My mom won't leave the house without her Ray Ban shades. Even after she got Transition lenses on her new glasses, she still liked to wear the sunglasses. She has had quite a few pair of shades over the years.
I found this site called www.OpticsPlanet.com. The site has thousands of the best binoculars, telescopes, flashlights and sunglasses. They have a Gift Guide
where you can see what the Best sellers are and choose from there. If you are wondering
Why buy from OpticsPlanet just look at some of your loved one's Christmas lists. Children go through a phase where they want binoculars (believe me, I know. If you like, you can check out the OpticsPlanet Blog to find out more about what to tell Santa to bring the kids--or maybe you.
Pay attention: The Earth is Changing and we are the last generation positioned to do anything about it. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tight and cuttin'
The only thing I like about the way kids dress these days is the looseness of the clothing. I graduated high school in 1984. Clothing was to be worn tight. Remember designer jeans? How tight were your jeans ladies? We were all a lot thinner back then and a lot younger and maybe a tad bit more foolish.
Well, I grew up slow and hadn't heard of wearing tight jeans with no undies until Brooke Shields did it on a commercial.
Lawd Have Mercy.
Every young girl had blue denim painted onto her ass and hips. Some were cutting inbetwix and between with the seam causing boils but the pants got tighter. They even had a style of jeans called half n' halfs. The pants were like the Chic style with no pockets and peg-legged with slits on either bottom side. The zip went from the front of the jean all the way down between the leg and to the back. They could be zipped apart so ladies had to be careful to Brazilian the area.
Thank heavens for spandex in denim. I had a pair of Gloria Vanderbilts in the llth grade me and Mom caught on sale at Venture. Even then I was too fat for all of that tight.
Well, I grew up slow and hadn't heard of wearing tight jeans with no undies until Brooke Shields did it on a commercial.
Lawd Have Mercy.
Every young girl had blue denim painted onto her ass and hips. Some were cutting inbetwix and between with the seam causing boils but the pants got tighter. They even had a style of jeans called half n' halfs. The pants were like the Chic style with no pockets and peg-legged with slits on either bottom side. The zip went from the front of the jean all the way down between the leg and to the back. They could be zipped apart so ladies had to be careful to Brazilian the area.
Thank heavens for spandex in denim. I had a pair of Gloria Vanderbilts in the llth grade me and Mom caught on sale at Venture. Even then I was too fat for all of that tight.
Massage anyone?
Have you ever come home and at the end of your day, sit and
think how great it would be to have one of those fancy Massage
Chairs you see in stores and on television in your home?
Have you ever tried to schedule time away to go to the spa instead?
We all know to go to the spa would inconvenient or you don't have time.
Here is the answer. Get the Human Torch 7450 Zero Gravity
Massage Chair.
There are four precise techniques that imitate those used by
massage professionals. It uses percussion, rolling,
compression, and kneading. The experience combines the
sensations of hands rapidly tapping on the back, gentle
rolling, alternating strokes and relieving spinal pressure, and
kneading to work out knots and ease soreness.
The HT 7450 Zero Gravity Massage Chair calibrates the body
frame of the person sitting in it and adjusts according to
that man or woman's unique physique, so each massage in the HT
7450 is perfectly focused on the right areas of the body.
think how great it would be to have one of those fancy Massage
Chairs you see in stores and on television in your home?
Have you ever tried to schedule time away to go to the spa instead?
We all know to go to the spa would inconvenient or you don't have time.
Here is the answer. Get the Human Torch 7450 Zero Gravity
Massage Chair.
There are four precise techniques that imitate those used by
massage professionals. It uses percussion, rolling,
compression, and kneading. The experience combines the
sensations of hands rapidly tapping on the back, gentle
rolling, alternating strokes and relieving spinal pressure, and
kneading to work out knots and ease soreness.
The HT 7450 Zero Gravity Massage Chair calibrates the body
frame of the person sitting in it and adjusts according to
that man or woman's unique physique, so each massage in the HT
7450 is perfectly focused on the right areas of the body.
Count Your Steps when Stepping
The difference between someone who actually knows how to perform Chicago style stepping and a person who is only shuffling his or her feet is noticable and great.
I learned the basic 5-6-1 count and it works perfectly to any stepping music fast or slow.
Steppin' Dance Videos and DVDs
"Steppin' is not just a dance, it's the music, the moves, the clothes, the mood. Chicago Style Steppin' is composed of 10% technique and 90% style," writes the creator of Chicago Style Stepping Instructional video.
Now, this is not a sponsored post. This is a public service announcement. People who dance with folks who can't dance but always on the dancefloor are thanking me right now. Those of you who have danced with me at the 3 G's are laughing and thinking, 'wow does she have a lot of nerve!'
I learned the basic 5-6-1 count and it works perfectly to any stepping music fast or slow.
Steppin' Dance Videos and DVDs
"Steppin' is not just a dance, it's the music, the moves, the clothes, the mood. Chicago Style Steppin' is composed of 10% technique and 90% style," writes the creator of Chicago Style Stepping Instructional video.
Now, this is not a sponsored post. This is a public service announcement. People who dance with folks who can't dance but always on the dancefloor are thanking me right now. Those of you who have danced with me at the 3 G's are laughing and thinking, 'wow does she have a lot of nerve!'
Depp at his best: Sweeney Todd
Remember when Joe/Donnie in the movie Donnie Brasco had to explain the nuances of "Forgettaboutit?" I like the old school Budweiser can on his head and the relaxed way he segued into his ongoing problem with Lefty. It's a part of undercover work audiences don't get to even imagine about. He knew that Lefty would get blamed for letting in a mole and get whacked. Depp's character was torn. I also like in the movie Blow where Johnny plays the character of George and he found out he got screwed out of his connections and the big drug deal and Deigo admits he stole the connections in Cali. I mean what did George think he was doing and who did he think he was going to tell? I thought George was going to get whacked right there because Deigo was high on coke and had all of his crew laughing at him. Danggone coke freaks. I liked that movie but all of the drug and drug use highlighted the more disgusting but I guess necessary segments of our society. Depp is always so believable in his roles so I guess I couldn't separate the character from the actor. You just wanted him to turn it around. I wanted him to be the good guy. Maybe that is why I liked Donnie Brasco.
For those of you who are not familiar with Donnie Brasco, Depp played an undercover FBI agent who infiltrated the mob but in doing that developed very close relationships with the mobsters--the movie basically outlined the pitfalls of undercover work. The emotion Johnny Depp showed in that role made what would have been another mob movie meaningful. It gave a whole new depth to the movie. That is why it will always be a classic.
Depp's newest role as Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, is his darkest role ever! It is about Benjamin Barker who is unjustly imprisoned but later comes back to town as Sweeney Todd the barber and begins his killing spree in revenge to what happened to him, his wife and child.
The movie is scheduled to be released December 21 and is rated R for bloody violence. Imagine what Sweeney Todd is going to do with that straight edge razor!
Visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace or visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site for movie trailers, times, movie listings and more of the backstory.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
I bought some whole cinnamon a while back
I looked up at the sky today and although I have never been to Wyoming or Montana the sky over my city was big and blanketed with white cotton-like clouds. It was like the whole cotton--the kind you have to tear apart to use--real cotton. I felt nice for a moment, just looking at the sky and feeling good. I'd like to feel that way most of the time instead of just moments out of a string of bad to worse days or simple ambivalence.
It seems sometimes the ambivalence is there only to break up the mostly sucky days and nights that have become my existence. Then again, maybe it's just winter doldrums. Heaven knows it's dark at four-thirty. Somebody ought to help me because I don't have the strength to help myself. I'm going to stop combing my hair until things get better for me. We'll see what happens then. (I really can't shake this cold!)
It seems sometimes the ambivalence is there only to break up the mostly sucky days and nights that have become my existence. Then again, maybe it's just winter doldrums. Heaven knows it's dark at four-thirty. Somebody ought to help me because I don't have the strength to help myself. I'm going to stop combing my hair until things get better for me. We'll see what happens then. (I really can't shake this cold!)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Trusted Tours and Attractions
It's wintertime in the Midwest so that means some of us are getting the itch to go someplace sunny, bright and warm.
Trusted Tours and Attractions offers discounted tickets to the best sightseeing tours in Key West, San Diego and Savannah. Travelers get to see attractions like the San Diego Zoo to city-wide excursions on their famous Old Town Trolley tours. Whatever you taste Trusted Tours is the source for great activities for your winter getaway.
If I had my druthers, I'd go to Key West, Florida. I've always wanted to visit the land of Hemmingway. I remember one summer in college I spent it reading all of the Hemmingway greats. This man made me want to go to Key West. He wrote about Spain too in the Bullfighter but I wanted to go to Key West. It seemed as if the fresh sea salted air inspired him to write. Since that summer of reading, I always said I would go there. Also since that summer of reading I have been to Florida several times but never got to drive all the down A1A (which turns into Federal Highway or Hwy 1 somehow) All of that lovely coastline and sunshine to enjoy in a convertable along with my favorite friends. What a lovely time indeed.
As far as tours there is the Shipwreck Historeum Museum of Key West, the Conch Tour Train Key West, the Old Town Trolley Tour of Key West and the Key West Aquarium. There are many more to choose from but those would be some of the first tours I would take.
Whatever happened to hankerchives?
I ran out of facial tissues yesterday and forgot to pick some up today but there was this rag in the car and I used it as a handkerchief. I had to my nose began to run really really bad and I didn't have enough tissue in my purse. It was used anyway.
However, I got to thinking about handkerchiefs. It's a lot greener than individual tissues because you can launder them and reuse them over and over again.
Where would I buy handkerchiefs? Are there any for women? Maybe I should use the men's handkerchiefs. I dunno. It felt strange blowing my nose into cloth. It just felt wrong.
However, I got to thinking about handkerchiefs. It's a lot greener than individual tissues because you can launder them and reuse them over and over again.
Where would I buy handkerchiefs? Are there any for women? Maybe I should use the men's handkerchiefs. I dunno. It felt strange blowing my nose into cloth. It just felt wrong.
100 Free Business Cards
I've been considering my blog these days. I need to improve my Google Page rank score and Alexa score and I was wondering how could I increase traffic to my site.
Then I ran a cross a site called Ooprint and "Business Card 2.0"
It's a way to attract new readers and network with other blogger. The cards allow me to present my url to everyone I meet--in person. They have a unique tag cloud that can be personalised to focus on key words that are important to me and my blog. The best part is that I get 100 FREE business cards to give to business owners, friends who aren't on the Web as much and anyone else I can get to visit my site.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Chicago Journalist John Drury dies at 80
Veteran Chicago journalist John Drury died in his home Sunday November 25 at the age of 80. He had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Drury was the face of WLS Channel 7 evening broadcast news for decades in Chicago. Drury retired in 2002 after 40 years as a news man. He won an additional Chicago Emmy in 2003 for his news report, "9/11/02 The New Homeland.
He was one of the great ones. Mr. Drury will be loved and missed by journalists everywhere, especially in Chicago.
Drury was the face of WLS Channel 7 evening broadcast news for decades in Chicago. Drury retired in 2002 after 40 years as a news man. He won an additional Chicago Emmy in 2003 for his news report, "9/11/02 The New Homeland.
He was one of the great ones. Mr. Drury will be loved and missed by journalists everywhere, especially in Chicago.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Get hooked-up on line
I really like this site because it gives potential daters a
list of ideas for dates.
Horseback riding, snorkling, hiking and just enjoying one's
surroundings are all good ideas for a first getting-to-know you
first date. Datehookup.com provides a huge list of potential
matches for those who join to hook up with and find common
experiences.
Remember folks, this is a free dating site so it doesn't hurt to give it a try and find the special someone. I am still searching and will give it a couple of days at least. It takes time to find some one you match with to date.
Remember the less fortunate this holiday season
It would not hurt a bit to buy a toy for a child who comes from less fortunate circumstances. If you have to juggle too many things to donate consider skipping it this year but for those of you who have been blessed financially please donate to a charity that will see to it children who don't have much will have a really good toy for Christmas.
