Auld Lang Syne lyrics

Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old times since?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !

And surely I’ll buy mine !

And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,and picked the daisies fine ;But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,from morning sun till dine† ;But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend ! And give us a hand o’ thine ! And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.
CHORUS

A special guest

Meet one of our favorite listeners, Ariana.

You'll hear her dishing an opinion and putting Jeff in his place every now and then on 101.5 LITE FM.

A few words from our special guest:

This is SO cool. For the first time I'm actually on LIVE radio. I'm living like a Rock star now!!! This is the time of my life. I would like to thank Susan and Jeff for having me here and to help me to beleive in my dreams. I would like to thank my friends and family that are listening to me on the radio. Especially my aunt and uncle that are in Frankfurt,Germany. Last but not least, my mom and dad! Today is their 24th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniverary!!!!

Have a lite day from Ariana at 101.5 LITE FM!!

Bye!!:)

Facing Facebook

It's taken me over a year but I finally caved and went on Facebook.

Since Friday I've connected with 34 friends, many of them from my old high school, Kickapoo. I even asked my old school mate Brad Pitt to be a "friend" but I havent heard from him yet.

You do need to take precautions and be careful of social networking websites. Here are some good tips to keep in mind.

A Wise Christmas

Santa was very nice to us this year! Howard was thrilled with his Guitar Hero. Here he is...doing his best on Pat Benatar's "Hit me with your best shot" He hit his chords 89% of the time...way to go Howie!!

Here is my new purse. I love the smell of leather. Now I must go shopping to show it off. Whoo hoo!

Track Santa

Follow Santa's path with the help of NORAD.

Merry Christmas!!

Groovy gift wrap

Miami Herald

Why waste time and resources wrapping a present, when the wrapping can become the present? This holiday season, make the wrapping just as meaningful as the gift inside.

• Your cup runneth over: Instead of the traditional stocking, why not take your venti caramel frappuccino plastic cup -- destined for the trash heap -- rinse it out and fill it with toys? Or candy? Or both. Bonus points for the gift-giver who throws in a shiny crazy straw.

• Be green bags: In case you didn't get the recyclable memo, going green is in. A plethora of eco-conscious products are hitting the shelves, like the BeGreen Pod and the RuMe bag. Both are trendy, reusable totes that can be tucked into a ball, folded into the shape of a cell phone or stuffed into a glove box in your car. ''It is a gift bag that keeps on giving,'' says Jae Lee, co-founder of the Denver-based RuMe. For every BeGreen Pod that's sold, a tree will be planted.
BeGreen Pods retail for $12.95; www.begreennow.com RuMe Bags are available in standard tote or mini size; sold individually or in sets of three, $8.95-$28.50; http://www.rumebags.com/.

• Fabric gift wrap: If you can't keep your hands off the gift wrap, at least get the re-usable kind. Fwrap is a gift wrap made of fabric that comes in three sizes. Small fits CDs; medium is perfect for books and DVDs; and large is a 9-by-11 ½-inch rectangle. The Ecospun fiber wraps come in a variety of colors and styles, including crimson red or evergreen for the holidays. A new line, Petals, is more decorative, with little flower clasps to seal the deal. Prices range from $8 for a small Fwrap to $30 for a set of three; http://www.fwraps.com/.

• Word up: We all know that newspapers are taking a beating from the Internet. But the printed page is still good for some things, like wrapping fish. And presents. For the chef in your life, what could be better than a cookbook wrapped in the pages of a newspaper's food section? Forgo the bow, and spruce the gift up with tubes of spices.
Pick up The Miami Herald's Food section Thursdays for 35 cents in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

• Bean bags: Ahhh, what could be better than waking up to the smell of coffee brewing? A pound of coffee beans may not sound like the best gift idea, but package it in a ReJAVAnate bag and now you're in business. The coffee roaster bags are made of burlap and would otherwise be tossed in a landfill. They are sold plain or with a grower's logo. Or they can be printed with a logo in soy-based ink. The bags come in large and medium, $7-$8.50; http://www.rejavanate.com/.

• A Bean of a different color: Why stop with coffee? This holiday season, LL Bean is offering ''Breakfast in a Bag,'' with a 16-ounce buttermilk pancake mix, 8.5-ounce Grade A dark amber Main maple syrup, 8.5 ounces of Maine blueberry preserves and a 1.08-ounce package of Log Cabin Blend coffee. The goodies come packaged in a canvas tote with an embroidered tree.
By catalog, $55; http://www.llbean.com/ code: KL53490.

• Remember when: For a truly personal wrap job, print out snapshots from a favorite trip, family celebration or holiday and use the paper to cover your gifts.

Naughty or nice

Are you on the naughty or nice list? Just click here and type in your name to find out. Here is what Santa said about me.


Susan Wise
Nice, with a few exceptions. Needs to be nice to everyone not just friends. Could try a little harder when things are tough. Good sense of humor. Made list last year. Needs to be good all December.

And for Jeff.

Jeff Martin

Nice, but has naughty lapses. High marks in the good deeds department. Better than average manners. Hopefully, thoughtfulness will continue to be as good as last month. Neatness needs improvement!

Dr. Dulay holiday party

Everyone had fun last night at Dr. Dulay's (my dentist) holiday party. Here are a few pictures of Dr. Dulay and her wonderful staff. Howard and I were honored to be included in this festive event.

More Dulay pics

Here are some more of Dr. Dulay's wonderful staff.

Re-gifting

Do you give gifts with past lives? Would you mind being the recipiant of a re-gift? Jeff gave me a half-eaten pie last year...let this be an example of what NOT to give.

Here are some more tips:

Re-gifting is quite acceptable, after all it's merely recycling something you have no need of and could be thoroughly enjoyed by someone else. However, there are some rules to re-gift by to make sure that the 're-giftee' is pleased with the gift. When should you re-gift or not even consider this gift-giving strategy? The answer lies in the gift itself - what it is, and what you can do to ensure it's a great gift.

When is Re-Gifting Acceptable?

We often receive gifts that we have absolutely no need for or we already have such an item or appliance, and keeping a double would serve no purpose. This often occurs with wedding gifts where the happy couple receives a number of similar or duplicate kitchen appliances, or at Christmas when festive gifts or ornaments are received. You may have received an unwanted gift for a birthday or anytime for that matter. When it comes to personal items such as clothing, health care items and such, re-gifting should not even be considered. But I would rather see appliances, kitchenware and home decor items passed on to someone else to enjoy, rather then see these unwanted gifts be delegated to the basement or garage for years (even decades), from lack of need or want.

