wow, staggering, huh?I myself am a person who has been plagued by migraines since the age of twenty five.
If you haven't had a severe headache that has gone into a migraine or you think you may have had one. You may be wondering what exactly are the symptoms.
1) aura: lights/flashing lights; this happens with only 20% of migraines
2) severe headache lasting anywhere from several hours up to three to four days before you seek medical help.
3) intense throbbing pain
4) nausea; occasionally vomiting this occurs in about 30%
5) headache pain on one side; generally a migraine begins for most on one side
for me it has always been on the left; 60% of migraine suffers have one-sided
migraines.
6) sensitive to light;this is different than the aura-you won't be able to stand lights as they will only make your head throb worse-lying in a dark room helps.
Now maybe you do or don't have a migraine. So why not take the migraine quiz to find out if those pesky headaches have been migraines.
migraine quiz
Most Commonly Known Migraine Triggers:
1) Lack of sleep; try to get at least 6-8 hrs of sleep per night
2) Caffeine, chocolate -- chocolate contains caffeine and I have lived fairly well
on a caffeine restricted diet (of course I had developed an allergy to chocolate
therefore it's easier to stay away from it -- unless I want to itch in unmention-
able places uncontrollably)
3) Stress; this is a very hard one to avoid--therefore you must learn a few stress
relieving exercises or techniques to assist you at times when you're stress
level is going up.
4) Smells; this can be certain perfumes to tobacco smoke -- my worst is cigarette
smoke by far, but also nail polishes, nail polish remover, certain perfumes and
after shaves, even dryer sheets can trigger a migraine for me. I always ask our
family and friends that smoke to kindly do it outside our home. My husband has
asthma therefore it helps him too. Before we married though I had no problem with
any of my family or friends honoring my request (at my/our home). When I go some-
where else though I sometimes find that we may have to leave early due to the
smells may begin to give me a migraine. My husband is very understanding.
5) Alcohol; beer and wine especially (guess the cheap things cause migraines -- well
I bet drinking the expensive stuff will cause one too by looking at the prices-
lol) you can have Riesling wine (no this is not an ad for that brand of wine!),
scotch and vodka--but only 1 glass per day for woman and 2 per day for men. (hey
I'm a woman--so I'm not picking on women believe me)
6) Physical Activity; Physical Exertion;guess you guys now have an excuse to lounge
on the sofa on the weekends huh? Exercise and Sex; guess us women have an excuse
to use to get back at you if you do that too. lol. Actually, strange as this
sounds, contrary to what I just said about sex...I have found that sex has
actually opened up the vessels in my head and helped ease my migraines. But each
person is different. When I have a headache I have sex. So I guess you would have
to see which method works best for you when you have a headache. But, then my
husband has always told me "you are not like the normal person"
7) Skipping Meals; goes to reason, if I go without eating I get a normal headache
even, not just a migraine.
8) Weather Changes; this is a biggie for me--if it's going to rain or a big snow
storm is coming and the barometric pressure changes drastically I get a migraine.
I'm like a barometer for my husband--but then my neck aches too so he is well
informed of weather changes forthcoming.
migraine-headache.com
everydayhealth.com
If you haven't had a severe headache that has gone into a migraine or you think you may have had one. You may be wondering what exactly are the symptoms.
1) aura: lights/flashing lights; this happens with only 20% of migraines
2) severe headache lasting anywhere from several hours up to three to four days before you seek medical help.
3) intense throbbing pain
4) nausea; occasionally vomiting this occurs in about 30%
5) headache pain on one side; generally a migraine begins for most on one side
for me it has always been on the left; 60% of migraine suffers have one-sided
migraines.
6) sensitive to light;this is different than the aura-you won't be able to stand lights as they will only make your head throb worse-lying in a dark room helps.
Now maybe you do or don't have a migraine. So why not take the migraine quiz to find out if those pesky headaches have been migraines.
migraine quiz
Most Commonly Known Migraine Triggers:
1) Lack of sleep; try to get at least 6-8 hrs of sleep per night
2) Caffeine, chocolate -- chocolate contains caffeine and I have lived fairly well
on a caffeine restricted diet (of course I had developed an allergy to chocolate
therefore it's easier to stay away from it -- unless I want to itch in unmention-
able places uncontrollably)
3) Stress; this is a very hard one to avoid--therefore you must learn a few stress
relieving exercises or techniques to assist you at times when you're stress
level is going up.
4) Smells; this can be certain perfumes to tobacco smoke -- my worst is cigarette
smoke by far, but also nail polishes, nail polish remover, certain perfumes and
after shaves, even dryer sheets can trigger a migraine for me. I always ask our
family and friends that smoke to kindly do it outside our home. My husband has
asthma therefore it helps him too. Before we married though I had no problem with
any of my family or friends honoring my request (at my/our home). When I go some-
where else though I sometimes find that we may have to leave early due to the
smells may begin to give me a migraine. My husband is very understanding.
