November, 2010 – Happy Thanksgiving

A Letter from the Editor

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November 1, 2010

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Letter from the Editor

November, 2010

Dear Around Wellington Readers,

Happy November and Happy Thanksgiving!

The holidays are here again, and if you’ve already noticed that you’re gaining a few pounds, check out “Ask the Docs” this month. They address the ongoing problem of holiday weight gain – with some very helpful tips!

While gathering around the Thanksgiving table is a joyous occasion for some, it’s done with plenty of hesitation in some families. How many families are considered “dysfunctional” anyway? Possibly 9 out of 10? So it helps to be grateful for the little things, the tangible things you can come up with, as writer Shakira Muneswar points out in “Mommy Moments” this month.

How many hours of TV do you watch a day? No matter what your answer is, you’ll find Alan Williamson’s “Curling Up with a Good TV Show” interesting and, as always, very funny in “As I Was Saying!”

Catch up on your Astrology forecast this month with Karola Crawford’s “Astrology at Work in Your Life.” See what the stars have in store for you!

It’s been said that the only two certainties in life are death and taxes. And Juan Cocuy points out that this is a good year to die, if you happen to have a lot of money (strictly from an accounting point of view). In “By the Numbers,” he also takes a look at what could happen in the coming year (especially to the middle class) and the expiration of Bush tax cuts.

If your “little star” is interested in being on stage, there’s a terrific place for kids (and adults too) called Standing Ovation Performing Arts. I was happy to interview founder Erin Coley this month and find out more about her successful performing arts studio for our “AW Spotlight” story. Also see a short “Video” of a sample acting exercise for the 5-6 year old group at Standing Ovation. Click on their ad on the right side of our website for a free trial class and tell them you saw it on AroundWellington.com!

In “Cantankerously Yours,” Wendell Abern takes us back to his first date and his first kiss in “Women :A Lifetime of Beffudlement.” Thanks for making me laugh every month, Wendell!

Hey parents – don’t forget to see “Kids’ Corner” for a helpful listing of all of the local restaurants with “Kids Eat Free” days! Thanks to Shawn Thompson for updating this list each month!

Hey dog owners – our “Pet Talk” expert Frances Goodman has some good advice for potty-training a newly adopted dog. See “The New Dog has Potty Issues” and share the link with friends who might find it useful too. Sometimes a few simple steps can help a dog adjust to a home and can also prevent the worst case scenario, sending the dog back to the shelter.

In “Ultimate Productivity,” organizational expert Claudine Motto addresses the problem of distractions that can get in the way of getting work done at your home-based business. As usual, her tips are good for anyone in business, although they’re especially directed toward business owners. See “Quiet Your Internal Chatter to Focus and Get More Done.”

Special to AroundWellington.com this month, writer Valerie Lee J. explains her own “Sense of Style” and gives a few tips for those who don’t know where to begin when it comes to picking out a wardrobe. See “AW Stories of the Month.”

Each month our Cultural Corner writer Marla E. Schwartz brings us great news about what’s going on around us in the world of theater, film, books and more. She interviews actor Paul Tei of the hit show “Burn Notice” and also talks to him about his founding of the Mad Cat Theatre Company. See “Cultural Corner.” She also introduces us to the many talented authors who will be coming to the Miami Book Fair International this month. See the story under “AW Stories of the Month.”

Our really great contests continue! Between Nov. 1^st – 10^th, please visit our “Contest” page for contest guidelines. In brief, just find the hidden “AW Contest” inside one of the ads on the right side of our website! The winner will be posted on AroundWellington.com on Oct. 11^th. The winner will get a one-hour massage at Massage Envy in Royal Palm Beach in the Costco Shopping Center!

Thanks for everyone’s contributions toward our November content! As usual, I’m only giving you the “tip of the iceberg” here because there are so many more good articles! We are proud to offer a content-rich site, thanks to many local writers who offer their wit and wisdom each month!! Please see below for the latest stories, photos and videos!

Around Wellington in Pictures

As I Was Saying

Ask the Docs

AW Spotlight

AW Stories of the Month

Birthdays

Cantankerously Yours

Contest

Cultural Corner

Health & Fitness

Kids’ Corner

Lighten Up with Lisa

Ultimate Productivity

Videos

Hope you had a Happy Halloween! Don’t forget to vote on November 2^nd. And while I’m expressing my gratitude during this month of giving thanks, I’d like to thank our wonderful advertisers and our faithful readers! And I also would be nuts if I forgot to thank our terrific intern Damon Webb for all of his hard work! And while I’m at it, thanks to my husband Joe for helping with the accounting, infrastructure-type things with the website and general advice.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

Cheers,

Krista Martinelli

Editor

AroundWellington.com

November, 2010 – Judgement Day

Lighten Up with Lisa

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November 1, 2010

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Lighten Up with Lisa

Judgment Day – It may come sooner than you think.

By Lisa Dawn Wax

If you judge people, you have no time to love them. – Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa’s words are so simple and yet so profound. Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines the verb “to judge” as to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence. Ironically, however, I believe that most people judge others without careful consideration of evidence. Most people are hasty in their impressions of others and judge them without evidence to actually support the judgment being made. Another definition states that to judge is to decide upon critically. This further worsens the judgment by not only jumping to a conclusion, but also jumping to a negative conclusion. I’m sure all of us are guilty of passing judgment at one time or another. It seems to be human nature to judge what is different or what we don’t understand. These irrational judgments are based solely in fear. All of us want to feel safe and loved and occasionally when we come across someone else who may appear to threaten those very necessary, basic emotions, we immediately judge them and label them so that we can safely put them in a place that no longer poses a threat. But, just as Mother Teresa proclaims, I’m here to say that it is far better to come from a place of love than a place of fear. Shifting our focus from fear to love is the key to practicing a life without judgment.