Rules for Re-Gifting

Keep the gift in its original packaging. This is a must! And make sure all the parts/accessories including the instruction brochure or manual are in the box.
Protect the gift and packaging from breakage and deterioration while it is being stored. Bag it to seal out dust and prevent fading from the sun.
Never re-gift something broken, used, has a part missing or doesn't work.
Never re-gift just to save money. The motive should always be to give a gift that will be enjoyed. Saving money in the end is just a bonus of re-gifting.
Never re-gift to the person who gave it to you. If there is any possibility you may forget who gave it, add a temporary removable tag to remind you.
Never re-gift something personal.
Never re-gift an item that is out of style. It's best not to store it too long. Appliances can and do go out of style over time. You wouldn't want to re-gift an older appliance when two 'improved' models are now on the market.
Give a gift that suits the receiver or that they'd love to get. This simple gift-giving rule applies even more so with re-gifting. Consider how it will be received. You wouldn't re-gift a blender to someone who hates to cook and bake, nor would you give a rustic country home decor item to someone with a contemporary styling. Other Options for Those Unwanted Gifts
If you find it hard to re-gift, it won't feel like you're re-gifting if you simply pass it on to someone who will enjoy it - not as a gift, but just because you know they can make use of it.
Donate it to a charitable organization for their penny-auction table, or to an appliance receiving center where it can be sold to support a cause.
Donate it to a homeless shelter, food bank or crisis center, where it can be passed on to a family who needs it. What a joy for that family to receive a new item instead of a used one.
New appliances, gadgets or kitchenware make great shower prizes.

Wacky jobs

What is the craziest thing you've done to make money?

Jeff admitted to wearing a pink tutu and dancing around a cruise ship. ( I think he actually liked it)

Way back in the early 1980's I did a character for a TV station in Odessa, Texas. Her name was Tinsel and she did movie reviews. The wig, squeeky voice and wacky outfits helped me pay my rent in the early days of my radio career. I have the videos but they are just too embarrassing to show.

LITE FM listener, Lance sent me a note about a wacky job he had:

Miss Susan,

This picture was taken in 1979 when our ship was going through a major storm in the N Atlantic. On the picture with the full view of the ship, the arrow is the location in which I was tied to the rail to take the shot as the ship entered into a approx. 50 foot wave. Lessons of the day was. Under normal circumstances you try and hold your breath as long as you can. In circumstances like this, you hold it as long as you have to. Lesson #2, Slamming into a 50 foot wave WILL leave you with 2 broken ribs. Lance

Wacky ways to make $$$

15 Crazy Ways People Make Money in Today’s Economy


In today’s economy, it can be pretty tough to make money anywhere, but some intrepid folks are earning money hand over fist online and they’re doing it in some crazy ways. There’s a lot that can be learned from these people, especially if you’re sitting on your own idea but think it’s too out there. As these people illustrate, there’s no end to the insanity when it comes to making money online!
1 . Virtual Farming - Nearly half a million people in China are making money by playing a game, earning gold and selling it to other players with too much time on their hands and a credit card burning in their pocket! The phenomenon that is World of Warcraft, a massively multi-player online role playing game, has spawned some of the most creative ideas for making money. The game’s currency is gold, but a lot of players don’t want to take the time to earn it themselves. So, these people in China, and all over the world, spend their days playing the game, making gold and selling it in the game for actual cash.
2. Doggles - If there is one thing dogs don’t need, it’s a pair of goggles, but this idea, which got its start online, has made millions of dollars and real stores have opened up all over the world. They took their original idea, of UV protective doggles and continued expanding their product line to include vests, other eyewear and even jewelry. People will spend countless dollars on their pets and this site more than proves it can pay off big time if you have a pet related product or idea.
3. The Million Dollar Homepage - This is probably the most iconic of all the crazy ideas that have ever been born. This guy decided to set up a site and sell one million pixels for $1 a piece. He got a huge amount of publicity and ended up making his million dollars. He has since gone on to other money making projects.
4. WhateverLife - This teenage girl who had a flair for the creative set up a site to offer layouts for MySpace and free tutorials. The idea took off and she now gets around 7 million visitors to her website every month. She’s managed to land some major advertising contracts and has received offers to buy her site that have exceeded $1.5 million.
5. MyYearbook - Two teens had a simple idea; why not create an online yearbook for people? The idea turned into a social networking site and they’ve been able to raise more than $4 million in venture capital. The company now has 45 employees, 3 million members and some heavy duty advertisers.

Click here for the rest of the wacky ideas.

Cold or flu?

I was feeling a little under the weather the past few days! Yes, a little green around the gills.

The aches, sneezing, stuffy head, runny nose....a lovely cold.

Do you have a nasty bug?

Do you know if it's a cold or the flu?

Check out this article to learn the difference.

Stay connected

Another way to stay connected during the holidays is with your computer. Check out this site where you can see and talk to each other for free.

I had a caller from Ft. Lauderdale set up her 78 year old mom with it in Connecticut so they can talk and see each other every day. It sounds pretty user-friendly.

Holidays and divorce

Having divorced parents can be particularly hard for children during the holidays.

So "you want your gift to your child to be one of cooperative parents," says Edward Teyber, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at California State University, San Bernardino, and author of Helping Children Cope With Divorce. To protect your child from conflict, he suggests these strategies:

Talk to your ex about how much to spend on gifts and who'll buy what.

Be accommodating with your schedules. For instance, your child can have a holiday breakfast with one parent and a special dinner with the other.

Establish your own tradition if you don't have your child during the holidays.

Let your child know she doesn't have to choose between you and your ex: "I know your mom misses you. It's okay to call and tell her you miss her too."

Tip toe around tipping

Mail carriers, housekeepers, teachers, hairdresser, pet groomers,...'tis the time of year to say thank you with a holiday tip. If you're not sure what is appropriate then check out this helpful tip list:

What you need to know about holiday tipping. Whom to tip and end-of-year gifts that are appropriate.