I'm sure it is what Princess Diana would have wanted you to do.
If you don't trust the charities, go to a local church and give nice toys with the understanding that they will be given to the neediest children. If that is still too much, go for yourself and buy nice toys--like the popular video games, laptops or sports equipment and drop them at the door of families deserving of a little help this season.
It certainly couldn't hurt anyone to do this and imagine the look of surprise and joy on the faces of these lucky children this holiday season.
Or go to these sites to donate.
AidPage
Doe.org
The Pertition Site
Food for the Poor
Read about the origin of Christmas
Origin of Christmas
It is considered likely the first Christmas celebrations were in reaction to the Roman Saturnalia, a harvest festival that marked the winter solstice—the return of the sun—and honored Saturn, the god of sowing. Saturnalia was a rowdy time, much opposed by the more austere leaders among the still-minority Christian sect. Christmas developed, one scholar says, as a means of replacing worship of the sun with worship of the Son. By 529 A.D., after Christianity had become the official state religion of the Roman Empire, Emperor Justinian made Christmas a civic holiday. The celebration of Christmas reached its peak—some would say its worst moments—in the medieval period when it became a time for conspicuous consumption and unequaled revelry.” (more)
I'm sure it is what Princess Diana would have wanted you to do.
If you don't trust the charities, go to a local church and give nice toys with the understanding that they will be given to the neediest children. If that is still too much, go for yourself and buy nice toys--like the popular video games, laptops or sports equipment and drop them at the door of families deserving of a little help this season.
It certainly couldn't hurt anyone to do this and imagine the look of surprise and joy on the faces of these lucky children this holiday season.
Or go to these sites to donate.
AidPage
Doe.org
The Pertition Site
Food for the Poor
Read about the origin of Christmas
Origin of Christmas
It is considered likely the first Christmas celebrations were in reaction to the Roman Saturnalia, a harvest festival that marked the winter solstice—the return of the sun—and honored Saturn, the god of sowing. Saturnalia was a rowdy time, much opposed by the more austere leaders among the still-minority Christian sect. Christmas developed, one scholar says, as a means of replacing worship of the sun with worship of the Son. By 529 A.D., after Christianity had become the official state religion of the Roman Empire, Emperor Justinian made Christmas a civic holiday. The celebration of Christmas reached its peak—some would say its worst moments—in the medieval period when it became a time for conspicuous consumption and unequaled revelry.” (more)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
AAMCO and Live Free Die Hard team up
By getting your car fixed right at AAMCO you can be part of the most spectacular, attitude-filled movie of the year.
Visit your local AAMCO service center to enter to win a four-day trip to Hollywood and a day with the Live Free or Die Hard Movie stuntman.
The prize includes round trip airfare and return airport transfers In Los Angeles with three nights At The Four Star Renaissance Hollywood Hotel for two people--including Breakfast and a 'Die Hard' Goody Bag.
It also includes a day with the stunt coordinator from Die Hard 4.0 for one person, comprehensive worldwide Ttravel insurance for two people and return transfers to location for stunt day. The Four Star Renaissance Hollywood Hotel is just steps from the Kodak Theatre, Grauman's Chinese Theatre and The Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A California get-a-way would be just great right now. I would get to lay around a luxury hotel, hang out with an acutal stunt man and ask all kinds of questions about the industry and star gaze, of course.
A trip out west would be nice for several reasons besides the warmth, I've never been to California. I have never been to a movie lot and I would like to see how the whole layout of the Hollywood moive industry is played out amongst the people.
Hey, Peter--I've said some things over the years...
I was taking a stroll down memory lane, looking at all of the blog posts I have made over the years. I have made some hella comments over the years. Here are some of the more shocking posts. I'm still in shock from some of the things I have written.
I'm Not Walking On Eggshells Anymore, Either!
Borrowing an old Isley song lyric, "...here we go again. Here we go again--I thought what we had was over..."
I just don't understand the outrage. It seems la haute societe and bourgeoisie are always outraged and surprized by the afflictions of the poor.
Except this time it is really horrifying.
It's real life.
Like yall didn't know folks could be poor down in the Bayou. (ain't no such thing as workin' roots either.)
Anyone following the Hurricane Katrina updates--please pay attention. These stories will not be retold. (more)
If You Get Me
Sometimes it's good to stop and think--do a little reflecting.
Measure what you're doing by reviewing your value structure. But
make sure you've established one.
A good value structure can keep you on the right track and out of
a lot of hot water.
Let's start with relationships. I don't have one.
I decided that I can only have a relationship with a man who gets
me. This is why I am alone.
But it's okay. I can do alone. I can't do nagging, worrying and
sour disposition. (more)
Why Do I Take It Personally?
I'm just a fan--only a fan. I wanted all of my favorite artists to win big at this year's Grammy Awards but they didn't. They just won. They won in their respective catagories. I wanted the big win because they seemed to want the big win.
But I got my own problems. The world of a celebrity is entertainment and relaxation for me. I'm not getting myself into trouble, getting pregnant, dating married or otherwise engaged men, annoying anyone blah, blah, blah.
And, these are just my stupid little opinions.
I bought the John Legend cd (even my seven year old son appreciates the calming tinkle of the piano--or he's just f***** with me), the Jamie Foxx cd and the Kanye West cd. West got some Hip Hop chops. He has lyrics. It's not just a rap style. (There is a difference between Hip Hop--as in culture and rap--a rhythmic style of word delivery).
If you caught the show Foxx and West put on, well, what else can be said? (more)
I Know Some Really (nice) People...
I Know Some Really nice People and They Act Like I don't Know.I don't want to have to write this blog but someone has to say it.And I'm only saying it because I really like you. Thank you for being so nice up but find some way to be humble.
Humility is God's gift to us. It prevents us from being insufferable know-it-all, pains-in-the-ass idiots to the rest of the human race.Humility stops other folks from disliking you.Humility brings knowledge and self discovery. I no longer avoid humbling experiences but welcome them. The single most important lesson learned: how to develop good news judgement. (more)
I'm Not Walking On Eggshells Anymore, Either!
Borrowing an old Isley song lyric, "...here we go again. Here we go again--I thought what we had was over..."
I just don't understand the outrage. It seems la haute societe and bourgeoisie are always outraged and surprized by the afflictions of the poor.
Except this time it is really horrifying.
It's real life.
Like yall didn't know folks could be poor down in the Bayou. (ain't no such thing as workin' roots either.)
Anyone following the Hurricane Katrina updates--please pay attention. These stories will not be retold. (more)
If You Get Me
Sometimes it's good to stop and think--do a little reflecting.
Measure what you're doing by reviewing your value structure. But
make sure you've established one.
A good value structure can keep you on the right track and out of
a lot of hot water.
Let's start with relationships. I don't have one.
I decided that I can only have a relationship with a man who gets
me. This is why I am alone.
But it's okay. I can do alone. I can't do nagging, worrying and
sour disposition. (more)
Why Do I Take It Personally?
I'm just a fan--only a fan. I wanted all of my favorite artists to win big at this year's Grammy Awards but they didn't. They just won. They won in their respective catagories. I wanted the big win because they seemed to want the big win.
But I got my own problems. The world of a celebrity is entertainment and relaxation for me. I'm not getting myself into trouble, getting pregnant, dating married or otherwise engaged men, annoying anyone blah, blah, blah.
And, these are just my stupid little opinions.
I bought the John Legend cd (even my seven year old son appreciates the calming tinkle of the piano--or he's just f***** with me), the Jamie Foxx cd and the Kanye West cd. West got some Hip Hop chops. He has lyrics. It's not just a rap style. (There is a difference between Hip Hop--as in culture and rap--a rhythmic style of word delivery).
If you caught the show Foxx and West put on, well, what else can be said? (more)
I Know Some Really (nice) People...
I Know Some Really nice People and They Act Like I don't Know.I don't want to have to write this blog but someone has to say it.And I'm only saying it because I really like you. Thank you for being so nice up but find some way to be humble.
Humility is God's gift to us. It prevents us from being insufferable know-it-all, pains-in-the-ass idiots to the rest of the human race.Humility stops other folks from disliking you.Humility brings knowledge and self discovery. I no longer avoid humbling experiences but welcome them. The single most important lesson learned: how to develop good news judgement. (more)
First Friday Weekend Art Walk
On Friday and Saturday, December 7th and 8th, along with the first weekend of each month thereafter, St. Augustine's Ponte Vedra and the Beaches Florida comes alive with music and art exhibits during the First Friday Weekend Art Walk on the first Friday and Saturday of every month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries. Tours begin at Rembrandtz Fine Gifts for Fun People, 131 King Street. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes.
What interests me most about the St. Augustine Artwalk--besides enjoying the fabulous Florida weather is the enticing array of artwork by Peter O'Neill.
An original oil by O'Neill was sold at auction for the sum of $20,000.00 on October 10th, 2001. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the original was donated to the New York City Fireman and Emergency Service Relief Fund.
Donated to date are 14,000 lithographs of the "Two Minutes of Silence" to Fire Departments, Police Departments and Emergency Service Stations. It is O'Neill's intention to donate, with the support of the public, to every station in the country.
I would like to obtain one of the lithographs for the firemen in my city.
The Original oil now hangs in the Fire Fighters Museum in New York City.
In September of 2002, the image was chosen for the cover of the FDNY and City of New York memorial held at Madison Square Garden.
Curb Your Enthusiasm GDMFB!
Meg McCarville is amazing
This is all I could find of her but I laughed for a long time
after reading her work. Such talent--though I wonder how much
of her life/act is a bit. I found her name after Googling "a**
f*****g disgusting" because I was searching for video of a man
getting gored by a bull in his a-r-e-a.
I was on the phone talking and my friend kept telling me not to
search for it because it was nasty but I found the gore video.
Niciey told me don't keep playing the video because it was
annoying her. After finding several porn sites, I found McCarville's
writings. Enjoy.
Read her stuff
Entertaiment in a past life offered at Z Film Festival in Chicago, IL
This is all I could find of her but I laughed for a long time
after reading her work. Such talent--though I wonder how much
of her life/act is a bit. I found her name after Googling "a**
f*****g disgusting" because I was searching for video of a man
getting gored by a bull in his a-r-e-a.
I was on the phone talking and my friend kept telling me not to
search for it because it was nasty but I found the gore video.
Niciey told me don't keep playing the video because it was
annoying her. After finding several porn sites, I found McCarville's
writings. Enjoy.
Read her stuff
Entertaiment in a past life offered at Z Film Festival in Chicago, IL
Remember Kodak Instamatic cameras?
You can use a scanner to scan pics and documents. A friend of mine would use hers to scan photos of her high school friends and e-mail them to people.
"Didn't you go to school on certain theme days and take pictures of people? That's when I would take my Kodak Instamatic pocket camera to school and take pictures. For homecoming we had a homecoming parade," she said, remembering the good ol' days.
She eventually had to get rid of the scanner because it was incompatible with her new computer.
She said taking snapshots was fun but couldn’t figure out how anyone could get photos taken with a Kodak Instamatic camera onto the Internet without a portable scanner.
I told her that it is lightweight, convenient She was impressed and it is easy to see why.
"Didn't you go to school on certain theme days and take pictures of people? That's when I would take my Kodak Instamatic pocket camera to school and take pictures. For homecoming we had a homecoming parade," she said, remembering the good ol' days.
She eventually had to get rid of the scanner because it was incompatible with her new computer.
She said taking snapshots was fun but couldn’t figure out how anyone could get photos taken with a Kodak Instamatic camera onto the Internet without a portable scanner.
I told her that it is lightweight, convenient She was impressed and it is easy to see why.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
What is a sponsored post?
A sponsored post is a post that someone (company, individual etc.) is paying me to write. A non-sponsored post is a post that I am writing for free--meaning I have not been or will get paid for the post. Paid posts will have something called a "disclosure notice" which is a statement clarifying if I was paid to write it or not. Non-paid posts will have no such notice--unless I need to clarify its purpose on my blog.