Judge not lest ye be judged. – Jesus Christ

How do you feel when you know someone has passed an unfair judgment upon you? Perhaps there was a time when you were having a bad day and inadvertently were rude to someone. Their immediate response, most likely, was to think you were a mean person. Most people don’t think to ask, “Is everything OK with you today?” They just know that they felt hurt when treated badly and they respond in kind. It is a fear-based reaction to a fear-based stimulus. What came first the chicken or the egg? I think that most of us judge others in retaliation of feelings, new and old, of being judged. However, while this may explain the behavior, it certainly does not excuse it. If you do judge someone unfairly and you realize it, don’t hesitate to apologize for it. In doing so you benefit yourself as well as the other person and may very possibly create a chain reaction for more healing.

If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.

Michael Jackson –“Man in the Mirror”

So if passing judgment seems to come naturally to most of us as an unconscious, fear-based, behavior, how do we start to change that to a conscious behavior of love and eradicate, or at least minimize making judgments? The first step is to acknowledge change is desired and necessary. The next step is to start from within, as the first person to stop judging is you. On a spiritual level we have our True Self and our Ego Self. Our True Self is in constant alignment with Divine Spirit – God, and Love. Our Ego Self is governed by judgment, guilt, and fear of the material world. Honor and love your True Self, whomever he/she may be, and do not fear judgment from others by doing so. Let go and release all self-judgment. Be true to your own happiness. When you take responsibility for your own happiness, you take back your power for your own happiness. Recently I have started to work more and more with the Archangels, or Chief Messengers of God. Archangel Zadkiel, whose name means “righteousness of God” and is considered the angel of mercy because of his role in stopping Abraham from sacrificing his son, Isaac, as an offering to God, can help you to let go of judgment by seeing the Divine light within your True Self and others, instead of focusing on the Ego Self. All that you have to do is ask him and allow him to help you. It’s really that simple.

At judgment day a man will have to account for all the good things he might have enjoyed but didn’t. – Jewish proverb.

Don’t wait for the proverbial judgment day before you give yourself a life review. At regular intervals, from time to time, whenever it feels right, look at your life. Not to judge it, but to learn from it. A life review allows you to recognize and account for specific behaviors, actions, spoken words that you may wish you had done differently, so that if a similar situation presents itself again you have a second chance to make positive adjustments and do it another way. The aforementioned Jewish proverb is one of my favorites because it reminds us that to experience joy is one of our essential missions here on earth. It is written throughout the Talmud, the Jewish book of laws, that it is our duty to be joyful. We must pray with joy, we must express joy; we must live a life of joy. If we are centered in love and focused on joy, there is little room left for fear and judgment. So where as Mother Teresa said, “If you judge people you have no time to love them.” I say, “If you love people, you have no time to judge them.”

Until next time, may your days be brighter and your lives be lighter.

Lightworker Lisa

Let me ignite the light in your life!

If you would like to submit a question for publication, you can email me directly at lisa@lightworkerlisa.com.

A Lightworker is someone with an innate ability to know and heal. Lightworkers believe it is their divine mission or higher purpose to write, teach or counsel others about spiritual teachings. Lightworkers are souls who volunteered, before birth, to help people learn about love and heal from the effects of fear. Lisa Dawn Wax, aka Lightworker Lisa is a born Lightworker, certified Angel Healing Practitioner and Reiki Master Practitioner; all of which basically confirm her intuitive abilities to help, heal and teach. Using reiki (energy healing), guided meditations, divine messages and intuitive readings, she has helped many people to identify the source of their pain, clarify current life situations, and successfully redirect their focus into positive channels. If you are in need of affordable healing and life coaching with immediate results, call her at 561-594-3948 or visit her website www.lightworkerlisa.com.

November, 2010 – Women: A lifetime of Befuddlement

Cantankerously Yours

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November 1, 2010

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Cantankerously Yours

Women: A Lifetime of Befuddlement

By Wendell Abern

Dear Fellow Fogeys,

I consider it unreal, surreal, unbelievable, absurd, ridiculous and mind-boggling that I graduated from high school 60 years ago. It’s just not fair. My health is great, and I don’t feel a day older than 70.

However, a cruel e-mail I received a few weeks ago reminded that I have now entered my dotage; it announced a 60^th year class reunion next year, of Hyde Park High School’s graduating class of 1951.

High school. The thought conjures up countless memories.

Mostly of girls.

* * *

Until the age of twelve, I had been whatever the precursor was to “geek,” “nerd” and “dweeb.” Oh, I played a lot of touch football and softball, but I also read voraciously. If not a book a night, at least five books a week.

Then, shortly after my twelfth birthday, I discovered girls. Didn’t read another book for five years. Girls fascinated me. Mystified me. Most of all,

they terrified me.

It was, therefore, that I faced my first “date” with great trepidation.

My mature cousin of fourteen insisted that now that I was thirteen years old and a man (according to Jewish tradition), I must go out on a real date. With her friend from camp, Connie, visiting from Minneapolis, and arriving in two days.

“She starts high school in the fall,” my cousin said. “She’s really cute. You’ll like her.”

Saturday afternoon. I arrived at my cousin’s on time.

“This is Connie,” my cousin said, introducing me to a mini-version of Debbie Reynolds.

“Hi!” Connie said, dazzling me with a smile.

