Naturally Tara ~~ me being me

I've moved...

2008-02-10T07:50:00.000-05:00

well I've moved the blog! LOL
actually I didn't, but my friend Joann did because I'm clueless with the techie stuff! LOL

now you can keep up to date on my ramblings at
http://www.TaraBurner.com/blog

Enjoy!

Backing in

2008-02-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

Ok weird topic but one that I have to get off my chest.
I back my car into all parking spots.
It's easier for me and it's faster when I want to leave, I get in the car and off I go!

Now, I've been told lately that this is a "guy thing" and only "guys" back their vehicles into their parking spots.
Well, hmmmph as you can tell from the pic, I am NOT a guy! LOL
Some say it's a "control thing"...perhaps.
Some say it's too hard to back into a spot...to those people, I fear how they'd parallel park between two parked cars! LOL
oh wait, they've pretty much done away with parallel parking. haven't they?!

Now, I'm all for backing in...like I said, I can jump in the car, turn the key and off I go.

However, I have two things that totally annoy me about the backing up process.

1) When in a shopping center parking lot and I'm quickly backing into my spot, if a car comes up on me and can clearly see reverse lights and car moving in reverse WHY do they think they can attempt (note the key word attempt) to swoop into the spot I'm backing into?

Reality is this, I can back into a spot in one fail swoop so do not try to zip into the spot, because you'll lose! I'll win and you'll look like a putz for having tried to steal my spot by zipping in front first!

2) If you don't know how to back into a spot... GO PRACTICE! Somewhere! Anywhere! Anywhere that is other than in the shopping center parking lot where you take 7 or 8 attempts and block other traffic in the process.

All that creates is a lot of humor and laughter along with a undertone of annoyance.

It's rather entertaining watching someone though if you have the time to spare:
They pull forward
then slooooooooooooowly start to back up then opppps wrong angle...
start over
pull forward again at new angle
slooooooooooooooowly start to back up
drat almost clipped that car on the left
pull forward again a bit further
and keep doing this til either
a) they give up and go to another parking spot
b) those of us waiting and laughing finally get to you and you give up and go to another parking spot
c) you are brave, you spend another 5 minutes and finally finally get your vehicle parked, but it's at an angle and over the lines..oh well...let the other person figure out how to open their door without hitting your vehicle

Seriously, it's not really that difficult to back into a parking spot and stay between the lines!

If it is, then you really should not be driving...and especially around me.

So, whether a "guy thing", a "control thing" or simply just an experienced driver thing call it what you want, I'll keep backing into my parking space so I can leave effortlessly while you still struggle to get your car backed into a space keeping it between the lines!

Drive a free car!

2008-02-04T15:51:00.000-05:00

Whether you're a soccer mom, working dad, college student, busy commuter, a radical snowboarder, sports enthusiast...... or just enjoy driving, you can be on the road to receiving a free car!

Companies want to give you a NEW CAR FREE TO DRIVE or PAY YOU to drive your own car decorated with their company logo or advertisement. That's it!! There is NO CATCH, NO HIDDEN COSTS! You can drive as you normally do and these companies will even pay for the maintenance of the vehicle! You simply cover the cost of fuel and insurance, your sponsor company saves thousands on advertising costs.... It's a complete win-win situation!

Think about it - A company could spend $3000 a month for a small billboard on the side of the road or they can spend a lot less leasing a nice vehicle that drives the same road. A recent study concluded that a single car with an advertising message on it was viewed by over 40,000 people whilst driving around the city for one day. The cost to the advertiser - about $30. Compare that with a similar cost of over $10,000 for one ad in a daily newspaper to reach the same audience. It's not hard to see why they're so eager to find drivers to take their message to the streets.

Drive your brand new free car or drive your own car and get paid! Upon selection, you will be contacted and arrangements will be made for you to pick up your brand new car, or a suitable date and time for your own vehicle to be wrapped.

You can get all the info here

Buy and Sell Cars for Profit

2008-02-04T15:41:00.000-05:00

Click here to find out about The Lazy Way To Buy And Sell Cars For Profit.

This is the best 'How To' ebook available on the internet for anyone that wants to learn how to buy and sell cars for profit...with an extremely low refund rate!

I got it and all the extra's and am in the process of making some sweeeet profits!

eBay feedback widget

2008-02-03T19:21:00.000-05:00

This is pretty cool

A friend of mine
ebaysellingcoach referred me to.

It's a really cool feedback widget, so you click below and you can see all my feedback along with my existing auctions!

check it out!

You can also view my ebay auctions here

Green Car Wash ~ Splendor Car Wash Kit

2008-02-03T09:12:00.000-05:00

Go green! Even when you're washing your car.

You can now use this with or without water.

I've used this on my brand new Toyota Matrix and it's awesome!

as well as on the Tundra and you can see how great both vehicles look

Many product lines offer dry car wash options but only
Splendor car detailing products truly provide professional results for products that can be used with or without water.

Features of using Splendor car detailing products

* Cost efficient.

* Professional quality.

* Fast and easy to use. Use with or without water!

* Convenient.

* Environmentally-friendly.

* Save an average of 50 gallons of fresh water per wash!!!

* The products are manufactured under ISO regulations.

Here's what you get in the
Splendor Car Wash Kit:

* The new and best way to wash cars.

* Easy, fast and convenient to use!

* Say goodbye to water tanks, hoses, expensive trailers, harsh chemicals nor coarse machinery.

* From basic exteriors to thorough full details.

* Use it anywhere, anytime!!!

* Use it as hobby or as your best business tool!!!

* Guaranteed clean working area!!!

* Unbelievable value!!!

* With our exclusive SPLENDOR car wash kit you have everything you need to perform professional quality car wash services in one convenient and economical box.

You can buy yours
NOW here

$10 off consultant start up @ Affordable Mineral Makeup

2008-01-25T11:59:00.000-05:00

Affordable Mineral makeup
http://affordablemineralmakeup.com/bizopp.html

$10 OFF Consultant Sign up until 1/31/08
Offer good ONLY on Consultant level, not other levels.

You get:
a 30% off coupon for one order to do with whatever you want-build a

kit, purchase for yourself, whatever...

start at 25% commission
increase to up to 35% commission
7% on your down line sales

free personalized web page (variety of options available)

free yourname@affordablemineralmakeup.com email address

yahoo groups and forum for support

catalogs, business cards, forms available for you to print or

purchase

support and easy access to owner and others within the company

a great product to promote that exceeds other companies in product

and customer service

more shades than other mineral makeup companies

more size options than other mineral makeup companies

extra 'goodie' on your birthday

consultant handbook

monthly consultant contests

and so much more...

sign up today at http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/bizopp.htm

Ways to make money with Affordable Mineral Makeup

2008-01-07T07:37:00.000-05:00

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You earn 7% on your immediate downline with the Consultant Option.
$10 cash bonus when your immediate downline stays with the company for 3 months.
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Sign up now at http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/bizopp.html

Running and hiding in business

2008-01-02T15:36:00.000-05:00

The events of the last few days have me thinking.

How many people, especially women, run and hide when they don't know how to handle a situation?

This works both ways...
1) How many times have you dealt with a company or a business and been on the receiving end of inferior service or product yet you didn't speak up?! Why didn't you?
2) You own a business and you provided an inferior service or product and customer complains to you and you run and hide.

WHY?

Is it because they were never taught that they have a voice?
Never taught to stand up for their rights?
Never taught that it's the responsible thing to do when you screw up-- be accountable for your actions?
Were they not taught that you should have pride in what you do?
Were they not taught about integrity?
Are they afraid of confrontation and think if they run and hide somehow the problem will just disappear?

If you are in business, you need to be accountable for your service, your products and the way you handle your business affairs.

If you make a mistake: admit to it, apologize and FIX IT.
Problem is solved and everyone's happy and it's business as usual.

If you make a mistake and then run and hide from it: Whoever is on the receiving end of your inferior product/service because of your screw up will ultimately take action against you, pursue correction of said mistake and that could come in means of lawsuit, word of mouth of poor quality product/service to others which results in loss of potential business, and so many other avenues.

If you run and hide, do you not realize that not only does it confirm to others that you're not professional or accountable in your business but you also lose more money in the long run than had you gone ahead and done the right thing and been accountable for your screw up.

It's amazing how far a simple "I'm sorry about the screw up. Here's your refund, can we move on" will go. It'll go far in a good sense.
Example: You screw up an order for oh lets say $60...you could easily refund that $60 and business and life would go on as normal.
Or, you could run and hide and not acknowledge the person who received shoddy materials and not refund payment in full and suffer more than $60 worth of loss revenue because word gets around about your unprofessional way in which you handle (or don't handle for that matter) business.

Anyone can figure out that it'd be best in all regards to handle the situation and move on, not run and hide.

But, you can opt to run and hide which will still have a far lasting impression to others regarding your business and that'd be one of an unprofessional person who has no pride in the quality of work/service they provide nor integrity in handling business situations.

So, my question to you...
Are you running and hiding?
or standing strong and full of integrity and professionalism?

Ryze and wahms who get all pissy

2008-01-02T06:28:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh the saga continues.
This is prime example of how something can snow ball.
Had Treasia of Southern Belle Invitations made good and refunded the $60 for the worthless boxes in other posts, we'd have been done with this.

Instead, a 3rd party got herself involved and sorry I don't deal with third parties, this is a grown woman...She can communicate, least one would hope!

So here's part of what this 3rd party person sent me via Ryze -note she says Treasia admits the bottom of the boxes are her screw up!

<<<>>Tresia is offering 30.00 dollars for a refund and would like some sort of retraction from you. As to recreating the work:
>>Tresia has stated the bottom of the boxes were her fault and would have been corrected at her expense for shipping charges reversed to me as well shipping back by her.>>>

I explained to this uninvolved 3rd party person that I don't deal w/3rd party people, if Treasia has something to say she can say it to me herself

to which I get this response

<You've avoided the $30.00 dollar refund offer. Your now avoiding the recreation offer.
All now under a pretense of you do not do business through a middle person.
Very much noted M'Dear. >>>

now how pathetic that a grown biz woman can't communicate and while she admits to another person it's her fault, she still won't refund full monies and yet she whines and hides.

Then all the cliquey butt kissers on Ryze complain and get my posting rights suspended...oh gee how I will I ever manage not being able to post to whiny crying second grade butt kissers??! Ironically myself and cohorts were discussing how long it would take the whiners to complain to Ryze, which is a sea of whiners with a few exceptional people thrown in the mix.

Some wahms wonder why nobody takes them seriously, this is prime example of why.

Instead of communicating directly with me, instead of admitting the screw up and refunding full monies they whine, hide, complain and get all pissy about the truth.

ahhhhh the truth hurts... for some wahms and butt kissers it does anyhow.

As if not being able to post on Ryze is somehow going to 'hurt'? If anything it just keeps me from wasting my time on a sorry cliquey network that does nothing for myself nor my businesses anyhow.

I'm a business owner, don't have time for petty nonsense like the rest of the hobbyist that are over there!

so, a simple "I'm sorry, here's your $60 back, I messed up" from Treasia of Southern Belle Invitations has now turned into all kinds of nonsense... little does she realize or the others on Ryze that I and my business aren't affected by not being on Ryze.

Perhaps this will be a lesson to others, if you're in business and screw up...
admit it
handle it
resolve it
and move on because if you don't it can affect future business for you.

Shoddy workmanship and no business owner responsibility

2008-01-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

Update:

Treasia has returned from a vacation where she didn't advise anyone or set her site up on auto respond but ironically or
conveniently? she appears back from said vacation within hours of my going public with my information. Coincidental? You decide.

Meanwhile her response was basically that it was my fault because I didn't pay $5 for a 'sample' first before ordering.

Well look at these pictures, this is a box from the first order I placed with her which came out okay.

Not great, but at least usable, note she did place card stock over the bottom to cover the A & B lines, etc.

So why would I assume that the second order would not have that???

Here are bottoms of the boxes from order one and order two.

Wouldn't you assume they'd have been the same?

But clearly aren't.

Her only response or defense was that somehow it was my fault because I hadn't paid her $5 to receive an actual sample of the work.

You can tell a HUGE difference in the box in the first order compared to the boxes below which are nothing but crap.

I believe the reason for the shoddy workmanship was real simple:

She was in a rush to go out on the road in her husbands truck (he's a trucker) and so she rushed through my second order to get it out as quickly as possible
and compromised the quality of the product not to mention tarnishing her own reputation and showing she has no pride in her work.

She has refused to admit she did shoddy work and accepts no responsibility for the quality or lack thereof in her product.

So, it'd appear I now have $60 worth of paper boxes I'll shred and use for my dogs poop box because all they're good for is my dog taking a crap on.

Original Information:

Shoddy workmanship and no response from Treasia Strepp of Southern Belle Invitations

As you can see from the pics below, the shoddy workmanship of the product that I commissioned Treasia to do for $60.

Sadly, Paypal will not refund monies since this technically is "product not as described" and unless you purchase via eBay, they have no
way to confirm if this is the quality it should be, so Treasia has my $60 and I've wasted a month waiting for boxes and have nothing but a box
full of useless crappy smeared misaligned boxes that look like something a second grader made.

Treasia's site is http://www.southernbelleinvitations.com/ (I refuse to make that link live since it'll help her so called business)

She has not responded to emails since 12/24, 12/27, 12/28 and posting on her ryze page as well as her myspace.

I can forward the emails sent to her if anyone wants confirmation, just email me for those.

This is a prime example of something I blogged about at http://naturallytara.blogspot.com/2007/12/why-do-people-leave-leave-their.html
where people leave and leave their business in limbo.

You make the determination from the pics below, is that the quality of product you'd expect or want from someone who says she does hand made invitations,
wedding invites, cards, etc.?

Not to mention no response to emails, guest book entries and comments left for her.

This certainly isn't how I run any of my businesses and can't believe that people actually think this is a professional way to run their business...
or perhaps it's more a hobby? than a business???

Here you can see the template markings on the bottom of the boxes,
it looks so second grade!

Here we have lines that are outta whack from her apparently enlarging a small clipart of a cupcake.

Here we have smear marks from using an ink jet printer and whacked lines from enlarging a clipart.

Here we have better look at whacked lines from enlarging a clipart.

Why do people leave & leave their business hanging?

2007-12-27T21:54:00.000-05:00

I know I blogged on a similar subject few days ago about people who take off for the holidays and come back weeks later and wonder why they have no work while they didn't respond to emails or calls during the holidays.

This is similar gripe but a bit different.

Ever do business with someone and get product that was "inferior" at best and actually "shoddy, trashy, half assed, not complete, unusable" would describe it more appropriately?

What happened when you tried to get in touch with that business?
Were they available or did you email them to no avail for days and days?

Do people not realize that a large portion of business is generated from word of mouth.

Those words can be "praise" or they can be "poison" to where the only thing that will be remembered about the company is how badly they mangled an order or neglected to respond to a problem!

How long did you wait before giving up?
Were you at least smart and file a charge back or a claim with Paypal and make all attempts to recoup your losses?

Or did you just not bother because you didn't want to be "mean" to the person or the business. Though it's far from mean when you paid for a service or product and clearly got something that you can't use. You made all attempts to get in touch with the business and still no reply. That's not "mean" that's life, and in life one should be responsible for providing a service and/or product professionally and according to terms and efficiently.

Funny, in this day and age with all the technology you'd think that if a person has a website, they'd know to either:
1) set emails to auto-respond so people would at least know that they're not doing business and when to expect them back in the working class.
2) post on their site that they're taking off.

But yet so many don't do anything.

They simply go out of town, hit the road, take time off and leave their business hanging with people wondering if and when the business will return or respond to their complaints or requests.

Why don't they grasp the concept of doing business in a responsible professional manner?

I guess perhaps they may reconsider their ways when they return from their "outtings" to find PayPal claims against them, emails demanding refunds, lack of customers who actually waited for the X-amount of time for them to come back and respond and have since moved on to other companies who actually WORK.

Not to mention the countless people that an unsatisfied customer has been in contact with and spread the word about shoddy unprofessional service all the while the business owner is living care free doing whatever it is they're doing, totally unaware of how to conduct business and the chain of events that will ensue.

tsk tsk

What reeks?

2007-12-24T17:16:00.000-05:00

oh that's you, I'm sorry.
You know who you are...the one who bathes in cheap perfume rather than soap and water.
What is it with people who bathe in perfume or cologne?
Do they not shower or wash and are trying to cover up with some cheap funky perfume that induces migraines in anyone within a mile radius of them or what?

It's bad enough when you're trying to get through a store at the mall and well we know in all the major department stores in order to get to the main section of the mall you literally have to go through their smelly department.
And have pity on the poor sole who is dumb enough to try to spray me with their deadly chemical funk.

But one would think that in their own home they could be free of the reeking aroma of cheap perfume.

Not the case when you live above two women (if you can call them that) that literally must bathe in cheap perfume. Right now it's semi decent weather here in South Florida, so we can actually open the doors and windows, get some clean fresh air (or one would hope so anyhow). Only problem is, when I open my patio door all I get is the migraine induced by an array of cheap chemical funk permiating from below me.