Thanks
Ms McCloud
Thanks
Ms McCloud
Monday, November 19, 2007
Make your home look nicer by Christmas
This is a sponsored ad
Have you ever gone looking for an address on a house that you've never been to before? Don't you just hate not being able to see the house address from the street? I mean who wants to get out of the car or worse cab- and walk all the way up to the house and risk a dog chasing you only to find that you have the wrong address.
Why put your loved ones or a stranger through all of that?
Artificial Rocks Factory will help your friends and family find you faster. And they make your house look really nice—gives it an upscaled feeling.
Address signs and plaques not only serve the practical purpose of making it easier for friends, family, delivery drivers or fire/ambulance emergency crews to find your address but they can also be attractive accents to your home or business.
They are molded from actual 800-1,000 lb. boulders
Artificial Rocks Factory has four models of realistic fake rocks with custom address or welcome plaques. The incredibly lifelike 50-60 lb. fake rocks look and feel natural because they're made from construction-grade cast stone--not fiberglass or polyurethane.
The Artificial Rocks Factory's parent company, Valley Monuments, Inc. is an industry leader in the manufacture of similar construction-grade cast stone products, primarily with bronze plaques for memorials, dedications and awards & recognition.
Artificial Rocks Factory offers 20 different models of boulders which are all hollow, approx. one-inch thick, and open at the bottom. Four of the models with the best front angles are available for address and welcome plaques.
The address and welcome boulders are available in three colors and are shipped to customers' doorsteps via FedEx Ground after the address or welcome plaque is permanently affixed.
An anti-theft metal eyebolt is cast inside every address or welcome boulder
When you go to the web site, click on any of the fake rock images and they will spin around to provide a 360-degree view of all sides of that model.
The fake rocks ordered with an address plaque are delivered in 15-20 business days. The artificial rocks with a "WELCOME" plaque ship immediately and normally arrive in 7-10 business days.
Make sure one is reserved for you by Christmas 2007. November 29 is the last day to order the fake rocks with a custom address plaque in time for delivery by Christmas. The welcome plaques are always in-stock, the rocks with a "WELCOME" greeting can be ordered as late as December 13.
Thanksgiving menu
I finally pulled the bird from the freezer. I'm letting it thaw in the refridge. I hope three days is enough. I splurged and got a Butterball because I cannot stand dry white meat on my turkey. The dark meat is oily enough to never be dry.
This year I will stuff my turkey with bell pepper, onion and mushroom. I will also have cornbread dressing and steamed veggies. My children won't eat homemade macaroni and cheese or tetrizinie or the homemade lazana that well.
However, I heard on TV that the first Thanksgiving had Lobster and scallops and other delectible seafood choices on the menu.
Is that where oyster dressing comes from?
Anyway we are sticking with a traditional midwestern Thanksgiving.
I will not be baking sweets--my mom is the best at that and why waste good flour, sugar, milk, eggs and butter!
This year I will stuff my turkey with bell pepper, onion and mushroom. I will also have cornbread dressing and steamed veggies. My children won't eat homemade macaroni and cheese or tetrizinie or the homemade lazana that well.
However, I heard on TV that the first Thanksgiving had Lobster and scallops and other delectible seafood choices on the menu.
Is that where oyster dressing comes from?
Anyway we are sticking with a traditional midwestern Thanksgiving.
I will not be baking sweets--my mom is the best at that and why waste good flour, sugar, milk, eggs and butter!
Freeze It helps
Freeze It Gel has to work for my friend Mary.
Every day she is climbing flights of stairs, bending and picking up toys, clothes and what have you and running up and down the stairs some more checking on her children to make sure they are doing what she told them to do.
I can hear her doing this when we talk on the phone. When she was in high school she broke her ankle while skateboarding. We were all friends then and now and we both had become pretty profieicent at it (she won a local contest and
never let us forget it) but after breaking her ankle she sort
of gave it up. It took a while to heal and she was on crutches forever but over the years after healing it hadn't given her
any problems. A couple of days ago, I noticed that she kept
saying that she was aching all over but the ankle she broke was
throbbing she said.
Last month she remembered falling off of her stilletoes but it
wasn't very serious. Of course, she ignored it but it wouldn't
go away. Well later on that week she said she felt like she
coming down with a cold so she took some asprin. Suddently, she
said she wasn't so achey anymore and her ankle didn't hurt.
Finally I put two and two together and saw that everytime she
took the asprin her aches went away too. So I got to thinking
what if there was some sort of topical medicine she could use
to make this pain go away instead of constantly taking asprin.
Mary told me the pain was keeping her from sleeping. To top it
all off she wrenched her back trying to dust the top of her
kitchen shelves on a wobbley step stool.
I told her about Freeze It®. I said it is effective in helping
people who have trouble sleeping due to persistent pain and
discomfort and that they reported getting a good night of
undisturbed sleep--when Freeze It® is applied just prior to
bedtime.
Winning a supply of Freeze It® would help her out tremendously.
She could get back to normal and stop complaining about how
much she hurts.
Pain can hinder the ability to perform movement and exercise,
decreasing mobility and hurting quality of life. I told her
that Freeze It® quickly delivers pain relief, providing a
"cool-revitalizing" feeling of well being after exsercising.
Mary stopped going to the gym after her aches and pains flared
up.
More improtantly Mary hasn't cleaned her house in a few weeks
because she said it hurts to move. I told her by massaging
Freeze It® into sore muscles and joints the pain relief may
make it easier to complete daily tasks.
Being Low-Carb isn't enough
by Leslie Jones McCloud
People who consider themselves on a low-carb diet still need to watch their calories. Research shows most low-carb dieters are in a state of calorie denial. Boca Raton nutritionist and eating disorder specialist, Marita P. Riethmiller RD LD/N DEDT MEd, said most of the 2000 or so diets available to consumers may work for a while but they are basically “gimmicks,” and unhealthy in the long run. Going on a “gimmick” diet throws off the body’s natural processing ways, she said.
“I see things in the grocer that say low-carb but the product never had carbs – like lettuce,” she said. Reaching for high-fat low-carb foods like bacon fills your arteries with animal fat, she said. Just taking the bun off of a cheeseburger isn’t enough.
“If the body doesn’t get what it needs it takes what it can get – it makes adjustments,” she said, but over a period of time, the body can begin to react and malfunction. Using fat for energy – as in low carb-diets – the body gets used to it. It tricks the body into burning fat all the time but overextends the gallbladder,” she said.
The majority of doctors (76%) interviewed say a poor calorie-counting attitude can hurt a dieter’s chances for long-term weight loss success, according a recent survey conducted by West Palm Beach diet company, Slim-Fast. Experts reviewing the new data are concerned by the disconnected attitude given the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement of its “Calories Count” approach, which underscores the need to control calories when managing weight.
People who consider themselves on a low-carb diet still need to watch their calories. Research shows most low-carb dieters are in a state of calorie denial. Boca Raton nutritionist and eating disorder specialist, Marita P. Riethmiller RD LD/N DEDT MEd, said most of the 2000 or so diets available to consumers may work for a while but they are basically “gimmicks,” and unhealthy in the long run. Going on a “gimmick” diet throws off the body’s natural processing ways, she said.
“I see things in the grocer that say low-carb but the product never had carbs – like lettuce,” she said. Reaching for high-fat low-carb foods like bacon fills your arteries with animal fat, she said. Just taking the bun off of a cheeseburger isn’t enough.
“If the body doesn’t get what it needs it takes what it can get – it makes adjustments,” she said, but over a period of time, the body can begin to react and malfunction. Using fat for energy – as in low carb-diets – the body gets used to it. It tricks the body into burning fat all the time but overextends the gallbladder,” she said.
The majority of doctors (76%) interviewed say a poor calorie-counting attitude can hurt a dieter’s chances for long-term weight loss success, according a recent survey conducted by West Palm Beach diet company, Slim-Fast. Experts reviewing the new data are concerned by the disconnected attitude given the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement of its “Calories Count” approach, which underscores the need to control calories when managing weight.
Crime stats may urge citizens to bear arms
If you are getting worried about crime in your area, you may be considering buying a firearm. I saw a galco holster at www.511tacticaloutdoors.com that would be perfect.
Considering the trends in violent crime statistics released by the FBI, many citizens may be wanting to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms. The website also has tactical eye ware, pants, jackets and knives for sale.
Considering the trends in violent crime statistics released by the FBI, many citizens may be wanting to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms. The website also has tactical eye ware, pants, jackets and knives for sale.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Found on the Jamie Foxx website...
A poster (emb1fan) on the Jamie Foxx website posted this:
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Jamie Foxx getting into the reality-TV business with MTV and VH1.
The Oscar-winning actor and his business partners, Jaime Rucker King and Marcus King, are already developing a project under their two-year production deal with the sibling cable channels: "From Gs to Gents," an MTV series in which guys compete to become gentlemen.
Foxx won an Oscar for playing Ray Charles in "Ray." The role also earned him an MTV Movie Award nomination, but he lost to Leonardo DiCaprio for "The Aviator." In 2001, he hosted the channel's flagship Video Music Awards ceremony.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
2nd Scoop:
ACTOR/SINGER/comedian Jamie Foxx disclosed some of his plans for 2008 backstage at the Country Music Association Awards, at which he performed with country supergroup Rascal Flatts. An already-thin (but fit) Foxx announced that he'll lose 10-15 pounds to play Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless person, in "The Soloist," with Robert Downey Jr., early next year.
The movie is based on the true story of musical prodigy Ayers, who developed schizophrenia in his second year at Juilliard and ended up playing violin and cello on the streets of downtown Los Angeles. Foxx is also working on an album, which includes a return of favor by Rascal Flatts.
He'll also do some stand-up comedy soon, "going back to what I know and like to do," he said, while he was plugging his Foxxhole Radio channel on Sirius Satellite Radio.
I'm adding this because I love this song! (I couldn't find the clean version)
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Jamie Foxx getting into the reality-TV business with MTV and VH1.
The Oscar-winning actor and his business partners, Jaime Rucker King and Marcus King, are already developing a project under their two-year production deal with the sibling cable channels: "From Gs to Gents," an MTV series in which guys compete to become gentlemen.
Foxx won an Oscar for playing Ray Charles in "Ray." The role also earned him an MTV Movie Award nomination, but he lost to Leonardo DiCaprio for "The Aviator." In 2001, he hosted the channel's flagship Video Music Awards ceremony.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
2nd Scoop:
ACTOR/SINGER/comedian Jamie Foxx disclosed some of his plans for 2008 backstage at the Country Music Association Awards, at which he performed with country supergroup Rascal Flatts. An already-thin (but fit) Foxx announced that he'll lose 10-15 pounds to play Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless person, in "The Soloist," with Robert Downey Jr., early next year.
The movie is based on the true story of musical prodigy Ayers, who developed schizophrenia in his second year at Juilliard and ended up playing violin and cello on the streets of downtown Los Angeles. Foxx is also working on an album, which includes a return of favor by Rascal Flatts.
He'll also do some stand-up comedy soon, "going back to what I know and like to do," he said, while he was plugging his Foxxhole Radio channel on Sirius Satellite Radio.
I'm adding this because I love this song! (I couldn't find the clean version)
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Uptown Saturday Night
A favorite end-of-the-month event, Uptown Saturday Night takes place from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm the last Saturday in October 27 and November 24 in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches.
Events in St. Augustine include
some antique dealers who will provide workshops covering a variety of antique related topics and book stores that will provide readings and book signings by local authors. Art galleries will feature exhibit openings of some of the finest Florida artists.
The Mission of Nombre de Dios provides free parking for Uptown Saturday Night. Each participating shop features an open house with wine and refreshments that will enhance the festive night time atmosphere.
The event sounds like a dream come true to me because I love Florida. You can't beat the sunshine and mix of people and culture not to mention the lovely beaches that dot the state's vast coastline.
