Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Privacy Experts Cry Foul Over Wal-mart’s Plan to Use Embedded Rfid | Scienceray

Privacy Experts Cry Foul Over Wal-mart’s Plan to Use Embedded RFID | Scienceray

Wal-Mart is apparently planning on using smart tags (RFID -radio frequency identification)to better keep track of their inventory. Wal-Mart previously used these tags on the pallets used to transported their products. Sounds benign, right? Well, not really.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Is The Cyber Sky Falling: Experts Say Only a Years Worth of Internet Addresses Left | Webupon

Is The Cyber Sky Falling: Experts Say Only a Years Worth of Internet Addresses Left | Webupon

According to experts, there are only 232 million IP addresses left in the world. This is only enough to last about 340 days. An IP address is a unique 32 digit number that is used to identify each computer, internet connected device, and computer website.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Friday, July 23, 2010

What We Don't Know

What We Don't Know
By: eLearners.com

I thought this was some cool trivia:) The format is a little off for my blog. Just click on the picture and it will be viewable.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Flowers Can Improve Your Mood

Two of my dear friends, Phill Senters and Chris Stonecipher, have some spectacular photos on their sites.

Throughout time, people have used flowers in every aspect of life from birthdays and weddings to funerals and get well gestures. Research has shown that there is a healthy reason for this inclusion. Viewing, smelling, and touching flowers offer a calming effect. They also help improve ones mood. A 2005 study by Rutgers University found that 100 percent of women smiled with a "Duchenne" smile after receiving a bouquet of flowers. A "Duchenne" smile, involves use of muscles at the corner of the mouth and by the eyes; it signifies genuine, positive emotions.

So, get happy today while you view some beautiful flower power photos by Phill and Chris!

Phill Senters:

Ragged Bush Beauty 
Sunshine Rose
Early Spring Roses
Beauty In The Rain
A Profusion Of Pink

Chris Stonecipher:
Butchart Gardens IV
Butchart Gardens II
Butchart Gardens III
Spring is in The Air


Chicken and Dumplings Served with Homemade Crackers | Notecook

Chicken and Dumplings Served with Homemade Crackers | Notecook

Chicken and Dumplings is my quintessential comfort food. Anytime I am down in the dumps…I turn to dumplings. Don't forget to make the homemade crackers to serve with your Chicken and Dumplings!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Department of Energy Still Using Obsolete Expensive Lightening While Telling Us to Save Energy | Socyberty

Department of Energy Still Using Obsolete Expensive Lightening While Telling Us to Save Energy

So, after touting and investing in the importance of replacement, maintenance, and controls for energy efficiency, any citizen would think that the Dept. of Energy would at least have energy efficient bulbs in their buildings, right?

An internal audit shows hypocrisy and the gov. waste and abuse in the Dept. of Energy.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Smoked Veggie Stuffed Bell Peppers | Notecook

Smoked Veggie Stuffed Bell Peppers | Notecook

Okay, we are a society of meat…I know. However, sometimes it is good to give your body a healthy dose of veggies. If you must, you can always add a little crumbled bacon, prosciutto, diced chicken etc.. to the dish.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Four Recipes to Store Leftover Garden Tomatoes | Notecook

Four Recipes to Store Leftover Garden Tomatoes | Notecook

I love summer…because summer means homegrown tomato! As usual, I have planted more tomato than I can eat at one time. So, what to do with all those excess homegrown tomatoes? Here are four recipes that you can either can or freeze in a freezer bag for future use:

Read the Tomato Soup, Tomato Relish, Marinara, and Tomato Confit recipes here:http://notecook.com/main-course/four-recipes-to-store-leftover-garden-tomatoes/#ixzz0t6pbI8NB

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Implantable Miniature Telescope for Macular Degeneration | Healthmad

Implantable Miniature Telescope for Macular Degeneration | Healthmad

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in those over 60-years-old. The disease destroys central vision, which is needed for fine detail tasks such as face recognition, reading, watching television, driving, etc.. If detected early, traditional treatment can slow the vision loss, but nothing restores or stops the vision loss.

Great news for those suffering from age-related macular degeneration; the FDA has just approved a groundbreaking technology to counter age-related macular degeneration. At first, one might think the technology is straight out of a science fiction movie, but for those with macular degeneration, a tiny telescope implanted inside the eye is more like a love story.


Read about the new implantable telescope and the side effects here: http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/implantable-miniature-telescope-for-macular-degeneration/#ixzz0t3rYUnwO

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Whistleblower Tells Off on Obama in New Black Panthers Voter Intimidation Case | Newsflavor

Whistleblower Tells Off on Obama in New Black Panthers Voter Intimidation Case | Newsflavor

A default judgment was won in April of 2009 after the Black Panther members did not show up for court. Less than a month later, the Obama administration suddenly changed course. They moved to dismiss the charges. But wait, the best part was the stipulations- one New Black Panther member had to agree to not carry a deadly weapon near a polling place until 2012. Um, no deadly weapons at polling places until 2012, but after that I guess it’s okay? I guess Obama might need this kind of support again in 2012, aye?

Now, we have a whistleblower telling off on the Obama administration and the Justice Dept. for not pursing this open and shut case of voter intimidation!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

It is Not All About The Beach: Mississippi Events | Trifter

It is Not All About The Beach: Mississippi Events

While people might not want to visit gulf coastal areas because the beaches are closed or they are fearful of open beach water being polluted, there are many other exciting events and attractions in or near coastal towns aside from beaches. Thousands of businesses from travel agencies, hotels and restaurants…to casinos, gas stations, and shopping outlets are all dependent on tourism. These businesses make up a large percentage of coastal employment.