It's bad enough they party loudly and make noise all day and night long to where I have to hear them but now to have to SMELL them as well... egads!

There should be an odor ordinance like there is a noise ordinance. And someone lock up these two below me, or give them a lesson in general hygiene...soap and water works much better and less annoying than cheap funky reek that attacks people one floor above inside their own unit!

whew, what a relief that I'll be able to breath fresh air in a few weeks and be gone from this smellfest here.

Perhaps I shall take a bar of soap downstairs for a Christmas gift?

How the holidays affect your business

2007-12-24T06:59:00.001-05:00

Yes, tis the season
We have a multitude of holidays from November through New Year's.
Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Zawanza or any other holiday from Thanksgiving until New Year's is a busy time of the year.

If you own your own business you know this can also be the busiest time of the year for you and yet some of you also dread the month of January because it can be the slowest month of the year for you.

It doesn't have to be that way. The manner in which you conduct business in November and December can have a huge effect on how your January goes.

It's sad, but this week I've noticed online that most forums and networks are well...
like a ghost town. Nobody is posting, nobody is networking, nobody is marketing.
WHY?
Oh, because they're busy shopping, baking, gift wrapping.

They don't reply to email inquiries that could generate them sales. I know this first hand, as I've tried to contact numerous people the past week to inquire about services and products and yet not one of them has responded to me. That's not smart business sense because while they may be 'waiting until after the holidays' to work, I'm NOT. I want answers and product and suppliers information now, not later.
If I don't hear from someone, that's their loss...not mine.
I move on and find another company or person to do business with...one that is professional and reliable as well as efficient in communication. Not one who's too busy and can't handle their personal life and their business life.

Does that sound harsh?
perhaps, but how is it myself and a few others I know (like Laurie Ayers for one at http://www.LaurieAyers.com and Scentsy and PrincessFudge.com ) can manage home, kids, holidays and our businesses. And, to top it off we're single and yet manage to get it all done and service our clients efficiently. Even on Christmas Eve day!?!

There are few other "regulars" who still post and network as well but where's everyone else??

Jill McAllister of JillsArtWork.com and TheBowWowBarkery.com is still juggling not only her business, but her husbands and her kids along with holiday preparations.

Shelly Hill of Tupperware and of Classybusinesswomen.com is still busy at home and working her business.

Chris Carroll of DirectSalesTalk.com and Mia Bella is still handling business and holidays

as is Audrey of Tupperware as well

these are just a few of the ones who are still working on marketing and networking during the holidays...

where's everyone else??
The same people who I've contacted and haven't heard from, I can assure you WILL email me AFTER the holidays and by then it'll be too late. They will have lost the sale and future business.

If they had simply answered an email or a phone call, they could've salvaged their business. These will be the same people who sit online in January wondering why they have no business. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that they didn't work their business during the holidays!?

I'm not saying don't take time off to enjoy the holiday, family and friends but in doing so you can still work your business...
if it really is a business and not just a hobby.

food for thought for next year as it's already too late for them this year. While January can be slow for them, the ones who did it all during the holidays will go on with business as usual and have no worries about where their next client came from or what their income will be during January.

Now, that's the way to start the New Year off...making money
and NOT having it be the slowest month of the year.

PT help for pet waste removal service

2007-12-24T06:45:00.000-05:00

PT work for someone to basically scoop up dog poop with our tools and remove from location for Scoop Your Poop

http://www.scoopyourpoop.com

Currently have work in:
Plantation (near Broward Mall on University and Peters Road)
Pembroke Pines
Davie area near Tree Tops Park

pay based on job location and size
(anywhere from $7 to $20 per normal residential location)

some jobs will only take approx. 15 mins of time there (pay for most these size jobs is around $7) and others up to an hour (pay for most these size jobs is anywhere from $15-20).

must have reliable transportation

please email info@scoopyourpoop.com
Include the following:
Full name
City you live in
Age
Type of Car
any experience you have
if you're currently working
What days you are available
Phone number

If you do not include this info we will not respond

This is a very PT position to start off and will grow from there.

Spam

2007-12-20T21:51:00.000-05:00

Ya know I really really can't stand spammers
especially direct matches spammers and now power mall spammers!

http://www.ryze.com/go/luvmyjob61 who has no info on her page (unless you upgrade) is spamming via email to people about power mall....

my response to her was "do you really think I'd have anything to do with someone who spams me?"

and as the evening progresses, I've discovered she's spammed many others on Ryze as well...

I mean c'mon people....

I mean really... email, PM's, IM's, phone, mail spam is about as crappy as the spam that's processed animal parts shoved in a metal can!
nasty and gross!

sorry had to get that off my chest! LOL

Scare tactics by the court system

2007-12-20T19:36:00.000-05:00

Well, this morning was the court date for the ticket that I blogged about posted as the trick question of the day:
http://naturallytara.blogspot.com/2007/11/trick-question-of-day.html

Today's court date is for the magistrate and court system to scare the crap outta you so you plead no contest and pay half fine and don't go back again..

Well skip that.. I want my day in court..

sooooo we're all sitting there, and magistrate tells people their options:

1)change your plea to no contest and have 60 days to pay fine, no points, no school, nothing and never go to court about that ticket again

OR

and these are her exact words

2) If you want to take a chance, you can set it for court where you can face $1500 court costs, hefty fine fees from citation, license suspension, 12 -16 hour driving school time or worse. So, make sure you really want to take that chance.

people started freaking out over that comment!!!

sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo I'm still sitting and waiting for them to call my name.... meanwhile all the peeps ahead of me were changing their plea...

"Tara Ann Burner"

okie dokie, that's me.....

"Do you wish to change your plea?"

me: "No, ma'am I wish to set this for court trial date thank you ma'am"

I'll leave out all the back/forth since I still do have to go to court appearance for this case and don't want to affect the outcome in any way... (hey you never know who reads this blog! LOL)

and out I walked happy as can be while others sat in there freaking out!!!
sorry but I'm not taking a plea and copping out....

but what BS tryin to scare people into taking a plea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sooooooooooooooo in about 6 weeks I should get court date notice

and then off to play in court!!!!

Warm and fuzzies

2007-12-20T15:45:00.000-05:00

Did you ever belong to various networks and forums where everyone only wanted to read warm and fuzzy posts?

Where if you posted anything remotely challenging or not on the upbeat, but yet still truthful people get upset?

Why do people feel the need to be coddled and hand held in their 30's, 40's, 50's I mean c'mon we're business people already not two year olds.

Accept the truth for what it is, don't take it away if it's not all sugar coated warm and fuzzy make you feel good.

Wonder how these people survive in the real world...or do they?

Warm fuzzies... who needs them????
insecure people with no confidence and low self esteem...
otherwise they'd be able to handle the truth and accept it for what it is.

Grow up people, this is the real world not Candy Land.

Cell phones in public places

2007-12-16T08:31:00.000-05:00

Should inconsiderate people use cell phones in public?

You know the people I'm talking about, the ones who "scream" on their phone so the entire general population can hear their conversation.

At our local post office, there is one service person who will refuse to wait on a customer if they're talking on their cell phone. He will not say a word until the person gets off their phone while they're standing at his window waiting for him to wait on them. They're usually so caught up in their phone conversation they do manage to walk up to his window when he calls "next" but then they're not aware of why he's not asking them how he can help them. It's common courtesy to deal one on one with the person who is servicing you. Is the phone conversation such an important one it can't wait until you're done doing your business? If so, then you shouldn't be standing in line!

How about a recent trip to Barnes & Noble where I'm standing in line and a woman about my age or a bit older, is literally standing on top of me (which is her first mistake, she's in MY personal space, breathing down my neck-- a simple elbow out on my side will alleviate that problem-- jab to her). Her phone rings and she proceeds to answer and is now YELLING in my ear to someone on the phone who apparently couldn't have waited the 5 minutes it would've taken her to get out of B&N. She continues to scream in my ear...So, I make a few loud comments (not so nice ones but won't cuss her out since there are little kids in line too) but I'm not looking AT her so she's totally oblivious that I'm talking ABOUT her. She tells the person on the phone that "the person in front of me is so rude, must be having a bad day"
at that point I turn and now she's right on top of me again, the first elbow didn't make a lasting impression apparently...I am now in her face saying "YOU are the reason, YOU are the one I'm talking about idiot!!!!!!! You're standing up my butt, screaming on the phone...like anyone in line here cares about your phone conversation, that's RUDE RUDE RUDE". She keeps talking on the phone with this look of astonishment and cluelessness, and I'm still telling her how rude that is and inconsiderate to the cashiers there, the people in line and to just hang up and call the other idiot back in a few minutes when she's out of here. She wants to argue the fact that she's not bothering anyone. Meanwhile people behind her in line are shaking their head in agreement and saying that she's rude and just needs to hang up the phone already. The woman was still oblivious to the fact she was doing anything wrong....what happened to the day when we had those silly olive green rotary dial phones with the long curly cord??!! LOL and I'm not "that" old either but people like her should not have cell phones, she should stick to that olive green rotary!! Meanwhile once I get to register, the cashier thanks me!

So, my point is this...when in public, whether it be in B&N, the post office, the bank, a restaurant...nobody wants to hear your worthless bs conversation you insist on having on your cell phone while you interrupt everyone else's space. It's one thing to talk quietly on your phone which is totally acceptable but c'mon quit the screaming and talking loudly so everyone can hear...nobody cares about your conversation!

Posers and wanna be's in business

2007-12-10T08:03:00.000-05:00

Why do people act as posers and wanna be's in business?

Do they not realize that yes they may be able to 'steal' a tag line or use a business name as a tag line (ie: Affordable Mineral Makeup is a company name, my company name and then these other mineral companies who are nothing more than posers and wanna be's use the tag line "affordable mineral makeup" in hopes that people will be confused and think they're the real deal)

Do they not realize that while you can use a tag line, attempt to copy a business, even steal graphics, content, etc. they're still posers and wanna be's and ultimately it's in the product (which you cannot steal because nobody knows where all product is from since multiple suppliers and exclusive shades), it's also in the fast delivery and customer service.

So at the end of the day a poser is still a poser and a wanna be is still a wanna be because until they can get their own original ideas, own content, own name they'll always be second to those with originality and ultimately fail for lack of professionalism and uniqueness.

Food for thought for those who are posers or wanna be's, you may be best to come up with your own ideas.

The Gourmet Dog Bakery

2007-11-26T20:57:00.000-05:00

The Gourmet Dog Bakery offers a wide selection of all natural
organic dog cookies, dog bones, doggie treats & desserts. Show your
furry loved one how much you care with one of our specially made and
decorated cakes.

When we first started in the dog bakery business many of you
patronized us when we were "The Bow Wow Bakery". We've since
restructured to better benefit you and with that reorganization came
a new name - The Gourmet Dog Bakery, as it better reflects our new
improved product line. We pride ourselves in creating delicious all
natural, healthy dog treats for your pooch. Our treats are hand made
fresh without all the harmful preservatives that you find in other
mass produced available dog treats. All of our pet treats are baked
with only the freshest, most wholesome all natural
ingredients ~ organic when possible. Our treats are delicious,
as well as nutritious thus promoting longevity and good health of
your pet.

howlin good treats at The Gourmet Dog Bakery" align="right">

At The Gourmet Dog Bakery your pooch will get treats that are:

Wholesome, healthy and packed with nutrients

Made from all organic ingredients and natural
ingredients

Treats are corn-free

Treats are salt-free and soy-free

Great tasting - tail wagging good

Free of additives and preservatives

Free of salt and sugar

Great for pets with sensitive stomachs or allergies

Check back often, as we are constantly adding new products.

Sign up for our
newsletter to keep up to date on new products, sales
and great dog information.

Learn How To Make Cupcake Cakes

2007-11-20T17:25:00.000-05:00

MakingCupcakeCakes.com ~ learn how to make cupcake cakes with this easy to follow ebook

Trick question of the day

2007-11-02T11:53:00.000-04:00

Imagine a building and these are the 3 entrances
note the signs
how would one 'legally' get to the bldg's back door where they have pick ups??

note the pick up area door is on left where trucks are
this is the view looking from the north

this is the view looking from the west looking east
again note the signs!
do not enter AND "one way left arrow"
sooo if you make a left you're 'entering' though it says do not enter

and from the south looking north
note the stop sign AND the do not enter sign
now why do you have to stop if you're not allowed to enter??

but note... 3 ways to get to back of building for pick ups... but yet all three ways have "do not enter" signs!!!

and yet there's also a stop sign that would be where you'd exit from the rear of bldg except for you're not allowed to 'enter' there and the other arrow on street points north so technically the stop sign on the left side of this pic and the yellow lines mean nothing cuz technically you're not supposed to be there!!!

now note where cop was sitting in this pic
now how did he get there? if you're not allowed to enter? note the do not enter sign on left! and in the other pic with the TWO do not enter signs looking from the north to the south!
soooooo, how'd the cop get to where he was at a stop sign that if all signage were legal, there'd be no need for stop sign there!

other angle of where cop is sitting
now, if cop is sitting where legally he shouldn't be if he were to follow what he claims to be correct signage then how is it if one goes ahead and enters here where it has one way left turn and do not enter
how can cop give ticket for pulling in here?

in theory... it's totally impossible and illegal based on signage for anyone to get to the rear of this building for pick ups where the trucks are because from all 3 streets are "do not enter" signs!!!!

Walk for the animals

2007-10-31T07:11:00.000-04:00

Hi, my dd and I are doing the walk 4 animals and have a page up at
http://www.firstgiving.com/taraburner if anyone's interested in donating $1 or whatever you feel led to donate. Every little bit helps and is appreciated!
Tara

candy box gift set of Affordable Mineral Makeup

2007-10-13T07:59:00.001-04:00

This is a flashy classy gift set for any tween, teen, women of any age.
Wonderful for a stocking stuffer, gift for any reason or simply because!
Contains six 5g containers of any mineral shades you'd like.
They come in a clear plastic "candy box" with a gold base and gold stretch tie ribbon.

Get yours here!

Affordable Mineral Makeup Kits

2007-09-23T07:22:00.000-04:00

Now at AffordableMineralMakeup.com you can get full kits!
Affordable Mineral Makeup has a set just for you, whether you're just starting to experience the safe natural wonders of mineral makeup or if you're an expert already we have a set just for you.
They make great holiday gifts as well.

We have the Affordable Mineral Makeup Starter Kit here for you

Then there's the Diva Mineral Makeup Kit

Next is the Full Mineral Makeup Kit

and finally, we have the Mini Diva Mineral Makeup Kit

Direct Sales Webinar

2007-09-10T12:51:00.000-04:00

The Direct Sales Coach Training Webinar

Are you interested in starting or growing your own direct sales company?

Are you interested in thriving, rather than merely surviving?

Do you wish someone would just skip the fluff and give you relevant, straight forward information?

Are you tired of so-called "experts", who really aren't?

Did you have a business that started and now you're ready to try again – the right way?

Are you truly serious about running your business like a business, and not like a hobby?

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above then mark your calendar for:
Monday September 17, 2007 Noon EST

You will not want to miss this one hour webinar on getting started and succeeding in your business. The online chat will feature:

Determining if starting a company is right for you (or if perhaps you're better suited to be a super star consultant for some other existing company).

You'll hear how much work starting a company is (and how rewarding it can be).

Learn to set aside your pride and accept constructive criticism (if your website truly looks unprofessional, you should listen and make changes)

Q & A Session

What you will NOT experience in this hour:

Chit Chat

A multitude of welcomes and introductions

Warm fluffy hugs

Non-specific information

Off-topic discussion

This one-hour training is only for serious entrepreneurs. A veteran business owner will be conducting this webinar. Tara Burner will be on hand to share her 18 years of expertise. She's made mistakes along the way, but was able to use the learning opportunities to grow her own businesses and support her family doing so.

Would you rather spend an hour with someone who merely calls herself an expert or a coach or with Tara who walks the talk?

Space is limited. Make your reservations today! Only $5 for this 'tell it like it is' online training.

Learn How To Start Your Own Direct Sales Company

2007-09-02T11:30:00.001-04:00

Learn how to start a direct sales company with this comprehensive hands on 74 page ebook written by none other than myself.

Get your copy at
StartADirectSalesCompany.com

This 74 page ebook will cover these areas and many many more:

Business Formation

Hobbyist vs Business Owner

WAHM vs Business Owner

For Fee or For Free?

Pricing

Profit Margin

Return On Investment

Call the waaaaaaaaaaaambulance

Shopping Carts

Merchant Accounts

Consultant Commission Structure

Quota's

Business Checklist

Networking

Advertising

Web Do's and Don'ts

Cost Effectiveness

Growth Factor

How to use message boards & forums

and many other areas

Get your copy NOW at the introductory rate at
StartADirectSalesCompany.com

BlogAction.org

2007-08-18T11:11:00.001-04:00

What would happen if every blog published posts discussing the same issue, on the same day?
One issue. One day. Thousands of voices.
Make a difference!
Get involved at BlogAction.org

Why does Tom's of Maine use SLS in their toothpaste?

