Drugs Anyone?

Drugs are a constant problem all over the world. My knowledge basically pertains to the United States since that is where I am from and currently reside. There are two categories that separate drugs. legal and non-legal.

To start with the legal aspect, most people get a prescription, take it to their local pharmacy and get it filled and then actually utilize that medication for the purpose of helping the ailment that they have. Unfortunately there are also the individuals who get narcotic (classified) prescriptions, take them to the pharmacy to be filled and abuse the medication. Another group of people get prescriptions filled, usually narcotic, just to turn around and sell them illegally. Then the final group actually try to forge the prescription, drop it off to be filled and then return (not so smart) to pick it up.

Just some information for those out there that think they can beat the system...you may get away with it a couple of times but sooner or later you will get caught. Rules and regulations pertaining to pharmaceuticals are governed by the FDA and DEA. Both of those agencies are Federal. You also have the local police who respond when a forged prescription is discovered, if someone is refilling too often or the quantity is too much. Neither local, state or federal officials take it lightly.

Then you have the illegal substances that are on the market and easily accessible. One in particular that I would like to discuss is Meth. That is short for methamphetamine. I have heard that there are many ways to make the drug but some of the key ingredients can include pseudo fed, bleach, drano, iodine and other very harmful chemicals. other than the pseudo fed I believe most of the ingredients that are used, when bought separately, have a warning on them not to ingest them into your body.

Another point about this particular drug that I would like to point out is that when selling a product that has pseudo fed in it, you are asked to present your I.D.. It is really scary when you look at most of these individuals I.D.'s and they were beautiful people. Then you look up at their face and you think what a waste! I guess the high of the drug is better that the health and appearance of your body. What is really amazing is how many people are on disability that continually try to purchase more than their legal limit of pseudo fed.

Either way a legal substance or a non-legal substance can be abused. I feel sorry for people that are so miserable that they have to have the high to make life bearable. I don't feel sorry for the addicts that jeopardize their selves but most of all their family, especially children, just for a "high" or to make money off of other people ruining their lives.

There is plenty of help out there if you or someone you know needs it. Please don't hesitate to utilize the help and try to persuade someone you know to use it. After all, it may save their life or the life of a loved one.

The Price of Life

Whoever has ever put a price on a life would probably have a bond with a California couple that the majority of the human race would not. In Salinas, CA a couple were arrested for child endangerment for trying to sell their baby for $25 in front of Wal-Mart.

Things like this just take the cake in my book. I can't even begin to believe that anyone would be out of their minds enough to put a 6 month old baby up for sale at Wal-Mart for $25! There are plenty of couples who are childless who would be outstanding parents if given the chance. They would typically pay thousands of dollars to adopt a child. In an instance such as that I believe it is a blessing for that couple to receive such a precious gift. Not because they paid thousands of dollars but because for what ever reason the natural birth parent could not keep the child, instead that child begins a life with loving and nurturing parents.

But to put a price of $25 on the head of a baby at Wal-Mart is unforgiving. Obviously that baby should be place in a home where the parents could never place a value on it's worth. The couple approached two women initially and they thought perhaps that the couple was joking. The father then became persistent and the women knew something was wrong.

Thankfully they took down the license plate number and notified the police. When the police arrived at the residence, it was believed that they were on methamphetamine. The report by the police noted that the mother of the child had admitted to breast feeding while on methamphetamine.

The child is now in the custody of Child Protective Services and the couple are to arraigned today. They have other pending charges against them other than just child endangerment.

I have to wonder if the parents were not high on meth if they still would have considered selling their baby? If you were taking or addicted to a drug that made your mind loose all sense of reason, would you not be able to stop? This entire ordeal is why birth control was invented and meth should not have been!!!!!!! After working in the pharmaceutical industry and seeing the extraordinary number of people who constantly buy pseudo ephedrine (mostly for making meth) why has it not become a controlled substance to help prevent meth being so accessible?
There are two very wrong issues with this story, neither of which I ever wish to read about again!

Oil

Well I hae no doubt that most are tired of hearing about the oil spill in the Gulf. I know I am. It certainly is a big enough issue that should be discussed, stopped and perhaps learn a way to prevent it from happening again if that is even possible...but come on. Really?

The impact that the oil spill will have on just the environment is extremely significant let alone every other aspect that is touched by such an event. Where I am upset or confused is where is any action being taken to resolve any of what is going on?

I am not a scientist, politician, oil comglomerate - just a citizen who has heard of so many opportunities for this mess to be approached in a better manner. When something so overwhelming happens that has so many different impacts in so many areas, it is typically too overwhelming for a few people to conquer the problem.

In our case it seems like everyone is talking and yet no one is hearing what is being said. Why is that? Do we really like to make a mountain out of a mole hill? Or is it more fun for the politicians to act like they care and just point fingers? Maybe if they spent more time on focusing on taking care of the spill instead of blame and suing then more would be getting accomplished!

Like I said, who am I to say. However that being said, what are they doing? What has been done to try to help the situation at all? Hopefully something will begin to happen soon and maybe the media and others will quit playing the blame game and spend that energy to help! Enough harm has been done.

Summer Introduction!

Welcome everyone to my blog. I took Mrs. Chism's class for the Spring semester so I am not totally new to this idea - still and forever learning tho!!!

I am a single parent of two young men and mid-life decided to go back to school! This is my second semester and I am still loving it!!!

It is different going back to school as a 40 something year old vs. when I was a teen something year old. I never thought I would say that I enjoy school but I am. Blogging is fun as it keeps me in touch with what is going on with the outside world. I hope you too will enjoy this aspect of the class.

I am looking forward to reading your blogs and enjoy your summer!

Farewell

As school draws to a close this semester, I am writing my final blog for English Comp. One of our recent assignments was a paper about this class and whether we would continue our blog.

I have learned a lot about blogging this semester however I would still consider myself a definite amateur! It has been interesting surfing the net to find articles to write a "blurb" about. One thing that I can say is that I am more in tune with current and world events thanks to this class!

Blogging has now become part of my weekly schedule. I hope I continue to make time for it, bot just because it is required. Now that others have the ability to see if I am following through, that may help motivate me as well.

It has been fun reading my classmates blogs, it gives some insight as to who they are. Since we don't get to meet everyone in the class, it is nice to have some kind of contact with the other students! Regretably I will say farewell for now. I hope to continue to hear from others and I will be checking to see if you continue as well.