5) Alcohol; beer and wine especially (guess the cheap things cause migraines -- well
I bet drinking the expensive stuff will cause one too by looking at the prices-
lol) you can have Riesling wine (no this is not an ad for that brand of wine!),
scotch and vodka--but only 1 glass per day for woman and 2 per day for men. (hey
I'm a woman--so I'm not picking on women believe me)
6) Physical Activity; Physical Exertion;guess you guys now have an excuse to lounge
on the sofa on the weekends huh? Exercise and Sex; guess us women have an excuse
to use to get back at you if you do that too. lol. Actually, strange as this
sounds, contrary to what I just said about sex...I have found that sex has
actually opened up the vessels in my head and helped ease my migraines. But each
person is different. When I have a headache I have sex. So I guess you would have
to see which method works best for you when you have a headache. But, then my
husband has always told me "you are not like the normal person"
7) Skipping Meals; goes to reason, if I go without eating I get a normal headache
even, not just a migraine.
8) Weather Changes; this is a biggie for me--if it's going to rain or a big snow
storm is coming and the barometric pressure changes drastically I get a migraine.
I'm like a barometer for my husband--but then my neck aches too so he is well
informed of weather changes forthcoming.
migraine-headache.com
everydayhealth.com
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Pocatello In The Movie Bonneville:
Pocatello makes it in the movies. In the movie "Bonneville", which the movie is entitled due to the make of the car in the movie. However, it's also ironic due to Bonneville is also the county in which I reside in Idaho and it is also the name of one of our lakes. Actually, Bonneville lake resides in mainly Utah but partially in Idaho too.
The movie Bonneville is written by a person that resides in Downey, a small town in Idaho. The movie is about three women, played by Jessica Lang, Joan Allen and Kathy Bates. They begin a road trip after Jessica Lang becomes a widow to take her husbands ashes from Pocatello to Santa Barbara.
Sounds familiar in a sense? Well, there may be some similarities to Thelma and Louise. In that they are driving an old convertible and that they do pick up a hunky hitch-hiker later on. However, nobody has a liaison with the hitchhiker. The movie does have it's doses of humor and it's little adventures. Along the way they learn more about life, love, one another and themselves.
It has amazing scenery and spectacular terrain of the west through the states of Idaho, Utah and Nevada. Lang, Allen and Bates are as usual very talented actresses in which they make you laugh and cry.
www.kpvi
movies
trailer
The movie Bonneville is written by a person that resides in Downey, a small town in Idaho. The movie is about three women, played by Jessica Lang, Joan Allen and Kathy Bates. They begin a road trip after Jessica Lang becomes a widow to take her husbands ashes from Pocatello to Santa Barbara.
Sounds familiar in a sense? Well, there may be some similarities to Thelma and Louise. In that they are driving an old convertible and that they do pick up a hunky hitch-hiker later on. However, nobody has a liaison with the hitchhiker. The movie does have it's doses of humor and it's little adventures. Along the way they learn more about life, love, one another and themselves.
It has amazing scenery and spectacular terrain of the west through the states of Idaho, Utah and Nevada. Lang, Allen and Bates are as usual very talented actresses in which they make you laugh and cry.
www.kpvi
movies
trailer
Making Bath Baskets:
I have enjoyed making bath salts for many years, for myself and as gifts. I generally will add a jar of homemade bath oil, a bar of homemade soap and a hand-knit soap bag. I also find adding a knitted washcloth in the same gift basket a nice touch. As this makes it a more complete gift for the recipient. It is especially great to receive for birthdays, Mother's day, Valentine's day, Christmas, Bridal or Baby Showers (for the expectant Mom not the baby - as essential oils can react to sensitive skins), even a hostess or a thank-you gift. Any reason actually is a good reason to give a gift basket to someone that has the essentials of bath time. Even men benefit from them, in that case though remember to go with the more manly essential oil scents such as pine or musk.
My Bath Salt Recipe:
Epsom Salts
Glycerin
Soap coloring
Essential oil (in the preferred scent)
In a bowl I pour my Epsom salt, adding the soap coloring in a very small amount (it really doesn't take very much - so little it is often less then your little fingernail), a little glycerin for moisture (I start with about a teaspoon - increasing it as needed depending on the amount of salts I am making), I then add five drops (increasing up to fifteen drops if needed) of essential oil. Essential oil is very potent and can be overpowering, you want the fragrance to just lightly waft through the bathroom not overpower the room leaving the person with a headache. I stir everything well. I then place the finished bath salts in decorated (or small fruit jars) and put on the lids tightly. I make a nice label on the jar identifying the fragrance of the bath salts within (i.e. Rose Scented Bath Salt).
My Bath Oil Recipe:
Mineral/Jojoba/Almond Oils
Essential oil (in the preferred scent)
In a decorative tall bottle,using a funnel, add your oil mixture to about one half inch from the top. Then add your essential oil by first adding three to five drops (if the bottle is three ounces or less) and up to ten drops per ounce if it is a fairly large bottle. Cork and seal with wax. Unless your bottle is a screw-top (those aren't near as decorative though). Make a nice label on your bottle identifying the fragrance of the bath oil (i.e. Rose Scented Bath Oil).