I tried not to gawk. I wanted to tell her she looked just like my favorite movie star. I wanted to say something funny. Or smart. Something mature, to impress her.

I said, “Hi. Do you think the White Sox’ll win the pennant this year?”

My cousin covered her face with her hands. “He’s not always like this,” she said. As Connie and I left, my cousin kicked me.

I took her to an afternoon movie. Shortly after the movie started, she leaned over and put her head on my shoulder. After twenty minutes or so, she whispered, “Aren’t you going to put your arm around me?”

I was in love. To this day, I have no idea what movie we saw.

After the movie, I suggested a walk along Chicago’s lakefront and she said she would love that.

Summertime in Chicago. A cloudless, balmy late afternoon. Dusk nestling quietly over the lakefront. We strolled to The Point, where everyone gathered to swim and socialize. I wanted to show her off, but there were only a few other couples, unaware of anything but each other.

We were holding hands.

“Can I kiss you?” I asked.

She said, “Sure,” and launched herself. She “flang” her arms around me, pulled my head against hers and rammed her lips against mine. My hair stood up, my eyes popped open, and I had no idea where I was.

Then Connie pulled away and said, “Don’t ever do that again.”

“What? What?”

“You never ask a girl if you can kiss her.”

“What? What?”

“You just kiss her. You’ll know when the girl wants you to. Like in that movie we saw today.”

“What? Wha – ? Wait. How? How will I know?” I refused to confess that the only girls I’d kissed had been during Spin the Bottle and Post Office.

“You’ll know,” Connie said. “Just pay attention. I dropped so many hints today you never should have asked me.”

How come she knew all this and I didn’t? She was twelve! Or was she really 33? How come I was thirteen, but more like nine?

I saw Connie again twice before she returned home. Her last night in Chicago, we attended a party together. After taking her back to my cousin’s house and kissing her good-night, I said, “Will you marry me?”

“What? What?”

“I want to marry you.”

“I’m twelve years old! I haven’t even started high school yet!”

“But – but – “

“Listen, write me from Chicago, okay?”

Given my thirteen-year-five-day old maturity, I decided it best not to tell her I wanted to father her children.

* * *

Wondering if Connie were even still alive, I replayed this painful scenario to myself when Fran called.

Fran, my first girlfriend after Connie, now lives in Florida too. I had been invited to a party at Dick Sabul’s house. I had met Dick only once. Good-looking guy; the heartthrob of every girl in the freshman class. I hoped for an evening of Connie Revisited.

When I arrived, Dick ushered me into a tiny apartment, and I was surprised to see only two girls. I didn’t know either of them. Dick introduced them to me as Trixie and Fran. With my crack sense of observation, I immediately determined that Fran must be my date for the night since Dick and Trixie were climbing all over each other.

“Who else is coming?” I asked.

“This is it,” Dick said. “Just us.”

What? What? He said a party. Four people makes a party?

Before I had chance to reveal my ignorance by asking anything, Dick said, “I’m putting on some records.”

Sinatra. Naturally. I took Fran’s hand, and we danced for perhaps thirty seconds when the lights went out.

“Oh oh,” I said. “You must have a short or something, Dick. But wait, the record player’s still going.”

Trixie and Fran giggled.

“He turned out the lights,” Fran whispered to me.

“Oh.”

How come everyone knew everything, and I didn’t?

Employing lessons from Connie, I kissed Fran, and she responded.

I was learning. Fran and I remained boyfriend-girlfriend for all of three weeks, when I found myself smitten with Joan, who sat behind me in English, and Fran had fallen for Al. We remained friends, even though I insisted Al wasn’t good enough for Fran because he looked like an anchovy.

I went out with many different girls during the rest of high school, but I never overcame my bewilderment. In fact, to this day, women befuddle me.

Recently, I received an e-mail from Jackie (femme fatale from fifth grade to this day), asking me if I intended to come to the reunion. After corresponding with her by e-mail, I started wondering if a column about high school memories might be of interest.

* * *

I consider it unreal, surreal, unbelievable, absurd, ridiculous and mind-boggling …

Cantankerously Yours,

Wendell Abern

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

November, 2010 – Curling Up with a Good TV Show

As I Was Saying

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November 1, 2010

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As I Was Saying

Curling Up With a Good TV Show

By Alan Williamson

FACT: Americans on average watch close to four hours of TV a day.

FACT: Those who skimp on personal hygiene and sleep are able to increase their TV viewing to over six hours a day.

FACT: Overuse of the word “fact” as an attention-getter causes readers to glaze over and wonder what’s on TV.

I was wondering the same thing as I restlessly whooshed through my 132 channels the other night. I slowed down just often enough to stumble on the following actual examples of inspired TV programming for highly selective viewers like myself.

There are at least four shows where people redecorate a room in someone’s home without permission while the homeowners are away. The home design hit squad – which appears to include a helpful neighbor or relative with a spare key — makes intuitive decisions about what the homeowner would really like. Of course, how can they go wrong choosing a wallpaper border with dancing broccoli spears on it or a shade of pink paint that resembles professional strength drain declogger?
Then there’s a program where has-been celebrities live together in a lavish house and try to get the best of each other during various games, activities and testy verbal exchanges. The exposure they gain may be their ticket back from oblivion because, be honest: Don’t you secretly miss the chick with the glasses from Beverly Hills 90210 or the rapper who had that one hit song 13 years ago?
Another show has people sharing the details of their juiciest dreams and receiving expert analysis on what they mean. Interpretations range from not having gotten laid since the Reagan administration to being a woman trapped inside a man’s body. Either way, tough luck Gunther, and please enjoy these lovely unisex parting gifts.

