Walking on the beach in the early morning is a great way to start the day.There is something refreshing about the smell of the ocean, the majestic beauty of the beach and the sheer sanctuary and peaceful feeling of being out in the open air.
Recently, as Hurricane Irene was far enough off shore to not really cause a stir, the beach was a popular destination.Some people came for surfing, photographers came to capture the moment and others came simply to enjoy the waves.I stood on the sand completely mesmerized at how calm it was and, yet, how devastating the storm could have been.
As the sun glistened off the water, I happened to notice a little creature scurrying about my feet and figured it was a crab.Having my phone with me, I switched it to camera mode and was beginning to take a picture when I realized it was moving too fast to be a crab.After closer investigation, I realized that it was a newly hatched turtle trying to make its way into the ocean and onto the new adventure that then awaits him.
This particular turtle was moving straight toward the water, not even aware that I was standing there.The closer he got to getting to his destination, the water would ease him back and he would have to try again. It was a lesson in perseverance as it took multiple attempts before he finally made it.Just as he did, I noticed another turtle swiftly scampering across the sand although this one was quickly swept away by the first wave that it touched.I looked back towards the nest and marveled at the distance traveled for such a small creature.And even though they made it to the ocean, it does not necessarily mean they are going to “make it.”
For a turtle, the journey has just begun.Chances are it will have a short life expectancy as “only an estimated one in 1,000 to 10,000 will survive to adulthood.” (See “Survival of the Sea Turtle”). They experience all sorts of natural threats- not too mention man – has increasingly become a major risk to their health and well-being.
While we artificially light up the night to provide lighting for driving, to help us feel more secure, to beautify the landscape – it also comes at a price.Environmentally, 20% of all hatchlings die because of lighting.Night lighting alters the natural balance of the turtle’s system.Not only do the lights affect turtles but also mammals, birds and even humans.This is the reason why cities have lighting ordinances limiting lighting at night.
Along with lighting, other major man made detriments to turtles include feeding of predators such as foxes and raccoons.The feeding increases their populations, and the foxes and raccoons feed off young hatchlings.Also, long-line fishing is a danger, because turtles get caught in the nets.
Considering that only 1 in every 1,000 to 10,000 eggs make it to adulthood, it was a pretty amazing site seeing not one but two turtles.I am always marveled by the ways of nature, and all the circumstances it takes for an animal to survive in the wild.It equally marvels me how we humans can alter the natural balance of things in ways that most of us do not even realize.
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.”
O Autumn, laden with fruit, and stain’d
With the blood of the grape, pass not, but sit
Beneath my shady roof; there thou may’st rest,
And tune thy jolly voice to my fresh pipe,
And all the daughters of the year shall dance!
Sing now the lusty song of fruits and flowers.
‘The narrow bud opens her beauties to
The sun, and love runs in her thrilling veins;
Blossoms hang round the brows of Morning, and
Flourish down the bright cheek of modest Eve,
Till clust’ring Summer breaks forth into singing,
And feather’d clouds strew flowers round her head.
‘The spirits of the air live in the smells
Of fruit; and Joy, with pinions light, roves round
The gardens, or sits singing in the trees.’
Thus sang the jolly Autumn as he sat,
Then rose, girded himself, and o’er the bleak
Hills fled from our sight; but left his golden load.
No one in my family ever met Mulroy.To this day, none of them realizes how much he affected their lives.
Throughout the Chicago advertising agency community of the 60s, Mulroy enjoyed a reputation as the most creative practical joker in the city.
I had been working for three months as a green, naive copywriter,when I became a victim of one of Mulroy’s pranks.
One day, Jim – the art director partnered with me – asked me to join him and his old friend, Mulroy, for lunch.
“He’s the best art director in the city,” Jim said, “and the biggest practical joker in the country.”
“Does Mulroy have a first name?”
“Everyone calls him Mulroy.He hates his first name.”
“What I hate are practical jokes.”
“I wouldn’t mention that to Mulroy.Last guy who told him that had to try explaining to his management why Uno’s had delivered six dozen large sausage pizzas to the agency.”
“Wonderful.Can’t wait to meet him.”
Heeding his warning, I did not utter three sentences at lunch.
When we returned to the agency, Jim invited Mulroy up to his office.
I rode the elevator with them up to the sixteenth floor.My office was on the seventeenth.The elevator was still packed with people when Jim and Mulroy stepped off.Then, just as the elevator doors were closing, Mulroy turned around and said to me, “By the way, how’d you make out on that sodomy charge?”
