Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Austrian Man Holds Daughter Captive:

Josef Fitzl held his daughter captive for twenty-four years in his basement. Claiming she ran away all this time, after he had handcuffed and raped her in the basement. His wife apparently has been unaware of his actions. During these twenty-four years he has continued to rape his daughter, fathering seven children. One of those children a twin at birth died shortly after. He continued to maintain the illusion that his daughter had run away and joined a cult even when he took three of his daughter's children out of the basement to live with him and his wife upstairs. He told his wife his daughter contacted him in regards to leaving the children in their care. The other three children remained with his daughter in the basement to live, never seeing the light of day.

The eldest grand-daughter, in the basement, aged nineteen fell unconscious. Therefore, Josef's daughter pleaded that he take her to the hospital. He did as she asked telling the hospital staff, and his wife that his daughter left her on his doorstep with a note that said to get her medical care. Unknown to him the daughter had placed a note in the girl's pocket pleading for help. The nursing staff discovered the note and issued a statement on the news that "more information was needed from the mother of the child to please come forward." The daughter pleaded with her father to take her and the remaining two children to the hospital, which he did. He told his wife that their daughter and her remaining children had finally returned home and needed to go to the hospital.

It was then that the daughter told her story. After she was promised that she would never have to see her father again. She assured authorities, that she believed, her mother never knew about her whereabouts or the rapes.

The mother and children are being treated. They will have a long road ahead since some of this will be mental--never seeing the light of day for these children in their lifetimes.

The basement was investigated and they found a small living quarters set up. Josef was arrested and confessed. He is now facing fifteen years. Fifteen years?

I have a problem with him only serving fifteen years. This has impacted many people. His daughter who he began molesting at age eleven. Then when she was eighteen he tricked her to go into the basement with him, drugged her then handcuffed her to a bed to hold her captive. Since then he has raped her for twenty-four years. The three children who lived with her now aged nineteen, eighteen and five year old never saw the light of day while in the basement. Then there's the three children who believed their mother didn't want them but gave them away. And the infant twin who died at childbirth due to not having proper facilities. It's definitely not long enough in my book. What's your opinion?

Videos:
24yrcaptive
cellar

reference

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags:

Plastic has a big affect on our planet as most of us have probably heard over the past week; known as "Green Week." You can make a big impact by choosing not to use plastic bags from your shopping trips. That means trips to the malls, and grocery store too. You can choose paper but then that will be choosing to cut down more of our trees to accommodate the bigger demand on paper bags being chosen.

Please watch the following video to see the impact that the plastic is having on our planet and the lives of our wildlife: garbagepatch.

Then what do I use? you are asking. Reusable bags is the viable option. There is many different options for reusable bags ranging in types, styles and costs. I found that one market, Fred Meyers sells some for as low as .89 cents, Walmart has some for $9.99. Retail stores and online markets vary from $1.99 up to $250.00 depending on what you are looking for in a reusable bag. Most people want something not so bulky to haul around. Some women will just choose a tote type reusable bag to go to the mall, therefore something possibly stylish for this outing is more preferable.

I find that I really like the totes that you can actually fold and zip/velcro up and put in your pocket/purse to carry are easy and accessible. In this way you may carry more than one thus have more on hand when grocery shopping. If you are interested in this type of tote/bag you can find them at: ecobags or shagbags. Also a similar option is the foldable bags: go-again bags.

totes:
greenkit
bagsontherun
ivillage
piperlime
3beans

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Poet's Corner:

A Rose, A Life

Just as life blossoms and grows,
It's much like the story of the rose,
Young petals are silky and scented,
Life's woes stay simple, as thorns are tended.

With age, rose petals once sweet,
Now lifeless, withered fall to one's feet,
As memories dance, upon a last breathe,
Mingled with rose petals, love mourns death.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Beauty Companies Becoming Eco-Friendly:

Some of the make-up/beauty companies have actually begun to become eco-friendly. They are using packaging that is recyclable/biodegradable. Also, their manufacturing companies are offsetting their carbon emissions by using recyclable materials when they manufacture their products.

These companies are: Burt's Bees, Aveda, Nude Skin Care, Paul Michael's Tea Tree, Louise Galvin's Sacred Locks (haircare), The Body Shop and Stem Organics (skincare).

Each of these companies are currently using more natural products in their line. Along with making them without preservatives or chemicals. This protects our environment and our health.

The two safest companies' products, listed above, at this time are Paul Michael's Tea Tree and Stem Organics. Below I have placed a link to a site called skin deep where you can check on your cosmetics to see how dangerous the chemicals are to you for that particular cosmetic.

Also, there are still many beauty/cosmetic companies out there that are exposing us to who-knows-what since they don't have to list everything on cosmetic labels. So please read the following statement (from the petition). If you agree please sign the petition to make our products safer.

Due to gaping loopholes in federal law, companies can put virtually any ingredient into personal care products. Even worse, the government does not require pre-market safety tests for any of them.

This is unacceptable. Sign the Environmental Working Group's petition to Congress to turn this around and make personal care products safe.