2007-07-06T13:35:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder that?
I did as I stood in the local health food store contemplating trying a new toothpaste and lo and behold, I saw Tom's of Maine Apricot Whitening Toothpaste...

sounded interesting perhaps

until I saw they use SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)

Now, they have it on their site saying basically there's no reason not to use it
http://www.tomsofmaine.com/faq/#OCT12

BUT, there's no benefit IN using it at all so WHY use it?!
just for some foaming action?!!!

You can make up your own mind but here's just a few links showing some info on the downfalls of using it so one has to wonder why anyone would buy Tom's of Maine when there are better natural, SLS free, flouride free toothpastes out there.

http://oliviag.multiply.com/journal/item/44

http://poison.spiritworld.info/sodium-laureth%5Byl%5D-sulfate.html

http://www.health-report.co.uk/sodium_lauryl_sulphate.html

Dinosaurs in Miami?!

2007-07-03T08:09:00.001-04:00

Yes, it's true there are dinosaurs in Miami, FL at least for right now.
You can visit online at http://www.miamisci.org/ or go in person if you're in the area.
Was amazing to see the background history on the difference of dinosaurs from our continent compared to the dinosaurs here which came from China.
and it was toooo fun to watch and listen to all these little kids who were there yelling in delight over seeing dinosaurs!
Well worth the admission for two for $30

All Green Directory Forum

2007-06-23T22:31:00.000-04:00

New green forum!
If you're interested in eco friendly businesses, want to know more
about how you can make a difference and other green issues stop by at
http://greendirectory.proboards79.com/index.cgi

Coral Castle

2007-06-19T16:10:00.000-04:00

amazing what one little man could do waaaaaaaaaay back then.
You can visit the website at http://coralcastle.com/freqaq.html
but like the site says "Coral Castle is on the National Register of historic places and is truly an amazing place to visit. The story behind the castle is that Edward Leedskalnin, out of obsessed love for a young girl, built this coral monument for her. The question remains, how could he have carved and moved over 1100 tons of rock without any human assistance? Did he know any secrets? Coral Castle has baffled scientists, engineers and scholars since its opening in 1923."

and ironically the love of his life was invited but never went there!

Here are some pics from our recent visit there including a heart shaped coral table, moons and water fountains, desk and more.

Time to reflect

2007-06-11T08:08:00.001-04:00

You know our lives can get 'busy' with work, kids, obligations, whatever.
But we need to stop, relax and reflect.
When work is slow and you normally would work at promoting and spending countless hours trying to figure out new marketing avenues and constantly be working working working because you have to have money, well sometimes it's actually better to walk away for a bit and just relax!
I finally did that and well, here enjoy the view with me.
Smell the salt air, hear the sea gulls and the waves crashing, feel the cold water hit your legs and your feet buried in the sand.
now, isn't that better than sitting at a computer all day!?

Ten Good Reasons to Go Organic

2007-05-08T17:03:00.000-04:00

Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.

Organic food tastes great!

It is common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.

Organic production reduces health risks

Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.

Organic farms respect our water resources

The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.

Organic farmers build healthy soil

Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.

Organic farmers work in harmony with nature

Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.

Organic producers are leaders in innovative research

Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment.

Organic producers strive to preserve diversity

The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.

Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy

USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.

Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike!

Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically – even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.

Source: The Organic Report

if you need any assistance going Organic, you can hire a coach at
OrganicTransformation.com

Recycling tips for home, work, car, etc

2007-04-24T20:18:00.000-04:00

You can read the full article here http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/26895/recycling_tips_for_home_car_and_work.html
and help make changes in these areas to help the environment.

Ten Ways to Go Organic in 2007!

2007-04-21T17:48:00.000-04:00

http://www.theorganicreport.com/pages/626_ten_ways_to_go_organic_in_2007_.cfm

#1 Get off to a clean start: Take a shower with soaps and shampoos made with organic ingredients. Then, serve someone special an organic breakfast in bed with certified organic juice, coffee, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt and eggs. (All items available nationally at natural & conventional supermarkets.)

MY NOTES: You can get great organic soaps, shampoo, conditioner and more at http://www.naturalorganicbodycare.com

#2 Create a celebratory meal that's as close to 100% organic as possible. Invite friends and family to enjoy and help cook. It can be an organic picnic, pizza party, barbecue or high tea!

#3 Volunteer or make a donation to support organic gardening programs in your community, through schools, social service agencies, etc.

#4 Building healthy soil is a key tenet of organic farming. A great way to guarantee rich, organic soil is to start composting! City dwellers can compost at your neighborhood community garden. What's composting, you say? Contact your local library or Cooperative Extension office for composting information.

#5 Be a big "softie" and treat yourself (or someone special) to a pair of 100% organic cotton socks or anything made with snuggly organic fleece. Studies have shown that in the U.S., it takes about one-third of a pound of chemicals to grow enough non-organic cotton for one T-shirt.

NOTE: Here is one place I shop:

#6 Treat yourself to organic indulgences: Nibble on an organic chocolate bar, lick an organic ice cream or frozen yogurt bar, or scoop up succulent organic sorbet. Fill your candy jar at home with organic snacks or cookies.

#7 Bring an organic treat to the office to share with co-workers or to send with your children to school. Certified organic raisins, cheese, nuts, fruits, chips and crackers are just some of the possibilities.

#8 Remember your Pooch! Give your furry friend an organic dog wash and treat him or her to an organic doggie biscuit.

#9 Raise a toast to organic! Whether you enjoy a glass of organic wine, lemonade or tomato juice, there are numerous organic libations and refreshments to wet your whistle.

#10 Slumber soundly and organically–sip organic chamomile tea and slip under your organic cotton sheets.

Your Earth Day To Do List

2007-04-21T14:23:00.001-04:00

Your Earth Day To-Do List!

The bad news: Global warming is real. The better news: there are real ways you can help.

In honor of Earth Day, here are five things you can do to make a cleaner planet and a better tomorrow. The best part is they are low-cost or free -- but have a huge impact.

1. Reduce. Here's a bright idea: Swap out five standard light bulbs for energy-saving compact fluorescents. They use 25% less energy and last 10 times as long. Other ways to save: unplug unused appliances and take public transit. For more cool tips, go to the Natural Resources Defense Council website.

2. Offset. Once you've done what you can to reduce your impact on the environment, offset the rest. Make a donation to reverse the greenhouse gases you produce. Go to CarbonFund.org.

3. Recycle. Have an old cellphone just sitting in a drawer? CollectiveGood can send these phones for use in developing countries, or safely recycles materials from them. To donate your phone today (the shipping is free), go to CollectiveGood.com

4. Take Action. We need bold action to solve the climate crisis. The United States is currently responsible for nearly 25% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, so we need to take the lead in solving the problem. Senators Boxer and Sanders have come forward with a bill to achieve 80% emissions reductions; click here to support the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act.

5. Get a cool credit card. Get the credit card that plants trees and supports alternative-energy groups. Click to WorkingAssets.com/fuelingthefuture.

One Planet Life

2007-04-21T14:13:00.000-04:00

New Free Range Movie: One Planet Life

See the shocking environmental reality: We live like we have five earths.
Learn how to reduce your waste: Live a one planet lifestyle.
Have a big impact: Free Range is teaming up with Care2 to reach the masses
Help get the word out: Send this to your friends!

Check it out: www.care2.com/oneplanet

Join in standing up for the people of Darfur.

2007-04-14T07:56:00.000-04:00

Please help us spread the word about this crisis before it is too late for more Darfuris.

Did you know that 2.5 million people have been driven from their homes in Darfur, Sudan? Each day, they face threats that are hard for us to even imagine including rape, disease, and starvation.

These people need our help to put an end to the genocide and they need it NOW. Please join us in taking the first step to stopping the violence.

Click here to sign the Save Darfur Coalition's petition urging President Bush and UN Secretary-General Ban to take immediate steps to stop the killing.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions of people in the region who desperately need outside help.

The Save Darfur Coalition is urging President Bush and the UN Secretary-General to prevent further killings, displacement, and rape by deploying UN peacekeepers, strengthening the understaffed African Union force that is already in Darfur, establishing and enforcing a no-fly zone, increasing humanitarian aid, and ensuring access for delivery of food, medication and other essential supplies.

Please do not stand by while the violence continues - you can make a difference. Click here now to get involved.

Then please forward this message to your friends and family and ask them to join you.

If you'd like to make a donation to support the campaign, click here now.

Thanks for your help.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Donate to Help Save Darfur
Help build the political pressure needed to end the crisis in Darfur by supporting the Save Darfur Coalition's crucial awareness and advocacy programs. Click here now to make a secure, tax-deductible online donation: http://www.SaveDarfur.org/Donate

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earth Day Vendor Fair

2007-04-08T22:26:00.001-04:00

Participate in our Earth Day Vendor Fair on Sunday, April 22nd.

$5 for 30 min. time slot
$8 for one hour time slot
When you pay for your time slot, you will also get a listing on the page of your name, contact info and your url.

This event is featuring vendors who offer natural, organic or similar eco friendly products.
Come stop by and see what's being offered.

The event starts at 9 a.m. EST and runs til midnight EST
http://organictransformation.com/earthdayvendorfair.html

Organic Sweatshop Free Shirts!

2007-04-08T08:10:00.000-04:00

Get your's TODAY just click the image above!
Your online source for organic, sweatshop free and fair trade apparel. They donate a portion of profits to poverty and the environment.

Earth Day, April 22

2007-04-08T07:58:00.000-04:00

Earth Day was created in 1970 to spark a revolution against environmental abuse and the organizers, including EDN Board Chairman Denis Hayes, would not take no for an answer. Neither should we. Global warming is real and we're part of the problem. Now, we need to become part of the solution.
http://www.earthday.net/earthday2007.aspx

Search for events in your area
http://www.earthday.net/programs/find/searchevent.aspx

Research findings show benefits of organic agriculture and products

2007-04-08T07:53:00.000-04:00

http://organicearthday.org/AprilConsumerNews1.htm

Organic News: Research findings show benefits of organic agriculture and products

Many studies are currently being conducted regarding the environmental and health benefits of growing and consuming organic foods. Here are a couple recent highlights:

• A three-year study in the United Kingdom, sponsored by the Organic Milk Suppliers' Co-operative, found organic milk contained 68 percent more omega-3 fatty acids, on average, than conventional milk. Findings from the study have been published in the Journal of Dairy Science.

• An article by Professor Joe Cummins and Dr. Mae-Wan Ho posted on the member web site of the Institute of Science in Society (www.isis.org.uk/osscc/php) explores the latest evidence suggesting that organic strawberries may stop cancer cells. Cited is research by Swedish researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Alnarp and Lund University that compared the extracts of five organic and conventional cultivars for their ability to inhibit the proliferation of human colon and breast cancer cells. According to Cummins and Ho, the researchers found that extracts from organically grown strawberries inhibited cell proliferation more effectively than extracts from the conventionally grown ones, and in both types of cancer cells.

• Research conducted in central India by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture has shown that growing cotton organically could offer hope to cotton farmers in India. According to an account in the Sept. 28, 2006, issue of The Hindu, an Indo-Swiss research team collected and compared agronomic data from 60 organic and conventional farms. Variable production costs were 13 to 20 percent lower for the organic cotton, and average cotton yields were 4-6 percent higher in the organic fields.

Source: The Organic Report

~*~*~~*~*~*~

That's why we like to offer organic products & services which you can find at
www.OrganicNaturalBodyCare.com
and www.OrganicTransformation.com

Take the ecological footprint quiz

2007-04-08T07:41:00.000-04:00

http://www.earthday.net/Footprint/index.asp

With Earth day approaching take this quiz! The results make shock you!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~

The quiz is based on national consumption averages and is meant to give you an idea of your Ecological Footprint relative to other people in the country you live in. It is not highly detailed, but should give most people an idea of where they stand.

If you already live a sustainable lifestyle, do not be discouraged by your results. There are some portions of your Footprint that are not the direct result of your consumption habits. For example, each resident of a city is ‘responsible’ for a portion of the city’s infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and government offices, regardless of whether the resident uses those services. In addition, some options that could make your Footprint smaller are not available to you as a result of choices on the part of local decision makers, such as reliable and efficient public transportation as an alternative to driving. Therefore, an important path to reducing your Footprint is to advocate for more sustainable decisions at all levels of government. This will make it easier for you and many others to reduce Ecological Footprints.

Ecological Footprints document a given population's consumption and waste production expressed in biologically productive land and ocean areas necessary to maintain these services. By aggregating data on the consumption of various resources and on the ability of the earth to provide them, the Ecological Footprint accounts provide a means to compare various components of consumption and ultimately serve as an indicator of sustainability - or, in the case of deficits, of unsustainability

Why do they insist on selling alcohol at Disney on Ice events?

2007-04-06T21:13:00.000-04:00

and other kid themed events?
Oh wait I know to entice the jerky fathers and drunk mothers (you should've been at the Cheetah Girls & Hannah Montana concert- never saw so many drunk foolish mothers in my life as I did that night!) to go to appease their child because goodness forbid they actually just went and enjoyed themselves and time with their child without having to have a hard drink!

That and I mean the $15 parking and the $10 cotton candy, not to mention the $55+ front row seat ticket price, isn't profit enough in their pockets, let's sell over priced alcohol to make up on revenues!

Yes there's a point to this...

On more occasions than I care to count I've had to deal with idiotic drunks at CHILDREN'S events, last night's Disney On Ice at the Bank Atlantic Arena in Sunrise, FL was the latest.

It never ceases to amaze me that they sell hard core liquor at these events along with beer, (which the smell of all this makes me sick), where one must DRIVE home afterwards!? not to mention you're around children, WHY do they feel the need to drink?

Last night between the jerk's cologne (think he poured it on instead of showering) and the jerk's drinks I wanted to gag or hurl all over him! Oh and not to mention same stinky jerk talked on his cell phone half way thru...c'mon man it's Disney on Ice, you were there w/your wife and little girl and yet you were drunk, stunk and talked on phone....bet that's a lasting memory for your family.

So, I guess my vent is this...

People...when you're going out in public, you REALLY do NOT need to pour on perfume or cologne. Trust me it'll be ok, take a shower! There are people in this world besides myself that are sensitive to chemical induced smells, fragrances, foods, etc. It's really not right that I paid the same amount of money for my front row tickets as Mr Stinky Drunk and yet I didn't get to enjoy it as much, instead I went home w/an aroma induced migraine!

and why not try to go to one event without having to have a drink...novel thought but your kids would probably enjoy it more, I know I would've enjoyed it more if Mr Stinky Drunk hadn't smelled of mixture of his cheap cologne and beer! and, hey it makes for a safer drive home if you're sober!

and yet sadly if I didn't already have my tix for High School Musical on Ice, I'd probably add Sunrise Bank Atlantic Arena to my ever growing boycott list.

Why plastic bags should be avoided

2007-04-05T06:44:00.000-04:00

http://vitalvotes.com/blogs/public_blog/Why-Plastic-Shopping-Bags-Should-Be-Avoided-8116.aspx

California frequently leads the way for other states in environmental legislation. Soon, for the second time in three years, San Francisco's Board of Supervisors will consider a measure that would ban the use of plastic shopping bags distributed at stores larger than 5,000 square feet.

The measure would require retail stores to use paper bags made from recyclables or plastic bags that can be broken down into compost; it is a new approach to a failed 2005 proposal that would have imposed a 17-cent fee on each plastic bag a consumer takes home from a store.

San Francisco alone uses roughly 1 million plastic bags each year. Further:

* Producing 1 million plastic bags generates 13 million pounds of carbon dioxide.
* It takes 11 barrels of oil to produce a ton of plastic bags.
* Some 950 tons of plastic bags invade landfills, because only 1 percent of them are ever recycled

~*~*~*~~*~
MY PERSONAL NOTES:
Carry along canvas totes to use instead of plastic or paper!

Complaint Free World

2007-03-28T12:21:00.000-04:00

http://acomplaintfreeworld.org/

Thanks to this one little idea, the world is becoming a more positive place. If you'd like to get Complaint-Free bracelets for yourself, your workplace, your church, your group or your family, we'll be happy to send them to you for Love Offering (they'll send them to you free, you can send whatever you feel is appropriate.)

You can listen to the message that started this whole movement at http://ccunitykc.org/listen.htm#braclet_message

and there's all kinds of media coverage listed on their main page at http://acomplaintfreeworld.org/

DO it!!! :)

Hold the Hormones Starbucks!

2007-03-28T10:14:00.000-04:00

I personally have never tasted coffee nor will I go in a starbucks for various reasons besides the fact that I dont coffee, milk but they also promote animal abuse at rodeos, and more and now the below!

http://www.sustainabletable.org/getinvolved/takeaction/#hold

Hold the Hormones is a multi-pronged national campaign to
stop the use of artificial growth hormones in dairy products.
If you would like to learn more about the artificial hormones
and why they are unnecessary, read our section on artificial
hormones.

The first phase of Hold the Hormones! is to encourage Starbucks
to stop using dairy products, such as milk, that contain artificial
hormones (also referred to as rBGH or recombinant bovine growth
hormone). The second phase is to educate college campuses
about the issue and motivate college students to join us in
the campaign.

Starbucks
Campaign

Tell
Starbucks to say no to artificial hormones!

Click
here to send a letter to Starbucks, encouraging them to
stop using dairy products with the artificial hormone rBGH.

