Wisdom Archive 4

~ words of wisdom ~

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friday, october 30

The Tricks To Treats

You may THINK you're ready for trick or treating, but do you have a strategy? Reader's Digest has some tips on how to really get the goods on Halloween:

Old people - they're either really generous, or really not. There's no in between. Do your homework.

Costumes - the cuter they are, the more you'll get. Consider sharing your bag with a toddler.

Speed - avoid getting behind little kids at the door. They can take a long time to decide.

Decorations - the most festive houses have the best stuff. They go all out for Halloween.

Timing - people hand out the good stuff first, the later it gets, the slimmer the pickings.

And don't forget, if you're the one doling out the treats, and they've cleaned you out, go ahead and use your trick option.

thursday, october 29

Hef With Red Robe outside

Closet Costumes

Chances are, someone you know is scrambling for a Halloween costume at the last minute. We searched the net and found some good ones you can probably find right in your closet!

The bat - you'll need black clothing and an old umbrella. Cut the umbrella free from the handle, and then slit it in two. Attach umbrella stays to wrists, hips and torso of your clothing, and flap away. Do this in white, you're an angel, if the umbrella is colorful, you're a butterfly!

The artist - cut a piece of cardboard into a pallet, draw on the mustache, dust off your beret, grab your paintbrush, and voila! You're an arteest!

The mummy - If you have a surplus of ace bandages you're in luck, otherwise, grab the toilet paper and start wrapping.

The scarecrow - overalls, a flannel shirt and some hay is all you'll need, and stay away from open flames!

Hugh Hefner - a silk robe, slippers and a pipe, now that's a comfortable costume. Don't forget the pretty girls as optional accessories.

wednesday, october 28

Fog Up Factor

You need to defog your car windows, should you use the heat or AC? When you crank up that fan, make sure it's cool air your blowing. In the wetter seasons our windows fog up much faster, especially when it's chilly and we haven't had the windows open much. The fog factor is determined by moisture in your car, your breath, damp clothes, shoes and hair, all contribute to the potential cloud. When the fog sets in, set your air to AC or outside air. The cool air helps to remove the moisture, and warm or re-circulated air won't help much. Open your windows when it's dry, to let fresh air in and moist air out.

You'll also fog up less if you clean your windshield regularly. Grease and dust particles on the inside of your windows gives moisture more to cling to. Once every week or two should help cut down on the fog factor.

tuesday, october 27

Brain Wash

If you've ever had the best idea since sliced bread while in the shower, there's a reason for that. The best environment for subconscious thought is when we're in a situation by ourselves, doing a repetitive activity. That's when blood flow to the brain increases, feeding it with nutrients and oxygen which enhances the thinking process. And when we shower, the heat from the water enlarges your blood vessels, ramping up that brain power another notch.

With our physical bodies, we often achieve success by pushing and challenging it, but in the mental world, when we push to hard, we tend to build mental stress which can block the thought process. Old fashioned brainstorming can be great idea starters, but the best ideas tend to come when we're not forcing it. When our conscious mind takes a break, the subconscious has room to do some of the thinking.

monday, october 26

Don't Be Cruel

Candy, costumes, shrieking, doorbells, they can all be a nightmare for your dog!

For some dogs, Halloween ranks right up there with thunderstorms and fireworks. It can really stress them out, and even be dangerous. Veterinarian Jill Bowen has some key things to consider:

If your dog gets all worked up over the doorbell or visitors, you may want to keep them in a safe room, with lights and a radio on. If they're more comfortable seeing the action, use a gate or leash to prevent them from jumping on children or getting out of the house. The costumes you enjoy could be very frightening to an animal.

It's not a good idea to leave your dog outside, even in a fenced yard, the unusual activity in the neighborhood or even pranksters could put them in danger.

Walk your dog while it's still light out, stray candy and wrappers on the ground will be easier to avoid. Both could make your dog really sick.