A few chuckles, one sneer and many stone faces as I stammered about Mulroy being a big practical joker.
Now, I would never pull such a stunt on anyone.However, a few years later, after hearing of many other Mulroy pranks, I decided it might be fun to perpetrate a few Mulroyisms on my own family.But all in good fun, of course.
Ma.
A close friend in my monthly poker game had just been named one of the top 100 executives in the country.Big party.Big celebration.
Entire poker crew was there, along with wives, kids, parents and sundry friends.My mother, who had come to town for her annual visit, was invited also.
After an hour or so of socializing, I heard a loud voice, shouting, “Where’s that no-good son o’ mine, I’m ‘onna kill ‘im!”
My brother, standing next to me, recognized ma’s ire as soon as I did, and started laughing.“Over here, ma!” he yelled.Sure.The innocent one.He knew he hadn’t done anything.
Ma came barreling through the crowd like a road plow, all five foot-one of her ready for battle.If she had been a cartoon, smoke would have been shooting out of her ears.
“I’m ‘onna kill ‘im!” she shouted.
“What’d he do this time, ma?” my brother asked, still laughing.
Reaching us she said, “Your darling little brother has been telling everyone I’m hard of hearing!They’re all shouting at me!I didn’t understand why all these people were so loud and obnoxious until a woman started working her way around me and said, ‘Maybe you can hear better in your left ear.’”
I was going to explain it was all Mulroy’s fault, but I knew ma wouldn’t understand.Never heard the end of that one.
My brother.
We had a bet:who could lose the most weight in two months.We went to a restaurant with three other couples.My brother said, “I’m having whatever you’re having.”
“Fine,” I said.“I’m having the lasagna with a side order of two Italian Sausages and the tiramisu for dessert.”
“But we’re on a diet,” he said.
“C’mon.It’s only one night.”
Later, after we’d all ordered, I slipped away – allegedly to go to the bathroom – and gave a few dollars to our waiter.As pre-arranged, he brought everyone else’s meal first.Then he set down my brother’s plate, laden with a two-inch high lasagna and surrounded by two thick hunks of Italian sausage … followed by my plate, which contained three peas and
a carrot.
“What the hell is that?” my brother asked.
“My dinner.We’re on a diet, remember?”
“I’m ‘onna kill ‘im!” my brother said.Everyone laughed.
But my brother knew me well.He started clinking his glass with his spoon, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Pay no attention to my brother’s diet plate,” he said.“When he gets home, he’ll eat two big salami sandwiches.”
He was wrong.I ate three.
Aunt Ruth.
My mother lived in Minneapolis.Aunt Ruth (her sister) in Chicago.Each year, they exchanged two-week visits to each other.
One year, I was the only one in the family available to drive Aunt Ruth to the airport for her annual visit to my mom.They were both around 80 at the time, both with severe arthritis.
I picked up Aunt Ruth, drove to O’Hare and, because she could hardly walk, contracted for a wheelchair to get her onto the plane.
They permitted us down the jetway first, and the flight attendant helped me settle Aunt Ruth into her seat.Then I drew the attendant aside.
“A word of caution,” I said.“Try not to let my Aunt Ruth see the captain or co-captain.”
The flight attended chuckled.
“What are you telling her?”Aunt Ruth yelled from her seat.
Whispering, I continued, “She sees a man in uniform, she goes bananas.”
“Don’t listen to a word he says!” Aunt Ruth shouted.
“Last time she flew, she slipped the captain a note with her phone number, her address and her bra size.”
The flight attendant laughed.“I’ll make sure to protect the pilots,”
she said.
I turned to Aunt Ruth.“I was just telling her to get you a wheelchair when you arrive.”
“What’d he tell you?” she asked the flight attendant, who could not stop laughing.
“He just asked me to take good care of you,” she said.
“Yeah, sure.I’m ‘onna kill ‘im!”
I kissed her good-bye, and winking at the flight attendant, said, “Aunt Ruth, if a soldier or sailor happens to sit down next to you, keep your hands to yourself.”
The flight attendant turned her back to hide her giggles.
***
Nowadays, I think … at one time or another, everyone in my family threatened to kill me.Not one of them knew Mulroy even existed.And that it was all his fault.
Cantankerously Yours,
Wendell Abern
Wendell Abern can be reached at dendyabern@comcast.net.