After sending your letter, write
us so we can send you Starbucks cards that you can leave
behind at your local Starbucks store every time you stop in
for a tea or coffee.

And if you’re concerned about artificial growth hormones
in your dairy products, visit our rBGH-free
map to find artificial-hormone-free milk, cheese, ice
cream, butter and yogurt in your state.

Today is Kick Butts Day

2007-03-28T08:26:00.000-04:00

http://www.whatareyousmoking.org

Did you know there are over 4,000 chemicals in a single puff of cigarette smoke, and at least 69 of them are known to cause cancer?

TAKE ACTION NOW! Fill out the form at http://www.whatareyousmoking.org and pledge to join thousands of Americans across the country who want to protect America's kids, not Big Tobacco, by supporting legislation before Congress to grant the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products and by taking other actions.

http://kickbuttsday.org/

KBD is the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids' annual celebration of youth advocacy, leadership and activism. KBD is a day to stand out, speak up and seize control in the fight against tobacco. It is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the tobacco problem and support strong tobacco prevention policies. And don't forget, you can use your KBD materials to plan events and pitch them to the media any time of year.

Watoto - making a difference

2007-03-22T09:56:00.000-04:00

http://www.watoto.com/
Meeting the needs of parentless children

The mission of Watoto is to raise the next generation of Ugandan leaders by placing parentless children in families where the necessary love, care, spiritual discipleship and physical needs are provided. Our goal is to equip these precious children with the essential moral values and life skills that will enable them to make a significant and lasting impact.

Watoto is accomplishing its mission of raising Ugandan leaders by focusing on the essential needs of parentless children - specifically the physical, educational, emotional and spiritual needs. Founded in 1992, Watoto takes in orphaned children between the ages of 2 and 12 and places them in families, providing food, shelter, education, health care, and family values.

We believe that as the children are trained academically and spiritually, they will enter society equipped with the necessary life skills and moral values, enabling them to make a significant and lasting impact on the future of Uganda.

Watoto currently operates 3 children's villages and cares for over 1500 children. The villages include over 130 individual homes, each accommodating 8 children and a house mother. They also contain a complete school system for the Watoto children and the surrounding communities, a medical clinic, a church / community center, an agricultural project providing food, a clean water source and electrical power. The result is a self-sustaining village that serves the children while providing employment for women and teachers, and steady jobs for laborers.

You can help for a mere $35/month by sponsoring a girl, boy, mother or baby. or just make a donation in general! but DO SOMETHING!
I did, sponsored a little girl! Help make a difference!
http://www.watoto.com/

March 22, World Water Day

2007-03-21T17:59:00.000-04:00

World Water Day:

FACT & How you can make a difference!
Every 15 seconds, another child's life is lost to preventable waterborne illnesses.
World Vision offers a variety of ways you can help save children's lives ... from digging new wells, to treating contaminated water.

What's it about?
You can read all about it here
World Day for Water, or unofficially World Water Day, occurs each year on March 22, as designated by United Nations General Assembly resolution.

In addition to the UN member states, a number of NGOs promoting clean water and sustainable aquatic habitats have used World Day for Water as a time to focus public attention on the critical water issues of our era. Every three years since 1997, for instance, the World Water Council has drawn thousands to participate in its World Water Forum during the week of World Day for Water. Participating agencies and NGOs have highlighted issues such as a billion people being without access to safe water for drinking and the role of gender in family access to safe water.

$30 a month....

2007-03-21T17:55:00.000-04:00

could get you a tank of gas here in the USA
about 6 cases of soda
a newspaper every day for a month
OR
you could sponsor a child at http://www.worldvision.com and that $30 would feed, clothe them, give them clean drinking water and help them more so than the $30 would ever do you here -- not to mention give a child HOPE and FAITH.

Who Is World Vision?
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

Why not sponsor a child NOW!?

I did, two in fact.

Plastic Bags

2007-03-08T12:03:00.000-05:00

http://www.reusablebags.com/facts.php?id=4

Worldwide, an estimated 4 billion plastic bags end up as litter each year. Tied end to end that’s enough to circle the earth 63 times.

According to the EPA, U.S. consumes over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps each year.

Plastics are forever! Plastics do NOT biodegrade. Rather, they photodegrade. A process, where sunlight breaks down plastic into smaller and smaller pieces.

The Numbers…Believe It or Not
Printer Friendly

Introduced just over 25 years ago, the ugly truth about our plastic bag addiction is that society's consumption rate is now estimated at well over 500,000,000,000 (that's 500 billion) plastic bags annually, or almost 1 million per minute.

# Single-use bags made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are the main culprit. Once brought into existence to tote your purchases, they'll accumulate and persist on our planet for up to 1,000 years.

# Australians alone consume about 6.9 billion plastic bags each year, that's 326 per person. According to Australia's Department of Environment, an estimated 49,600,000 annually end up as litter.

# In 2001, Ireland used 1.2 billion disposable plastic bags, or 316 per person. An extremely successful plastic bag tax, or PlasTax, introduced in 2002 reduced consumption by 90%.

# According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags.

# Four out of five grocery bags in the US are now plastic.

# Plastic bags cause over 100,000 sea turtle and other marine animal deaths every year when animals mistake them for food.

# In a dramatic move to stem a tide of 60,000 metric tons of plastic bag and plastic utensil waste per year, Taiwan banned both last year.

# According to the BBC, only 1 in 200 plastic bags in the UK are recycled.

# According to the WSJ Target, the second-largest retailer in the U.S., purchases 1.8 billion bags a year.

# As part of Clean Up Australia Day, in one day nearly 500,000 plastic bags were collected. Unfortunately, each year in Australia an estimated 50,000,000 plastic bags end up as litter.

# The average family accumulates 60 plastic bags in only four trips to the grocery store.

# Each high quality reusable bag you use has the potential to eliminate an average of 1,000 plastic bags over its lifetime. The bag will pay for itself if your grocery store offers a $.05 or $.10 credit per bag for bringing your own bags.

# Windblown plastic bags are so prevalent in Africa that a cottage industry has sprung up harvesting bags and using them to weave hats, and even bags. According to the BBC one group harvests 30,000 per month.

World Vision

2007-03-08T08:45:00.000-05:00

My daughter, 11, has been whining for awhile she wants a 'sister'
well that is NOT happening because of well many reasons LOL

BUT, the next best thing happened!
I went to http://www.worldvision.com and 'adopted' a girl from Columbia from the site!!

my daughter viewed all the girls and picked this adorable 11 yr old (same age as her) and picked Columbia as the country because she has friends she goes to school with here that are from there and thought that'd be 'cool'

this girl is soooo sweet looking and it's amazing what a measly $30/month can do over there!

Plus, I 'think' they send a packet to us where we can write her and send other care items and then the world vision rep distributes to the family

Before I could even finish the online thing doing it last night my daughter was on phone and IM'ing her friends saying she had a new 'sister' in Columbia and went on and on for hours last night about it! she even missed most of American Idol to tell people about it that's how excited she was!

just wanted to share that and perhaps some one here can bless a child in need as well... pray about it and if you're led to, then do so :)
http://www.worldvision.com

New HOT Pink Kabuki Brushes & Eye shadow brushess

2007-03-05T14:19:00.000-05:00

Just added!!!!
and we all know that the brush is a must have with mineral makeup!
get yours now at Affordable Mineral Makeup

New Hot Pink Kabuki Brush with case

Multi colored eye brush set

No food from cloned animals

2007-02-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

http://ga3.org/campaign/Cloning

Tell FDA: No Food From Cloned Animals!

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed its review of food from animal clones and FDA regulators say that the agency will likely approve the sale of cloned foods this year.

FDA’s action flies in the face of widespread scientific concern about the risks of food from clones, and ignores the animal cruelty and troubling ethical concerns that the cloning process brings. What's worse, FDA indicates that it will not require labeling on cloned food, so consumers will have no way to avoid these experimental foods.

FDA needs to hear that you don't want food from animal clones - a public comment period is open until April 2 - send your letter now!
http://ga3.org/campaign/Cloning

Wholesale Affordable Mineral Makeup

2007-02-09T13:54:00.000-05:00

Yes you've heard right!
Affordable Mineral Makeup is now offering mineral makeup at wholesale!

Those who want to simply purchase larger amounts can do so as well as those who want to start their own mineral makeup company.

The same great quality products you're used to at
http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com and the same fast responsive
customer service you're used to is now available wholesale at our sister site:
http://www.wholesaleaffordablemineralmakeup.com/

Affordable Mineral Makeup can now take care of everyone's needs, from
retail to wholesale and don't forget our 4 different sign up options as well.

We have over 17 yrs experience in owning our own businesses and we pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and products.

Shop http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/ for your retail or consultant needs and http://www.wholesaleaffordablemineralmakeup.com/ for your wholesale needs

Audio Interview about Me :)

2007-02-07T13:16:00.000-05:00

you can read part of it and hear it at:
http://smallbusinessmoms.blogspot.com/2006/12/meet-inspirational-god-loving-single.html
it was done by Marlo Boux and was an honor to be interviewed by her!!

The rush to start a new biz

2007-02-07T09:08:00.000-05:00

There have been many direct sales companies that have failed lately and then the DAY AFTER this happens, consultants with the prior company think "OhhhhI CAN open my own biz" and they get a domain name, forward it to a freewebs site and they think they're in biz!!!!

do they take into consideration:
Inventory
Packaging
Labeling
Shipping
Customer Service
Toll free phone
laser printer to print 'professionally'
If they're goin to have consultants, the plan for them
ROI (return on investment)
Schedules/Work Hours
Return Policy/Refund Policy
Professional looking web site with real domain name, real email address
yadda yadda blah blah blah ya know.....

and then a month or maybe a few months down the road they wonder why they flopped as well

just thinking out loud here...

Mineral Makeup Gifts

2007-02-07T09:02:00.000-05:00

New Gift Sets at Affordable Mineral Makeup

Featuring a black bag with pink feather boa full of mineral makeup and kabuki klassic brush.
Save $11.71 on this item now!
Get it NOW!

Hearts purse gift set with mineral makeup, mineral lip gloss and a retractable lip brush in silver case all in this cute plastic hearts
purse.
Save $14.71 on this item now!
Get yours NOW!

Hearts Chinese Take Out Box Gift Set featuring mineral makeup, mineral lip gloss and retractable lip brush in silver case all in this adorable plastic hearts box.
Save $14.71 on this item if you order now!
get it NOW

Makes great Valentine's Day gifts for your 'tween, teen, or yourself!
If the boyfriend or hubby doesn't know what to give, drop a few hints!
and Affordable Mineral Makeup does offer gift certificates too, to make it easier for the men in your life!

Get your Affordable Mineral Makeup NOW!

Text Ads

2007-01-07T20:39:00.000-05:00

As we know, the more links you have to your web site the better search engine ranking you will have and more traffic.

You can add your own site, your company site, your rep site, your affiliate site, any site you want (other than porno and hate sites).

BOGO FREE!
Buy one JUMBO text ad, and get a JUMBO ad for free!

Colors are ALWAYS FREE!

You can add your own site, your company site, your rep site, your affiliate site, any site you want (other than porno and hate sites).

As we know, the more links you have to your web site the better search engine ranking you will have and more traffic.

http://workathomebusinesskeywords.com/specials.html
http://www.999wordads.com/specials.html

To take advantage of the BOGO FREE, simply pay on the above sites and then in the comments section place the information for both the paid one and the free one.

What is a plug board?

2006-12-19T15:16:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to give a few friendly hints about utilizing plug boards.

Plug boards are great for generating traffic and helping your site in the search engines if done properly.

Plugs are generally 88 x 31 graphics (they do also have plug boards with full banner sizes as well)

Most plug board users do require you to have a plug board on the site you're plugging as well.
It is only fair after all, that if YOU come to their site to plug that they should be able to go to YOUR site to plug too.

Most plug board users have all their guidelines and rules on the plug board page.
It's always a good idea to abide by those guidelines.
Even though I have it all spelled out clearly on all my plug boards, there are still MANY MANY who insist on plugging and they don't have a return plug board, in which case as it clearly states, I WILL DELETE and BAN the plug until the site gets a plug board for me to utilize as well.

Some also only allow certain types of sites to plug.

If you don't have a plug board, you can get the codes at http://www.plug-board.com and there are settings that you can customize as far as background colors, number of plugs on the board and other options too.

Keep all these in mind while plugging and you can plug your way to more business!!

just a few tidbits for everyone!

here are a few of my plug boards for those who want to plug!

http://www.successfulworkathomebusiness.com/plugboard.html
http://www.smoothieweightloss.com
http://www.startadogbakery.com
http://www.999WordAds.com/plug-board.html
http://www.how-to-make-cupcake-cakes.com/plug-board.html
http://www.tarasweb.com/plug-board.html
http://www.virtualrighthandwoman.com/plug-board.html
http://www.holidayboxswap.com/plugboard.html

Mineral Lip Gloss and more new items

2006-12-19T15:06:00.000-05:00

BasicMineralMakeup.com

Beauty is now Affordable and Natural!

AND, all orders are shipped the day after ordering
(unless on weekend)
via PRIORITY MAIL and any size order is only $5 shipping!

Offering a complete line of mineral makeup:
Foundations
Blush
Multi Purpose Minerals
Bronzers
Veils
Eye shadows
Mineral Lip Gloss
Huge variety of brushes
Kabuki Brushes
Baby Kabuki Brush a/k/a Baby Buki
Brush Sets
Shimmering Minerals
Gift Cans w/mineral makeup (Great for the holidays!)

Product comes in 3 size sifter jars or 3 size baggies (great for refills!)
SAMPLES available too!

Great for all tweens, teens, women of all ages!

Also offering a Consultant Program with LOTS of benefits!

Check it out Now at www.BasicMineralMakeup.com

Wow it's been a looong time

2006-12-19T15:04:00.000-05:00

Since I last posted! Just a mere 4 months!
and LOTS LOTS can happen in that much time!

Watch for more info and posts starting soon because I'm gearing up, so watch out!

7th Heaven is BACK!!!

2006-08-17T20:53:00.000-04:00

If you don't know 7th Heaven was picked up for 13 more shows.
The New CW is not advertising it much though :(
A lot of people don't know that it's premiering on September 25th at 8pm.
I am asking y'all to email 10 friends that watch our show and ask them to e-mail 10 friends to watch the show and so on and so on for the show on the 25th of Sept.

Basic Mineral Makeup

2006-08-05T08:10:00.000-04:00

Mineral makeup is HOT HOT HOT! Created from Earth's minerals, Basic Mineral Makeup gives you natural sunscreen, fabulous coverage and a long-lasting natural glow that can't be matched with gooey liquid or creme foundations.

Can't find the right shade? Mix the minerals to make your perfect glow!

Our multi-purpose minerals can be used wet or dry and mixed and added to lip gloss or clear nail polish for a one-of-a-kind shade!
Try it now at Basic Mineral Makeup

here's an interesting history fact about "4th of July":

2006-07-04T09:10:00.000-04:00

On the Fourth of July, millions of U.S. citizens will fire up the barbeque and shoot off fireworks in celebration of the Declaration of Independence, a now-sacred document that declares the independence of what were then 13 united colonies from England.

But the Continental Congress voted for the Declaration of Independence on the second of July in 1776. No one signed it until August 2, and the last signatures didn't come until the end of November.

"The only thing that happened on the fourth was they approved the document," said Ronald Hoffman, director of the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Several members of the Congress who voted for independence never signed the document, and several members who signed the document, were absent when the vote was taken, Hoffman added.

John Adams, the second President of the United States, was in 1776 a delegate to the Continental Congress representing the colony of Massachusetts. He wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776, that "the second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America."

source: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/06/0629_040629_july4.html

Mineral Makeup Party!

2006-06-04T20:44:00.000-04:00

If you missed my mineral makeup chat the other day you can catch me
Monday at 11 a.m. EST at

http://www.moms-spot.com/events.html

then click on the "chat" button

Will be offering a special discount for those who join me at the party!

and prizes too!!!

Tara :)
http://www.BasicMineralMakeup.com

Mineral Makeup

2006-05-30T08:20:00.000-04:00

www.BasicMineralMakeup.com ~ get your mineral makeup or make money selling mineral makeup

Soul Patrol Taylor WINS American Idol

2006-05-24T22:38:00.000-04:00

no more seeing fake Kat!!!!

The REAL DEAL has won!!!

Taylor Hicks IS the American Idol!!!

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Taylor Rules!!!!

How to Stay Young

2006-05-21T09:51:00.000-04:00

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age,
weight and height.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you
down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer,
crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle.
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the
devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp
for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The
only person who is with us our entire life, is
ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's
family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies,
whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If
it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you
can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to
the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to
where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at
every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.

Taylor Hicks ROCKS!!!

2006-05-17T20:23:00.000-04:00

ok... since American Idol will be on in about 39 minutes just wanted to give a shout out to Taylor Hicks!!!
SOUL PATROL!!!!

He rocks and deserves to be THE American Idol!!!!