Sign the petition now:
Petition
cosmeticdatabase

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Cleaning Museum To Be Eco-Friendly:

Don Aslett, who made his fortune selling cleaning products, is currently constructing a museum of clean in Pocatello, Idaho. The construction of the museum consists of using Green technology. The museum will have a solar energy for lighting, cooling and heating. Bricks from the original structure, an old dairy building, are being recycled and used in the building of the museum to defray from them ending up in the landfill. An alley is being converted into a greenbelt, along with a rooftop garden is going to sport native Idahoan plants. The rooftop garden will also offer insulation and filter rainwater into large underground tanks to be recycled for usage.

The museum will cost over six million dollars to construct. It will house all aspects of Cleaning. From soap to various implements, such as vacuums, in which we use to clean with in our daily lives. Some items dating back over 200 years There will also be an interactive globe, which will be a three story cleaning world. This is for children to go in and learn how to be clean and make their beds etc.


Video

April Recalls:

Fire Hazard Recalls:
Gas Water Heater by A.O. Smith due to Fire and Carbon Monoxide Hazards; A.O. Smith of Ashland City, Tenn. is recalling Natural and Propane Gas Water Heaters. The flue's gas temperature can exceed safe limits. Thus posing a fire hazard by exceeding safe temperatures in the venting unit. Also, the unit's exhaust possibly can leak which creates a carbon monoxide danger.

Serenity Spa Hot Tubs; Gecko Alliance of Quebec, Canada is recalling the spas due to the controls can possibly overheat thus causing a fire hazard.

Helicopter Battery Chargers; Hobby-Lobby International of Brentwood, Tenn. is recalling Lithium-polymer battery chargers and Lithium-polymer batteries due to they can cause a fire hazard by igniting while charging.

Charge-It-All Valets; HSN of St. Petersburg, FL. is recalling all charge-it-all-valets due to the wiring in the powerstrip is the wrong size. Thus causing a fire hazard.

Deck Cleaner; Cabot Stains of Newburypoint, Mass. is recalling Cabot Composite Deck Cleaner due to the fact that it reacts with the packaging by releasing a chlorine gas and heat. Thus it creates a fire and inhalation hazard.

Candle Holders; Walmart of Bentonville, Ark. is recalling Holiday Times Candleholders due to glass holder can break causing cuts, and they can easily tip over causing fires.

Heating and Cooling Units; Goodman Manufacturing of Houstan, Tex. is recalling Gas-Electric Heating & Cooling Units due to the wrong wiring could be installed thus a possibility of a fire could result.

Fire Alarm Control Panel; Gamewell-FCI of Northford, Conn. is recalling Gamewell-FCI 7100 Series Fire Alarm Control Panels due to main circuit board malfunction. Thus when there is a malfunction there is no alert sound to signify it.


Strangulation/Choking Hazard Recalls:

Children's Hooded Sweatshirts; Brents-Riordan of Shreveport, La. is recalling hooded jackets and sweatshirts due to the drawstring through the hood cause a strangulation hazard.

Imaginarium Activity Centers; Toys r Us of Wayne, NJ is recalling Imaginarium multi-sided activity centers and jungle activity centers because the small parts on the toys can come off and children can choke on them.

Plush Insect Toys; Dollar Tree Stores of Chesapeake, Va. is recalling Cuddly Cousins Plush Insect Toys due to their small parts can cause a choking hazard to small children.

Children's Board Book Sets; Dalmation Press of Franklin, Tenn. is recalling Little Builder children's board book sets with toys due to they can cause a choking hazard. The hazard is created because the tailgate of the toy dump truck and the cylinder of the toy concrete mixer can come off.

Magnetic Dart Boards; Henry Gordy of Plainfield, N.J. is recalling Fun 'n Games magnetic dart boards due to the magnets at the end of the darts can come off. If a small child ingests these magnets they can choke, have other problems and sometimes even die.


Lead Paint Recalls:
Lock and Leash Locks; Master Lock of Oak Creek, Wis. is recalling the Lock and Leash Locks due to lead in the red paint exceeds regulations.

Western Rider Push Toys; Santa's Toy Corp. of Los Angeles, Calif. is recalling Western Rider Push Toys due to lead in paint on glove, pants and shirt of rider exceeds regulations.

Seasonal Writing Pens; Michaels Stores of Irving, Texas is recalling all seasonal writing pens= Easter, Flowered, Christmas and Spooky due to their coating exceeds the regulations for lead.

Fake Teeth; FUNTASTIC of Houstan, Texas is recalling Hillbilly teeth due to the gray paint exceeds regulations.

Children's Sunglasses; StyleMark of Osmond Beach, Fla. is recalling Children's Main Street Drag Sunglasses due to orange lettering on temples, of glasses exceeds regulations.

Toy Robots; OKK Trading of Commerce, Calif. is recalling Interchange toy robots due to lead in surface paint exceeds regulations.



cpsc

Monday, April 21, 2008

Wells Assists Idaho Theater Fundraiser:

The Pix Theater, located in Nampa Idaho, had a fundraising event for renovations on April 19th. One of Idaho's current "resident stars" of Driggs was the "main attraction." Who is Idaho's star who came to the Theater's rescue? None other than Dawn Wells; who everyone remembers as "Maryann of Gilligan's Island". Ms. Wells and the Idaho Film and Television Institute donated a paid trip to Hollywood to the fundraiser.