The beaches for two descriptions under the Beaches and Nature section seemed so inviting. When visitor's to the site click on the scenario of their choice, they get to read about each get-a-way through the eyes of someone who has intimate knowledge of the beaches.
A good example is "Beaches for Two" by Kara Chalmers who described the "sharp, salty smell of the Atlantic Ocean," as the writer emerged from the car.
They toured their beach neighborhood and found a lovely restaurant for some fresh seafood, the writer said.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tens of thousands show up for 2007 March for Justice
Cable Network News anchor Don Lemon broadcast live reports Friday on the March for Justice 2007 in Washington D.C.
The protest was against the numerous Hangman's Noose sitings across the country, unequal justice among the races, ingrained racism and to get more hate crimes prosecuted.
The protest was held on the plaza of the U.S. Department of Justice.
It was crowded with supporters during the speeches. During the march seven times around the building, the crowd literally surrounded the U.S. Department of Justice in their efforts.
Early on, Lemon interviewed Judge Greg Mathis and described what the crowd looked like. I could hear a speaker at the podium and the crowd seemed attentive.
The Rev. Al Sharpton (left)
and his National Action Network along with Martin Luther King III (right)
and a host of others concerned about racial injustice, organized and or promoted the march. Sharpton and actor/comedian/syndicated talk show host Steve Harvey (not shown) promoted the march November 15 on CNN.
During a short address to the crowd, Harvey said he was honored to be there.
"I'm a result of a lot of people from the past," he said explaining that he owes his success to those in the past who fought for equal rights for Blacks. He then introduced Sharpton.
"No Justice, No Peace" were the first words out of his mouth.
He led the crowd in a chant of the famous phrase. The strength of many voices in one seemed to create a roar of hope amongst the supporters, as each refrain of the phrase grew stronger, deeper and more intense.
"We want justice now," he said during his speech.
Sharpton said he was a challenged to increase the amount of supporters who participated in the protest Friday over those who came to the Jena, LA. protest. It was unclear by whom he was challenged but he seemed successful. As the day drew on, more and more people came out to support the marchers in their seven times march around the U.S. Department of Justice, likening their efforts to the Biblical march around Jericho.
"We brought the people to the Justice Department," he told the crowd.
Sharpton then introduced to the crowd, former Chicago and Texas radio "Fly Jock" turned syndicated radio and television host, Tom Joyner.
The live reports continued on CNN International.
"The U.S. government is not fighting for hate crimes. They cannot abandon their citizens over here," Sharpton told Lemon. Lemon's interview of the march organizers was broadcast live across the world.
"It's tragic we still have to march...but I'm glad (we're) standing up for justice. I'm sad we're not further along. America is not treating it's citizens of color correctly. We will stand up for our rights until equality is achieved," King
said.
Black radio and the Internet got all of the people out there, Joyner said. He remembered how civil rights activity promotion was handled years ago.
"We would stop the music and hand the microphone to Dr. King and Abernathy (back in the day) They would tell the people where to go and when to be there. We're doing the same thing now," Joyner said.
Former civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill said the March for Justice, March on Washington 2007, is a good follow-up to the Civil Rights Movement. She made her comments on CNN to anchor Tony Harris, November 16, during an interview.
She said it's important that the prosecution of hate crimes is ongoing and that the U.S. Department of Justice should make sure that there is equal justice for whites and blacks.
She also said it is important to harness the activism of young people who are energized by the Jena LA situation.
However, inside the building, it was quiet, CNN segment producer Terry Frieden said. He was inside the building giving his report to the CNN news desk but it is unclear if reporters have a permanent office there.
He said no one from the department agreed to be interviewed on CNN, however, they were aware of the protesters. Days before the march, Frieden said department officials held a teleconference with reporters. Officials said they were doing what they could to prosecute hate crimes effectively.
I suppose federal prosecutors, like most lawyers, want to win their cases and not lose a case based on technicalities or carelessness but protesters want more funding for the department and more prosecutions.
However, official reaction seemed puzzling.
"Protests aren't unusual. Usually department officials would meet with protest leaders," Frieden said.
Also at protest the father of Mychal Bell, Marcus, said Jim Crowe laws still exist in Jena, LA. and that his son is a victim of them during one of the many interviews Lemon conducted.
Beyonce Ferrell's fiance was there. Her husband-to-be was shot and killed in a hail of bullets an hour before his wedding. She said the shooting was ruled justified by police.
My Lecture
There are still old school Civil Rights born politicians around that
could lend a hand publicly or privately on a plan of action for
the long suffering African American community.
Routinely, the state of the African American Community should be analyzed.
It is a shame that our inner-cities are crumbling and where
people live and pay taxes, they cannot find work enough to
support their families.
I said it yesterday and I will say it today: When we start
businesses and grow them and hire in our own communities, we
will lessen our own burden and uplift the image of the Black
Man and Black Woman.
Our crime in our urban communities will drop and our children
will respect us. Our social groups will improve and we will be
happier.
The Black Political Agenda (left) is of an actual document created to help oppressed people.
As long as we wait and keep asking other folk to do for us what we can do for ourselves (self-policing and paying-it-forward) we will largely be ignored. They figure if we just get ourselves together, we wouldn't need their help so much.
But some of us are like babies.
It is still only a few holding up many. Entire races of people
on this earth do what is expected of them and take a part in helping their own kind--except Blacks and I cannot understand it.
Who would have ever thunk it, back in the days of the Black Panther Party, that today, many would be calling the Black race a joke, in so many words?
Everyone sees our nakedness and classicism and obsession with
bling and how we romanticize crime and criminal behavior
(What is hustling and thugging?) and how we talk against
education and the educated and institutions of higher learning.
The march Friday was a step in the right direction but it cannot be the last step made. We have to keep going.
(Remember the thick Crayola crayons? Yeah, I got one of them and I'm coloring all over the page!)
The Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. put in place thousands of African
Americans in political office across this country. Many of these
people are still in these positions. They were put in place to
help the whole community at-large.
(Translation: White folk let y'all in there to help other
Negroes in perpetuity--not just once or twice.)
Afro Puffs against crime
Now that crime has ingrained itself in our minds and
communities over the years it will be that much harder to
extract. Anyone have a pick axe and sickle?
It's wrong to teach children to steal and sell drugs. I cannot
put it any plainer than that. It is wrong to accept gifts from
your children who you suspect are doing these things.
When they finally do get to the campus, don't accept things
they buy you with their financial aid money. Tell them to save
it in a high-yield account.
Do not teach children to jump up and fist fight at the drop of
a dime. Teach them the law so that they can sue for their
rights. That's what everybody else in this country does.
(How much different would the Jena LA debacle had been if the
parents sued the school district every time an infraction of
their rights was reported?)
The newest noose is not made of rope. It is a lack of a sound
value structure. Without this, children are criminalized early
in life (Blacks and non-blacks now) and it prevents them from
achieving certain things.
Traffic stops are the easiest noose to make. Driving without a
license, they get caught by police or run. When they run they
get shot or shot at--then what?
Most of the time it is a ticket. If they have a license and get a ticket but don't pay it or show up in court, their license is suspended.
If the police officer is white and the traffic stop turns into an incident of note, it is splashed across the TV and the race card may be played. If the police officer is black, he or she is investigated to no end and quite possibly fired or
sanctioned. Hopefully not.
Is the driving test so hard? No one can make time to teach a
teen to drive so that they can get their license?
Teens are obsessed with the freedom of driving--unless you make
your teen drive you around--then it's not so fun.
If you have a teen and a car, teach the teen to drive legally
with insurance and everything or do not give the teen the keys.
Why is it so hard for you to care?
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Life is both simple and complex
I was listening to the Michael Baisden Show today (Soul 106.3 in the Chicagoland area) and he mentioned that that network news would not be covering the march on the U.S. Department of Justice on November 16.
This march is in protest of the continual injustices incurred by African Americans. Hangman Nooses are popping up everywhere--this is the impetus along with the Jena LA debacle where high school kids hung a noose from a tree on the school property. The tree--which has since been cut down--was considered by many students at the school to be an "All Whites" tree. Some black students challenged this fact by patronizing the tree one day and there goes the fight.
Where do children get these racist ideas? Their parents. Where do parents get these ideas? Their social group.
If enough people in their neck of the woods act out with racist violence and behavior and it is tolerated it will continue and be perpetuated.
So tomorrow's march is important to Blacks.
No money, no power, no peace--it is as simple and complex as that.
This march is in protest of the continual injustices incurred by African Americans. Hangman Nooses are popping up everywhere--this is the impetus along with the Jena LA debacle where high school kids hung a noose from a tree on the school property. The tree--which has since been cut down--was considered by many students at the school to be an "All Whites" tree. Some black students challenged this fact by patronizing the tree one day and there goes the fight.
Where do children get these racist ideas? Their parents. Where do parents get these ideas? Their social group.
If enough people in their neck of the woods act out with racist violence and behavior and it is tolerated it will continue and be perpetuated.
So tomorrow's march is important to Blacks.
After the march, however, a plan to empower the Black community should be instituted.Business plans should be in hand and SBA support available. If Blacks could own their own business and hire people in their community--many of these problems would cease to exist. Working people with money in their pockets are happy people who are most likely going to go along with whatever plan the powers-that-be present.
No money, no power, no peace--it is as simple and complex as that.
What will Santa Do?
This post is sponsored
"Where am I going to find the money to fufill all of these Christmas wishes," said Santa to Mrs. Clause one day. She just sat there shaking her head and looking at her needle point.
"I told you not to tell all of those little boys and girls that you would bring them all of that stuff," she said.
"Well, that's neither here nor there now. What am I to do?"
With a huff, Santa wobbled over to the computer to read the news but instead stumbled upon a site where one could compare loan rates. He got an idea.
"I'll just tell the children's parents to check out these nifty
No Fax Payday Loans and they can compare which loan is best suited for them."
"See, honey, now you're thinking. Now your burden is a little lighter!"
"Where am I going to find the money to fufill all of these Christmas wishes," said Santa to Mrs. Clause one day. She just sat there shaking her head and looking at her needle point.
"I told you not to tell all of those little boys and girls that you would bring them all of that stuff," she said.
"Well, that's neither here nor there now. What am I to do?"
With a huff, Santa wobbled over to the computer to read the news but instead stumbled upon a site where one could compare loan rates. He got an idea.
"I'll just tell the children's parents to check out these nifty
No Fax Payday Loans and they can compare which loan is best suited for them."
"See, honey, now you're thinking. Now your burden is a little lighter!"
Kanye West's mother died Nov. 10th
Dr. Donda West, mother of lyrisist, rapper and Chicago native
Kanye West, died Saturday in Los Angeles, according to urban
celeb gossip site MediaTakeOut.com.
West's mother was chairwoman of the English department at
Chicago State University before becoming involved in her
superstar son's successful career.
MediaTakeOut.com has just reported at approximately 6:45 p.m.
that Dr. West may
have died while undergoing surgery.
The site is continually providing updates so to find out more
please visit MediaTakeOut.com.
Kanye West, died Saturday in Los Angeles, according to urban
celeb gossip site MediaTakeOut.com.
West's mother was chairwoman of the English department at
Chicago State University before becoming involved in her
superstar son's successful career.
UPDATE
MediaTakeOut.com has just reported at approximately 6:45 p.m.
that Dr. West may
have died while undergoing surgery.
The site is continually providing updates so to find out more
please visit MediaTakeOut.com.
Coupons save money
Have you ever gotten up one day and just wanted to buy something you've always wanted? I have. I remember one time I wanted to purchase a printer for my computer but I got hung up on whether or not to get just a printer or a printer/fax/copier/scanner. I've always wanted one of those and my fax machine is a little old. Hard to find supplies for it now. The biggest stumbling block was that I wanted a good deal on it but nothing was on sale--I mean really on sale. My friend is always bragging about how she bought stuff on sale and had a Coupon to go with it. I never seemed to have that luck until I went to NCNatural's Adventure Resources
Your Guide to North Carolina Nature, Entertainment & Culture.