Soap:
Melt, pour and mold is the easiest way to create your soap. You will find either glycerin or a lanolin soap base at your craft store. You also need to buy or find unique molds. Your molds can be those that are actually meant for soap or they can be ones you use for candy or jello even. You can even use other items to mold your soap creation in too, just keep in mind it needs to be flexible so you can pop the soap out when it is set up. A flexible plastic mold is always the best choice. Melt your soap base in the microwave according to the the directions on the label. I generally melt it in increments of 30-45 seconds, this prevents scorching, as microwaves vary. If you are adding a color to your soap please buy the soap coloring, do not add food coloring to your soap base. Add your soap coloring to your heated soap base and any essential oil (scent) and stir till the coloring is dissolved. You may need 15 seconds in the microwave to help dissolve the coloring. You can also add the coloring a bit earlier too. Pour into molds, set up, unmold. If you want to add dried flowers of herbs on top of the soap for a pretty arrangement. First you will need to pour a thin clear layer of soap then place your arrangement, then allow it to set up. Then follow with the rest of your soap, allowing it to set. There are many other ways to make soap. If you enjoy making it this simple melt and pour way, why not check your local library for a book on soap-making and try one of the other techniques.
When you make your homemade soap for your basket, please remember to wrap it in a nice piece of decorated cheesecloth, fabric soap bag or a knit/crochet soap bag as I do. If you knit or crochet a soap bag you can then wrap your soap in a piece of cellophane. Either way you wrap it, cellophane or cheesecloth you need to also label it as to the soap's scent (i.e. Rose).
Don't forget the knit or crocheted bath washcloth or bath mitt. It completes the ensemble. You can also find a pattern that may reflect your scent like a rose design for the rose scented basket. A pine cone or Christmas pine tree for the pine scented one. Or go with a color to represent the scent like brown for musk scent or lavender (light purple) for lavender scent. It completes the ensemble. In the event of doing a complete basket ensemble it is always best to stay with the same scent of essential oil throughout (i.e. Rose for the salts, oil and soap). Have fun creating as much as I did.
My Bath Salt Recipe:
Epsom Salts
Glycerin
Soap coloring
Essential oil (in the preferred scent)
In a bowl I pour my Epsom salt, adding the soap coloring in a very small amount (it really doesn't take very much - so little it is often less then your little fingernail), a little glycerin for moisture (I start with about a teaspoon - increasing it as needed depending on the amount of salts I am making), I then add five drops (increasing up to fifteen drops if needed) of essential oil. Essential oil is very potent and can be overpowering, you want the fragrance to just lightly waft through the bathroom not overpower the room leaving the person with a headache. I stir everything well. I then place the finished bath salts in decorated (or small fruit jars) and put on the lids tightly. I make a nice label on the jar identifying the fragrance of the bath salts within (i.e. Rose Scented Bath Salt).
My Bath Oil Recipe:
Mineral/Jojoba/Almond Oils
Essential oil (in the preferred scent)
In a decorative tall bottle,using a funnel, add your oil mixture to about one half inch from the top. Then add your essential oil by first adding three to five drops (if the bottle is three ounces or less) and up to ten drops per ounce if it is a fairly large bottle. Cork and seal with wax. Unless your bottle is a screw-top (those aren't near as decorative though). Make a nice label on your bottle identifying the fragrance of the bath oil (i.e. Rose Scented Bath Oil).
Soap:
Melt, pour and mold is the easiest way to create your soap. You will find either glycerin or a lanolin soap base at your craft store. You also need to buy or find unique molds. Your molds can be those that are actually meant for soap or they can be ones you use for candy or jello even. You can even use other items to mold your soap creation in too, just keep in mind it needs to be flexible so you can pop the soap out when it is set up. A flexible plastic mold is always the best choice. Melt your soap base in the microwave according to the the directions on the label. I generally melt it in increments of 30-45 seconds, this prevents scorching, as microwaves vary. If you are adding a color to your soap please buy the soap coloring, do not add food coloring to your soap base. Add your soap coloring to your heated soap base and any essential oil (scent) and stir till the coloring is dissolved. You may need 15 seconds in the microwave to help dissolve the coloring. You can also add the coloring a bit earlier too. Pour into molds, set up, unmold. If you want to add dried flowers of herbs on top of the soap for a pretty arrangement. First you will need to pour a thin clear layer of soap then place your arrangement, then allow it to set up. Then follow with the rest of your soap, allowing it to set. There are many other ways to make soap. If you enjoy making it this simple melt and pour way, why not check your local library for a book on soap-making and try one of the other techniques.
When you make your homemade soap for your basket, please remember to wrap it in a nice piece of decorated cheesecloth, fabric soap bag or a knit/crochet soap bag as I do. If you knit or crochet a soap bag you can then wrap your soap in a piece of cellophane. Either way you wrap it, cellophane or cheesecloth you need to also label it as to the soap's scent (i.e. Rose).