It is estimated that two to three million dollars will be necessary in expenses to fix the damages to the landmark theater. In July 2003 when the roof collapsed during some renovations at the time.

Originally the theater opened in 1946 having an occupancy of 688. Future plans for the theater include renovations that will keep it similar to it's original appearance with some inner modifications. The proposed inside modifications are that the occupancy will be limited to 300 in the theater. This is so a restaurant can also be available to patrons. The new facility will not just be used for movies, but also live theater, comedy, music and additional significant events.

history
reference

Friday, April 18, 2008

Mother's Day: History And Ideas

In 1908 Anna M. Jarvis campaigned the church, for a day called Mother's Day to become official, in remembrance of her mother Anna Reeves Jarvis. Her mother had devoted twenty years to the church doing Sunday School teaching. On May 10, 1908 at Andrew's Methodist Church, in Grafton Virginia, a celebration was held. To honor her mother and in celebration of peace. This celebration was the first official Mother's Day celebration in the United States. Other women in previous years, most notably Julia Ward Howe, had celebrated Mother's day unofficially mainly on July 4th. In 1914Woodrow Wilson made history as he officially signed the paper to make the second day in May Mother's Day.

Through the ages many different meanings have been attached to Mother's Day. Or as some cultures call it Mothering Sunday. Did you know that in other regions of the world it is even celebrated at different seasons/months of the year. Some countries celebrate the church as the Mothering Spirit in which they are grateful to as other's give offering to other deity's. Celebrations can last just for the day of even up to three days in the observance of the Mother. Whether the Mother image is Mom, church or deity; the thankfulness for the giving of love, inspiration, life, and protection is the main thread.

Therefore, remember your Mother in some way this Mother's Day. Be thankful for what she has done for you. Maybe, she wasn't a perfect Mom or always there like you wished. Mothers are not infallible, they are human after all. If you have a problem or issue that has kept you apart; then maybe the best gift of all could be resolution, forgiveness or at least talking it over (actually listening to her side without interruption). If your Mom is still around and you need to resolve something -- don't wait till it's too late. She is always going to be there for you (even if you are the one at fault-- she will forgive you). That's what a Mom's love is all about.

Now, ideas for those that need them:
You could get the regular standbys of chocolate, flowers, or a card.

Or you could dress up those options:
1)Don't buy a card - make one;Mom's love handmade things, then if you live nearby make her either breakfast or lunch too and do the dishes afterwards.
2)Hand-picked flowers in an unusual or hand-painted vase with a photo of you (or your family attached) to it.
3)Home-made candy or chocolates or even bread or cookies (whatever she loves the best) on a home-made ceramic plate with her grand-children's hand-prints drawn/painted and glazed (dated too).

Don't live nearby; Here's a few options:
1)With liquid embroidery draw around one of each of her grand-children's hands, placing one hand on each side of a plain white potholder. Place the child's name and age inside the hand print. If you have four children you can make two potholders with this method. If you have more than four children you can also do this same method on a plain flour sack kitchen towel. It will be treasured by her believe me, I still have the one I gave my Mother (I got it after she passed away). One year I did a Kitchen Curtain Set for my Mother, by gathering all her grand-children together, who at the time were ages 6 months to 8 yrs. I had each of them draw, write and color (with liquid embroidery) whatever they wished upon the plain white material I had sewn into curtains. Of course I had to measure her kitchen windows when she wasn't home. She really loved those curtains, she put them in her cedar chest when she moved and they wouldn't fit any of her other windows.

2)A Handmade card; this is still a great option. You could also include a coupon book. The coupons you could make to say little things like; this entitles you to an I'm sorry Mom; this entitles you to I love you Mom; this entitles you to a phone call to me no matter what time and I'll listen; this entitles you to me calling you on your birthday; this entitles you to me coming to dinner (if you only live an hour or something like that not out of state)-- you get the idea. *remind Mom in the coupon book to let you know she is using her coupon at the time if it's over the phone and not in person.

3)A handmade photo frame with a picture of you/your family. You could dress up the photo frame with dried rose petals, confetti, lace, smaller photo collage images, buttons, seashells from a childhood family vacation or make it from twigs. Please wrap it in bubble wrap if it is fragile and ship it accordingly.

4)Make a dvd or cd of the grand-children, your children, singing songs and telling stories. Mail this to her. Then call her on Mother's Day to allow her to talk to the children and let them know how much she enjoyed the dvd/cd. I still have a cassette tape my children made for my Mother one year when we lived in Wyoming and she was in California. (once more I got it after she passed on in 2004--one day I will probably play it for my grand-children so they can hear their parents as kids).

