Surprise your partner:
Surprise your partner with classy champagne or with vintage wine as you plan to whisper those sweet nothings into his/her ears. Don’t let him/her know about the plan and surprise her with a gift as a memento of the good time. Write “I love you” in different piece of paper and place them in various corners. This is a wonderful tip to add that tinge of romance in your daily life.
A romantic dinner:
Say “love you” to your beloved amidst the crimson hue of the candle flames. Take your partner out for a candle light dinner to one of the expensive restaurants to make your romantic vacation even more peppery. Uncover the thrill of falling in love with your beloved once again and make your romantic vacation a memory to cherish forever.
Write a love letter:
Unfurl your emotion and write a love letter to your beloved. You don’t have to be one literary genius to write a letter to your darling. Set your imagination free; give wings to your dreams and let him/her know how much you love him/her and how very much you are enjoying his/her company during the vacation.
Walk hand in hand:
Have you ever seen a pale moon hanging above the endless, nameless vast field whilst holding his/her hand? Have you ever experienced the splendor of walking barefoot near the waterfront while staring at his/her eyes? Palpate the beat of love whilst enjoying the vacation with your beloved. Do all the things with your love which you have never done before. Walk hand in hand and whisper those honeyed words to his/her ears. This is one of the top 10 tips to spice up your romantic vacation.
Rent a limousine:
Woo your partner. Offer a VIP treatment to your partner on your vacation. Take him/her out for a “limo trip” and explore the city from the back of the limousine whilst sipping champagne together.
Watch movies:
Add some fun and spice in your vacation. Catch a movie with your beloved and make your vacation an unforgettable memory to treasure. How about to rent a video and catch movies like “shall we dance”, “Autumn in New York”, “Pretty woman”, “Shakespeare In Love” together? This is indeed a great tip to spice up your romantic vacation in the most graceful way.
Cook together:
Help him/her in cooking during vacation as this will not only make him/her feel wanted and special but will surely enhance the essence of romance in your love life. Cooking together is a great idea for spending quality time together. Revive your emotion and make your vacation truly romantic.
Give Flowers:
What best can illustrate your love for your special someone than that of the delicate eloquence of the flowers. Make him/her understand how very much you love your beloved on this vacation. Consider giving him/her a bunch of flower to say silently “You mean a lot to me” without mouthing even a word. Add spice in your romantic vacation with the sedulity of the red roses, with the golden smile of the sunflowers and with the purple dreams of the lilacs and start falling in love all over again with your beloved.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Romantic vacation
How to create a romantic vacation.
The first decision is where you want to go on your romantic getaway. If your answer is simply "somewhere romantic," you have more options to consider -- but they're fun options!
Look at a number of potential bed and breakfasts. Don't just make a reservation at the first one that looks romantic. Consider the location, remembering that for a weekend getaway any travel time is usually time not spent being romantic.
Find out if the B&B you're considering offers a special "romance package." Many do, and this can be a very easy way to essentially have your romantic getaway professionally planned. Ask innkeepers questions until you're comfortable you understand exactly what's included in the package and how much it will cost.
Don't cram too much activity into the weekend. Romance and a busy schedule rarely mix.
Ask the innkeeper for cozy, romantic restaurant recommendations and make reservations in advance.
Get other ideas from the innkeeper. They know all about quiet picnic locations, secluded walking paths, and other romantic excursions in the area.
Splurge a little -- get the room with the king-size bed and a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub.
Bring your own romantic amenities -- scented candles, bubble bath, massage lotion. Be sure to check with the innkeeper to make sure you don't bring anything you're not permitted to use.
Don't hesitate to ask for advice from veterans of romantic getaways. Post a note in our discussion forum or other online discussion groups to see what other travelers suggest.
Tips:
Make the trip a surprise. Take turns planning the trip -- it's great fun for both of you.
Try something new together on your vacation, such as taking a horse riding lesson.
The first decision is where you want to go on your romantic getaway. If your answer is simply "somewhere romantic," you have more options to consider -- but they're fun options!
Look at a number of potential bed and breakfasts. Don't just make a reservation at the first one that looks romantic. Consider the location, remembering that for a weekend getaway any travel time is usually time not spent being romantic.
Find out if the B&B you're considering offers a special "romance package." Many do, and this can be a very easy way to essentially have your romantic getaway professionally planned. Ask innkeepers questions until you're comfortable you understand exactly what's included in the package and how much it will cost.
Don't cram too much activity into the weekend. Romance and a busy schedule rarely mix.
Ask the innkeeper for cozy, romantic restaurant recommendations and make reservations in advance.
Get other ideas from the innkeeper. They know all about quiet picnic locations, secluded walking paths, and other romantic excursions in the area.
Splurge a little -- get the room with the king-size bed and a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub.
Bring your own romantic amenities -- scented candles, bubble bath, massage lotion. Be sure to check with the innkeeper to make sure you don't bring anything you're not permitted to use.
Don't hesitate to ask for advice from veterans of romantic getaways. Post a note in our discussion forum or other online discussion groups to see what other travelers suggest.
Tips:
Make the trip a surprise. Take turns planning the trip -- it's great fun for both of you.
Try something new together on your vacation, such as taking a horse riding lesson.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Are you citizenship-worthy?
Could you pass the latest citizenship test?
In October, a new version of the U.S. Citizenship Test will be taken by all applicants. The questions are usually selected from a list of 100 samples that prospective citizens can look at ahead of time. Some are easy, some are not.
Try your hand at some of the more difficult ones. And Happy Fourth of July, citizen!
In October, a new version of the U.S. Citizenship Test will be taken by all applicants. The questions are usually selected from a list of 100 samples that prospective citizens can look at ahead of time. Some are easy, some are not.
Try your hand at some of the more difficult ones. And Happy Fourth of July, citizen!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Hot dog dos and don'ts
DO "dress the dog," not the bun.
DO serve sesame-seed, poppy-seed and plain buns with hot dogs.
DO eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.
DO use paper plates to serve hot dogs. Everyday dishes are acceptable; china is a no-no.
DO serve mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili as topping options.
DO lick off — not wash off — any condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog.
DO use multicolored toothpicks to serve cocktail wieners. Cocktail forks are in poor taste.
DO put down your hot dog while singing the national anthem.
DON'T put hot-dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. (Condiments should be applied in the following order: Wet condiments such as mustard and chili are applied first onto the dog, not the bun, followed by chunky condiments such as relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices such as celery salt or pepper.)
DON'T serve sun-dried tomato buns or basil buns, which are considered gauche with franks.
DON'T serve fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs.
DON'T use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.
DON'T take more than five bites to finish a hot dog. For a foot-long wiener, seven bites are acceptable.
DON'T leave bits of bun on your plate. Eat it all.
DON'T use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18.
DON'T send a thank-you note after a hot-dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs.
DON'T take wine to a hot-dog barbecue. Beer, soda, lemonade and iced tea are preferable.
DON'T ever think there is a wrong time to serve hot dogs.
● Adapted from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council's Hot Dog Etiquette Guide.
DO serve sesame-seed, poppy-seed and plain buns with hot dogs.
DO eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.
DO use paper plates to serve hot dogs. Everyday dishes are acceptable; china is a no-no.
DO serve mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili as topping options.
DO lick off — not wash off — any condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog.
DO use multicolored toothpicks to serve cocktail wieners. Cocktail forks are in poor taste.
DO put down your hot dog while singing the national anthem.
DON'T put hot-dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. (Condiments should be applied in the following order: Wet condiments such as mustard and chili are applied first onto the dog, not the bun, followed by chunky condiments such as relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices such as celery salt or pepper.)
DON'T serve sun-dried tomato buns or basil buns, which are considered gauche with franks.
DON'T serve fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs.
DON'T use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.
DON'T take more than five bites to finish a hot dog. For a foot-long wiener, seven bites are acceptable.
DON'T leave bits of bun on your plate. Eat it all.
DON'T use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18.
DON'T send a thank-you note after a hot-dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs.
DON'T take wine to a hot-dog barbecue. Beer, soda, lemonade and iced tea are preferable.
DON'T ever think there is a wrong time to serve hot dogs.
● Adapted from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council's Hot Dog Etiquette Guide.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Cut wedding costs
(smartmoney.com)
WANT TO CUT DOWN on your wedding costs, but have nightmares about a roomful of guests picking at iceberg lettuce for dinner? Brides- and grooms-to-be, take comfort: Trimming wedding costs doesn't have to mean foregoing the Plaza suite in favor of Grandma's spare attic bedroom. Wedding consultants around the country told us that there are plenty of ways to nip and tuck the fat in your wedding budget — without your family and friends being any the wiser.
And there's lots of fat to cut. According to Richard Markel, president of the Association for Wedding Professionals International, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is now between $21,000 and $24,000. Of course, the costs vary greatly from region to region. He notes that in the elegant suburbs of Long Island, N.Y., the tab routinely reaches $40,000 to $50,000, while "you can have an awesome wedding for $12,000 in Walla Walla, Wash.," he says.
1. Avoid the High Season
In case you haven't noticed, the majority of weddings take place from May through October. So you could save across the board — on limos, photographers and caterers, etc., — by getting married during one of the quieter months, such as January or March, says Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of TheKnot.com, a Web site focused on weddings.
2. Daylight Savings
Wedding consultants all agree: Reception halls charge the highest fees for 7 p.m. on Saturday night. Any other time is guaranteed to be a bargain. "I always encourage brides to consider Sunday brunch," says Mimi Doke, owner of The Wedding Specialist in Arizona. "Or, if late-night drinking is important, then go for Friday evening."
3. Bond With Other Brides
Doke also suggests her clients network with other brides to divvy up the decorating costs at catering halls. "Talk to the bride who is getting married immediately before or after to see if you have similar ideas for decorations," she says. "If so, you might be able to split the cost." Experts say reception halls usually recycle the decorations, but charge every bride for them anyway.
4. Cut the Cake
Another unnecessary reception budget-breaker: overloading on sweets. "People really overspend on desserts," says Marcia French of Stardust Celebrations in Dallas. "They'll get a three-tiered bridal cake, plus a chocolate one for the groom, and have a full tray of desserts at the reception." She points out that after a long evening of eating, drinking and dancing, many guests will forego dessert altogether. For smaller weddings, she recommends using a faux bottom for the lower two tiers of the bridal cake: "It will look good for the pictures, and that's really what matters," she says.
And for bigger weddings, here's another trick: Choose a smaller version of your dream wedding cake and then get sheet cake (in the same flavor as the wedding cake) that can be cut in back and served to guests. They'll never notice!
5. Greens Are Good
And how many of the guests know what kind of flowers are in season at any given time of year? "Stay with what's in season, use more greens and fewer blooms," advises Carol Koch Waldmann, a wedding consultant in Natick, Mass. "No one will ever notice." Roses are always available, but brides should steer clear of floral-intensive holidays such as Mother's Day, when high demand will drive up costs. Another flower tip from Regina Tate of Regina's in Nederland, Texas: Don't feel the need to adorn the church with fresh flowers for the ceremony. "People expect churches to be less ornate, and they'll spend a lot more time at the reception," she says.
6. Dress Down the Gown
Assuming that no one at the wedding will be checking out the tags on your bridal gown, the dress can be another good place to economize. Tate says that cheaper fabrics are almost always available for every dress design, and that using a lower-end satin can cut the cost by almost two-thirds. Sample sales and outlet stores are other good bets, and remember, the gown doesn't need to fit like a glove right away: having a too-large dress fitted will still be cheaper than buying one that's custom-made. For those who favor less complicated designs, consider using this trick from Erin Smith, a bride-to-be in Boston. "I went to a bridal shop and picked out one of their bridesmaid dresses, ordered it in white, and voila — simple wedding dress," she says.
7. Do Yourself a Favor
According to Markel, the average number of wedding guests is 157, which means that overspending on seemingly inexpensive items such as invites and party favors can add up to a big hit on your checkbook. "If you use candy kisses in the favor instead of truffles, you'll save about $3 per bag," French says. Other experts recommend letting place cards double as favors, or incorporating the favors into a creative table centerpiece of chocolates or candles. One bride French knows used assortments of giant, colorful seashells for her centerpieces; guests loved it. Ann Rinke put a small bowl filled with smooth rocks and a live goldfish on each table when she got married last November. The guests were given plastic bags to take the fish home.
8. Save a Tree
Waldmann, who estimates that most brides end up overshooting their initial budget by about 15%, encourages her clients to think twice before spending hundreds of dollars on a seven-piece hand-engraved invite. The invitation liner is completely unnecessary, she says, as are separate enclosure cards. Keeping it to a single sheet, she notes, saves on the costs of both paper and postage.
Of course, talk to wedding consultants, and you'll hear that the No. 1 must-do savings tip is...hire a wedding consultant. In theory, the consultant will do all the legwork for you, shop around for the best bargains, and use their network of vendors to get insider deals. But with some of these pros charging up to 15% of the total wedding budget, we'll leave you to determine if that's a cost-cutting move you want to make.
WANT TO CUT DOWN on your wedding costs, but have nightmares about a roomful of guests picking at iceberg lettuce for dinner? Brides- and grooms-to-be, take comfort: Trimming wedding costs doesn't have to mean foregoing the Plaza suite in favor of Grandma's spare attic bedroom. Wedding consultants around the country told us that there are plenty of ways to nip and tuck the fat in your wedding budget — without your family and friends being any the wiser.
And there's lots of fat to cut. According to Richard Markel, president of the Association for Wedding Professionals International, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is now between $21,000 and $24,000. Of course, the costs vary greatly from region to region. He notes that in the elegant suburbs of Long Island, N.Y., the tab routinely reaches $40,000 to $50,000, while "you can have an awesome wedding for $12,000 in Walla Walla, Wash.," he says.
1. Avoid the High Season
In case you haven't noticed, the majority of weddings take place from May through October. So you could save across the board — on limos, photographers and caterers, etc., — by getting married during one of the quieter months, such as January or March, says Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of TheKnot.com, a Web site focused on weddings.
2. Daylight Savings
Wedding consultants all agree: Reception halls charge the highest fees for 7 p.m. on Saturday night. Any other time is guaranteed to be a bargain. "I always encourage brides to consider Sunday brunch," says Mimi Doke, owner of The Wedding Specialist in Arizona. "Or, if late-night drinking is important, then go for Friday evening."
3. Bond With Other Brides
Doke also suggests her clients network with other brides to divvy up the decorating costs at catering halls. "Talk to the bride who is getting married immediately before or after to see if you have similar ideas for decorations," she says. "If so, you might be able to split the cost." Experts say reception halls usually recycle the decorations, but charge every bride for them anyway.
4. Cut the Cake
Another unnecessary reception budget-breaker: overloading on sweets. "People really overspend on desserts," says Marcia French of Stardust Celebrations in Dallas. "They'll get a three-tiered bridal cake, plus a chocolate one for the groom, and have a full tray of desserts at the reception." She points out that after a long evening of eating, drinking and dancing, many guests will forego dessert altogether. For smaller weddings, she recommends using a faux bottom for the lower two tiers of the bridal cake: "It will look good for the pictures, and that's really what matters," she says.
And for bigger weddings, here's another trick: Choose a smaller version of your dream wedding cake and then get sheet cake (in the same flavor as the wedding cake) that can be cut in back and served to guests. They'll never notice!
5. Greens Are Good
And how many of the guests know what kind of flowers are in season at any given time of year? "Stay with what's in season, use more greens and fewer blooms," advises Carol Koch Waldmann, a wedding consultant in Natick, Mass. "No one will ever notice." Roses are always available, but brides should steer clear of floral-intensive holidays such as Mother's Day, when high demand will drive up costs. Another flower tip from Regina Tate of Regina's in Nederland, Texas: Don't feel the need to adorn the church with fresh flowers for the ceremony. "People expect churches to be less ornate, and they'll spend a lot more time at the reception," she says.
6. Dress Down the Gown
Assuming that no one at the wedding will be checking out the tags on your bridal gown, the dress can be another good place to economize. Tate says that cheaper fabrics are almost always available for every dress design, and that using a lower-end satin can cut the cost by almost two-thirds. Sample sales and outlet stores are other good bets, and remember, the gown doesn't need to fit like a glove right away: having a too-large dress fitted will still be cheaper than buying one that's custom-made. For those who favor less complicated designs, consider using this trick from Erin Smith, a bride-to-be in Boston. "I went to a bridal shop and picked out one of their bridesmaid dresses, ordered it in white, and voila — simple wedding dress," she says.
7. Do Yourself a Favor
According to Markel, the average number of wedding guests is 157, which means that overspending on seemingly inexpensive items such as invites and party favors can add up to a big hit on your checkbook. "If you use candy kisses in the favor instead of truffles, you'll save about $3 per bag," French says. Other experts recommend letting place cards double as favors, or incorporating the favors into a creative table centerpiece of chocolates or candles. One bride French knows used assortments of giant, colorful seashells for her centerpieces; guests loved it. Ann Rinke put a small bowl filled with smooth rocks and a live goldfish on each table when she got married last November. The guests were given plastic bags to take the fish home.