As a man with a finger on the pulse of pop culture and another finger on the remote, I see what’s going on here. We don’t want TV shows that just provide diversion or entertainment. We hunger for programming that expands our view of the world and ourselves and enriches our lives. With that in mind, I offer my fellow viewers a bold new wave of breakthrough shows whose time has come.

Dancing Down the Stairs. Riding the coattails of Dancing with the Stars, this riveting spin-off features B-list celebrities attempting to gracefully waltz, salsa, tango, fox trot and rumba their way down one of those elevated grand staircases that are part of the set design on many award shows. Demanding a blend of dancing skills, athleticism and coordination, contestants are judged on how smoothly they descend the stairs while maintaining the integrity of the designated dance style. Points are deducted each time a celebrity stumbles or falls and any fall resulting in a loss of consciousness (no matter how brief) is cause for automatic elimination.

Beyond Cell Range. This heart-stopping drama chronicles the plight of cell phone users who drift outside of call range for up to an hour at a time. Where are they? When will they resurface? Have they been abducted? If not, why aren’t they answering their frickin phone? Mysteries abound in this chilling depiction of high anxiety in a high tech world. Episode 1: Billy Ray goes ice fishing.

Lotsa Lotto. Patterned after The Weather Channel, this 24/7 resource keeps tabs on lottery developments throughout the country. Updates point out trends to keep on eye on such as “large jackpots are forming in the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic States, and the numbers 19 and 41 have been popping up in drawings in Florida, Tennessee and Texas.”

Food for Thought. Say goodbye to cooking shows with elaborate recipes for curried goat jambalaya and marbleized mocha tarts. What America craves is a no-fuss show about food too fascinating to eat. Don’t miss the Idaho grandma with the collection of potato chips that resemble Biblical figures. Or the Vermont CPA with the giant zucchini he used to hit the winning homer in the merchants and vendors softball game.

The Rumor Mill. At last, a one-stop shop for unconfirmed scuttlebutt where one can hear who might be hot, cold, gay, broke, canned, banned, fed up, strung out, caught red handed or down for the count. For the latest news on Charlie Sheen or Amy Winehouse keep it right here!

The Yellow Smiley Face News Hour. Nightly news can be grim at worst; uncertain at best. Things will seem a bit less troubling when reported by TV news anchors wearing yellow smiley face masks. Picture this being read by Mr. Smiley: “Health care costs are up, the stock market is down, and global warming has raised the temperature under my mask 1 degree in the past hour.” See? Much better, right?

If you’re worried that all this innovative programming could increase your idle time, ask yourself one question. In the final hours of your life, do you really want to look back with regret and think I wish I had watched more TV?

All right then. Now hand me that remote and stop fidgeting.

***

Alan Williamson is an award-winning writer with 27 years in the field of true fiction (advertising). A practical man who knows that writing for a living is risky going, he has taken steps to pursue a second, more stable career as a leggy super model. Alan can be reached at alwilly@bellsouth.net. © 2010 Alan Williamson.

November, 2010 – The Effect on Taxpayers of the Expiration of the Bush Tax

By the Numbers

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November 1, 2010

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November, 2010 – The Effect on Taxpayers of the Expiration of the Bush Tax

By the Numbers

The Effect on Taxpayers of the Expiration of the Bush Tax Cuts

By Juan Cocuy

By the printing of this, the election season will have come to an end, expired, as what will happen soon to the Bush Tax Cuts. If you are like me, you are probably so sick of the finger pointing between Democrats and Republicans. Throw in the mix a prominent independent, Charlie Crist, and a new faction/party, the Tea Party, and it has been nastier than ever with the accusations of who is at fault for the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Possibly hanging in the balance is the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003, otherwise known as the “Bush Tax Cuts.” Because a major portion of this act “sunsets” on December 31, 2010, Congress and the President are going to be in a battle for what needs to be done. If these cuts are allowed to expire, tax rates will go back to previous higher rates.

Throughout local and national contests, this election season has been a brutal war of accusations and negative campaigning. Even though both Democrats and Republicans are savagely opposed on many issues, the one issue that they seemingly agree on is that taxes should be reduced for the middle class. If the Bush Tax Cuts expire, however, this is not going to happen, they will, in fact, increase. If nothing is done, the lowest tax bracket will increase from 10% to 15%. The top rate will go from 35% to 39.6%. This means that a taxpayer in the lower brackets will pay a few hundred more in taxes and those in the higher brackets will owe thousands more. For instance, a family with taxable income of $25,000 will have to pay $1,250 more in taxes. That is easily one mortgage payment. A family with taxable income of $150,000 will have to pay approximately $7,000 more in taxes. That could be a family’s mortgage payment for 2 or three months plus groceries and gas.

Child tax credits, which many people rely on to lower their tax bill, are being cut in half from $1,000 per child to $500. Other areas that will impact the middle class include the reinstatement of the “marriage penalty” and the increase in capital gains tax and tax on corporate dividends. Capital gains will go from 15% to 20% and tax on dividends will go from 15% to ordinary tax rates. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to conclude that this will have a negative impact on the economy as discretionary income will be cut and, therefore, less money will be available for consumer products, both discretionary and necessary. Savings and investments will decline and as a result, the stock market may have another bear market.

Estate taxes are also scheduled to return to as high as 55%. This year, 2010, was the last year of the phase out period, and estate taxes actually got to a zero rate. This means, if you are very wealthy, this is a good year to die. (Everyone knows that George Steinbrenner saved his family $385 million in estate taxes by kicking the bucket this year.)