And finally, costumes. let's face it, most animals HATE to be dressed up, and it can put them in distress. If you're really determined, make sure the costume fits correctly and does not impede your pet's breathing, eyesight or hearing. Avoid ALL elastic bands, there are some real horror stories of gruesome injuries sufferd from entanglement or ingestion.

friday, october 23

Coffee Perk

Can you handle 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day? It could pay off later in life.

It seems the more they test coffee, the more perks they find. In a recent study, researchers in Finland and Sweden examined records of people and their midlife coffee intake. It turns out those who drank 3 to 5 cups a day around age 50 were much less likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer's 20 years or more later.

This is more great news for coffee lovers, previous studies had already shown that coffee drinking improves cognitive performance and reduces the risk of Parkinson's and type 2 diabetes. Make it triple Grande!

thursday, october 22

The Other Virus

While you're busy worrying about not catching H1N1, watch out for that OTHER virus that's affected nearly 43 million people. It's a computer virus posing as an anti-virus. The computer company Symantec warns it's easy to fall for the scam and download a rogue program that looks legitimate. It's the flashing warning that appears to run a virus check, and by downloading the software the criminals can gain access to bank details and computer files.

So what can you do? Make sure to keep your anti-virus software up to date. If messages telling you that your PC has an infection pop up when you visit a site, close your browser down and use your existing anti-virus software to scan your PC. Also, whenever you see a warning message, carefully check spelling and grammar. There could be a tell-tale mistake.

wednesday, october 21

Ladybug, Ladybug...

Ladybug Ladybug, fly away from my home. If you've just seen a ladybug, or 1000, you're not alone. Some people consider seeing a ladybug good luck, and for many of us, our cup runneth over! Where are they all coming from? From Canada to the Rockies, to the Northeast and beyond, they're out in abundance.

Ladybugs congregate in the fall to prepare for hibernation, and if you happen to have an older, light colored home, that's like a neon vacancy sign to a ladybug. Once they settle in, they release pheromones, a type of perfume to attract other ladybugs up to a quarter mile away. That scent settles in too, and can last for years to let future ladybug generations find your spot.

Discouraging ladybugs is no easy task once your house has been marked. And as far as getting them out of your house is concerned, aside from a praying mantis, a vacuum cleaner would be your best bet.

tuesday, october 20

For The Birds

If you build it, they will come, but how do you keep the squirrels away? Feeding the birds and NOT the squirrels can be a challenge, even so-called squirrel-proof feeders can sometimes be mastered by the agile furry fellows. Here are some of the best tips to keep those bushy tailed bandits at bay:

PVC piping or rain gutters around the pole for standing feeders works wonders, squirrels can't climb it, especially if they're larger in diameter.

Hang a Slinky from the bottom of the feeder, with the pole through the center. Squirrels grab on, and down they go.

Hang a stocking with moth balls from your feeder. Add new moth balls from time to time to keep the scent strong, squirrels hate them.

Substitute sunflower seeds with safflower seeds. Squirrels don't care for those.

Hot Pepper. Sprinkle cayenne pepper into your feed, just about a tablespoon well mixed into 10 lbs., it doesn't bother the birds and sends the squirrels packing.

Petroleum jelly or non-stick spray. Keep your feeder pole well greased, not only can the squirrels not climb it, it's fun to watch them try. They'll even give up after a few days.

monday, october 19

Jack O'Lantern

Jack O'Lantern. Sure you've carved one, but do you know who Jack is? Let's go back a few centuries. His name was Stingy Jack, and it seems he'd do just about anything for a free drink, including befriending the Devil. When Stingy died, he wasn't allowed into heaven, and his good friend the Devil wouldn't take him either. The Devil sent Jack off into the dark with only a burning coal in a hallowed out gourd to light his way, and he's been roaming the Earth ever since. The Irish called this ghostly figure Jack of the Lantern which later became Jack O'Lantern.

friday, october 16

Pumpkin Planning

Most people have a favorite pumpkin carving routine, and some can be pretty detailed and impressive. But for the rest of us, here are some alternatives that are as easy as pumpkin pie:

First, if you want your pumpkin to glow, there's no getting around cutting the top off and scooping out the seeds, but that will be the hardest part. Now, grab the drill. You can make great designs or patterns using different size bits, and create the glow factor you want by the amount of holes you drill. Another variation of this look is to gouge your gourd with a melon baller or wood carving tool. Leaving some of the pumpkin flesh helps keep it lit in the elements and gives you a more subtle glow.