8. Save a Tree
Waldmann, who estimates that most brides end up overshooting their initial budget by about 15%, encourages her clients to think twice before spending hundreds of dollars on a seven-piece hand-engraved invite. The invitation liner is completely unnecessary, she says, as are separate enclosure cards. Keeping it to a single sheet, she notes, saves on the costs of both paper and postage.
Of course, talk to wedding consultants, and you'll hear that the No. 1 must-do savings tip is...hire a wedding consultant. In theory, the consultant will do all the legwork for you, shop around for the best bargains, and use their network of vendors to get insider deals. But with some of these pros charging up to 15% of the total wedding budget, we'll leave you to determine if that's a cost-cutting move you want to make.
The cost of a wedding
The high price of wedlock.
In the U.S.~
*In 2007 there were an estimated 2,290,578 weddings
*The average length of an engagement is 17 months
*Average wedding budget is $14,250
*the average spent is $28,800
*Average ages are 26-bride, 28-groom
*average cost of wedding photography is $2373
In the U.S.~
*In 2007 there were an estimated 2,290,578 weddings
*The average length of an engagement is 17 months
*Average wedding budget is $14,250
*the average spent is $28,800
*Average ages are 26-bride, 28-groom
*average cost of wedding photography is $2373
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Heart study
Study: Stem Cells Used To Fix Your Broken Heart
It's Called The Marvel Study
The Largest Clinical Trial Investigating Adult Stem Cells To Treat Congestive Heart Failure
For More Info, Call Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center At (954) 229-8400
(CBS4)
Doctors are discovering a new way to fix your broken heart. A study is underway in South Florida that could revolutionize the way heart attack patients help their damaged hearts by using their own stem cells.
It's called The Marvel Study and under the direction of Dr. Alan Neiderman with the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Research Institute at Holy Cross Hospital, is the largest clinical trial investigating adult stem cells to treat congestive heart failure. It involves 330 patients in up to 30 investigational sites in the US and Europe.
"I have a weak heart," said 74-year-old Dennis Piaso who had a heart attack ten years ago and is still suffering from the results, "Lately, I've had a lot of trouble breathing and I constantly lose my breath."
This new procedure could offer Piaso some hope.
Dr. Ahmed Osman, Piaso's doctor at Holy Cross hospital says Piaso will be one of the first in South Florida to be part of a new study using the patient's own stem cells.
"What we do is we would inject these myoblasts or stem cells into the areas that are scarred hoping that this will, these cells will multiply increasing the number and basically help the heart contract more efficiently," said Dr. Osman.
The stem cells are taken from the thigh muscle and injected into the heart so the heart can function better and ultimately become stronger.
Dr. Osman hopes to see improvement in overall heart function within a few weeks to months.
Dr. Alan Niederman, Director of Clinical Research says the preliminary study revealed those hearts injected with the cells showed significant improvement in heart function.
"This is what's known as the pivotal study, if this study is positive they
will go to the FDA to approve this technique as a broad technique that everybody can participate in," said Dr. Neiderman.
"Well for me it's a wonderful opportunity for me to get better and especially it's like getting added years to your life so what more can you want?" said Piaso, who feels like this study is giving him another chance at life.
To qualify for the study, you must be a heart attack survivor, have a defibrillator and an injection fraction less than 35-percent. If you meet the criteria and want more information, call the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center at (954) 229-8400.
It's Called The Marvel Study
The Largest Clinical Trial Investigating Adult Stem Cells To Treat Congestive Heart Failure
For More Info, Call Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center At (954) 229-8400
(CBS4)
Doctors are discovering a new way to fix your broken heart. A study is underway in South Florida that could revolutionize the way heart attack patients help their damaged hearts by using their own stem cells.
It's called The Marvel Study and under the direction of Dr. Alan Neiderman with the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Research Institute at Holy Cross Hospital, is the largest clinical trial investigating adult stem cells to treat congestive heart failure. It involves 330 patients in up to 30 investigational sites in the US and Europe.
"I have a weak heart," said 74-year-old Dennis Piaso who had a heart attack ten years ago and is still suffering from the results, "Lately, I've had a lot of trouble breathing and I constantly lose my breath."
This new procedure could offer Piaso some hope.
Dr. Ahmed Osman, Piaso's doctor at Holy Cross hospital says Piaso will be one of the first in South Florida to be part of a new study using the patient's own stem cells.
"What we do is we would inject these myoblasts or stem cells into the areas that are scarred hoping that this will, these cells will multiply increasing the number and basically help the heart contract more efficiently," said Dr. Osman.
The stem cells are taken from the thigh muscle and injected into the heart so the heart can function better and ultimately become stronger.
Dr. Osman hopes to see improvement in overall heart function within a few weeks to months.
Dr. Alan Niederman, Director of Clinical Research says the preliminary study revealed those hearts injected with the cells showed significant improvement in heart function.
"This is what's known as the pivotal study, if this study is positive they
will go to the FDA to approve this technique as a broad technique that everybody can participate in," said Dr. Neiderman.
"Well for me it's a wonderful opportunity for me to get better and especially it's like getting added years to your life so what more can you want?" said Piaso, who feels like this study is giving him another chance at life.
To qualify for the study, you must be a heart attack survivor, have a defibrillator and an injection fraction less than 35-percent. If you meet the criteria and want more information, call the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center at (954) 229-8400.
Bad neighbors?
Nothing ruins the excitement of finding your dream home quicker than moving in and discovering you have a bad neighbor. Perhaps you have lived in your home for years when the house next door sells and suddenly you find yourself with the neighbor from hell. Maybe they have a loud, barking dog or are prone to Saturday night arguments that wake you from your sleep. Or maybe they simply drop by too often and are overly interested in your personal affairs. Whether your bad neighbors are nosy or noisy, these simple strategies will help you deal with them without joining the ranks of bad neighborhood yourself.
Find out how to recognize and deal with bad neighbors.
Find out how to recognize and deal with bad neighbors.
New laws
New Fla. Laws Take Effect On July 1
Laws deal with education, environmental, and other areas
(CBS4)
The Florida Legislature wrapped up their work several weeks ago, but Tuesday marks the day many new laws will go into effect. Laws governing hurricane insurance, energy and climate change, state spending, and teacher ethics are just some of the new laws.
One of the most controversial laws taking effect on Tuesday allows workers and customers to keep guns in their cars when they are parked in lots owned by private and government employers. After the Supreme Court decision doing away with bans of guns in cities, challengers of the new Florida law face an uphill battle.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle says he will make a ruling over the challenge to the new law in July.
A new law limiting the amount of greenhouse gases power companies in the state produce is part of a cap-and-trade program. It directs state regulators to set up programs that penalize power plants that exceed limits on carbon monoxide emissions.
Another provision of the law will create a commission to help set future energy policy and strengthen green building codes and standards for appliances. It also simplifies the approval process for nuclear power plants.
A hurricane insurance law extends an existing rate freeze for over 1 million customers of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. through the end of 2009. It also gives state regulators more authority over private companies and boosts the amount Citizens can insure up to $2 million.
The state will try to boost the weakened economy by requiring itself to invest up to $137 billion employee pension plan in high-tech industries in the state.
Tuition increases also take effect for community college and university student. And if you're looking for a divorce it'll cost $45 more this year and speeding tickets jump by a minimum of $17.50.
For parents, a new education law reduces the importance of the FCAT in grading high schools. To compensate, the state will include other factors including graduation rates and participation in advanced classes. Elementary and middle schools will still be graded only on FCAT scores.
The education law seeks to cut down on the so-called FCAT frenzy. It bans activities such as rallies and practice tests during regular school hours. It also delays the exam by a month to give students more time to study.
All new motorcyclists will now be required to take a basic rider course. Previously, only riders under 21 were required to pass the course.
Laws deal with education, environmental, and other areas
(CBS4)
The Florida Legislature wrapped up their work several weeks ago, but Tuesday marks the day many new laws will go into effect. Laws governing hurricane insurance, energy and climate change, state spending, and teacher ethics are just some of the new laws.
One of the most controversial laws taking effect on Tuesday allows workers and customers to keep guns in their cars when they are parked in lots owned by private and government employers. After the Supreme Court decision doing away with bans of guns in cities, challengers of the new Florida law face an uphill battle.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle says he will make a ruling over the challenge to the new law in July.
A new law limiting the amount of greenhouse gases power companies in the state produce is part of a cap-and-trade program. It directs state regulators to set up programs that penalize power plants that exceed limits on carbon monoxide emissions.
Another provision of the law will create a commission to help set future energy policy and strengthen green building codes and standards for appliances. It also simplifies the approval process for nuclear power plants.
A hurricane insurance law extends an existing rate freeze for over 1 million customers of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. through the end of 2009. It also gives state regulators more authority over private companies and boosts the amount Citizens can insure up to $2 million.
The state will try to boost the weakened economy by requiring itself to invest up to $137 billion employee pension plan in high-tech industries in the state.
Tuition increases also take effect for community college and university student. And if you're looking for a divorce it'll cost $45 more this year and speeding tickets jump by a minimum of $17.50.
For parents, a new education law reduces the importance of the FCAT in grading high schools. To compensate, the state will include other factors including graduation rates and participation in advanced classes. Elementary and middle schools will still be graded only on FCAT scores.
The education law seeks to cut down on the so-called FCAT frenzy. It bans activities such as rallies and practice tests during regular school hours. It also delays the exam by a month to give students more time to study.
All new motorcyclists will now be required to take a basic rider course. Previously, only riders under 21 were required to pass the course.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Keep your cool
15 Ways To Keep Cool When it's Hot
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long.
Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times (early morning or late evening). If you can't change the time of your workout, scale it down by doing fewer minutes, walking instead or running, or decreasing your level of exertion.
Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.
Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.
Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.
Take frequent baths or showers with cool or tepid water.
Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.
Some people swear by small, portable, battery-powered fans. At an outdoor event I even saw a version that attaches to a water bottle that sprays a cooling mist.
I learned this trick from a tennis pro: if you're wearing a cap or hat, remove it and pour a bit of ice cold water into the hat, then quickly invert it and place on your head.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products. As an added benefit, you won't have to cook next to a hot stove.
If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool. Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days.
Finally, use common sense. If the heat is intolerable, stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces. Pay special attention to the elderly, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness, as they may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too.
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long.
Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times (early morning or late evening). If you can't change the time of your workout, scale it down by doing fewer minutes, walking instead or running, or decreasing your level of exertion.
Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.
Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.
Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.
Take frequent baths or showers with cool or tepid water.
Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.
Some people swear by small, portable, battery-powered fans. At an outdoor event I even saw a version that attaches to a water bottle that sprays a cooling mist.
I learned this trick from a tennis pro: if you're wearing a cap or hat, remove it and pour a bit of ice cold water into the hat, then quickly invert it and place on your head.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products. As an added benefit, you won't have to cook next to a hot stove.
If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool. Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days.
Finally, use common sense. If the heat is intolerable, stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces. Pay special attention to the elderly, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness, as they may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too.
Ice bandana
Another way to keep cool this summer is with an ice bandana. You can freeze it and re-freeze it over and over.
Gas for life
The Florida Lottery is trying to tap the public frustration with sky-high gas prices. The Lottery;s 8 week "Summer Cash" drawing starts today. "Gas for Life" and "Gas for a Year" are among the prizes. Tickets cost 5 dollars and the grand prize is $250,000.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Never buy this stuff used
10 Things You Should Never Buy Used
1. Children’s Car Seats: Car seats have expiration dates, and if the vehicle has been in an accident (even a fender bender), the seat should be thrown out.
2. Helmets: They can crack on impact.
3. Electronics:
4. Laptops: Because they’re mobile, they can be dropped, spilled on, or otherwise abused.
5. Plasma Televisions:
6. DVD Players: Lasers wear out
7. Camcorders: Are often dropped, and have motors that wear out.
8. Mattresses: As one expert said, “Think about what you do on yours, and then you’ll know why you won’t want to sleep on someone elses.”
9: Vacuum Cleaners
10: Shoes
1. Children’s Car Seats: Car seats have expiration dates, and if the vehicle has been in an accident (even a fender bender), the seat should be thrown out.
2. Helmets: They can crack on impact.
3. Electronics:
4. Laptops: Because they’re mobile, they can be dropped, spilled on, or otherwise abused.
5. Plasma Televisions:
6. DVD Players: Lasers wear out
7. Camcorders: Are often dropped, and have motors that wear out.
8. Mattresses: As one expert said, “Think about what you do on yours, and then you’ll know why you won’t want to sleep on someone elses.”
9: Vacuum Cleaners
10: Shoes
Have a garage sale
There are secrets to having a successful yard or garage sale. The best yard sales require lots of work, but it's worth it when you count your profits at the end of the day. Follow these few steps to create a yard sale that attracts people and leaves you with some cash.
Step 1 Decide if you have enough items to hold a yard sale (the more the better).
Step 2 Choose a date.
Step 3 Move all of your yard sale items into one place, such as the garage or a storage area.
Step 4 Put a price tag on everything, no matter how small.
Step 5 Decide how you will set the sale up. Be sure all items will be openly
displayed so that people don't have to dig through boxes to find things.
Step 6 Call your local newspaper about a week before the yard sale, and buy an ad that will appear the day before and the day of the sale. The ad should contain your address, the date and hours of your sale, and a summary list of what you have to offer.
Step 7 Arrange all items on tables or whatever you are going to display them on the day before the sale. Keep the table in the garage or storage area overnight.
Step 8 Go to the bank and get $50 in $1s, $5s, and change.
Step 9 Put the money in a cash box.
Step 10 Place signs around your neighborhood on the morning of the sale advertising the sale and giving the address.
Step 11 Open the garage door at the specified hour and move the tables out.
Step 1 Decide if you have enough items to hold a yard sale (the more the better).
Step 2 Choose a date.
Step 3 Move all of your yard sale items into one place, such as the garage or a storage area.
Step 4 Put a price tag on everything, no matter how small.
Step 5 Decide how you will set the sale up. Be sure all items will be openly
displayed so that people don't have to dig through boxes to find things.
Step 6 Call your local newspaper about a week before the yard sale, and buy an ad that will appear the day before and the day of the sale. The ad should contain your address, the date and hours of your sale, and a summary list of what you have to offer.
Step 7 Arrange all items on tables or whatever you are going to display them on the day before the sale. Keep the table in the garage or storage area overnight.
Step 8 Go to the bank and get $50 in $1s, $5s, and change.
Step 9 Put the money in a cash box.
Step 10 Place signs around your neighborhood on the morning of the sale advertising the sale and giving the address.
Step 11 Open the garage door at the specified hour and move the tables out.
Gems at estate sales
Baron Estate Sales has over 20 years of experience in the appraisal, sale, and marketing of secondhand items. The saying, "One man's junk is another man's treasure" never becomes more apparent than when evaluating items for sale. The old print that you thought was worthless may actually be a painting under glass by a listed artist. The flower pot on the back porch may actually be an artist signed vase by one of the famous pottery makers from the early 20th century.
Find out more about Baron Estate Sales.
Find out more about Baron Estate Sales.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Teen drinking
Dangers of Teen Drinking
Teens don't just drink. They drink to excess.
More than 10 percent of eighth graders, 22 percent of sophomores, and 26 percent of seniors report recent binge drinking (5+ drinks on the same occasion).
Statistics show that the majority of current teen drinkers got drunk in the previous month. That includes 54 percent of the high school sophomores who drink and 65 percent of the high school seniors who drink.
Underage drinking is linked to injury and risky behavior.
Reducing underage drinking can reduce drinking-related harm.
Brain Development and Alcohol Abuse
Research indicates that the human brain continues to develop into a person's early 20's, and that exposure of the developing brain to alcohol may have long-lasting effects on intellectual capabilities and may increase the likelihood of alcohol addiction.
The age when drinking starts affects future drinking problems. For each year that the start of drinking is delayed, the risk of later alcohol dependence is reduced by 14 percent.
Drinking and Driving
Car crashes are the leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 20. About 1,900 people under 21 die every year from car crashes involving underage drinking.
Young people are more susceptible to alcohol-induced impairment of their driving skills. Drinking drivers aged 16 to 20 are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as drinking drivers who are 21 or older.
Suicide
Alcohol use interacts with conditions like depression and stress, and contributes to an estimated 300 teen suicides a year.
High school students who drink are twice as likely to have seriously considered attempting suicide, as compared to nondrinkers. High school students who binge drink are four times as likely to have attempted suicide, as compared to nondrinkers.
Sexual Behavior
Current teen drinkers are more than twice as likely to have had sexual intercourse within the past three months than teens who don't drink.
Higher drinking levels increase the likelihood of sexual activity.
Adolescents who drink are more likely to engage in risky sexual activities, like having sex with someone they don't know or failing to use birth control.
Other Risks
Teens who drink alcohol are more likely than nondrinkers to smoke marijuana, use inhalants, or carry a weapon.
