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May, 2012 – Bringing the “Fresh Air” In – The Virtues of Indoor Plants

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May, 2012 – Bringing the “Fresh Air” In – The Virtues of Indoor Plants

Bryan HayesLiving Green

 

Bringing the “Fresh Air” In – The Virtues of Indoor Plants

 

By Bryan Hayes

 

Ever heard that saying, “mother knows best”? Chances are your mother told you to go outside and get some fresh air. She may not have realized just how right she was, on both accounts. Speaking of mother’s, what does NASA and your mother-in-law’s tongue have in common? More than you might think. And, while you may want your mother-in-law to hold her tongue, but I am here to tell you the more Mother-In-Law’s tongues –  the better in this case.


What I am referring to is the link between NASA’s research on household plants such as Mother-In-Law’s Tongue and the effectiveness of such plants to rid your house of harmful toxins. You may not realize all the toxins that are lurking in your house, or should I say building, new or old because this is not limited to your residence. Your place of business may be just as toxic (and no, I am not talking about your boss and/or your co-workers).

The co-worker who brought their special plant to work with them, and sitting it on their desk may have been on to something. It is not just the oxygen produced from plants that they are finding is useful, but something just as invaluable. Whether it is the carpet, the paint on the walls, or most of the products we use on a daily basis we are constantly surrounded by synthetic chemicals. And, the amount of toxins in our environment is staggering. We literally are living with toxins night and day. Not only that, many of these chemicals are toxic. 

 

 

NASA has been at the forefront of research indicating that household plants are a powerful tool to counter the toxins we live with. It is a pretty easy solution. Call it a detox for your building with the recipe being rather simple. Not to mention you are utilizing a completely natural method to add to your healthy lifestyle. Simply add more live plants to your house. (Sorry but the plastic plants are counterproductive in this case).

 

How many plants are recommended? 15 to 18 plants for an average home of under 2,000 square feet. If you have animals, though, consult with your local expert wherever you buy your plants to ensure that the plants are safe for pets. Some are poisonous to both cats and dogs.

 

Here is an idea. If you are considering a house warming gift for a new neighbor maybe a nice plant would be a welcome gift. Not only will it help make their house look better, it may also help them feel better too. And while getting out and getting some fresh air sounds like a great idea, we often spend a lot of our time indoors.

 

Ironically, I was taking my morning walk just now and one of my neighbors was outside watering his flowers.  He was wearing a dust mask on his face.   Not knowing his condition, or reason for his donning of the mask, I can only speculate why he was wearing it this morning.   It would be quite paradoxical though if he wore his mask because of his perception that because he was outside of his energy-efficient, modern house he was concerned about the environment around him.  As it turns out, it’s the indoor living that might be more dangerous to us all.

 

Bryan Hayes is an actor, amateur photographer, business consultant and full-time lover of all things living.  He will be co-hosting a new show “Greenology 101.”

 

May, 2012 – Miscarriage

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May, 2012 – Miscarriage

laura-ziprisAsk Dr. Z

May, 2012

By Laura Zipris, Psy. D., LMHC

 

Dear Dr. “Z”,

I recently suffered from a miscarriage in my 15th week of pregnancy and I am just devastated.  My husband and I had been trying to have a baby for almost 1 year so when we found out we were pregnant we were ecstatic.   Every day, I was designing the nursery in my head, thinking about baby names, and imagining our family of three.  Since the miscarriage, I have been crying every day.  My husband says he is sad too but feels like I am overreacting.  He is starting to lose his patience with me.  We have been fighting more and more and I feel so alone.  I can’t understand why he is so blasé about the whole thing and he can’t understand why I just don’t move on.  He told me that I should stop feeling sorry for myself and that we will keep trying but I can’t think about trying to get pregnant right now.  I’m too scared and anxious to think about doing this again so soon.

I don’t know how to just “move on” and I don’t want to just “get over it”.  I do, however, want him to at least act as if he cares.

Signed,

Jenny S., Wellington, FL

****

Dear Jenny,

I am so sorry for your loss.  I know that you are in intense pain right now.  Not only are you mourning the loss of your pregnancy, but you are also mourning the dream of parenting this child and growing your family.  The multiple losses you are experiencing make you feel so grief-stricken.   For many, reproductive loss can be so traumatic because it can challenge the fundamental beliefs a person has about themselves, their femininity/masculinity, their relationships, and their sense of belonging in the world. 

Reproductive loss is a very personal experience and people cope with it in very different ways.   Often individuals within the couple feel so alone in their experience and they find it difficult to express their feelings of anger, guilt, fear and pain.  Instead of leaning in to each other at this fragile time, both partners may begin to become critical of one another, lean out, and eventually disconnect.  