Thinking about an article for November reminded me of Thanksgiving and turkey dinners. I became tired instantly! So I thought this is a great way to introduce this very common issue in the general population. Most of the information below comes from my trusted AAFP articles.
Excessive daytime sleepiness is one of the most common sleep-related patient symptoms, and it affects an estimated 20 percent of the population. Persons with excessive daytime sleepiness are at risk of motor vehicle and work-related incidents, and have poorer health than comparable adults. The most common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness are sleep deprivation, obstructive sleep apnea, and sedating medications. Other potential causes of excessive daytime sleepiness include certain medical and psychiatric conditions and sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy. Obstructive sleep apnea is a particularly significant cause of excessive daytime sleepiness. An estimated 26 to 32 percent of adults are at risk of or have obstructive sleep apnea, and the prevalence is expected to increase. The evaluation and management of excessive daytime sleepiness is based on the identification and treatment of underlying conditions (particularly obstructive sleep apnea), and the appropriate use of activating medications.
Common Causes of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Cause
Primary hypersomnias of central origin
-Narcolepsy
-Idiopathic hypersomnia
-Other rare primary hypersomnias
Example: Kleine-Levin syndrome
Secondary hypersomnias
-Sleep disorders
Sleep-related breathing disorders
Excessive daytime sleepiness secondary to obstructive sleep apnea
Behavioral sleep deprivation
Especially common in adolescents and shift workers
Other sleep disorders
Includes circadian rhythm sleep disorders, sleep-related movement disorder
-Medical or psychiatric conditions
Medication effects
Includes prescription, nonprescription, and drugs of abuse
Psychiatric conditions
Especially depression
Medical conditions
Includes head trauma, stroke, cancer, inflammatory conditions, encephalitis, neurodegenerative conditions
note: Hypersomnia due to secondary causes is much more common than primary hypersomnia.
You can use this questionnaire below to determine your risk:
Patient Health Questionnaire: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
A test score in excess of 12 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale or a patient history of falling asleep while driving are clear indications that further evaluation and work-up are required. If you believe you are at risk and suffer from Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, please consult your primary care provider. A good history and physical including a review of all medications (Rx and OTC) can be helpful in determining the possible cause. Blood work in some cases is helpful and there’s always the potential to be referred for a sleep study and/or a sleep disorders specialist. Just know that you are not alone, and you don’t have to go through life in a sleepy fog! Ask for help.
As always, if we can be of help, please contact Family Medical and Wellness Center at (561) 721-1953.
Founded in 1973, Thomas & Pearl, P.A. knows injury law – inside and out. Their attorneys, paralegals, support staff, and investigators are trained accident and injury law experts. “If you are a client with us, we are by your side every step of the way protecting your rights and fighting to get our clients every dollar they deserve. Because we have been around for so long, we know how to fight to get you every dollar you are entitled to,” says Elissa Pearl of Thomas & Pearl. They have over 100 years of collective experience representing injured victims and their loved ones. They never charge a fee unless they win your case.
The Law Firm of Thomas & Pearl
Client Andrew Jimes says, “I have been a client of Thomas & Pearl for several years. They have been great help in dealing with my car accident and injury case disputes over commissions with my broker, and several personal matters where in every case I found them top notch and honest in their dealings. I received settlements in time and they have dealt with very difficult people and difficult cases, but they came through with great results. I have recommended Thomas & Pearl to many of my clients.”
Elissa Pearl, who has been with Thomas & Pearl as a lawyer for ten years, answered a few of our questions.
AW: What is unique about what you do? What makes you stand apart from others with the same type of law firm?
We stand out from other injury law firms because at Thomas & Pearl you are treated like a person, never like a number.We are with you every step of the way.Also, we have been around for 38 years helping the injured and their loved ones get the money they deserve. Most of the injury lawyers now have cropped up overnight, and because of that – they may not know the full value of your case.
AW: Describe the scope of services that you provide.
We handle all personal injuries, accidents, slip and fall, product liability, workers’ compensation (work-related injury), truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, elevator/escalator injuries, burns, catastrophic accidents, death, dismemberment, negligent security, medical malpractice, and all other types of accidents and injuries.
Further, Thomas & Pearl has a separate department that handles wage and overtime claims, such as not being paid overtime for all hours worked over 40 hours in a week, or not being paid minimum wage. Our website gives more information. www.HelpWhenInjured.com
AW: How long have you been doing this?