Have a great summer everyone! Happy Mother's Day to all who are!

How About Those Borders?

Did I write about this already? Since this is such a heated debate right now I thought I would join in!!! Arizona is wanting more regulation for their borders. First of all I would like to say, I would not want to be living in Arizona right now.

I was listening to a talk show in my car on the way to work and they were talking to a new American citizen who had just finished the legal avenue of joining us in America. She stated that the illegal Mexicans will stand out and protest with their children who are citizens holding flags of where they are from. This struck me as odd. If the place you left was so horrific that you had to sneak into our country, why would you even want to acknowledge that place let alone if you are wanting to stay in America then why would you not be waving an American flag????

Another issue I have is this. I understand wanting to better yourself or family! Why not do it legally? It is a process and yes it takes time but if you are an upstanding person who should be given the chance to better their way of life why not do it right? You sneak across the border, work illegally taking our jobs and end up with government benefits that most Americans can't even get because the system is stretched to thin. Do they realize or care that pretty soon this country may not be any better if they keep breaking the system?

This is a very touchy subject for almost everyone. Both sides taken into account! How do we find a way to help those seeking a better life while maintaining life for Americans who were already here? Where will we go if we want to improve our situation? There is no place. So why not find a way that will be of most benefit to both parties and maintain a standard of living for all involved?

Not Just Spilled Milk!

This has been happening for a little while but what the heck! As most of you know there was an oil leak that they are still trying to contain. Heading towards the sandy shores of America is a big pool of oil. Although they have been trying to contain the spill it is rather complicated in 5000 feet of ocean.

Most Americans want more drilling at home so we will not have to be so reliant on foreign oil. Yet when a boo boo happens due to a faulty piece of equipment the effects are of great magnitude. So does paying more for oil outweigh the accidents that can come along with drilling ourselves?

The first time I went to South Padre Island I thought it was so beautiful. One day while there we decided to rent dune buggies to run along the beach. Decked out in our new WHITE Padre shirts we loaded up and started "cruising" the long strip of beach that was not occupied. It was a blast! One thing that we started noticing about half way in was that all the sand that was flipping up on us was leaving black stuff all over our new WHITE shirts! What the crap was this stuff? Well it was the oil that the sand had soaked up from the last spill in the gulf. Needless to say the shirts went in the trash. It was a fun day, but the effects of that spill were not forgotten.

Now that story does not even begin to touch on all of the effects that a spill has on the environment. I guess I look at it like this. If you are going to go biking, you are supposed to wear a helmet at the least for safety. If you are dressed appropriately and have a bad wreck you can still get hurt. But the next time that you go biking you will probably try and protect the area that got hurt (if you can) before you head out.

There are risks with everything! Unfortunately sometimes we need something that hurts to remind us to be more careful. So in this case do the benefits out weigh the risks?

Close to Home!

Well, I almost don't know what to say this time. This event was all over the news and the net so I'm sure everyone has heard...but just in case you did not here goes. There was a vehicle parked at Times Square in NYC with a bomb in it. Luckily it failed to detonate, none the less someone made it and left it there!

We hear of car bombings exploding overseas all the time. Luckily, not so much here...until now.
Two vendors noticed the vehicle and alerted the police. Shortly there after smoke started coming from the vehicle. The police noted that it was a homemade bomb so to speak and that they were lucky to have dodged this one.

I believe in standing up for what you believe in but I don't consider this standing up. If you have the nerve to try and blow up people then at least blow yourself up with them. Whether this was derived from belief based on religion, hate or a wild hair are there not better ways to get your message across? I mean how credible is a "bomber" going to be if they want people to "heed" their message.

To simply instill fear and death for something that matters only to you...what gives you the right? Would you not be better served relaying your message in another fashion? I think it is weak and cowardly to hide behind a bomb as well as sick and mentally unsound to think that there is any purpose that would be served by this!!!

So...tell me how you really feel!

Inhumane Bystanders

So if you were walking down the street and saw an individual laying there bleeding to death, what would you do. Apparently nothing - anyway that is what the people featured in this article did.

I have witnessed this result first hand and it absolutely blows me away. A homeless man tried to help a lady, got stabbed and laid there bleeding to death while people walked by, looked, took pictures and did NOTHING!

I can see if there was a scramble and you were afraid of getting hurt so you simply called for help. I can see if you pass out when you are around blood so you dial 911 on your cell phone. I can see asking someone on the street to help the man lying there bleeding to death. I can't see doing Nothing. That was a human being who was homeless, yet he took the time to try to help his fellow woman and how was he repaid?

Ironic? I really try ot to judge people and what they do but there is a time to speak up and take a stand. Obviously it is too late for this gentleman who has since died but maybe someone who reads this will be put in a situation that they would think at the least - what if this was me? Would I want someone to stop and help me?

And we wonder why the faith in humanity s decreasing!

Capitalizing - right or wrong?

Alright - when do you say enouh is enough? An item was placed on ebay to sell, then was promptly removed. Kevorkian's Death Bus was put up for bid. This VW van has been removed from ebays site as they sited murderabilia is not acceptable.

Okay, I realize that this would probably bring alot of money for more than a few people out there. But really? Why do we condone behavior that is unaceptable to moral standards by cashing in on their parafanalia?

I am sure that curiosity comes into play for some of us when there is information put out there on a person that caused morally questionable issues. A book is published about a serial killer and ends up on the best sellers list. A movie is made about a demonic posession and is off the charts at the box office. A vehicle that was used to assist people in reaching the other side is put on ebay and instantly bids are placed.

So is it curiosity or is it wanting to be a part of something ugly but not commiting the act itself? Some individuals commit crimes to be publicly famous. Well after they are dead or convicted they are still celebrated for their crimes by the very citizens they were a threat to in the first place.

Why would we support and in a way condone what our laws and morals are against?

Are you aging before your time?

We all have heard several ways to stay healthy. Be it diet, exercise, etc. But here they tell you just how much some of the negatives in one's life does! You might want to think twice before partaking again!