Psychotherapy with infertility and reproductive loss is essential for both the individual and the couple.  At its base, therapy can provide a safe place for you to give voice to your experience, which will help you grieve, integrate the depth of your losses, gain more control over the trauma, and begin to move forward.  Couple’s counseling could also serve to help you and your husband deal with the infertility strains on the relationship.   Improved communication can be facilitated through therapy and you and your husband can learn how to honor and validate each other’s experience, as well as how to best support one another through this time in your lives. 

If you are interested, I recommend a support group that I run called “Coping with Infertility and Reproductive Loss.”   There are many benefits from this group therapy that are similar to those I mentioned for individual therapy, but, in addition, you have the added benefit of hearing from others who share similar stories.  This will help you to normalize your experience, help you to understand different perspectives and to gain knowledge from the wisdom of others who have successfully navigated some of these same challenges.  I also recommend you read the book, “Unsung Lullabies”, by Doctors Jaffe, Diamond and Diamond. 

Best of luck to you on your healing journey! 

Dr. “Z”

 

Laura Zipris holds a doctorate in Psychology and is licensed to practice psychotherapy in New York, as well as in Florida. Laura is certified in Imago Relationship Therapy, a transformational approach that has been used successfully with couples around the world to help them to strengthen their partnerships, deepen their connection and reignite their passion for one another. Laura sees individuals of all ages and sexual orientations, couples, families, and groups in her office located in Delray Beach. For more information about Laura, please visit her website at www.drlaurazipris.com or to set up an appointment, contact Laura directly at (561) 558-7815.

Questions for this column should be sent to “Dr. Z” atDrlaurazip@gmail.com.

May, 2012 – The Way I Am

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May, 2012 – The Way I Am

“The Way I Am”

 

Lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson

 

If you were falling, then I would catch you.
You need a light, I’d find a match.

Cause I love the way you say good morning.
And you take me the way I am.

If you are chilly, here take my sweater.
Your head is aching, I’ll make it better.

Cause I love the way you call me baby.
And you take me the way I am.

I’d buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair.
Sew on patches to all you tear.

Cause I love you more than I could ever promise.
And you take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.

May, 2012 – Introducing “Laugh at the Customer!”

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May, 2012 – Introducing “Laugh at the Customer!”

wendell-abern-cantank-yoursCantankerously Yours

 

Introducing “Laugh at the Customer!”

 

By Wendell Abern

 

Dear Potential Laughingstocks,

 

          Be careful!  Soon, you may find yourself an unwitting participant on television’s new virtual reality show:  “Laugh at the Customer!”  The purpose of this game show is to humiliate a consumer who has recently purchased a product from one of the show’s sponsors.  This month:  DirecTV and MDU.

          DirectTV provides television to my entire condo association; MDU (Multiple Dwelling Units) installs the satellite dishes.       

          In early February, I buy a new 50” Plasma TV set.  Now all I need is a Blu-Ray High-Definition receiver so the characters on screen don’t all look like munchkin rejects.

From the hallowed walls of DirecTV and MDU, one can hear, “Gentlemen, start your engines!”

          Before one can talk to an actual human being at DirecTV or MDU, one must first converse with their computers, which have been programmed to ask questions that have nothing to do with why you called.

          I spend more than a half-hour (both companies combined) answering irrelevant queries, then another sixteen minutes on hold (both companies) before I can order my Blu-Ray receiver ($169) and make an appointment for an MDU technician to come install it ($49.50).  

          I now have the most superb picture I’ve ever seen on a TV set.

Shortly thereafter, however, my daughter calls (from Chicago) and insists I need a DVR to record programs.  My son and daughter give me long-distance orders all the time.  Usually, I agree with them, then don’t do what they ask.  This time, however, I agree with my daughter.

DirecTV and MDU executives give me a standing ovation. 

          I call DirecTV and talk to the same pleasant computer.  After 28 minutes, including being on hold, I am able to ask an actual human being how much my DVR will cost. 

“$179.09,” a pleasant young woman answers.

          “I’d like a second opinion.”

          “You’ll only get the same answer.” 

          “Can we just put that on my next month’s bill?”

          “No sir.  We have to receive the money first.”

          “And what if I were your mommy?”

          “I’d have to tell her the same thing.” 

          “Charge my credit card number.”

          The pleasant young woman assures me the DVR will be shipped within one to three days.  And that I have to call MDU to install it.

          After nineteen minutes with MDU’s computer and being on hold, I arrange a date for the installation.  For another $49.50.