I am from Mississippi. So, I would like to draw some attention to the other activities going on in South and Central Mississippi! Read about the upcoming events here-http://trifter.com/usa-canada/it-is-not-all-about-the-beach-mississippi-events/#ixzz0sUWLsnY2

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Beetroot Juice: The All Natural Treatment for Hypertension | Healthmad

Beetroot Juice: The All Natural Treatment for Hypertension | Healthmad

A new study by Queen Mary University of London was recently published in the American Heart Association Journal Hypertension. The study found that blood pressure lowered within just 24 hours after drinking beetroot juice. The nitrate content of beetroot juice is what causes the lowering effect on blood pressure, in the same way that nitrate capsules do. Just 250 ml of the beetroot juice works to increase the levels of nitric oxide in the blood.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Teeth Condoms Give Rapists a Bite | Socyberty

Teeth Condoms Give Rapists a Bite | Socyberty

According to Human Rights Watch, South Africa has one the highest rates of rape in the entire world. In a 2009 report, 1 in 20 men surveyed admitted that they had raped a female in the last year. One in four of the surveyed women admitted that they had been raped. The alarming rate of sexual violence is partly attributed by how South African men view rape. A 1999 story by BBC explains it best. School aged boys see recreational gang rape as fun…not a crime. They feel that a girl really means yes…albeit while she is screaming “no.” It makes little difference what “rights” South African women have. There is no right, if those that violate the right have impunity on their side.

Read about a new condom with teeth that will help these females avoid rape at http://socyberty.com/crime/teeth-condoms-give-rapists-a-bite/#ixzz0rYreT5hv

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Senators introduce bill that would allow US to disconnect the Internet

I  was reading an article on The Raw Story tonight. The more I read, the more enraged I became. 

"Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), along with one Republican and Democratic senator, introduced a bill late last week that would allow the President to effectively disconnect the internet by emergency decree.
The Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act would allow the President to disconnect Internet networks and force private websites to comply with broad cybersecurity measures.Future US presidents would have their Internet "kill switch" powers renewed indefinitely."

You must read the rest of the article at The Raw Story.

Kitty Litter Cake | The Real Owner

Kitty Litter Cake

Hold on to your pooper scooper, this is going to get messy. Kaitlynn and I went to an event to raise money for our local animal shelter. Humorously themed events are not lost on me. The hairball (sauerkraut)hot dogs, Yorkshire Terrier Pudding, etc.. were all registering on my “normal humor scale,” but then I came across the Kitty Litter Cake. The Kitty Litter Cake was just fair in taste, but the creative grossness of it was a real winner with the crowd. The visual was hard to get past, and I so wish that I had brought my camera. However, I searched the internet, and found a photo of Kitty Litter Cake.

Read more and see the Kitty Litter Cake picture here: http://therealowner.com/cats/kitty-litter-cake/#ixzz0rQAW2U6v

Saturday, June 19, 2010

15 Natural Treatments for Mosquito Bites | Healthmad

15 Natural Treatments for Mosquito Bites | Healthmad

If you have ever lived in the south, then you know the summer nights, as beautiful as they may be, also come with one very annoying pest- the female mosquito.

Your smell, heat, body odor, perspiration, and even exhaled breath all attract this winged pest. She makes an often undetected landing; before you know it, she has stuck her thin proboscis into your skin and began her meal.

Before we look at natural treatment options for mosquito bites, there are a few signs and symptoms that should not be attributed to a normal mosquito bite. Mosquito’s carry many diseases such as, West Nile Virus, that are passed from person to person when they bite you. If you feel nauseated, faint, experience headaches, fever, chills, muscle aches, or have trouble breathing after a mosquito bite…it may be a sign of serious reaction or passage of disease. You should go to the emergency room or primary caregiver if you experience any of the above symptoms.


Read the 15 natural treatments for mosquito bites here- http://healthmad.com/health/15-natural-treatments-for-mosquito-bites/#ixzz0rLBxfLpi

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Teacher Fired for Having Adult, Consensual, Premarital Sex | Socyberty

Teacher Fired for Having Adult, Consensual, Premarital Sex | Socyberty

The private Christian school decided to fire Mrs. Hamilton for failure to “maintain and communicate the values and purpose of [Southland Christian School].” NBC news shared a clip of a letter from Southland Christian School on the subject, “Jarretta was asked not to return because of a moral issue that was disregarded, namely fornication, sex outside of marriage.” The letter also claims that Mrs. Hamilton agreed to uphold standards related to school values on her job application, a fact that Mrs. Hamilton disputes.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Is Mexico Ever at Fault for Anything? | Newsflavor

Is Mexico Ever at Fault for Anything? | Newsflavor

I ask this question on the heals of a month plagued with tragic loss of life in Mexico. Attacks between drug trafficking organizations last Thursday and Friday left 85 people dead. On Monday, gunmen killed 15 federal police officers in two separate attacks. Earlier this month, 55 bodies were found deep in the shaft of the Concha mine. They were presumably the victims of drug cartels. There has been a surge in drug -related killings over recent days. So, I want to begin by extending my sympathies to all the family of the innocent victims and the law enforcement trying to contain the violence.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Teacher Allows Students To Don KKK Costumes and Walk The Halls

Catherine Ariemma is an advanced placement U.S History/film teacher at  Lumpkin High School in Dahlonega Georgia, a rural community about 75 miles outside of Atlanta. She made a decision on how to present some of her course material  that may very well ruin her career.