There I found a Joann Fabrics site where I could finaly get a coupon and shop for fabric to make that ankle-length dress I've been wanting and a Kohl's site where I can save money with coupons this holiday shopping season.
I'm still going to get a coupon for my printer combo but there are sites there that may carry my old fax machine's brand--and I get to use a coupon for it.
Your Guide to North Carolina Nature, Entertainment & Culture.
There I found a Joann Fabrics site where I could finaly get a coupon and shop for fabric to make that ankle-length dress I've been wanting and a Kohl's site where I can save money with coupons this holiday shopping season.
I'm still going to get a coupon for my printer combo but there are sites there that may carry my old fax machine's brand--and I get to use a coupon for it.
Local police conducting stings of alleged online prostitution
Police say they are conducting stings on alleged online prostitutes offering "exotic services" on Craigslist.
An unidentified source within a south suburban police station in Illinois, said investigators arrange for a meeting with the suspects at local hotels and when certain information is exchanged, police make an arrest.
Police say that offering "exotic services" on the Internet is dangerous and illegal.
An officer familiar with the case said in one instance, a female suspect took what she considered to be vital information such as a social security number and work information--which included addresses and phone numbers--and then arranged for a trade of sex for money.
He said taking that information would not have stopped the suspect from being murdered, however she was arrested.
He also said many of the "exotic services" are being offered for $400 or more. He said he was told that "extras" would add cost to the selected service.
An officer connected to this case asked not to be identified by name in this story.
An unidentified source within a south suburban police station in Illinois, said investigators arrange for a meeting with the suspects at local hotels and when certain information is exchanged, police make an arrest.
Police say that offering "exotic services" on the Internet is dangerous and illegal.
An officer familiar with the case said in one instance, a female suspect took what she considered to be vital information such as a social security number and work information--which included addresses and phone numbers--and then arranged for a trade of sex for money.
He said taking that information would not have stopped the suspect from being murdered, however she was arrested.
He also said many of the "exotic services" are being offered for $400 or more. He said he was told that "extras" would add cost to the selected service.
An officer connected to this case asked not to be identified by name in this story.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Family and Relationships
The significance of the traditional roles of men and women is only significant if the couple plans to behave traditionally.
Tradition states that the Dad works outside of the home and the Mom stays inside the home and work. That is the American tradition of male and female roles in the 20th century.
What say ye? This is not common of most homes? Really?
Lessee...Mom has children to care for and a husband (tradition) to look after. That usually means she is the maid and cook and household manager. These are paid positions in a wealthy household and these people who work these positions are paid well.
It takes a tremendous amount of dedication for a woman to take on this task alone. It is insane to take on these three jobs (excluding wet nurse) and to work outside of the home.
Most folks these days just modify Mom's role by allowing her time off-usually six months-to get acquainted with her baby and find a sitter. Some Moms are allowed up to three years. By that time the baby is ready for preschool.
That is tradition in America.
All Dad has to do is work and possibly be nice to his live-in maid also known as Mom. She will spend most of her time with children. Hopefully the pair will have sex sometime through the week.
When Dad gets home each evening he will want to unwind and get some dinner. It should be hot and waiting on the table when he gets through the door. Mom shouldn't complain and hover during this wind down time or she could find herself dining with the children and Dad at the local tap downing a few or somewhere other than in the vicinity of her big, ungrateful mouth.
Tradition, the cornerstone of America.
Of course I am being sarcastic but unfortunately this scenario is played out in many households to one degree or another.
The solution is to develop a set of values and find a mate who mirrors those values. That way, whatever the arrangement the pair will be happy and find that they can work out most issues of contention. And maybe not get divorced.
Tradition states that the Dad works outside of the home and the Mom stays inside the home and work. That is the American tradition of male and female roles in the 20th century.
What say ye? This is not common of most homes? Really?
Lessee...Mom has children to care for and a husband (tradition) to look after. That usually means she is the maid and cook and household manager. These are paid positions in a wealthy household and these people who work these positions are paid well.
It takes a tremendous amount of dedication for a woman to take on this task alone. It is insane to take on these three jobs (excluding wet nurse) and to work outside of the home.
Most folks these days just modify Mom's role by allowing her time off-usually six months-to get acquainted with her baby and find a sitter. Some Moms are allowed up to three years. By that time the baby is ready for preschool.
That is tradition in America.
All Dad has to do is work and possibly be nice to his live-in maid also known as Mom. She will spend most of her time with children. Hopefully the pair will have sex sometime through the week.
When Dad gets home each evening he will want to unwind and get some dinner. It should be hot and waiting on the table when he gets through the door. Mom shouldn't complain and hover during this wind down time or she could find herself dining with the children and Dad at the local tap downing a few or somewhere other than in the vicinity of her big, ungrateful mouth.
Tradition, the cornerstone of America.
Of course I am being sarcastic but unfortunately this scenario is played out in many households to one degree or another.
The solution is to develop a set of values and find a mate who mirrors those values. That way, whatever the arrangement the pair will be happy and find that they can work out most issues of contention. And maybe not get divorced.
Abuse victims can find help
Abuse survivors should find the nearest women's shelter and get a referral from a counselor there. If you are a survivor and decide to get help, how can the resources at a women's shelter be avoided?
These are resources easily accessible in every community in America. Spousal/partner abuse is extremely common and women are the usual victims-for various reasons.
Reasons. Hmmm, let's think about the reasons you were abused in the first place. People who have been abused need to think about the abuse-remember the scenarios and talk to themselves about what happened. This will make you more comfortable and get you in the mindset of talking about the abuse with someone else. Therapists can choose to heal the scars inflicted or can choose to dig further (painful) to get at a root cause for letting another human being walk all over you.
Most abuse occurs in secret and can make the victim feel as if she is insane. It can cause you to walk out of your home half clothed, shoeless, penniless, crying-things one would not normally do in civilized company in a civilized neighborhood.
However, this is the sado masochistic arena in which most abuse is played out.
When you get to the therapist discuss whether you want to heal or dig. Dig may help you gain insight into your role in the abuse situation. Healing focuses past the abuse situation in that it helps you come to terms that it has happened and ways to prevent it in the future.
Healing helps you feel better quicker.
As long as the victim is aware of the different types of therapy available and the various outcomes, it should be a righteous experience.
These are resources easily accessible in every community in America. Spousal/partner abuse is extremely common and women are the usual victims-for various reasons.
Reasons. Hmmm, let's think about the reasons you were abused in the first place. People who have been abused need to think about the abuse-remember the scenarios and talk to themselves about what happened. This will make you more comfortable and get you in the mindset of talking about the abuse with someone else. Therapists can choose to heal the scars inflicted or can choose to dig further (painful) to get at a root cause for letting another human being walk all over you.
Most abuse occurs in secret and can make the victim feel as if she is insane. It can cause you to walk out of your home half clothed, shoeless, penniless, crying-things one would not normally do in civilized company in a civilized neighborhood.
However, this is the sado masochistic arena in which most abuse is played out.
When you get to the therapist discuss whether you want to heal or dig. Dig may help you gain insight into your role in the abuse situation. Healing focuses past the abuse situation in that it helps you come to terms that it has happened and ways to prevent it in the future.
Healing helps you feel better quicker.
As long as the victim is aware of the different types of therapy available and the various outcomes, it should be a righteous experience.
Homemade Sausage anyone?
Okay, I just made some homemade sausage in my new sausage grinder. My Granny gave it to me. Right now it's boiling because I don't know another way to cure raw meat. Okay, I just checked the sausage and I overfilled one of them and the casing has burst. It smelled like a Vienna beef hot dog but it didn't taste like one.
I bought some cheap cuts of beef and pork and ground them in the grinder. Then I mixed it all together with spices and tried to re-grind it but that didn't work well so I disassembled the tube on the grinder and pushed it through into the casing by hand--literally. My hands have been covered in raw seasoned meat for about an hour. I used bleach to wash them and bleached all of the utensils before putting them into the dishwasher. Also I added tofu. I wanted an all soy sausage but I didn't know how to process that for the correct texture.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to make sausage better, leave a comment.
Oh and Jamie Foxx was particularly delightful singing with Rascal Flatts on the 41st Annual Country Music Awards Wednesday. He looked really good too. I guess country music is in his blood seeing how he's from Texas and all--I reckon.
I bought some cheap cuts of beef and pork and ground them in the grinder. Then I mixed it all together with spices and tried to re-grind it but that didn't work well so I disassembled the tube on the grinder and pushed it through into the casing by hand--literally. My hands have been covered in raw seasoned meat for about an hour. I used bleach to wash them and bleached all of the utensils before putting them into the dishwasher. Also I added tofu. I wanted an all soy sausage but I didn't know how to process that for the correct texture.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to make sausage better, leave a comment.
Oh and Jamie Foxx was particularly delightful singing with Rascal Flatts on the 41st Annual Country Music Awards Wednesday. He looked really good too. I guess country music is in his blood seeing how he's from Texas and all--I reckon.
Paying the Bills
Well, I have to pay the bills. That is why I have chosen to sign up on several to pay-to-blog companies. I'm happy about my decision. I hope those who read my blog agree. I have found out about some really neat stuff that I would probably had never learned about if it were not for my pay-to-blog opportunities. Also, if any of you want to get in on the action, feel free to click on the review my post links that I post in the paid blog posts.
In the meanwhile, I'm learning to write ad copy--which is very exciting to me. I have always wanted to make commercials.
Also, don't forget to click on the lulu.com link to your right and buy my new books. Or maybe you can donate. Click on the paypal donate link and I will continue to delight you with my take on life.
In the meanwhile, I'm learning to write ad copy--which is very exciting to me. I have always wanted to make commercials.
Also, don't forget to click on the lulu.com link to your right and buy my new books. Or maybe you can donate. Click on the paypal donate link and I will continue to delight you with my take on life.
The Women's Suffrage Movement will not be forgotten...
I want to re-introduce this subject to you because I think our society is forgetting all what women have been through to even have what is allowed us now.
...(Our) society severely challenged women's efforts to enter public
life. Through the 1890s, "scientific" reports were being
released which showed that too much education could seriously
hurt the female reproductive system. In 1905 former president
Grover Cleveland wrote in the Ladies' Home Journal that female
voting would upset "a natural equilibrium so nicely adjusted to
the attributes and limitations of both [men and women] that it
cannot be disturbed without social confusion and peril." In
retaliation, women set out to show that rather than disrupt the
social order, woman suffrage would instead maintain it.
Bringing their "natural" roles as mothers and nurturers into
the public arena, women would be able to impose a kind of
"civic housekeeping" upon the competitive and corrupt (male)
state.
Go read the rest of this document.
...(Our) society severely challenged women's efforts to enter public
life. Through the 1890s, "scientific" reports were being
released which showed that too much education could seriously
hurt the female reproductive system. In 1905 former president
Grover Cleveland wrote in the Ladies' Home Journal that female
voting would upset "a natural equilibrium so nicely adjusted to
the attributes and limitations of both [men and women] that it
cannot be disturbed without social confusion and peril." In
retaliation, women set out to show that rather than disrupt the
social order, woman suffrage would instead maintain it.
Bringing their "natural" roles as mothers and nurturers into
the public arena, women would be able to impose a kind of
"civic housekeeping" upon the competitive and corrupt (male)
state.
Go read the rest of this document.
Children and Gardening
You want to know what happened when I tried to include my
family in my gardening project? Nothing, that is what happened.
They would not have anything to do with it. It was Mommy's
stupid thing to do alone. Of course, the few cherry tomatoes we
had from it were fought over but essentially, it was Mommy's
stupid thing and it's that way because it doesn't look good.
The garden looks abandoned.
Last summer, however, it was different.
People were stopping their cars to take a look. A watermelon
was stolen. I felt good about myself. I didn't feel guilty,
like now.