If Congress and the President lock up and can’t get a bill passed, we will be stuck with the above. Or, they could decide they need more time and extend the Bush Tax cuts another year. Barring a miracle that results in actual cooperation from both sides of the aisle and the President, these two appear to be the likely outcomes. President Obama and others are convinced that they need to tax the “rich,” those making more than $200,000 per year. The problem is that by doing so business owners, entrepreneurs, etc., those who create jobs will be hurt. The economy currently needs to create more jobs not reduce them, so raising taxes is probably not the answer. In any event, maybe after all these candidates are done slinging the trash at each other, maybe they will get to work on something that will get the economy back on track. Ah, wishful thinking.

As usual, if you have any questions on this or other topics, please feel free to call me at 561-793-1927.

Juan C. Cocuy CPA

About Cocuy, Burns & Co., P.A. Located at 12400A South Shore Boulevard, Cocuy, Burns & Co., P.A. is the only full-service CPA firm in the western communities. We have been in business for over 20 years and provide a full menu of services to the professionals and businesses in our area including tax compliance and planning, auditing and consulting. We can be reached at 561-793-1927 or by visiting www.cocuyburns.com.

November, 2010 – Understanding Cholesterol Numbers

Health & Fitness

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November 1, 2010

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Health & Fitness

Understanding Cholesterol Numbers

By Cheryl Alker

We all understand that we should get our cholesterol levels checked regularly but why and what do all the figures mean? How do our cholesterol levels affect our health and wellbeing? If we are told our levels are high, how do we bring them down?

Cholesterol levels should be measured at least once every five years by everyone over the age of twenty.

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. As your blood cholesterol rises, so does your risk of coronary heart disease. If you have other risk factors (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) as well as high cholesterol, this risk increases even more. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing coronary heart disease. Also, the greater the level of each risk factor, the more that factor affects your overall risk.

When too much LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances, it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible.

The screening test that is usually performed is a blood test called a lipoprotein profile. Experts recommend that men aged 35 and older and women age 45 and older be routinely screened for lipid disorders. The lipoprotein profile includes:

· LDL (low density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called “bad” cholesterol)

· HDL (high density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called “good” cholesterol)

· Triglycerides (fats carried in the blood from the food we eat. Excess calories, alcohol, or sugar in the body are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the body.)

LDL Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase your chances of getting heart disease. That is why LDL cholesterol is referred to as “bad” cholesterol. The lower your LDL cholesterol number, the better it is for your health. The table below explains what the numbers mean. Low density lipoproteins (LDL’s) carry circulating blood fats from the liver to the bloodstream and are therefore a significant indicator of coronary artery disease.

LDL Cholesterol	LDL-Cholesterol Category
Less than 100	Optimal
100 – 129	Near optimal/above optimal
130 – 159	Borderline high
160 – 189	High
190 and above	Very high

HDL Cholesterol

When it comes to HDL cholesterol — “good” cholesterol — the higher the number, the better it is for your health. This is because HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease by taking the “bad” cholesterol out of your blood and keeping it from building up in your arteries. The table below explains what the numbers mean. High density lipoproteins (HDL’s) remove unwanted fats and cholesterol from the tissues to the liver for removal.

HDL Cholesterol	HDL-Cholesterol Category
60 and above	High; Optimal; helps to lower risk of heart disease
Less than 40 in men and less than 50 in women	Low; considered a risk factor for heart disease

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food and the body. A high triglyceride level has been linked to the occurrence of coronary artery disease in some people. Triglycerides are another type of fatty substance in the blood. They are found in foods such as dairy products, meat and cooking oils. They can also be produced in the body, either by the body’s fat stores or in the liver. People who are very overweight, eat a lot of fatty and sugary foods, or drink too much alcohol are more likely to have a high triglyceride level and have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Triglycerides	Triglyceride Category
Less than 150	Normal
150 – 199	Borderline high
200 – 499	High
500 or higher	Very high

Total Cholesterol

Your total blood cholesterol is a measure of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and other lipid components. Doctors recommend total cholesterol levels below 200. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced naturally in our liver and other organs. We also absorb cholesterol from food that comes from animals such as meat, poultry, fish, seafood and dairy products, especially egg yolks. Our bodies need a certain amount of cholesterol to make cell membranes, insulate nerves and to produce hormones. Too much cholesterol however, can affect your health.

Total Cholesterol	Category
Less than 200	Desirable
200 – 239	Borderline High
240 and above	High

SOURCES:
The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, American Heart Association

Cheryl Alker specializes in flexibility training, core strength, facial exercises and postural alignment. Her 27-year career began as a group fitness and personal trainer. She has lectured and directed fitness training programs in both Europe and the USA and was an advisor for a British governmental health promotion program. Alker and her company, Stretch Results International, continue to work with a select clientele from a base in Palm Beach County, certifying health professionals in her results-based stretching program, educating consumers through public speaking and offering consultation to clients who wish to lose their muscular pain and gain flexibility to achieve full and active lifestyles. Her program has been accredited with the National Association of Sports Medicine, American Council of Exercise, National Strength and Conditioning Association and Florida Physical Therapy Association. For more information, please call Cheryl at (561) 889 3738 or visit www.stretchresults.com.

November, 2010 – Quiet Your Internal Chatter to Focus and Get More Done

Ultimate Productivity

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November 1, 2010

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Ultimate Productivity

Quiet Your Internal Chatter to Focus and Get More Done

By Claudine Motto

If you’re a home-based business owner, finding ways to minimize interruptions and staying on task is key to getting things done. Usually, the focus is on the interruptions that come at you from the outside – but what about those that come at you from the inside?