It seems that Catherine Ariemma permitted four of her students to wear Klu Klux Klan mock robes for a historical reenactment about discrimination.  Other students at Lumpkin High School became very upset and frightened after seeing the four students walking the school hallway in their Klan costumes, and at least one parent called the school about the incident.

Ariemma’s class consisted of 15 students from various races, but no black students. The fifteen students had spent the year viewing historical films. It was their turn to create their own film.

According to Ariemma, the students brainstormed to pick a specific film topic, and ultimately decided to trace the history of racism in America. The topic included covering the history of the Stone Mountain ,Georgia and Tuscaloosa, Alabama white supremacist chapters. The kids put on SpongeBob party hats to make a “cone head.” They then donned white sheets with eye holes cut out to make a KKK costume.  Ariemma led them through the cafeteria to a location where they shot a film scene.

School officials have placed Ariemma on leave and will decide whether to suspend her or fire her. The school also says that they are now considering a new policy requiring all film projects to be approved by administrators….really, they are just now thinking that maybe school activities need to be approved- ground breaking.

Many people are mad that the incident took place at all, saying that the KKK has no place in school. I disagree. Ariemma clearly showed a lack of judgment in how she went about letting these students cover the subject, racism was and is still a very real topic. We can not ignore the KKK and pretend that it didn’t, and still does, exist. However, it is a sensitive subject for many.  I’m not one of those politically correct folks, but some subjects do involve a degree of sensitivity.  The students walking the halls in KKK costumes were privy to what was going on….other students just see the costume, but have no idea what the context may be.

Simple measures such as: informing  the entire school to not be alarmed if they see her students recreating KKK scenes for a history film and donning the costumes at the film scene and removed at the film scene could have saved Ariemma, the school, and the students a lot of headache. 



Clarionledger.com

Monday, May 24, 2010

13-year-old Thad Phillips Escaped 43 Hours of Bone Breaking

I was surfing the T.V. for something…anything to watch last night. Just as I was about to decide there was nothing worth watching, I ended up finding something on Discovery. It was a series called “Escaped. ” The specific episode was titled, “Torture in Suburbia.”

I guess because of my love of the news and reporting true and weird crime, nothing seems to shock me anymore. It seems someone is always abusing, killing, or hurting someone else. However, this show, “Torture in Suburbia,” managed to shock me. It went beyond any imaginable wrong that one human can do to another.


I honestly do not know how Thad Phillips survived this torture to bring a killer to justice, but he did. I would like to remind readers that Thad Phillips story isn't just one of unimaginable horror. It is a story of the will to survive.  

Read about what happened to Thad Phillips and how he survived 43 hours under the brutal hands of a Joe Clark HERE

Friday, May 21, 2010

Kelly Bensimon Proves She Is Not Only The Most Ignorant Real Housewife of New York....She Is Certifiable

I really do not know why I am so addicted to the Real Housewives of New York, but it is my guilty late night pleasure. I’m not big on reality television, but the verbal warfare, backstabbing, social etiquette hypocrisy, and overindulging sense of entitlement on the Real Housewives of New York hooked me. It is truly amazing to see how these women live and their “value” methodology for life.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Le Whif: The Chocolate and Coffee Inhaler

I inhale chocolate all the time. Just set a pint of Häagen-Dazs Rocky Road in front of me, take a breath, and it’s gone. But, seriously, what would you think about a breath spray like “food inhaler” that would soothe the sweet tooth or coffee jitters with just 1 calorie per serving?
Good news for those of you that like the idea- it’s already here. David Edwards, a Harvard biomedical engineering professor came up with the original idea for Le Whif in 2007. Le Whif started out as a small canister of organic chocolate particles. Now the product has expanded to include flavors such as:  “Raspberry Chocolate” “Coffee” and “Mint Chocolate.”

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Bourbon Pecan Alfredo



Ingredients:

6 oz of linguine
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
¾ cup of bourbon divided
1 c. whipping cream
1c. grated parmesan cheese
½ c. toasted and roughly chopped pecans
2 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tbsp chopped chives




Method:

1. Cook linguine according to package directions.
2. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic to butter and cook until tender.
4.  Remove pan from heat and add ½ c. bourbon.
5. Return to heat and cook 5 minutes over low heat; stir frequently.
6. Stir in whipping cream and cheese.
7. When cheese is melted, add the rest of the bourbon.
8. Stir in pecans, parsley, and chives; let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
9. Toss sauce with pasta.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Nine Tips To Help You Think Outside The Box

Whether it is debt, employment, business, personal crisis, government, etc… people are facing challenges that our generation has never seen before. Common approaches to uncommon problems has not worked. The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. Yet, we continue to embrace ingrained concepts that are simply not applicable to today’s world.

How many times have you heard the cliché, “Think outside the box?” We are told to think out of the box all the time on political matters, in business, in personal crisis, and by employers. I admit that it’s funny that a phrase meaning to think of clichéd situations from a non-clichéd perspective has become a cliché by it’s own right. However, the irony does not negate the fact that solutions to our current problems will only come when we stopping thinking with a safe and confined mentality.  