From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine

1. Give a gift, not a handout. Of all the holiday traditions, none is as confusing as tipping. Who gets a tip? How much? Etiquette expert Peggy Post, the spokeswoman for the Emily Post Institute, offers this advice: A caddy or a babysitter, say, who has delivered outstanding service throughout the year, worked for you consistently and is someone you've come to rely on deserves recognition. Few service providers will meet that profile, but give a gift to anyone who does. The most convenient gifts are cash, checks and gift cards that can be redeemed at local stores. (For end-of-year amounts that are appropriate for various professions, you can find a tipping tip sheet at kiplinger.com/links/tipping.)
2. Be extravagant with your praise. If giving cash doesn't appeal to you, it's okay to offer your gratitude. "You don't have to write an epistle," says Post. "Writing one word -- thanks -- is enough." For the exceptional person who provided service above and beyond the call of duty at some point during the year, the best gift may be to send a glowing letter to his or her supervisor and share a copy of the letter with the person.
3. No envelopes, please. The U.S. Postal Service forbids cash gifts. If you want to reward a mail carrier who really hasn't been deterred by snow, rain, heat or gloom of night, a book of Starbucks coupons or a box of chocolates worth $20 or less would be okay. FedEx directs its couriers not to accept cash tips but permits tokens of appreciation worth $25 or less. UPS has no formal policy on tipping; its drivers may accept a tip or a holiday gift.
4. What would Santa do? End-of-year gifts are customary in many workplaces for receptionists and personal assistants. Protocol consultant Rosanne Thomas recommends that you avoid gifts that touch the body, such as clothes, perfume and cologne, because they may be too intimate. Gift cards and movie passes are acceptable -- but cash is a no-no.
5. Those bunny slippers may not fit. Don't overestimate your ability to pick a truly appropriate gift, says Mark Brenner, author of Tipping for Success. He offers the following strategy: "Ask co-workers for advice on possible gift ideas, especially items that might relate to a person's hobby."
6. A lump of coal could backfire. You may be tempted to withhold a holiday tip to express your dissatisfaction with the service you're receiving. But the person you stiff may not understand that you're saying service is inadequate. "If you want better service, don't see the inside," says etiquette expert Thomas Blaikie. "Speak up." And if you're not comfortable confronting the person, talk to a supervisor instead.
7. You're not Daddy Warbucks. When you dine out during the holidays, you may feel social pressure to tip 20% -- or even more. Don't give in. The customary gratuity is 15% of a bill's subtotal before sales tax, say etiquette experts. But don't be stingy, either. Waiters depend on your tips to earn a living, and taxes, health insurance and tipping pools that include bussers and bartenders may reduce the total amount your waiter ultimately pockets.

Job well done!

There are many tough jobs during the holiday season but today most people that called me said Mail Carriers had the toughest job during the holidays. So, hats off to you! Thank you for a job well done through rain, sleet, and dead of night. Oh and your neighbors ferocious dog.

While mail carriers are normally paid well, they do have to work in all weather conditions. They are exposed everyday to the dangers of other drivers on the road, dogs and other animals. While you have 2 days off a week, mail is delivered on Saturday so you won't be getting many weekends off. Being a mail carrier is a tough job, depending on the route, you may need to carry a heavy mail bag and walk quite a distance in a day. But that is good exercise, right!

Some of the other tough jobs during the holidays that deserve mention. Our men and women serving in the military and away from home, the folks that clean up the stores we mess up, grocery stores, Mall Santa, retail sales, gift wrappers, bell ringers, firemen and police. Thank you all for keeping our holiday LITE and refreshing.

Holiday cards

Every year I go to Target or Wal-mart and buy some holiday cards with the best intentions of sending them out and every year I get too busy to do it. Do you send out holiday cards?

Are they fancy? Maybe with a family photo or a poem? Here are a few idea's to create a fun holiday card.

If you wanna send me a card and Jeff some coal here is our address:

101.5 LITE FM
20450 NW 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33169

Happy Holiday!

Classic toys

What was your favorite toy? Hot wheels, Frisbee, Easy-Bake-Oven, a Yo-Yo, Westy Besty?

A recent suryvey says Barbies and board games are back on top of holiday wish lists. Seems those classic toys never go out of style. Here is a great website that will take you back to your childhood.

My favorite toy

This very pretty ballerina is Mattel's popular Dancerina, who was introduced in 1968. She stands 24 inches tall and is a battery operated dancing doll. I believe this size only came in a blond version. She does lovely pirouettes when the knob inside her plastic crown is pushed or pulled. She turns in either direction and can also dance in place on her tip-toes.

I asked for it from my parents for Christmas and I remember the one and only time I snooped for gifts...it was that year. I found my Dancerina under my parents bed. I was so riddled with guilt that I had snooped...I told on myself. To this day I can't look at this doll without feeling a bit guilty.

What was your favorite toy when you were a kid?

Holiday shopping safety

I'm sure you heard that I sprained my wrist on Sunday while I was holiday shopping. Heavy Bags!!!

This uncomfortable situation made me do a little research and I found out that its more common to have injuries while you shop during the holiday season than any other time of the year.

As a result of my investigation, I found some useful tips that I hope help with your holiday shopping.

And if you want to know your shopping style, check out this quiz.... Let me know how it comes out.

Hey twinkle toes!

In life as in dance:Grace glides on blistered feet.
~ Alice Abrams

All week we are giving away tickets to see the Miami City Ballet's "The Nutcracker"...which got me thinking about my early years as a ballerina. I was 5 years old my instructor was Mrs. Good and I loved this part of my life. The pink tights, dancing around and the big recital. We performed "Little Miss Muffet" I remember I got to be the spider that sat down beside her. I felt like a star!!

But I was not aware that Jeff Martin donned a tutu as well. I have the picture to prove it.

He's the one on the far right with the blonde wig and mustache. Nice.

Did you ever take ballet lessons and did you enjoy it?

How do you shop?

What is your shopping style? I did some holiday shopping last weekend and my poor husband became a coat tree... Howard ended up holding my purse, bags and coat while I went searching for the next gift on my list. It's a good thing he's very understanding and patient.


Immediate shopper - this kind of shopper looks at something, likes it, finds the price and buys it. This shopper does not think why and how that product is better to others, nor cares to compare any prices. I like it, so I buy it. Shopkeepers love this shopper.
Thoughtful Shopper - This shopper looks at a product, and thinks about it. Why should i buy it? Should I buy it? How will I use it? Will it be useful? Am I making a mistake buying it? Or should I buy it? What about the cost? This shopper will think about everything and then take a considered decision.
Confused Shopper - This shopper is confused. Does not know why he/she entered the shop at all? Why and what to buy? What will be the use? What about this? How about that? The shopper is confused about the whole shopping and is a big headache for the stores.
I Will Buy It Later - This buyer is a unique specimen. He/she will look at all the products. Discuss about few thoroughly and compare the prices. Will decide about what is to be bought and then suddenly walk out saying - I will buy it later.

The holiday bulge

Don't become a holiday blimp: with parties, work, and family events, calories can add up faster than snowflakes in a blizzard at this time of year.