More fruit could mean less asthma in adults

2006-05-17T20:22:00.000-04:00

By Stephen Daniells
5/17/2006

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=67753&m=2niu517&c=qdrhrvoeraoqydo

People with an antioxidant-rich diet could reduce
their risk of developing asthma in adulthood, say
Cambridge researchers - adding to a growing body of
science on the subject.

ï¿½We have found symptomatic asthma in adults to be
associated with a low intake of the dietary
antioxidants vitamin C and manganese. The low intake
of vitamin C appears to primarily associated with a
diet deficient in fruit,ï¿½ wrote corresponding author
Dr. Nick Wareham.

This study appears to support a growing body of
science that has linked antioxidant intake,
particularly vitamins C and E, to the incidence of
asthma, a condition on the rise in the Western world
and the most common long-term condition in the UK
today. And, according to the charity Asthma UK, it
affects over four million adults and over a million
children.

According to the European Federation of Allergy and
Airway Diseases Patients Association (EFA), over 30m
Europeans suffer from asthma, costing Europe ï¿½17.7bn
every year. The cost due to lost productivity is
estimated to be around ï¿½9.8bn.

The new study, published in the journal Thorax (Vol.
61, pp. 388-393), used a nested case-control design to
investigate a potential relationship between fruit and
vegetable intake, and corresponding antioxidant
intake, and the incidence of both diagnosed and
symptomatic asthma for 515 cases and 515 controls with
average age 32.

The researchers used registrants in the European
Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk
cohort and assigned them as either cases or controls
depending on results from a health and lifestyle
questionnaire (HLQ). Dietary data was obtained using
seven day food diaries.

Dr. Wareham and his colleagues found that dietary
intake of vitamin C and manganese were inversely and
independently linked to symptomatic asthma, with a 12
per cent reduction in incidence with increasing
vitamin C intake, and a 15 per cent reduction in
incidence with increasing manganese intake. The
researchers divided intakes into five groups
(quintiles) ranging from low to high intake, but no
quantification of each cut-off point is made.

For diagnosed asthma, only manganese has an effect on
the incidence of the condition. Increasing intake of
manganese, as a per quintile measure, was associated
with a 14 per cent reduction in the risk of diagnosed
asthma.

When the researchers looked at the incidence and
associated risks of both symptomatic and diagnosed
asthma in terms of fruit and vegetable consumption,
and particular types of each, it was reported that
moderate consumption (between 0.7 and 46.2 grams per
day) of citrus fruits decreased the risk of asthma by
12 per cent. High consumption (46.3 grams per day or
more) decreased the risk by 41 per cent.

Apples consumption also reported a significant effect
on the risk of asthma, both symptomatic and diagnosed,
with high consumption (48.1 grams per day or more)
associated with a 32 per cent reduction in risk.

ï¿½Our observations are consistent with previous
reports
of an inverse association between dietary fruit and
dietary vitamin C and respiratory symptoms,ï¿½ said
the
researchers.

The mechanism behind the protective effects of vitamin
C and manganese appears to be due to their antioxidant
nature, with manganese in particular playing a key
role in the enzyme superoxide dismutase. Reduced
levels of this enzyme have been reported in the lungs
and blood of asthma sufferers.

A major strength of this study, argue the researchers,
is the comprehensive nature of the dietary data,
allowing them to confidently make the link between
manganese and vitamin C intake and reduced risk of
asthma.

There are several limitations however, as there are
with all observational studies. The most notable being
that cases may have altered their diets because of
their asthma, although possible errors from this are
reduced by the fact that only 22 cases reported such a
change. There also exists the possibility that other,
unaccountable confounders, may have affected the
results.

The study does appear to add to a growing body of
evidence linking increased antioxidant intake to a
reduced risk of asthma. Indeed, a spokesperson for
British charity Asthma UK told NutraIngredients.com:
"Fresh fruit and vegetables are a good source of
anti-oxidants and the results of several studies
suggest that a diet high in anti-oxidants may protect
against asthma and some other lung diseases.

This research has looked at whether people with a low
intake of fruit and antioxidants such as vitamin C
have a higher risk of asthma. Further research is
necessary before the link between diet and asthma is
fully understood.

However, Asthma UK would encourage all people with
asthma to strive towards general good health through
eating a healthy diet made up of plenty of fruit and
vegetables," they said.

Vegetarian Diets: Eat as Much as You Want & Still Lose Weight

2006-05-15T06:24:00.000-04:00

By Melinda Smith
Washington, DC
11 May 2006

http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-05-11-voa48.cfm

It seems too good to be true. Eat as much as you want
and still lose weight? That's the conclusion of a
group of health experts who say a vegetarian diet is
just the ticket for losing those unwanted pounds or
kilos. But others say a side order of common sense
goes along with it.

Hamburgers and french fries ... staples of what's
called the "Western diet". Quick ... easy ... often
cheap ... and very fattening. This calorie-rich diet
has become one of America's most successful exports.
McDonald's and other fast food restaurants are popping
up in China and elsewhere, and health experts lay much
of the blame for a worldwide problem of obesity at
their doorsteps.

Obesity is a serious health problem in the United
States. Fad diets that guarantee weight loss often
make headlines. But one of the latest studies to grab
attention supports the old-fashioned notion that if
you eat your fruits and vegetables, you can lose
weight.

Washington dietitian Susan Levin is with the
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which
conducted the research. She says the diet is simple:
just whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes.
"Those are the four food groups that a plant-based
diet should be built around and those food groups are
so high in fiber and typically low in calories and low
in fat that you don't have to think about quantity."

But Washington nutritionist Janet Zalman is concerned
about the reality of sticking to this kind of diet. "I
think that's for most busy people in major cities
pretty impractical because there's no way you can
really eat in any kind of restaurant and do it in an
effective way, because everything is going to have
some butter, some cheese, and I think only having
fruits, vegetables, grains and some nuts is going to
be a plan that you're really going to be hungry."

Susan Levin agrees that even a vegetarian has to watch
out for the fat. "You don't want to eat things like a
lot of olive oil ... a lot of cheese ... a lot of
anything that's high in fat, because that's where you
get in trouble."

Butter and cheese are what separate the vegetarians
from the vegans, says Gail Naftalin, who runs a
vegetarian catering company in Wheaton, Maryland.

As a vegan, she doesn't eat dairy products and finds
other sources of calcium in leafy green vegetables,
like kale. Gail believes the nutritional balance in
her diet can be found in the colors of what's on her
plate. "So that if you even think about it in terms of
colors, you know ... 'have I had some green things,
some orange things, some yellow things,' you can get
your nutrients very well satisfied that way."

With the growing concern about obesity and related
problems of heart disease and diabetes, Americans are
becoming more particular about what they buy. Frozen
vegetables from the grocery store may be more
convenient, but Gail Naftalin says fresh produce from
the local farmers' market has more appeal:

"Local ingredients that haven't had to be trucked
across the country and seasonal ingredients that are
growing now -- and that's the food that people really
enjoy the most."

So, what is the food you enjoy the most? Gail
Naftalin believes variety is the spice of healthy
eating. "Meat eaters certainly can eat vegetarian
food, whereas if you have something with meat or
chicken stock, the vegetarians won't eat it. So it's
a nice safe route to go and it's healthy and it's
setting a good example."

Setting a good example can be critically important to
your health. A British study of 500,000 people in 10
countries has shown that a high fat diet is second
only to tobacco as a leading cause of cancer, and when
combined with alcohol, accounts for almost one third
of the cancer rate in developed countries.

Google takes up cage-free eggs

2006-05-15T06:18:00.000-04:00

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060511-050257-1508r

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 11 (UPI) --
California-based Google, one of the hottest companies
around, has embraced a hot trend in animal rights --
cage-free eggs.

The company will require that all of its cafes and
cafeterias serve only the pricier cage-free eggs, the
San Jose Mercury News reports. Google uses about
300,000 eggs a year along with 7,000 pounds of liquid
egg products.

Animal-rights activists charge that caged chickens --
sometimes called battery-raised, because the cages are
piled high -- have miserable lives during their
productive egg-laying months, confined six to a cage
with only 67 square inches of floor space per chicken.
Egg farmers say caged chickens are just as happy as --
and healthier than -- those raised outdoors or in open
barns.

Google is jumping on a bandwagon that already includes
America On Line and Bon Appetit Management, a catering
company serving a number of Silicon Valley companies.
Several universities have also pledged to serve
cage-free eggs.

"There's a ripple effect that I think will happen,"
said John Dickman, Google's food service manager.
"Other companies also will want to ensure humane
treatment of animals."

Decision Making Made EASY

2006-05-14T08:42:00.000-04:00

By Choose It!

Choose It! is decision making software. Use it to make important business, financial, even life-changing decisions. Yes, really! It brings amazing clarity, your own clarity, to any complex question or problem. People have used it to...

* decide upon important strategic directions for their businesses
* select career paths for their adult children
* decide upon vacation destinations, and even to
* make the monumental decision about what to have for lunch (bacon sandwich or cheese sandwich or bacon and cheese sandwich).

The process is based upon a classic decision making model that we all use intuitively for easy questions or problems (ex., "Do I?" or "Don't I?" with columns of "pros" and "cons"). But that simple process breaks down badly for more complicated decisions.

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Best of all, it's free! Ready? Do the Quick Tour.

Butter vs Margarine

2006-05-10T12:42:00.000-04:00

Do you know the difference between butter and margarine?

Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it
killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the
research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure
out what to do with this product to get their money back.

It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow
coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter.

How do you like it? They have come out with some clever new
flavorings.

DO YOU KNOW...the difference between margarine and butter?

Both have the same number of calories.
Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams compared to 5
grams.

Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over-
eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard
Medical Study.

Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around
for less than 100 years.

And now, for Margarine...

Very high in Trans fatty acids. Triple risk of coronary heart
disease. Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad
cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)

Increases the risk of cancers up to five fold.
Lowers quality of breast milk.
Decreases immune response.
Decreases insulin response.

And here's the most disturbing fact.... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY
INTERESTING!

Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC...

Margarine is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the
molecular structure of the substance).

You can try this yourself:

Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded
area. Within a couple of days you will note a couple of things: no
flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should
tell you something); it does not rot or smell differently because it
has no nutritional value; nothing will grow on it, even those teeny
weenie micro-organisms will not a find a home to grow.
Why? Because it is nearly plastic. Would you melt your Tupperware and
spread that on your toast

Getting Whole, Getting Well

2006-05-07T20:25:00.000-04:00

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Discover What You Need To Know About Aspartame

2006-05-07T20:21:00.000-04:00

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2006-05-06T20:04:00.000-04:00

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Nationwide School Soda Ban

2006-05-04T12:54:00.000-04:00

May 03, 2006

School Soda Ban Called Good First Step

WEDNESDAY, May 3 (HealthDay News) -- Health experts are applauding today's agreement by major soft drink manufacturers to limit the sale of sodas in U.S. schools, calling it an important first step in a much-needed effort to combat childhood obesity and to provide better nutrition to youngsters during the school day.

"For the first time, we are going to be able to control calories in beverage form in schools," said Dr. Robert Eckel, president of the American Heart Association, which helped push for the initiative. "That's an attempt to get at this childhood obesity epidemic."

While the ban -- estimated to affect about 35 million students -- should have an impact on obesity, Eckel said that it "needs to be added to many other things that need to be done, such as snacks, breakfast and lunch menus and physical activity. We are currently working in these areas, too."

Dr. Lisa Altshuler, director of the Kids Weight Down Program at Maimonides Medical Center, in New York City, said, "It's a necessary first step. But it is only a first step in creating a healthy environment for kids."

Altshuler thinks controlling soda sales is particularly important in middle schools. "These students are more likely to be making choices" about the foods they eat and drink, compared to elementary school students, she said.

Another expert agrees that the announcement should be greeted as a positive accomplishment.

"This agreement is very welcome news," said Dr. David L. Katz, an associate professor of public health at Yale University School of Medicine and director of the school's Prevention Research Center. "This is an important initiative, and should be seen as such, even by those who note that improving school nutrition will not solve the problem of epidemic childhood obesity," he said.

Coca-Cola views its involvement in the campaign as a way to identify itself with the fight against obesity. "We wanted to be part of the solution to childhood obesity," said company spokeswoman Diana Garza. "We wanted to be able to contribute toward the effort."

Schools are a unique environment, Garza added. "By combining our brand product offerings with some of the physical and nutrition educational programs we already support, we feel we are helping to put the schools at the forefront of the issue of childhood obesity," she added.

An estimated 16 percent of U.S. teens (ages 12 to 19) and 15.3 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are overweight, according to the American Obesity Association. The childhood obesity epidemic is being blamed for an increase in serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Overweight children can also struggle with problems of self-esteem.

According to the agreement, industry giants such as Cadbury Schweppes, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and the American Beverage Association will limit portion sizes and reduce the number of calories available to children during the school day. The deal was brokered by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a joint effort of the President William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association.

Under the guidelines, only lower calorie and nutritious beverages will be sold to schools. The guidelines cap the number of calories available in beverages in schools at 100 calories per container, except for certain milks and juices whose nutritional value warrants the higher number of calories.

"Soda has been referred to as liquid candy, and this is rather apt," Katz said. "There is no nutritional value in soft drinks, and the regular varieties provide a considerable load of calories and a concentrated dose of sugar," he added.

The soda industry will work to apply the new standards to 75 percent of the nation's schools before the start of the 2008-2009 school year; full implementation is expected for the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.

Elementary schools will only sell water, and 8-ounce servings of certain juices with no added sweeteners and servings of fat-free and low-fat regular and flavored milks. Middle schools will adopt the elementary school standards, but will be able to offer 10-ounce drinks.

High schools will have guidelines similar to middle schools but will also sell no-calorie and low-calorie drinks, such as bottled water, diet and unsweetened teas, diet sodas, fitness water, flavored water, seltzers and light juices, and low-calorie and regular sports drinks.

However, Katz thinks diet sodas remain a problem.

"Diet sodas may be free of calories and sugar but still provide an unsavory mix of chemicals and intense sweetness," he said. "Artificial sweeteners may propagate a sweet tooth, and there is no consistent evidence that they help with weight control."

Altshuler thinks sports drinks should not be available to students.

"Sports drinks are definitively a problem," she said. "Sports drinks certainly have a lot of sugar in them and have minimal nutritional value. They should be gotten out of the schools."

But Coca-Cola's Garza said sports drinks should be available to high school students. "We are trying to provide hydration beverages in packages that are conducive to the high school environment," she said.

John Sicher, editor and publisher of Beverage Digest, said the agreement would have virtually no impact on the $63 billion beverage industry's bottom line, The Associated Press reported.

"The sale of sugar-carbonated sodas in schools is a tiny, tiny part of their overall volume," Sicher said. "Financially, on the big companies, it will have virtually no impact."

Altshuler, while hailing the new agreement, said more needs to be done to promote better nutrition among America's schoolchildren.

"Even though soda will be available elsewhere, it is vital that it is removed from the school lunchroom," Altshuler said. "We have an obligation to remove items that are unhealthy. We need to use this issue to impress upon children not only that soda is not healthy, but open up the broader discussion on the need for responsible marketing and advertising. And not allow business deals to be created which will hurt our children --such as allowing beverage companies to purchase billboard space in gyms and on ball fields in exchange for helping to build those facilities," she added.

More information

To learn more about childhood obesity, visit the American Obesity Association.

My notes on this subject:
This would be great EXCEPT for the fact that artificial sweetners cause damage and kill just same as obesity...Why offer "Diet" sodas.

Sure they have less calories but MORE side effects than obesity!

Aspartame, which is being marketed as Nutrasweet, Equal and Splenda, is found in most, if not all, diet sodas. Symptoms such as fibromyalgia, spasms, shooting pains, numbness of the legs, cramps, vertigo, seizures, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), joint pain, depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision and memory loss were sighted in conjunction with aspartame consumption...

yea those symptoms are so much better than just obesity! (read that with sarcasm)
C'mon people WAKE UP!!!!!

do not take just 'soda' and allow "diet" soda in it's place to continue to kill and poision!

Do away with it ALL!

7 Ways to Double Your Energy

2006-05-04T08:32:00.000-04:00

by Frederic Patenaude

Admit it, there are times when you wish you could just feel more energetic and get more done. Don't you just hate it when you feel like hiding under your bedsheets, and yet more and more things come up that you have to deal with?

Though mastering the energy game is a complex topic, I'd like to give you 7 things you can do anytime you need an extra boost.

1. Breathe

Breathing is one of the best ways not only to calm yourself but also to energize your body. Whenever you start feeling overwhelmed, take one minute to do a simple deep-breathing exercise.

Here goes: Sit in a comfortable position, then breathe in for 5 counts, hold your breath for 5 counts, and breathe out for 5 counts.

Repeat for approximately 1-2 minutes, or longer.

2. Yoga

One of the best ways to feel more energetic is to combine stretching, movement and breathing with yoga. It works like a charm every time, but you probably think you have to spend an hour doing it.

Not so! Just 15 minutes of yoga give tremendous benefits. Practicing a few “sun salutations,” along with a back bend and a few more postures will really make a difference in your day.

Another possibility, which is just as powerful or even more so, is to spend ten minutes practicing the five Tibetans, a simple series of exercises that anyone can do and that give tremendous benefits. (For more information, go to this link).