Binge drinking substantially increases the likelihood of these activities.
Academic Performance
A government study published in 2007 shows a relationship between binge drinking and grades. Approximately two-thirds of students with “mostly A’s” are non-drinkers, while nearly half of the students with “mostly D’s and F’s” report binge drinking. It is not clear, however, whether academic failure leads to drinking, or vice versa.
For further information on the risks of adolescent alcohol use, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Don't serve alcohol to teens.
It's unsafe. It's illegal. It's irresponsible.
Teens don't just drink. They drink to excess.
More than 10 percent of eighth graders, 22 percent of sophomores, and 26 percent of seniors report recent binge drinking (5+ drinks on the same occasion).
Statistics show that the majority of current teen drinkers got drunk in the previous month. That includes 54 percent of the high school sophomores who drink and 65 percent of the high school seniors who drink.
Underage drinking is linked to injury and risky behavior.
Reducing underage drinking can reduce drinking-related harm.
Brain Development and Alcohol Abuse
Research indicates that the human brain continues to develop into a person's early 20's, and that exposure of the developing brain to alcohol may have long-lasting effects on intellectual capabilities and may increase the likelihood of alcohol addiction.
The age when drinking starts affects future drinking problems. For each year that the start of drinking is delayed, the risk of later alcohol dependence is reduced by 14 percent.
Drinking and Driving
Car crashes are the leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 20. About 1,900 people under 21 die every year from car crashes involving underage drinking.
Young people are more susceptible to alcohol-induced impairment of their driving skills. Drinking drivers aged 16 to 20 are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as drinking drivers who are 21 or older.
Suicide
Alcohol use interacts with conditions like depression and stress, and contributes to an estimated 300 teen suicides a year.
High school students who drink are twice as likely to have seriously considered attempting suicide, as compared to nondrinkers. High school students who binge drink are four times as likely to have attempted suicide, as compared to nondrinkers.
Sexual Behavior
Current teen drinkers are more than twice as likely to have had sexual intercourse within the past three months than teens who don't drink.
Higher drinking levels increase the likelihood of sexual activity.
Adolescents who drink are more likely to engage in risky sexual activities, like having sex with someone they don't know or failing to use birth control.
Other Risks
Teens who drink alcohol are more likely than nondrinkers to smoke marijuana, use inhalants, or carry a weapon.
Binge drinking substantially increases the likelihood of these activities.
Academic Performance
A government study published in 2007 shows a relationship between binge drinking and grades. Approximately two-thirds of students with “mostly A’s” are non-drinkers, while nearly half of the students with “mostly D’s and F’s” report binge drinking. It is not clear, however, whether academic failure leads to drinking, or vice versa.
For further information on the risks of adolescent alcohol use, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Don't serve alcohol to teens.
It's unsafe. It's illegal. It's irresponsible.
Stay out of the water
(Miami Herald)
No-swim warning at 12 Dade beaches
BY JENNIFER LEBOVICH AND MALKA ABRAMOFF
Swimmers were advised to stay out of the ocean from Golden Beach to Matheson Hammock on Wednesday after health officials discovered bacteria levels exceeding state standards at 12 Miami-Dade beaches.
The no-swim advisory came after more beaches failed the bacteria indicator test than at any time since the county joined the state's beach monitoring program in 2002.
Swimming in the water can increase risk of gastrointestinal illness, including vomiting or intestinal pain, and ear and eye infections, said Samir Elmir, environmental administrator for the Miami-Dade County Health Department.
''It's the biggest advisory I can remember,'' Elmir said. ``In general our beaches are clean.''
Additional water tests were performed on Wednesday, and the county will review the results Thursday to decide whether to keep the advisories.
No warnings were issued in Broward County.
Tests performed Monday measured two bacteria indicators -- fecal coliform and enterococci -- both found in human and animal waste. Fecal coliform levels were elevated and were retested on Tuesday. Enterococci levels were not elevated.
There's no reason to believe the higher levels are from a sewage leak, Elmir said.
Instead, the recent heavy rains and winds are the likely culprit.
''We think that the severe weather conditions . . . and storm water runoff may be the contributing factor for this condition,'' Elmir said. ``We don't have a report to indicate beach pollution at those sites in terms of sewage spills or overflows.''
At 21st Street in Miami Beach, where levels were up, lifeguards warned people to stay out of the water. But a wind-whipped afternoon prompted surfers and kiteboarders to ignore the advisory and hit the waves anyway.
Yoaritt Sienfuegos, who came from Tampa to windsurf, said he'd try to avoid falling in or getting any water in his mouth.
''I'm just going to go in,'' said Sienfuegos, 20. ``It doesn't matter if I get sick. I came here to surf.''
Others, like bather Jenara Nerenberg, didn't know about the advisory. Toweling off on the beach, she was unhappy to hear the news.
''I feel gross swallowing the water,'' she said. ``It makes me a little concerned.''
Sewage contains hundreds of potential pathogens in the forms of bacteria, cysts and spores. Water quality tests measure fecal coliform and enterococci, which scientists consider classic ''indicators'' of human waste.
The organisms, which normally inhabit the intestine, aren't harmful themselves, but elevated levels could signal the presence of more dangerous bugs.
The water is tested weekly at 19 Miami-Dade beach sites from Golden Beach to Florida City, Elmir said.
A no-swim advisory was issued at Golden Beach, Sunny Isles Beach Pier Park, Oleta Park-Swimming Area, Haulover Beach Park, 93rd Street in Surfside, 74th Street Beach, 53rd Street Beach, 21st Street Beach, South Pointe Park (First Street Beach), Hobie/Dog Beach, Crandon Park Beach and Matheson Hammock.
Key Biscayne Beach and Cape Florida Park avoided the warning.
A dozen sites failed at least one test Monday and Tuesday.
''To be getting positive readings to that extent running that stretch of the beach, that's a new one,'' said T.J. Marshall, coordinator for the Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition, a group of nonprofits working on coastal and marine issues. ``It is something people should take seriously.''
Miami Herald staff writer Curtis Morgan contributed to this report.
No-swim warning at 12 Dade beaches
BY JENNIFER LEBOVICH AND MALKA ABRAMOFF
Swimmers were advised to stay out of the ocean from Golden Beach to Matheson Hammock on Wednesday after health officials discovered bacteria levels exceeding state standards at 12 Miami-Dade beaches.
The no-swim advisory came after more beaches failed the bacteria indicator test than at any time since the county joined the state's beach monitoring program in 2002.
Swimming in the water can increase risk of gastrointestinal illness, including vomiting or intestinal pain, and ear and eye infections, said Samir Elmir, environmental administrator for the Miami-Dade County Health Department.
''It's the biggest advisory I can remember,'' Elmir said. ``In general our beaches are clean.''
Additional water tests were performed on Wednesday, and the county will review the results Thursday to decide whether to keep the advisories.
No warnings were issued in Broward County.
Tests performed Monday measured two bacteria indicators -- fecal coliform and enterococci -- both found in human and animal waste. Fecal coliform levels were elevated and were retested on Tuesday. Enterococci levels were not elevated.
There's no reason to believe the higher levels are from a sewage leak, Elmir said.
Instead, the recent heavy rains and winds are the likely culprit.
''We think that the severe weather conditions . . . and storm water runoff may be the contributing factor for this condition,'' Elmir said. ``We don't have a report to indicate beach pollution at those sites in terms of sewage spills or overflows.''
At 21st Street in Miami Beach, where levels were up, lifeguards warned people to stay out of the water. But a wind-whipped afternoon prompted surfers and kiteboarders to ignore the advisory and hit the waves anyway.
Yoaritt Sienfuegos, who came from Tampa to windsurf, said he'd try to avoid falling in or getting any water in his mouth.
''I'm just going to go in,'' said Sienfuegos, 20. ``It doesn't matter if I get sick. I came here to surf.''
Others, like bather Jenara Nerenberg, didn't know about the advisory. Toweling off on the beach, she was unhappy to hear the news.
''I feel gross swallowing the water,'' she said. ``It makes me a little concerned.''
Sewage contains hundreds of potential pathogens in the forms of bacteria, cysts and spores. Water quality tests measure fecal coliform and enterococci, which scientists consider classic ''indicators'' of human waste.
The organisms, which normally inhabit the intestine, aren't harmful themselves, but elevated levels could signal the presence of more dangerous bugs.
The water is tested weekly at 19 Miami-Dade beach sites from Golden Beach to Florida City, Elmir said.
A no-swim advisory was issued at Golden Beach, Sunny Isles Beach Pier Park, Oleta Park-Swimming Area, Haulover Beach Park, 93rd Street in Surfside, 74th Street Beach, 53rd Street Beach, 21st Street Beach, South Pointe Park (First Street Beach), Hobie/Dog Beach, Crandon Park Beach and Matheson Hammock.
Key Biscayne Beach and Cape Florida Park avoided the warning.
A dozen sites failed at least one test Monday and Tuesday.
''To be getting positive readings to that extent running that stretch of the beach, that's a new one,'' said T.J. Marshall, coordinator for the Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition, a group of nonprofits working on coastal and marine issues. ``It is something people should take seriously.''
Miami Herald staff writer Curtis Morgan contributed to this report.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Get a pet for your health
Having a pet can, at times, test your patience, particularly when Fido has chewed up your expensive new boots, or Snowball decides to meow up a storm at 4 a.m. Still, most pet owners will agree wholeheartedly that pets give back much more than they receive in the form of companionship and love.
Indeed, the United States is a pet-loving nation, having more dogs and cats than any other country, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most pet owners treat their pet like any other member of the family, perhaps even giving them special birthday and holiday presents and foods.
But here is another reason to spoil your pet (as though you needed one): Owning a pet can actually improve the health of its owner.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having a pet can decrease your:
Blood pressure
Cholesterol levels
Triglyceride levels
Feelings of loneliness
But that's not all. K.C. Cole, RN, MN, director of UCLA's People-Animal Connection (PAC), says she believes the human-animal bond offers many social, psychological and physiological benefits. PAC volunteers bring dogs to visit about 400 hospital patients each month.
"Among other things, animals contribute to raising self-esteem, significantly lowering anxiety levels, improving attitude toward others and opening lines of communication," Cole said. "With geriatric patients we see a bridge of communication develop with staff and family when a dog visits."
Pets and Your Heart
Perhaps the most notable benefit has to do with heart health. Several studies have found that people who have had a heart attack survive longer with a pet than without.
Another study, by Karen Allen, PhD, a medical researcher at the University of Buffalo, involved 48 stockbrokers with high blood pressure. Those who owned a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than those without.
"When we told the group that didn't have pets about the findings, many went out and got them," Allen said.
Recovery After Illness
Other studies have found that people with pets tend to have a speedier, easier recovery after illness or surgery. One UK study of 50-60-year-old women recovering from breast cancer, for instance, found:
87 percent reported that their pets filled "at least one important role in their social support."
43 percent reported that their pets fulfilled more than 10 important support functions, such as being cared for, tactile comfort, and still feeling included socially, when they took their dog for a walk.
Kids and Pets
Many of us have fond memories of our first childhood pet, and as it turns out, pets are just as good for kids as they are for the elderly and adults. One five-year study of 600 children aged 3-18 found that children with pets who are slow learners, or whose parents had divorced, had higher levels of self-esteem and better emotional functioning than those with no pet.
Children with autism and other learning and behavioral disabilities also often show immediate improvement when pets are brought into the classroom for animal-assisted therapy.
Further, kids who have a cat or dog in the home during their first years of life are less likely to develop hay fever, asthma and animal-related allergies than those who don't.
Better Overall Health
Research presented at the 10th International Conference on Human Animal Interaction in October 2004 found that pet owners simply experience better health than non pet-owners. The survey of more than 11,000 Australians, Chinese and Germans found that over a five-year period:
Pet owners made 15-20 percent fewer annual visits to the doctor than non pet-owners.
Those who went to the doctor the least were those who continuously owned a pet.
The next healthiest group was people who got a pet during the study.
If you're still not convinced of the benefits of pet ownership, other studies have found these additional health improvements to pet owners:
Reduced depression
Less stress
Improved exercise habits
Better quality of life for those with Alzheimer's or orthopedic disorders
A Dog, Cat, Bird ... or Dolphin?
So which types of pets provide the most health benefits? Most commonly, dogs and cats are mentioned in the studies. However, any animal has the potential to brighten your life.
Case in point, a study in a November 2005 British Medical Journal found that people with depression who swam with dolphins for an hour a day for two weeks reported feeling less depressed than those who simply frolicked in the water.
But if you're looking for the most benefit, a pet of your own (after careful consideration) may be the best route to take. Said Mara Baun, D.N.Sc., professor at The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston, "People derive the greatest health benefits from their own pet, or one to whom they feel some personal attachment.
Indeed, the United States is a pet-loving nation, having more dogs and cats than any other country, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most pet owners treat their pet like any other member of the family, perhaps even giving them special birthday and holiday presents and foods.
But here is another reason to spoil your pet (as though you needed one): Owning a pet can actually improve the health of its owner.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having a pet can decrease your:
Blood pressure
Cholesterol levels
Triglyceride levels
Feelings of loneliness
But that's not all. K.C. Cole, RN, MN, director of UCLA's People-Animal Connection (PAC), says she believes the human-animal bond offers many social, psychological and physiological benefits. PAC volunteers bring dogs to visit about 400 hospital patients each month.
"Among other things, animals contribute to raising self-esteem, significantly lowering anxiety levels, improving attitude toward others and opening lines of communication," Cole said. "With geriatric patients we see a bridge of communication develop with staff and family when a dog visits."
Pets and Your Heart
Perhaps the most notable benefit has to do with heart health. Several studies have found that people who have had a heart attack survive longer with a pet than without.
Another study, by Karen Allen, PhD, a medical researcher at the University of Buffalo, involved 48 stockbrokers with high blood pressure. Those who owned a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than those without.
"When we told the group that didn't have pets about the findings, many went out and got them," Allen said.
Recovery After Illness
Other studies have found that people with pets tend to have a speedier, easier recovery after illness or surgery. One UK study of 50-60-year-old women recovering from breast cancer, for instance, found:
87 percent reported that their pets filled "at least one important role in their social support."
43 percent reported that their pets fulfilled more than 10 important support functions, such as being cared for, tactile comfort, and still feeling included socially, when they took their dog for a walk.
Kids and Pets
Many of us have fond memories of our first childhood pet, and as it turns out, pets are just as good for kids as they are for the elderly and adults. One five-year study of 600 children aged 3-18 found that children with pets who are slow learners, or whose parents had divorced, had higher levels of self-esteem and better emotional functioning than those with no pet.
Children with autism and other learning and behavioral disabilities also often show immediate improvement when pets are brought into the classroom for animal-assisted therapy.
Further, kids who have a cat or dog in the home during their first years of life are less likely to develop hay fever, asthma and animal-related allergies than those who don't.
Better Overall Health
Research presented at the 10th International Conference on Human Animal Interaction in October 2004 found that pet owners simply experience better health than non pet-owners. The survey of more than 11,000 Australians, Chinese and Germans found that over a five-year period:
Pet owners made 15-20 percent fewer annual visits to the doctor than non pet-owners.
Those who went to the doctor the least were those who continuously owned a pet.
The next healthiest group was people who got a pet during the study.
If you're still not convinced of the benefits of pet ownership, other studies have found these additional health improvements to pet owners:
Reduced depression
Less stress
Improved exercise habits
Better quality of life for those with Alzheimer's or orthopedic disorders
A Dog, Cat, Bird ... or Dolphin?
So which types of pets provide the most health benefits? Most commonly, dogs and cats are mentioned in the studies. However, any animal has the potential to brighten your life.
Case in point, a study in a November 2005 British Medical Journal found that people with depression who swam with dolphins for an hour a day for two weeks reported feeling less depressed than those who simply frolicked in the water.
But if you're looking for the most benefit, a pet of your own (after careful consideration) may be the best route to take. Said Mara Baun, D.N.Sc., professor at The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston, "People derive the greatest health benefits from their own pet, or one to whom they feel some personal attachment.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Bank of dad, co-worker, friend
Borrowing Money From Family Members – Is this A Wise Way to Pay off Debt?
(moms-living-debt-free.com)
Borrowing money from family members or relatives may seem like an easy way to pay off credit card debt or student loans. Why? You may feel like families ought to look out for each other, and be attracted to the idea of a lower payment or interest rate. Should you borrow money from family to pay off debt?
In my opinion, the clear answer is no, unless it is your only option. Exhaust all other options first, and make borrowing money from family a last resort.
First, remember that family members may have unwritten “strings” attached to their lending you money. Mom and Dad may be happy to help you pay off your debt, but be prepared for guilt trips later on. Example: “How could you not come over on Saturday? Didn’t we just lend you $10,000 to pay off your student loans?” Why make family relationships tense over money if you do not have to?