Don't forget the knit or crocheted bath washcloth or bath mitt. It completes the ensemble. You can also find a pattern that may reflect your scent like a rose design for the rose scented basket. A pine cone or Christmas pine tree for the pine scented one. Or go with a color to represent the scent like brown for musk scent or lavender (light purple) for lavender scent. It completes the ensemble. In the event of doing a complete basket ensemble it is always best to stay with the same scent of essential oil throughout (i.e. Rose for the salts, oil and soap). Have fun creating as much as I did.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Baking Sugar Cookies:
The aroma of warm sugar cookies wafts through the house filling my nostrils. Soon they will be ready to take from the oven for my husband. I enjoy the pleasure of baking sugar cookies for him. I have a recipe that I dearly have no trouble with, it's a "drop sugar cookie" recipe. Therefore, there's no chilling or rolling nor cookie cutting required. I've added a little twist of my own over the years which to me makes the recipe all the better, and have been told over and over my cookies are great. My twist? Well, check it out below, see what's noted next to vanilla and then you'll know. It makes the sugar cookies tastier and lighter to the palate. I don't bake all year, only when the weather has a chill in the air. Therefore, in the warmer months my husband must do with baked goods from the store.
Recipe:
1/2 c butter
1 tsp. vanilla + 1/2 tsp. lemon extract
1/2 c shortening
2 1/2 c flour (not sifted)
1 cup sugar
3/4 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and shortening together. Add sugar gradually. Add unbeaten eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and lemon extracts, then add dry ingredients. Drop, by teaspoonful, unto greased cookie sheet. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. Sprinkle additional sugar to your liking (optional). Bake 350 degrees for 10 minutes (or less according to your oven's setting).
about 4-5 dozen
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Starbucks Helps Give Kidney:
Annamaries Ausnes,55, has been going to her town's Starbucks for three years enjoying coffee and chatting it up with the manager Sandie. When her health began to decline, due to polycystic kidney disease of 20 years, she was forced to face the reality of a kidney transplant. She shared her story with Sandie.
Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that affects 12.5 million people worldwide. It consists of fluid-filled sacs that grow on the kidneys. In fifty percent of the cases these sacs will cause the kidneys to go into kidney failure. There is no cure for PKD. Dialysis and transplantation are the only options when your kidneys fail. The common symptoms of PKD can begin as high blood pressure, back pain, blood in the urine, side or stomach pain, kidney stones, and frequent urinary tract infections. Also, if you have a family history of heart problems, strokes or heart disease you may be prone to PKD. Having one or all of these does not mean you have PKD but it would be in your best interest to see your doctor.
Annamaries's husband and son got tested. The test results came back; neither were a match. Many people are awaiting organ donation. As of this writing I checked and found that 71,813 people, in the United States, are on the waiting list just for kidneys. When Annamaries told her story to Sandie her kidneys were only functioning at fifteen percent.
Sandie Anderson,51, had a blood test and was a match. Without hesitation she gladly not only gave coffee to Annamaries but also the gift of life.
Are you an Organ Donor? Do you want to be? Have you ever thought of being one even? For more information on Organ Donation please visit the sites below:
www.donatelife
organdonor
www.americanheart
www.mayoclinic
resources:
www.efluxmedia.com
www.pkdcure.org
www.donatelifeny.org
Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that affects 12.5 million people worldwide. It consists of fluid-filled sacs that grow on the kidneys. In fifty percent of the cases these sacs will cause the kidneys to go into kidney failure. There is no cure for PKD. Dialysis and transplantation are the only options when your kidneys fail. The common symptoms of PKD can begin as high blood pressure, back pain, blood in the urine, side or stomach pain, kidney stones, and frequent urinary tract infections. Also, if you have a family history of heart problems, strokes or heart disease you may be prone to PKD. Having one or all of these does not mean you have PKD but it would be in your best interest to see your doctor.
Annamaries's husband and son got tested. The test results came back; neither were a match. Many people are awaiting organ donation. As of this writing I checked and found that 71,813 people, in the United States, are on the waiting list just for kidneys. When Annamaries told her story to Sandie her kidneys were only functioning at fifteen percent.
Sandie Anderson,51, had a blood test and was a match. Without hesitation she gladly not only gave coffee to Annamaries but also the gift of life.
Are you an Organ Donor? Do you want to be? Have you ever thought of being one even? For more information on Organ Donation please visit the sites below:
www.donatelife
organdonor
www.americanheart
www.mayoclinic
resources:
www.efluxmedia.com
www.pkdcure.org
www.donatelifeny.org
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tips on Being Eco-Friendly:
Being Green Tips:
It's time to save our earth and think about the future generations. There are ways in which we all can contribute. You can be really conscious about it and go entirely eco-friendly or just do some of the tips to do your part.