3. Wait for True Hunger ... Or Eat!

Depending on how you feel, you can either eat to gain more energy, or wait.

Why the two diverse options? The reason is that tiredness can either be caused by your body trying to “detox” the previous meal, or simply due to the fact that you haven't eaten enough.

If you're in “detox,” you might feel a little depressed or irritable. Your stomach might make all sorts of noises.

In that case, I find that when I fast a few hours until I feel “truly hungry” - I will gradually feel more energetic as my body is restored to homeostasis.

But if you have eaten well lately, then try the following drink for quick energy. The water, the electrolytes (like sodium in the celery) and the natural sugar will help recharge your batteries.

- 1-3 bananas
- 1 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2-3 stalks of celery
- 1 to 2 cups of water

Blend and enjoy!

4. Drink

One of the main reasons people feel tired is that they are dehydrated. It happens very often in hot weather. You can easily forget to drink. If you feel tired for no apparent reason, it's warm outside and you haven't been to the bathroom in the last 2 hours, then you should drink a liter of water and watch what happens.

If you were dehydrated, you will immediately feel more energetic.

5. Dump Your Brain

Often you may feel overwhelmed by everything on your schedule, especially if you don't know exactly where to start to get things done. This is a major energy-drainer.

Trying to keep things in our brain becomes extremely draining when there are more things than we can keep in mind at one time.

Here's one quick solution: Take out a bunch of sticky notes. Write down as many things as you know you have to do. Write one item per sticky note.

Literally dump out your brain. Then organize the stickies by category, and identify your top 3 priorities.

For each of those 3 priorities, identify the very next action you have to take to get it done. Then schedule a time to do this.

When you do this, you will immediately feel yourself coming back to life, and your energy will instantly double.

6. Clean Up Your Space

Untidy or messy surroundings are a major drain of energy. Especially when getting through the mess seems overwhelming.

My suggesting is to spend 15 minutes to clean up, and see what happens.

What I recommend is actually timing yourself. I personally use a countdown timer. I set it to 15 minutes and then get as much done as possible in those 15 minutes, like a race!

Try this and you'll find that so much can be done to clean up your environment in just 15 minutes. You'll feel your mood instantly change and your energy double.

7. Find a Program That Works

The best thing you can do to keep your energy up is to pay attention to the factors that influence your health.

Those factors include: eating a good diet based on fruits and vegetables, getting sufficient nutrients, training your body in the 5 areas of fitness, mastering your sleep, and more (there are more than 21 in total).

Your health program should focus on mastering these different factors of health - not just diet - and show you how to become a high-energy person!

Want to Use This Article In Your Website or E-Zine? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: "Frederic Patenaude, is the author of the best-selling e-book “The Raw Secrets”. He is currently giving away fr'ee access to his private library of over 100 exclusive articles along with a subscription to his newsletter Pure Health & Nutrition. Visit http://www.fredericpatenaude.com while charter subscriptions last.

Are Plastic Bottles Safe?

2006-05-02T08:27:00.000-04:00

Are Plastic Water Bottles Safe?

We all know the importance of staying hydrated. The method of choice for most people these days is to carry around a trendy, colorful plastic sports bottle filled with water. You know, the tough, hard plastic ones that everyone from bikers and hikers to active business folks to on-the-go moms tote around - not to mention students ranging from elementary to college. They're perfect for an active lifestyle - light, durable and available in a rainbow of colors. However, new research has shown that these plastic sports bottles may pose serious health hazards.

The irony is that the hazard may actually come from the material that makes these bottles so attractive. Lexan polycarbonate resin, a plastic polymer accidentally developed by General Electric in 1953, was and still is a revolutionary material. It's been used in a variety of products over the last four decades including compact discs and DVDs, bulletproof windows, mobile phones, computers, baby bottles and water bottles. Lexan is a perfect choice for water and baby bottles as it's durable, doesn't hold flavors or odors nor delivers any taste from the bottle material itself to the fluids it holds.

The Problem:

This is where the confusion begins.
Many folks assume that because it doesn't impart flavor to the liquid it holds that it's safer than other types of plastic bottles. Research findings published in 2003 by the journal Current Biology, show otherwise. These findings were the result of a study by Dr. Patricia Hunt of Case Western University in Ohio that questioned the use of polycarbonate plastics such as Lexan.

In1998, Hunt discovered that plastics made from polycarbonate resin can leach bisphenol-A (BPA), a potent hormone disruptor. BPA, a chemical found in epoxy resin and polycarbonate plastics, may impair the reproductive organs and have adverse effects on tumors, breast tissue development and prostate development by reducing sperm count.

BPA can be leached into the water bottles contents through normal wear and tear, exposure to heat and cleaning agents. This includes leaving your plastic water bottle in your car during errands, in your back pack during hikes and running it through your dishwasher and using harsh detergents. And, a 2003 study conducted by the University of Missouri published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives confirmed Dr. Hunts' study conclusions but also found that detectable levels of BPA leached into liquids at room temperature. This means just having your plastic water bottle sitting on your desk can be potentially harmful. In this author's humble opinion, the best thing to do is to avoid plastic altogether. (Side note: baby bottles made from polycarbonate plastics have quietly disappeared from the market despite industry assurances that polycarbonate plastics are safe)

The Solution:

There are two approaches to take to avoid exposure to BPA. First, if you are active and take water with you, switch to a stainless steel water bottle. But, be careful. Many products on the market are lined with an epoxy finish. This defeats the purpose. Make sure that the bottle is stainless steel both inside and out. Stainless steel water bottles are light, durable and hold both hot and cold liquids well. There's a wonderful stainless steel water bottle called the Klean Kanteen. It's available in a 27oz and a 40oz size and is available at www.greenfeet.com.

The second approach is to reuse glass containers such as quart sized juice bottles. Yes, they are a bit heavier but are good solutions if you're in an office environment where mobility isn't an issue.

Either way, to avoid bacteria build up, wash out your containers with warm water and biodegradable dish soap. Be sure to wipe the mouth of the container and the lids. And most importantly, let the container completely dry before refilling. Keeping any container continually filled with liquid can lead to bacteria developing and potential illness.

Keeping hydrated is extremely important year round - but especially during the summer. It keeps our systems functioning properly and is important in sustaining good health. Here's a tip on how much water you should be consuming daily based on a formula provided by the Mayo Clinic: Simply take your body weight and divide in half. For example, if you weighed 150 pounds, you need 75 oz (9-10 8oz glasses) daily. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are dehydrating so for every glass of these beverages you drink, add an extra glass of water.

So, while you take care to only fuel your body with plenty of pure, filtered water, take the next step and ensure the container holding your water is safe.

Bottom's up!

Vegan & Raw Vegan Recipes

2006-05-02T06:34:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui for ABUNDANT Living

2006-05-02T06:07:00.000-04:00

"Feng Shui for Abundant Living" by Kathy Browning
A step-by-step guide to achieving balance and harmony through the use of Black Hat Feng Shui
Are you faced with Health, Wealth and Happiness challenges?
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Eat your Fruits & Veggies

2006-04-28T12:46:00.000-04:00

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables!

The National Cancer Institute and the American Heart Foundation have found that in order to achieve maximum health and overall well-being, we need to consume five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. So how are you doing? Based on the research from the best and brightest medical minds of today, we are willing to bet you're missing a few. Currently your jam-packed, busy, and fast-food driven day just doesn't include enough time to eat that many fruits and vegetables.

Get Real!

That's where Pinnacle for Life's Fruits and Vegetables for Life comes in! The only way to obtaining Real Health is to consume Real whole foods. Get Real with Pinnacle for Life! Fruits for Life and Vegetables for Life utilize a highly concentrated Real food delivery system, providing all the fruits and veggies you need in a simple, easy to take capsule. Fruits and Vegetables for Life make it easy to get "whole food" fruits and vegetables without putting your life on hold.

It is the Ultimate in Whole Food Nutrition.

Pinnacle for Life proudly introduces Fruits for Life and Vegetables for Life, providing the ideal concentration of whole food goodness of twenty seven varieties of fruits and vegetables. This proprietary blend of whole food juice powders extracted from fruits and vegetables is a complete matrix of thousands of whole food phytonutrients in a vegetable capsule form.

Fruit & Berry		Vegetable
Pomegranate Blueberry Blackberry Bilberry Raspberry Cranberry Plum Pineapple	Concord Grape Strawberry Cherry Apricot Papaya Orange	Parsley Kale Spinach Brussels Sprout Asparagus Artichoke Broccoli	Cauliflower Beet Tomato Carrot Cabbage Garlic

These are uniquely processed whole food encapsulated powders that have been designed to maximize the potential of thousands of food actives (Phytonutrients/Phytochemicals). With it's unique delivery system you will feel the power of Fruits for Life and Vegetables for Life going to work within days as your body is purified of years of built up toxins and as you finally receive the 9+ servings of fruits and vegetables that your body has been craving.

Each fruit and vegetable is harvested at maturity in pristine areas of the United States and Canada where the soils are nutrient rich.and deep. All of the fruits and vegetables meet rigorous and strict non - detectability standards of any pesticides or herbicides. To insure that maximum nutrient values are preserved, all fruits and vegetables are processed using a cold press method.
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Foods That Fight Pain

2006-04-27T21:32:00.000-04:00

by Neal Barnard, M.D.

We all suffer pain from time to time, and for some of us that pain
has become a recurring, and sometimes constant, presence in our
lives. I would like to offer you an approach to pain that is
different -- and perhaps more powerful -- than anything you have ever
tried. It is based on the premise that foods have medicinal value, a
notion which has long been accepted in the medical
traditions of China, India, Native America, and other cultures around
the world, and is now being confirmed by the latest Western medical
research.
Foods can fight pain. I want to establish something important: There
is nothing speculative or far-out about the premise that foods can
fight pain.
On the contrary. The ideas presented in my book, Foods That Fight
Pain, are drawn from a wealth of new research from prestigious
medical centers around the world.

Years ago, findings showing that foods work against pain, even pain
in its most severe forms, emerged as tentative and sometimes
controversial theories.
Physicians and scientists then rigorously investigated these concepts
in human research volunteers. Today, after years of testing,
discarding, and refining, we arrived at a revolutionary way of
thinking about pain. Research studies have given us the scientific
basis, not only for why foods work this magic, but also how to put it
to use.

Nutrients work against pain in four ways. They can reduce damage at
the site of injury, cool your body's inflammatory response, provide
analgesia on pain nerves themselves, and even work within the brain
to reduce pain sensitivity.

The most important approach for you depends on the kind of pain you
have. If you have arthritis, your goal is to stop the joint damage
along with the pain.
If you have cancer pain or chest pain, you can choose foods to affect
the disease process itself. If you have shingles, diabetic nerve
pains, or carpal tunnel syndrome, you need to fix a problem within
the nerves. If you have a chronic backache, headaches, abdominal
pain, or cramps, you just want the pain to disappear. Specific foods
can help with all of these.
Different Foods for Different Kinds of Pain
Research studies have revealed special effects of certain foods and
nutrients.
Rice or peppermint oil, for example, can soothe your digestive tract.
Ginger and the herb feverfew can prevent migraines, and coffee
sometimes cures them.
Natural plant oils can reduce arthritis pain. Cranberry juice can
fight the pain of bladder infections. Vitamin B6 can even increase
your pain resistance, to name just a few.

Whether we are talking about back pain, migraines, cancer pain, or
anything else, there are three basic principles to using foods to
fight pain.

Choose pain-safe foods. In headaches, joint pains, and digestive
pains, for example, the key is not so much in adding new foods as in
finding out which foods have caused your pain and avoiding them,
while building your meals from foods that virtually never cause
symptoms for anyone.

In the Lancet of October 12, 1991, arthritis researchers announced
the results of a carefully controlled study that tested how avoiding
certain foods could reduce inflammation. Often the culprits were as
seemingly innocent as a glass of milk, a tomato, wheat bread, or
eggs. By avoiding specific foods, many patients improved
dramatically: pain diminished or went away, and joint
stiffness was no longer the routine morning misery. The same benefit
has been seen for migraines. While there are also benefits to be
gained from certain supplements, particularly natural
anti-inflammatory plant oils, identifying your own sensitivities is
an enormously important first step.

Sugar may affect pain, at least in certain circumstances. Researchers
at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis tested
its effects on a group of young men. They attached a clip to the web
of skin between their fingers, and wired the clip to an electrical
stimulator. They gradually
increased the voltage, and asked the men to say when they felt any
pain and at what point they found it intolerable. As the researchers
then infused a dose of sugar, the volunteers found that they could
feel the pain sooner and felt it more intensely. The researchers then
tested diabetics, who tend to have more
sugar in their blood than other people, and found that they too were
more sensitive to pain than other people.

What would it mean if some part of your diet, whether it was sugar or
anything else, were to cause pain to hurt just a bit extra, without
your realizing what was causing this problem? In fact, there are many
foods that trigger pain and aggravate inflammation. Choosing
pain-safe foods is as important as
bringing the special healing foods in.

Add soothing foods that ease your pain. Foods that improve blood flow
are of obvious importance in angina, back pain, and leg pains. Foods
that relieve inflammation help your joints to cool down. Other foods
balance hormones and will come to your rescue if you have menstrual
pain, endometriosis, fibroids, or breast pain. Hormone-adjusting
foods have also been the subject of
a considerable amount of research in cancer, as we will see.

Use supplements if you need them. I encourage you to explore the
benefits of herbs, extracts, and vitamins that can treat painful
conditions. Some have been in use for a very long time and have been
tested in good research studies. Do this under your doctor's care, so
that a nutritional approach can be integrated with other medical
measures as needed, and so that you have a solid diagnosis.

Why Didn't My Doctor Tell Me?
Unfortunately, your doctor is not likely to tell you -- and may well
not know -- most of what you will read in my book. In treating pain,
many doctors rely on a very restricted range of treatments, while
vital research showing what is actually causing the problem and how
to correct it very often gathers dust in
medical libraries.

The fact is, when a shiny nugget of potentially life-saving
information appears in a medical journal, very few doctors will ever
even see it. For even the most conscientious doctors, it is a
challenge to keep up with more than a few of the thousands of
journals that appear every month, even though the very answers we
are seeking might be found there. Only a handful of these journals
ever publicize their findings in the popular press. The vital
information they hold is simply buried in medical archives.

Of course, it is a very different story when a research study favors
the use of a new drug. Then the drug company will hire a public
relations firm, pay for massive mailings to physicians, and advertise
in medical journals.
The company will sponsor medical conferences that highlight the role
of the drug and pay speakers to discuss it. They are skilled at
getting a busy doctor's attention, motivated by millions of dollars
in profits. But no industry makes money if you stop eating a food
that causes your migraines. No surgical supply
company makes a cent if you open your arteries naturally through diet
and lifestyle. A pharmaceutical company's bottom line does not
improve if you use natural anti-inflammatory foods instead of
expensive drugs. And without the PR machinery paid for by industry,
some of the most important findings never make their way onto a
doctor's desk. Patients with arthritis, migraines,
menstrual cramps, or even cancer who ask their doctors what they
should be eating to regain their health get no answers, simply
because no one has brought new information to the doctor's attention.

In spite of the economic forces that often slow progress, we have
every reason to be optimistic about the future of medicine. More and
more doctors are integrating nutrition into their practices, and
scientific journals are responding with reports on its efficacy.
Studies in leading allergy journals are showing the links between
migraines and food sensitivities, the Journal of
Rheumatology has published a series of reports on how foods affect
the joints, The Lancet is reporting the new approaches to back pain
and heart disease, and the Journal of the American Medical
Association confirms the value of something as simple as cranberry
juice for bladder infections.

Use What Works
When it comes to our health, we simply want what works. Very often
that means a change in diet, since every hormone, neurotransmitter,
and blood cell in your body needs nutrients in order to do its job.
On the other hand, sometimes the best choice is a prescription. Most
ulcers, for example, are caused by a
bacterial infection, and all the "ulcer diets" in the world are not
nearly as effective as two weeks of antibiotics.

Please use this information in consultation with your doctor. If you
have pain, you need a diagnosis. No matter what treatment you are
choosing, your doctor can clarify your other treatment options,
monitor your progress, look out for any adverse effects, and can be
educated by you as your symptoms improve.

However, this does not mean surrendering your good judgment. It
always pays to get a second opinion -- or a third, if necessary -- if
there is any doubt about the right treatment for your condition.

Neal Barnard, M.D., is president of the Physicians' Committee for
Responsible Medicine and editor-in-chief of Good Medicine. He is an
active clinical researcher and author of numerous scientific
publications. Dr. Barnard travels widely giving lectures on nutrition
and health. Excerpted from Foods That Fight
Pain by Neal Barnard, M.D.

Foods That Fight Pain: Revolutionary New Strategies for Maximum Pain
Relief by Neal Barnard, M.D
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0609804367/vitalessentia-20

How to Recycle Anything

2006-04-27T08:16:00.000-04:00

 (from Prevention Magazine, April 2006)

1. Computers:  Your out-of-date PC holds toxins such as chromium, cadmium,
and lead that can contaminate food and water supplies if the computer gets
crushed, dumped in a landfill , or incinerated.  Those toxins can cause
serious health problems including headaches, kidney damage and cancer.