The internal chatter of other things you need to do, remember to do, or want to do can be just as loud and disruptive to your focus as the ding from e-mail or the ringer from your phone. While there isn’t a way to turn off the thoughts in your mind the way that you can turn off your phone, or disconnect from the Internet, there are a few simple but effective ways to keep the internal chatter to a minimum and keep it from derailing your plans:

Start with a clear mind – you can’t expect to be able to focus for very long if you have thoughts and to-do’s tugging at you. At the beginning of the day and any time before you plan on working on a project, write down everything that’s on your mind – including any e-mails you need to return. This may seem like double work if you’ve already got a to-do list, and you “know” there’s e-mail in your inbox waiting for you to deal with it – but if these things are swimming around in your head, releasing them onto paper is what makes the difference.

Get the facts – if capturing your thoughts on paper doesn’t rid you of the nagging feeling that you need to take care of all those things now or you won’t be able to get them all done by the end of the day, pick the 3 tasks that are most nagging you, estimate how long they will take you to do, and ask yourself – “if I get to these things at x time, will I realistically have time to take care of them?” If the answer is yes, acknowledging that may be enough to relax you and keep the chatter from popping up. If the answer is no, reprioritize – what could you postpone? Or what do you need to get off your plate before you can truly focus? Sometimes the best thing you can do is actually do whatever’s bothering you.

Acknowledge the pull – if you think of something you need to do and are tempted to break away from what you’re doing to take care of it, ask yourself if it can wait, or if you’re using it just as an excuse to get into your e-mail, or to distract yourself. In other words, what are you craving? Sometimes acknowledging that the “to-do” is just an excuse will be enough to pull you back. Other times, you might decide to break your focus regardless – if that’s the case, say why: “I’m bored, so I’m using this as an excuse to go on Facebook. I’ll check for 10 minutes and get back on track because…(and fill in why it’s important to get back to what you were doing)” – saying this can help you stick with your intention of keeping the distraction short.

Take baby steps – if you try to focus longer than your mind is comfortable (or capable) there will come a point when it’s just impossible to stop the chatter. Long blocks of focused time aren’t better than short spurts – what counts is the quality of your focus – so work with what works for you. Reduce how long you try to focus by 15 minutes at a time until you get to your sweet spot.

Break the monotony – shift positions, get up from your chair, look away from your monitor, take a few minutes to stretch – a little physical movement keeps you from getting bored and it’s a mini-refresher for your mind. You’re not a machine – take breaks frequently.

Eliminating outside distractions is important, but it’s only half of the equation – learn to quiet your internal chatter to truly maximize your ability to stay focused, on track, and accomplish what you set out to with your day.

Claudine Motto works with women entrepreneurs who want to create more success, flow, and joy in their home-based business. For more information about her coaching and consulting services, or for tips on how to create more success and joy in your business, go to http://www.vistalnorte.com or “like” her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/bemoreproductive.

November, 2010 – Ireland…Experience the Magic!

Travel with Terri

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November 1, 2010

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Travel with Terri

Ireland: Experience the Magic!

By Terri Farris

Photos by Gregory Holder

People travel to Ireland for many reasons. Many go to seek their heritage, to experience a glimpse of Irish history, to celebrate the spirit of the Irish people or simply to sample the spirits – after all this is the land where Jameson and Guinness flow freely! To truly experience Ireland, enjoy the customary tourist destinations – the Blarney Stone, Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher – but also rent a car, drive the narrow streets, dodge the sheep and cows in the road and experience the magic that is Ireland!

My personal journey in Ireland began with an overnight flight from New York to Dublin, followed by a 2 ½ hour train ride from Dublin to Cork where we picked up a rental car. Our first destination was Kinsale and although it was only an 18 mile drive from Cork, the combination of the lack of sleep, driving on the opposite side of the road and trying to navigate the round-abouts with an overload of road signs written in English and Gaelic produced a thrill ride comparable to any theme park! However, as soon as we arrived in the picturesque harbor town of Kinsale, all stress dissolved and – after a nap – the driving seemed much less overwhelming!

Originally a medieval fishing port, Kinsale is ideally situated on the southwest coast of Ireland making it a popular location for sailing and deep-sea fishing. The town is filled with brightly painted cottages, Georgian architecture and hanging baskets full of beautiful flowers! The narrow medieval winding streets are perfect for strolling and exploring. Kinsale is the oldest town in Ireland and was the sight of the Battle of Kinsale in 1601 – a battle that altered the course of Irish history.

Today Kinsale has a booming tourist industry and has garnered international acclaim as the culinary capital of Ireland. There are restaurants and pubs to suit everyone’s taste. We opted for fish and chips – the perfect start to our Ireland vacation – made from fish caught in the harbor just outside the restaurant …now that’s fresh! After dinner we stopped in An Seanchai to sample the spirits! A pub filled with Old World charm, the An Seanchai Bar has live music nightly featuring traditional, folk and ballad sessions. www.kinsale.ie

Our accommodations were spectacular at the Actons Hotel. With spacious suites and views of the harbor, this luxury hotel is perfectly situated to enjoy all Kinsale has to offer. www.actonshotelkinsale.com

Sheep Signs — Road signs - confusing even for the sheep!