Here's how to splurge without ending up shaped like frostyElizabeth M. Ward
HOLIDAY MEALS
* Be a discriminating diner. Scan the table for one or two foods you must have. Instead of gorging, take small portions--the first few bites are the best anyway. Fill the remaining space on your plate with lean meats, plain vegetables, and grains.
* Keep your mind off food. Instead of going for seconds, volunteer to do the dishes or clear the table.
* Bag it. Take all those spare cookies and treats your hosts ply you with to work the following day so you don't have unneeded temptation around your house.
PARTIES
* Never arrive hungry. Regular meals and snacks throughout the day will blunt your appetite and allow you to resist overdoing it on the festive treats.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
* Protein load. Foods like fish, seafood, chicken, and lean beef keep you fuller longer, so you eat less sugary junk.
* When you're done eating, avoid more mindless munching by parking yourself far from candy dishes and cookie platters.
EVERY DAY
* Don't deny yourself. If you're lusting after sugar cookies or eggnog, indulge. Just keep the portions as small as possible, so you limit the damage.
* Monitor yourself. Record everything you eat and how much you exercise. Studies show keeping tabs on excess pounds makes it easier to lose them.

By Elizabeth M. Ward, M.S., R.D.

Songs to make you skinny

This is a 23 pound turkey! This is Jeff Martin!

Jeff Martin just lost 23 pounds...that's amazing! Especially during the holiday season. He did it with Quick Weight Loss but I wonder if a little music might help.

Can a song help you drop the pounds?

I was a little apprehensive but then I listened to "Skinny Jeans" and a song called "The Incredible Shrinking Woman."

The songs are snappy and made me feel like dancing which could burn a few calories. This is really funny...take a listen.

Candy Cane Parade pics

We had sooo much fun Saturday night at the Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade. Here are a few pictures from our night. I'll have more to come so you can see Jeff Martin's peppermint tights.

Don't get scammed

Most people think the holiday shopping season is about the big crowds and big bargains. But there's one more seasonal hallmark that doesn't always get its fair share of publicity - big holiday crimes.

I was recently scammed out of 30 dollars while on my honeymoon. But during the holidays when people really need money they are more likely to fall for a scam. My grandma used to say a fool and her money is soon parted. Don't be fooled...if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.



Here are a few scam warnings.

Goofy gift ideas

Short of gift ideas for that person who really does have everything?

Web site Stupid.com, which claims finding a truly stupid gift is an art form, on Tuesday unveiled its second annual list of the top 10 "stupidest" holiday gifts for 2008.
"2008 might have been a bad year for the economy, but it was a great year for stupidity," said Stupid.com's founder Gary Apple. "Weird products seemed to come out of the woodwork this year. There was almost too much stupidity to choose from!"


1. Screaming Chicken, The World's Most Annoying Toy:
This rubber chicken doesn't squeak or squawk. It screams.
2. Wealth Redistribution 2008 Holiday Ornament:
This tree ornament announces that the ornament that used to be there has been removed and given to someone who needs it more. The Redistribution Holiday Ornament will let everyone know you're spreading the wealth whether you want to or not.
3. Mini Guitar Hero:
This miniature version of that mega-hit game is barely 6-inches long but you can still rock out to songs by Queen, Cheap Trick, Nirvana, and The Police.
4. Potty Putter:
Why waste time on the toilet, when you can use it to get ready for the fairway? Potty Putter contains everything you need for an exciting round of golf without leaving your seat including a putting green for around the toilet, mini putter, flag stick and two golf balls.
5. Wasabi Flavored Gumballs:
These potent little green confections offer an intense explosion of wasabi. Strangely, the gum is actually delicious.
6. Men's Underwear Repair Kit:
In this troubled economy, don't throw away your old underwear but repair it with the Men's Underwear Repair Kit. This handy, inexpensive kit provides everything you need to get your unsightly undershorts back into presentable shape.
7. Obama "Yes We Can" Opener:
Every election spawns some interesting products, but this has to be one of the stupidest. To Obama fans, the "Yes, We Can" opener, seizing on his campaign refrain, could be a treasure.
8. "How To Tie A Tie" Tie:
Still struggle with your tie? This stylish tie has simple knot-tying instructions printed right on the front. Just follow the six step-by-step diagrams and you'll look as dashing as George Clooney in seconds.
9. 2009 Dog Poop Calendar:
Each month features a spectacular landscape or breathtaking tableau, but somewhere in every shot there's a pile of dog poop. Distasteful? You bet it is, but the contrast between the beautiful photography and dog poop is remarkable.
10. Pole Dancer Alarm Clock:
When the alarm goes off, dance music plays and disco lights flash. At the same time, a buxom blonde dancer gyrates around a pole under the spinning disco ball.

Don't miss the parade!

Don't miss the annual City Of Hollywood Candy Cane Parade and your chance to see Jeff Martin in his peppermint tights!

Holiday Office Party!

Remember if you're lucky enough to have a holiday office party, make sure you don't dance on anything other than the floor!

We're having a party...smaller yes...but at least were having one. What about you?

If you plan to go to your office holiday party here's a few things to keep in mind.

Beauty products

What's in your bathroom drawer, medicine cabinet and shower? shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, eye-makeup remover, mascara, face lotion, lip balm, blush, deodorant, bronzer, eyeliner, nail polish, hair brushes, flat iron, curling iron, crimping iron...the list goes on and on.

A survey by The Environmental Working Group found that the average woman uses 12 personal care products per day. It just show how high-maintenance the modern gal has become and the value we place on physical beauty and appearance.

Check out the 7 things men will never get about beauty.

Beat the Holiday Stress

‘Tis the season to be jolly... not stressed out!

If the shopping, wrapping gifts, gaining weight, party planning, decorating, cooking, in-laws, going to the office holiday party, working on the holiday, the traffic, finding a parking space at the mall, cleaning the house, travel, and the list go on and on start to stress you.... Don’t panic, here are some tips that could help you have a very jolly season!

And if you need more help, check here.

Make a gift

Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays like a unique gift that's been made with care and love. Here are some great homemade gift ideas.

While price comparison shopping, shopping sales and pruning your gift list are viable ways to save some money on gifts, there are additional creative ways to save. There's nothing wrong with spending money if you have it, but it's silly to overspend and charge yourself into a deep hole. Regardless what you do or how much you spend, wasted money is still wasted money.
Practical gifts are the way to go this year.

Here's a few gift ideas that won't break the bank.

Meals: Have a potluck. It can still be a formal meal, but don't be afraid to ask for help. When someone asks if they can bring anything, take them up on that offer. You can skip alcoholic beverages this year and opt for mocktails instead. Cut your work and food budget in half.