Most of all, whatever you do for Mom, do it from the heart. Celebrate her with love, enjoy the fact that she is your Mother and has cared/done what she could to raise you. Embrace her, forgive her if necessary, Mother's Day is a day to celebrate the woman she is/has been. If your Mother, like mine, is passed then sit back and remember her in fond memories. Celebrate her life as she would want you to do. Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there.

history

Friday, April 11, 2008

Relationship Problems:

Now, you may even be considering whether he/she is really "the one" after all. This is a very natural response. When there may be doubts it should be weighed out. So here is a way to do just that;
Write down "twenty good qualities" of your partner/spouse. These qualities are ones you admire, like and respect about the person. They can range from "she's a good cook", "he's not abusive", "nice to my buddies", "my best friend", 'great father", "tells great jokes", "caring", "supportive financially", "dresses nicely", "helpful around the house"; you get the picture.

Now, "honestly" ask yourself when was the last time you thanked or complimented him/her about any of these qualities. Remember these are qualities you like/admire. Okay, maybe the person hasn't been doing them that often lately. Have things been more tense lately? Well, then it's very possible they don't feel at ease enough to be them self. Therefore, they aren't dong those qualities as often.

Before, you decide your relationship/marriage is over, Don't you believe you should give it another try to reconnect. Try by just complimenting/thanking your partner/spouse on things on your list. If they aren't really doing any of those listed items much right now. Then start with simple everyday things that do get done.

Before we married we hit a rough spot and I had my doubts. It wasn't difficult to make a list of twenty qualities I liked/admired about him. I still have that list. It's what inspired this article, as it sits on my desk. In case I get upset at him, I re-read it. I also began telling him thank-you for all the little things he'd do around the house. In addition to letting him know I admired him because he paid the bills on time. Which was one of my twenty qualities on my list about him. He asked why, the first three times, I told him I admired him about paying the bills on time. I answered him truthfully "because my ex never cared about whether the bills got paid."

You may feel it mundane to thank your spouse/partner for cooking the meal, taking out the trash, folding the laundry, doing the dishes, running to the store, or picking up a prescription. But it's not. People want to feel "appreciated", even for the little things. Relationships/marriages oftentimes fall into routines/ruts when one/both spouses take things for granted. Appreciation and admiration helps keep relationships from becoming taken for granted.

Give this a try for no less than sixty days. Then re-evaluate, I'm sure you'll see a difference. You may be the one partner/spouse who must initiate it. You may also not be too comfortable saying thank-you. However, remember you must be consistent and committed for the entire time. Eventually you will notice the other person will begin also. As you begin to notice more admiration and compliments coming your way too. Which will bring about a more harmonious and happier relationship. As you each will be feeling better about yourselves and reflecting that in your relationship to one another.

Also, you will learn what he/she actually admires about you. Which is what attracted him/her to you in the first place. Or maybe it's an admiration that's been cultured within your marriage/relationship. Either way you have a good foundation on which to continue to build. Keep up those thank-yous and compliments.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Poet's Corner:

One Last Hike?

I can see the majestic eagle soar,
Over the distant mountaintops,
I can hear the river's babbling roar,
As it flows over the rolling rocks.

I behold the effervescent waterfall,
I watch silently, the wildlife below,
As they frolic at the edge of the watering hole,
Under the waterfall's mist, I eye a rainbow.

Leaving this oasis of nature, I suddenly turn sad,
Fearing the future, I drop to the ground, in angst I cry,
Mining, Power Plants, Homes, will displace nature, makes me mad,
Unless we speak out, with nowhere to go, everything will die.


*Dedicated to all our Wildlife that's loosing their homes and lives. To our Roadless and Wilderness areas that are being destroyed. We have a voice that we must use to stop this senselessness before it goes any further. Stand up and be heard. For our precious natural resources, our wildlife that share this planet with us. Also for the future of your generations to see and share in the same experiences.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Capital For The Day: April

Firth Idaho;

Firth is a small town with a population of around one thousand the town was the capital of Idaho for April 8th. Governor Otter, his staff of various advisers attended a town hall meeting. The meeting with the citizens of Firth lasted about six hours, in the small city hall office.

When Governor Otter took office, he set aside one day per month to name a city as capital for the day. In this way he is able to get out of the big city capital of Boise and met the smaller populations in the state of Idaho. Idaho has many small town's and cities spread across a large state. In most cases the town meetings that are conducted in each Capitol for the day meeting is similar in content. The majority of questions pertain to issues on energy, water, education, health, economy, manufacturing issues, and immigration. Along with the possible solutions or finding/funding of any solutions available.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Update For Clinics Spreading Disease:

The Nevada clinics will be held responsible to those they have put in harm's way. If you were treated at the clinics, I previously mentioned in my other articles, please get checked. Especially if it was between March 2004 and January 11, 2008.

The contamination was mainly due to syringes being contaminated by a patients blood borne disease. These would have then been injected into the vials that they were obviously re-using. Which were suppose to be single patient use only vials. Then the medication would be withdrawn once more from that vial and used on a new patient. Thus putting that patient at risk of a variety of diseases:HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Symptoms of any of these diseases may not show up for years. Therefore, even if it was in 2004 that you used the clinic's services it is very important that you still get checked.