Read the nine tips HERE

Thursday, April 29, 2010

German Chocolate Cookie Sandwich


Cookie Ingredients:

1 ¾ c. all purpose flour
1 ½ c. sugar
1 ½ sticks of softened butter
2/3 c. cocoa
¾ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ c. finely chopped pecans

Coconut and Pecan Filling Ingredients:

1 stick of butter
½ c. packed light brown sugar
¼ c. light corn syrup
1 c. of toasted coconut flakes
1 c. finely chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine all cookie ingredients except pecans.
3. Beat on medium speed until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Stir pecans in.
5. Form dough into 1 ¼ inch balls.
6. Place balls on cookie sheet and slightly press to flatten.
7. Bake 9-11 minutes.
8. Cool cookies on wire rack.
9. Make coconut and pecan filling- in a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup- stirring until thickened and bubbly; stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla.
10. Spread one heaping tbsp onto half the cookies.
11. Top each of the cookies with the remaining unused cookies to form a German Chocolate Cookie Sandwich. 

Monday, April 19, 2010

Easy Cherries Jubilee

source

Ingredients:

  • 2 (15 oz) cans of pitted Bing cherries in syrup
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 c. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 c. Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • 1/4 c. brandy
  • 6 tbsp Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
  • 1 qt vanilla bean ice cream
  • 6 chocolate pirouette rolled wafers 

    Method:

    1. Place cherries in a heavy non-aluminum saucepan, reserving 6 tbsp of syrup in a small bowl.
    2. Add cornstarch to the 6 tbsp of syrup, mixing well; set aside.
    3. Stir sugar and allspice into cherries.
    4. Bring cherry mixture up to a boil over medium heat.
    5. Reduce heat to low and add cornstarch mixture.
    6. Stir until mixture thickens (3-5 minutes.)
    7. Remove from heat to add raspberry liqueur and brandy.

    8. Return to medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. 
    9. Place 1 tbsp of Godiva Chocolate Liqueur in each of 6 serving dishes.
    10. Place two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream in each serving dish.
    11. Evenly pour cherry mixture into each serving dish.
    12. Garnish with a chocolate pirouette wafers in each serving dish.

    Saturday, April 17, 2010

    Mango Salsa

    Very fresh and summery recipe. Hope everyone enjoys!


    source

    Ingredients:

    4 peeled and diced mangoes
    1/3 c. chopped cilantro
    1/4 c. finely diced celery
    1/4 c. finely chopped green onion
    1/4 c. finely chopped red onion
    1/4 c. finely chopped yellow or green bell pepper
    1/4 c. peeled and finely chopped cucumber 
    1/4 c. honey
    1/4 c. olive oil
    1/4 tsp salt
    1/4 tsp white pepper
    3 tbsp fresh lime juice

    Method:
    1. Combine all wet ingredients in a large bowl
    2. Add all dry ingredients, tossing to coat.
    3. Cover and chill 1 hour to 24 hours.

    Mango Salsa works great as an appetizer served with -tortilla chips, bagel chips, or any toasted bread of choice. It can also make a great garnishment for seafood, lamb, or chicken.

    For more great cooking, check out Chris Stonecipher's Peanut Butter Logs and Bren Park's Homespun Solutions: Cooking Tips and Chef Lauren's Sicilian Style Penne Mediterranean Pasta


    Insurance Companies Busted for Owning Stock in Tobacco and Fast Food Companies

    Blogger Graphics
    Blogger Graphics

    I found some really Cute Blogger Layouts at Doobix.com

    Just when I thought that I couldn’t loathe the insurance industry more, I read a stunning article in the American Journal of Public Health.

    These insurance companies spend no telling what on PR that touts what all they are doing to promote healthy lifestyles. This is a quote straight from a very well known insurance companies- HealthyLifestyles pamphlet. 

    Tobacco use, obesity, stress and physical inactivity have a significant
    effect on employee productivity and happiness, and encouraging healthy
    behaviors may impact more than your organization’s financial statement:
    It may help presenteeism and the productivity of your employees.
    Transforming unhealthy lifestyles is not easy, which is why we focus
    on the five key behaviors that have the greatest effect on both your
    employees’ health and the overall health of your organization:

    Tobacco Cessation: We offer an educational program, a personalized
    “quit” plan and an online community of support.

    Weight Management: From dietary education to personal coaching, we help
    participants help themselves reach and maintain a healthier weight.

    Yet, these insurance companies are speaking out of both sides of their mouths. On one hand they tell consumers to be healthy...then, they are busted by a research team at  Harvard Medical School as owning stocks in tobacco and fast-food companies. Read about the insurance companies that were busted HERE

    Friday, April 16, 2010

    Southernisms Aplenty

    If you want a good laugh, check out the "Southern Aplenty" article in the Hattiesburg American newspaper. The author, Chloe Oliver watched a an episode of the "Real Housewives" that involved a Southern colloquialism calamity. Although she didn't mention the particular offender by name, I happen to watch the Real Housewives of New York myself. Countess Luann deLesseps got into an altercation with another housewife and said she was on me like "white rice." For those of you not from the Southern United States, ya'll might not know that the expression is... "white on rice." Anyhoo, for a good laugh and taste of wit, read the Southern Aplenty article HERE 
     

    7,500 Online Shoppers Sold Their Soul & Didn't Even Know It

    Do you read the fine print before putting your John Hancock, or are you like millions of Americans who skim, if that, the fine print?

    British owned, GameStation, a computer game retailer, wanted to play a benign April Fools Day joke on  customers. However, I think they proved a much greater point about fine print.

    Read how 7,500 online shoppers unknowingly sold their soul and what they missed out on in the process- HERE

    Thursday, April 15, 2010

    Dark Chocolate Benefits Liver Patients

    source

    A new study of 21 patients with end-stage liver disease has found that eating dark chocolate restricted the rise in post meal abdominal pressure, which can be dangerously high in cirrhotic patients, and even lead to blood vessels rupturing.  The study was presented to the European Association for the Study of the Liver in Vienna.