Smoking, drinking, inactivity and diet can age you by twelve years they claim. Well for years or at least every since I can remember all of these items have been on the "watch" list of not to do's. Smoking causes so many problems in and of itself. Most have heard the warnings for this dirty habit. However, when you have been a smoker for years it is hard to quit. Talk to you doctor and find a support group - maybe you can add some years back onto your life!

Inactivity is a "sleeper" problem I think. People do not realize how much harm this can cause to your body. For every one day of bedrest it takes approximately 3 weeks for your body to regain what you lost in one day. Crazy huh?

The diet issue - well need I say more? It is truly hard to eat what we are suposed to. Just moderate and keep trying and hopefully we will all continualy do better.

Aging is hard enough. Maybe this will inspire us to work harder!

Addiction with Color!

So...I think most of us are familiar with most known addictions. This one I had never thought of in that light. Tanning seems to be an addiction to some individuals. Have you ever seen those people who tan throughout the year and look a little darker than the norm? I have always wondered if they realize how dark they are compared to people who have a healthy color.

I am guilty of tanning myself. Especially in late spring or if I was going somewhere hotter than where we currently reside so that I would not fry when getting there. But never did I realize that tanning could be considered an addiction.

Everything in moderation I guess would apply to this subject as well. Safety should always come first, but the affects of tanning (fake or otherwise) should be duly noted. According to this article, the individuals who have an addiction also partake of alcohol and perhaps other drugs.

Maybe it is as simple as someone is trying to enhance their appearance. A healthy glow makes everyone a little brighter. However, I have come to accept for myself that healthy skin is happier than tan skin!

Still No 1

In this time of unstability throughout the market place, there is at least one that still stands. Exxon Mobil had the highest profit again in 2009. Absolutely remarkable!!!!! When we as consumers hear about the cost of oil and empty our wallets at the pump, they are still No. 1.

How can this be? Obviously I am in the wrong business as are most of everyone I know. I could see them being in business and successful but to remain in a top spot while gas is draining everyday citizens resources is just a little perturbing.

They do devote an allotment towards research - is it research to see how they can make more profit? I just don't understand then all the talk of oil, prices, transportation, wars, consumption, etc. if they are in that good of shape. Can someone please explain the situation to me - I mean besides supply and demand?

We can dictate human rights but we can't control a company who is raking billions of dollars off of those who are struggling!?!

Potty Training

I sincerely try to find uplifting things to write about but sometimes one discovers something that just blows the mind. Anyone who has children knows the joys of "potty training"! You have to have patience and determination. Apparently someone forgot to tell this gentleman that accidents can happen.

If you read this article you can't help be touched by it. I instantly got a mental image of this poor child right after he wet his pants. I think there are a few issues here. The first being that there are just some people who should not be exposed to children. Apparently there was a drug issue but to me that does not make a difference. Anyone who would beat a child like this should be strung up. It stated that the mother tried to shield the child from the beating and was beaten herself. You have to wonder that if the beating was so severe that it killed the child was that the first time?

How did no one know about this to prevent it any sooner? Why would a mother be with someone who could do this to her child? What kind of sick mind would even begin to think about doing this let alone do it?

There are always some questions that we don't get answers to, but wow! I have to wonder if either the mother or boyfriend have any remorse at all.

"One Nation Under God"

Last night I went online to check my facebook account to see what was up with everyone. One individual had posted a comment about President Obama not realizing our national day of prayer.

Personally I find this ironic since the White House lawn was opened up to another religion to pray. Is that called censorship or dictatorship when our President shows clear bias over religion. I was under the impression that we had "Freedom of Religion".

My belief system is that if someone believes one way or the other, that is up to them - not me. So why is our President, who we the people elected, who is supposed to be for the people, denying one of the principles that our country was founded on?

Blogging has definitely kept me more in the loop of what is going on world wide. I browse continually several articles looking for the right one to strike me to write about. It seems to me that the world is changing at such a rapid pace that things are getting lost in that race. One thing however that should not get lost is one of our founding principles. No one is telling everyone that they have to participate in that day of prayer - but when the phrase "One Nation under God" has been part of our make up for so long, you would think that it would not be so quick to go!

"One Nation

Would you sell your soul?

With the day of the Internet and using it for enjoyment this may be a wake up call to those who partake. Do you read the fine print when signing up on a website? I know that I have skimmed over the "terms and conditions" when signing up on cert an sites. This article made me think twice about being so non-chalant.

This is scary especially knowing my kids get on the computer and play games. This game site placed in their fine print that by signing up they would have eternal rights to your immortal soul. It was an April Fool's Day prank but it does make you wonder, if they can come up with this what are other sites putting in theirs?

So the lesson here is take more time, slow down and definitely read the little words. After all, it could save your soul from being claimed without you knowing it. Remind your children that there are sites online that is only out for themselves.

Medication...really?

We go to the doctor and tell them our problems and are given a prescription to help or fix what ails us. But do we really need that medication? Would there be an alternative to fix or help the problem other than a pill?

As patients, we are all to willing to accept what our doctors prescribe for us, most of the time without asking what side affects there are. Then you have those individuals who go to the doctor hoping that they will prescribe something. It is a double edge sword I'm afraid. I work in this industry and see patients who are drug seekers, patients who are unaware and patients who won't comply. What is the middle ground?

If a medication is prescribed and it is abused then the patient is to blame. If a medication is prescribed above the recommended dosage then is the physician to blame? If a pharmacist tries to counsel a patient of potential dangers and the patient brushes it off, which one is to blame?

We live in a society where we want a quick fix. Unfortunately there isn't always one to be had. Be aware of what medication is prescribed to you and why. What are the risks associated with the medication? Is the medication habit forming? Is there any else that I can do versus taking another pill? Eating right (not fun), exercise and finding ways to de-stress all go a long way in helping some of what ails us.

Still in our prayers

Here is another gruesome article about what or military sees daily. The war on terrorists wages on in the worn torn countries across the globe. Our men and women face the daily battles that most of us can't even comprehend.

I was driving back from branson yesterday and passed a church outside of Springfield. On the sign it said "Pray for our troops". That made me stop and think (and pray) about how often we don't think of them. They are fighting for our freedom while we are enjoying it. How can we become complacent over that freedom and the terror that is going on world wide.

After Sept. 11, I think the devastion here on our soil made a lot of people realize what does occur around the world. But as the years go by, the threat is still there but because we are not visually linked to bombings, gunfire, and the horrific crimes we have lost sight of the value that we take for granted.