Instead of tossing your dead PC, send it back to the manufacturer; many will
accept nonworking computers for a small fee (up to about $34.00).  They'll
safely open your machine, extract the components, and recycle the majority
of the material for other products.

If the computer you're going to get rid of still works, donate it.  Wipe the
hard drive clean. (ShredIt.com can do that for you for $30.00.
 www.mireth.com/shredit.html ).
Then contact the National Cristina Foundation
( http://www.cristina.org )  and they'll match you with a school or
organization in
need.

2. Cell Phones: These contain many of the same toxins as computers.   Old
cellphones can be used to help rebuild a new life for someone.  The Wireless
Foundation, a national nonprofit, will reprogram your old cellphone with
emergency numbers and shelter info and distribute to a woman at risk of
domestic violence.  Drop off unwanted cellphones at the Body Shop or visit
http://www.calltoprotect.org  for other locations.

3. Other Electronics:  TV set, PDA, Cameras, MP3 Players, etc.  Visit
http://www.recycleforbreastcancer.org .  This organization will send you
prepaid
shipping labels, recycle your goods for a profit, and then donate all the
money to a national breast cancer charity.

4. Printer Cartridges:  http://www.recycleforbreastcancer.org  will also
take
these..  You can also check with a Staples or Office Depot near you.  Many
will safely dispose of used cartridges.

5. Food Scraps:  Make a compost heap in your backyard.
http://www.nyccompost.org/how/backyard.html

6. Items with Mercury:  Fourteen years ago scientists discovered that  just
1 g of liquid mercury - the kind found in thermometers, thermostats, and
some bug zappers and lightbulbs - could pollute a 20-acre lake, making the
fish inedible.  Though new thermometers are no longer made with mercury
there are still many old ones around.  Take anything containing mercury to a
hazardous-waste recycling collection facility.  There the mercury will be
removed and eventually sold to scientists.  Visit
 www.earth911.org to find a
facility near you.

7. Paint:  Ask your local high school drama dept, church, or Habitat for
Humanity  if they accept donations of unused paint.  If you have the latex
variety, you can also find a reuse-and-recycle program through
 www.earth911.org .  Your paint will be
blended and resold.

8. Batteries:  When rechargeable batteries (including Ni-Cds, Ni-MHs,
cellphone and laptop types and others) wear out bring them to a RadioShack
(call 877-273-2925 for a complete list).  They'll be disassembled and their
parts used for many things.  Car, boat, and motorcycle batteries should be
recycled too.  Check with your local recycling facility or see if the auto
shop will take the old battery when you buy a new one.  Call your local
recycling facility to recycle regular batteries.
http://www.radioshack.com/sm-how-do-i-properly-recycle-batteries--ra-Batteri
es06.html

9. Formal Wear:  Don't throw away your bridal gown, bridesmaid dress, formal
gown, shoes, or accessories.  Try  www.fairygodmothersinc.com or
www.glassslipperproject.com .  They help make teenage girls dreams
come
true.

10. Eyeglasses:  The Lions Club International collects used glasses to be
cleaned, repaired, and distributed to people who can't afford new
prescription glasses.  Drop them off at participating LensCrafters stores.
http://www.lionsinsight.org/eyeglass%20recycling.htm

11. Sneakers:  Send your scuffed-up sneakers (all brands) to Nike.  The
company's NikeGO campaign recycles the rubber, foam, and leather into
materials used in basketball courts, playgrounds, and other areas designed
to keep kids active. Visit http://www.nikereuseashoe.com

Sleep-Getting A Good Night's Sleep

2006-04-25T13:14:00.000-04:00

Sleep…something we all need to function. But getting a good night’s sleep isn’t always that easy for some. Sleep is vital for production and happiness as well as well being. Here are a few tips to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.

1) Try to stick to a routine and go to bed at the same time every night.

2) Avoid caffeine consumption in the evening (ideally you should avoid caffeine at all times, but for those who simply can’t do without, at least refrain from consuming late in the evening and at night)

3) Try yoga or breathing exercises to relax and unwind.

4) Use affirmations prior to retiring for the night. Confirming that you are going to enjoy a peaceful sound sleep and releasing the day

5) Avoid stressful tasks and jobs prior to sleep (ie: paying bills, dealing with situations that create stress)

6) Give up smoking. (which ideally you would avoid at all times anyhow, but for those who can’t quit, at least avoid smoking prior to bed)

7) Massage your temples with essentials oils, or place essential oils on your pillow, or use a diffuser in your room (lavender and chamomile are good for this)

8) Use Distress Remedy (which can be bought at http://www.mynsp.com/betotallyhealthy/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=8975 ) ~ it’s a homeopathic flower medicine or use other flower remedies to assist in restful sleep.

9) Try taking magnesium, Mineral Chi Tonic, Kava Kava or Valerin to help you with getting that peaceful sleep you need. You can purchase all of these at http://www.BeTotallyHealthy.com

Insomnia and sleep issues are often signs of other underlying conditions, natural health and wellness counselors can often assist you in this area so you can finally get the proper rest you need so you can be more at peace, more productive and happier!

Aspartame - The World's Best Ant Poison

2006-04-23T09:13:00.000-04:00

By Author Unknown; contributed by Jan Jensen of WELLthy Choices

We live in the woods, and carpenter ants are a huge problem. We have
spent thousands of dollars with Orkin and on ant poisons trying to
keep them under control but nothing has helped.

So when I read somewhere that aspartame (Nutrasweet sweetener) was
actually developed as an ant poison, and only changed to being
considered non-poisonous after it was realized that a lot more money
could be made on it as a sweetener than as an ant poison, I decided
to give it a try.

I opened two packets of aspartame sweetener, and dumped one in a
corner of each of our bathrooms. That was about 2 years ago and I
have not seen any carpenter ants for about 9 to 12 months. It works
better than the most deadly poisons I have tried. Any time they show
up again, I simply dump another package of Nutrasweet in a corner,
and they will be gone for a year or so again.

Since posting this information I have had many people tell me of
their success solving ant problems with this substance, when nothing
else worked.

We found later that small black ants would not eat the aspartame. It
was determined that if you mixed it with apple juice, they would
quickly take it back to the nest, and all would be dead within 24
hours, usually. I have found that sometimes it will kill them, and
sometimes it does not. Not sure why, may be slightly different
species of ants or something.

Fire Ants

We got our first fire ant hill about 2 weeks ago. My son had tried
Terro Outdoor ant poison on some hills near his house some time ago
without success, so I figured I would give aspartame a try.

I opened 4 packets and scattered the aspartame over the mound. The
ants seemed to be ignoring it, but a storm came in in about an hour,
and washed it all away. So the following week I tried again. Once
again they ignored it for 24 hours although some very small black
ants found it and begun carrying it off. Then we got a light rain. It
was just a sprinkle, enough to moisten the Nutrasweet and ground, but
not enough to wash it away. They went crazy, hundreds of them
grabbing it and taking it back into the mound. When I checked the
mound 2 days later, there was no sign of the fire ants. I even dug
the mound up some, and still saw none of them.

How does it Work

Aspartame is neuropoison. It most likely kills the ants by
interfering with their nervous system. It could be direct, like
stopping their heart, or something more subtle like killing their
sense of taste so they can't figure out what is eatable, or smell, so
they can't follow their trails, or mis-identify their colonies
members, so they start fighting each other. Not sure what causes them
to end up dieing, just know that for many species of ants it will
kill the quickly and effectively.

As with any poison I recommend wearing gloves and washing any skin
areas that come in contact with this poison, and avoid getting in
your mouth, despite anything the labeling may indicate.

I suspect it will work for other insects such as yellow jackets as
well, but have not tested that yet.

More information on this fantastic poison can be found at:
http://www.dorway.com

U.S. to allow processed poultry shipments from China

2006-04-23T08:52:00.000-04:00

Fri, Apr. 21, 2006

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/nation/14395086.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/nation/14395086.htm

WASHINGTON - Poultry processed in China will be allowed to enter the
United States despite outbreaks of deadly bird flu in China, the Bush
administration said Thursday.

Critics said the imported poultry will put public health at risk. The
Agriculture Department said the meat would be fully cooked and
perfectly safe.

"It will have been processed," said Richard Raymond, the department's
undersecretary for food safety. "Cooking will kill the virus, if
there is any virus, in poultry meat."

The U.S. does not accept live poultry from countries where the
virulent flu strain is present. That policy has not changed.

The poultry would be raised and slaughtered in the U.S. or other
countries from which the U.S. accepts poultry. It would be fully
cooked and packaged or canned in China. Imports will be allowed
beginning May 24.

Critics say the U.S. cannot guarantee that Chinese processing
facilities will keep Chinese poultry from mixing with U.S. poultry.

"It's not clear to me the two will be effectively kept separate,"
said Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture
Committee.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said the imports are dangerous.

"It is an outrage that the U.S. is going to open our borders to
imports of poultry from China -- a country that lacks the fundamental
safety functions in its processing plants, has questionable export
practices, and a country where a deadly animal disease and possible
pandemic is running rampant," said DeLauro, top Democrat on the House
Appropriations Committee's agriculture subcommittee.

The department acted on a request from China, but Raymond said he
does not expect very much of the product to be shipped to the U.S. He
noted that chicken prices have been low.

"With the price of chicken, I don't know how you could send it across
the ocean twice and make money," Raymond said.

He added that poultry is safe as long as it is properly cooked and
basic rules for kitchen safety are followed. The department says
cooking poultry to 165 degrees will kill viruses or bacteria.

Chinese President Hu Jintao visited President Bush on Thursday at the
White House. In advance of his visit, China made several commitments
including an agreement to drop a mad cow disease-related ban on
imports of U.S. beef. Raymond said the deal is unrelated to poultry
imports and has been in the works since 2004.

------

On the Net:

Agriculture Department
http:/www.usda.gov

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~

All the more reason to go vegan!
You can by visiting

www.therawvegan.com

Despite new mad cow cases, U.S. wants to lift restrictions on Canada

2006-04-22T09:53:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON - The Bush administration wants to end remaining mad cow disease-related restrictions on Canadian cattle, despite two fresh cases there.

The new cases have slowed the effort, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns acknowledged Thursday.

Still, "we here at USDA are very committed to this," Johanns said during a news conference with Canada's new agriculture minister, Chuck Strahl.

"I want to make sure it's done right, first and foremost," Johanns said. "I want to make sure it will withstand not only our rigorous internal challenges but challenges that can come from court cases."

Johanns says rules for how cattle are slaughtered would keep mad cow disease from entering the food supply for people or animals. He had hoped to finish the rule-making process by the end of the year but said Thursday it might take longer.

The United States restricted cattle and beef shipments in 2003, when Canada found its first case of mad cow disease.

The department eased restrictions last year - after a court battle with a Western ranchers' group that wanted the border kept closed - to let younger cattle enter the United States.

But a ban has remained on Canadian cattle older than 30 months. The age cutoff is because scientists think infection levels in cattle increase with age.

Canada has found five cows infected with mad cow disease. The newest cases were confirmed Sunday and in January.

Those cases raise questions about the effectiveness of Canada's primary firewall against mad cow disease, a ban on ground-up cattle remains in cattle feed. The disease is believed to spread only when cattle eat feed containing diseased cattle tissue.

Both animals were about 6 years old, born well after Canada created its feed ban in 1997.

So far this year, Canada has shipped 386,071 cattle into the United States, according to Agriculture Department reports.

Mad cow disease is known medically as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE. Eating meat products contaminated with BSE is linked to more than 150 human deaths worldwide, mostly in Britain, from a deadly human nerve disorder, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

The United States has had three cases of mad cow disease. The first was found in December 2003 in a Washington state cow that had been imported from Canada. The second was confirmed last June in a Texas-born cow. The third was confirmed last month in an Alabama cow.

ON THE NET

Agriculture Department: http://www.usda.gov

Canadian Food Inspection Agency: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/

Earth Day Sites To Visit

2006-04-21T06:19:00.000-04:00

U.S. Gov't. "Earth Day" Site
http://www.earthday.gov/

for kids
http://www.earthday.gov/kids.htm

International Earth Day
http://www.earthsite.org/

Earth Day - Canada
http://www.earthday.ca/

Earth Day 2006 Online
http://earthday.envirolink.org/

Planet Earth.org
http://www.earthday.com/do/Home

Earth Day Games
http://www.kidsdomain.com/games/earthday.html

Happy Earth Day Coloring and Activities Book
http://www.epa.gov/region5/publications/happy/happy.htm

Earth Day Energy Fast
http://www.earthdayenergyfast.org/

Earth Day Coalition
http://www.earthdaycoalition.org/

Earth Day Crafts and Projects
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/earthday/

Planet Pals
http://www.planetpals.com/earthday.html

Earth Day On Your Block
http://www.allspecies.org/neigh/block.htm

Earth Day Activities For Kids
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/earth.html

Earth Day Challenge
http://www.marshall-es.marshall.k12.tn.us/jobe/earthday99/main.html

Earth Day For Kids
http://www.pocanticohills.org/earthday/earthday.htm

Army Earth Day
http://aec.army.mil/usaec/publicaffairs/earthday00.html

Turn Your Passion Into Profit! Real Health, Real WEALTH

2006-04-19T05:56:00.000-04:00

Turn Passion into Profit

Feeling better, living life to its fullest and enjoying Real Health will convert you from a mere purchaser of the Pinnacle for Life products to a passionate advocate of the life-changing benefits of a true "whole food" supplement.

Pinnacle for Life rewards you for doing what is natural - educating those you care about on the need for "whole food" supplements and showing them where to find non-synthetic real food supplements that work.

check us out at LifeWasMeantToBeGood.com
or to view our compensation plan visit
here (you'll need Power point to view this presentation)

or to view in PDF format go
here

Real Health, Real Wealth, Real Products, Real Charity

You can have it all NOW

Join US NOW

Earth Day April 22nd

2006-04-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

All the information you need to organize
your own event, get involved, and
help combat climate change.
http://www.earthday.org/resources/2006materials/EarthDay-in-a-Box.aspx

National Hanging Out Day April 19th

2006-04-17T08:27:00.000-04:00

and this isn't hanging out like hanging out doin nothing, chillin type of hanging out...

National Hanging Out Day - 4/19

People who grew up enjoying the boon of sun-dried clothes and linens will appreciate the eco- and people-friendly benefits of National Hanging Out Day on April 19th.

Flying in the face of thousands of residential associations that outlaw outdoor clotheslines, citizens are making a stand for solar drying power.

Who knew that typical use of an electric clothes dryer consumes 6-10% of a family's household energy bill?

Simply switching laundry habits could save everyone money and save enough fuel to close several U.S. power plants.

Natural air drying also means fabrics last longer, small better and can be left on the line for any length of time without wrinkling.

Then, there's the fun of having another reason to step outside into the sunshine!

Peace & Power in Knowledge AND ACTING on that knowledge!

Mad Cow Confirmed in Canada-again

2006-04-17T07:37:00.000-04:00

Canada confirms new case of mad cow disease
04.16.2006

http://www.forbes.com/work/feeds/afx/2006/04/16/afx2673045.html

OTTAWA (AFX) - Canada's Food Inspection Agency said it has confirmed
a new case of mad cow disease in the province of British Columbia.

The latest case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) surfaced in
a six-year-old dairy cow in the Fraser Valley on the Pacific coast
during a national surveillance program.

But Canada officials said beef for human consumption remained safe
because the BSE-infected parts of cattle do not enter the food chain.

'This finding does not affect the safety of Canadian beef. Tissues in
which BSE is known to concentrate in infected animals are removed
from all cattle slaughtered in Canada for domestic and international
human consumption. No part of this animal entered the human food or
animal feed systems,' said health authorities in a statement.

It was the fifth case of mad cow detected in Canada since 2003 and
the
second this year.

The cases provoked US and Japanese embargoes on imports of Canadian
cows and beef, costing Canada's cattle farmers some 6 bln usd before
they were lifted last year.

Canadian authorities said they would conduct a thorough investigation
into the source of the new infection, which comes after controls were
tightened on cattle feed, to which earlier cases were sourced.

'This animal, a six-year-old dairy cow, developed BSE after the
implementation of Canada's feed ban,' the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency said.

'Investigators will pay particular attention to the feed to which the
animal may have been exposed early in its life, when cattle are most

susceptible to BSE. The CFIA is collecting records of feed purchased
by and used on the animal's birth farm,' the agency said.

Since the discovery of Canada's first BSE case in 2003, some 100,000
animals have been tested in a surveillance program, which targets the
animals most at risk from the affliction.

Mad cow disease has been connected to the fatal brain-wasting disease
in humans called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When you meat eaters are ready to transition to vegetarian, vegan or raw vegan check out http://www.TheRawVegan.com

Common Eco-Myth: Wind Turbines Kill Birds

2006-04-13T08:16:00.000-04:00

by John Laumer, Philadelphia
April 6, 2006

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/04/common_misconce.php

It's a given that anytime we post a story on wind power someone is
going to comment that "turbines kill birds," suggesting that wind
power may therefore be unacceptable. Compared to what? Hitting birds
with automobiles (along with turtles, groundhogs, and deer)? Birds
caught by feral cats? Birds colliding with buildings or phone towers?
Quite possibly, a higher mortality will be attached to the
transmission wires needed to get the wind power to market. Why, then,
do many associate bird mortality only with wind turbines? We hope to
get to the bottom of this "death by turbine" myth hole, and point to
the factors that can actually be managed though public involvement.