          Three days later, Rob shows up as promised, and hooks up my DVR receiver in less time than I had spent talking to his computer. 

That night, I tape my first program.  A late movie.  Watched it the next night.  Delightful.

DirecTV and MDU now kick the game into high gear.

          A week later, I’m watching a very exciting basketball game when my picture freezes.  A message on the screen reads, “Searching for signal from satellite …”

          The picture comes on again about ten seconds later.  Things seem fine.

          Later that night, I’m watching NCIS.  DiNozzo and Zeva are ready to burst through a door where the killer lurks.  The picture freezes, once again telling me my set is searching for a signal from the satellite.  It stays frozen as I call DirecTV.

          When I can finally tell the computer my problem is technical, and follow eleven minutes of instructions to solve the problem (unsuccessfully), I get to talk to a human being.  Cindy.

          “Cindy,” I said, “did DiNozzo and Zeva get the killer?”

          “Excuse me?”

          I explain.  Cindy puts me through other paces the computer hadn’t considered, then says, “Oh, you have a SWIM system.  That stands for “SWM.  You have to call MDU.”

          This is when I realize I am being secretly filmed for some kind of new virtual reality show.

          I call MDU.  Computer.  On hold.  Finally … Harold.

          “Yes sir, we can send somebody out,” Harold said, “but I see there’s an unpaid bill here.  We can’t send somebody out until that’s paid.”

          “But I haven’t even received this month’s bill yet!” I shout. 

          “I’m sorry, sir, but we can’t send out a technician until that’s paid.”

          I tell him to charge my credit card, make an appointment, and three days later, Rob shows up again for another $49.50 installation.

          “Hey, Rob!” I said, ushering him in.  “How are the wife and kids?”

          He smiles, then goes right to work.  When he finishes, he says, “I did what I could, but you have a defective DVR receiver.  These receivers are all on lease.  And most are re-furbished.  I can’t guarantee my fix will work.  Call DirecTV and tell them you want a new receiver, not a re-furbished one.”

          I now name the show myself.  If it’s not called, “Laugh at the Customer,” it should be.         

          I call DirecTV.  After the usual computer-plus-hold routine, I reach a nice young woman named Eileen.
          “Can I help you, sir?”

          “Yes.  Am I winning?”

          “Excuse me?”

          “Oh c’mon, the laugh meter has to be off the charts by this time!  I’ve got to have a sizable lead.”

          “I’m sorry, sir, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

          Finally, I ask her to send a new DVR receiver, not a re-furbished one.

          “I’m sorry, sir, I can’t guarantee you a new one unless you buy it.”

          “And how much would that be?”

          “$499.95.”

          Long pause.

          “Sir?”

          “Oh.  Sorry, Eileen.  I was trying to see if I could hear the laughing.”

“I don’t understand.”

DirecTV and MDU must undergo extensive auditioning to find such convincing actors.

          I pretend like I don’t know I’m being abused, jerked around and laughed at, and order a DVR, hoping I’ll get lucky and receive a new one.  Rob shows up again (another $49.50), installs it and wishes me luck.

          That was yesterday.  Last night, as I was watching the news, my picture froze, announcing, “Searching for signal on satellite …”

          Listen!  Listen, everyone!  Can you hear them?  The laughter is raucous!  It’s deafening! 

And I advise you to not join in.  You might be next.

          Cantankerously Yours,

          Wendell Abern

Wendell Abern can be reached at dendyabern@comcast.net. 

May, 2012 – The Shiba Inu

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May, 2012 – The Shiba Inu

barbaraphillippi1Dog Walkin’ Wellington

 

The Shiba Inu

 

By Barbara Phillippi

 

“I’ve never heard of a Shiba Inu!” As I glanced through tables of goods at a local store, I noticed a young lady, holding a dog, and speaking with another customer. “What kind of dog is she?” the customer asked. I couldn’t hear what she told him, but did hear the gentleman reply, “Really! I’ve never heard of a Shiba Inu.”


Curious, I moved closer, and listened as the dog’s owner explained that the Shiba Inu is the smallest of six breeds of canine native to Japan. It was obvious that Danelle Diachuk enjoyed explaining her dog Foxy’s history, and unique qualities.

The Shiba was first documented in the US in 1954. In the late ’70s, Americans started to import the dog for breeding; the first litter was born in the United States in 1979, and the Shiba Inu was admitted to the AKC Stud Book April 1, 1992. Regular classification followed in the Non-Sporting Group June 1, 1993. 
     -AKC (American Kennel Club) breed registry

 

dog_side_copy

 

 

 

Danelle says that Foxy gets along well with other dogs, and is affectionate with two newly adopted kittens at her barn. She has never shown aggression toward children, but prefers that the young, noisy ones keep their distance; there was an episode where a loud, aggressive child ran up to Foxy, screaming, and squeezed her, and she’s been uneasy with kids ever since.