Founded in 1973, the injury lawyers at Thomas & Pearl have over 100 years of collective experience in successfully representing accident victims. We know your rights, and we fight for you. Knowledge of applicable Florida law and experience in dealing with insurance companies for 38 years allows us to recover all the damages which you are entitled to for your injuries. Insurance companies have their lawyers – accident victims need theirs. We have offices in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, and we represent clients throughout Florida and the United States.
AW: What is the most challenging thing about this practice?
Getting the insurance companies to do what is right to compensate our injured clients in a timely manner. We accomplish our goal, but often with a huge battle to get what our clients deserve.When you are hurt and in pain, or can’t pay your bills because you are injured and can’t work, it is up to us to fight for every dollar you are entitled to. We never stop fighting for our clients. No battle is too small or too big when it comes to getting an injured victim compensation.Our number one mission is to get accident victims the compensation and justice they deserve.
AW: What do you think your clients appreciate the most?
At Thomas & Pearl, we know that our clients appreciate our absolute devotion and commitment to their needs and, of course, a successful outcome. We know how to get an injured victim every dollar they deserve.
AW: What’s something the average person doesn’t know about personal injury (and workers’ comp) that you wish they knew?
The average person does not know that for both personal injury and workers’ compensation (work-related injuries), at Thomas & Pearl you pay us nothing unless we win.
Also, the insurance companies have lawyers on their side, it is important that an injured victim has someone fighting for their rights.In fact, Thomas & Pearl is known as the injury law team that “Fights For You.”
When someone is injured in a car accident, for example, they may sustain injuries that seem minor but that can actually affect them in later years.
When someone slips or falls in a supermarket, street, mall or anywhere else, call a lawyer immediately so your rights can be protected.
When an employee is injured on the job, few employees know their rights. They do not know that they have a right to see a doctor or that they get compensation for time missed from work.
AW: Tell us about your attorneys and their areas of expertise.
Our attorneys are experts in injury and accident law. That’s what they do- everyday- 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.They know the law and they know how to fight hard to get someone injured all the compensation they deserve.
AW: How does Thomas & Pearl get involved in the local community?
The attorneys and staff at Thomas & Pearl take great pride in the work they do within the local community. We support our local public schools, raise money for charitable organizations, donate to our local hospitals, work hard to improve local and state laws, and we give our time and resources to a variety of charities, including but not limited to various animal rescue groups, Cystic Fibrosis, Special Olympics, cancer research and various children’s organizations.
AW: Anything else you would like to mention?
Visit our website at www.HelpWhenInjured.com for more information. Our toll free number is 1-877-FLA-INJURED (1-877-352-4658). If you are unable to come to us, we will come to you. There is always a FREE consultation, and there is never a fee unless we win your case.
DO’s AND DON’Ts OF CAR ACCIDENTS:
DO’s
1.STAY AT LOCATION OF THE ACCIDENT AND NOTIFY THE POLICE.
You may think that you have not sustained any injuries, however many of our clients find that sometimes symptoms do not appear until days after the accident. You must notify the police while you are at the scene of the accident so that a report of the incident is completed. If, for whatever reason, you have left the scene of the accident and did not make an accident report, it is in your best interest to call the police promptly and request to make a delayed report.
2.GATHER INFORMATION AT THE SCENE FROM ALL PARTIES AND ANY WITNESSES.
It can be several days before the accident report is filed by the police and available for you or your attorney. Having contact information from the other parties and any witnesses, as well as insurance information from the other parties will assist you in filing a claim with the other parties’ insurance company.
3.CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYER.
It is crucial that car accident victims hire an aggressive attorney who is experienced in Florida injury law.
4.GO TO A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
The injury attorneys at Thomas & Pearl will help you arrange appropriate medical care, and to manage your care while your claim is pending. It is important that your physical complaints are documented as soon as possible after the accident.
5.KEEP DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL CARE.
Throughout the medical care you receive for your injuries, keep records of dates, the name of the doctor, what was done, what medications were prescribed, and what was discussed. If you do not feel well enough to maintain this information, ask a friend or family member to do it for you.
6.TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS.