    Cocoa contains antioxidants called, flavanols. These flavanols are believed to help the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels widen and relax; therefore, it’s beneficial to those with blood pressure issues.

    The 21 research patients were given a meal with 85% cocoa dark chocolate….now that is my kind of diet! The end stage liver disease patients that were given the dark chocolate had a smaller rise in blood pressure in the liver than those that were given white chocolate.

    Wednesday, April 14, 2010

    Coconut Muffins


    Who needs a cupcake when you can have a coconut muffin. If you have busy mornings and a hungry family, make these coconut muffins the night before...and you have a no-fuss and fast breakfast.

    Ingredients:
    2 c. all purpose flour
    2 tsp baking powder
    1 c. sugar
    ½ c. flake coconut
    2 lg eggs, lightly beaten
    ½ c. melted butter
    8 oz plain yogurt
    ¼ tsp coconut extract

    Method:
    1. Combine first four ingredients in lg bowl.
    2. Make a well in the center of the mixture.
    3. Combine eggs and last three ingredients; stir just till moist.
    4. Lightly grease muffin tin and line with paper muffin cups.
    5. Evenly spoon mixture into each muffin cup, filling each ¾ full.
    6. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes.  




    Recipe yields 1 dozen coconut muffins.

    Judge Tells Mississippi Schools To Stop The Segregation

    The Justice Department accused the rural Mississippi Walthall County School District of permitting over 300 students to transfer to a school outside of their residential area. Most of the students were white. So, this shifted the racial makeup of each school system. Administrators at three other Mississippi schools were also accused of grouping white students in classrooms and black students in other classrooms in various grade levels. 

    This has been a battle between several Mississippi school districts and the Justice Dept since the early 90’s.
    In fact, the Justice Dept says despite lawsuits seeking reform, these school districts have become even more segregated over the last 20 years. The Walthall Co. School Board rejected a settlement in 2009 that would have overhauled the district's transfer policy and prevented students being assigned to classrooms based on race.

    So, on April 13th 2010, Mississippi U.S. District Judge Tom Lee ordered the school district to significantly limit transfers and  to stop assigning students to classrooms that resulted in segregation. A software program to randomly assign students to classrooms was demanded.




    See the full story at Reuters

    Tuesday, April 13, 2010

    How to Avoid Common Retirement Mistakes

    It is never to early to think about retirement. It is a daunting and confusing task for many, but it does not have to be. I was reading an article by CNN Money where financial experts were asked about the mistakes they most often see related to retirement. It is pretty common sense stuff, but considering the cadre of retirees heading back to work, there is obviously some problem between comprehending and completion.

    Read the top six tips to help you avoid retirement mistakes HERE

     

    Monday, April 12, 2010

    WATERMELON DAIQUIRI

    This recipe will make 5 glasses of Watermelon Daiquiri. Try it at your next backyard BBQ!





    credit

    Ingredients:
    4 cups of peeled, seeded, and cubed watermelon
    5 slices of watermelon
    ½ cup light rum
    ¼ cup lime juice
    ¼ cup Triple Sec
    Ice cubes

    Method:

    1. Freeze cubed watermelon in a shallow pan for at least 8 hours.
    2. Combine frozen watermelon and next three ingredients in an electric blender
    3. Mix till smooth.. Scrape down sides as needed.
    4. Add ice up to the 5 cup level on the mixer.
    5. Pour daiquiri evenly into 5 glasses and garnish with watermelon slices.
    5. Mix until smooth. 



    If you like this recipe, check out The A-Z Cocktail Party Part 1 and Part Two- The A-Z Cocktail Party: 36 Cocktail Recipes.

    How To Make Pralines

     

    Pralines (Basic New Orleans Style, Orange, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Bourbon, Chocolate, Vanilla, Etc..) Pralines are wonderful little treats. Learn how to take one basic praline recipe and make essentially any type of praline you want. I personally love the Bourbon Praline....to die for. 

    Get the recipes HERE

     

    Workers Strike Over No More Free Beer During Work Hours

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/morberg/3266564307/

    While many Americans are desperately searching for work, asking for a fair wage, fair hours, and fair treatment….workers at Carlsberg factory in Denmark are just asking for their free beer not to be taken away.

    Read the story HERE 

    Sunday, April 11, 2010

    TROUT AMANDINE

    A perfect marriage of delicate trout with buttery almonds. Served in a rich savory sauce. Makes 6 servings. Steamed green beans and piped sweet potato soufflé are nice side dishes.







    credit

    Ingredients:

    2 c. milk
    1 tsp salt
    1 tsp salt
    2 dashes hot sauce
    6 trout fillets
    ¾ cup flour
    ½ tsp pepper
    1 c. butter
    ¼ c. butter
    1 tbsp olive oil
    ½ c. sliced almonds
    2 tbsp lemon juice
    2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    ¼ c. fresh parsley
    6 sprigs of parsley
    6 lemon wedges

    Method:

    1. Combine milk, 1 tsp salt, and hot sauce in 14x9x2 inch dish.
    2. Add filets and coat with milk mixture.
    3. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
    4. Combine flour and pepper in large plastic bag.
    5. Melt ¼ c. butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
    6. Add oil to butter.
    7. Gently shake trout fillets in the flour mixture; shaking off excess flour.
    8. Cook trout fillets 2 minutes on each side in butter and oil…or until fish flakes easily.
    9. Combine 1 c. butter and almonds in a saucepan.
    10. Cook over medium heat until almonds are fragrant and lightly browned.
    11. Add 1 tsp salt, lemon juice, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce to almonds; cook 5 minutes on low heat.
    12. Pour sauce over trout fillets.
    13. Serve with extra lemon wedge.