Many ways to help our environment is to actually stop using soaps, detergents and cleansers that will hurt it. This includes pesticides and even ice melts. You can use the "green" type cleansers in place of what you've been using. Choose water based and low volatile organic compound (VOC)of paints and varnishes. Dispose of all leftover toxic chemicals, pesticides, solvents, and used transmission oil through your county's Hazardous Waste program. This in turn will help the water and land become less toxic for the future generation of yours and mine. I'm sure you don't want to see your great-grandchildren unable to play in the ocean's waves or eat that fish they just caught in the lake.
Even a simple switch from hairsprays or deodorant sprays to deodorant sticks/roll-ons or hair pumps or even foams will create less toxins released into the ozone of the atmosphere. Avoid products that contain ozone depleting ingredients/substances. I'm sure you'd want your great-grandchildren to enjoy taking in that breath of mountain air or would you rather them living under some bubble topped city due to the ozone is not safe and they can't leave the city without special suits or air supply tanks? Many people now must wear oxygen but that's due to their lungs not the air itself. UV rays are dangerous and we are being told that we should use adequate protection when we stay out in the sun now. In some places in our country we have days that people are told that the air is so poor that if possible they should stay inside (Los Angeles, CA & Salt Lake City, UT are just two of those places). Soon if we don't take care of our planet it will get worse and people will be home bound or need special equipment to leave their homes each time. Is that what we really want happening soon for our grand-children and great-grandchildren? I don't, therefore I try and do my part and be green whenever possible.
You can also cut back on using your vehicle. This will save you gas too, which in today's economy is a plus. Try car-pooling or biking to work. Even if you choose to only bike to work say two to three days per week that's less emissions released into the air which affects the ozone.
Choose paper over plastic for bags at the grocery store. Paper is more easily recycled into the dumps/environment. You can also reuse your paper bags for crafts such as making paper mache' or book covers. You can have your children draw designs on it after you open it up and you can then use it also as wrapping paper, grandparents will enjoy this type of special wrapping paper. Paper bags also make great costumes like pirate hats, Indian head-dresses, and a princess' crown. Plastic bags takes years to biodegrade in our landfills. That is due to the fact it blocks the natural flow of oxygen and water through the soil. Whenever the plastic bags reach our oceans it causes thousands of sea turtles and marine life to die each year due to the fact that the bags are mistaken for food. Some states have actually banned the use of plastic bags or at least placed an additional usage tax on them when the consumer chooses them over paper or reusable bags. However, if the consumer brings in their own "plastic bags for that purchase" then the tax is not implemented. The other choice, which is now being even more preferred over paper is the organic cotton reusable bags. These are bags in which you, the consumer, would purchase then take with you to the market whenever you shop.
By buying organic foods, you are supporting eco-friendly farmers. Because they are not using pesticides that would normally harm the environment. Also pesticides can possibly harm you and your children's health. There are environmentally friendly ways to keep away pests from orchards and gardens in order to have a good harvest. So be supportive of your co-environmentalist and buy his produce.
Recycle aluminum cans, newspapers and plastic bottles is another way to help contribute. In this way you will be reducing emissions that contribute to global warming. Buy Recycled products also.
Turn off lights when you are not going to be in a room for at least fifteen minutes. This helps conserve energy - which is also a resource that will be a reduction in global warming if we conserve it and not abuse it.
These are just a few ways to begin being eco-friendly. If you want to become more "green" conscious try visiting the sites below for additional information.
www.campaignearth.org
www.conservation.org
www.thriftyfun.com
www.lowimpactliving.com
www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/weaddup
www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/yourguidetogreen
It's time to save our earth and think about the future generations. There are ways in which we all can contribute. You can be really conscious about it and go entirely eco-friendly or just do some of the tips to do your part.
Many ways to help our environment is to actually stop using soaps, detergents and cleansers that will hurt it. This includes pesticides and even ice melts. You can use the "green" type cleansers in place of what you've been using. Choose water based and low volatile organic compound (VOC)of paints and varnishes. Dispose of all leftover toxic chemicals, pesticides, solvents, and used transmission oil through your county's Hazardous Waste program. This in turn will help the water and land become less toxic for the future generation of yours and mine. I'm sure you don't want to see your great-grandchildren unable to play in the ocean's waves or eat that fish they just caught in the lake.
Even a simple switch from hairsprays or deodorant sprays to deodorant sticks/roll-ons or hair pumps or even foams will create less toxins released into the ozone of the atmosphere. Avoid products that contain ozone depleting ingredients/substances. I'm sure you'd want your great-grandchildren to enjoy taking in that breath of mountain air or would you rather them living under some bubble topped city due to the ozone is not safe and they can't leave the city without special suits or air supply tanks? Many people now must wear oxygen but that's due to their lungs not the air itself. UV rays are dangerous and we are being told that we should use adequate protection when we stay out in the sun now. In some places in our country we have days that people are told that the air is so poor that if possible they should stay inside (Los Angeles, CA & Salt Lake City, UT are just two of those places). Soon if we don't take care of our planet it will get worse and people will be home bound or need special equipment to leave their homes each time. Is that what we really want happening soon for our grand-children and great-grandchildren? I don't, therefore I try and do my part and be green whenever possible.