Coupons: Make and print coupons that offer your time such as a dessert a month, lawn mowing, babysitting, etc.

New rules: Can request to create a new family rule that only the children receive gifts. This can cut back on gift exchanges for all of the adults. If that's not possible, try one group gift per family instead of individual gifts for every member in each family.

Work related gifts: Some of us know the pressure of the manager's decision to have the team ordepartment exchange gifts. It's often awkward. Encourage the team to do a dollar store swap, donate to charity with a food drive or care packages for our soldiers or a potluck. It doesn't have to cost much per person.

Topics to avoid

Thanksgiving is a special ocassion that gather all (or almost all) the family members at the dinning table.

Here are some topics that you should avoid and tips to make this festivity something to remember.

Super side dishes

Make your Thanksgiving feast memorable with spectacular side dishes. The hardest part about these recipes will be figuring out which ones to make.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reuse plastic bags

For Pet Lovers:
1. Instead of buying special bags to clean up behind your dog, use used plastic grocery bags.
2. Use them to scoop the cat’s litter box.
3. Donate bags to your local animal shelter.
4. Donate bags to your local dog park – there is usually a dispenser there for those who forgot to bring their own.
For the Crafty:
5. Cut the bags into loops and knot them together into plastic “yarn.” This can be used to make braided rugs, weave baskets, and crochet bigger, stronger bags that will last. Some people even use plastic yarn to crochet sun hats. Knitting works too. It’s washable, but air dry only.
6. Stuff Halloween dummies with plastic bags instead of straw, using straw just around the cuffs.
7. Protect your surfaces with plastic bags when doing messy crafts.
8. Fuse bags into plastic fabric to sew with. Instructions for this are popping up all over the internet.
Around the House:
9. Line paint trays with plastic bags before pouring the paint in, and cleanup becomes a breeze.
10. Make a draft blocker: Sew a tube of recycled fabric and stuff it with the plastic bags, then sew up the ends. Placed at the bottoms of drafty doors it will cut down on the heating bills, saving even more energy.
11. Use plastic bags as packing material instead of Styrofoam packing peanuts. It reuses bags and prevents the production of more Styrofoam.
12. Rather than using rope or plastic zip ties, loop together as many bags as needed to make plastic rope.
In the Kitchen:
13. Wrap homemade bread in a clean plastic grocery bag. It will stay fresher but still be able to breathe.
14. Use them to pack lunches.
15. Use a plastic bag as a cutting board when cutting up particularly messy items, like meat, or to collect vegetable shavings.
16. Use a clean bag as a non-stick surface for rolling out dough.
Out of the House:
17. Keep a small stash of bags in the truck of the car – they are great for all kinds of emergencies.
18. Use plastic grocery bags as camping trip garbage bags.
19. Pick up bags you see at the park or in the street and use them to collect any garbage and recyclable litter.
20. Keep a few in the diaper bag – these can be very handy when confronted with a very messy diaper, or when the mess has spread to baby’s clothes, to protect the rest of the bag’s contents.
21. Donate them to your child’s daycare center.
22. When traveling, wrap a plastic bag around your toiletry bag to prevent any spills from spreading.
23. Tie a couple over your feet and keep your shoes clean when you have to walk through a muddy area.
24. Donate them to the local library – many use them for sending home big stacks of books with patrons who did not bring their own bag.
25. Donate them to your local thrift store.
Reduce the Number of Plastic Bags You Get:
26. Bring the plastic bags you already have to the store to reuse them.
27. Bring your own cloth or crocheted plastic bags to the store.
28. Go through the self-checkout so you can add more items to each bag than checkers normally do.
29. When buying just one or two items, just throw them in your purse or briefcase, or carry them to the car bag-less.
And Lastly:
30. Support companies that use recycled plastic, from handmade African crafts to designer chairs to composite decking.

Things to recycle

Garbage. Americans produce more and more of it every year, when we need to be producing less. Even the most waste-conscious among us can feel overwhelmed by the amount of household waste that goes beyond what municipal recyclers and compost bins can handle. That’s why our editors spent the summer of 2007 investigating the state of waste management in our country, putting this list togther for you, explaining how we can get serious about the three R’s – reducing, reusing, and recycling — and divert more waste away from landfills.

1. Appliances: Goodwill accepts working appliances, www.goodwill.org, or you can contact the Steel Recycling Institute to recycle them. 800/YES-1-CAN, www.recycle-steel.org.
2. Batteries: Rechargeables and single-use: Battery Solutions, 734/467-9110, www.batteryrecycling.com.
3. Cardboard boxes: Contact local nonprofits and women’s shelters to see if they can use them. Or, offer up used cardboard boxes at your local Freecycle.org listserv or on Craigslist.org for others who may need them for moving or storage. If your workplace collects at least 100 boxes or more each month, UsedCardboardBoxes.com accepts them for resale.4. CDs/DVDs/Game Disks: Send scratched music or computer CDs, DVDs, and PlayStation or Nintendo video game disks to AuralTech for refinishing, and they’ll work like new: 888/454-3223, www.auraltech.com.
5. Clothes: Wearable clothes can go to your local Goodwill outlet or shelter. Donate wearable women’s business clothing to Dress for Success, which gives them to low-income women as they search for jobs, 212/532-1922, www.dressforsuccess.org. Offer unwearable clothes and towels to local animal boarding and shelter facilities, which often use them as pet bedding. Consider holding a clothes swap at your office, school, faith congregation or community center. Swap clothes with friends and colleagues, and save money on a new fall wardrobe and back-to-school clothes.
6. Compact fluorescent bulbs: Take them to your local IKEA store for recycling: www.ikea.com.
7. Compostable bio-plastics: You probably won’t be able to compost these in your home compost bin or pile. Find a municipal composter to take them to at www.findacomposter.com.
8. Computers and electronics: Find the most responsible recyclers, local and national, at www.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html.
9. Exercise videos: Swap them with others at www.videofitness.com.
10. Eyeglasses: Your local Lion’s Club or eye care chain may collect these. Lenses are reground and given to people in need.
11. Foam packing: Your local pack-and-ship store will likely accept foam peanuts for reuse. Or, call the Plastic Loose Fill Producers Council to find a drop-off site: 800/828-2214. For places to drop off foam blocks for recycling, contact the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers, 410/451-8340, www.epspackaging.org/info.html
12. Ink/toner cartridges: Recycleplace.com pays $1/each.
13. Miscellaneous: Get your unwanted items into the hands of people who can use them. Offer them up on your local Freecycle.org or Craigslist.org listserv, or try giving them away at Throwplace.com or giving or selling them at iReuse.com. iReuse.com will also help you find a recycler, if possible, when your items have reached the end of their useful lifecycle.
14. Oil: Find Used Motor Oil Hotlines for each state: 202/682-8000, www.recycleoil.org.
15. Phones: Donate cell phones: Collective Good will refurbish your phone and sell it to someone in a developing country: 770/856-9021, www.collectivegood.com. Call to Protect reprograms cell phones to dial 911 and gives them to domestic violence victims: www.donateaphone.com. Recycle single-line phones: Reclamere, 814/386-2927, www.reclamere.com.
16. Sports equipment: Resell or trade it at your local Play It Again Sports outlet, 800/476-9249, www.playitagainsports.com.
17. “Technotrash”: Project KOPEG offers an e-waste recycling program that can help you raise funds for your organization. Use Project KOPEG to recycle iPods, MP3 players, cell phones and chargers, digital cameras, PDAs, palm pilots, and more. Also, easily recycle all of your CDs, jewel cases, DVDs, audio and video tapes, pagers, rechargeable and single-use batteries, PDAs, and ink/toner cartridges with GreenDisk’s Technotrash program. For $30, GreenDisk will send you a cardboard box in which you can ship them up to 70 pounds of any of the above. Your fee covers the box as well as shipping and recycling fees. 800/305-GREENDISK, www.greendisk.com.
18. Tennis shoes: Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program turns old shoes into playground and athletic flooring. www.nikereuseashoe.com. One World Running will send still-wearable shoes to athletes in need in Africa, Latin America, and Haiti. www.oneworldrunning.com.
19. Toothbrushes and razors: Buy a recycled plastic toothbrush or razor from Recycline, and the company will take it back to be recycled again into plastic lumber. Recycline products are made from used Stonyfield Farms’ yogurt cups. 888/354-7296, www.recycline.com.
20. Tyvek envelopes: Quantities less than 25: Send to Shirley Cimburke, Tyvek Recycling Specialist, 5401 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Spot 197, Room 231, Richmond, VA 23234. Quantities larger than 25, call 866/33-TYVEK.
21. Stuff you just can’t recycle: When practical, send such items back to the manufacturer and tell them they need to manufacture products that close the waste loop responsibly.