Secondly, something may happen that prevents you from paying the money back on time. Imagine your relative’s reaction if they are unable to receive their payment when it is due. And the last thing anyone feels like doing is groveling to a friend or family member. What if you have a job loss? Do you really want to have to let your family know right away about your lay-off or a possible move/career change? These are all things you need to consider before borrowing the money.
If you do decide to borrow money from a relative, have a written legal agreement, signed by both parties. Make it as formal as possible, including payments, interest rates, and terms of the loan. Have it composed by a lawyer, and make sure the agreement states that there are no “unwritten” strings attached to the loan. Then, treat the loan with the same seriousness as you would a bank loan.
Finally, think about whether or not your relationship with your family is worth the risk of borrowing money. I have heard many horror stories over the years about family loans gone bad, and relatives no longer speaking to each other.
I would highly recommend that rather than borrowing money from family members, you seek out another loan source.
(moms-living-debt-free.com)
Borrowing money from family members or relatives may seem like an easy way to pay off credit card debt or student loans. Why? You may feel like families ought to look out for each other, and be attracted to the idea of a lower payment or interest rate. Should you borrow money from family to pay off debt?
In my opinion, the clear answer is no, unless it is your only option. Exhaust all other options first, and make borrowing money from family a last resort.
First, remember that family members may have unwritten “strings” attached to their lending you money. Mom and Dad may be happy to help you pay off your debt, but be prepared for guilt trips later on. Example: “How could you not come over on Saturday? Didn’t we just lend you $10,000 to pay off your student loans?” Why make family relationships tense over money if you do not have to?
Secondly, something may happen that prevents you from paying the money back on time. Imagine your relative’s reaction if they are unable to receive their payment when it is due. And the last thing anyone feels like doing is groveling to a friend or family member. What if you have a job loss? Do you really want to have to let your family know right away about your lay-off or a possible move/career change? These are all things you need to consider before borrowing the money.
If you do decide to borrow money from a relative, have a written legal agreement, signed by both parties. Make it as formal as possible, including payments, interest rates, and terms of the loan. Have it composed by a lawyer, and make sure the agreement states that there are no “unwritten” strings attached to the loan. Then, treat the loan with the same seriousness as you would a bank loan.
Finally, think about whether or not your relationship with your family is worth the risk of borrowing money. I have heard many horror stories over the years about family loans gone bad, and relatives no longer speaking to each other.
I would highly recommend that rather than borrowing money from family members, you seek out another loan source.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Casino games for dummies
Bet wisely, beat the house, and bring home the bucks!
Crazy about casinos, but worried about losing your shirt? Relax! This hands-on guide is filled with insider secrets and tips for maximizing winnings and minimizing losses in the most popular casino games --blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, slots, and more. You get the scoop on everything from game rules and jargon to making the best bets (and knowing when to quit).
Discover how to
* Understand the odds
* Develop winning strategies
* Avoid gimmicks and bad bets
* Manage your money effectively
* Gamble on the Internet
* Deal with the IRS
Crazy about casinos, but worried about losing your shirt? Relax! This hands-on guide is filled with insider secrets and tips for maximizing winnings and minimizing losses in the most popular casino games --blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, slots, and more. You get the scoop on everything from game rules and jargon to making the best bets (and knowing when to quit).
Discover how to
* Understand the odds
* Develop winning strategies
* Avoid gimmicks and bad bets
* Manage your money effectively
* Gamble on the Internet
* Deal with the IRS
Friday, June 20, 2008
Sleep apnea is serious
Hey Susan,
Love listening to you. Just wanted to mention something. A caller reported falling asleep while driving. Although it may sound funny, it could be something quite serious. Many people suffer from sleep apnea which prevents you from breathing while sleeping. Most aren’t aware of it and think they just snore really badly. The result is bouts of unexplained tiredness during the day or no control over falling asleep.
More info can be found this site.
Hope this is helpful!
John
********************************************************
Dear John,
Yes, I'll post it on my blog....thanks for listening. My dad has sleep apnea and had surgery to fix it so I know how that can be.
Suzzzzzan
Love listening to you. Just wanted to mention something. A caller reported falling asleep while driving. Although it may sound funny, it could be something quite serious. Many people suffer from sleep apnea which prevents you from breathing while sleeping. Most aren’t aware of it and think they just snore really badly. The result is bouts of unexplained tiredness during the day or no control over falling asleep.
More info can be found this site.
Hope this is helpful!
John
********************************************************
Dear John,
Yes, I'll post it on my blog....thanks for listening. My dad has sleep apnea and had surgery to fix it so I know how that can be.
Suzzzzzan
Summer solstice
Early dawn. Late sunset. Long day. Short night. For us in the northern hemisphere, the June solstice marks the longest day of the year.
It’s your signal to celebrate the first day of summer in this hemisphere. South of the equator, winter begins.
When is the solstice where I live?
The solstice happens at the same instant for all of us, everywhere on Earth. But our clocks say different times.
This solstice takes place on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 23:59 Universal Time. Some people will round that up – as my beloved 2008 Observers Handbook did – to 00:00 Universal Time on June 21. So you might see June 21 as the date of the 2008 solstice. Don’t be fooled! In fact, for us in the U.S., the date is June 20, and the 2008 solstice is the earliest solstice since 1896.
It’s your signal to celebrate the first day of summer in this hemisphere. South of the equator, winter begins.
When is the solstice where I live?
The solstice happens at the same instant for all of us, everywhere on Earth. But our clocks say different times.
This solstice takes place on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 23:59 Universal Time. Some people will round that up – as my beloved 2008 Observers Handbook did – to 00:00 Universal Time on June 21. So you might see June 21 as the date of the 2008 solstice. Don’t be fooled! In fact, for us in the U.S., the date is June 20, and the 2008 solstice is the earliest solstice since 1896.
Sleeping on the job
One-Third Of Workers Fall Asleep On The Job
Some Companies Offer Workers A Nap Room
(CBS4)
Lack of sleep resulting in exhaustion is one of the most serious health- related problems in the workplace. It has also been shown that sleep deprivation is a major cause of under- productivity, absenteeism and workplace accidents.
According to the National Sleep Foundation sleep deprivation and sleep disorders are estimated to cost Americans over $100-billion annually in lost productivity, medical expenses, sick leave, and property and environmental damage.
Dr. Alex Chediak, a sleep expert at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach, attributes people sleeping on the job to people's heavy workload.
"Americans are generally sleep deprived. It's quite clear the trend is short sleep, longer workdays," added Dr. Chediak.
Accordingly, he said the average American sleeps about six hours a night; a generation ago, Americans were sleeping eight to nine hours. One possible solution might be a simple nap.
"The nap time is critical. Less than 30 minutes, certainly less than 20 minutes, is refreshing," said Dr. Chediak.
He suggests getting up at the same time every morning, along with going to bed at the same time.
At least eight hours of sleep is recommended, and if necessary, a short nap or walking around if sleepiness continues.
Some Companies Offer Workers A Nap Room
(CBS4)
Lack of sleep resulting in exhaustion is one of the most serious health- related problems in the workplace. It has also been shown that sleep deprivation is a major cause of under- productivity, absenteeism and workplace accidents.
According to the National Sleep Foundation sleep deprivation and sleep disorders are estimated to cost Americans over $100-billion annually in lost productivity, medical expenses, sick leave, and property and environmental damage.
Dr. Alex Chediak, a sleep expert at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach, attributes people sleeping on the job to people's heavy workload.
"Americans are generally sleep deprived. It's quite clear the trend is short sleep, longer workdays," added Dr. Chediak.
Accordingly, he said the average American sleeps about six hours a night; a generation ago, Americans were sleeping eight to nine hours. One possible solution might be a simple nap.
"The nap time is critical. Less than 30 minutes, certainly less than 20 minutes, is refreshing," said Dr. Chediak.
He suggests getting up at the same time every morning, along with going to bed at the same time.
At least eight hours of sleep is recommended, and if necessary, a short nap or walking around if sleepiness continues.
A little sleep humor
Sleep Is Better Than Sex Because...
1. You don't feel guilty about doing it alone.
2. No one will start rumours about how much you sleep.
3. You won't complain in the morning about not getting any.
4. You don't have to pay for sleep.
5. You don't need to sleep after sleeping.
6. Sleep can last a good eight hours. (or even more)
7. You can sleep in church.
8. While sleeping, you can have sex with anyone you want.
9. Your teddy bear never complains.
And of course....
10. It's legal to sleep in any position whichever country you live in.
1. You don't feel guilty about doing it alone.
2. No one will start rumours about how much you sleep.
3. You won't complain in the morning about not getting any.
4. You don't have to pay for sleep.
5. You don't need to sleep after sleeping.
6. Sleep can last a good eight hours. (or even more)
7. You can sleep in church.
8. While sleeping, you can have sex with anyone you want.
9. Your teddy bear never complains.
And of course....
10. It's legal to sleep in any position whichever country you live in.
Got caught snoozing
25 Best Responses if Found Asleep at Your Desk
25. "Oh, Man! Come in at 6 in the morning and look what happens!"
24. "This is one of the seven habits of highly effective people!"
23. "This is in exchange for the six hours last night when I dreamed about work!"
22. "You don't discriminate against those with Latient Atrophy Zymosis Yeast syndrome, DO YOU?!?"
21. "Gee, I thought you (the boss) were gone for the day."
20. "They told me at the blood bank this might happen."
19. "Oh, Hi, I was trying to pick up my contact lens without my hands."
18. "This is just a 15 minute power-nap like they raved about in the last time management course you sent me to."
17. "Whew! Guess I left the top off the liquid paper"
16. "I was just meditating on the mission statement and envisioning a new paradigm!"
15. "This is one of the seven habits of highly effective people!"
14. "I was testing the keyboard for drool resistance"
13. "I'm doing the "Stress Level Elimination Exercise Plan" (SLEEP) I learned at the last mandatory seminar you made me attend."
12. "It worked well for Reagan, didn't it?"
11. "This is a highly specific Yoga position to relieve work-related stress."
10. "Just pacing myself for the all-nighter tonight!"
9. "I was working smarter-not harder."
8. "Auggh! Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a solution to our biggest problem."
7. "I'm in the management training program."
6. "The coffee machine is broken...."
5. "Someone must've put decaf in the wrong pot."
4. "Boy, that cold medicine I took last night just won't wear off!"
3. "Ah, the unique and unpredictable circadian rhythms of the workaholic!"
2. "It's okay... I'm still billing the client."
And the #1 response if found asleep at your desk:
1. "...and I especially thank you for my excellent boss, Amen!"
25. "Oh, Man! Come in at 6 in the morning and look what happens!"
24. "This is one of the seven habits of highly effective people!"
23. "This is in exchange for the six hours last night when I dreamed about work!"
22. "You don't discriminate against those with Latient Atrophy Zymosis Yeast syndrome, DO YOU?!?"
21. "Gee, I thought you (the boss) were gone for the day."
20. "They told me at the blood bank this might happen."
19. "Oh, Hi, I was trying to pick up my contact lens without my hands."
18. "This is just a 15 minute power-nap like they raved about in the last time management course you sent me to."
17. "Whew! Guess I left the top off the liquid paper"
16. "I was just meditating on the mission statement and envisioning a new paradigm!"
15. "This is one of the seven habits of highly effective people!"
14. "I was testing the keyboard for drool resistance"
13. "I'm doing the "Stress Level Elimination Exercise Plan" (SLEEP) I learned at the last mandatory seminar you made me attend."
12. "It worked well for Reagan, didn't it?"
11. "This is a highly specific Yoga position to relieve work-related stress."
10. "Just pacing myself for the all-nighter tonight!"
9. "I was working smarter-not harder."
8. "Auggh! Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a solution to our biggest problem."
7. "I'm in the management training program."
6. "The coffee machine is broken...."
5. "Someone must've put decaf in the wrong pot."
4. "Boy, that cold medicine I took last night just won't wear off!"
3. "Ah, the unique and unpredictable circadian rhythms of the workaholic!"
2. "It's okay... I'm still billing the client."
And the #1 response if found asleep at your desk:
1. "...and I especially thank you for my excellent boss, Amen!"
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wrinkled lips
Water is the healthiest drink. This is vouched by health experts around the world. However, drinking water straight from a bottle might lead to cosmetic problems. D.C. dermatologist Dr. Marilyn Berzin says that smoker's lips or wrinkles around the lips, which is common among long term smokers, is a common complaint among women who tend to drink from a bottle instead of using a glass. He came to this conclusion after noticing that many women who had never smoked had visible smoker's lips.
Highlights of water bottles and smoker's lips
a. Drinking water straight from a bottle entails making a face or distorting the lips area which is similar to smoking a cigarette.
b. When this is done over a period of time, it causes permanent lines.
c. Drinking from water bottles with either sport or straw tops or nozzles for about two years can also cause smoker's lips.
d. Even people in the 30s exhibit these lines and wrinkles.
e. However, it can be avoided if one uses wide-mouthed bottles or cups as this allows the upper lip to stay relaxed while drinking.
Highlights of water bottles and smoker's lips
a. Drinking water straight from a bottle entails making a face or distorting the lips area which is similar to smoking a cigarette.
b. When this is done over a period of time, it causes permanent lines.
c. Drinking from water bottles with either sport or straw tops or nozzles for about two years can also cause smoker's lips.
d. Even people in the 30s exhibit these lines and wrinkles.
e. However, it can be avoided if one uses wide-mouthed bottles or cups as this allows the upper lip to stay relaxed while drinking.
Virtual makeover
Ready for a free, fun, no-hassle virtual makeover? The Makeover-o-Matic virtual makeover game lets you try on virtual hairstyles, makeup and accessories with your own photo or a model photo.
Just click here.
Just click here.
Skin cancer cure?
US doctors kill skin cancer with cloned T-cells
US doctors have for the first time successfully treated a skin cancer patient with cells cloned from his own immune system, a study released Wednesday showed.
The ground-breaking treatment for advanced melanoma, or skin cancer, led to a long remission for the patient and used his own cloned infection-fighting T-cells, said doctor Cassian Yee, the lead author of the study in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Yee and his associates from the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle removed CD4+ T-cells, a type of white blood cell, from a 52-year-old man whose melanoma had spread to a groin lymph node and to one of his lungs.
The melanoma was already well advanced and in stage four.
The T-cells which specifically fight melanoma were modified and expanded in the laboratory and some five billion cells were then infused into the patient, who received no other kind of treatment.
Two months later no tumors were found during scans of the patient's organs. And he has been cancer free for two years, Yee said.
"We were surprised by the anti-tumor effect of these CD4 T cells and its duration of response," Yee said. "For this patient we were successful, but we would need to confirm the effectiveness of therapy in a larger study."
It was the first ever case to show that cloned cells from a patient's own immune system can successful combat skin cancer. If further tests confirm the efficiency of the method, it could be used in some 25 percent of patients with late-stage skin cancer, the study said.
Using a patient's own immune system to combat cancer, called immunotherapy, is a growing area of research that aims to develop less-toxic cancer treatments than standard chemotherapy and radiation.
Some 160,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed around the world every year, particularly affecting white men living in very sunny regions.
Although it usually affects the skin, in rare cases it can also infect the eyes and intestines.
According to the World Health Organization, some 48,000 people die from melanoma every year.
US doctors have for the first time successfully treated a skin cancer patient with cells cloned from his own immune system, a study released Wednesday showed.
The ground-breaking treatment for advanced melanoma, or skin cancer, led to a long remission for the patient and used his own cloned infection-fighting T-cells, said doctor Cassian Yee, the lead author of the study in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Yee and his associates from the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle removed CD4+ T-cells, a type of white blood cell, from a 52-year-old man whose melanoma had spread to a groin lymph node and to one of his lungs.
The melanoma was already well advanced and in stage four.
The T-cells which specifically fight melanoma were modified and expanded in the laboratory and some five billion cells were then infused into the patient, who received no other kind of treatment.
Two months later no tumors were found during scans of the patient's organs. And he has been cancer free for two years, Yee said.
"We were surprised by the anti-tumor effect of these CD4 T cells and its duration of response," Yee said. "For this patient we were successful, but we would need to confirm the effectiveness of therapy in a larger study."
It was the first ever case to show that cloned cells from a patient's own immune system can successful combat skin cancer. If further tests confirm the efficiency of the method, it could be used in some 25 percent of patients with late-stage skin cancer, the study said.
Using a patient's own immune system to combat cancer, called immunotherapy, is a growing area of research that aims to develop less-toxic cancer treatments than standard chemotherapy and radiation.
Some 160,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed around the world every year, particularly affecting white men living in very sunny regions.
Although it usually affects the skin, in rare cases it can also infect the eyes and intestines.
According to the World Health Organization, some 48,000 people die from melanoma every year.
Love yourself
Tips For How To Love Yourself
(by C. Rainfield)
Learning to love yourself isn't easy -- especially if you're a survivor of childhood abuse or neglect. But there are things you can do to boost your self-love.
Ask for a list of things people like about you.