 

Five year old Foxy is also an excellent guard dog. Danelle is an equestrian who shows in Wellington during the winter months, and often travels back and forth to her home in the Syracuse, NY area. “When we’re in a hotel room, or other strange place, she always finds a position where she can put herself between the door, or point of last entry, and me. And she watches that door.” 

 


Like the Basenji, the Shiba Inu doesn’t bark. That’s right, no yapping terriers here. When these dogs are excited enough to make a noise, “it’s rather like a high yodeling,” says Danelle, or, in extreme stress, they emit something that sounds like a weird “scream.”

 

 

Danelle’s family has always raised dogs, everything from sled dog racing Huskies to Cocker Spaniels. But Foxy is the smartest dog she’s ever seen. “She’s learned hand signal commands that I didn’t even realize I was giving,” says Danelle. She’s also a ham, and knows how to get the kind of attention she’s looking for, at any given moment. 


Until Danelle returns north, she and Foxy can often be found visiting her friend, who owns the boutique ZEST, in the Courtyard Shops, corner of Wellington Trace and Greenview Shores Blvd, near Publix.  She shibainupuppy3invites people who would like to know more about the Shiba Inu breed to stop by, have a look at Foxy, and say, “Hi.”



PS: Yes, there is a Florida Shiba Inu rescue site.
http://shibainu.rescueme.org/Florida


“In a perfect world, every dog would have a home, and every home would have a dog.”

The Shiba Inu has an independent nature, and can be reserved toward strangers, but is loyal and affectionate to owner and family. These dogs adapt well to different living situations, even apartment and condo dwellings, but they are fairly high energy, and must be exercised regularly on leash, or in a secure area.

 

danelle_foxy
She was spot on and accurate. “Descended from the primitive dogs of the ancient people of Japan, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt small wild game, boar and bear. They’re very brave for their size, males 14½ inches to 16½ inches at withers, females 13½ inches to 15½ inches. Average weight is approximately 23 pounds for males, 17 pounds for females.

 

The name Shiba in Japanese means brushwood, after the breed’s hunting terrain, or the color of brushwood leaves in the fall, and Inu means dog. World War II nearly spelled disaster for the Shiba because of bombing raids and rampant distemper, but after the war, bloodlines of the remaining three strains were combined to produce the breed as it is known today.

 

Over a lifetime, Barbara Phillippi has had mostly “normal” dogs – a few German Shepherds and a bunch of wonderful “mutts,” each with its own wonderful, quirky, qualities. For many years, she taught 4-H dog obedience courses, under the authorization of Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension Services. That terrific program teaches the basics of dog behavior, of every breed, to young dog owners. Today she lives in Wellington with three Jack Russell Terriers – Woody, Gracie, and Buck. “These guys showed me a learning curve that I never knew existed!”

May, 2012 – Copacabana at the Plaza Theatre

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May, 2012 – Copacabana at the Plaza Theatre

The Plaza Theatre Brings The Copacabana to South Florida With Glitzy Barry Manilow Show – I Am Music!

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL. – (April 30, 2012) The Plaza Theatre will come to life with the sounds of favorites like Copacabana, Mandy, and American Bandstand, as they kick off their latest show, I Am Music – The Songs of Barry Manilow. The revue style show, directed by award-winning director Kevin Black, will feature eight amazing vocalists and dynamic dancers who will captivate audiences as they perform hits from one of the world’s most prolific and popular adult contemporary singer and songwriters.

i-am-music-8-x-10-23

The storyline revolves around eight friends who reunite and are working to create their own show, based on the music of Barry Manilow, bound for Broadway. The entertainment flows as the friends sing and dance their way through the ups and downs that they go through as they pursue their dreams. You will cheer them on as they rehearse, share memories of their friendships, and through the fruition of their own Broadway show.

 

The show will run Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 10 – 27, 2012. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows will begin nightly at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance is also available at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets for all shows are $42. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call (561) 588-1820 or visit www.theplazatheatre.net.

ABOUT THE PLAZA THEATRE:

The Plaza Theatre, a not-for-profit 250-seat theatre, is home to a variety of light-hearted shows, with an occasional gripping drama, that will please every show-goer. Opened in early 2012 by Alan Jacobson, a Palm Beach Gardens resident who ran the Florida Jewish Theatre for five seasons in the 1990s and then became an independent producer of cabaret shows, musicalrevues and comedies such as If You Ever Leave Me … I’m Going With You and Down the Garden Path, which played at the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, The Plaza Theatre promises lower-than-average ticket prices and is bringing quality entertainment to all. For more information, please call (561) 588-1820 or visit www.theplazatheatre.net.