Following in the footsteps of my parents, I planted fruits and
veggies. I failed to realize how much space vining fruits and
veggies like Pumpkin and Watermelon, would take up. I had such
a small plot of land. It really didn't qualify as plot or land
because it was just a bare patch in the grass where it was too
shady to grow. I turned it into a garden.
The garden was a spectacle-that's why people were stopping and
staring.
The vines of a Pumpkin are very thick. The leaves are
huge-bigger than you hand. Neighbors would stop to chat to see
if they could get me to give them some of my sweet winter
collard greens. They figured I, an African-American female,
would grow something like that. (You know we all know how to
cook soul food and yes, these were other Black folk I was
talking to) They would advise me that the space was too small
for something like Pumpkin or Watermelon and we would stand and
stare at the garden in silence.
Looks of worry and disappointment would criss-cross their face
as we stood in the hot sun discussing the properties of
Pumpkin.
"They use it in spa treatments. I saw it once at a spa in the
North Loop," I would say.
Only a minute or so would go by before I set them straight.
They walked away knowing that they weren't getting any pumpkin
pie out of me.
It is sad that I, a decedent of Sharecroppers, would have such
a blue thumb.
That is why I thought if Mother can do it then so can I-but I
can't-not well anyway.
My 9-year-old boy helped me pick tomatoes for a salad once or
twice. Once he went out there alone to do it.
My autistic daughter,16, would have no part of the mini
harvests.
Maybe next year.
family in my gardening project? Nothing, that is what happened.
They would not have anything to do with it. It was Mommy's
stupid thing to do alone. Of course, the few cherry tomatoes we
had from it were fought over but essentially, it was Mommy's
stupid thing and it's that way because it doesn't look good.
The garden looks abandoned.
Last summer, however, it was different.
People were stopping their cars to take a look. A watermelon
was stolen. I felt good about myself. I didn't feel guilty,
like now.
Following in the footsteps of my parents, I planted fruits and
veggies. I failed to realize how much space vining fruits and
veggies like Pumpkin and Watermelon, would take up. I had such
a small plot of land. It really didn't qualify as plot or land
because it was just a bare patch in the grass where it was too
shady to grow. I turned it into a garden.
The garden was a spectacle-that's why people were stopping and
staring.
The vines of a Pumpkin are very thick. The leaves are
huge-bigger than you hand. Neighbors would stop to chat to see
if they could get me to give them some of my sweet winter
collard greens. They figured I, an African-American female,
would grow something like that. (You know we all know how to
cook soul food and yes, these were other Black folk I was
talking to) They would advise me that the space was too small
for something like Pumpkin or Watermelon and we would stand and
stare at the garden in silence.
Looks of worry and disappointment would criss-cross their face
as we stood in the hot sun discussing the properties of
Pumpkin.
"They use it in spa treatments. I saw it once at a spa in the
North Loop," I would say.
Only a minute or so would go by before I set them straight.
They walked away knowing that they weren't getting any pumpkin
pie out of me.
It is sad that I, a decedent of Sharecroppers, would have such
a blue thumb.
That is why I thought if Mother can do it then so can I-but I
can't-not well anyway.
My 9-year-old boy helped me pick tomatoes for a salad once or
twice. Once he went out there alone to do it.
My autistic daughter,16, would have no part of the mini
harvests.
Maybe next year.
Ultimate Paintball
THIS IS A PAYPERPOST SPONSORED AD
I have always wanted to try paintball and I know a couple of
people who play regularly. The only thing standing in my way
was lack of gear. I stumbled across a website called Ultimate
Paintball. On the site, they had
paintball guns for sale
and even a paintball gun package where everything you would need, would be included.
Everything on the site is easy to find. However, they had one
particular
paint ball gun for sale that seemed easy to use and was in my
budget. I've seen what paint ball can do to clothes, coats etc.
so I want to be prepared!
The Ultimate Paintball site had all of the top-of-the line
names like Tippmann, Spyder, Smart Parts, Dye, Empire and
Draxxus.
So stop using the wrong equipment and getting paint on things
you may want to wear later. Go to Ultimate Paintball.
Homemade Sausage anyone?
Okay, I just made some homemade sausage in my new sausage
grinder. My Granny gave it to me. Right now it's boiling
because I don't know another way to cure raw meat. Okay, I just
checked the sausage and I overfilled one of them and the casing
has burst. It smelled like a Vienna beef hot dog but it didn't
taste like one.
I bought some cheap cuts of beef and pork and ground them in
the grinder. Then I mixed it all together with spices and tried
to re-grind it but that didn't work well so I disassembled the
tube on the grinder and pushed it through into the casing by
hand--literally. My hands have been covered in raw seasoned
meat for about an hour. I used bleach to wash them and bleached
all of the utensils before putting them into the dishwasher.
Also I added tofu. I wanted an all soy sausage but I didn't
know how to process that for the correct texture.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to make sausage better,
leave a comment.
Oh and Jamie Foxx
was particularly delightful singing with Rascal Flatts on the
41st Annual Country Music Awards Wednesday. He looked really
good too. I guess country music is in his blood seeing how he's
from Texas and all--I reckon.
grinder. My Granny gave it to me. Right now it's boiling
because I don't know another way to cure raw meat. Okay, I just
checked the sausage and I overfilled one of them and the casing
has burst. It smelled like a Vienna beef hot dog but it didn't
taste like one.
I bought some cheap cuts of beef and pork and ground them in
the grinder. Then I mixed it all together with spices and tried
to re-grind it but that didn't work well so I disassembled the
tube on the grinder and pushed it through into the casing by
hand--literally. My hands have been covered in raw seasoned
meat for about an hour. I used bleach to wash them and bleached
all of the utensils before putting them into the dishwasher.
Also I added tofu. I wanted an all soy sausage but I didn't
know how to process that for the correct texture.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to make sausage better,
leave a comment.
Oh and Jamie Foxx
was particularly delightful singing with Rascal Flatts on the
41st Annual Country Music Awards Wednesday. He looked really
good too. I guess country music is in his blood seeing how he's
from Texas and all--I reckon.
I write for Helium and You can too!
Some parents luck out and find that they have a genius for a
child. Some parents who may not have an honor roll student
still manage to instill the value of learning and making the
most of each school day-these children are blessed. However
there are those who are just there languishing. Either they
have parents who never liked school themselves and unwittingly
(or wittingly) passed the distaste for classrooms on to the
child or the child is possibly in the wrong type of school.
Public schools are for every citizen K-12. Then there are
magnet schools where the pupil has to apply and possibly have a
specific strength like fine arts or math and science.
Charter schools are public schools as well but are looked upon
by many in the education community as less restrictive and more
supportive of students who find learning difficult in a
structured environment-like a neighborhood public school. There
is no tuition required of a true charter school. Fees should be
no more than what any public school needs for uniforms and book
rental. Charter schools get public funding from the respective
local school district.
Another type of school is the college preparatory curriculum
that may be found in day schools-where students go home in the
evening-or boarding schools. These type of schools usually
require a tuition. Financial may be available. Some of these
type of schools are same-sex campus and then some are co-ed.
Many of them are for high school students but there are some
across the country that are open to pupils as young as second
grade or possibly kindergarten.
Military schools are for the student who either wants to be in
the military in the future, attend a military college, need the
rigors of a military school or who come from a family who
attended military academies. They too require a tuition
usually.
Parochial schools are available in a variety of faiths, the
most popular being Catholic and Jesuit. Normally, there is a
tuition requirement.
There is a school for every pupil's need if you are willing to
make sacrifices and conduct a little research.
child. Some parents who may not have an honor roll student
still manage to instill the value of learning and making the
most of each school day-these children are blessed. However
there are those who are just there languishing. Either they
have parents who never liked school themselves and unwittingly
(or wittingly) passed the distaste for classrooms on to the
child or the child is possibly in the wrong type of school.
Public schools are for every citizen K-12. Then there are
magnet schools where the pupil has to apply and possibly have a
specific strength like fine arts or math and science.
Charter schools are public schools as well but are looked upon
by many in the education community as less restrictive and more
supportive of students who find learning difficult in a
structured environment-like a neighborhood public school. There
is no tuition required of a true charter school. Fees should be
no more than what any public school needs for uniforms and book
rental. Charter schools get public funding from the respective
local school district.
Another type of school is the college preparatory curriculum
that may be found in day schools-where students go home in the
evening-or boarding schools. These type of schools usually
require a tuition. Financial may be available. Some of these
type of schools are same-sex campus and then some are co-ed.
Many of them are for high school students but there are some
across the country that are open to pupils as young as second
grade or possibly kindergarten.
Military schools are for the student who either wants to be in
the military in the future, attend a military college, need the
rigors of a military school or who come from a family who
attended military academies. They too require a tuition
usually.
Parochial schools are available in a variety of faiths, the
most popular being Catholic and Jesuit. Normally, there is a
tuition requirement.
There is a school for every pupil's need if you are willing to
make sacrifices and conduct a little research.
Who is the Good Shepard?
John 10
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
1 "I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a
sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a
thief and a robber!2 But the one who enters through the gate is
the shepherd of the sheep.3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for
him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He
calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.4 After he has
gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow
him because they know his voice.5 They won't follow a
stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his
voice." 6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration
didn't understand what he meant,7 so he explained it to them:
"I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.8 All who
came before me* were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep
did not listen to them.9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in
through me will be saved.* They will come and go freely and
will find good pastures.10 The thief's purpose is to
steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich
and satisfying life.
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his
life for the sheep.12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf
coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to
him and he isn't their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them
and scatters the flock.13 The hired hand runs away because he's
working only for the money and doesn't really care about the
sheep.
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they
know me,15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So
I sacrifice my life for the sheep.16 I have other sheep, too,
that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They
will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one
shepherd. 17 "The Father loves me because I sacrifice
my life so I may take it back again.18 No one can take my life
from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority
to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For
this is what my Father has commanded."
19 When he said these things, the people* were again divided
in their opinions about him.20 Some said, "He's demon possessed
and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?"21 Others
said, "This doesn't sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can
a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
Jesus Claims to Be the Son of God
22 It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of
Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication.23 He was in the Temple,
walking through the section known as Solomon's Colonnade.24 The
people surrounded him and asked, "How long are you going to
keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."
25 Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't
believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father's name.26
But you don't believe me because you are not my sheep.27 My
sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.28 I
give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can
snatch them away from me,29 for my Father has given them to me,
and he is more powerful than anyone else.* No one can snatch
them from the Father's hand.30 The Father and I are one."
31 Once again the people picked up stones to kill him.32
Jesus said, "At my Father's direction I have done many good
works. For which one are you going to stone me?"
33 They replied, "We're stoning you not for any good work,
but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God."
34 Jesus replied, "It is written in your own Scriptures* that
God said to certain leaders of the people, `I say, you are
gods!'*35 And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered.
So if those people who received God's message were called
`gods,'36 why do you call it blasphemy when I say, `I am the
Son of God'? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me
into the world.37 Don't believe me unless I carry out my
Father's work.38 But if I do his work, believe in the evidence
of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don't believe
me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me,
and I am in the Father."
39 Once again they tried to arrest him, but he got away and
left them.40 He went beyond the Jordan River near the place
where John was first baptizing and stayed there awhile.41 And
many followed him. "John didn't perform miraculous signs," they
remarked to one another, "but everything he said about this man
has come true."42 And many who were there believed in Jesus.
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
1 "I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a
sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a
thief and a robber!2 But the one who enters through the gate is
the shepherd of the sheep.3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for
him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He
calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.4 After he has
gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow
him because they know his voice.5 They won't follow a
stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his
voice." 6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration
didn't understand what he meant,7 so he explained it to them:
"I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.8 All who
came before me* were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep
did not listen to them.9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in
through me will be saved.* They will come and go freely and
will find good pastures.10 The thief's purpose is to
steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich
and satisfying life.
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his
life for the sheep.12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf
coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to
him and he isn't their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them
and scatters the flock.13 The hired hand runs away because he's
working only for the money and doesn't really care about the
sheep.