Sometimes it can be hard to find things we like or love about ourselves. So -- ask other people to tell you all the things they like about you. Ask a friend, a lover, a therapist. This isn't a replacement for your own love; it's a first step in learning to love yourself. You may need to hear the things other people like about you before you can value them in youself.
If hearing what people like about you is hard, ask your friends to write it down for you, or leave it on your voice mail, so you can read/listen to it over and over. Go back to it as many times as you can. Even if you don't believe that someone can like a particular thing about you, or you don't believe it exists, trust that your friend does see it and value it.
When you start to hear critical voices inside your head, go back to those things your friend said/wrote about you, and remember that you are loved.
Make a list of the things you like about yourself.
Make a list of all the things you like about yourself. Be as honest as you can. Modesty doesn't help you here; neither do old critical messages. If you're having trouble finding things you value about yourself, think about the things you value and love in your friends, then see if those things exist inside you, too. Most often, they do.
Fill a special notebook with your list, or create a set of cards. Make the notebook as beautiful as you can -- make it something that makes you feel good when you look at it. Then open it up and look at it any time you're feeling down or critical about yourself, or any time anyone says anything that triggers your criticalness of yourself.
Look at this good-things-about-yourself book as frequently as you can. It may seem silly, but repetition really does make a difference. (Just think of the impact one critical phrase said by a parent over and over to a child can have. It really does have an effect! Now try to give that child inside you at least one truly loving phrase about yourself that s/he can hold on to.)
Make it part of your daily routine to praise something in yourself or think about something you like about yourself.
In this society, we're taught that praising ourselves is selfish and wrong. But praising ourselves for things that are good about ourselves only helps us. It is a healing thing to do, something that nourishes our self-worth. When we love ourselves, we're happier and more true to our own selves...and that happiness and ability to be free spreads to others.
So...try to think of something that you like about yourself, or something that you did today that made you or someone else feel good -- no matter how small it may seem. Give yourself the kind of warm praise that you would a friend.
Click here for more.
(by C. Rainfield)
Learning to love yourself isn't easy -- especially if you're a survivor of childhood abuse or neglect. But there are things you can do to boost your self-love.
Ask for a list of things people like about you.
Sometimes it can be hard to find things we like or love about ourselves. So -- ask other people to tell you all the things they like about you. Ask a friend, a lover, a therapist. This isn't a replacement for your own love; it's a first step in learning to love yourself. You may need to hear the things other people like about you before you can value them in youself.
If hearing what people like about you is hard, ask your friends to write it down for you, or leave it on your voice mail, so you can read/listen to it over and over. Go back to it as many times as you can. Even if you don't believe that someone can like a particular thing about you, or you don't believe it exists, trust that your friend does see it and value it.
When you start to hear critical voices inside your head, go back to those things your friend said/wrote about you, and remember that you are loved.
Make a list of the things you like about yourself.
Make a list of all the things you like about yourself. Be as honest as you can. Modesty doesn't help you here; neither do old critical messages. If you're having trouble finding things you value about yourself, think about the things you value and love in your friends, then see if those things exist inside you, too. Most often, they do.
Fill a special notebook with your list, or create a set of cards. Make the notebook as beautiful as you can -- make it something that makes you feel good when you look at it. Then open it up and look at it any time you're feeling down or critical about yourself, or any time anyone says anything that triggers your criticalness of yourself.
Look at this good-things-about-yourself book as frequently as you can. It may seem silly, but repetition really does make a difference. (Just think of the impact one critical phrase said by a parent over and over to a child can have. It really does have an effect! Now try to give that child inside you at least one truly loving phrase about yourself that s/he can hold on to.)
Make it part of your daily routine to praise something in yourself or think about something you like about yourself.
In this society, we're taught that praising ourselves is selfish and wrong. But praising ourselves for things that are good about ourselves only helps us. It is a healing thing to do, something that nourishes our self-worth. When we love ourselves, we're happier and more true to our own selves...and that happiness and ability to be free spreads to others.
So...try to think of something that you like about yourself, or something that you did today that made you or someone else feel good -- no matter how small it may seem. Give yourself the kind of warm praise that you would a friend.
Click here for more.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Working moms refuge
How do you juggle work, kids a husband, house work and any time for yourself?
Here is a site that may help.
Here is a site that may help.
Working moms
What does it take to simplify your life?
*One "universal truth" of becoming a parent: Life gets more complex
*Writer experiments with techniques to simplify her life
*She finds saying "no" can be effective but can backfire
*A week of simplicity teaches her the importance of living in the moment
(By Elizabeth Soutter Schwarzer)
(Parenting.com)
If there's one universal truth in becoming a parent -- and there may be only one universal truth in becoming a parent -- it's that life instantly becomes more complex. And stays that way.
The constancy of this battle against chaos struck me recently on the drive to school. From my first moments awake I had been struggling: urging the kids to eat and get dressed, making breakfasts and lunches, packing backpacks. I had decided to save time by not dressing myself, but we were late anyway. We missed the car-pool dropoff and I had to conduct the Walk of Shame: taking my kids to their classrooms in my jammies.
Driving home, I could sense the clock ticking down to the time when I would be late to pick them up. It was time for drastic measures. What if I, for once, followed all that "simplify your life" advice we hear? I decided to do a little experiment and try five techniques that are supposed to make life saner:
Say "no"
This is the simplification tip we seem to hear most often. The premise is easy enough: You're in control of what you allow into your life, so don't allow anything that promises complications. Parenting.com: Getting over new mom guilt
It makes sense until your 5-year-old tells you she really wants you to volunteer in her classroom, and while you're there, the teacher tells you how much they need items for the bake sale, and while you're baking, the sitter you love tastes the brownies and you love her so much that you let her take a bunch home and decide to whip up another batch, and the next thing you know you're late again and the kitchen is a mess.
That's how it happens.
My problem, really, with saying no is that I don't want to disengage from life, just simplify it a little. So I wondered whether instead of saying no to big things, I could try saying no to littler ones and see if they added up to a real change.
• I said no to making an alternate breakfast when Mare decided she didn't want cereal.
• I offered Ren a choice of only two shirts, and didn't let her dig in her drawer for alternatives.
• I even said no to fixing myself a coffee to go.
Sure enough, we were in the car 10 minutes sooner.
The "no" thing backfired when Renny insisted on bringing her doll-baby into preschool. "No!" I said with smug confidence. She started shrieking. I handed her the doll.
Sometimes "yes" can be simpler. The key, I realize, is figuring out when to say what.
Ask for help
This is what you're supposed to do when you have kids, because you can't do it alone, it takes a village, all that. When it comes to the big things -- someone's in the hospital, or your pipes burst, and you need someone to watch the kids -- it's easy to ask for help because you don't have a choice.
But when it comes to the everyday simplify-your-life things, it's harder to ask someone to share the burden. I decided to try asking for help on the smaller things, starting with this project: asking three mom friends each to try one of the tips in their own lives. Karin and Tania agreed. Ellie said no.
"Oh, does your life feel simpler now?" I asked her.
"Simpler than Tania's and Karin's," she replied.
Whatever, El.
The exchange showed me how closely related asking for help and saying no can be. Were my other friends only saying yes to be polite? Would I owe them something later and feel like I couldn't say no because they had helped me?
At the same time, it was fun to be doing the simplicity project together, and it certainly made my life easier just to ask them how it went instead of doing it myself. So in some ways, asking for help makes life more complicated, but it also makes it more enjoyable. I do think if you are going to ask for help you have to be ready to give it. But what's so bad about that? My friends got to do a fun experiment with me, and owing them one isn't so bad. Parenting.com: How to handle annoying advice
Plan ahead
"The part of the day I am struggling with most right now is mornings," Karin said. (Tell me about it.) "So I decided to apply 'planning ahead' to that. And you know, I was really surprised. I understood on a basic level that if I made lunches the night before, then the mornings would be easier. But I didn't realize what a positive impact that would have on the rest of the day. Instead of starting off with a big buildup of stress, we just got out the door and then enjoyed a walk to the bus stop."
I didn't ask whether she went in her jammies.
Listening to Karin, it was clear that the goal isn't really more order; it's less stress. The issue isn't getting something done right, but avoiding the anxiety that comes from chaos that's not managed. So I'm inspired, and a little jealous, that her part of the experiment went so well. Parenting.com: Get organized now
Let yourself off the hook
Of all my friends, Tania's house is the neatest. She has, like, fruit bowls on the counter and stuff. I thought that this translated into a sense of peace and simplicity, so I was surprised to hear that Tania decided to let herself off the hook on her housekeeping.
"We decided to get a housecleaner once a week," she confessed. (Oh, please don't tell your husband it was because I made you help me.)
"Did it make life simpler?" I asked.
"I clean obsessively before she comes, and I clean after," she admitted. Okay, work in progress. But I did realize one thing: She's a lot harder on herself than any of her friends are on her. When it comes to my house, she always tells me how great it looks, and it's never as clean as hers. Maybe letting yourself off the hook means being as nice to yourself as you are to your friends. I'll keep trying that one. After all, I remind them they're great moms when their kids pull belly-screamer meltdowns in public, and I should remind myself, too. The next time I drag a screaming child out of the market, I'll try to be as encouraging to myself as my friends would be to me.
Do one thing at once
I don't know any mom who doesn't pride herself on her multitasking skills. We can talk on the phone, wipe a nose, and look up something online, answering questions about eating habits of birds as we go. But as I considered it, I wondered whether this might be an inherent part of our problem. In the first weeks with newborns, we learn to do so many things at once. Maybe we never unlearn it. Maybe sometimes we should.
"Are these withdrawal symptoms?" I thought as I stood in the kitchen chopping vegetables and twitching from a desire to have my laptop in front of me.
"This doesn't feel right," I muttered as I drove the kids to the market without a cell phone crammed against my ear.
"I can't concentrate!!" I thought as I forced myself to pay attention to the girls without picking up all the messes I saw around the toy room.
On the last day of my week of simplifying, I rolled out of the house, late as usual. I drove along with the ticker of self-annoyance going around my head. "Why can't I do this right? I should have planned ahead, or said no, or let myself off the hook, or whatever. But I should not be walking the halls of school in my jammies yet again."
Fergie came on the radio, singing "Girl can't help it." I turned it up and the girls started singing along. Suddenly it was a gorgeous day and I didn't mind everything so much. That was when it hit me: Driving to school, worrying about being late, trying to get there sooner, and berating myself for my mistakes was doing too much all at once. The only thing I really should have been doing in that moment was driving to school, singing a song in my jammies. Because that's where I was. Parenting.com: 21 ways to enjoy being a mom
"Do one thing at once" isn't just about not multitasking; it's also about paying attention. It isn't always possible to get help or say no or let ourselves off the hook -- life wouldn't happen if we did too much of that. But my week of simplicity taught me what it's all really about: learning to be in the moment and trying not to worry about the rest so much.
And life with kids being what it is, that may just be as simple as we can hope for.
*One "universal truth" of becoming a parent: Life gets more complex
*Writer experiments with techniques to simplify her life
*She finds saying "no" can be effective but can backfire
*A week of simplicity teaches her the importance of living in the moment
(By Elizabeth Soutter Schwarzer)
(Parenting.com)
If there's one universal truth in becoming a parent -- and there may be only one universal truth in becoming a parent -- it's that life instantly becomes more complex. And stays that way.
The constancy of this battle against chaos struck me recently on the drive to school. From my first moments awake I had been struggling: urging the kids to eat and get dressed, making breakfasts and lunches, packing backpacks. I had decided to save time by not dressing myself, but we were late anyway. We missed the car-pool dropoff and I had to conduct the Walk of Shame: taking my kids to their classrooms in my jammies.
Driving home, I could sense the clock ticking down to the time when I would be late to pick them up. It was time for drastic measures. What if I, for once, followed all that "simplify your life" advice we hear? I decided to do a little experiment and try five techniques that are supposed to make life saner:
Say "no"
This is the simplification tip we seem to hear most often. The premise is easy enough: You're in control of what you allow into your life, so don't allow anything that promises complications. Parenting.com: Getting over new mom guilt
It makes sense until your 5-year-old tells you she really wants you to volunteer in her classroom, and while you're there, the teacher tells you how much they need items for the bake sale, and while you're baking, the sitter you love tastes the brownies and you love her so much that you let her take a bunch home and decide to whip up another batch, and the next thing you know you're late again and the kitchen is a mess.
That's how it happens.
My problem, really, with saying no is that I don't want to disengage from life, just simplify it a little. So I wondered whether instead of saying no to big things, I could try saying no to littler ones and see if they added up to a real change.
• I said no to making an alternate breakfast when Mare decided she didn't want cereal.
• I offered Ren a choice of only two shirts, and didn't let her dig in her drawer for alternatives.
• I even said no to fixing myself a coffee to go.
Sure enough, we were in the car 10 minutes sooner.
The "no" thing backfired when Renny insisted on bringing her doll-baby into preschool. "No!" I said with smug confidence. She started shrieking. I handed her the doll.
Sometimes "yes" can be simpler. The key, I realize, is figuring out when to say what.
Ask for help
This is what you're supposed to do when you have kids, because you can't do it alone, it takes a village, all that. When it comes to the big things -- someone's in the hospital, or your pipes burst, and you need someone to watch the kids -- it's easy to ask for help because you don't have a choice.
But when it comes to the everyday simplify-your-life things, it's harder to ask someone to share the burden. I decided to try asking for help on the smaller things, starting with this project: asking three mom friends each to try one of the tips in their own lives. Karin and Tania agreed. Ellie said no.
"Oh, does your life feel simpler now?" I asked her.
"Simpler than Tania's and Karin's," she replied.
Whatever, El.
The exchange showed me how closely related asking for help and saying no can be. Were my other friends only saying yes to be polite? Would I owe them something later and feel like I couldn't say no because they had helped me?
At the same time, it was fun to be doing the simplicity project together, and it certainly made my life easier just to ask them how it went instead of doing it myself. So in some ways, asking for help makes life more complicated, but it also makes it more enjoyable. I do think if you are going to ask for help you have to be ready to give it. But what's so bad about that? My friends got to do a fun experiment with me, and owing them one isn't so bad. Parenting.com: How to handle annoying advice
Plan ahead
"The part of the day I am struggling with most right now is mornings," Karin said. (Tell me about it.) "So I decided to apply 'planning ahead' to that. And you know, I was really surprised. I understood on a basic level that if I made lunches the night before, then the mornings would be easier. But I didn't realize what a positive impact that would have on the rest of the day. Instead of starting off with a big buildup of stress, we just got out the door and then enjoyed a walk to the bus stop."
I didn't ask whether she went in her jammies.
Listening to Karin, it was clear that the goal isn't really more order; it's less stress. The issue isn't getting something done right, but avoiding the anxiety that comes from chaos that's not managed. So I'm inspired, and a little jealous, that her part of the experiment went so well. Parenting.com: Get organized now
Let yourself off the hook
Of all my friends, Tania's house is the neatest. She has, like, fruit bowls on the counter and stuff. I thought that this translated into a sense of peace and simplicity, so I was surprised to hear that Tania decided to let herself off the hook on her housekeeping.
"We decided to get a housecleaner once a week," she confessed. (Oh, please don't tell your husband it was because I made you help me.)
"Did it make life simpler?" I asked.
"I clean obsessively before she comes, and I clean after," she admitted. Okay, work in progress. But I did realize one thing: She's a lot harder on herself than any of her friends are on her. When it comes to my house, she always tells me how great it looks, and it's never as clean as hers. Maybe letting yourself off the hook means being as nice to yourself as you are to your friends. I'll keep trying that one. After all, I remind them they're great moms when their kids pull belly-screamer meltdowns in public, and I should remind myself, too. The next time I drag a screaming child out of the market, I'll try to be as encouraging to myself as my friends would be to me.
Do one thing at once
I don't know any mom who doesn't pride herself on her multitasking skills. We can talk on the phone, wipe a nose, and look up something online, answering questions about eating habits of birds as we go. But as I considered it, I wondered whether this might be an inherent part of our problem. In the first weeks with newborns, we learn to do so many things at once. Maybe we never unlearn it. Maybe sometimes we should.
"Are these withdrawal symptoms?" I thought as I stood in the kitchen chopping vegetables and twitching from a desire to have my laptop in front of me.
"This doesn't feel right," I muttered as I drove the kids to the market without a cell phone crammed against my ear.
"I can't concentrate!!" I thought as I forced myself to pay attention to the girls without picking up all the messes I saw around the toy room.
On the last day of my week of simplifying, I rolled out of the house, late as usual. I drove along with the ticker of self-annoyance going around my head. "Why can't I do this right? I should have planned ahead, or said no, or let myself off the hook, or whatever. But I should not be walking the halls of school in my jammies yet again."