Happy viewing

Unhappy folks watch more TV, happy ones read:

CTV.ca News Staff

Unhappy people spend more time watching television than their content counterparts, who are more likely to spend their spare time reading and socializing, a new study says.
In a study of nearly 30,000 adults, sociologists from the University of Maryland found that people who describe themselves as unhappy watch 20 per cent more television than those who consider themselves to be very happy.
The research also showed that self-described happy people are more socially active, attend church more often, are more likely to vote and more frequently read newspapers.
The study included data from previous research that measured how people use their time, as well as information from surveys that asked respondents how happy they feel and how much time they spend doing a number of different tasks.
The data also suggested that watching television may boost viewers' happiness in the moment but does little to improve their feelings over the long term.
"TV doesn't really seem to satisfy people over the long haul the way that social involvement or reading a newspaper does," study co-author John P. Robinson, a University of Maryland sociologist, said in a statement. "It's more passive and may provide escape - especially when the news is as depressing as the economy itself. The data suggest to us that the TV habit may offer short-run pleasure at the expense of long-term malaise."
The researchers published their findings in the December issue of the journal Social Indicators Research.
The data from time-use surveys suggests that if the ongoing worldwide financial crisis continues to worsen and people lose their jobs, television viewing may increase.
The findings showed a correlation between having more available free time and watching more television.
And it seems unhappy people have far more free time on their hands.
Fifty-one per cent said they were more likely to have unwanted extra time to fill, compared to only 19 per cent of happy people.
The researchers said that their data showed that television viewing proved an easy way for unhappy folks to fill their spare time.
Television doesn't require that a viewer dress up, leave the house, plan ahead, spend extra money or seek company, the researchers said.
When those factors are combined with the instant gratification that TV offers, it is easy to understand why television is so attractive, the researchers said.
"Addictive activities produce momentary pleasure but long-term misery and regret," study co-author Steven Martin, also a University of Maryland sociologist, said in a statement. "People most vulnerable to addiction tend to be socially or personally disadvantaged. For this kind of person, TV can become a kind of opiate in a way. It's habitual, and tuning in can be an easy way of tuning out."

Bullying: kids, adults, online!!!

Everybody knows what a "Bully" is, but did you know that the "Bullying" behavior has gone beyond the limits of the schools?

Nowadays you can see this kind of situations in the workplace and even on the web.

If you want to know more about it, you can check here:

Bullies on the schools: the old story that everybody knows.
Bullies on the workplace: the old story but in a grown up environment.
Bullies on the web: the new media could not be the exception.

I hope these links help you to solve the problem!... And remember the violence is not the answer.

Is gaming a problem?

Concern is spreading among parents and mental-health professionals that the exploding popularity of computer and video games has a deeper dark side than simple couch-potatohood.

How can parents know when a lot is too much? Media experts are quick to point out that computer and video games are not inherently bad for kids; indeed, most players find a balance, says David Walsh, founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family in Minneapolis: "They play their video games; they do their homework; they keep up with their responsibilities and have other interests. No problem."
But when the other areas of a child's life begin to suffer, parents may have cause to take corrective action.

See if you or your child has any of the symptoms of video game addiciton.

Veterans Day

On this Veteran Day, lets honor those who bravely served our country. Below you will find some activities that will be held in South Florida:

• Wilton Manors ceremony, 11 a.m. at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Call 954-390-2130.
• Acupuncture clinic, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Collins Community Center, 3900 NE Third Ave., Oakland Park. Free treatment session for veterans. The clinic requests $20 donations for treatments to raise money for other veterans' clinics. Call 954-630-4500.
• Plantation ceremony, 9:30 a.m. at Veterans Park, 1776 Lauderdale West Drive. Participants will include Mayor Rae Carol Armstrong, a police honor guard, high school singers, entertainer Al Matos and other performers. Call 954-452-2510.
• Coral Springs ceremony, 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Park, 8601 Royal Palm Blvd. Includes speeches by veterans, 21-gun salute and placing wreaths. Call 954-345-2200.
• The American Soldier, 3-5 p.m. at Presidential Place, 3880 S. Circle Drive, Hollywood. Lecture by Korean War veteran John Hone. Call 954-894-0059.
• Hollywood ceremony, 11 a.m. at Hollywood Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 6301 Taft St. Call 954-989-1550.
• Salute to Veterans, 8 a.m. parade begins at Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Ave., 10 a.m. service at Veterans Park, 7825 Southgate Blvd. Call 954-597-3620.
• Thomas P. Johnson American Legion Post 222 ceremony, 11 a.m. at Collins Park flagpole, 4001 NE Fifth Ave., Oakland Park. Call 954-776-5373.
• Coconut Creek ceremony, 11 a.m. at Veterans Park, 3500 Lyons Road. Activities include a rifle salute, Police Department Honor Guard, national anthem and presentation of the colors. Call 954-956-1580.
• Pembroke Pines ceremony, noon at Fletcher Park, 7900 Johnson St. Call 954-435-6525.
• The Moving Wall, will be at Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., near the Flagler Street entrance. There will be a Parade from Bayside to the Moving Wall at 2 p.m. The Closing ceremonies start at 5:30 p.m. No admission fee.