You can also cut back on using your vehicle. This will save you gas too, which in today's economy is a plus. Try car-pooling or biking to work. Even if you choose to only bike to work say two to three days per week that's less emissions released into the air which affects the ozone.
Choose paper over plastic for bags at the grocery store. Paper is more easily recycled into the dumps/environment. You can also reuse your paper bags for crafts such as making paper mache' or book covers. You can have your children draw designs on it after you open it up and you can then use it also as wrapping paper, grandparents will enjoy this type of special wrapping paper. Paper bags also make great costumes like pirate hats, Indian head-dresses, and a princess' crown. Plastic bags takes years to biodegrade in our landfills. That is due to the fact it blocks the natural flow of oxygen and water through the soil. Whenever the plastic bags reach our oceans it causes thousands of sea turtles and marine life to die each year due to the fact that the bags are mistaken for food. Some states have actually banned the use of plastic bags or at least placed an additional usage tax on them when the consumer chooses them over paper or reusable bags. However, if the consumer brings in their own "plastic bags for that purchase" then the tax is not implemented. The other choice, which is now being even more preferred over paper is the organic cotton reusable bags. These are bags in which you, the consumer, would purchase then take with you to the market whenever you shop.
By buying organic foods, you are supporting eco-friendly farmers. Because they are not using pesticides that would normally harm the environment. Also pesticides can possibly harm you and your children's health. There are environmentally friendly ways to keep away pests from orchards and gardens in order to have a good harvest. So be supportive of your co-environmentalist and buy his produce.
Recycle aluminum cans, newspapers and plastic bottles is another way to help contribute. In this way you will be reducing emissions that contribute to global warming. Buy Recycled products also.
Turn off lights when you are not going to be in a room for at least fifteen minutes. This helps conserve energy - which is also a resource that will be a reduction in global warming if we conserve it and not abuse it.
These are just a few ways to begin being eco-friendly. If you want to become more "green" conscious try visiting the sites below for additional information.
www.campaignearth.org
www.conservation.org
www.thriftyfun.com
www.lowimpactliving.com
www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/weaddup
www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/yourguidetogreen
Poem: To Go Green
To Go Green
by pamel
written 02/08/08
What does it really mean
To go Green?
Eco-friendly ways
Supposing our planet saves
New found, less damaging
If we do the salvaging.
Bio-green cleansers
You'll find on store counters
New-fangled emission gadgets
Maybe soon, electric-powered Vettes?
Our world is in deep trouble
To save it, it depends on us all.
by pamel
written 02/08/08
What does it really mean
To go Green?
Eco-friendly ways
Supposing our planet saves
New found, less damaging
If we do the salvaging.
Bio-green cleansers
You'll find on store counters
New-fangled emission gadgets
Maybe soon, electric-powered Vettes?
Our world is in deep trouble
To save it, it depends on us all.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Nashville Star Competition:
Local Pocatello Man Is Competing In Finals;
Wow, one of our local residents, where I currently live made the finals. Darrin Allen, 36, and 199 others are headed for Nashville. Where they will sing in front of record label executives for the "Nashville Star" reality show.
Darrin was born and raised in Chubbuck/Pocatello area of Idaho. He began singing professionally just four years ago. Darrin says he likes songs that tell a story. However, not the kind that is the cry in the beer type of song. More about the good things in life.
We wish you luck Darrin. It would be great to see someone from Pocatello take the stage on the Nashville Star this season. My best to you!
http://www.kpvi.com
Wow, one of our local residents, where I currently live made the finals. Darrin Allen, 36, and 199 others are headed for Nashville. Where they will sing in front of record label executives for the "Nashville Star" reality show.
Darrin was born and raised in Chubbuck/Pocatello area of Idaho. He began singing professionally just four years ago. Darrin says he likes songs that tell a story. However, not the kind that is the cry in the beer type of song. More about the good things in life.
We wish you luck Darrin. It would be great to see someone from Pocatello take the stage on the Nashville Star this season. My best to you!
http://www.kpvi.com
Monday, March 10, 2008
Update On Nevada Clinics:
This seems to be growing more and more. And I for one seem to be quite upset over this issue. As health care has been my career field for nearly thirty years. I can not get over some doctor having the audacity to try and save a few dollars here, reportedly five to ten per patients use. A person's life is worth far more than five or ten dollars Dr. Dipak Desai. Fortunately for now the Medical Board has asked Dr. Desai not to practice medicine for the time being (some reports say he surrendered his license while others say he won't). Unfortunately, for the ones that contract the viruses Hepatitis B,Hepatitis C, and HIV -- it wasn't done earlier.
Unfortunately more clinics have been found in Nevada to be in violation of health care practices. The Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Center, in Las Vegas, was cited for repeatedly reusing syringes. It was shut down also. The Digestive Center, in Reno, was cited for sterilization problems. The Sierra Center for Foot Surgery, in Carson, was cited for reusing syringes. And St. Mary's Surgery Center, in Galena, had problems with sterilization of instruments between patients surgeries.