Fergie came on the radio, singing "Girl can't help it." I turned it up and the girls started singing along. Suddenly it was a gorgeous day and I didn't mind everything so much. That was when it hit me: Driving to school, worrying about being late, trying to get there sooner, and berating myself for my mistakes was doing too much all at once. The only thing I really should have been doing in that moment was driving to school, singing a song in my jammies. Because that's where I was. Parenting.com: 21 ways to enjoy being a mom
"Do one thing at once" isn't just about not multitasking; it's also about paying attention. It isn't always possible to get help or say no or let ourselves off the hook -- life wouldn't happen if we did too much of that. But my week of simplicity taught me what it's all really about: learning to be in the moment and trying not to worry about the rest so much.
And life with kids being what it is, that may just be as simple as we can hope for.
Good coffee
Study Links Coffee To Improved Health
(CBS4)
Doctors: Drinking Coffee Can Prevent Heart Disease
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away - and so may a cup of coffee. There's mounting evidence that drinking coffee in moderation is not only harmless for most people, but it may actually improve your health in some ways, CBS station WBZ-TV in Boston reports.
If you're someone who can't live without coffee, you might end up living longer because of it. For decades, doctors have debated whether coffee drinkers have been helping or hurting their health. Now a large new study is providing a new answer.
Researchers followed more than 125,000 people and found those who drank two to six cups a day had a slightly lower risk of dying. And there's evidence it helps the heart. According to Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum from Lennox Hill Hospital, among coffee drinkers "there was a lower incidence of heart disease, especially in women."
Coffee beans contain disease-fighting antioxidants similar to those found in many fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants prevent plaque formation in the arteries that leads to heart disease and heart attacks.
In this study, it didn't matter whether the coffee was regular or decaf. Earlier studies found coffee can reduce type-two diabetes and some kinds of cancer.
But experts warn that too much can have a reverse effect.
"We know caffeine can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, actually cause palpitations and do all these other bad things for you," Dr. Steinbaum said.
So it sounds like, one or two cups a day is probably not going to hurt you, and may actually provide a health benefit.
(CBS4)
Doctors: Drinking Coffee Can Prevent Heart Disease
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away - and so may a cup of coffee. There's mounting evidence that drinking coffee in moderation is not only harmless for most people, but it may actually improve your health in some ways, CBS station WBZ-TV in Boston reports.
If you're someone who can't live without coffee, you might end up living longer because of it. For decades, doctors have debated whether coffee drinkers have been helping or hurting their health. Now a large new study is providing a new answer.
Researchers followed more than 125,000 people and found those who drank two to six cups a day had a slightly lower risk of dying. And there's evidence it helps the heart. According to Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum from Lennox Hill Hospital, among coffee drinkers "there was a lower incidence of heart disease, especially in women."
Coffee beans contain disease-fighting antioxidants similar to those found in many fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants prevent plaque formation in the arteries that leads to heart disease and heart attacks.
In this study, it didn't matter whether the coffee was regular or decaf. Earlier studies found coffee can reduce type-two diabetes and some kinds of cancer.
But experts warn that too much can have a reverse effect.
"We know caffeine can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, actually cause palpitations and do all these other bad things for you," Dr. Steinbaum said.
So it sounds like, one or two cups a day is probably not going to hurt you, and may actually provide a health benefit.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Get a library card
Your Broward County Library offers something for everyone. Broward County Library, the ninth-largest library system in the United States, is your window to a world of learning, opportunity, education, and more. With over ten million visitors annually, BCL offers a wealth of cultural, educational and recreational options to the community, with 37 locations countywide.
Each month, Broward County Library offers a wide range of programs and events for all ages. Whether you're looking for free computer classes, educational events, children's happenings, or special-interest programs, your library has something for everyone.
Each month, Broward County Library offers a wide range of programs and events for all ages. Whether you're looking for free computer classes, educational events, children's happenings, or special-interest programs, your library has something for everyone.
Food for needy
When families fall into economic hardship, The Cooperative Feeding Program provides counseling and support to help them out of the throes of difficult times. Our diverse family center offers them hope, contact with community-wide services, and emotional support.
The staff of The Cooperative Feeding Program is involved in education and advocacy issues. Our focus is on quality of life for children, the ill, and the elderly. We work with the homeless and the families living at the edge of homelessness. Preventing homelessness is a primary concern of ours.
We are a small budget charity performing a multimillion dollar service for our community! We have an audited 8% administrative cost.
In the past several years we've distributed millions of meals to Broward County residents. We are staunch advocates for parity funding for those with disabilities, the elderly, and persons with mental illness.
The staff of The Cooperative Feeding Program is involved in education and advocacy issues. Our focus is on quality of life for children, the ill, and the elderly. We work with the homeless and the families living at the edge of homelessness. Preventing homelessness is a primary concern of ours.
We are a small budget charity performing a multimillion dollar service for our community! We have an audited 8% administrative cost.
In the past several years we've distributed millions of meals to Broward County residents. We are staunch advocates for parity funding for those with disabilities, the elderly, and persons with mental illness.
Dump the pump
On Thursday, June 19, join millions of commuters and leave your car at home and ride the bus or train to get to work, school or wherever life takes you. Send a strong message that you are tired of rising gas prices and want to save our planet.
By riding transit on June 19, you can be eligible to win $1,000 cash, tickets to Universal Studios Orlando, a Hawks Cay Resort getaway in the Florida Keys, Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards or other great prizes. Prize cards will be distributed at select bus terminals and train stations while supplies last.
Get the details here.
By riding transit on June 19, you can be eligible to win $1,000 cash, tickets to Universal Studios Orlando, a Hawks Cay Resort getaway in the Florida Keys, Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards or other great prizes. Prize cards will be distributed at select bus terminals and train stations while supplies last.
Get the details here.
Safe tomatoes
Want tomatoes on that? With all the talk about the possible salmonella dangers from raw tomatoes, the answer can have real health consequences.. The food and Drug Administration is urging you to avoid certain types of tomatoes unless they are grown in specific states or countries. Learn more on their website.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Need a new image
Why is your Image important?
Whether we like it or not, how you look is a large part of your identity.
Within the first few seconds of meeting, people form opinions about you based on your appearance and behavior.
A dynamic image will give you more self confidence and help others to have more confidence in you too!
The way you walk, the way you carry yourself, the way you look, your smile, grooming, and attitude toward others, are all taken into consideration.
By projecting the right visual and behavioral style, you can achieve a positive and lasting impression that will promote success in all that you do.
Maybe an image consultant is just what you need. Check out this site.
Whether we like it or not, how you look is a large part of your identity.
Within the first few seconds of meeting, people form opinions about you based on your appearance and behavior.
A dynamic image will give you more self confidence and help others to have more confidence in you too!
The way you walk, the way you carry yourself, the way you look, your smile, grooming, and attitude toward others, are all taken into consideration.
By projecting the right visual and behavioral style, you can achieve a positive and lasting impression that will promote success in all that you do.
Maybe an image consultant is just what you need. Check out this site.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Johnny Light
What does Dad want for Father's Day?
You know it's not another tie. Sure you can get him some electronics or tools but that's not very creative. Why not get him a gift that he'll use every night and will also please Mom and the other females in the house? The Johnny Light is a practical, small, green night light for the toilet bowl. It's easy on the eyes and ends the need for disturbing overhead lights, reduces constant commode clean-ups and warns unsuspecting victims against those dreaded late-night or lights-out "splashdowns" that embarrass, enrage and humiliate so many who prefer to be seated -- particularly women.
Co--inventor Bill Bradford says sales of the Johnny Light always increase around Father's Day. 'It preserves dignity and creates household peace. You can't monogram or engrave it, but it will be an unforgettable and unique gift."
You know it's not another tie. Sure you can get him some electronics or tools but that's not very creative. Why not get him a gift that he'll use every night and will also please Mom and the other females in the house? The Johnny Light is a practical, small, green night light for the toilet bowl. It's easy on the eyes and ends the need for disturbing overhead lights, reduces constant commode clean-ups and warns unsuspecting victims against those dreaded late-night or lights-out "splashdowns" that embarrass, enrage and humiliate so many who prefer to be seated -- particularly women.
Co--inventor Bill Bradford says sales of the Johnny Light always increase around Father's Day. 'It preserves dignity and creates household peace. You can't monogram or engrave it, but it will be an unforgettable and unique gift."
Gifts for dads
CHEAP, FUN FATHER'S DAY GIFTS
(Bankrate.com)
Tell Dad to take a hike -- with you! Strap on those backpacks (or fannypacks) and take in the wonders of nature, whether it's the wilds of the woods or the greenery of your city park. Cap the day by hoisting a glass or a mug -- your treat, please -- at a cafe or coffee shop.
Give father an al fresco feast: What's more fun than a fancy meal in a four-star restaurant? Why, a picnic, of course. It doesn't have to be a big production and you don't have to travel far. Got a backyard? Spread out a tablecloth or even a big beach towel, bring out a batch of Dad's favorite treats and dig in.
Get jumpin' at the gym: The popster could probably use a little more exercise, but few of us respond well to nagging, and sweating solo can be lonely. How's about you and Dad bonding and deep-knee bending a deux at the local Y? Check around and find one with a swimming pool, sauna or whirlpool.
Remind him of the little boy still inside: Go through the family archives, and find a photo of Dad as a tyke or as a schoolboy. Frame it and enclose a note, perhaps saying "Forever young at heart." Or, heh-heh, "You haven't aged a day!"
Show him your smiling face gazing up at him every day: Take a plain glass paperweight. Trim a photo of yourself so that it's slightly smaller than the weight's base. Affix the photo (face-up, of course) to the weight with clear tape around its borders. An added piece of ribbon can help cover up the tape.
Make him a memorabilia book: Corral all those old photos, ticket stubs, matchbook covers and bits of flotsam of a family life well-lived and arrange them in a scrapbook or photo album. Don't forget little captions, jokes and other personalizing touches.
Give him words to live by: Is there a poem, song lyric or religious verse he finds especially uplifting? Recreate it in needlepoint or cross-stitch or have a calligrapher letter it on heavy-stock paper, then laminate or frame it.
Here's an 'extra, extra' nice gift: A subscription to his hometown newspaper or to a publication dedicated to one of the passions in his life. To find some of the more obscure periodicals he may not even be familiar with, check out titles at your nearest book superstore or do some research online.
Be charitable: Does Dad love his four-footed friends? Consider a contribution in his name to a humane organization or to any other pet (no pun intended, honest) projects. He will be especially touched if you haven't previously shared his enthusiasms.
Put on a show: Have a "family night" with different family members showing off their performing skills, or lack thereof (it's the spirit behind it). Perhaps a little basement karaoke?
Ask Dad to teach you: No matter how old the old man's gotten, he's still better than you at something, whether it's throwing a ball, fishing or golfing. Ask him to teach you his special skills. His self-esteem will soar, and you'll have a terrific bonding experience.
Spend a dollar -- and give him the dream: Yep, we're talking a lottery ticket, or two or 10. Perhaps enclose a note reading, "You helped me fulfill my dreams. Hope this helps with yours." And remember, if he wins, it's all his!
Spend a dollar -- and give him the goods: Have you checked out the discount stores? Many of them are loaded with things that look like they cost dollars more.
Play it again, Sam: Call the disc jockey at dad's favorite radio station and request he play Pop's favorite song, along with your very special dedication. Make sure you call in advance, then visit daddy-o to listen in or take him for a long drive with the radio tuned to the station.
Free for you and me! The digital age has led to a world of free online greeting cards. You can send one of these, or if you go to TheFreeSite.com, click on "Seasonal Freebies," then "Father's Day Freebies," you'll find access to digital Father's-Day-themed greeting cards, postcards, desktop wallpaper and graphics you can use -- all free, free, free. Wheee!
(Bankrate.com)
Tell Dad to take a hike -- with you! Strap on those backpacks (or fannypacks) and take in the wonders of nature, whether it's the wilds of the woods or the greenery of your city park. Cap the day by hoisting a glass or a mug -- your treat, please -- at a cafe or coffee shop.
Give father an al fresco feast: What's more fun than a fancy meal in a four-star restaurant? Why, a picnic, of course. It doesn't have to be a big production and you don't have to travel far. Got a backyard? Spread out a tablecloth or even a big beach towel, bring out a batch of Dad's favorite treats and dig in.
Get jumpin' at the gym: The popster could probably use a little more exercise, but few of us respond well to nagging, and sweating solo can be lonely. How's about you and Dad bonding and deep-knee bending a deux at the local Y? Check around and find one with a swimming pool, sauna or whirlpool.
Remind him of the little boy still inside: Go through the family archives, and find a photo of Dad as a tyke or as a schoolboy. Frame it and enclose a note, perhaps saying "Forever young at heart." Or, heh-heh, "You haven't aged a day!"
Show him your smiling face gazing up at him every day: Take a plain glass paperweight. Trim a photo of yourself so that it's slightly smaller than the weight's base. Affix the photo (face-up, of course) to the weight with clear tape around its borders. An added piece of ribbon can help cover up the tape.
Make him a memorabilia book: Corral all those old photos, ticket stubs, matchbook covers and bits of flotsam of a family life well-lived and arrange them in a scrapbook or photo album. Don't forget little captions, jokes and other personalizing touches.
Give him words to live by: Is there a poem, song lyric or religious verse he finds especially uplifting? Recreate it in needlepoint or cross-stitch or have a calligrapher letter it on heavy-stock paper, then laminate or frame it.
Here's an 'extra, extra' nice gift: A subscription to his hometown newspaper or to a publication dedicated to one of the passions in his life. To find some of the more obscure periodicals he may not even be familiar with, check out titles at your nearest book superstore or do some research online.
Be charitable: Does Dad love his four-footed friends? Consider a contribution in his name to a humane organization or to any other pet (no pun intended, honest) projects. He will be especially touched if you haven't previously shared his enthusiasms.
Put on a show: Have a "family night" with different family members showing off their performing skills, or lack thereof (it's the spirit behind it). Perhaps a little basement karaoke?
Ask Dad to teach you: No matter how old the old man's gotten, he's still better than you at something, whether it's throwing a ball, fishing or golfing. Ask him to teach you his special skills. His self-esteem will soar, and you'll have a terrific bonding experience.
Spend a dollar -- and give him the dream: Yep, we're talking a lottery ticket, or two or 10. Perhaps enclose a note reading, "You helped me fulfill my dreams. Hope this helps with yours." And remember, if he wins, it's all his!
Spend a dollar -- and give him the goods: Have you checked out the discount stores? Many of them are loaded with things that look like they cost dollars more.
Play it again, Sam: Call the disc jockey at dad's favorite radio station and request he play Pop's favorite song, along with your very special dedication. Make sure you call in advance, then visit daddy-o to listen in or take him for a long drive with the radio tuned to the station.
Free for you and me! The digital age has led to a world of free online greeting cards. You can send one of these, or if you go to TheFreeSite.com, click on "Seasonal Freebies," then "Father's Day Freebies," you'll find access to digital Father's-Day-themed greeting cards, postcards, desktop wallpaper and graphics you can use -- all free, free, free. Wheee!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Tomatoe recipes
Florida agricultural leaders say the federal government has cleared the state's tomatoes of being the cause of a national food poisoning scare.
Amid a salmonella outbreak linked to raw tomatoes, many fast-food chains and grocery stores had stopped selling them altogether.
State Agriculture Department spokeswoman Liz Compton said Tuesday a lot of economic damage has been done to growers, grocers and restaurateurs, but re-emphasized that Florida's tomatoes are safe.
So, let put tomatoes on our grocery list and make something yummy for dinner. Here are some recipes.
Amid a salmonella outbreak linked to raw tomatoes, many fast-food chains and grocery stores had stopped selling them altogether.
State Agriculture Department spokeswoman Liz Compton said Tuesday a lot of economic damage has been done to growers, grocers and restaurateurs, but re-emphasized that Florida's tomatoes are safe.
So, let put tomatoes on our grocery list and make something yummy for dinner. Here are some recipes.
Chart your salary
An inside look at companies from those who know them best.
See company ratings, reviews, and salaries. Membership is free at glassdoor.com.
The site also posts anonymous reviews written by current and past workers. There is a catch though....to see the juiciest info, you have to post your own salaries and feelings about your boss.
See company ratings, reviews, and salaries. Membership is free at glassdoor.com.
The site also posts anonymous reviews written by current and past workers. There is a catch though....to see the juiciest info, you have to post your own salaries and feelings about your boss.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Shine up your tiara
Quinceañera is one of the most celebrated milestones in your life. It is an event filled with magical moments shared with family and special friends. The memories you make will last a lifetime. Uniquely Quince™ wishes you a Quinceañera filled with wonder and beauty, that highlights your unique style and personality. From tiaras and jewelry to themes and decorations, our products are designed to make your Quinceañera a fairy tale dream come true.
Make it fancy with Martha
Take an ordinary kids party and make it fancy.