Another great trick is to use metal cookie cutters. Tap them through with a rubber mallet, and presto, you've got great shapes and designs! This technique works better with a larger pumpkin, or one with a flatter side.

There are lots of great stencils available on line,

click the pumpkin for this one.

thursday, october 15

Clean Attitude

If you hate to clean, and vacuuming in a dress, high heels and apron doesn't cheer you up, you might want to try a different approach. Our attitude can have a really big effect on tackling household chores. The word chore alone can take the fun right out of it. When one person in the house ends up doing most of the cleaning, it can build resentment, and hurt relationships. There are a few things you can try to lighten the load a bit:

Talk about it, or write a detailed list. Remind your spouse or kids that the beds didn't make themselves. Chances are you do a lot they're not even aware of.

Enhance the quality of cleaning time. An empty house, good music, maybe even a glass of wine can take the edge off a dreaded chore.

Chose a reward. If the bulk of the cleaning falls on you, then you deserve it. Keeping the reward in your mind's eye can help motivate you to get it done.

Whether you tidy up daily, or once a week, experts agree sticking to a schedule really helps. When you fall behind, or chores pile up, consider a job lottery, put all the chores in a jar and let family members pick from it.

wednesday, october 14

Senior Moment

We all have our moments, when you just draw a blank, and just like most parts of your body, there's a good diet for your brain too. Here's what's on it:

Blueberries help fight age related memory problems.

Strawberries are good for short term memory and motor skills.

Spinach has got a powerful brain protecting antioxidant.

Turmeric, the bright yellow spice, helps prevent mental decline.

Egg yolks give you a boost with memory, learning, and impulse thinking.

Fish and fish oil has omega-3 fats, and those who don't get enough could be more prone to memory problems, depression, ADHD, and other neurological disorders.

tuesday, october 13

High Speed Profile

Some drivers are just ASKING for a speeding ticket, and it's not always about the speed limit. You need to maintain a low profile, even if you're not maintaining the speed limit. Here are some tips to avoid being a ticket target:

Go with the flow. Police tend to look for drivers who are going significantly faster than the cars around them.

Don't be the leader of the pack. Stay in the middle. Being the lead or last car puts you in the most ticketable position.

Stay in the wake. Find a driver who is going the speed you'd like to be going, and follow him at a safe distance. You're still vulnerable, but often the radar gun will be trained the front car.

Mind your manners. Frequent lane changes or tailgating is not just dangerous, it's rude, and there are a lot of drivers who won't hesitate to call your plate in to the police.

Center lane. The speed traps are in the left and right shoulders, and it's easier for the cop to target you in the outside lanes.

If you're the only car around, you really need to obey the speed limit and rules of the road. Empty roads are usually in small towns, or late at night when radar traps are more likely to be in high alert mode. They won't need much of a reason to pull you over.

monday, october 12

e-Venting

If something's really bugging you, and you've just GOT to get it off your chest, there's a site for that. Now there's a social networking outlet that caters to complainers, and if you know someone who just can't resist that tyrant tweet or cynical status, it's where they can really let it rip. It's called Vent Nation, and it's completely dedicated to complaining. From pet peeves and celebrity critique, to sports rivalry, or life's gripes, there's something for every complainer on your list. And politics, well that's got a tab all it's own on the site. Relax, Relate, Release! You have the option to get just about anything off your chest with or without your name attached.

Be forewarned, if you're thin skinned or easily offended, this might NOT be the site for you. It seems pretty much anything is fair game, but the good news is you'll be free to complain about the complaints. Click here to check out VentNation.com

friday, october 9

What's Your Type?