    Saturday, April 10, 2010

    13-Year-Old Child Bride Dies After Sexual Organs Rupture

    A 13-year-old Yemeni girl, Ilham Mahdi al Assi, was forced to marry a man in a traditional Yemeni arrangement known as a “swap marriage.” A swap marriage is when the brother of the bride also marries the sister of the groom. Five days after her wedding day, her female reproductive organs ruptured and she ultimately hemorrhaged to death.

    Finish reading the story here. 

    Statistics by Sanaa University estimate that more than half of all Yemeni girls are forced or coerced into marriage before they reach their 18th birthday. It is unimaginable what these young girls go through. Ilham Mahdi al Assi is just the latest victim to the Yemen child bride practice.

    Friday, April 9, 2010

    "The Blind Side" Provides Much Needed Inspiration

    If you haven’t seen the movie, “The Blind Side” yet, then you have missed out on an inspiring story. I remember seeing the movie, “Rudy” as a child and taking away the message of never giving up on your dreams. “Rudy” inspired me, and that rarely occurs in modern movies. Then, comes “The Blind Side!” It finally offered me that inspiration that I felt with “Rudy.”

    I do not want to give away too much of the movie, but the plot of the based on true events story is Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) and her husband, Sean Tuohy (Tim McGraw,) taking in a homeless African American teen, Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron.) Michael had been traumatized by society, school systems, his drug addicted mother, drug and violence plagued neighborhood, and the foster care system.  A caring family is all this young man needed to have the will and desire to succeed in life, hone his skills, and become a productive member of society.

    There are all too many children that grow up just as Michael Oher did, but are never lucky enough to come across their Tuohy family. “The Blind Side” should inspire us all to remember these children and do our part to help them find and reach their goals.

    I'll make it easy for you. Here is an Amazon link to buy "The Blind Side" right now! 




    Thursday, April 8, 2010

    How To Pick A Bathroom Scale

    So, I just had a baby....and needless to say I have a few pounds that I'm all too eager to shed. I started counting my calories, set myself up on an exercise schedule, and decided to do something I vowed never to do....buy a set of bathroom scales. My disdain for bathroom scales started in gym class. I was 5'9 in middle school; while most all of my 5'2"-5'6" peers weighed 90-120 lbs, I was always the tallest and heaviest girl.

    I swallowed my childhood anxiety and started keeping tract of my weight with a bathroom scale. The encouragement and sense of accomplishment that I felt as I saw the weight on my digital scale decrease from day to day was amazing and invigorating.

    A lot of people get frustrated with bathroom scales- the numbers are too small, the step-on censor has a mind of it's own, accuracy problems, not sturdy, looks like a relic made from a WW2 battle ship, etc... Picking the right scale is half the battle. I would suggest a stylish, but sturdy glass frame; LCD lighting; a bathroom scale with a least four censors to account for even weight distribution; extra large display; and a scale that has auto-calibration technology. Perhaps, a bathroom scale like this one-


     









     

    Is Your Doctor Stale?: Specialty Certification Expiration Dates

    A specialty doctor (like a Cardiologist or Oncologist) previously went to medical school, had specialty training in a particular field, and then passed an exam to prove knowledge in that field. This resulted in a life time certification for the field the doctor was educated in. The doctor never had to renew that certification.

    The problem is that like bread, your doctor can go stale. Doctors that were educated 10,20,20 plus years ago were certified in their specialty, but their skills have not been updated, tested, or improved upon since they graduated.

    The American Board of Medical Specialties recognized this problem. They feel that the “measure of physician specialists is not merely that they have been certified, but how well they keep current in their specialty.” Thankfully, they have changed the way doctors get and stay certified.

    Read about the new rules

    New Unvarnished Site Allows Annoymous Rating and Review of Co-workers

    Have you ever wished that you could anonymously spill the beans about a lazy, inept, rude, etc.. co-worker?

    A new website, Unvarnished, is betting on people that answer yes to that question. Unvarnished came out of private beta testing last week. It is currently by invitation only, but the founders are planning to open it to the public soon.

    See how it works HERE

    While I think it would be great to be able to call out co-workers for unethical, rude, lazy, etc.. work, the way the site is set up leaves the door wide open for people to abuse the system. It's like those nasty gas station bathroom walls; anyone can write anything about you....true or not. The only difference is that the Unvarnished bathroom wall can not be erased and is viral for the world to see.

    Saturday, April 3, 2010

    Tea Party Express Bus Egged By Harry Reid Supporters

    The latest Tea Party Express tour kicked off from Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid’s hometown of Searchlight, Nevada on their way to a 42 city tour. The Tea Party used the site to kickoff their protest of the policies of Harry Reid and other Democrat politicians.

    But, the Tea Party Express was met by Harry Reid supporters that were none too happy. Conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart entered the Harry Reid crowd of supporters with his camera man in toe.

    What followed was prime example of why we are so unsatisfied with our elected officials....with people that engage in such childish antics voting, whose to wonder we how clowns as Congressmen.