1. Turn a plain sandwich into fancy tea sandwiches with flower-shaped cookie cutters.
2. Turn plain lemonade into fancy lemonade by adding fancy ice cubes with edible flowers and a fancy straw. To make the ice cubes, fill an ice cube tray halfway with bottled water. Put one edible flower in each cube and freeze. Take the ice tray out the freezer and fill to the top with bottled water. Refreeze and serve. (Note: It is safe to eat homegrown flowers specifically grown for eating. Plants grown for the garden (and not for eating) from your local florist or garden center should never be eaten because of the chemicals that are approved for use on garden plants (which are not approved for food plants). Some of the most common and best-tasting edible flowers are nasturtiums, pansies, Johnny-jump-ups, violets, roses, forget-me-nots, scented geraniums, borage, and calendula. Flowers can be toxic, so properly identifying them is crucial. Lilies of the valley, hyacinths, and some hydrangea are just a few examples of poisonous varieties. Pesticides also can be toxic, so you should avoid flowers found by the side of the road.)
3. Turn a plain cake stand into a fancy one by tying a ribbon around the base of the cake stand and using double-sided tape to attach a scalloped ribbon to the rim.
4. Turn a plain favor bag into a fancy one by writing the recipient's name in glitter, adding a personalized Martha Stewart Kodak Gallery sticker to it, and folding the top of the bag over a feathered pen.
1. Turn a plain sandwich into fancy tea sandwiches with flower-shaped cookie cutters.
2. Turn plain lemonade into fancy lemonade by adding fancy ice cubes with edible flowers and a fancy straw. To make the ice cubes, fill an ice cube tray halfway with bottled water. Put one edible flower in each cube and freeze. Take the ice tray out the freezer and fill to the top with bottled water. Refreeze and serve. (Note: It is safe to eat homegrown flowers specifically grown for eating. Plants grown for the garden (and not for eating) from your local florist or garden center should never be eaten because of the chemicals that are approved for use on garden plants (which are not approved for food plants). Some of the most common and best-tasting edible flowers are nasturtiums, pansies, Johnny-jump-ups, violets, roses, forget-me-nots, scented geraniums, borage, and calendula. Flowers can be toxic, so properly identifying them is crucial. Lilies of the valley, hyacinths, and some hydrangea are just a few examples of poisonous varieties. Pesticides also can be toxic, so you should avoid flowers found by the side of the road.)
3. Turn a plain cake stand into a fancy one by tying a ribbon around the base of the cake stand and using double-sided tape to attach a scalloped ribbon to the rim.
4. Turn a plain favor bag into a fancy one by writing the recipient's name in glitter, adding a personalized Martha Stewart Kodak Gallery sticker to it, and folding the top of the bag over a feathered pen.
Top ten parties for kids
1) Princess Party
2) Pirate Party Ideas
3) Sweet 16 Party
4) Tropical Luau Party
5) Scavenger Hunt
6) Sleep-over Party
7) Tea Party Theme
8) Fear Factor Ideas
9) Dora the Explorer
10)Beach Party Ideas
2) Pirate Party Ideas
3) Sweet 16 Party
4) Tropical Luau Party
5) Scavenger Hunt
6) Sleep-over Party
7) Tea Party Theme
8) Fear Factor Ideas
9) Dora the Explorer
10)Beach Party Ideas
Cheap party tips
Throw a memorable party without breaking the bank
(MSN)
Have the event at your house. Holding a party at an outside venue can bump up the cost significantly and limit what you can and can't do. Some parks, for instance, prohibit piñatas and music.
Set up areas for arts and crafts. Kids love the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating things, Newman said. Have the kids make clay dinosaurs or paint their own favor bags or placemats. Set up a make-your-own ice-cream sundae bar or have kids decorate their own cookies or cupcakes.
Keep favors and decorations simple. You don't have to have Curious George on every plate cup and balloon. Make some decorations out of construction paper and have someone dress in head-to-toe yellow to pose as the man in the yellow hat. Get creative. Load goody bags with candy and cheap rubber balls. Even at huge parties like Ryder's, those items are a big winner.
Bake that cake! (Or decorate one yourself.) This is where parents can create a lasting memory for a child, Newman said. Use different sized pans to create a cake in the shape of something the child is fascinated with. Sometimes, she said, the goofier it looks, the more memorable it is. If you don't have the time, or if you are all thumbs in the kitchen, check out the cakes at your local warehouse club. You can often get a larger cake for half the price of most supermarket or bakery cakes. Customize it yourself with plastic figures, ready-made frosting and other decorations.
Keep the party moving. A good party has enough entertainment to keep little ones busy. That doesn't mean hiring jugglers or a six-foot-tall Elmo for the kids. Old-fashioned games like tug-of-war, limbo or an egg race or beanbag toss work well and don't cost a lot. Ryder suggests having a couple of activities going at once, so if kids don't like one or can't do one thing, they can still have fun. Instead of paying for expensive entertainers, she suggests hiring local teenagers to run the games and paint faces.
(MSN)
Have the event at your house. Holding a party at an outside venue can bump up the cost significantly and limit what you can and can't do. Some parks, for instance, prohibit piñatas and music.
Set up areas for arts and crafts. Kids love the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating things, Newman said. Have the kids make clay dinosaurs or paint their own favor bags or placemats. Set up a make-your-own ice-cream sundae bar or have kids decorate their own cookies or cupcakes.
Keep favors and decorations simple. You don't have to have Curious George on every plate cup and balloon. Make some decorations out of construction paper and have someone dress in head-to-toe yellow to pose as the man in the yellow hat. Get creative. Load goody bags with candy and cheap rubber balls. Even at huge parties like Ryder's, those items are a big winner.
Bake that cake! (Or decorate one yourself.) This is where parents can create a lasting memory for a child, Newman said. Use different sized pans to create a cake in the shape of something the child is fascinated with. Sometimes, she said, the goofier it looks, the more memorable it is. If you don't have the time, or if you are all thumbs in the kitchen, check out the cakes at your local warehouse club. You can often get a larger cake for half the price of most supermarket or bakery cakes. Customize it yourself with plastic figures, ready-made frosting and other decorations.
Keep the party moving. A good party has enough entertainment to keep little ones busy. That doesn't mean hiring jugglers or a six-foot-tall Elmo for the kids. Old-fashioned games like tug-of-war, limbo or an egg race or beanbag toss work well and don't cost a lot. Ryder suggests having a couple of activities going at once, so if kids don't like one or can't do one thing, they can still have fun. Instead of paying for expensive entertainers, she suggests hiring local teenagers to run the games and paint faces.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Man in hit and run
(AP)
Police released audio tapes of two 911 calls made shortly after a 78-year-old man was struck by a car and then left in a Hartford, Connecticut, street by passing motorists and pedestrians.
The tapes were released two days after police Chief Daryl Roberts publicized a surveillance video of a car striking Angel Arce Torres and leaving him paralyzed in the busy street.
The video showed cars zooming past and bystanders staring at Torres from the sidewalk.
No one in the video stepped forward to help Torres, prompting Roberts to declare, "We no longer have a moral compass."
City officials later acknowledged that police received four 911 calls immediately after the accident. They released portions of two calls on Friday.
"Send an ambulance quick, quick, quick, he's bleeding hard," one man implores a 911 operator.
Torres, a retired forklift operator, was struck in the two-way street after buying milk at a grocery. He was hospitalized Friday in critical condition.
The video shows two cars veer across the center line and one of the cars striking Torres. Both cars then dart down a side street.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Friday offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the motorists involved in the accident.
Police released audio tapes of two 911 calls made shortly after a 78-year-old man was struck by a car and then left in a Hartford, Connecticut, street by passing motorists and pedestrians.
The tapes were released two days after police Chief Daryl Roberts publicized a surveillance video of a car striking Angel Arce Torres and leaving him paralyzed in the busy street.
The video showed cars zooming past and bystanders staring at Torres from the sidewalk.
No one in the video stepped forward to help Torres, prompting Roberts to declare, "We no longer have a moral compass."
City officials later acknowledged that police received four 911 calls immediately after the accident. They released portions of two calls on Friday.
"Send an ambulance quick, quick, quick, he's bleeding hard," one man implores a 911 operator.
Torres, a retired forklift operator, was struck in the two-way street after buying milk at a grocery. He was hospitalized Friday in critical condition.
The video shows two cars veer across the center line and one of the cars striking Torres. Both cars then dart down a side street.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Friday offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the motorists involved in the accident.
Random acts of kindness
If you saw the man in the hit and run accident in Connecticut, you may wonder if there are any good Samaritan's out there. Check out this site for ways to help others and acts of kindness.
Be nice, it comes back two fold.
Be nice, it comes back two fold.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Woo him
4 Ways to Sweep Him Off His Feet
By R. A. Campos
Ladies, let me break it down for you. If you want to turn your man to jelly, save the sappy stuff and keep the passion plays simple. Our definition of romance is totally different from yours. Big hint: It does not include poetry or long-stemmed roses. Seriously, nothing says "I love you" to a guy like an unexpected six-pack of beer. We're that easy. Check out the other gestures that will earn you girlfriend-of-the-year honors.
Free Him from Family
Bonding with your folks is important. We get that. But once we're down with Dad, don't make us suffer through every family function. If you excuse your guy from attending a family affair every now and then (no guilt trips allowed), he'll worship you for weeks afterward. If you don't he'll end up feeling like Mike, 27, who says "Having weekly Sunday dinners with my girlfriend and her whole family has started to make me feel resentful. I wind up talking politics with her uncle when all I want is to be home, sprawled out on my own couch."
Indulge with Him
The old saying holds true: The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. But unlike you, we're not looking to be wined and dined at some fancy restaurant with entrées we can't pronounce. Nope, we just want to get our eat on with you. "I get so turned off when a woman is so rigid about her diet that she never sways from her order of grilled chicken over salad," says Tom, 28. "There's nothing more endearing than a chick who throws caution to the wind once in a while and goes for a burger with cheese."
Offer a Challenge
Guys get juiced over a little friendly competition. But facing off with your man doesn't require major athletic skills. Take us on in bowling, cards, or even a video game and we're bound to get hot and bothered. "I had a girlfriend who's invite me to play darts with her every time we entered a bar," says Tony, 24. "She'd bet me things like loser opens the winner's car door for a week. The challenge totally fueled me.
Suggest a Sexcapade
We're not averse to a romantic roll in the hay; it's just that lighting candles and scattering flower petals on the sheets doesn't qualify. Instead, why not treat your guy to steamy circus sex moves ... in costume? Okay, I tried. You don't have to be an acrobat in bed, but switch things up from time to time: Fulfill a fantasy, consult the Kama Sutra, try anything that's not routine.
By R. A. Campos
Ladies, let me break it down for you. If you want to turn your man to jelly, save the sappy stuff and keep the passion plays simple. Our definition of romance is totally different from yours. Big hint: It does not include poetry or long-stemmed roses. Seriously, nothing says "I love you" to a guy like an unexpected six-pack of beer. We're that easy. Check out the other gestures that will earn you girlfriend-of-the-year honors.
Free Him from Family
Bonding with your folks is important. We get that. But once we're down with Dad, don't make us suffer through every family function. If you excuse your guy from attending a family affair every now and then (no guilt trips allowed), he'll worship you for weeks afterward. If you don't he'll end up feeling like Mike, 27, who says "Having weekly Sunday dinners with my girlfriend and her whole family has started to make me feel resentful. I wind up talking politics with her uncle when all I want is to be home, sprawled out on my own couch."
Indulge with Him
The old saying holds true: The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. But unlike you, we're not looking to be wined and dined at some fancy restaurant with entrées we can't pronounce. Nope, we just want to get our eat on with you. "I get so turned off when a woman is so rigid about her diet that she never sways from her order of grilled chicken over salad," says Tom, 28. "There's nothing more endearing than a chick who throws caution to the wind once in a while and goes for a burger with cheese."
Offer a Challenge
Guys get juiced over a little friendly competition. But facing off with your man doesn't require major athletic skills. Take us on in bowling, cards, or even a video game and we're bound to get hot and bothered. "I had a girlfriend who's invite me to play darts with her every time we entered a bar," says Tony, 24. "She'd bet me things like loser opens the winner's car door for a week. The challenge totally fueled me.
Suggest a Sexcapade
We're not averse to a romantic roll in the hay; it's just that lighting candles and scattering flower petals on the sheets doesn't qualify. Instead, why not treat your guy to steamy circus sex moves ... in costume? Okay, I tried. You don't have to be an acrobat in bed, but switch things up from time to time: Fulfill a fantasy, consult the Kama Sutra, try anything that's not routine.
Amazing Race auditions
Do you have what it takes to win the next million dollar race around the world? Then, apply now to be a part of the next Amazing Race!
The Emmy Award-winning CBS hit adventure/reality series The Amazing Race is looking for your team of two for season 14 at Festival Flea Market Mall® on Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The producers are looking for teams of dynamic individuals with an interesting relationship. In addition, because The Amazing Race is totally unscripted, it is important to cast people who can verbalize their thoughts and emotions easily and honestly. People who can be themselves with the cameras rolling no matter what they might look or sound like have the best chance of getting on the show.
Each applicant is required to have a teammate in order to apply to participate on the program. Each individual teammate needs to complete an application. The applications must be submitted together, and only one package per team will be accepted. Applications should be written clearly and legibly or typed and need to accompany a videotape. Participants must be at least 21 years of age and be United States citizens and live in the United States. Please have a passport-size photo of each applicant and one recent photo of both team members together. Both teammates must be able to travel to the same city.
WFOR CBS 4 photographers will be on-hand to shoot audition video and submit application packages.
If the producers of the program select your team as one of the teams that they would like to interview as part of the semi-finalist interview process, you and your teammate must be willing to travel together at your own expense to be interviewed by the producers at one of several locations throughout the country.
Festival Flea Market Mall is situated in the heart of South Florida, north of Fort Lauderdale and south of Boca Raton, at 2900 West Sample Road, just two miles west of I-95 at the Florida Turnpike. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to 6 p.m. The mall is also open Easter, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Group tours are welcome. Wheelchairs, strollers and valet parking are available.
For more information about Festival Flea Market Mall and casting for The Amazing Race , please visit their website or call (954) 979-4555 or 1 (800) FLEA MARKET.
The Emmy Award-winning CBS hit adventure/reality series The Amazing Race is looking for your team of two for season 14 at Festival Flea Market Mall® on Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The producers are looking for teams of dynamic individuals with an interesting relationship. In addition, because The Amazing Race is totally unscripted, it is important to cast people who can verbalize their thoughts and emotions easily and honestly. People who can be themselves with the cameras rolling no matter what they might look or sound like have the best chance of getting on the show.
Each applicant is required to have a teammate in order to apply to participate on the program. Each individual teammate needs to complete an application. The applications must be submitted together, and only one package per team will be accepted. Applications should be written clearly and legibly or typed and need to accompany a videotape. Participants must be at least 21 years of age and be United States citizens and live in the United States. Please have a passport-size photo of each applicant and one recent photo of both team members together. Both teammates must be able to travel to the same city.
WFOR CBS 4 photographers will be on-hand to shoot audition video and submit application packages.
If the producers of the program select your team as one of the teams that they would like to interview as part of the semi-finalist interview process, you and your teammate must be willing to travel together at your own expense to be interviewed by the producers at one of several locations throughout the country.
Festival Flea Market Mall is situated in the heart of South Florida, north of Fort Lauderdale and south of Boca Raton, at 2900 West Sample Road, just two miles west of I-95 at the Florida Turnpike. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to 6 p.m. The mall is also open Easter, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Group tours are welcome. Wheelchairs, strollers and valet parking are available.
For more information about Festival Flea Market Mall and casting for The Amazing Race , please visit their website or call (954) 979-4555 or 1 (800) FLEA MARKET.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Lower your utility bill
Find the easiest and most effective ways to control your use of electricity and help you save money. Plus see how your bill adds up with FPL’s Appliance Cost Calculator.
Learn about common causes for high bills and solutions to help you take control. Take advantage of FPL’s energy-saving programs: A/C Buying Guide, Insulation Guide, Duct System Test and Repair, Photovoltaic Systems, and BuildSmart®
Learn more at the FPL website.
Learn about common causes for high bills and solutions to help you take control. Take advantage of FPL’s energy-saving programs: A/C Buying Guide, Insulation Guide, Duct System Test and Repair, Photovoltaic Systems, and BuildSmart®
Learn more at the FPL website.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Wheel of behavior
Experience the thrill of well behaved kids overnight with this One-Of-A-Kind, Powerful New Parenting Tool!
Watch as the Wheel of Better Behavior changes the atmosphere in your home overnight. It's guaranteed! Homework gets done, clothes get picked up, arguing stops...in short, the Wheel produces great kids and a stress free environment!
The mere presence of the Wheel will have a marked effect on your kids. Chances are, you'll seldom even have to spin it!
Watch as the Wheel of Better Behavior changes the atmosphere in your home overnight. It's guaranteed! Homework gets done, clothes get picked up, arguing stops...in short, the Wheel produces great kids and a stress free environment!
The mere presence of the Wheel will have a marked effect on your kids. Chances are, you'll seldom even have to spin it!
List of camps
School is almost out....now what?