Also, it is important to show your children the importance of this day, here is a fun and educational Veteran's Day site for your children.

And finally, if you want to send a free printed postcard to a friend or relative that is part of the US military stationed overseas, you can do it here.

Get in the spirit

Start planning your holiday party.
Start making your holiday mailing list.
Browse stores that are decorated with hints of the holiday.
Start Christmas shopping.
Think about what you have instead of what you do not have. be appreciative and grateful for your bed, roof over your head and food in your mouth.
Go to Manhattan and check out all the window displays by Sacks, Macy's and lord and taylor! Wonderful eye candy!
Start shopping for your holiday duds.
Shop around and scope the places where parties are happening. Grab a freind or two and attend!

Just get along.

Here are essential steps to constructively resolve conflicts at work. The steps can be applied to any kind of conflict between co-workers.

1: Realize that conflicts are inevitable at work
Show me a workplace without conflict and I’ll show you a workplace where no one gives a damn. Whenever people are engaged, committed and fired up, conflict and disagreement is bound to happen. This doesn’t mean you have to revel in conflict or create trouble just for the hell of it, but it does mean that when conflict happens it’s not the end of the world. Quite the contrary, it can even be the beginning of an interesting learning process. The very best and most efficient workplaces are not the ones without conflicts but those who handle conflicts constructively.
Particularly when a workplace is changing and new ideas are being dreamt up and implemented, conflict is inevitable. There can be no business change without conflict. The trick is to make sure that you also have no conflict without change, because that is the truly dangerous thing: Conflicts that go on for years with all parties refusing to budge.
The fact that you have a conflict at work does not reflect badly on you - it mostly means that you care enough to disagree strongly. That’s a good thing provided that you do something about the conflict instead of just letting it go on forever.

2: Handle conflict sooner rather than later
This is the single most important tip to successfully resolve conflicts: Do it now! It’s very tempting to wait for a conflict to blow over by itself, but it rarely does - in most cases it only gets worse with time. I refer you to this delightful cartoon by Claire Bretecher for an example.
90% of conflicts at work do not come from something that was said, but from something that wasn’t said! It’s tempting to try and smooth things over and pretend everything is normal. Don’t. That’s the most common reason why conflicts at work escalate: Nobody does anything. Everyone’s waiting for the other guy to pull himself together and “just admit he’s wrong, dammit”. It may be unpleasant to tackle the issue here and now but believe me, it gets even more unpleasant after the conflict has stewed for a good long while.

3: Ask!
In the early stages of a conflict the most powerful tool to resolve it is simple: Ask! If somebody has done something that made you angry, if you don’t understand somebody’s viewpoint, if you don’t understand their actions - ask!
Do it nicely. “Say, I was wondering why you did ‘X’ yesterday” or “I’ve noticed that you often do ‘Y’. Why is that?” are good examples. “Why the hell do you always have to ‘Z’!” is less constructive :o)
Sometimes there’s a perfectly good reason why that person does what he does, and a potential conflict evaporates right there. Also: Never assume that people do what they do to annoy you or spite you. People typically have a good reason to do the things they do, even the things that really get on your nerves. Never assume bad faith on anyone else’s part. Instead: Ask!

For the rest of them just click here.

Election Day!!!!

Today is a special day, a day we can express ourselves but we must respect each other too. Here are some things to keep in mind when you go to the polls today.

VOTING MYTHS (MSN.com)

Myth: I will be turned away from the polls if I wear an Obama or McCain shirt.
NOT TRUE. You can't be turned away from the polls, but you may be asked to cover the parts of your clothing that are advertising your candidate. Certain states -- such as California, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and New York -- restrict anything that can be considered campaign material within 50 to 150 feet of voting sites. If you've got questions, contact your state election official to find out the exact rules in your state, or, just be sure to bring an extra shirt or sweater for when you place your vote.

Myth: If something goes wrong -- I'm not on the voter rolls, forgot my ID, recently moved -- I can't vote.
NOT TRUE. You may need to take an oath affirming you're a citizen, and that you live where you say you do. But keep in mind that the burden of proof is on the person making the challenge, not you. If your right to vote is being challenged for any reason, call the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) to get immediate legal advice. You can also request a provisional ballot from poll officials.

Myth: If I registered to vote through ACORN, my registration is not valid.
NOT TRUE: While some ACORN voter registrations are being investigated, if you provided accurate information, your registration is valid. In case you encounter problems, call the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) or be sure to request a provisional ballot.

Myth: Absentee ballots don't count and are only used as tie-breakers.
NOT TRUE: Like provisional ballots, absentee ballots count as a regular vote in every state.

Myth: If you register to vote under your school address, you will be dropped from your parents' health insurance or lose financial aid.
NOT TRUE: In a recent Time Magazine report, officials in Montgomery, Virginia; Greenville, South Carolina; and El Paso, Colorado told students that their health care and financial aid would be in jeopardy if they were to cast a vote. There was just one problem with these warnings: They were entirely untrue. Time reports, "[A]ccording to youth-voter advocates and the IRS... these dire warnings were incorrect."

On the other hand, if you want to have a last minute election party, please read the following tips that will help you to have a great time:

ELECTION PARTY ETIQUETTE (iVillage.com)

• The Guest List: If you feel your friends can all handle it as adults, however, go ahead and invite people on both sides of the aisle. However, as host, you are responsible for your guests being comfortable. If things start to get heated or uncomfortable, it's your job to step in and diffuse the situation.
• Food and Decor: If all of your guests support the same candidate, feel free to have some fun with themed decorations, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. However, if you have Democrats and Republicans coming -- then yes, it needs to be fair and balanced. In other words, if you're serving an Obama-tini, you should also have a McCain margarita.
• Talking Politics:

1. Before you speak, know the company you're in. Never, never assume you know someone's politics, unless they've explicitly expressed that to you.
2. Stick to the facts. Arguing a point is different than making it personal. "'How can you support a guy like that?'That's judgmental.
3. Have an exit strategy. To get yourself out of a sticky situation, have a few lines ready: "I think we'll have to agree to disagree," or "I'd rather not talk about it, if that's okay." Stay calm until the tension passes.
4. Think about why you're having the conversation. What's your goal? Trying to change someone's mind election night after they've cast their vote, you might be barking up the wrong tree.