I just wanted to say thank you to all of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day without question so that we do not have as much of a risk of loosing ou freedom. We may complain about this or that but overall, we probably should not complain at all.

Credit or cash?

With the economy being the way it is, here is some helpful advice about living on cash - not credit. New laws have been passed for credit card companies and they go into effect in July so if you are looking to escape their fees all together then you might rethink the situation.

I don't know about you but I try to adhere to the cash only policy. Other than my tuition if I don't have the cash then it doesn't get spent. Credit card companies make millions of dollars a year off of us. With the reform bill being passed, I just can't see them giving up tat profit so they will find other ways to charge you.

Banks are even looking at charging us for having a debit card. Annual fees, fees with use and whatever else they can think of. I find it ironic that they are the ones who got bailed out by the government, not us, and it still isn't enough.

I would rather keep my twenty dollars a year than have them add it to their bottom line. After all that will now get me a half tank of gas!!!

"Age" Problem?

I thought this was very interesting! Some researchers are now saying that adolescence is from age 8 to 28. Apparently behavior indicates that it can last that long. By some it is thought to last from age 12 to 21.

Basically no matter how old your child is boundaries need to be set. If your child is older it may be more advantageous to sit down with them and discuss the issue rationally. If the child is younger then set the rules and check on them to be sure that they are adhering to them.

Parenting is the hardest job in the world. That doesn't make it bad, just hard. There is no rule book for what to do at what age. Besides that every child is different in their development and personality. I think that if we spend time with our children and really know them that will hep us teach and guide them through life.

If you are having problems understanding your child's behavior, search out help. There are all kinds of helpful books out there. Articles like this one remind us that they are trying to find their way through life just as we did. They will push the buttons and sometimes fail but that is sometimes how they learn. Children are gifts!

Bull Fight

Even with legislation passed this issue is still horrifying to me. Phoebe Prince, a 15 year old girl committed suicide after being bullied for 4 months.

This has been going on since the dawn of time I'm sure but it seems like every year it gets more out of hand. Where is the help for these children that are endlessly harassed? It seems like any reason can be given for a child to harass another child. Appearance, attire, social status, grades, beliefs, fears, actions or absolutely no reason at all.

I have two boys 14 and 17. My 17 year old attends a local high school and since his freshman year he has talked about fights that he has seen. Most because someone just wanted to smack someone. For no good reason really. My 14 year old has been on the receiving end of the harassment even to the extent that he had to be pulled out of school for a semester because the kids were relentless.

So whose job is it to try and fix the situation? Legislation has been passed but where has that helped? After the fact? Teachers have their hands full but yet that is who we entrust our children with 8+ hours a day. Parents have the responsibility to teach their children what is right and wrong and somehow what is right is getting missed.

When children die for something so useless as other children not having the respect for other human beings there is a problem!

Tornado Time

Yes it is that time of year again - Tornado season. The Weather Channel has some information on this season to be aware of. Anyone who has lived in this area of the country knows of the devastation a tornado can cause.

Since we live in tornado alley here are some things that need to be watched during severe weather. A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado. A tornado warning means that a spotter or radar has indicated a tornado.

One of the best things to do during this severe weather season is to be aware of what is going on with the weather. If a severe storm arises try to tune in to the radio, tv or internet to find out just how severe the storm is. If there is a tornado watch or warning make sure that you don't find yourself where there is no cover.

Many loose their houses and sometimes loved ones every year to these storms. If you are not sure what other precautions that you an take, do your homework and find out. While most around here like to stand outside, watch and wait; heed the warnings. Be safe this season!!

Healthy?

While the nation is promoting health and exercise, some may wonder after reading this article.
A 38 year old Pharmaceutical Sales Rep was running on the beach and was hit from behind by an airplane. Having his earbuds in he never heard it coming. It was a silent glider plane looking to make an emergency landing on a strip of beach and the runner just happned to be running on the beach at the same time.

You would think that if you are trying to live a healthy life and staying in shape that you would be somewhat protected from the worse things that life has to offer. This article re-affirms the saying of "if it is your time to go". The plane was coming toward the runner but at his back. He never could have seen this coming.

A good reminder to live your life at it's fullest, appreciate all that you have been given and love all those around you. One never knows what is coming at them - front, back or otherwise.
I pray for the pilot and the family that lost their loved one.

Did you wear your green today?

St. Patricks day is probably most known for two things - wearing green and drinking green beer. But there is more to the heritage than most know. Not to long ago Ireland would celebrate this day by going to church. It has only been in more recent years that the Irish started heading to the pubs.

As long as I can remember today marked the best day to wear green. Unless that is you wanted to get pinched. When I reached drinking age it was more about having a "green beer". One local landmark Murphy's Irish Pub is always packed early in the morning on for this fine celebration.

America actually started the celebration and festivities for St. Patty's Day more so than Ireland. The Irish used to gather for church or a meal. Things have changed over the years however and now they too partake of the festivities.

So if you aren't wearing green, consider yourself pinched. If you go out drinking be sure and have a designated driver! If you go to church, say a prayer for all.

Alliengance over the Buck

Well I was surprised to read this one - will you be? Shell Oil has stopped sales of gasoline to Iran! Apparently they stopped selling in 2009 but other giants as well have ceased their sales. A spokesman for shell stated that they would follow any sanctions that may be placed into effect as well.

Not to get into the political arena but I was shocked. I am torn on my opinion on this subject. On one hand based on the way that Iran is playing with their nuclear program, I think those who can should make them think twice about what they are doing. Iran does not have the best history when it comes to humanity the way most of us believe. Not that that makes them wrong but when it is at the cost of people, then I have an issue.

On the other hand, growing up in the land of the free, who is anyone else to judge what they do? That is not our job. If it affects us directly (which it could) then sanctions should be placed on them. A huge company (or several) like Shell could have a serious effect on Iran. Would that only back them into a corner more?

Looking for a new job?

Here is a list of booming career opportunities - not usually seen in the classifieds. Most of these can be seen on reality tv shows, but apparently the fields are growing. The six jobs listed in this article are Bounty Hunter, Debt Collector/Repossessor, Bodyguard, Private Investigator, Headhunter and Hazardous Waste Remover.