What's Your Type? The next time you want to get to know someone, skip the what's-your-sign line and find out their blood type. There are some theories on type A, B, AB and O personalities...

In the Japanese social scene, it's more likely someone will ask your blood type than your astrological sign. Most Japanese know their blood type and it's even been used in determining employment, dating and marketing strategies there. Here's the general breakout of blood type personality:

Type A: Cooperative, sensitive, clever, passionate and smart. They also tend to have more sensitive systems, and stress can weaken their immunity.

Type B: Balanced, thoughtful and ambitious. They understand other's points of view, are flexible, and make for good friends.

Type AB: Charming and popular. They're usually seen as spiritual, and if you meet one, consider yourself lucky, less than 5% of the population are type AB.

Type O: Intuitive, focused and maybe even daring. They can be good leaders, but are also prone to be loners. They handle stress better than other blood types and have strong immune systems. They also attend to be the most attractive.

thursday, october 8

Horrors!

I vant to suck your blood! Heeere's Johnny! I see dead people! There's a reason some people get more than just the chills from a great horror movie, they get a thrill too. Dr. Frank Farly, psychologist at Temple University, explains that there is a long history of people being curious about the dark side, and some of us are extremely fascinated by it. Racing heart, nervous sweat, rapid breathing, nausea, some people love it! While one person may have a negative reaction to a scary situation, another may find gratification experiencing something different from the norm. Some also get a great sense of satisfaction by conquering something that was threatening, and really enjoy that I-made-it feeling.

At the end of a scary movie there can be a profound sense of relief, even if it's just because you're glad the movie is over.

wednesday, october 7

Piece Of Cake

If you'd like to get more slices out of your next cake, don't cut it like a pizza, cut it like the pros...

That first slice of a round cake is always the trickiest to slice, but it should actually be in the center. Here's what the pro's do. Before serving your cake, cut out a circle from the center, about cupcake size for an 8 or 10 inch cake. You can remove that piece and fill the circle with fruit or something decorative, or leave it in.

Now, when you're ready to to slice it up for the group, you're just cutting in to the edge of that circle. You'll notice that the pieces will be less triangular, and you'll actually get several more servings that way.

tuesday, october 6

Raising Eyebrows

There is some personal grooming women have been dealing with for years, that many men now want in on...

More and more men are doing away with their naturally rugged unibrow look, and opting for a cleaner, tamer look, while keeping it real. Debenhams department store in London is even planning a Guybrow night. Male customers account for 40% of business at their brow bar. It turns out many men were encouraged to tend to their brows for an important date, such as an interview or wedding, and these guys like the look and want to keep it up.

Just like with everything, it's easy to go overboard, and end up with a feminine looking brow. Groomer Sara Stern says the objective is to get a natural looking groomed brow that frames the face, creating a sexy James Bond-style arch when raised.

monday, october 5

Best Regards

When it comes to signing off on a letter, is BEST really the WORST?

Sincerely is a pretty safe bet when it comes to signing off on a run-of-the-mill letter or email. But what about when you need to make the right impression? Some professional sign-offs can sound appropriate, but tend to be a bit cold or impersonal, and others may be too casual or friendly. Here are the ones to avoid:

Cheers

Cordially

Regards

Yours Truly

Here are some better options:

Kind regards

Sincerely

Thanks or Thank you

Although BEST may not be the worst, BEST WISHES would be a better choice. It's less abrupt, and sounds sincere without being too mushy.

friday, october 2

Not In The Mood?

If you think you might not be in the mood for love as often as you should, go ahead, tell your doctor. It's really common, and a low libido can put a damper on some of your other moods. The good news is that it's often treatable. Gynecologist Lisa Masterson says having a healthy sex life figures into your overall well-being, both physically and emotionally. Having sex once or twice a week has been linked to a healthier immune system and our ability to handle stress. Good old snuggling counts too, If you can manage 30 minutes of intimacy a day, you'll really be boosting the overall health of two people.

thursday, october 1

Glove or Glasses?