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they
know me,15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So
I sacrifice my life for the sheep.16 I have other sheep, too,
that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They
will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one
shepherd. 17 "The Father loves me because I sacrifice
my life so I may take it back again.18 No one can take my life
from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority
to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For
this is what my Father has commanded."
19 When he said these things, the people* were again divided
in their opinions about him.20 Some said, "He's demon possessed
and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?"21 Others
said, "This doesn't sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can
a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
Jesus Claims to Be the Son of God
22 It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of
Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication.23 He was in the Temple,
walking through the section known as Solomon's Colonnade.24 The
people surrounded him and asked, "How long are you going to
keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."
25 Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't
believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father's name.26
But you don't believe me because you are not my sheep.27 My
sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.28 I
give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can
snatch them away from me,29 for my Father has given them to me,
and he is more powerful than anyone else.* No one can snatch
them from the Father's hand.30 The Father and I are one."
31 Once again the people picked up stones to kill him.32
Jesus said, "At my Father's direction I have done many good
works. For which one are you going to stone me?"
33 They replied, "We're stoning you not for any good work,
but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God."
34 Jesus replied, "It is written in your own Scriptures* that
God said to certain leaders of the people, `I say, you are
gods!'*35 And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered.
So if those people who received God's message were called
`gods,'36 why do you call it blasphemy when I say, `I am the
Son of God'? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me
into the world.37 Don't believe me unless I carry out my
Father's work.38 But if I do his work, believe in the evidence
of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don't believe
me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me,
and I am in the Father."
39 Once again they tried to arrest him, but he got away and
left them.40 He went beyond the Jordan River near the place
where John was first baptizing and stayed there awhile.41 And
many followed him. "John didn't perform miraculous signs," they
remarked to one another, "but everything he said about this man
has come true."42 And many who were there believed in Jesus.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Every one's Parents are getting older
My parents are getting older. Every one's parent's are getting older but I worry about things like Alzheimer's Disease. How will I know what to look for as they grow older?
I ran across this site called Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
I found out that the disease is not a natural part of aging and that it's more that just forgetfulness.
Memory loss--especially of recent events--forgetting where they put things and forgetting new information are signs of the disease. Confusion and struggling to complete familiar actions, such as making coffee, what to do to get ready for bed, i.e. brushing teeth are also signs. Also, having trouble finding appropriate words, completing sentences, and following directions are also signs. A big indicator also is poor judgment when making decisions. This along with
changes in mood and personality can actually cause arguments--further pushing parents and potential caregivers apart. Increased suspicion, rapid and persistent mood swings, withdrawal, and disinterest in usual activities and not being able to perform difficult tasks like balancing a checkbook, are also huge indicators.
I remember there was a time where my mother kept asking me if I took little odd things from the house or if I took $5 from her purse. During that time I was living in another city. She stopped asking me so I just thought she was being silly. However, mom often becomes quarrelsome. I thought maybe she was cranky from being diabetic. She said she had not had breakfast when I asked her if she ate. It was 1 p.m. and she was too focused on shopping to care. I have had to learn to ask mom questions in non-threatening ways in order to get a response and not an argument.
While I don't know how I will talk to my parents about this (they told me to mind my own business when I tried to help them with signing up for Medicare)I will however, support this cause.
I plan to shop for mom's holiday gift at the site's eStore. Dad too. Maybe this will open up the subject.
All of the proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, so it's a win-win situation and it will help me out of a tight spot.
Seeking a cure to Alzheimer's is important and making sure those who suffer from the disease get quality care is just as important. I think the holidays are a good time to give a gift donation or buy a gift from the eStore.
I'm going to do this because it's easy to mistreat someone who is suffering from this disease. They my exhibit the crankiness--which leads to arguments but it's scary to watch the people who raised you to brush your teeth every night go without toothpaste because they kept forgetting it at the store and then decide it isn't important. The only thing is that both of my parents are still living and what one forgets, the other one will remember--for sure. Because of this, it will probably be harder for me to figure out what is going on.
I no longer know how to jump rope
I know longer know how to jump rope or double dutch so don't ask me to play with your kids. Now that I have your attention please read this very interesting article on HIV and a man named John Kevin P.
John Kevin P. (not his actual name) comes from a family of three brothers and two sisters and of them; two of the five are living with HIV/AIDS.
Kevin P., for the sake of his family members, wants to keep his illness quiet, so Kevin is not his real name.
"When my sister was diagnosed it was before the disease had a name. She was diagnosed in 1979," he said.
Her only symptom, he said, was her boyfriend's unexpected death.
By the time the words GRID, (gay related immune deficiency) or, Slim (how researchers said the affected population in Africa referred to the disease), AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and more recently HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) were known, Kevin was had already been diagnosed.
In 1996 at the age of 46, he told his partner about the diagnosis. His partner was in shock when Kevin told him and got retested. Although they are still friends and his partner didn't become angry, he still moved out-of-state. He said he and his partner were having unprotected sex.
"I didn't think I was positive or my partner. The tests didn't always show in those days. The tests were not as sensitive and weren't always picking it up," he said.
Kevin said he wasn't bitter when he found out, he took it in stride. He looks at his disease the same way a person who has heart disease would, he said.
"These things are going to happen. It is to be treated as any other public health concern. Are you not going to have a breast exam because of the public stigma? --No," he said.
The 52-year-old gay, white male is a stroke victim and wants retain some anonimity as he, in his own way, educates others about the disease--which is easier now since he has become disabled after having a total of four strokes.
"My only recover is to be involved. The main thing I'm trying to do is get people to care.
But even with being involved he says there is a stigma attached to having the disease, which is why he stays within the realm of those who walk his same path.
"You have to understand, Palm Beach County is very unique were the only county in the state that has the health care district covers health care not just hospital care. A lack of insurance keeps them from seeking services," he said.
Wednesday June 27 is National HIV Test Day. The Palm Beach County health Department in conjunction with it's community health partners organized a number of sites starting June 24 to June 27 to test for the virus that causes AIDS.
Kevin said this would be the first year since his positive diagnosis that he won't be participating because of health concerns.
"We have seen 450 new HIV infections in each of the last two years. With the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS people need to know their status to be able to take advantage of these advancements and control their health. It's better to know," PBC Health Department Director, Dr. Jean Malecki said.
Health officials said Palm Beach County is unique in that their numbers of HIV/AIDS are always high. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, over 230,000 Haitians live in Florida, making the state home to the largest Haitian population in the U.S., followed by New York. At one point, the Haitian community had been blamed for the high numbers but that has changed.
"It's not limited to the Haitian community. Statistically, there is no way of telling if the Haitian female or Jamaican or any other African-Caribbean race is being affected because statistics aren't broken down that way," Tim O’Connor, spokesman for the PBC Health Department said. The statistics show information broken down to White, Black, Hispanic, and other most times.
He said the most troubling fact is that there are 38 new HIV diagnoses each month.
A study conducted in 2002 by the PBC Health Department shows there are hot spots where teen pregnancy rates and risky sexual behavior are highest.
Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Pahokee, Belle Glade, West Palm Beach/Haverhill, Riviera Beach, Delray Beach, Canal Point, Boynton Beach, and West Palm Beach/Greenacres, are areas where women ages 15 to 19 are having babies and engaging in risky behavior.
Additionally, health department officials say women in their childbearing years are the fastest growing group of HIV positive patients. Studies also show in 2002, Black children accounted for 90 percent of the total pediatric AIDS cases in Palm Beach County and the state led the U.S. with the highest number of pediatric AIDS cases.
Estimates show that as many as 25,000 of the 100,000 HIV infected persons in the state don't know their HIV status, information from the Palm Beach County Health Department said.
Comprehensive AIDS Program South County Regional Manager Kai Johnson and Rose Joseph are two of three regional managers that will help coordinate the county testing this month. Johnson said beware of statistics because they don’t tell the whole story.
"At one time there was a large incidence of HIV/AIDS that began with the Haitian community but that hasn't really been true for a number of years now," Johnson said.
CAP statistics show in December 2002, an estimated 5957 blacks (includes African Americans, Haitians, Jamaicans and all Caribbean Islanders) were living with HIV or AIDS in Palm Beach County, representing 67 percent of all those living with HIV/AIDS in the county at that time.
Within the state, 1 in 46 Blacks are affected by HIV/AIDS and one out of 131 people living in Palm Beach County is living with HIV/AIDS.
John Kevin P. (not his actual name) comes from a family of three brothers and two sisters and of them; two of the five are living with HIV/AIDS.
Kevin P., for the sake of his family members, wants to keep his illness quiet, so Kevin is not his real name.
"When my sister was diagnosed it was before the disease had a name. She was diagnosed in 1979," he said.
Her only symptom, he said, was her boyfriend's unexpected death.
By the time the words GRID, (gay related immune deficiency) or, Slim (how researchers said the affected population in Africa referred to the disease), AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and more recently HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) were known, Kevin was had already been diagnosed.
In 1996 at the age of 46, he told his partner about the diagnosis. His partner was in shock when Kevin told him and got retested. Although they are still friends and his partner didn't become angry, he still moved out-of-state. He said he and his partner were having unprotected sex.
"I didn't think I was positive or my partner. The tests didn't always show in those days. The tests were not as sensitive and weren't always picking it up," he said.
Kevin said he wasn't bitter when he found out, he took it in stride. He looks at his disease the same way a person who has heart disease would, he said.
"These things are going to happen. It is to be treated as any other public health concern. Are you not going to have a breast exam because of the public stigma? --No," he said.
The 52-year-old gay, white male is a stroke victim and wants retain some anonimity as he, in his own way, educates others about the disease--which is easier now since he has become disabled after having a total of four strokes.
"My only recover is to be involved. The main thing I'm trying to do is get people to care.
But even with being involved he says there is a stigma attached to having the disease, which is why he stays within the realm of those who walk his same path.
"You have to understand, Palm Beach County is very unique were the only county in the state that has the health care district covers health care not just hospital care. A lack of insurance keeps them from seeking services," he said.
Wednesday June 27 is National HIV Test Day. The Palm Beach County health Department in conjunction with it's community health partners organized a number of sites starting June 24 to June 27 to test for the virus that causes AIDS.
Kevin said this would be the first year since his positive diagnosis that he won't be participating because of health concerns.
"We have seen 450 new HIV infections in each of the last two years. With the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS people need to know their status to be able to take advantage of these advancements and control their health. It's better to know," PBC Health Department Director, Dr. Jean Malecki said.
Health officials said Palm Beach County is unique in that their numbers of HIV/AIDS are always high. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, over 230,000 Haitians live in Florida, making the state home to the largest Haitian population in the U.S., followed by New York. At one point, the Haitian community had been blamed for the high numbers but that has changed.
"It's not limited to the Haitian community. Statistically, there is no way of telling if the Haitian female or Jamaican or any other African-Caribbean race is being affected because statistics aren't broken down that way," Tim O’Connor, spokesman for the PBC Health Department said. The statistics show information broken down to White, Black, Hispanic, and other most times.
He said the most troubling fact is that there are 38 new HIV diagnoses each month.
A study conducted in 2002 by the PBC Health Department shows there are hot spots where teen pregnancy rates and risky sexual behavior are highest.
Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Pahokee, Belle Glade, West Palm Beach/Haverhill, Riviera Beach, Delray Beach, Canal Point, Boynton Beach, and West Palm Beach/Greenacres, are areas where women ages 15 to 19 are having babies and engaging in risky behavior.
Additionally, health department officials say women in their childbearing years are the fastest growing group of HIV positive patients. Studies also show in 2002, Black children accounted for 90 percent of the total pediatric AIDS cases in Palm Beach County and the state led the U.S. with the highest number of pediatric AIDS cases.
Estimates show that as many as 25,000 of the 100,000 HIV infected persons in the state don't know their HIV status, information from the Palm Beach County Health Department said.