Looking for a new career path? I found it interesting because all of these positions are a little more dangerous than the average help wanted ad. A couple require training but overall if you are feeling a little adventurous then they might be right up your alley.

The economy has contributed a rise in the need for Bounty Hunters and Repossessors. Probably for Headhunters as well. Personally I have used a headhunter before and they can help. Watch the fees though, many employers will pay these if they are having a hard time finding good help. Otherwise you are contributing a portion of your salary.

I've thought about the private investigator gig! It is appealing for some reason to think about spying on others. Getting the dirt for money!!! Some states or counties require you to be licensed - be sure and check that out before you begin snooping around.

Food for thought in case you are in the market and any of these might sound interesting. The market has definitely changed!

An Apple a Day

So obviously I am not the most up to date person on tech products but this caught my eye from a commercial. The new Apple IPad! This looks really interesting but is it better than a regular laptop?

The new IPad is due out in April of 2010. A touch screen laptop computer - are the buttons on the old fashion laptops to hard to push or what? Yes, it is following the touch screen IPhones that Apple produces but really? I had a touch screen phone and I must admit the novelty of it at first was really cool...but...after awhile it seemed not so great. Maybe that is a sign of getting old?

So on this you can pull up a keyboard and type like you normally would or you can take your finger and tap and drag. I wonder what the warranty on the touch screen is? One difference is, I believe that this will allow people to be interactive without having to type as much. Now to really tell my age, people already have spell check - thank God - so if they are typing less what does that say?

In a few more years we will probably have a computer that is linked to your brain so all you have to do is think. Progress is amazing but I think some of the old school skills need to be kept alive!

Tumbleweeds? Not in Kansas!

When you think of tumbleweeds do you think of a barren frontier somewhere in Kansas? Well their not just in Kansas anymore try Mars! A NASA scientist came up with the idea in the 1970's only to now have it realized.

Their theory is since other forms of robot expeditions get hung up for various reasons, they could use this ball that moves like a tumbleweed. Somewhat like a beach ball it would be propelled by the winds of Mars for further expeditions. To explore this planet to see if it is indeed somewhere that earthlings could possibly exist. Or even to learn more about the history of the planet.

Either way I find it amazing what people can come up with. I think most of us have excellent ideas but then we think "Nah, that is way to simple!" Well if a beach ball can explore a planet then next time your light bulb over your head goes off - you might want to think twice!

Coffee does the heart good?

I don't know about you but most mornings signify coffee for me! The debate has been discussed for years whether coffee is good for the heart or not. In a recent study the coffee drinkers were found to have a healthier heart beat than those who did not.

Even though the caffiene seems to speed up your heart the study says that is alright. Up to four cups a day is considered moderate and does not increase your risk. This is good news for anyone who may have been worried about the effects that coffee may have on their heart.

I know after two cups my ticker is racing to continue on with the day. So I guess that tomorrow if I choose to try four instead of two cups then maybe it will even my ticker out - we will see!

Cell phones vs land lines

This seems to be one monthly bill that you never quite know how much it is going to be. While most are trying to cut their bills how do you handle this dilemma? Fox news offered some advice on cell phone situations. They are reporting that 89% of the U.S. population is now using cell phones. Only 20% still continue to have a land line.

Who has not been shocked at least once when they have opened their cell phone bill. My experience has led me to be very cautious about cell phones and the whole contract issue. What a racket this industry is. You know that they he got to be making money hand over fist and still they nickel and dime you over everything.

I have tried single plans, family plans and unlimited plans. Others that I have spoke to over the years have the same idea that it is a love hate relationship. You feel to isolated if you don't have a cell phone but you definitely pay the price if you do. As mentioned in this article even calling 911 is an extra fee. Now the U.S. set up the 911 protocol for the good of the American people and sure enough the cell phone companies have found a way to profit from that as well.

I guess if you want a phone you have to deal with things you are not fond of. Look around, compare prices and make sure that you get a phone and a plan that best suits your needs. There are a lot of less expensive alternatives out there these days that can help you slash that bill and let the big guys know that you DON'T have to tolerate their terms!

Temper Temper

In trying to stay away from controversial topics, I hope this one does not offend. Currently I work for a pharmacy in a retail setting. I absolutely love customer service as I come from a sales background. I have to say though, that I have found that there are some people who no matter what you do, how much you go above and beyond, or how plastered that smile is on your face, they are determined to make your life miserable.

One part of my job is to bill insurance. When we receive a prescription we enter the insurance information which then electronically bills the insurance company. The insurance company then responds to let us know how much they are willing to pay for that medication. Usually then it is just a patients co-pay unless the drug is not covered. Unfortunately on both counts if it is higher than what some customers are wanting to pay, then they direct their anger at us. Not the insurance companies who decide the patients parameters. Not the manufacturer's who set the overall pricing to begin with. Us!

Since it is still early in the year most people have received a new insurance card. That means the old one no longer works. Well if you are working at the register and someone comes to pick up their prescription then you are simply confirming who they are and ringing up their prescription. AFTER you ring it up in the register and give them their total they say "Oh I have this insurance card" Uuugghh!

Now there are steps that we can take to try to continually improve customer service and try to prevent some of the things that happen to us. But if anyone out there is one of the people who get irate at the Techs at the Pharmacy over what insurance pays, or because you have information that you have not provided to us...please know that we are there to help you in any capacity that we can. We value your business and want to provide you with excellent service. The problem is that we have no crystal ball, can not read minds and certainly have no control over pricing.

We are merely the Technicians. Not the Insurance companies, not the drug companies and not the government! Thank you for realizing we are only there to help you!

It Pays to Snooze

That fun little saying of "you snooze, you loose" well the debate is on. In a recent study 39 adults were placed in a napping and non-napping groups. They would have both groups perform a learning exercise at noon, then take a 90 minute nap and then at 6pm they would learn again.
The napping group performed remarkedly better than the non-nappers.

There have been so many studies on sleep, how long, how much, what hours are best...well this one pertains to me so I had to investigate it. So, as a student, when I am studying I should work awhile then nap awhile - right? The thought is nice I must say.

Their point is that the hiccocampus, the area of the brain that allows you to store fact-based memories, does better when stimulated then rests or reboots and allows you begin again refreshed. Versuses those whos brains keep going and don't rest. So essentially if you snooze - you win.