It's October, and the shelves are stocked with candy corn and costumes. Here's a list of what Halloween retailers expect to be the big sellers in the costume department:

For adults, Michael Jackson and Sarah Palin seem to lead the pack. You'll need a sequined glove or some trendy glasses, and they're sure to sell fast. And the Bernie Madoff mask is another scary favorite.

For couples, the Obamas and Kate and Jon Goslin are the front runners. Chances are you might have those costumes in your closet, but if you want a mask, shop early.

For bigger kids, Lady Gaga and the Beatles are fab faves, with great gaudy accessories. Twilight characters and Kanye West are a few more popular predictions.

And for the smaller trick or treaters, Star Trek, Transformers and anything army is a hit with the boys, and for girls, Hanna Montana and Disney princesses rule.

wednesday, september 30

Remember That?

wheresthebeef.png wheres the beef image by chongolio

Pardon me. Do you have any Grey Poupon?

Great advertising can really be a fun part of pop culture, from great characters or spokespeople, to a memorable line or jingle. We've got a list of some of the best advertising questions. Remember these?

10. This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?

9. Is it Live, or is it Memorex?

8. How do you spell relief? (R.O.L.A.I.D.S.)

7. Where's the beef?

6. Does she or doesn't she? (Clairol hair color)

5. Do you...Yahoo!?

4. Where do you want to go today? (Microsoft)

3. Have you driven a Ford Lately?

2. Can you hear me now?

1. Got milk?

Some other great questions that didn't make the top ten were: What would you do for a Klondike bar? And Budweiser's: Whasssup?

tuesday, september 29

Sex Degrees of Separation

How many intimate realtionship have you had? Way more than you might think...

We know about the six degrees of separation, the theory that most of us are connected in one way or another. Now, a British pharmacy chain has launched an online calculator that applies the rules of six degrees, to sex degrees. The person who claims to have had 6 partners, could calculate to about 3 million indirect lovers. Who knew you were so popular?

The Sex Degrees of Separation puts your total number of partners with an estimate of their total number, and so on, for six generations. It's all part of a campaign to promote awareness of sexual health.

Click here for Lloyds Parmacy Sex Degrees of Separation Calculator.

monday, september 28

Regular or Premium?

Are you pumping premium gas to get the best performance from your car? Don't bother. Octane levels mean less than they used to.

If you are one of the many drivers who fill up with premium fuel on a regular basis, or even just occasionally, the experts say it's a waste of money, even if it's what the manufacturer recommends. It all comes down to octane...

The higher the octane, the more you pay. Octane is a fuel's resistance to knocking. Knocking is when fuel ignites before it should. But, chances are, your car has an electronic knock sensor, which eliminates that problem. Passing on premium could save about $5 per fill up, even more for the bigger tanks.

The American Petroleum Institute says, if your car runs fine on lower grade, there's no sense in switching. They remind us that the manufacturers recommendation is a suggestion, not a command.

friday, september 25

Peace of Garlic Bread

If the mood around your dinner table could use a lift, garlic might just do the trick.

Getting the family around the dinner table is one challenge, getting them all in a good mood can be quite another. Bring on the garlic bread! According to Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, The aroma of garlic bread can have a significant affect on mood, and even more so for the fathers, husbands or sons at the table. Men who smelled or ate garlic bread with their dinner had a more positive outlook, and fewer negative comments during the meal.

thursday, september 24

Lemon Up

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and medicine, and cleanser. That little yellow fellow can help you get a lot done. Real Simple magazine has a list:

Sanitize your chopping block by running a slice of lemon over the surface to disinfect.

Prevent browning by squeezing a few drops onto cut fruit or dips and guacamole.

Brighten that plastic or light wood cutting board by rubbing it with lemon and letting it sit for 20 minutes.

Relieve a sore throat by skewering half a lemon over a medium flame and mixing the juice with honey to swallow.

Whiten your fingernails by running a wedge over the surfaces.

Shine copper cookware with a salty lemon scrub.

Brighten laundry whites with a half cup of lemon juice in the wash cycle.