Located on Great Island in the Cork Harbor and connected to the mainland by bridges, Cobh (“Cove”) was our next stop for exploration. Cobh is perhaps most famous as a embarkation point for America where countless Irish men and women left to build a new life, especially during the Potato Famine years form 1844 to 1848. Cobh has seen its share of tragedies as the Lusitania left from Cobh just before it was sunk off the coast of Kinsale in 1915 by a German submarine. Cobh – or Queenstown as it was known in the past – was also the last port of call for the Titanic on her fateful maiden voyage. There are memorials to both of these tragedies in the town. Guided heritage tours are available from Titanic Trail. www.titanic-trail.com

The Queenstown Story is illustrated in the Cobh Heritage Centre located on the waterfront by the railway station. The town is picture perfect with St. Coleman’s Cathedral perched on a hilltop in the center of the town. Sloping down the hill from the cathedral are brightly colored boutiques and restaurants. The people we encountered were every bit as bright and cheerful as the town!

Driving the country roads is an experience like none other. The roads are narrow with unexpected twists and turns and the views are spectacular. Legendary country singer, Johnny Cash, was so inspired with this beautiful land he wrote an entire album of Irish songs. His most well-known refers to Ireland’s “Forty Shades of Green.” It would seem there are at least 40 shades of green and this land must be absolute heaven for cows that can be seen by the hundreds grazing throughout the countryside. It is also possible to encounter unusual traffic jams on an Ireland road trip as we learned when a side road through County Kerry led us to an entire herd of cattle in the road as they meandered back to the barn during the evening “rush hour!” Sheep are also everywhere and just as likely to enter the roadways – it is certainly more entertaining than the standard city traffic jam!

Located at the western edge of Ireland in County Kerry is a truly magical place. In the Irish language of Gaelic, Dingle was named “Daingean Ui Chuis” which means Fortress of Hussey. The Husseys were a Flemish family who settled in the area in the 13th Century.

Today Dingle’s most famous resident is Fungie, the Dingle Dolphin. Paddy Ferriter, the Dingle Harbour lighthouse keeper, first began watching a lone wild dolphin escort the town’s fishing boats to and from port in 1984. Today, Fungie still lives in the harbor and has become quite the tourist attraction with visitors traveling into the harbor on boats to catch a glimpse of this friendly and mischievous Dingle citizen!

The Dingle Penninsula - green green grass - perfect for the cows!

Dingle is characterized by hilly streets and brightly painted houses. The layout of the streets still reflects its origins as a walled borough. Although the town is known as a fishing port, the pubs of Dingle are one of its best experiences – and it has over 50 to choose from! Two of the most unusual are Dick Mack’s and Foxy John’s. Dick Mack’s is located across from the Church and has attracted celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Sean Connery and Paul Simon whose names are commemorated with stars on the sidewalk just outside. Part pub and part leather shop, this former cobbler’s shop is loved by locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a pint of Guinness and you will likely hear an impromptu ballad, folk song or poetry reading. And, of course you can pick up some leather goods while you are there! Foxy John’s is ½ pub and ½ hardware store! A handyman’s dream that gives new meaning to the phrase “Honey, I’m going to pick up a screwdriver!”

Dingle is a place to slow down and relax and the Dingle Skellig Hotel and Peninsula Spa is the perfect lodging choice for your visit. Regarded as one of County Kerry’s finest hotels, the Dingle Skellig Hotel offers first class accommodations and superior customer service. Our room had a sweeping view of the Dingle Harbour and a walk around the grounds brought us to a group of cows all lying patiently in wait while the bull grazed nearby! http://www.dingleskellig.com/

Beach on Dingle Penninsula - the westernmost point of Ireland

From Dingle, we began our driving tour of the Dingle Peninsula. This mountainous finger of land juts into the Atlantic Ocean and has supported various tribes and populations for almost 6,000 years. Familiar to movie buffs as the location of the movie Far and Away, this remote section of Ireland is filled with numerous archaeological monuments dating back to the Stone Ages. Along the way we visited cottages from the Potato Famine period, early Christian landmarks and beehive huts. We also took time to stop and walk along the breath-takingly beautiful beaches. And yes, the cows, sheep, mules, horses and ponies were always nearby along the way! http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/

Whether your heritage is Irish or you just enjoy the spirit of the people – or the spirits – the Emerald Isle is a magical destination that must be experienced! www.discoverireland.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 tfarris60@hotmail.com.

November, 2010 – Giving Thanks

Mommy Moments

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November 1, 2010

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Mommy Moments

Giving Thanks

By Shakira Muneswar

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching to herald in the holiday season. Every year our family gathers together like millions of families across the country. And like millions within those families, we’re doing our best to make the most of the day and trying to get through it all. As it is one of the few times all the family can get together, it’s a good opportunity for the kids to get to know their extended family better. I believe no matter what the differences or how well you do or don’t get along, family is important and family matters. When my children grow up, then they can decide for themselves whether to attend or abstain, but for now they’re going to get to know their cousins, aunts and uncles even if I have to bribe them to go. Of course I don’t need to resort to any such measures. My kids get along very well with their cousins, thankfully. The interaction and being together gives them an acceptance not found with any other group and it gives them a healthy sense of belonging.