• The Results Are In: No gloating. Think about how you would want to be treated. Etiquette is based on treating people with respect, consideration and honesty, and now is the time to fall back on those principles

Avoid the flu

Keeping the Germs Away

Flu season is October through early spring, and February is often the peak month. Chances are, when you're burrowed under the covers with a box of tissues by your bedside, you turn even greener with envy thinking of those people who seem to never get sick. Want to be one of them? We can't promise you'll never get hit with another cold or suffer another bout of the flu, but you can increase your odds of staying well with these strategies. If you do get sick, we've also included some tips for getting better faster.

While colds won't kill you, they can weaken your immune system to the point that other, more serious, germs can take hold in your body. Just think how many times your cold turned into bronchitis or a sinus infection. And given that the average American adult suffers two to three colds a year, that's a lot of opportunities for serious illness -- and just as many to prevent one!

There's even more incentive to prevent the flu: Every year in the United States about 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die from the flu or its complications.

1. Wash your hands and wash them often. The Naval Health Research Center conducted a study of 40,000 recruits who were ordered to wash their hands five times a day. The recruits cut their incidence of respiratory illnesses by 45 percent.
2. Wash your hands twice every time you wash them. When Columbia University researchers looked for germs on volunteers' hands, they found one handwashing had little effect, even when using antibacterial soap. So wash twice if you're serious about fending off colds.
3. Use this hand-drying strategy in public restrooms. Studies find a shockingly large percentage of people fail to wash their hands after using a public restroom. And every single one of them touches the door handle on the way out. So after washing your hands, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet. Use another paper towel to dry your hands, then open the door with that paper towel as a barrier between you and the handle. It sounds nuts, but it's an actual recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control to protect you from infectious diseases like cold and flu.
4. Carry hand sanitizer with you. Colds are typically passed not from coughing or kissing (although those are two modes of transmission) but from hand-to-hand or hand-to-object contact, since most cold viruses can live for hours on objects. You then put your hand in or near your mouth or nose, and voilà! You're sick. Carry hand sanitizer gel or sanitizing towelettes with you and you can clean your hands anytime, even if the closest water supply is 100 miles away. It works. One study of absenteeism due to infection in elementary schools found schools using the gel sanitizer had absentee rates from infection nearly 20 percent lower than those using other hand-cleaning methods.
5. Use your knuckle to rub your eyes. It's less likely to be contaminated with viruses than your fingertip. This is particularly important given that the eye provides a perfect entry point for germs, and the average person rubs his eyes or nose or scratches his face 20-50 times a day, notes Jordan Rubin, Ph.D., author of the book The Maker's Diet.

Get the rest from Readers Digest.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Safety Tips
By The Children's Safety Zone

For Trick-or-Treaters
· Carry a flashlight
· Walk, don't run.
· Stay on Sidewalks
· Stay in familiar neighborhoods
· Don't cut across yards or driveways.
· Wear a watch you can read in the dark.
· Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.
· Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape.
· Approach only houses that are lit.
· Stay away from and don't pet animals you don't know.

Parents
· Make your child eat dinner before setting out.
· Children should carry quarters so they can call home.
· Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult.
· If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch, preferably one that can be read in the dark.
· Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home.
· You should know where they're going.
· Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.

Homeowners
· Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip the young ones.
· Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently bitting a trick-or-treater.
· If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.
· Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won't be blown into a flaming candle.

And now the funny part, if you want to know your "inner monster" check this out.

I hope you have a safety and fun Halloween!

Politics at work

Ten Tricks and Traps for Discussing Politics with Your Coworkers, Family, and Friends

By Debra Fine
selfgrowth.com




Typically, there are dozens of topics for "big conversations" at home and in the workplace. Now, there just seems to be one: the presidential elections. How can you participate in discussions about the candidates without risking your job, losing friends, or alienating your significant other? Here are 10 tricks and traps for discussing politics:

1. Know thyself. It may be okay for most people to talk politics, but take an honest look at yourself. Are your feelings so passionate that you'll let the conversation get out of control, and you'll lose your cool as soon as someone disagrees with you? If so, then steer the conversation in another
direction or leave the room.

2. Know others. Maybe you can keep your cool during a conversation about the presidential candidates, but judge whether those around you can do the same before you launch into a discussion with them. And remember:just because someone can have a polite conversation about gun control or religion doesn't necessarily mean that a "Barack vs. Hillary" debate will go well. When it comes to politics, choose your conversational partners carefully!

3. Agree to disagree. Your mission in life isn't to persuade everyone in your sphere to vote for your presidential candidate of choice - nor do youhave to come around to your conversational partner's point of view. Know when to end a conversation by agreeing to disagree.

4. Stay flexible. Your vote isn't cast in stone until it's - well, cast. One of the things that can come out of a conversation is that you might gain a different perspective, or you might learn something new. Stay open to that possibility.

5. Don't do all the talking. During a heated discussion, it helps to really listen to what your conversational partner is saying. That means giving the other person a fair chance to speak - and then really listening to what that person has to say.

6. Be polite. Just because you have strong political beliefs doesn't mean that you have to raise your voice or use harsh language. Keep it civilized, and that will be a cue for those around you to do the same.

7. Remember where you are. If you're in the office, at the dinner table, or at a cocktail party, bear that in mind - and don't start shouting as though you're in a football stadium. Keep your demeanor appropriate for your surroundings.

8. Detach yourself. You are not the individual for whom you're voting, so don't take criticism of your preferred candidate personally. If you're a Mitt Romney fan and your boss isn't, what's the big deal? Your boss isn't insulting you, so don't internalize his or her words.

9. Put it in perspective. You can still love your significant other, and you can still respect your coworkers and friends, even if they don't share your politics.

10. Smile! Maintain your sense of humor, and keep the atmosphere light. We're lucky enough to have an opportunity to participate in the political process, and that certainly is something to feel good about - regardless of your politics.

Keep these 10 tips in mind, and you'll come through the political
season with your relationships intact - even if the aspirations of your political candidate don't survive.