Clean your sticky grater by rubbing both sides with a cut lemon.

Decorate. Lemons are bright, cheery and inexpensive, and look great in a bowl, vase, or within an arrangement.

wednesday, september 23

Teacher Talk

Ever wonder what your child's teacher is really thinking? Most teachers are fairly upbeat on back to school night, or during the teacher parent conference. but what if you could read their minds? The American Federation of Teachers interviewed a bunch of them from Connecticut to California, and here's what some were really thinking:

If we teach small children, please don't tell us our jobs are cute and how much fun it must be.

I'm not a marriage counselor. At parent-teacher conferences, let's stick to little Johnny or Jane's progress, not how little your husband does to help you around the house.

When I hear a loud belch, I remember that a student's manners are a reflection of his parents'. Ouch.

Please, turn off the texting feature on your child's phone during school hours.

Kids spill your secrets all the time, money, religion, politics, and more!

Your child may be the center of your universe, but I have to share mine with 25 others.

And if you're wondering what most teachers DON'T want as a gift, mugs, frames and stuffed animals top that list. A gift card to Starbucks or Staples would be great, or a thank you note, even better.

tuesday, september 22

Give Your Student

the Cocoa Edge

on Their SAT

If you know a student gearing up for a big test, or the SAT's, a recent test on test takers suggests taking in some cocoa while checking the batteries on that graphing calculator and sharpening that #2 pencil. It can give them an edge, explains Dr. Crystal Haskell of the Brain and Nutrition Research Centre of Northumbria University in England. Cocoa contains flavanols, which are proven to increase blood flow to the brain. Students who drank cocoa before a difficult math test scored much higher and were less mentally tired than when tested after drinking something else.

The cocoa brain boost lasts about two to three hours, and cocoa with high cocoa content is the best booster. You're more likely to find those varieties in a health food store.

monday, september 21

Paying Bills

Wouldn't it be nice if you could decide when to pay your bills? Well maybe you can! If your due dates on bills are spread all over the place, with no rhyme or reason, it can really impact your cash flow and leave you prone to missing one on occasion. In many cases, you can have the due date on your bill changed. Here's how to go about it:

First, list your bills by due date, followed by amount. This gets you organized and helps you visualize the cash flow.

Determine what would work best for you, paying all your bills at once, or balancing them out over the course of a month.

Then list account numbers and company phone numbers next to the due dates you would change.

Call the creditors and companies and determine which ones are willing to change your date. Many credit card companies and some utilities are fairly flexible.

Keep in mind, if you're successful at changing the date, there may be an adjustment on your next bill to cover the time lapsed.

friday, september 18

Something To Cry About

Women have a reputation for crying more than men, and there's a good reason for it, actually a few good reasons.

Over a woman's lifetime, she's likely to cry for a whopping 12,000 hours! Here's the soggy breakdown by age:

For babies, it's hunger, boredom or a dirty diaper.

Toddlers tend to shed accidental tears, from being hurt or scared.

Teen girls sob over arguments with friends, boyfriends and parents.

Age 19-78, most of the above, and then some.

For adult women, crying is a product of life and hormones, a powerful combination. They are more likely to cry over other people's tragedies as well as their own, friends, movies, even the news. Throw in the fact that it's more socially acceptable for women to cry, and grab a hanky. And if you're tempted to blame a woman's tears on hormones alone, she just might give YOU something to cry about!

thursday, september 17

The Magic Of Mushrooms

It's national mushroom month, and some new studies suggest we should all be celebrating! Mushrooms might actually help us in the fight against cancer. It turns out mushrooms are a great source of anti-oxidant compounds, especially the brown ones including shitake and portabella. The white ones are good too, their antioxidants fight cell damage and inflammation. There's also a dietary fiber in mushroom that scientists believe may actually boost the immune system.