Symptoms for HIV are:
Flu like symptoms for the first 3-6 wks;
Between 2-10 yrs later you will develop any of the following number of symptoms;
Lack of energy
Weight loss
Frequent fevers and sweats
A thick, whitish coating of the tongue or mouth (thrush) that is caused by a yeast infection and sometimes accompanied by a sore throat
Severe or recurring vaginal yeast infections
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or severe and frequent infections like herpes zoster
Periods of extreme and unexplained fatigue that may be combined with headaches, lightheadedness, and/or dizziness
Rapid loss of more than 10 pounds of weight that is not due to increased physical exercise or dieting
Bruising more easily than normal
Long-lasting bouts of diarrhoea
Swelling or hardening of glands located in the throat, armpit, or groin
Periods of continued, deep, dry coughing
Increasing shortness of breath
The appearance of discoloured or purplish growths on the skin or inside the mouth
Unexplained bleeding from growths on the skin, from mucous membranes, or from any opening in the body
Recurring or unusual skin rashes
Severe numbness or pain in the hands or feet, the loss of muscle control and reflex, paralysis or loss of muscular strength
An altered state of consciousness, personality change, or mental deterioration
Children may grow slowly or fall sick frequently. HIV positive persons are also found to be more vulnerable to some cancers.

Symptoms for Hepatitis B:
One half of people infected will symptom free;
Others will have flu-like symptoms within 1-6 months with any of the following symptoms;
Appetite loss
Feeling tired (fatigue)
Nausea and vomiting
Itching all over the body
Pain over the liver (on the right side of the abdomen, under the lower rib cage)
Jaundice - A condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow in color
Urine becomes dark in color (like cola or tea).
Stools are pale in color (grayish or clay colored).

Many types of acute viral hepatitis have similar symptoms (hepatitis A, hepatitis C).

Fulminant hepatitis is an unusual illness. It is a severe form of acute hepatitis that can be life threatening if not treated right away. The symptoms develop very suddenly.
Mental disturbances such as confusion, lethargy, extreme sleepiness or hallucinations (hepatic encephalopathy)
Sudden collapse with fatigue
Jaundice
Swelling of the abdomen
Prolonged nausea and vomiting can cause dehydration. If you have been vomiting repeatedly, you may notice these symptoms:
Feeling tired or weak
Feeling confused or having difficulty concentrating
Headache
Not urinating
Irritability

Symptoms of liver failure may include the following:
Fluid retention causing swelling of the belly (ascites) and sometimes the legs
Weight gain due to ascites
Persistent jaundice
Loss of appetite, weight loss, wasting
Vomiting with blood in the vomit
Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum or blood in the stool
Hepatic encephalopathy (excessive sleepiness, mental confusion, and in advanced stages, development of coma)

Call your health care provider if you have any of the following:
Nausea and vomiting that does not go away in 1-2 days
Yellow skin or eyes
Dark-colored urine (like tea or cola)
Pain in the abdomen
Either of these situations also warrants a call to your health care provider:
You think that you might have been exposed to someone with hepatitis or that you might be at risk for any reason.
You have other medical problems and think that you might have hepatitis.

Hepatitis C symptoms:
Basically the first signs are like the others in early stages flu-like;
Slight fatigue
Nausea or poor appetite
Muscle and joint pains
Tenderness in the area of your liver
In the event you develop chronic hepatitis C then you possibly may have some of the following symptoms earlier or develop them later on or not at all;
Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Persistent or recurring yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice)
Low-grade fever

Hepatitis C can still be communicable even if you aren't having symptoms yourself. It can also damage your liver without you being symptomatic too. This is why it is very important to tested at the earliest convenience if you are someone that could have been exposed at any of those clinics. Especially since this alert has been issued.

These clinics will have there day in court. There are already many lawyer firms offering free consultations for those that were treated at the Nevada Clinics during the time in question. All you need to do is an internet search for Hepatitis Malpractice Lawyer, Endoscopy Center Patient, Nevada Endoscopy Lawyer, or even just Nevada Hepatitis C Clinic. It will bring you a list of lawyers ready to assist you in your case. I hope all of you who were exposed get checked and are okay. I also hope you get the justice you deserve for all the pain and suffering that the Clinics are putting you and your families through. My best wishes to you.



HIV
HepB
HepC

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Global Warming Affects Our Health:

Global Warming is more than just weather it also affects our health in various ways. With the shifts in temperatures brought about we see more droughts and floods, thus we will see a rise in more people having health problems.

Severe heat waves normally means some deaths occur every year. With the severe heat also comes the release of toxic greenhouse gases, pollution, and infectious diseases. The ozone's happen faster at higher temperatures and the emissions of pollutants, like CO2, that force the ozone to go up even more. Therefore, as Global Warming rises the number of deaths rise also.

Higher temperatures is a breeding ground for malaria and mosquito borne illnesses. It is reported that approximately anywhere from 7,000 deaths per year are from Malaria. Another mosquito borne illness that's been on the rise these past few years has been the West Nile Virus. It is expected to continue to feed off the Global Warming's effects of the rising temperature. As the mosquito continues to move into areas, once too cold for them, they have new breeding grounds and opportunities to expand. As the summers are exceedingly hot the mosquitoes will then be able to transmit this sometimes fatal disease.

Smog is another element when added with extreme temperature to our ozone layer that is causing severe health problems that have lead to deaths in the past. It tends to damage our lung tissue, causing respiratory and often heart-related illness and deaths. This includes asthma in many of our nations children. Smog related deaths are projected to increase by 4.5 by the year 2050.