I don't know about you but I don't have time for naps. My schedule is really tight as it is. But maybe if I could reorganize a wee bit then I could squeeze one in and what do you know - a would ace that History test!!! I'll make a note of that.

Depression Is Depressing

Are we out of the depression yet? I've heard some in politics say that we are on our way out bet then I read this story and that doesn't even seem possible. Individuals who are home owners have been feeling the market conditions for awhile. What about those who rent? In the Bronyx, Harlem, Pheonix and several other cities across the U.S. there are many apartment units that are decaying under the tenants feet. From trash piling up, to no hot water to just outright dangerous living conditions.

As a home owner last year I started to feel the effects of the economy. I sold my house and thought I would rent for awhile until the economy turned around. Well the above article makes my decision look like that was a crazy idea. The owners of these multiple unit buildings are just letting maintenance go. They are not putting any money into the properties to fix what is breaking. Some have even let the utilities go unpaid so then the cities have had to step up to take care of that.

Most are owned by management companies that have filed bankruptcy, are delinquent or have been in foreclosure. Was the rent received by these companies not enough to maintain the buildings and other expenses? Maybe some the management of the funds received was not well looked out for. Either way the tenants pay the price - rent and problems.

All of this leads me to wonder where else are these renters to go? Who can step in to solve the issues at hands. If our government can't shelter and feed the homeless of this country then how are they going to help the thousands that are now in this situation? Thank God that my family has a roof over our heads, food on the table and hot water to enjoy!

The Pants Have It

This newsworthy article caught my attention and I thought I would share how our journalists spend their time and resources to enlighten us! Nate Holland of the US snowboard cross team apparently does not care for the style of pants that the Canadians choose to wear. This is no runway issue just a ski run issue.

While it is nice to be involved in the Olympics, it seems that with the participants and the events that there would be enough interesting things for a reporter to report on. Apparently not. I am not a huge fashion bug but I found it very interesting that this was a front web page article.
The Canadians britches are a little tighter than others who are competing and Nate thinks this will diminish the "integrity of the sport". Well now, I think I understand...NOT.

If apparel for the Olympics is not in violation of any code that they have then what is the problem? If the apparel does not hinder or give an advantage to another individual then what is the problem? I think that would be like me saying that if I wear Nike and you wear Reebok then you are compromising the integrity of the tennis shoe as we know it!

Whether the pants are right, wrong or indifferent isn't even relevant. What difference does it even make. I would rather know who is ahead in the scores, if anyone has gotten hurt or is the Geico gekko coming out with a new saying! I wonder if they got kuddo's from their editor on that one?

Call of Duty?

Are you still considered a good samaritan when you step in to help someone in distress? Where have the majority of the good samaritans gone? In this video a 15 year old girl is beaten while 3 security guards watch and take no action. While the security guards are not armed, I have to wonder what are they securing if not the area in which they are assigned to patrol, let alone the area within 5 feet of where they were standing.

Why are people too afraid to get involved when it comes to helping someone? There are instances when I have seen someone on the side of the road with a flat tire or car problems and having my children in the car, I made the choice not to stop. There also was a time when I sat on the side of the road for several hours and no one stopped to help me. Have the criminal ways of the world challenged the basic instinct of helping one another?

In this particular story a 15 year old girl is getting the crap beat and kicked out of her while the hired help, 3 security guards, simply stand there and watch. Why on earth do we have security guards if they are trained to only observe? Wouldn't they then just be heartless people who are in it only for the money or the authority? I realize that most security guards do not have to complete any type of formal training. Perhaps they have not been schooled enough to act in a defensive manner or to defuse a potential deadly situation. But...if their title of "security" does not give way to the fact that most security guards are there to secure or maintain the security of an area, then why are they even there?

Average citizens choose whether to get involved when they see a potentially dangerous or hazardous situation occuring. But the hired help has a duty to get involved. I wonder what will be the recourse of the employer to the employees? Will this result in another lawsuit that could have been avoided if people did their jobs correctly? What would have happened if the 15 year old girl would have died? It will make me think twice next time I see someone needing help and also to pray to God that the person needing help is not me!

Money Motivator

Are you a smoker? If you are, have you tried to quit? Maybe you did quit but years later you returned to that nicotine habit. We've heard of making money by participating in medical trials but here is an article on a program that pays you to quit smoking. Literally!!! 900 smokers were recruited to see if they were rewarded with cash if they could quit smoking. The success rate reported was 2 to 3 times greater than individuals who were not "paid" to quit. However other trials have been reported before and the cash did not make a difference.

Smoking - is it a habit or an addiciton. There have been so many case studies over the years as to which or what combination there of that keeps one smoking. I think the incentive in the above study was a good motivator for some to quit. Like they stated, when other programs had been tried before with a monetary reward the payout was not as high. So maybe the individuals looked at it like the instant reward of $750 along with the savings of buying a pack all of the time added up to enough to pay them to quit.

My opinion is that if you are ready to quit, then you will seek out what you need to be able to do so. I also believe that personality is a big factor so that helps explain why everyone's experience is different. If you have an addictive personality then obviously if would be harder to stop.
With all of the help that is out there to try to assist anyone with quitting, there is probably no reason not to quit other than maybe if you truly enjoy it. Others have said that it can be a hands thing. Perhaps the cigarette acts as a comfort, like a security blanket imbeded with nicotine. Or maybe it is truly an addiction that is not so easily overcome.

What ever the reason is, I highly reccomend that if you don't smoke - DONT EVEN TRY IT! It is bad for your pocket book and even worse for your body. It isn't the best for those around you either.

Economic Transportation

With the battle at the gas pump still alive, I think I may have found an economic alternative.http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/environment/2010-02-11-electricbikes11_ST_N.htm USA Today reports on electric bikes and whether they are making way in our environmental struggle. They report that in China they are popular but not as much here in the States. One rider in Los Angeles reports that he will start pedaling when he passes someone because he feels guilty over the exercise issue.

Now I will admit that the exercise issue was the first thought to go through my head when I started reading the article. However, if approached strictly as an environmental issue then it is an appealing solution. Maybe if that is the approach that is taken, the bike is purchased and ultimately used then the exercise that you can get would be an added plus!