May, 2012 – Local Student Art Program

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Local Youth Invited to Enter Artwork for New Display in Wellington

 

 

There’s a new opportunity for youthful Wellington artists to see their creations on public display! The Village is teaming up with the Wellington Art Society for the “Student Art Program,” which puts youth artwork on display at the Wellington Community Center and Village Park Gymnasium.

 

Elementary school students who either live in Wellington or attend a Wellington school are invited to deliver their original works of art to the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard, Suite 100) on Wednesday, May 16th between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. The exhibit will open the following day on Thursday, May 17th and the artwork will be on display for a four-month rotation ending in September 2012. The Wellington Art Society will select the artwork for the exhibit.

 

Information and entry forms with program dates and guidelines are available from the Wellington Art Society (561-795-1691) as well as art teachers of Wellington’s elementary schools.

 

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.

May, 2012 – Peace Photo Competition…Open to All

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The Rotary Club of Wellington Photographic Competition Open to All

Each year The Rotary Club of Wellington, as part of its Peace Initiative Program holds various competitions within area schools and organizations. These include Poster, Poetry, Essay and scout merit badge competitions.

A key competition is also in photography, where participants are asked to submit a black and white or color photograph depicting an image that represents “multi-cultural understanding” or “conflict resolution” as it applies to world peace.

Usually the local schools photographic classes and clubs take part. While they will again compete this year, the Rotary Club is inviting any local amateur or professional photographer to compete as well.

The photograph can be still life or live action shot. All photographs should be 8.5X11 and mounted on a standard display frame. Names and contact details should appear on the rear of each submission. The competition runs through Friday, Sept. 7th. The winners will be chosen and announced the following week by the Rotary Club Peace Initiative Committee. Prizes will be awarded at the Rotary Club Peace Day Celebration on the evening of Friday Sept.21st at the Rotary Peace Park on Fern Drive near the main library. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will be $150. $100. $50 respectively. The winning photographs will be on display at the event and along with some honorable mentioned photos will then be shown at various local public spaces over the following weeks.

For further information and submission of photographs please contact Larry Kemp. Rotary Club of Wellington Peace Committee at

Everyone is invited to compete in this area wide competition. Get out those cameras!

May, 2012 – Dreams Everlasting

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May, 2012 – Dreams Everlasting

Dare To Dream

Dreams Everlasting

By D. Gatekeeper

Hello Dreamers!

Trayvon Martin with his father
Trayvon Martin with his father

With the Trayvon Martin case being inescapable and ubiquitous, I started thinking about the aftershock of someone’s life when it is cut short and taken unexpectedly. As more information is revealed about the case, a mosaic starts to form and come together. Several perspectives are provided and a robust account of his life is produced. As he becomes more real to me, I wonder about his future and potential. This leads me to think about his legacy and dreams.  Does a dream survive and live on or does it die with the person? The answer lies in the support system of the fallen one.

 

In situations such as these, I have seen families of the victim rally and come together. They have been able to bundle the momentum and energy around them and use it as a spring board to heal, grieve, and become advocates to their particular cause. I hope this to be the case in this situation. Beyond the family’s own devastation and coping with their loss, a bigger opportunity is created. With this case receiving so much attention, it opens up dialogue between people and discussions can be started to find out why this tragedy took place. Our humanity is something that should be constantly evaluated and questioned. It’s at the very core of who we are.

I hope that people take to heart and learn from this by conducting a self-examination. We must review the following questions. Are we passive or active when it comes to learning about people who are different from ourselves? Are we knowledgeable or ignorant of stereotypes? It continues with each individual asking themselves, “Am I the change I want to see in the world?”

Afterthought:  A dream can always live on and survive if it is allowed to be shared among others and its message resonates within them. That leads to two important questions. Who do you tell your dreams to? Who is in your support system?

We are always looking to profile people making a difference and making dreams come true for themselves and others. Please submit stories (for possible use) to nomad4lifex@yahoo.com.

D. Gatekeeper is the curator of the blog State of Dreams. State of Dreams explores the universe of dreams and the power they contain. Through them we can imagine and create. State of Dreams will premiere in Fall 2012. D. Gatekeeper can be reached at dgatekeeper@stateofdreams.com.  © 2012 State of Dreams.

May, 2012 – Great Strides to Cure Cystic Fibrosis

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May, 2012 – Great Strides to Cure Cystic Fibrosis
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