Comprehensive AIDS Program South County Regional Manager Kai Johnson and Rose Joseph are two of three regional managers that will help coordinate the county testing this month. Johnson said beware of statistics because they don’t tell the whole story.
"At one time there was a large incidence of HIV/AIDS that began with the Haitian community but that hasn't really been true for a number of years now," Johnson said.
CAP statistics show in December 2002, an estimated 5957 blacks (includes African Americans, Haitians, Jamaicans and all Caribbean Islanders) were living with HIV or AIDS in Palm Beach County, representing 67 percent of all those living with HIV/AIDS in the county at that time.
Within the state, 1 in 46 Blacks are affected by HIV/AIDS and one out of 131 people living in Palm Beach County is living with HIV/AIDS.
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Mixer
I have a special chocolate chip cookie recipie that I have been making for the past 16 years. I started making it when I was expecting my daughter. She is now a teenager but has raved about the cookies to her little brother since he was three. He's now nine.
The thing about the cookies though is that I make a big batch and then freeze the rest so that there aren't too many cookies out there for them to eat at once.
However to make a big batch you'd have to pump iron mixing it by hand. I did once and my shoulder hurt forever. I switched from my electric hand mixer I got at a discount store to mixing it by hand because I couldn't get my hand mixer through the dough after adding the flower.
Last week my children hinted that warm chocolate chip cookies would be nice for Thanksgiving. I said, "O.K." and then I forgot about it. Today, while shopping with mom, I saw this gorgeous Hamilton Beach® Mixer that was available in an array of colors like licorice, sterling, pineapple, apple, sugar and Ultra Marine. I swooned.
With 400 watts of power on my side, I could mix even the toughest jobs--like 9 dozen cookies at once or dough for a huge loaf of bread.
I read about some of the features. It has a professional 2-way rotating head for thorough hands-free mixing (someting anyone who cooks can apprecieate--and don't you hate scraping the bowl when you have a lot in it?), high-performance electronics ensure constant power--I burned out the motor in a couple of hand mixers in my day and 12 settings so that I can really take care of business in the smallest amount of time possible. The stainless steel bowl locks in so it's secure and it has a handle. It has several types of beaters, a splatter sheild and a three year limited warrenty. Another plus is that it's modern so it isn't waking the neighbors with a loud motor.
How much easier would I have it if I had a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer in sugar sitting on my counter. I'd invite people over just to see it. I could place all of my ingredients in the mixer bowl and not have to hold on to the bowl for dear life when I put my hand mixer into it. And I'm tired of that mixing spoon. It's like having one of those old-timey potbellied roller washer (that you could see dotting many porches back in the day down South) and everyone else has the new modern washer.
I mean, I kind of really need the mixer because I do an awful lot of baking--besides cookie dough.
Here is the recipie if you want to give it a try. I triple mine. If you do that too, please use the Eclectrics® Mixer and you will not be sad.
2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups Chocolate Chips or favorite candy
King of Queens
I am stuck like stupid on the King of Queens. I have this strange habit of only liking a show only after it has entered into reruns. There are only so many sitcom shows that have a high quality of writing where, a. it's believeable b. it's funny.
Like tonight this is the one where Carrie's dad Arthur brings home a ping pong table and the dude the works inside the subway booth's girlfriend gets promoted to waitress at the BOWLING ALLEY. How funny is that? Real jobs for a change. Paralegal Delivery Driver, Retirement.
By the way, TV Links has ended and the creator arrested.
Like tonight this is the one where Carrie's dad Arthur brings home a ping pong table and the dude the works inside the subway booth's girlfriend gets promoted to waitress at the BOWLING ALLEY. How funny is that? Real jobs for a change. Paralegal Delivery Driver, Retirement.
By the way, TV Links has ended and the creator arrested.
The Mist
I remember when I first read "The Shining" by Stephen King. It was scary--very suspenseful and it took me a while to get over the fear. A while passed by and I came to see "The Shining" on the silver screen. Like I said, it was a while ago and I can't even remember who I went with but the one thing I will never forget is when Jack's wife went into the study to look at the book. She had been walking on eggshells all of that time and she was snowed in with no apparent way out. And her husband was acting strange. The hotel was acting strange. She felt as if she was there all alone there with her little boy.
What she found there was every woman's nightmare. I will never never forget the fear and panic that went through my body and landed in my gut when she finally saw how completely insane her beloved husband had become. And there was no one to help her.
All of Stephen King's characters have a supernatural edge and have frightened me over the years but The Mist by Stephen King is something else.
Have you ever gotten up early to go to work or whatever and had to drive in heavy fog or Mist? You can't see two feet in front of you and you're driving and all of a sudden you think you see something in front of you and you slow down?
The thing about this movie is that there is something in the Mist. It's the anticipation in the supernatural thriller that is so scary.
The Mist will be in the theaters November 21 but I saw the trailers and once again, it seems as King has outdone himself with those creepy characters. And this time they are all stuck in a grocery store.
The thing about the characters he creates is that they hit close to home. There is a Bible thumper amongst the crowd trying to outlive whatever it is in the Mist, that utters the line ...It calls for blood."
She was talking about the times of sacrifice for sins and ultimately, in the movie, it is believers against unbelievers against what ever it is in that Mist.
I tend to look behind the door a few too many times after each encounter with Mr. King. Go see this movie.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Music lightens your mood and alleviates stress
I'm A Sucker For Your Love [1981/Live In Long Beach, CA]I found another WAR video
Slippin' Into Darkness with Hillary Clinton & Robert Novak
Hell naw...Listen to Gimme More ("Kimme More" Remix) by Britney Spears featuring Lil Kim
Chaka Khan & Rick James - Slow Dancin'
[via FoxyTunes / Chaka Khan & Rick James]
Listen to Can't Hide Love by Earth, Wind & Fire
Listen to Illumination by Earth, Wind & Fire :
Listen to Pure Gold by Earth, Wind & Fire :
Listen to The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire by Earth, Wind & Fire :
Listen to That's The Way Of The World: Alive In '75 by Earth, Wind & Fire :
Listen to The Eternal Dance [Reissue] by Earth, Wind & Fire :
Listen to The Collection by Earth, Wind & Fire :
Listen to That's The Way Of The World/All 'N All/Gratitude (3 Pak) by Earth, Wind & Fire :
Listen to All 'N All by Earth, Wind & Fire :
EL DEBARGE
All This Love20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of DeBargeTime Will Reveal [Single Version]A DreamMAZE FEATURING FRANKIE BEVERLY
Listen to Can't Get Over You (Album Version) by Maze :
Listen to We Are One (24-Bit Digitally Remastered 04) by Maze :
Listen to Lady Of Magic by Maze :
Listen to Reason by Maze :
Listen to While I'm Alone by Maze :
Listen to Southern Girl by Maze :
Listen to Golden Time Of Day by Maze :
Listen to Before I Let Go by Maze :
Listen to Joy And Pain by Maze :
Listen to Happy Feelin's by Maze :
Listen to The Morning After by Maze :
Listen to I Wanna Thank You by Maze :
Listen to The Look In Your Eyes (Live) by Maze :
ISLEY BROTHERS
Listen to this great music from Napster! Click below to hear Hello It's Me by The Isley Brothers, and go to Napster.com to listen to millions of free tracks.
Listen to Make Me Say It Again Girl (Parts 1 & 2) by The Isley Brothers
Listen to Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time For Love) [Part I & 2] by The Isley Brothers
Listen to Voyage To Atlantis by The Isley Brothers
Listen to Look What You Done For Me (2003 Digital Remaster) by Al Green
Listen to I'm Still In Love With You (2003 Digital Remaster) by Al Green
Listen to Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy) (2000 Digital Remaster) by Al Green
Listen to (At Your Best) You Are Love by The Isley Brothers
Listen to this great music from Napster! Click below to hear I Once Had Your Love (And I Can't Let Go) by The Isley Brothers, and go to Napster.com to listen to millions of free tracks.
Listen to For The Love Of You [Part 1 & 2] by The Isley Brothers
Listen to Here We Go Again (Parts 1 & 2) by The Isley Brothers
Mary (Her songs have gotten me through some low points I have purchased My Life several times as I keep scratching the CD)
Listen to Be Happy by Mary J. Blige :
Listen to My Life by Mary J. Blige :
Sade (when sipping on warm (name your liquor) she is Sadie the shady lady) Sade has provided so many hours of comfort with her soulful grooves. I love my lady of soul! How is it that she understands heartache but also the exhilarating heights of love as well? I want to see her in concert--how have I missed so many?)Listen to Lovers Rock by Sade :
Listen to Lovers Rock / Lovers Live by Sade :
Listen to Lovers Live by Sade :
Listen to Diamond Life by Sade :
Listen to Promise by Sade :
Listen to Love Deluxe by Sade :
Listen to Best of Sade (Legacy) by Sade :
Listen to Stronger Than Pride by Sade :
Listen to By Your Side by Sade :
Listen to Diamond Life/Promise/Love Deluxe (3 Pak) by Sade :
Artists I love
Listen to I'd Rather Be With You by Bootsy Collins :
Listen to Back & Forth [Mr. Lee & R. Kelly's Remix] by Aaliyah :
Listen to We Need a Resolution [Album version] by Aaliyah :
Listen to Rock the Boat [Album version] by Aaliyah :
Listen to Aijuswanaseing [Edited Version] by Musiq :
Listen to Juslisen by Musiq :
Listen to Save Room by John Legend :
Listen to Once Again by John Legend :
Listen to Get Lifted Special Edition by John Legend :
Listen to soulstar [E-Album] by Musiq :
Listen to Baduizm - Special Edition by Erykah Badu :
Listen to Worldwide Underground [EP] by Erykah Badu :
Listen to At The Close Of A Century by Stevie Wonder :
Listen to Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I [Reissue] by Stevie Wonder :
Listen to Songs In The Key Of Life (Reissue) by Stevie Wonder :
Listen to Hotter Than July [Reissue] by Stevie Wonder :
Listen to Best Of/20th Century - Christmas by Stevie Wonder :
Listen to Gold by James Brown & His Famous Flames :
Listen to Thank You by WALTER HAWKINS :
Listen to We Fall Down by Donnie McClurkin :
Listen to The Very Best Of Sounds Of Blackness by Sounds of Blackness :
Listen to This Is Christmas by Luther Vandross :
Listen to This Is The Day by Walt Whitman and The Soul Children Of Chicago :
Listen to Live and Blessed by Walt Whitman and The Soul Children Of Chicago :
Listen to At Christmas Time (LP Version) by Luther Vandross :
Listen to Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Luther Vandross :
Listen to This Is Christmas by Luther Vandross :
Listen to The Very Best Of Change by Change :
Listen to Say You Love Me (LP Version) by Natalie Cole :
Listen to Say You Love Me (Album Version) by CeCe Rogers :
SAY YOU LOVE ME BY DJ ROGERS (HE RECORDED THIS IN 1976)
Listen to Love Brought Me Back by D.J. Rogers :
click on the title to view the complete document
Summary: The use of music as a means of inducing positive emotions and subsequent relaxation has been studied extensively by researchers. A great deal of this research has centered on the use of music as a means of reducing feelings of anxiety and stress as well as aiding in the relief of numerous pathologies. The precise mechanism responsible for these mediated effects has never been truly determined. In the current report we propose that nitric oxide (NO) is the molecule chiefly responsible for these physiological and psychological relaxing effects. Furthermore this molecules importance extends beyond the mechanistic, and is required for the development of the very process that it mediates. Nitric oxide has been determined to aid in the development of the auditory system and participate in cochlear blood flow. We show that NO is additionally responsible for the induced exhibited physiological effects. We proceed to outline the precise neurochemical pathway leading to these effects. Furthermore we explore the interrelationship between the varying emotion centers within the central nervous system and explain how the introduction of music can mediate its effects via NO coupled to these complex pathways. Defining Stress The term stress as defined in the strict biological sense is an event or stimulus that alters the existing homeostasis within a given organism [1]. Some theorists now refer to the healthy state as one of stability in the face of change.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)