It is always a good idea to document the accident with photographs. Take photographs of the damage to your motor vehicle (or to the vehicle that you were a passenger in) BEFORE it is repaired or totaled, the circumstances at the scene of the accident, and any noticeable injuries that you have suffered. It is a good idea to take photographs of any skid marks on the road, damage to property, or other evidence of the collision at the scene of the accident. Also, most cuts and bruises will begin to heal immediately, so try to take pictures of these visible injuries immediately.
7.KEEP YOUR ATTORNEY INFORMED OF DOCTOR VISITS.
Remember to call your lawyer after every medical appointment and inform them what happened at your doctor visit.
DON’Ts
1.DO NOT TALK TO ANYONE AT THE SCENE.
Basically, anything that you say can and probably will be used against you. So, other than to call the police, provide the police with your identifying information, as requested, obtain contact and insurance information from the other party or parties, and obtain the names and addresses of any witnesses, you should avoid speaking to anyone at the scene of the accident.
2.DO NOT SPEAK TO ANY INSURANCE COMPANIES, INCLUDING YOUR OWN.
An insurance adjustor may try to contact you before you hire an attorney to represent you. They may attempt to get a recorded statement from you, or your statement under oath, to use against you at a later time. They may also attempt to get you to enter into a settlement agreement before you recognize how seriously you have been injured. It is important to note that you are required to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident has occurred, and it is in your best interest to hire an experienced Florida automobile accident lawyer who will do that on your behalf. It is best that you limit your direct contact with the insurance company. In the event you personally notify your insurance company about the accident, you should inform them that you have retained legal counsel and refer them to your car accident lawyer.
3.DO NOT ADMIT ANY FAULT IN THE ACCIDENT TO ANYONE.
4.DO NOT COMPLETE ANY FORMS OR DOCUMENTS REQUESTED BY ANY INSURANCE COMPANY WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING LEGAL ADVICE.
Remember, after you file a claim your insurance company is not your friend- they are on the opposing side. Do not give them any forms or documents without first seeking the advice from your injury lawyer.
5.DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING SENT TO YOU BY ANY INSURANCE COMPANY WITHOUT FIRST SEEKING LEGAL ASSISTANCE.
An insurance company may request that you sign a release. In essence, if you sign such a form you may be barred from bringing any additional claim arising from the accident, even if it is later determined that you have sustained a serious injury. Also, an insurance company may request that you endorse a check, which can also prevent you from bringing any further claim arising from the accident. It is important that you seek the advice from an experienced injury lawyer before signing anything from an insurance company, including but not limited to forms, checks or documents.
Objective: To share quick recipes kids can make on their own with little to no adult supervision.
Requirements: A positive attitude, a desire to learn, and a HEALTHY appetite!
November, 2011 – Pumpkin Pie
In my opinion the perfect ending to Thanksgiving dinner is a delicious slice of Pumpkin Pie.
I love pumpkin pie because it is creamy, but not too sweet.
It’s so easy to make pumpkin pie — wait till you see how fast it is.
You can use canned pumpkin if you don’t want to spend the time preparing an actual fresh pumpkin, which is what I ALWAYS do. For this recipe you will need a small bowl, a large bowl, a pie pan, a whisk, and a knife.
Please ask an adult to preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Here are the ingredients you will need:
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 eggs
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
1 pie shell
whipped cream
Start off by getting your sugar and spices ready. Mix sugar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and a little bit of salt. Then prepare the wet ingredients in a large bowl. Crack two eggs and beat well (don’t forget to wash your hands every time you handle raw eggs). Stir in the pumpkin. Whisk up the eggs and pumpkin until they are nicely blended and then add the sugar and spices. Mix really well…can you smell the sweetness and spices? Once you have mixed well, add the evaporated milk. There will be a lot of liquid in the bowl, so mix it really slow to begin with till you start to get the liquid mixed in really good. You’ll know your finish stirring when it’s one solid color – you don’t want to see any swirls – stir until it’s one solid creamy color. You’re done! Now just pour your filling into your pie crust carefully.
Have an adult place the pie into the oven — remind your helper to stay steady and to carefully slide in the pie! Bake the pie at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and bake the pie for another 40 to 50 minutes. Have your helper check the pie after about 40 minutes with a knife — if the knife comes out clean, your pie is ready!
Once your pie is baked, you can eat your pie warm or at room temperature. I like my pie with whip cream. Yummy!