And if you're trying to cut back on your intake of meat, mushrooms are a great substitute, they add great texture, and some have a beefy flavor. All the more reason to celebrate the magic of mushrooms.

wednesday, september 16

Screen Wasters

Screensavers can be screen wasters. How much do you really enjoy that bubbling aquarium, swaying palm tree or space flight while you're computer is idle? Enough to be paying for it? The use of screensavers actually uses more energy than a computer just sitting idle does. If you let your screensaver run overnight, it could cost be costing you over $100 a year.

If you don't like having to reboot your computer each time you use it, consider using the sleep mode, that's the most energy efficient mode, and comparable to turning your monitor off completely.

tuesday, september 15

Anyone For Tennis?

Tennis anyone? It's all over the place this week, and it's got a pretty interesting history that dates way back. It all started a several thousand years ago. It was originally played by European monks for entertainment during religious ceremonies. At first, they hit the ball with their hands, then they decided a leather glove felt better, and eventually a handle was added, which made hitting and serving much more effective.

We've come a long way since then. The pre cursor to the U.S. Open took root in the 1880's when the elite, high society types would compete for big money, just for men at first. The first U.S. Open was in 1968 in Queens, New York, and consisted of 159 men and women competing on grass courts for prize money totalling $100,000.

monday, september 14

Hanging Around

Bats don't just hang upside down for fun, there's actually a good reason for it. It gives them a little more protection from predators such as owls, but it's also a way of conserving energy. Taking off for flight requires a lot of energy, and a bat's drop-style take off doesn't use up as much as fighting gravity from a ground level takeoff.

Also, since bats evolved from four legged mammals, they're not as adept to standing around on 2 legs like birds.

friday, september 11

Dear Lord,

Please hold those families who lost someone in the horrific terrorist attacks of 9/11 carefully in the palm of your hand always, especially this time of year. Please welcome those lost into your kingdom. Hold them close to you, now and forever. Guide those who have and continue to serve and protect our county in order for us to experience the blessing of freedom. Give them the wisdom, courage and protection they need. We especially pray for all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the price of our freedom.

Amen

Author unkonwn.

thursday, september 10

peytonbradyshake.jpg image by crimsonscare

Good Sport

Being a good sport can be a sport all it's own.

It's not fair! He cheated! I quit! Nobody want's their kid to be a poor sport, and those bad calls, emotional wins and losses are bound to happen. It's not always easy, but here's what you can do to encourage good sportsmanship:

Refrain from criticizing the other teams' performance, that goes for players, coaches, and even the ump's bad call.

Apply good sportsmanship when attending or watching pro sports too. Kids take big cues from your reactions, and it could come back to haunt you at their next game.

Set the rules. It's ultimately your responsibility to teach your kid good sportsmanship. Pay attention to their reactions when attending or watching sports, it's a great teaching opportunity.

Remember the goal. Remind yourself why you wanted your child to participate in the first place. Chances are, it was to have a pleasurable experience and to improve skills and self worth overall. It's important for you both to rise above each play, good or bad.

When it comes to kids sports, acknowledging great plays by every player on the field can set a great example, not just for the kids, but for some of the parents too.

wednesday, september 9

Tailgating

One of America's favorite past times is always in season, tailgating! If you're going to be taking in a football game any time soon, Joe Cahn, the Commissioner of Tailgating has the ultimate lineup for your party:

*Team colors - a must have.

*Menu - keep it simple, but plan ahead, they're are great tailgating recipes online. Have plenty of disposable containers on hand.

*Arrival - get there 3 - 4 hours early, and plan to stay an hour after the game.

*Parking Spot - near a grassy area, or at the end of a row are the prime spots.

*Flag - fly it high and proud, your friends will be able to spot you easier.

*Presentation - decorate with team spirit, get creative.

*Tailgate neighbors - throw a football, get them engaged. The more the merrier. They might have something you forgot.

*Food - have it ready 90 minutes before game time.

And some packing reminders: Jumper cables, toilet paper, trash bags, rain gear, first aid kit, sun block, antacid. Oh, and a portable TV in case you prefer your seat in the lot.

Source: Tailgating.com

tuesday, september 8

Bee Wary

If it seems your neighborhood bee has been bugging out lately, there's a reason for it.