To think this could have been caught earlier, had the health inspectors actually been doing there jobs. The state says that they are partially at fault for cutting back on ten health inspector jobs and not making regular visits every three years as they were scheduled. Three years --- my Gosh! That seems too long in between to me. I believe every six months or at the very least every year. Then maybe 40,000 people would not have to be contacted to undergo testing right now.
This is inflammatory, a slap to the people of this nation's face. It's like you're saying our health means little to you government types. You seem to be right up there with the good doctor, in the fault department, on this one. It all trickles down. Starting with the Government's cutbacks, cutting of health care, cutting health inspector jobs, not seeing that inspections are completed. Therefore, the doctors and administrators of the clinics and hospitals see an open opportunity. Opportunity to cut corners since there's no inspections and Big Brother/Uncle Sam's not watching you. So let's save money at the expense of the patients health and in the interim make extra money off the insurance companies (since they never pay our asking price anyways--this way we're likely to get more of what we want). Do you see it trickling down the line?
Dr. Desai not only saved money on vials. He also had disposable under pads, that only cost .21 each, cut in half. So he could only use half under each patient instead of a full one. He also had the technicians sterilizing the equipment not use the full amount of the detergent and to not discard it after cleaning each surgery's instruments. Therefore, it was reused to clean further instruments, and the instruments weren't fully sterile without the full detergent, sometimes blood and tissue remained on the instruments from the previous procedure. Dr. Desai was performing back to back colonoscopies in under fifteen minutes (faster than most doctors). Mistakes were made, like IV's being left in patients arms when they went home. This is why the state is suppose to be sending inspectors to regulate Doctors, Clinics and Hospitals of such magnitude (who think they can just treat people as a number without consequence).
The nurses it trickles to them next. When something is wrong like this they should stop it. They could quit and report the request right away to the proper agencies. Thus, an investigation would be initiated and no patients would be harmed. After all, nurses to care to the best of their ability for their patients. To ensure their patients safety. And to have compassion for their patients too. I know I worked for many years as one; I quit a hospital that asked me to report to work while I was impaired (under the influence of Demerol or I'd be fired). My job entailed using needles on cancer patients. I would NOT because I knew I would be taking a chance of injuring my patients and I was NOT going to do that -- therefore, I resigned on Jan. 31, 2008 from the hospital here in Pocatello.
These practices don't just exist in Nevada they are in other areas too. It's also up to individual health care providers to become whistle blowers or at least refuse to follow such orders. If I had been in the Nevada clinic I would have been the whistle blower, no job is that important to risk the life of another person. No life is worth trying to save a measly five to ten dollars or a few pennies.
www.lasvegassun.com
http://ap.google.com
Unfortunately more clinics have been found in Nevada to be in violation of health care practices. The Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Center, in Las Vegas, was cited for repeatedly reusing syringes. It was shut down also. The Digestive Center, in Reno, was cited for sterilization problems. The Sierra Center for Foot Surgery, in Carson, was cited for reusing syringes. And St. Mary's Surgery Center, in Galena, had problems with sterilization of instruments between patients surgeries.
To think this could have been caught earlier, had the health inspectors actually been doing there jobs. The state says that they are partially at fault for cutting back on ten health inspector jobs and not making regular visits every three years as they were scheduled. Three years --- my Gosh! That seems too long in between to me. I believe every six months or at the very least every year. Then maybe 40,000 people would not have to be contacted to undergo testing right now.
This is inflammatory, a slap to the people of this nation's face. It's like you're saying our health means little to you government types. You seem to be right up there with the good doctor, in the fault department, on this one. It all trickles down. Starting with the Government's cutbacks, cutting of health care, cutting health inspector jobs, not seeing that inspections are completed. Therefore, the doctors and administrators of the clinics and hospitals see an open opportunity. Opportunity to cut corners since there's no inspections and Big Brother/Uncle Sam's not watching you. So let's save money at the expense of the patients health and in the interim make extra money off the insurance companies (since they never pay our asking price anyways--this way we're likely to get more of what we want). Do you see it trickling down the line?
Dr. Desai not only saved money on vials. He also had disposable under pads, that only cost .21 each, cut in half. So he could only use half under each patient instead of a full one. He also had the technicians sterilizing the equipment not use the full amount of the detergent and to not discard it after cleaning each surgery's instruments. Therefore, it was reused to clean further instruments, and the instruments weren't fully sterile without the full detergent, sometimes blood and tissue remained on the instruments from the previous procedure. Dr. Desai was performing back to back colonoscopies in under fifteen minutes (faster than most doctors). Mistakes were made, like IV's being left in patients arms when they went home. This is why the state is suppose to be sending inspectors to regulate Doctors, Clinics and Hospitals of such magnitude (who think they can just treat people as a number without consequence).
The nurses it trickles to them next. When something is wrong like this they should stop it. They could quit and report the request right away to the proper agencies. Thus, an investigation would be initiated and no patients would be harmed. After all, nurses to care to the best of their ability for their patients. To ensure their patients safety. And to have compassion for their patients too. I know I worked for many years as one; I quit a hospital that asked me to report to work while I was impaired (under the influence of Demerol or I'd be fired). My job entailed using needles on cancer patients. I would NOT because I knew I would be taking a chance of injuring my patients and I was NOT going to do that -- therefore, I resigned on Jan. 31, 2008 from the hospital here in Pocatello.