    Watch what happens here

    Wednesday, March 31, 2010

    Doctor Screws Up Operation....Then Drops Patient Off In Front Of Another Hospital

    What happens when a doctor screws up and don't want to be held accountable? Dr. Tourah (aka Dr. Morad H. Akhondzadeh) can tell us!

    Juana Magnaye, a 59-year-old woman, went to California Hospital medical Center in Los Angeles Ca. on April 13, 2007 for a routine gallbladder operation performed by Dr. Tourah. What she got was a far more complicated and life threatening ordeal.

    It is one thing for a doctor to make a mistake without negligence, admit it, and attempt to fix it. That can happen to anyone. However, what happened to Juana Magnaye was sinister and negligent to say the least.

    Read about it here

    Tuesday, March 30, 2010

    Postal Service Going To Five-Day-A-Week Delivery

    In August 2009, a research company conducted a survey in St. Louis for the U.S. Postal Service. It found that 68% of the 2,200 business and residential customers favored a five-day-a-week delivery. Over half of the small businesses said that Saturday delivery is not important.

    I hope you agree, because it looks like no more mail on Saturday. Finish reading here.

    Everything You Need To Know About Your Credit

    It is a time of economic difficulty for many Americans. Job loss, wage cuts, hour cuts, and rising costs have resulted in many Americans falling behind on debts; meanwhile, others are trying to keep their heads above water with their credit. Coincidently, an estimated 45% of consumers don’t know their credit score and 32% have never even checked their credit report. Not understanding how credit works and how what you do effects it can really cost you big. With creditors picky than ever about handing out those car loans, mortgages, etc.., now is the time for Americans to get savvy about their credit standings- see here.

    So, you want to know what is the difference between FICO, credit score, and credit report. You want to know about credit reporting agencies. You want to know how your score is determined. You want to know how your score can go bad...and how it can improve. You want to know where you can get your credit report and credit score and how often you should monitor it.

    Well, I have got all that info in one easy to understand article, Everything You Need To Know About Your Credit Score.

    Do You Know What The “Holodomor” is?

    So, Do You Know What The “Holodomor” is?

    A friend called me this evening and asked me an odd question, “what is Holodomor?” I explained what it was in short. She quickly thanked me and said she would have to call me back in a little while. I didn’t think much of it, but then my phone rang again with another friend that asked the identical question. Holodomor isn’t something that is widely known, much less talked about, in the Western world. In fact, I had many professors in college that denied it ever happened.

    My second friend informed me that Glen Becks’ 3/29/10 program is what peaked her curiosity. I just watched the show for myself. I would like to commend Mr. Beck for his attention to the issue and the many other topics he discussed such as- Ernesto “Che” Guevara.

    Now for those that have never heard of Holodomor, which means murder by hunger, finish reading about it here.

    Sunday, March 28, 2010

    Electric Shock Used as Discipline for Special Needs Students

    I am sickened to the core right now. I just read an article titled: "Electric Shock Used as Discipline for Special Needs Students" , by Jamie Myles . To say it disturbed me would be a gross understatement.

    Jamie writes, "The Canton Massachusetts based Judge Rotenberg Educational Center uses electric shock administered in 2 second intervals as a means to discipline students."

    On Wikipedia, I found that the Center is one of very few that makes extensive use aversives, like electric shock and withholding food, in its treatment and behavioral interventions.

    Treatment? Huh, where I come from this is torture. As Jamie points out in her article, we don't shock inmates that have murdered, molested, and robbed....but, we are shocking one of the most vulnerable populations on earth....children with special needs.

    Hey, what's next? When grandpa gets dementia and starts wandering the halls of the nursing home, refusing to eat, fighting care givers at bath time, etc... are we going to just shock him until he complies?

    We get up in arms about terrorist being water-boarded, but what are we going to do when our vulnerable children are being tortured?

    Please read Jamie Myles full article here-

    Friday, March 26, 2010

    Yes, Tom Hanks Is An Idiot

    Yes, I said it; appearing meek and sweet, but Tom Hanks is an IDIOT!

    Everyone has the right to their opinion; thanks to our forefathers, we even have the right to voice those thoughts without censorship. However, I think that with that freedom comes great responsibility. Words have consequences, and we have a responsibility to separate fact from fiction and opinion from reality.

    That said, Tom Hanks is a blooming idiot. Read his remarks here

    Al-Qaeda New Tactic -Use Boobies & Booties to Blow Stuff Up

    Al-Qaeda New Tactic -Use Boobies & Booties to Blow Stuff Up

    A few months ago I wrote a story about a teacher handing out porn to his students. Then, I recently wrote a story here about a 15-year-old child that was helped to get an abortion by her high school. The school put her in a taxi and sent her to planned parenthood, where she underwent a free abortion. Her parents were not informed that the girl was pregnant...much less sent to get an abortion...all during school hours.

    While both of those stories were absolutely absurd to me, it really didn't shock me. People do stupid things under "good" pretenses all the time. However idiotic, indecent, and just plain morally wrong those involved in those incidences were, at least they can say they were not being malicious. They were doing those acts under the pretext of helping their students, not to hurt them.

    Now, we get to a brand new news story. Al-Qaeda is now infamous for their brazen suicide bombing accomplishments and attempts. This behavior is also absurd to me, and just when I thought that I couldn't be shocked by what lengths these radical terrorists would go to blow up something, I am stunned. Unlike, the other stories, these terrorist are creating havoc for purely malicious reasons. Their entire being seems to surround creating hurt for others.