Sofia I. Sanchez is seven years old. She aspires to be a future baker and bakery owner. She loves baking and cooking in her kitchen at home and invites other kids to do the same
As we make our way through life’s journey, everyone has their way of handling stress. Exercise. Meditation. Playing board games with an imaginary friend. I personally like to lie up to my neck in a tub of coleslaw and listen to my Bird Calls of the Cajun Bayou CD. But hey, that’s me.
Stress is one aspect of modern life that never seems to dwindle. On the contrary, at last count we had a 17-year surplus of it and are pumping out more fresh batches daily. For me, it starts early in the morning when I check my email. I log on with visions of greetings from long lost pals or perhaps a message from a rich relative ready to turn over the $200,000 he’s been holding for me.
Instead, I find offers to lower my car insurance, improve my memory, grow thicker, more luxurious hair, and make big money in my spare time as a traveling nurse. The traveling nurse offer sounded intriguing, but I hate the sight of blood. Especially when it’s coming from my wallet.
While technology was suppose to make our lives simpler, it’s only speeded up the rate of harassment. Take car repair. I use to own a sports car that every once in a blue moon would cut out on me without warning during highway driving.
One minute I’d be sailing down I-95 singing along with the radio, the next I’d be shrieking whoawhoawhoawhoa and trying to get a stalled-out, rapidly-decelerating car over to the shoulder. Each time I took it to the shop, they found nothing.
“It’s probably a glitch in one of those computer chips all the new cars have,” the mechanic would speculate. “But unless it’s doing it when you bring it in, it’s impossible to trace.”
“It only happens at high speeds,” I complained. “It’s hard to get it to you while I’m busy stunt driving out on the interstate and trying to keep my life from becoming a sad headline.” (“Man Loses Control of Car, Leaves Behind Questions.”)
“Sorry dude,” the mechanic shrugged. “Those computer chips are a bear.”
While technology keeps turning up the tempo on all-out aggravation, the leading cause of stress is still other people. Some that stirred up my insides recently include:
The woman who hopped on her cell phone in a store aisle to blurt out “What’s up? Nothing much. I’m in Walgreen’s buying Q-Tips.”
The guy across from our house who has nothing better to do than sit on a lawn chair in his garage every day staring out at the street. (I can’t prove it, but I think he’s causing property values to fall.)
The teen who thinks his taste in music is so impeccable that he shares it with everyone within a 50-yard radius by cranking his car stereo up to a level that causes the enamel to fall off your teeth.
I could go on and on, but you get my point. Since annoying, stress-inducing people are everywhere, avoiding them isn’t the solution. The real secret to achieving serenity is to cultivate a state of mind that prevents bothersome people or situations from rattling your nerves. It all comes down to learning what’s in our power to control and what is not. Here’s a handy serenity checklist I’ve devised to sidestep confusion:
Things Under Our Control: Ourselves.
Things Not In Our Control: 1.) The world 2.) All the people in it.
There. I hope this enlightened philosophy helps you adapt to stress more efficiently and find lasting happiness and peace-of-mind in turbulent times.
If not, lying naked in a tub of coleslaw for awhile is bound to take the edge off.
From January to December, 14% of the year is spent celebrating a holiday. Nationally recognized events such as Thanksgiving and Veteran’s Day are what most Americans associate with the month of November.
There are so many more dates that many people fail to be aware of. For instance, hardly any people know that November 10 is the birthday for the U.S. Marine Corps or that International Men’s Day is on November 19. There are numerous events that are still underrepresented by the American population.
The American Cancer Society is marking their 36th Great American Smokeout on November 17 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. In the United States, 45.8 million people are regular smokers; the ACS is making a huge effort in reducing that statistic to a much lower number. More citizens should get involved with this program to support all those that are trying to make a difference in their lives.
In 2000, a number of courts and communities in the United States came together to finalize thousands of adoptions of children from foster care. National Adoption Day, also recognized on the 19of November, has had over 35,000 children adopted during this event.
A more familiar date that many consumers are keen on is Black Friday. The day right after Thanksgiving when thousands, maybe millions, of shopper spill out the doors of department stores in the early hours of the morning to get a thrifty deal. Some rather expensive products like laptops and televisions are reduced to half price or more. It is quite a challenge to get one’s desired merchandise before the rest of the hungry consumers get to it first. It is a battle field that declares war at about 5 a.m.
A more recent observance that makes the fight for a great price a bit less stressful is known as Cyber Monday which takes place right after Black Friday. Aggressive shoppers can still get those immense bargains, but from the comfort of their own home. Coupon codes and free shipping ads plaster the internet and it is becoming a popular trend amongst buyers.