These practices don't just exist in Nevada they are in other areas too. It's also up to individual health care providers to become whistle blowers or at least refuse to follow such orders. If I had been in the Nevada clinic I would have been the whistle blower, no job is that important to risk the life of another person. No life is worth trying to save a measly five to ten dollars or a few pennies.
www.lasvegassun.com
http://ap.google.com
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Abuse and Self Esteem:
RELATIVES TO EACH OTHER
Abuse and self esteem are relatives to each other. They go hand in hand in our world in the cases of Domestic Violence, Neglect, Abandonment, Divorce even. Wives, husbands, children, exes are all victims. Sex of the offender or of the Victim can be either. It can go from generation to generation without breaking the cycle, unless someone intervenes. Or someone tries hard enough on their own to make that break them-self.
Are you a victim or an abuser? Whether you are on one side of the fence or the other it means you have low self esteem in some sense. The abuser has a low self esteem and a need to feed upon another person's weakness in order to build up their own self esteem, so they can feel powerful. It is only a temporary fix however, so they must continue this vicious cycle in order to feel better about their-self.
The victim, the abused one, who is the one that's the pawn used in the abuser's on-going cycle of never-ending shame. The victim suffers the most harm in order to make the abuser feel better about his/herself. The victim's self esteem drops to an all-time low. Sometimes bringing the victim to the very brink of hades itself, in which the victim commits suicide. All because the victim felt that he/she was of no worth, had no value and nothing to offer in this life. Therefore, nothing to live for and no reason to continue, so suicide seemed to be a logical option.
I overcame abuse and low self esteem. I can talk about my story to help others. Even if you don't have any experience you can still help. Don't sit and listen to someone degrade another human being or them-self. Stop them, correct them. Then tell the person that was being degraded that they are a good and worthy person. Support and uplift your fellow man. It starts at home and in our own neighborhoods. Also, help those being abused get help. If they are afraid acknowledge their fear, never ever put them down for being afraid. Let them know there are programs and agencies that can help them when they are ready. Don't push them if they aren't yet. Also, let them know that they may choose to seek resources ahead of time in case of some major event. Remind them that they are a good person and deserve good things. Sometimes, they have been so brainwashed that they haven't heard that in a long time and just hearing it may eventually help them decide to reach out.
Society must somehow help both the abusers and the victims break these cycle of abuse and being abused. The feeling of low self esteem must be elevated to a higher self esteem in order to allow these people to once again value themselves.
For Info And Statistics on Domestic Violence:
www.acog.org(quiz to see if you're in an abusive relationship)
www.brokenspirits.com
Abuse and self esteem are relatives to each other. They go hand in hand in our world in the cases of Domestic Violence, Neglect, Abandonment, Divorce even. Wives, husbands, children, exes are all victims. Sex of the offender or of the Victim can be either. It can go from generation to generation without breaking the cycle, unless someone intervenes. Or someone tries hard enough on their own to make that break them-self.
Are you a victim or an abuser? Whether you are on one side of the fence or the other it means you have low self esteem in some sense. The abuser has a low self esteem and a need to feed upon another person's weakness in order to build up their own self esteem, so they can feel powerful. It is only a temporary fix however, so they must continue this vicious cycle in order to feel better about their-self.
The victim, the abused one, who is the one that's the pawn used in the abuser's on-going cycle of never-ending shame. The victim suffers the most harm in order to make the abuser feel better about his/herself. The victim's self esteem drops to an all-time low. Sometimes bringing the victim to the very brink of hades itself, in which the victim commits suicide. All because the victim felt that he/she was of no worth, had no value and nothing to offer in this life. Therefore, nothing to live for and no reason to continue, so suicide seemed to be a logical option.
I overcame abuse and low self esteem. I can talk about my story to help others. Even if you don't have any experience you can still help. Don't sit and listen to someone degrade another human being or them-self. Stop them, correct them. Then tell the person that was being degraded that they are a good and worthy person. Support and uplift your fellow man. It starts at home and in our own neighborhoods. Also, help those being abused get help. If they are afraid acknowledge their fear, never ever put them down for being afraid. Let them know there are programs and agencies that can help them when they are ready. Don't push them if they aren't yet. Also, let them know that they may choose to seek resources ahead of time in case of some major event. Remind them that they are a good person and deserve good things. Sometimes, they have been so brainwashed that they haven't heard that in a long time and just hearing it may eventually help them decide to reach out.
Society must somehow help both the abusers and the victims break these cycle of abuse and being abused. The feeling of low self esteem must be elevated to a higher self esteem in order to allow these people to once again value themselves.
For Info And Statistics on Domestic Violence:
www.acog.org(quiz to see if you're in an abusive relationship)
www.brokenspirits.com
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