They are for sale at over 400 Wal-Mart locations, Best Buy incorporated them last year and there are other dealers that stock them as well. At a cost between $500 and $1500 some might see that as a little pricey. If you calculated what you would not spend on gasoline and perhaps maintenance while you were riding your bike, you would probably recover your costs rather quickly.

Weather here in our area would limit the amount of months that one of these bikes would be practical. If I worked close enough, and the weather was permitting I would be interested in purchasing one. One question I would have is how much electricity does it take to recharge. If you can pedal only when you choose then that would be great for me as well since I currently don't pedal anything to get exercise.

Economic and potential health benefits - the electric bike just might be a solution for the fight at the pump and the battle of the bulge!

Under New Management

After browsing through the news articles for something positive I found this! http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/08/earlyshow/main6186205.shtml?tag=broadcast
Larry O'Donnell President and COO of Waste Management went on the TV Reality Show - Undercover Boss to see areas of his company that he doesn't typically get to visit. Larry took on 5 entry level jobs from picking up trash to cleaning out porta poties. He gained an entirely new perspective.

I have to say I think this reality show is a great idea. They put the President of a company in the everyday shoes of those who make that company work. There is so much that can be gained by seeing what other positions in your company do. Getting to know the "little" people that help make that company run.

By having a top dog come out and work with an entry level employee can be a motivator to someone on the front lines. It also allows management to truly experience a day in the life of. Obviously that can be bad or good, but if the premise behind the actions are to improve the company and help those who contribute to the bottom line then that is what I call hands on work. In this story Larry got to know 5 of his employees and not just what they did for the company but also who they are as people. He was quite impressed with the dedication and the strength and attitudes of those 5 individuals.

By working together, management and entry level can come up with better solutions, more efficiencies and what people need to make a difference in a company. Great premise!

Super Bowl XLIV

Well as ESPN reports http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=300207011 the Saints have it! After Hurricaine Katrina hit New Orleans many wondered if the Saints would come back...have they ever! Down at the end of the first half they came back and rallied the win. Trumping the Colts with a score of 31 to 17 New Orleans will be celebrating for the first Super Bowl win ever!

Just as touchy as politics can be, the Super Bowl can spur a rivarly between teams ust as Republicans and Democrats. This year it was the Colts and the Saints. Leading up to the game I asked several people who they were hoping would win. I would say the poll was equally divided but the reasons why they were cheering for their team definitely varied.

Some was based on who they honestly felt was the better team. A few stated that they were for the Saints since it was their first Super Bowl. I think the most emotional response was one person was cheering for the Colts because her Brother in Law who had passed on, well that was his team. Now I'm not sure how many of my readers follow football or even watched the annual event but if you are around several fans while watching the event it can get pretty tense. The die hard fans, while not meaning to be, I think are pretty comical. The commradere that can be seen and felt is like that of no other.

So it I were going to compare this game day to say something like Valentines Day. I would say in some ways they are similiar. It is a designated day to celebrate. Money is spent on having parties or meeting at an establishment. Is that just part of the routine for football like buying chocolates and flowers are indicative of Valentines Day? Are both over rated, an excuse to celebate be it sports or love? Or is it more of American past-time that the celebration brings full fillment and joy.

Either way I enjoy watching the game. I must admit that I think one of the highlights of the game are the commercials. They are good! If advertising executives put that much effort year round into commercials then I think the results would have people rushing out to buy the "goods" as seen on TV.

Insanity Plea

I discovered this article pertaining to a 15 year old daughter accused of killing her mother. People magazine reports http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20340847,00.html that Tylar Witt, 15 who is charged with killing her mother Joanne Witt has entered her plea of insanity. Apparently her mother reported her then 14 year olds diary to the sheriffs department to charge her boyfriend, Mr Culver of statutory rape.

Now I know there are specifics in the legal system that define "insanity". One of which should be even having the idea to kill your own mother in the first place. This girl who was 14 at the time got caught having sex with her 20 year old boyfriend so they decide to drug the mother and stab her multiple times. I don't know about you but that seems totally insane to me. Unfortunately if she does get off on an insanity plea the punishment is lighter.
I think in the penal system if someone does decide to offer this plea maybe there should be different levels of insanity. That way it is not just automatically a lighter sentence and maybe those who truly aren't by the courts definition won't be so apt to offer it. You can visit a mental hospital and notice that the severity of mental illness is not the same between two different patients. Does that mean that one is more sane than the other or that there are simply different levels of care needed.
I don't remember when I was growing up hearing about children killing their parents or others as often as we do today. It makes me wonder what in our society has made it OK to do such a thing.
Is it promoted? Do we pat these kids on the back and say good job? It someone was so violently abusive and it was self defense then perhaps I can see self defense. Not though because you got caught having sex with a 20 year old.

Grammy Awards 2010

So did anyone else tune in for the Grammys last night? I came across this article and wanted to share it. http://www.grammy.com/blogs/grammy-ratings-hit-high-note I thought this was interesting as it tells us that their ratings last night were the best since 2004. Their audience was up 35 percent this year and with widespread demographics.

It was an excellent show I thought. Extremely entertaining! Perhaps it was a very entertaining diversion from everyday life. It is always fun to see the Red Carpet and who is wearing what, the clothes, the shoes (of corse) and the hair. The announcers with their funny little quips of what is going on all around the music industry and oh my, those performances, they get more creative every year.

I have to say that Pink's performance was pretty amazing. One I can't recall seeing ever for such an event. Do you ever get lost in the glitz, glamour and fame that walk with these people everyday? It must be so overwhelming to be in the presence of amazingly talented individuals and groups. Taylor Swift summed it up by saying something to the effect of it being like a fairy tale! The best part of the evening I thought was simply the music. I am a huge musical person so I enjoyed watching the performances and just listening, The tribute to Michael Jackson was great. For his children to to even make a surprise appearance, well it was quite touching.
Maybe in the midst of all that goes on in our everyday life it is a nice reprieve to sit back, relax and appreciate one of the greatest things we have been blessed with...music.

Have you ever noticed how musc can simply take you back to a time or a place when you heard a particular song? Instantaneously amazing. I have to wonder also if the audience was up because more people are staying at home and doing more family things. Another way for families to connect througha language that can break gender barriers.

Yes next weekend it will be the Superbowl but this weekend music stole the show!

Politics Anyone?