It is reported that there are at least 160,000 deaths per year related to Global Warming. Thus, the CDC has began preparation, for diseases as a result from Global Warming, as one of it's top priorities. We can only slow day Global Warming's progression by reducing the deadly CO2 that is being emitted into the atmosphere. Being Environmentally friendly and doing your part by going Green will help. You are not just saving the planet for future generations but possibly giving yourself and your loved ones a healthier one as well.


healthrisks
ecosystems

Children's Behavior in Restaurants:

My husband and I have gone to a few restaurant's over the past few months noticing some children's behavior as unruly. In our Grand-parent's, Parent's and even our time of being Parent's such behavior was not allowed. I understand that in some states it is considered child abuse (in Utah) to even spank your child in public. However, there does come a time where some discipline needs to be made or the parents need to pack up the kids and leave the restaurant. Patrons pay to go there to "enjoy" a nice meal and an evening out. Something some people can afford to do more often than others. However often people get to do so, it should still be a pleasant enough experience. They should not have to deal with children running around their table yelling nor shaking their table nor kicking their chairs. All because the children's parents may feel disciple is unnecessary or want to raise their children naturally. Maybe it's just that the parents have tuned them out or just can't control them so they ignore them instead. Whatever the reason it's disruptive to the others in the restaurant. This includes even fast-food places, except the areas that have play-yards so that children can run and let off steam.

In my opinion, the parents need to diffuse the situation as quickly as it starts. They could take the child to the restroom and either talk to them or give their hand or bottom a slight swat. I'm not saying beat them. A little tap will get their attention even if it's just across the fingers. After talking in a firm voice or a little hand tap give them another chance to sit at the table. If that fails get your food to go. Then pack up your family and leave the restaurant. Being sure to let your children know it's because of their actions. Make sure that they don't get any dessert. Even if dessert was ordered do not pack it to go, just leave it behind. Let them know the dessert is being left because they couldn't behave. Maybe next time if they behave through an entire meal, and you can stay at the restaurant, they will get their dessert. Do not cave in, no matter how young and innocent they are, you need to be strong and stay decisive. Remember, there are other people to consider in the restaurant too. If you want your children running wild when you are eating then just stay home and eat until they are old enough to behave or get a baby-sitter.

In my day my parents would have paddled my bottom right there in front of everyone. If any of us kids still continued to be disruptive we would then be sent to the car. We would then wait in the car while the rest of the family finished eating, we knew better than to get out too. Then when we got home we were sent to our room. In society today discipline is more lax due to children claiming abuse (sometimes untruthfully). It's very easy for children to scream abuse now and the cops show up and parents be in trouble just because they "spanked" their child. Therefore, many parents opt to not spank children as a disciplinary action. However, you can't totally let children go without any discipline whatsoever. You must find an alternative means that works. Even if sometimes it means you will have to make concessions. Such as go out less or get a baby-sitter if your child can't behave in public. Or even leave a movie or restaurant early due to the child's behavior.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Make Money Without Website:

I found an interesting article on how to make money on the internet. I know what you're thinking people make money everyday on the internet. You are right. However, what was interesting is that you don't need to have a website to do it. This is a reprint of the article. Yes, I have permission since she gave me affiliation rights. I hope you find a gem or two in it. I have always said one is never too old to learn anything new. Yes, I know that's been around for a while. However, it is very true. We can still learn new skills and things no matter how old we become. Learning should be something we do daily anyways, otherwise life would become pretty dull if you weren't always expanding your knowledge. Enjoy:

How To Make Money Online Without A Website
by Melanie Mendelson


You don't need to have a website to make money on the
Internet. Here is a proven strategy to make money online
without a website:

Step 1: Find Affiliate Product

Find a product to promote where you make good commission on
each sale. Generally, you will get the biggest commissions
on digital products. Digital products are defined as
something that is downloaded directly to a customer's
computer after purchasing, like electronic books or
software.

Since there is no extra cost per unit, no inventory and no
shipping, the commissions are much greater than on regular
"physical" goods. The most common commission on digital
products is 50%. The best place to find such products is
Clickbank.com.

Sign up as a reseller (also called affiliate) for a product
that looks the most appealing to you. After you sign up,
you will get a unique affiliate link where you need to send
people to purchase the product.

Your affiliate link will have a special code that will tell
the product owner that it's you who referred the customer.
The affiliate link code will allow your commissions to be
tracked correctly and assigned to you.

Step 2: Get Domain Name

Get a domain name to redirect to your affiliate link. A
domain name is a .COM name (like yourproduct.com). You can
get it for under $9 at GoDaddy.com. GoDaddy.com will allow
you to redirect your domain name to your affiliate link at
no extra cost.

So when someone types in your .COM domain in their browser,
it will go to your affiliate link. The visitor will see
the website with the product you promote, and the
commissions will be tracked correctly.