Bees and wasps are with us year round, either busy, or pollinating, or hibernating, but the late summer variety have a lot to buzz about. They've been very busy the past few months and by this time of year, a nest may have thousands of individuals in there. Many types of bees and wasps get frantic for sugar, and it's their duty to forage enough sweet stuff to sustain their queens over the winter months.

Late summer stingers can be very aggressive and there are few things to watch out for. If you're chilling outside with a sweet drink, look before you sip. They love soda and can maneuver right into your can, or worse, shimmy into your straw! Outdoor trash cans are bound to be buzzing, and avoid sitting beneath the shade of a fruit tree, any fallen or damaged fruit is bee-licious!

monday, september 7

According to one of the best known fashion rules, we should be packing up our wardrobe whites now that it's past Labor Day, but there are more and more exceptions to that rule each year. It's more about fabric and texture now. Here's what should go, until next Memorial Day:

~ Linen, eyelet, madras, gingham and seersucker.

~ Straw and mesh accessories, anything with rope detail.

~ Flip-flops and gladiator sandals.

~ All-white belts, handbags and jeans, unless they have brown or black stitching.

If the texture is right, most whites can be transitioned year round with the right accessories, the colors to avoid are candy hues, you're better off with jewel and earth tones in the fall and winter months.

friday, september 4

T G I F

The best day to ask for a raise? Probably Friday. According to John Challenger, the CEO of an outplacement firm, there is a rhythm to the work week, and it can start out rough! Here's the schedule:

~Mondays are the best choice for firings, it gives the employer the rest of the week to make adjustments.

~Tuesdays are preferred for announcing mass layoffs.

~Wednesdays are a natural for company and departmental meetings.

~Thursdays, we're over the hump, that's the most likely day for a job offer.

~Fridays lend themselves to performance reviews, if you're deserving, it's the best day to ask for a raise.

thursday, september 3

No Magic Wand

If your makeup has a wand, like mascara, or lipstick, you need to replace it more often. Makeup can be really expensive, and it's never easy to toss out that favorite lipstick or eyeliner. But any makeup that uses a wand should be replaced after about 3 months, even sooner if you've been sick. Eyeliners, glosses, cover up sticks, and anything with an applicator that touches your eyes and lips are particularly prone to contamination.

Makeup that's dried out or doesn't smell right should be thrown away. These are signs that the preservatives have broken down, and that's when the bacteria ramps up.

Instead of splurging on the really good stuff that's hard to toss, consider finding and inexpensive brand you like for eyes and lips, and replace them more often.

wednesday, september 2

Broken Heart

Most of us have had the unfortunate experience of a broken heart. It's part of life. Could it be part of death too? According to cardiologist Holly Anderson, yes! The death of a loved one, or even a traumatic breakup or argument, can release stress hormones that could trigger a heart attack in someone who is prone to them. Dr. Anderson explains studies have been done on hearts of people suffering from extreme duress, mostly post-menopausal women. Their electrocardiograms would actually mimic heart-attack victims. When further tests were done, no blockages were found.

On a lighter note, 95% of the time, these patients would recover completely within a few months with no detectable damage to the heart.

tuesday, september 1

Sorry Charlie

What do Morris the Cat, Charlie Tuna and the Aflak Duck all have in common? None of them made the top 10 list of the most memorable mascots.

There's nothing like a great character to make a product come to life. AOL recently posted a list of the most memorable, and here are the top 10:

10. Geoffrey Giraffe

9. Energizer Bunny

8. Jolly Green Giant

7. Mr. Clean

6. Keebler Elves

5. Poppin' Fresh Doughboy

4. Michelin Man

3. Mr. Peanut

2. Tony the Tiger

And the award for #1 Most Memorable Mascot goes to... It's a tie! Mickey Mouse & Ronald McDonald.

Just for the record, Spuds MacKenzie came in at 22, and the Geico Caveman came in 25th. That poor guy just can't catch a break.

Anne Rondepierre

Words Of Wisdom