Our hunch is that the Altamont Pass California wind turbines,
reportedly the site of some of the highest bird mortalities
associated with any US wind farm, and using what is now an antique
turbine design, are at the root of the widespread association of bird
mortality with wind turbines in general. Now might be a good time to
have a glance at this site, to get some perspective on the hundreds
of raptors killed per year by the Altamont turbines.

If extrapolating the "worst caseâ€ rate is a bad idea, what about
the "average" wind farm bird mortality figures? Even average rates,
which are much lower or course, need to be looked at carefully.

To help our understanding of turbine hazards to birds we'd like to
make an analogy, to your bicycle. Turn your bike upside down or put
it in a work rack, set it to the highest gear...the one you use to go
fast on a level slope.... and now move the wheel slowly with your
hand. The chain moves rapidly with only a few degrees of wheel
rotation. This symbolizes today's cutting edge 1.5 mW turbines, which
have a very large surface area of blade exposed to the wind and a
gearbox that turns the dynamo quickly while the blades move slowly.
Birds dodge these slow moving blades relatively easily.

Now put the bike in the lowest gear...the one you use to climb
hills...and move the wheel with your hand fast enough to turn the
chain as fast as before. That symbolizes the 20-year-old
"bird-o-matic" wind turbine design. Small blades with small surface
areas have to turn rapidly to overcome the magnetic force of the
dynamos, which generate electricity.

Recapping: small blades, low surface area, lots of dead birds
possible; very big blades, with large surface area exposed to wind,
very few dead birds.

High capacity turbines are a relatively recent commercial product.
Consequently, any field study of "avian mortality" done on a wind
farm constructed prior to approximately the year 2000 (maybe a bit
later in the US) is inappropriate for estimating bird mortality based
on modern turbine designs.

Whether by intent or because older studies are more common, opponents
of wind power will have cited bird mortality data from studies done
before 2000 and, to make their point, are likely to focus on studies
done on wind turbines erected in high exposure situations: e.g. in
migratory pathways, at mountain passes, near nesting areas, and so
on. Those are the numbers that get quoted at public hearings,
published in the media, and that therefore underlie the collective
consciousness about wind turbine hazard to birds. Not unlike what
happens to people who constantly see fires crashes and shooting on
the local news and come to think that what they are seeing is far
more common than it really is, it all comes down to a risk
communication problem.

Let's frame the threat with a simple risk management equation:
Mortality equals hazard times exposure, or M= H * E. Individual
hazard (H) is the probability of Tweety being smashed to bits if it
flies into a wind farm. The last four paragraphs helped establish
that H is getting smaller, not bigger. This means average bird
mortality is also getting smaller and will likely continue to do so.
We remain optimistic that additional technological means will be
discovered to further reduce "H" and therefore "M." It might be as
simple as avoiding any surfaces that would attract perching or
nesting.

The exposure factor in the mortality equation ("E") is a bit more
complex. "E" is obviously highest where birds migrate, breed, and
feed in flocks near wind farms. There are very windy places where "E"
is low all year: a dearth of birds. And there are certainly windy
places where "E" is high only during a brief migratory period, or for
a limited number of species which fly at a certain elevation.

Certainly the siting process needs to steer wind farms away from
places where it can be shown that "E" is relatively high. Designers
continue to work on lowering "H," while citizens, naturalists,
municipalities with permitting or zoning authority, and scientists
work to ensure that "E" is acceptably low. This is how it works. Once
the turbines are up there's no chance to alter "H" for at least
another 20 years. "E" can change year to year, however, depending on
something as basic as which crops are planted nearby. For this aspect
mitigation planning can be a part of permit approval.

Statements about "average" bird mortality ("M") do not well inform
the debate over siting unless you get at the "H" and the "E"
individually. By now it should be obvious that, like politics, all
exposure is local. Citing an average "E" factor without some expert
interpretation is not helpful. Having said that: here we go.

In the United States, cars and trucks wipe out millions of birds each
year, while 100 million to 1 billion birds collide with windows.
According to the 2001 National Wind Coordinating Committee study,
â€œAvian Collisions with Wind Turbines: A Summary of Existing Studies
and Comparisons to Other Sources of Avian Collision Mortality in the
United States," these non-wind mortalities compare with 2.19 bird
deaths per turbine per year. That's a long way from the sum mortality
caused by the other sources.

For an excellent overview of all the major bird mortality categories
we suggest you visit this site page maintained by the American Wind
Energy Association:

PUTTING WIND POWER'S EFFECT ON BIRDS IN PERSPECTIVE
by Mick Sagrillo

http://www.awea.org/faq/sagrillo/swbirds.html

Electricity generated from renewable energy resources is an
environmentally-preferred alternative to conventionally produced
electricity from fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. Many people
believe that wind turbines should be part of the solution to a
healthier environment, not part of the problem.

Over the past fifteen years, a number of reports have appeared in the
popular press about wind turbines killing birds. Some writers have
gone so far as to dub wind generators "raptor-matics" and "cuisinarts
of the sky". Unfortunately, some of these articles have been used as
"evidence" to stop the construction of a wind generator in someone's
back yard. The reports of dead birds create a dilemma. Do wind
generators really kill birds? If so, how serious is the problem?

A confused public oftentimes does not know what to believe. Many
people participate in the U.S.'s second largest past time, bird
watching. Other's are truly concerned about the environment and what
they perceive as yet another assault on our fragile ecosystem.
Unwittingly, they rally behind the few ill-informed obstructionists
who have realized that the perception of bird mortality due to wind
turbines is a hot button issue, with the power to bring construction
to a halt.

Birds live a tenuous existence. There are any number of things that
can cause their individual deaths or collective demise. For example,
bird collisions with objects in nature are a rather common
occurrence, and young birds are quite clumsy when it comes to landing
on a perch after flight. As a result, about 30% of total first-year
bird deaths are attributed to natural collisions.

By far, the largest causes of mortality among birds include loss of
habitat due to human infringement, environmental despoliation, and
collisions with man-made objects. Since wind turbines fall into the
last category, it is worthwhile to examine other human causes of
avian deaths and compare these to mortality from wind turbines.

Death byï¿½.

Utility transmission and distribution lines, the backbone of our
electrical power system, are responsible for 130 to 174 million bird
deaths a year in the U.S.1 Many of the affected birds are those with
large wingspans, including raptors and waterfowl. While attempting to
land on power lines and poles, birds are sometimes electrocuted when
their wings span between two hot wires. Many other birds are killed
as their flight paths intersect the power lines strung between poles
and towers. One report states that: "for some types of birds, power
line collisions appear to be a significant source of mortality."2

Collisions with automobiles and trucks result in the deaths of
between 60 and 80 million birds annually in the U.S.3 As more
vehicles share the roadway, and our automotive society becomes more
pervasive, these numbers will only increase. Our dependence on oil
has taken its toll on birds too. Even the relatively high incidence
of bird kills at Altamont Pass (about 92 per year) pales in
comparison to the number of birds killed from the Exxon Valdez oil
spill in Alaska. In fact, according to author Paul Gipe, the Altamont
Pass wind farm would have to operate for 500 to 1000 years to
"achieve" the same mortality level as the Exxon Valdez event in 1989.

Tall building and residential house windows also claim their
share of birds. Some of the five million tall buildings in U.S.
cities have been documented as being a chronic mortality problem for
migrating birds. There are more than 100 million houses in the U.S.
House windows are more of a problem for birds in rural areas than in
cities or towns. While there are no required ongoing studies of bird
mortality due to buildings or house windows, the best estimates put
the toll due collisions with these structures at between 100 million
and a staggering 1 billion deaths annually.4

Lighted communication towers turn out to be one of the more
serious problems for birds, especially for migratory species that fly
at night. One study began its conclusion with, "It is apparent from
the analysis of the data that significant numbers of birds are dying
in collisions with communications towers, their guy wires, and
related structures."5 Another report states, "The main environmental
problem we are watching out for with telecommunication towers are the
deaths of birds and bats."6

This is not news, as bird collisions with lighted television and
radio towers have been documented for over 50 years. Some towers are
responsible for very high episodic fatalities. One television
transmitter tower in Eau Claire, WI, was responsible for the deaths
of over 1,000 birds on each of 24 consecutive nights. A "record
30,000 birds were estimated killed on one night" at this same tower.7
In Kansas, 10,000 birds were killed in one night by a
telecommunications tower.8 Numerous large bird kills, while not as
dramatic as the examples cited above, continue to occur across the
country at telecommunication tower sites.

The number of telecommunication towers in the U.S. currently
exceeds 77,000, and this number could easily double by 2010. The rush
to construction is being driven mainly by our use of cell phones, and
to a lesser extent by the impending switch to digital television and
radio. Current mortality estimates due to telecommunication towers
are 40 to 50 million birds per year.9 The proliferation of these
towers in the near future will only exacerbate this situation.

Agricultural pesticides are "conservatively estimated" to
directly kill 67 million birds per year.10 These numbers do not
account for avian mortality associated with other pesticide
applications, such as on golf courses. Nor do they take into
consideration secondary losses due to pesticide use as these toxic
chemicals travel up the food chain. This includes poisoning due to
birds ingesting sprayed insects, the intended target of the
pesticides.

Cats, both feral and housecats, also take their toll on birds. A
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) report states that,
"recent research suggests that rural free-ranging domestic cats in
Wisconsin may be killing between 8 and 217 million birds each year.
The most reasonable estimates indicate that 39 million birds are
killed in the state each year."11

There are other studies on the impacts of jet engines, smoke
stacks, bridges, and any number of other human structures and
activities that threaten birds on a daily basis. Together, human
infrastructure and industrial activities are responsible for one to
four million bird deaths per day!

But what about wind turbines?

Commercial wind turbines

Since the mid-1980's, a number of research organizations,
universities, and consultants have conducted studies on avian
mortality due to wind turbines. In the U.S., these studies were
prompted because of the relatively high number of raptors that were
found dead at the Altamont Pass Wind Farms near San Francisco.

After dozens of studies spanning nearly two decades, we now know that
the Altamont Pass situation is unusual in the U.S. The high raptor
mortality there was the result of a convergence of factors, some of
which were due to the bad siting in the local ecosystem while others
were due to the wind turbine and tower technology used at the time.
In fact, a very different situation exists not far away at the San
Gorgonio Pass Wind Farms near Palm Springs. A 1986 study found that
69 million birds flew though the San Gorgonio Pass during the Spring
and Fall migrations. During both migrating seasons, only 38 dead
birds were found during that typical year, representing only 0.00006%
of the migrating population.

A report recently prepared for the Bonneville Power Administration in
the Northwest U.S. states that "raptor mortality has been absent to
very low at all newer generation wind plants studied in the U.S. This
and other information regarding wind turbine design and wind
plant/wind turbine siting strongly suggests that the level of raptor
mortality observed at Altamont Pass is quite unique."12

The National Wind Coordinating Committee (NWCC) completed a
comparison of wind farm avian mortality with bird mortality caused by
other man-made structures in the U.S.

The NWCC did not conduct its own study, but analyzed all of the
research done to date on various causes of avian mortality, including
commercial wind farm turbines. They report that "data collected
outside California indicate an average of 1.83 avian fatalities per
turbine (for all species combined), and 0.006 raptor fatalities per
turbine per year. Based on current projections of 3,500 operational
wind turbines in the US by the end of 2001, excluding California, the
total annual mortality was estimated at approximately 6,400 bird
fatalities per year for all species combined."13

This report states that its intent is to "put avian mortality
associated with windpower development into perspective with other
significant sources of avian collision mortality across the United
States."14 The NWCC reports that: "Based on current estimates,
windplant related avian collision fatalities probably represent from
0.01% to 0.02% (i.e., 1 out of every 5,000 to 10,000) of the annual
avian collision fatalities in the United States."15 That is,
commercial wind turbines cause the direct deaths of only 0.01% to
0.02% of all of the birds killed by collisions with man-made
structures and activities in the U.S.

Back in Wisconsin

My home state of Wisconsin is a good example of current research. In
December of 2002, the report "Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and
Bats in Northeast Wisconsin" was released. The study was completed by
Robert Howe and Amy Wolf of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay,
and William Evans. Their study covered a two-year period between 1999
and 2001, in the area surrounding the 31 turbines operating in
Kewaunee County by Madison Gas & Electric (MG&E) and Wisconsin Public
Service (WPS) Corporation.

The report found that over the study period, 25 bird carcasses were
found at the sites. The report states that "the resulting mortality
rate of 1.29 birds/tower/year is close to the nationwide estimate of
2.19 birds/tower.16- The report further states, "While bird
collisions do occur (with commercial wind turbines) the impacts on
global populations appear to be relatively minor, especially in
comparison with other human-related causes of mortality such as
communications towers, collisions with buildings, and vehicles
collisions. This is especially true for small scale facilities like
the MG&E and WPS wind farms in Kewaunee County."17

The report goes on to say, "previous studies suggest that the
frequency of avian collisions with wind turbines is low, and the
impact of wind power on bird populations today is negligible. Our
study provides little evidence to refute this claim."18

So, while wind farms are responsible for the deaths of some birds,
when put into the perspective of other causes of avian mortality, the
impact is quite low. In other words, bird mortality at wind farms,
compared to other human-related causes of bird mortality, is
biologically and statistically insignificant. There is no evidence
that birds are routinely being battered out of the air by rotating
wind turbine blades as postulated by some in the popular press.

Home-sized wind systems

How does all of this impact the homeowner who wishes to secure a
building permit to install a wind generator and tower on his or her
property? They will likely still be quizzed by zoning officials or a
concerned public with little to go on but the sensational headlines
in the regional press. But while the press may or may not get the
facts right, peoples' concerns are real, and need to be addressed
with factual information such as is presented here.

While there have been any number of studies done on bird mortality
caused by commercial wind installations, none have been done on the
impact of home-sized wind systems on birds. The reason? It is just
not an issue, especially when "big" wind's impact on birds is
considered biologically insignificant.

When confronted with the question of why there were no studies done
on home-sized wind systems and birds, a Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources person familiar with these issues responded, "it is
not even on the radar screen." There has never been a report or
documentation of a home-sized wind turbine killing birds in
Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, or any other
government or research organization for that matter, just does not
have the financial resources to conduct a study just because a zoning
official requests it, especially given the lack of evidence
nationwide that any problem exists with home-sized turbines. Based on
our best available information, the relatively smaller blades and
short tower heights of residential wind energy systems do not present
a threat to birds.

See also: Bats and Wind Turbines

Notes:

1. National Wind Coordinating Committee Avian Collisions with Wind
Turbines: A Summary of Existing Studies and Comparisons to Other
Sources of Avian Collision Mortality in the United States (NWCC), p.
10.
2. NWCC, p. 10.
3. NWCC, p. 8.
4. Tower Kill p. 2.
5. Communication Towers: A Deadly Hazard To Birds p. 19.
6. Battered By Airwaves p. 6.
7. Battered By Airwaves p. 4.
8. Communication Tower Guidelines Could Protect Migrating Birds p. 2.
9. NWCC p. 12.
10. The Environmental and Economic Costs of Pesticide Use p. 1.
11. Cats and Wildlife: A Conservation Dilemma p. 2.
12. Synthesis and Comparison of Baseline Avian and Bat Use, Raptor
Nesting and Mortality information from Proposed and Existing Wind
Developments p. 7.
13. NWCC p. 2.
14. NWCC p. 1.
15. NWCC p. 2.
16. Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeast Wisconsin
p. 68.
17. Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeast Wisconsin
p. 75.
18. Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeast Wisconsin
p. 67.

References:

Avian Collisions with Wind Turbines: A Summary of Existing Studies
and Comparisons to Other Sources of Avian Collision Mortality in the
United States; National Wind
Coordinating Committee; West, Inc.; August, 2001

Battered By Airwaves; Wendy K. Weisenel; Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources; October, 2002.

Cats and Wildlife: A Conservation Dilemma; John S. Coleman, Stanley
A. Temple, and Scott R. Craven; University of Wisconsin-Extension;
1997.

Communication Towers: A Deadly Hazard To Birds; Gavin G. Shire, Karen
Brown, and Gerald Winegrad; American Bird Conservancy; Jume, 2000.

Communication Tower Guidelines Could Protect Migrating Birds; Cat
Laazaroff; Environmental News Service; 2002.

Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeast Wisconsin;
Robert W. Howe, William Evans, and Amy T. Wolf; November, 2002.

Synthesis and Comparison of Baseline Avian and Bat Use, Raptor
Nesting and Mortality information from Proposed and Existing Wind
Developments; West, Inc.; December, 2002

The Environmental and Economic Costs of Pesticide; David Pimentel and
H. Acquay; Bioscience; November, 1992.

Tower Kill; Joe Eaton; Earth Island Journal; Winter, 2003.

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