November is most certainly a jam-packed 30 days. Celebrating more than just what is recognizes as a nationalized event is something that can give the calendar just a little bit more meaning.
Stephanie Courtois is a senior at Wellington High School. She is involved in tae kwon do, French, National and Chemistry Honor Societies, and is the Editor-in-Chief of her school newspaper. She loves journalism and plans to continue working for a magazine in her career after college.
The landscape of the United States is vast and varied and there is no better way to experience it than with a transcontinental journey. Climb aboard a train and you will not only experience the magnificent vistas that comprise this great country, you will savor delicious meals, sleep to the rhythm of the train rolling along the rails and encounter interesting people along the way. Recently I was fortunate to experience all of this aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder route westbound from Chicago to Seattle. Allow me to share my adventure with you, it may inspire you to plan a train adventure of your own!
Scenes Along the Way
The journey from Chicago to Seattle aboard the Empire Builder lasts approximately 45 to 46 hours barring delays and travels through Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Washington.The original Empire Builder was inaugurated by Great Northern Railway on June 11, 1929.The route was named in honor of railroad tycoon James J. Hill who reorganized several failing railroads in the Great Northern Railway and extended the line to the Pacific Northwest in the late 19th century.
Tickets may be purchased for travel in coach cars or sleeper cars.We chose a deluxe bedroom in a sleeper car for our adventure – and since this is a train with limited space it was definitely an adventure! The seats folded down into berths for sleeping and the room was equipped with a tiny little bathroom compactly equipped with a toilet/shower combination.Tip #1: Be careful which button you push – if you mess up you might end up showering instead of flushing the toilet!Tip #2:Travel with someone you like, really like.
Reserving a sleeping car not only provides some privacy and more space than coach, the price includes three delicious meals and excellent personal service. Each sleeper car has an attendant and we were fortunate to have Stan. An Amtrak employee for 35 years, Stan has mastered the art of personalized service.He also provided lots ofstories and entertainment along the way! Each member of the crew worked tirelessly to ensure the comfort of the passengers and to create a memorable trip.We were treated to a wine and cheese tasting on the second afternoon featuring wines from Washington State wineries and cheese from Wisconsin farms.Trivia questions of all types were asked with the prize for a correct answer being a bottle of the wine just sampled.Of course with a bottle of wine up for grabs, I miraculously developed a knack for trivia!
Big Sky Country, Montana
On the final morning of our journey, we conquered the Cascade Mountains in Washington.As you might expect, finding a way to get a train over the Cascade Mountains presented early explorers with a significant challenge.With the threat of avalanches in the winter, going through the mountain was the best possible solution prompting the construction of the original Cascade Tunnel in 1900.The tunnel was 2.7 miles long and was used in conjunction with several zigzagging switchbacks to get trains through Stephens Pass in the Cascade Mountains.Still plagued with the problem of avalanches, a new Cascade Tunnel was built and put into service in January 1929.The new tunnel extends through the mountain range for 7.9 miles making it the longest railroad tunnel in the United States.
Amtrak offers several routes for transcontinental and regional travel.In addition to the Empire Builder, routes include the Lakeshore Limited traveling between New York and Chicago, the City of New Orleansrunning between Chicago and New Orleans, the Southwest Chieffrom Chicago through Albuquerque and on to Los Angeles and the Coast Starlight proclaimed as one of the most scenic rides anywhere from Seattle through Portland and down the California coastline to Los Angeles.Pick an area you want to see and Amtrak will take you there.