The reason why you need a domain name is that it's
memorable and it makes you look more trustworthy. Affiliate
links tend to be too long and arouse suspicion. For
example, most people would rather click on the link
bestwidgets.com as opposed to abcwidgets.com?reseller=john

A domain name will make your affiliate link look like it's
your own website. So basically, you will have a product to
promote and a website to send people to and get commissions
- without really having your own website.

Step 3: Get Traffic

In order to make sales, you need to get visitors to your
domain name (which will forward them to the website of the
product that you resell). You can pay for advertising and
hope that your profit will be greater than advertising
cost, or you can use free ways to generate traffic.

The most effective way to get free targeted visitors to
your domain name is by writing and submitting articles. You
can write short articles on the topic related to the
product that you promote. At the end of the article, you
include your author bio and your domain name link.

You will then submit your articles to various websites, and
allow them to publish your articles as long as your link is
included. Your articles will get published in many places
on the Internet, and will be advertising your affiliate
link at no cost to you whatsoever. People will read your
articles, like what you have to say and click on your
domain name link ready to buy.

Once you start getting regular sales from your articles,
you can go back to step 1 and find another product to
promote using this strategy. After a while, you will build
up a nice source of Internet income - without even having a
website.

About The Author:
Melanie Mendelson is a stay-at-home mom who makes a
full-time living on the Internet! Read her story at
http://pamel.tspecial.hop.clickbank.net

Friday, April 4, 2008

Educational Toys For Toddlers:

Children grow up so fast nowadays. It is in the best interest of our children if we can help educate them in fun ways. By doing so we can buy educational toys in lieu of just fun toys. Educational toys can be fun also. Therefore, when they are young, as toddlers, we can begin making playtime a learning experience. This allows our toddlers, in their early years, to develop more important skills of learning at a faster pace. Then if we waited until they actually were enrolled into preschool or began kindergarten.

Leapfrog, Playskool, Sesame Street are all familiar brand names of children's toy manufacturers. They manufacture toys that are fun, safe and educational. Many toddlers see these toys at the stores and ask for them. They want many of these toys since they recognize the characters that are put out by the manufacturers. Many of them are character-oriented that have adventures which are learning related. Characters such as Spongebob, Diego, Dora, Big Bird, Pooh, Elmo, Scooby-Doo, Barbie and the list goes on. The fact that the child asks for the toy is even all the better. Dora and Diego are bilingual, teaching the toddler to speak more than one language. What's wrong with that? Nothing, it is preparing children to be able to interact with children of other races. I find that refreshing and educational. I have a grand-daughter who is into both Dora and Diego. She can now say hello in five different languages, along with a vocabulary of many other multi-cultural words. She is not even three years old yet. I think it's wonderful.

That's why I believe that toddlers benefit from educational toys. Because they learn earlier on how to to count, the alphabet, colors, shapes and even to read a bit.These are important foundations that they can use when they go to kindergarten. To actually know these before they begin kindergarten will give them an advantage to excel even more. The same grand-daughter knows most of her alphabet and many of her colors. Her parents play a game with her alphabet refrigerator magnets. They have her find a letter on the refrigerator and bring it to them. If it's the correct one she gets a round of applause from everyone in the room. If not she's told to go try to find the letter again until she finds it. It is very entertaining for her and interactive. It is also allowing parents to interact with the toddler in many ways. Instead of just placing the child in a playpen with a drum to beat by him/herself. Interaction is a much needed part of a child's growing up. Loneliness and separation will only promote children to become introverts of society. It will also not promote a close relationship with the parent and child for the future. Where if the interaction occurs with the parent and toddler through the use of learning to read together. In the future there may be a much stronger relationship between the child and parent. Therefore, starting in the toddler years with educational toys can be a positive step in any child's life.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

April Is Autism Awareness Month:

April 2nd has been named Autism Awareness day. The entire month of April is devoted to Autism awareness. All month World Wide events are being held to raise funds for autism and also to host autistic children in activities/fun.

Autism has been reported to now be rising in numbers. It seems that one child in every one hundred and fifty will develop autism. This seems to be such an alarming number. A study was even done that states that in areas with inclement weather, with children indoors watching television more, that could provide an environmental trigger for autism. Especially since the rise in numbers for how many children watch television now. However, the data is inconclusive to support this statement. Therefore, it is not proven scientifically nor sensibly enough to give it much merit. I only mentioned it because it caught my attention as to the only answer so far as to why the increase in the number of children developing autism today than say fifty years ago. Some speculate that autism could be caused or the dormant gene awakened by vaccines.

Boys are four times more likely of developing autism than girls, the factor is yet unknown. Autism is not contagious yet it is genetic. If one parent carries the gene chances are you will pass it on to your child. There is also increased chances that if you have more than one child then more than one child may develop autism but not all children in the family will. Why? That is yet unknown too.

What is known? It is known that in premature births with complications of cranial bleeding, studies have predicted that over ninety percent of those children will develop autism. These groups of children need to be watched and followed closely for developments/symptoms that may be related to autism. Symptoms of autism will typically appear by the time the child becomes three. These signs include delays in motor development, learning problems, language skills, social interaction and repetitive behavior.