Traditionally, before digging into our feast, we each take a turn giving thanks for anything we choose. So in the spirit of this most altruistic of holidays, I will give thanks for:

· not having to take a plane to get to my dinner, or a ten hour drive making sure everything including motion sickness pills and bags (ugh) are packed;

· similarly having the convenience of going back to my own house and avoid sleeping on sheets I can’t guarantee were washed with any frequency or having to make a good show of getting up early the next day with everyone else when all I’d rather do is grab an hour more snooze time;

· the privilege of having kids so keen on sharing everything and impressing me that I must hear ‘Mom’ yelled at me a minimum of one hundred times per day (I’m not exaggerating); most of the time my attention is needed when I’m navigating heavy traffic;

· the vast and varied interest my kids have; even if I don’t understand why they would want to collect a mountain of pinecones or construct a tent in the living room as if the solid roof above were not substantial enough to guard against the outdoor elements;

· a Mom who was secure enough in herself to raise a daughter who frequently disagrees with her and tells her so;

· a brother who, when we were little was alternately playmate and scapegoat and who’s grown to be a fine example of father and husband while still managing to be a brother and friend;

· a job that allows me the flexibility to work from home and be there for my kids (mostly because I’m up at midnight trying to get through all the correspondence)

· the trying times we’re facing as it tends to force a reassessment of what you truly value allowing you to call upon strengths and skills you’ve forgotten or weren’t aware you possessed;

· the opportunity to have as captive audience to my ramblings, thanks to Krista, the good readers of Around Wellington;

· Chocolate (no explanation necessary); and

· Thanksgiving – one time per year and the fact this list is not exhaustive.

Separately, I’d like to write about my best friend, Marilyn. As my eternal, confidante and bosom buddy from childhood she’s made me realize how indelibly important it is to have a friend whom you trust and can rely upon for anything. I’m so thankful we met so very long ago on the school playground and no matter how far I’ve roamed, she was the one to make sure we kept in touch. She’s been the one to put things into perspective even when I couldn’t see the forest for the trees. Her humour, wisdom, strength, acceptance and even criticism nurtures me like nothing else. So this Thanksgiving, I will think of her so proximally far away from me but spiritually always close to my heart and know that I am blessed to be her friend.

One last thing I’m thankful for is this recipe which does not produce turkey leftovers, undoubtedly because it’s chicken! It’s simple, can be prepped the night before and is soooo delicious.

Butterflied Chicken with Lemon and Rosemary

Recipe created by Nigella Lawson

Makes 4–6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 butterflied chicken (approx. 3 1/2 to 4 lbs)

3 long sprigs fresh rosemary (I like dried thyme)

Juice of 1 lemon , with more lemons to serve

1 red onion

6 tablespoons olive oil

Maldon or other sea salt (I use kosher salt)

DIRECTIONS

· Put chicken into a large freezer bag. Pull the waxily aromatic needles off two of the sprigs of rosemary and drop them on top.

· Cut a lemon in half and squeeze juice into the bag, chucking the rinds in the bag afterwards, too. Pour in olive oil and then tie bag. (Or vacuum seal, if possible.) Give it a good squeeze around the edges before sitting in the refrigerator.

· Marinate chicken for a couple of hours, or overnight—even a couple of days.

· Preheat oven to 425°. Once chicken is at room temperature, lay chicken (skin side up) along with lemon rinds and onion pieces, on a foil-lined pan. Add remaining sprig of rosemary torn into a few pieces and tuck into leg and breast of chicken.

· Cook for 45 minutes. The chicken should now be crisp-skinned and tender within. Take the pan out and cut chicken into four pieces. Arrange on a plate along with onion bits.

· Pour over any syrupy golden juices from the pan and sprinkle generously with sea salt. Cut a lemon or two into quarters and scatter these clumpily about the chicken.

· Recommended technique: For a spicier option, brush the skin of the butterflied bird with some sambal oelek (hot, sharp chili paste) loosened with a little vegetable oil.

Shakira is Mom to two vibrant children who have taught me as much as I hope to have taught them. I love to keep active biking or playing sports with my kids and also enjoy knitting or reading when I get the chance to. I’ve always loved to write as a hobby and am relishing the opportunity to contribute to AroundWellington.com.

November, 2010- My Fall Turnaround

Future is Bright

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November 1, 2010

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Teen Talk

My Fall Turnaround

By Stephanie Courtois

Many of us look forward to that fourth Thursday in November. The temperature drops a little and a light jacket is considered dressing warmly. For a Floridian, green leaves and temperate weather is typical for the fall holiday. It rarely ever crosses their mind that there is something wrong with that picture. When I first moved to Florida, it was a complete turnaround from what I was used to.

I lived in a two story colonial on a mountain top overlooking an apple orchard in upstate New York. Life was beautiful. I was aware of all the colors that the trees produced in their fall foliage. The day I discovered I was leaving my beloved New York, I was distraught, but I eventually had to deal with it.

I moved to Florida in mid-September. It was technically still summer, so the weather differences hadn’t fazed me yet. As time progressed, the climate wasn’t altering to what I was used to. The concept that Florida was a steady environment was beginning to take a toll on me. I missed the reds, oranges and yellows of autumn.

My first Floridian Thanksgiving was held at my aunt’s house. We ate the usual turkey, stuffing and sweet potatoes, but it lacked the feeling of the frigid cold. I went through gradual stages, and suddenly I realized that this wasn’t so bad after all. I could go outside with only a sweater and jeans and play with my younger cousins.

From then on, I looked forward to the later months of the year. The temperature is utopian. When Thanksgiving comes around, I am filled with excitement for not only the weather, but the memories that are made as during those times as well. Now that I live in Florida, I am closer to my family and I am able to see them every single holiday. My relatives are a vital aspect in my life.

After living in Florida for six years, I feel that I have a better life here. I adore its luxuriant palm trees and the warmth of the sun throughout all of the seasons. To some, the Big Apple can never be replaced, but to me it was the best turnaround of my life.

Stephanie Courtois is a junior at Wellington High School. She is involved in tae kwon do, French, National and Chemistry Honor Societies, and is the news editor for the school newspaper. She loves journalism and aspires to work for a magazine someday.

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November, 2010 – Happy Thanksgiving

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