Dining car on the Empire Builder train
All types of people travel by train.We met retired couples who were finally taking that train trip that had always talked about.There was a doctor on board from Minneapolis who travels by train across the country to attend operas in cities from New York to Seattle.One Washington man had traveled with his family on several of Amtrak’s transcontinental routes and spent time indestination cities all over the country by purchasing a 45 day rail pass.We also met Jess and Allen from Tennessee who were on a father/son adventure for Allen’s senior year in high school – which I thought was particularly awesome.There are lots of reasons and seasons for planning a train adventure – maybe it’s the season for yours!www.amtrak.com
Terri is a freelance writer with regular columns on travel, chocolate and bar reviews. She is busy each month visiting new places to bring unique travel destinations and events to you. Yes, it is a sacrifice – but she is willing to do that for her readers! You can see more of Terri’s writing at www.examiner.com where she is the National Chocolate Examiner and at www.barzz.net. You can contact Terri at terri.marshall60@gmail.com
I have a 4-year-old son, Jake, and he can be a very picky eater.He eats only a hand full of items, like chicken nuggets, waffles, and French fries.Jake doesn’t eat any green vegetables and will eat carrots on occasion, only if they are raw and he can dunk them in dressing.Jake just doesn’t seem that interested in food and we are constantly battling and making deals like, “If you take two more bites, you can have dessert.”He does like his dessert so that usually works.I also bribe him that he can watch TV while he eats but that I will turn the TV off if he is not eating.That also seems to help.I am just not sure if I am doing the right thing and I am getting sick of the battle and of making him a separate meal every night.I am also getting concerned because my 2 ½ year old, who used to love his food, is starting to copy Jake and is now refusing to eat some of the things that he used to eat.What should I do?
Signed,
Julie M.
****
Dear Julie,
I am sure many Moms can relate to the “picky eater” and the “food battle.”There are a number of changes that you might consider making to shift the energy around meal time and the power struggle that you have gotten yourself into with your son.Before you consider making any changes you need to make sure that Jake has had a physical and that he is growing and gaining weight as expected.If this is the case, you can start to feel more comfortable that he is getting enough nutrition.
To begin to change the meal time dramas, keep in mind the first rule of thumb, which is that YOU provide the routine and the structure for his eating.YOU set the times for the 3 meals and the 2 to 3 snacks that he will eat each day.Try to stick to this routine so that Jack knows he will not be “grazing and snacking” all day long but that he will be eating every two to three hours during the hours he is awake.
YOU also get to choose what is on the menu.Present a range of foods more than once, even if Jack sometimes refuses to eat anything on the plate.When appropriate, give Jack controlled choices, such as “Do you want waffles or cereal for breakfast.”Just use caution with this because you do not want to become a short-order cook.If chicken, broccoli, and mashed potatoes are on the menu for dinner, then don’t make him a completely different meal.A controlled choice in this instance is “Do you want butter or cheese on your broccoli or would you like it plain.”
When presented with the food, JACK then gets to decide whether to eat it or not to eat.Try to avoid arguing or being critical about what he eats so you don’t battle over food.If he chooses not to eat, remind him that he will not get any more food until his next scheduled “snack” or “meal”and stick to it!When he refuses to eat a meal, feel comfortable in knowing that skipping one meal will not harm healthy kids.Studies have shown that a child may eat very little or nothing at all during a meal, but he will make up the nutrition later that day or later in the week.Again, I want to reiterate this advice is only for children or have been determined to be healthy according to their pediatrician.
Sometimes, we fill a child’s plate and feel as if they have not eaten enough at the end of the meal when in actuality, they have eaten the right amount for them.When thinking about portion size, a good guideline to go by is approximately 1 tablespoon of each type of food per year of a child.Typically, children know when they are hungry and full and use these cues to properly control food intake.When we encourage them to ignore these cues, with statements such as “Eat three more pieces of chicken and then you can be done”, they may learn to override this internal message.Similarly, when we allow them to watch TV while they eat, they are distracted and often do not cue in to their internal messages of satiety.
Lastly, on the topic of dessert, know that dessert does not need to be offered at every meal or every day.In addition, dessert doesn’t only have to be cookies or cakes, it can also be fruit.Some ideas to consider are:
·It is not always advisable to make your child finish all of their dinner before dessert because they may be full and will eat dessert anyway (ignoring their own satiety).
·Withholding dessert if your child doesn’t eat may not always be the answer because your child will come to value dessert above all other nutritious choices which can impact eating patterns for life.
·If a child rushes through meal time to get to dessert, try offering dessert with the meal.
Remember, change can be hard at first and you can expect Jack to resist.But, if you are consistent, he will eventually come to accept his new normal and you may even find that his palate broadens.Good luck and best wishes for more stress free meals in your future!
Signed,
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 offices located in Wellington and Delray Beach. In addition to her psychotherapy practice, Dr. Zipris works part time as a licensed school psychologist for the Palm Beach County School District.
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Travel with Terri
Reserving a sleeping car not only provides some privacy and more space than coach, the price includes three delicious meals and excellent personal service. Each sleeper car has an attendant and we were fortunate to have Stan. An Amtrak employee for 35 years, Stan has mastered the art of personalized service.