Summer Camps in Florida offer a multitude of activities for kids and teens such as horseback riding, basketball, swimming, boating, and arts and crafts in a residential camp setting.
Get a list of local camps.
More camps.
Summer Camps in Florida offer a multitude of activities for kids and teens such as horseback riding, basketball, swimming, boating, and arts and crafts in a residential camp setting.
Get a list of local camps.
More camps.
Camp questions
(Sun-Sentinel)
Parents should ask lots of questions before signing up their kids for a summer camp program, said Ken Evans, director of Camp Live Oak, located at Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale and Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach.
Here are some questions to ask:
1. What is the director's background? How long has the director run this camp?
2. What are the camp's goals and philosophy?
3. What kind of camper is most likely to have a good experience at this camp?
4. What facilities does the camp have and how convenient are they for campers to get to?
5. What is the camper-counselor ratio and what are the characteristics of most of the staff?
6. What kind of staff training is provided?
7. How does the camp transport campers on field trips?
8. What percentage of campers return each year?
9. What is the total cost of the camp including extras?
10. What are the sleeping arrangements and what toilet and shower facilities exist?
11. What is the swimming instruction program like?
12. How does the camp ensure the safety and security of its campers?
13. What is the food like and who prepares it?
14. What is the policy about food packages, letters home, TV, trips to town?
15. What medical facilities are available and what medical staff is on campus?
16. Is there a refund policy if the camper leaves early?
17. Will the director supply references?
18. What happens when the weather is bad?
19. How does the camp program meet individual needs and differences?
20. What kind of insurance coverage is there?
21. Does the camp offer early drop-off or late pick-up for working parents?
Parents should ask lots of questions before signing up their kids for a summer camp program, said Ken Evans, director of Camp Live Oak, located at Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale and Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach.
Here are some questions to ask:
1. What is the director's background? How long has the director run this camp?
2. What are the camp's goals and philosophy?
3. What kind of camper is most likely to have a good experience at this camp?
4. What facilities does the camp have and how convenient are they for campers to get to?
5. What is the camper-counselor ratio and what are the characteristics of most of the staff?
6. What kind of staff training is provided?
7. How does the camp transport campers on field trips?
8. What percentage of campers return each year?
9. What is the total cost of the camp including extras?
10. What are the sleeping arrangements and what toilet and shower facilities exist?
11. What is the swimming instruction program like?
12. How does the camp ensure the safety and security of its campers?
13. What is the food like and who prepares it?
14. What is the policy about food packages, letters home, TV, trips to town?
15. What medical facilities are available and what medical staff is on campus?
16. Is there a refund policy if the camper leaves early?
17. Will the director supply references?
18. What happens when the weather is bad?
19. How does the camp program meet individual needs and differences?
20. What kind of insurance coverage is there?
21. Does the camp offer early drop-off or late pick-up for working parents?
Amazing race
LOCAL CASTING CALL SCHEDULED FOR AMAZING RACE 14
WHAT:
An open casting call for Amazing Race, the highly-rated CBS reality series that puts pits two person teams – friends, couples or relatives -- against one another as they race through exotic locations around the world.
WHEN:
Saturday, June 7th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
WHERE:
The Farmer’s Market at the Festival Marketplace
Sample Road and the Turnpike
Pompano Beach
HOW:
* CBS4 photographers will be on hand to shoot audition video and submit application packages
* Each candidate/team member must audition and each person must fill out a complete application. Amazing Race 14 applications and eligibility requirements can be found on CBS.com.
* Each team of two should speak for two minutes at the most. There is no minimum time amount for a submission.
WHAT:
An open casting call for Amazing Race, the highly-rated CBS reality series that puts pits two person teams – friends, couples or relatives -- against one another as they race through exotic locations around the world.
WHEN:
Saturday, June 7th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
WHERE:
The Farmer’s Market at the Festival Marketplace
Sample Road and the Turnpike
Pompano Beach
HOW:
* CBS4 photographers will be on hand to shoot audition video and submit application packages
* Each candidate/team member must audition and each person must fill out a complete application. Amazing Race 14 applications and eligibility requirements can be found on CBS.com.
* Each team of two should speak for two minutes at the most. There is no minimum time amount for a submission.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Resaurant week
Mouth-Watering Coral Gables Restaurant Week Begins
Runs June 2nd-June 8th
19 Participating Restaurants
3 Course Meals At Fixed Price
(CBS4)
First there was Miami Spice, now there's Coral Gables Restaurant Week, where food lovers can enjoy some of the best food Coral Gables has to offer for less money.
Starting Monday June 2nd and running through Sunday June 8th, Coral Gables Restaurant Week features more than a dozen popular restaurants offering fixed-price menus for lunch and dinner.
This is the first year for the event, however the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors' Bureau has been running a similar deal called "Miami Spice" for several years. That event begins in August and runs through September.
Among the participating restaurants: Cacao, Caffé Abracci, California Pizza Kitchen, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine, La Cofradia, La Dorada, Ortanique on the Mile, Caramelo, Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill, Sushi Maki, Benihana, Artfish on the Mile, Two Sisters, Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Hoja Nueva Restaurant, John Martin's and Por Fin.
Meals are $22 - $35, excluding beverages, tax and tip.
Click here for a complete list of restaurants, menus and prices or call (305) 569-0311.
Runs June 2nd-June 8th
19 Participating Restaurants
3 Course Meals At Fixed Price
(CBS4)
First there was Miami Spice, now there's Coral Gables Restaurant Week, where food lovers can enjoy some of the best food Coral Gables has to offer for less money.
Starting Monday June 2nd and running through Sunday June 8th, Coral Gables Restaurant Week features more than a dozen popular restaurants offering fixed-price menus for lunch and dinner.
This is the first year for the event, however the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors' Bureau has been running a similar deal called "Miami Spice" for several years. That event begins in August and runs through September.
Among the participating restaurants: Cacao, Caffé Abracci, California Pizza Kitchen, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine, La Cofradia, La Dorada, Ortanique on the Mile, Caramelo, Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill, Sushi Maki, Benihana, Artfish on the Mile, Two Sisters, Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Hoja Nueva Restaurant, John Martin's and Por Fin.
Meals are $22 - $35, excluding beverages, tax and tip.
Click here for a complete list of restaurants, menus and prices or call (305) 569-0311.
Money or gift
Top 5 Wedding Gift Ideas
From Nina Callaway,
Your Guide to Weddings.
1. Money – Yes it's true; while it may seem impersonal or uncreative, money is my number one recommended wedding gift. Most young couples are saving for something big – a house, a car, a piece of furniture, or are still paying back their student loans. Money may also help them have an extra-special honeymoon or let them order that extra photo for their album. While it's rude for a couple to ask for money, it is never rude to give cash. If you still want to give a personal wedding gift, combine the two: attach a check to a beautiful picture frame, a kitchen gadget, or a long letter detailing your wishes and advice for their marriage.
2. An expensive item off of their registry – Often the more-expensive items on a couple's registry are dream wedding gifts that they don't think they're actually going to get. Whether you're wealthy enough to buy such a wedding gift on your own, or you organize other guests to all chip in, you'll be making dreams come true.
3. A luxurious hotel room for their first night as a married couple – Start their marriage off right by giving them a night to remember before they take off for their honeymoon. Check with the bride's mother or the maid-of-honor to ensure reservations have not already been made, and give your gift early so that they'll be able to include it in their plans.
4. A wedding gift to stand the test of time – Whether it's a bottle of scotch or fine wine with instructions to open on their tenth anniversary, a gorgeous vase, or piece of art, give a gift on which the couple will be able to look fondly and say "Our friend John gave us that for our wedding." Other ideas include the couple's wedding invitation in a beautiful frame, a handmade quilt or tablecloth, or an antique piece of furniture.
5. Make their honeymoon extra sweet - If you've ever been to the place where the couple is honeymooning, use that knowledge to get them a gift certificate for your favorite restaurant or resort activity. You could also upgrade their plane tickets to first class, give them a camera to help them take great pictures, or give them some spending money tucked inside a guidebook of the area.
From Nina Callaway,
Your Guide to Weddings.
1. Money – Yes it's true; while it may seem impersonal or uncreative, money is my number one recommended wedding gift. Most young couples are saving for something big – a house, a car, a piece of furniture, or are still paying back their student loans. Money may also help them have an extra-special honeymoon or let them order that extra photo for their album. While it's rude for a couple to ask for money, it is never rude to give cash. If you still want to give a personal wedding gift, combine the two: attach a check to a beautiful picture frame, a kitchen gadget, or a long letter detailing your wishes and advice for their marriage.
2. An expensive item off of their registry – Often the more-expensive items on a couple's registry are dream wedding gifts that they don't think they're actually going to get. Whether you're wealthy enough to buy such a wedding gift on your own, or you organize other guests to all chip in, you'll be making dreams come true.
3. A luxurious hotel room for their first night as a married couple – Start their marriage off right by giving them a night to remember before they take off for their honeymoon. Check with the bride's mother or the maid-of-honor to ensure reservations have not already been made, and give your gift early so that they'll be able to include it in their plans.
4. A wedding gift to stand the test of time – Whether it's a bottle of scotch or fine wine with instructions to open on their tenth anniversary, a gorgeous vase, or piece of art, give a gift on which the couple will be able to look fondly and say "Our friend John gave us that for our wedding." Other ideas include the couple's wedding invitation in a beautiful frame, a handmade quilt or tablecloth, or an antique piece of furniture.
5. Make their honeymoon extra sweet - If you've ever been to the place where the couple is honeymooning, use that knowledge to get them a gift certificate for your favorite restaurant or resort activity. You could also upgrade their plane tickets to first class, give them a camera to help them take great pictures, or give them some spending money tucked inside a guidebook of the area.
Cut the guest list
5 Ways To Cut Your Wedding Guest List
By Lesley-Ann Graham
You've set your wedding budget and booked a reception venue that you can afford. But there's this one little problem: your guest list keeps growing! Your parents insist that you have to invite an old family friend; your co-workers ask if they can bring their boyfriends. And then there's the common etiquette dilemma of 'having' to invite an entire group of people (rather than the few members you really like) because they would be 'offended'.
Don't know what to do? Here are some ways to get your guest list (and the cost of your reception) back under control:
1. Divide your total head count into three: a third to the bride's parents, a third to the groom's parents, and a third to the bride and groom.
2. Trim friends you haven't seen in years. You won't have any chance to really talk during the wedding, anyway.
3. Don't invite co-workers unless they're really your friends (i.e., you go out with them regularly, and would probably be just as close even if any one of you changed jobs) Ask one person out of courtesy, and you'll have to ask all.
4. Discourage guests from bringing kids or dates. A tactful way of doing this is to print seating cards ("we have reserved __ seats for you at Table __") and insert them in the invitations.
5. Switch places. Ask yourself, "Would I be hurt if they didn't invite me to their wedding?" If the answer is no, cut them from your list.
By Lesley-Ann Graham
You've set your wedding budget and booked a reception venue that you can afford. But there's this one little problem: your guest list keeps growing! Your parents insist that you have to invite an old family friend; your co-workers ask if they can bring their boyfriends. And then there's the common etiquette dilemma of 'having' to invite an entire group of people (rather than the few members you really like) because they would be 'offended'.
Don't know what to do? Here are some ways to get your guest list (and the cost of your reception) back under control:
1. Divide your total head count into three: a third to the bride's parents, a third to the groom's parents, and a third to the bride and groom.
2. Trim friends you haven't seen in years. You won't have any chance to really talk during the wedding, anyway.
3. Don't invite co-workers unless they're really your friends (i.e., you go out with them regularly, and would probably be just as close even if any one of you changed jobs) Ask one person out of courtesy, and you'll have to ask all.
4. Discourage guests from bringing kids or dates. A tactful way of doing this is to print seating cards ("we have reserved __ seats for you at Table __") and insert them in the invitations.
5. Switch places. Ask yourself, "Would I be hurt if they didn't invite me to their wedding?" If the answer is no, cut them from your list.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Empty nest
Empty Nest: Wasn’t this the goal?
When children are young, we teach them to tie their own shoes, fix their own sandwiches, and eventually how to drive and do their own laundry. Parents spend time teaching their children in hopes they will be independent, productive young adults. And wasn’t this the goal? However, some parents have conflicting feelings when the kids begin to venture out on their own.
Mom’s feelings may include a sense of uselessness. She finds herself searching for what to do with the extra time that had been spent on chauffeuring, attending school functions, hosting slumber parties, and so on. Both parents may wrestle with feelings over loss of authority. Additionally, spouses might find they have little to talk about since their children have been the focus of conversations for so many years. But this is the point in time we raised them toward.
Empty Nest: How do we fill the void?
If parents are married, this time can be used to focus on each other. It can be an amazing time to renew the intimacy you once shared and concentrate on your relationship. You may be a single parent or perhaps you need a transition period. Either way, there are many ways to lessen the feelings of loss when the nest is emptied.
Establish date nights with your spouse or spend more time with friends.
Host an exchange student. It can be very gratifying to know you are helping a young person into a new experience.
Become involved in your church youth group or a volunteer position in your community. Youth are wonderful beings, full of life, energy, and most are willing to share it with adults who take an interest in them.
This is a great time to get more involved in your church. Many churches have groups of empty nesters just like you who get together for outings, sharing commonalities, and hobby groups.
Travel or renew hobbies.
When children are young, we teach them to tie their own shoes, fix their own sandwiches, and eventually how to drive and do their own laundry. Parents spend time teaching their children in hopes they will be independent, productive young adults. And wasn’t this the goal? However, some parents have conflicting feelings when the kids begin to venture out on their own.
Mom’s feelings may include a sense of uselessness. She finds herself searching for what to do with the extra time that had been spent on chauffeuring, attending school functions, hosting slumber parties, and so on. Both parents may wrestle with feelings over loss of authority. Additionally, spouses might find they have little to talk about since their children have been the focus of conversations for so many years. But this is the point in time we raised them toward.
Empty Nest: How do we fill the void?
If parents are married, this time can be used to focus on each other. It can be an amazing time to renew the intimacy you once shared and concentrate on your relationship. You may be a single parent or perhaps you need a transition period. Either way, there are many ways to lessen the feelings of loss when the nest is emptied.
Establish date nights with your spouse or spend more time with friends.
Host an exchange student. It can be very gratifying to know you are helping a young person into a new experience.
Become involved in your church youth group or a volunteer position in your community. Youth are wonderful beings, full of life, energy, and most are willing to share it with adults who take an interest in them.
This is a great time to get more involved in your church. Many churches have groups of empty nesters just like you who get together for outings, sharing commonalities, and hobby groups.
Travel or renew hobbies.
Grad stats
Survey: Parents Let Their Own Experiences Affect Drug and Alcohol Boundaries Set for Teens at Prom and Graduation Parties
Teens Say Prescription Drug Abuse Also May Be Part of the Festivities
A new survey from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America(R) and MetLife Foundation found that parents’ personal past experiences with alcohol and drugs at prom and graduation parties may influence the rules and limits they set for their teens during this time of the year.
According to the survey, parents who drank or used drugs at their own proms or graduations were likely to be more permissive with their kids than those parents who did not. Among parents who drank or used drugs on these occasions, 66 percent set a "zero tolerance policy" for their teens. Among parents who did not drink or use drugs, that number jumps up to 87 percent of parents who set hard rules about drinking and drugs for their kids. Parents who abused drugs or alcohol are also more likely to suspect that teens will use drugs or drink at prom or graduation parties – 51 percent versus just 36 percent of parents who didn't use drugs or alcohol.
The survey also indicates that when parents talk to kids about alcohol and drug abuse teens take their parents' messages to heart – only 16 percent of teens whose parents set a zero tolerance policy reported their individual likelihood of using drugs or alcohol, whereas 45 percent of teens whose parents didn't set such boundaries reported they were likely to drink or use drugs at prom or graduation parties this year.
Teens Say Prescription Drug Abuse Also May Be Part of the Festivities
A new survey from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America(R) and MetLife Foundation found that parents’ personal past experiences with alcohol and drugs at prom and graduation parties may influence the rules and limits they set for their teens during this time of the year.
According to the survey, parents who drank or used drugs at their own proms or graduations were likely to be more permissive with their kids than those parents who did not. Among parents who drank or used drugs on these occasions, 66 percent set a "zero tolerance policy" for their teens. Among parents who did not drink or use drugs, that number jumps up to 87 percent of parents who set hard rules about drinking and drugs for their kids. Parents who abused drugs or alcohol are also more likely to suspect that teens will use drugs or drink at prom or graduation parties – 51 percent versus just 36 percent of parents who didn't use drugs or alcohol.
The survey also indicates that when parents talk to kids about alcohol and drug abuse teens take their parents' messages to heart – only 16 percent of teens whose parents set a zero tolerance policy reported their individual likelihood of using drugs or alcohol, whereas 45 percent of teens whose parents didn't set such boundaries reported they were likely to drink or use drugs at prom or graduation parties this year.
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