AutismSpeaks
autismvideo
autisminschoolvideo
tvautismreport
preemies

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Make-up Tips For Natural Beauty:

In the past I believed a large assortment of colors to match my wardrobe was the best way to go with makeup. Especially since there is more than a rainbow of colors/palettes available. However, I do not feel that way anymore. Men actually like the less made-up look. Therefore, let your make-up be subtle, more natural looking.

In today's world more women are staying away from the traditional liquid foundations of the past. Mineral make-up has become the new standard. It is less likely to cause break outs and other skin problems associated with wearing make-up. That is due to the fact that is allows your skin to breathe more by not sealing off the pores under all the gunk like past make-ups such as liquid foundations did. Also, it doesn't just stay on top of the skin like a mask. Mineral make-up is made up of natural ingredients so it doesn't irritate the skin. That's why less breakouts and why it's great for those with sensitive skin. Most mineral make-ups will have an SPF included in it for protection from the sun's rays. Another alternative is air-brushing your water-based liquid foundation on. This allows it to be put on ever so lightly that it allows your skin to breathe also. In the same sense the mineral make-up does. I have not used the air-brushed technique yet myself, but have a friend who swears by it. Whatever choice you make be sure to choose a foundation that closely match your skin tone. With mineral make-up you can mix two different dry powders together to come up with the exact match to your skin tone. This is the method that I prefer for this reason. It is great since I have fair skin, except in the summer I may get a light tan. Then I can adjust the mixture to allow for the difference in the tan. That is why I find this the best alternative.

Before applying your base coat first apply a good non-greasy moisturizer. Wait two to three minutes for it to absorb into your skin. Then mix your mineral make-up to match your skin tone. When applying mineral make-up most of the time you will use make-up brushes. Depending on what brand of mineral make-up you decide to buy, most will come with brushes in the kits. With your powdered mineral make-up base you apply it and buff it into your skin. It goes into your pores. Carry the color all the way down under your chin, down your entire neck and a bit unto your bodice. This prevents any unfinished look. This is your primary base. Now with a mineral blush, best to use all minerals if possible, apply sparingly. A little bit of your primary color, either tan or light pink, stroked upon your cheekbones. Followed by a lighter color, usually a white, slightly above. Then in the hollows of your cheeks, for evening wear, place a tiny bit of a darker color for shadow or a sparkling highlighter. Also place in the hollows of your throat. Now, rebuff lightly another coat of your base color of mineral make-up over everything. This will give you a natural look, not too made up.

Now for your eyes. Some people prefer eyeliner I don't. I believe it makes people too made up. If you want to use it for special occasions or a night on the town fine. When you use eyeliner, after penciling it on, take your finger and gently smudge it. This will make it more softer and in tone with the rest of your make-up. I belive is that just eyeshadow with a touch of mascara is all one needs for the eyes. First, choose a natural eye color that is best for your eyes. No pinks, purples or lime greens. The best natural colors are browns, light blue (if you have blue eyes), olive green (great for those with oriental complexions),smokey gray (for the night on the town over black). By far the range of browns is the best even for blondes. Use off white too for accentuating the highbrow or outer areas of the eyes. You will always use two colors to do your eyes, one lighter to accentuation. For me I use a taupe brown and an off white; therefore I will demonstrate with my eyeshadow colors. Take the off white and cover the eyelid and highbrow area completely. Afterwards, take the taupe and on the lid one third in from the eye corner color in that area. You can touch up the off white again in the eye corner smudging it a bit into the taupe so it blends therefore not having a line there. I use a smudge-proof waterproof mascara. First, I curl my lashes with a eyelash curler. The I take my mascara and just use it on the tips of my lashes so it is not so heavy or thick looking. Remember we want a natural look. My mascara colors that I use are either clear, brown or brownish-black. I don't use plain black. Sometimes for added fun and flair I might use a clear glitter mascara.

For the lips; Lip care is an important feature. Your mouth is what people pay attention to as you are talking to them. Therefore, you must maintain your lips in good condition. Be sure to apply a lip moisturizer or chapstick on a routine basis. I do this every morning and evening routinely. I even apply it as needed during the day. Chapped lips can ruin lip gloss results. Since I like a natural look I prefer lip gloss instead of lipstick. The choice is yours though. Even under the lip gloss I put a coating of lip moisturizer before I apply the lip gloss. Occassionally for a special night on the town I will want a two-tone look. For this I use a lipstick base over the moisturizer topped off by a lip gloss in the pout area. I use mineral lip sticks and glosses.

You can find mineral makeups through online distributors or even at some retail stores now. I buy mine both places. My lip glosses I get at retail stores as they have a wider variety. However, I tried many mineral makeups until I found one that was convenient and that I preferred over all. Now, I stick with that one. You must find the one that works best for you.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Poet's Corner:

LIFE'S LOVE

Life is our chance,
At love and romance,
Relax, enjoy, embrace,
Life's limitless grace.

Never look down,
Nor carry a frown,
By always looking up,
Will overflow your cup.

A broken heart,
Is a lesson that smarts,
Don't douse love's flame,
Nor discard what you've gained.

With happiness divine,
Let your love shine,
With arms open wide,
Welcome love's tide.

Walk through the strife,
Embrace love in your life,
Wrap yourself in rapture,
As you seek life's treasure.