Glenn Beck has a show on the Foxs News Network. Here is a link to a recent commentary he has on President Obama, the economy and our nations safety. http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/35788/

I enjoy listening to and watching Glenn Beck's show. I think he offers a different perspective on the news from the other networks. In this commentary he is offering his opinion on the Presidents announced budget for 2011. $3.8 trillion dollars is the newest figure apparently. Can one even comprehend that much money? He also mentions one of the latest treats against America from Iranian President Ahmadinejad that is supposed to occur on February 11, 2010.

Now my budget clearly reflects my lack of planning as anyone in my household will tell you. It seems like every time I turn around there is another expense that I have not accounted for which means something gets left out. Granted I am not budgeting for the USA or the people in it, I have learned however the best of intentions don't always work. So, if I take that theory when reading what our new estimated budget for next year is, in reality it will be more. Where does that much money even come from? Perhaps I should have taken economics this semester so I too could understand what the President is selling.
I don't believe it is wrong of most of the citizens to be concerned. We thought our economy was bad? I don't think we have seen anything yet! There are not enough taxes that can be imposed and leave money for us to live on to equal even a fraction of our debt. It makes an average income of $40,000 seem like pennies in a piggy bank to me. If the unemployment rate is still on an average high, cost of goods keep rising so companies don't take such a loss, banks aren't lending, taxes are going up and we still are having a hard time what does spending more money on God knows what do for the little man?
Then, if that problem was not worry some enough, we still have the terrorists that despise us and our culture and only want to see us in peril. Threats that could devastate cities, families and even more so our economy. How safe are we? Would your family be ready for a disaster of huge proportions? Are you stocked up on food, water and other essentials? Do you keep enough cash lying around in case there were no banks to go to?
What has this world come to that in the land of the free opportunity is decreasing, fear is becoming more prominent and we continue to fight a battle that others seem destined to loose.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584108,00.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a4:g4:r2:c0.000000:b0:z5

Deborah McDonald won $8000.00 on Ohio's Lottery Game Show Cash Explosion Double Play.
She went out to celebrate her winnings and play some pool with some friends at a local bar. She left the bar and was walking along side the road when she was struck by a car, hit a traffic sign and died.

Now what are the odds of that? The article does not tell much about Deborah McDonald but this artilcle made me wonder what her life had been like. Was she a lucky person or was this tragic episode a good indicator of what her life had been like? There are jokes made, songs that are written and movies that are made about this very thing. For every good thing that happens is there a bad one?

Good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people and vise versa - right?
Some would say that is just how life goes. Others would say that we create our own luck good, bad or indifferent. My belief is that everything goes around. Not that we intentially ask for bad things to happen - I don't think anyone sets out to create an atmosphere where they are going to get "paid back" in a negative way. I can look back at my life and see mistakes that I made - and yes there are alot of them - and when something goes wrong I wonder if that could have had any effect on the curent situation. Life is so complicated and since there is not a handy guide that you carry around in your pocket, we tend to stray every now and then from the moral belief system that most would say we should have.

Most of us, I think, try to follow the "Do unto others" philosophy. If we continue on that path the best we can maybe some of the bad luck will be irradicated. For myself I hope that is the case anyway. Again, not knowing Deborah's siuation and not that it would matter anyway, this is a horrible tragedy for her and her family. Obviously the money won is not worth the life that was lost.

Moving right along for Haiti

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/01/23/haiti-telethon-raises-million-counting/

So last week the Stars came out to raise money for Haiti with a telethon that raised over $57 Million for relief in that country. Last Friday night if you were anywhere near a television you probably noticed the event as it aired on several stations. Many stars participated via performing, answering phones for donations or simply hosting. The Hope for Haiti Now cd broke the pre- order record as well as the no 1 single Haiti Mon Amour on I tunes.

I am proud to be an American when you can read about a giving event such as this and simply say "Wow". The amount of money that was raised is astounding. It is always nice to see those favorite performers or movie stars but this went a little farther. It was simply them attending to all aspects of the show. They even answered the telephone. What a great idea that was. I am sure that had an affect on a certain percentage of people calling. Imagine your favorite movie star being Julia Roberts, you call and she answers the phone. Would you have just a general casual conversation about the effort or would you take the opportunity to express how much you enjoy her talent!!!!

George Clooney was one of the organizers I believe. But I have to say I think they all stepped up to the plate and used their influence to set a record amount collected. Obviously Haiti will benefit greatly from the outcome of last Friday night. It is nice to see those in a powerful and influential position use it for a formidable gain. There seems to be so much controversy over stars and athletes and how they use their popularity - whether it is a positive influence or not.
So much of the Media tries to portray them as this or that and unfortunately the perception of their being has changed.

Haiti Relief Efforts

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/01/17/military-leaves-crippled-haiti-government-peacekeepers-order/

Fox News is keeping us abreast of the relief efforts in Haiti. After being hit by a tragic earthquake last week, the Haitian government with much assistance is trying to begin humanitarian efforts. The United States is one of many taking part in this effort.

Fox reports that Haiti has received 600,000 humanitarian daily rations, but they will ultimately need 8 million for the initial period. Distributing the rations seems to present to country of Haiti with the most difficulty of tasks. Some of the items they are considering rations consist of water, food, tents and medical supplies.

The United States is continuing to send ground troops to aid in the effort. Overall Fox News reports that 10,000 troops will be deployed in assisting the Haitian Government from naval vessels to on the ground.

It is so hard to even begin to fathom what the people of this country have and will continue to go through. As we know from a variety of sources the chances of finding more alive have greatly decreased so the focus now becomes the displaced survivors. With all of the countries and organizations who are participating in the relief effort, it would seem that things could move somewhat quicker.

It breaks my heart to think about all of people, many cut off from contact, which are waiting on a drink of water, a meal, clothes and shelter. Those who have lost loved ones, unsure if they are dead or alive with no answer to be delivered anytime soon.

The mass effort that it will take to coordinate the relief effort is phenomenal. When rations are delivered will the relief workers become inundated by the survivors who are hot, thirsty, hungry and living with despair from all that they have encountered? How do you decide which community you try to reach first with medical supplies and those that will die while waiting?

Well, it is back to school after 20 years...this is going to be a wonderful experience!!! I am so excited and looking forward to reading this at the end of the first semester to see if I made it. See you then.