    Just five ounces of PETN, an explosive, can bring down an airliner. We have all seen the news stories where Al-Qaeda terrorist strap this stuff to their body and try to blow everyone in radius up. America has took great lengths to make our airlines safe from these explosive devices. Now, female suicide bombers are being fitted with exploding breast implants and male terrorist are having explosives inserted into their buttocks. And, apparently, this new technique evades all routine safety precautions we have in place.

    Continue to read the story here

    World’s First Special Needs Amusement Park Will Open In Texas

    Morgan's Wonderland

    On April 10, 2010, a new amusement park will open in San Antonio, Texas. But, this isn’t just any amusement park; this amusement park will cater to special needs children and their families. Morgan’s Wonderland will be the first of it’s kind. It will be the first theme park to be fully wheelchair accessible.

    I have to admit that I was in tears as I looked at the Morgan’s Wonderland website. I have strived to bombard my handicapped daughter with activities that other children without special needs are blessed with. Last year, we were on vacation in Gatlinburg. I paid $130.00 to carry my daughter to Ripley’s Aquarium. That was a lot of money for a place so packed that my daughter was being trampled in her wheelchair and couldn’t even get up to the tanks to see anything. One museum that we visited had a separate paths for wheelchairs, but it bypassed 90% of the activities. When I carry my child to the zoo, the wooden fences are directly in her eye line and the activities do not have any adaptations that would allow her to participate. Meanwhile, other parents and kids are looking at my daughter and I as if we just need to stay home.

    I am so happy that there is finally a place like Morgan's Wonderland that is there for my daughter and other special needs children.

    Finish reading about Morgan's Wonderland here

    School Helps 15-year-old Get Free Abortion | Socyberty

    School Helps 15-year-old Get Free Abortion | Socyberty

    Posted using ShareThis

    Wednesday, March 24, 2010

    Government Takes Control of Student Loans Under Reconciliation Bill

    Government Takes Control of Student Loans Under Reconciliation Bill

    The Senate began debating the reconciliation (fix it) package on March 23, 2010 and are expected to vote on it later in the week. One proposal in the reconciliation package worth mentioning is a massive overhaul to the student loan programs.

    Read about it here

    Tuesday, March 23, 2010

    Food Shows That You Must See

    Gone are the days of boring cooking shows. Try some fun road trips to find local flavors, big eating competitions, bizarre international foods, and humorous scientific cooking!

    Find out about Guy Fieri, Alton Brown, Andrew Zimmern, and Adam Richman's shows here.

    Food Shows That You Must See | Quazen

    Food Shows That You Must See | Quazen

    Posted using ShareThis

    Monday, March 22, 2010

    Lemon Couscous

    This is a quick and easy side dish that is full of flavor, but will not overpower the entree.



    Ingredients:

    1 tbsp grated lemon rind
    2 tbsp lemon juice
    1 tbsp butter
    1/8 tsp salt
    1 cup chicken broth
    2/3 cup uncooked couscous
    2 tbsp toasted and chopped pecans
    2 tbsp chopped parsley
    2 tbsp finely diced red bell pepper
    2 mint sprigs
    2 lemon slices

    Method:

    1. Combine first five ingredients and bell pepper in a saucepan.
    2. Bring to a boil over medium heat and add couscous; stirring well.
    3. Cover and remove from heat.
    4. Let stand 10 minutes.
    5. Stir in pecans and parsley.
    6. Garnish with mint sprig and a lemon slice.

    If you like this recipe, then check out some more here:

    Shamrock Parfaits

    Fresh Herb and Heirloom Tomato Crostini

    Crunchy Edamame Slaw

    Shrimp Burgers with Spicy and Sweet Tartar Sauce


    Eight Immediate Benefits of The Health Care Reform Bill and They are Paid for

    Eight Immediate Benefits of The Health Care Reform Bill and They are Paid for

    The Quality, Affordable Health Care for All Americans Act (H.R. 3590), better known to the public as the health care reform bill, passed in the House of Representatives on March 21, 2010.

    There are certain benefits that will come into affect just six months after the President signs the bill. I have seen a lot of questions online about what they are, how they are paid for, and what it means for their own families.

    Here is a list of the immediate benefits and how health care reform will be paid for:

    Sunday, March 21, 2010

    Health Care May Pass on Sunday March 21st, 2010, But 37 States Say Not So Fast!

    Health Care May Pass on Sunday March 21st, 2010, But 37 States Say Not So Fast!

    Idaho’s Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter is at the forefront of a possible state v. federal government smack down. Gov. Otter is the first governor to sign a measure that will require his attorney general to sue the federal government if Congress passes health care reform which mandates citizens must purchase insurance. Virginia followed suit and 37 more states have similar measures pending.

    Continue Reading here

    Tuesday, March 9, 2010

    The Guide To Losing A Job and Finding A Job

    With so many people looking for such few available jobs, no one should be ashamed if they are having trouble navigating the employment labyrinth. This article will cover two parts: losing a job and finding a job.
    Losing A Job

    The Warning Signs:

    The words “layoff” and “fired” generally send an employee into rage. So companies are becoming a little more stealth with their terming. By the time you hear this warning language around the water cooler it may be too late, but at least you will know that repositioning doesn’t mean you might be getting a raise and new office.

    Smart sizing
    Right sizing
    Restructuring plan/ programming
    Planned staffing reduction
    Head-count reduction
    Reduction of force
    Global alignment/reduction of workforce
    Repositioning
    Aligning operations and resources

    To finish reading about job loss and read the tips on getting a job: The Guide to Losing a Job and Finding a Job
    Of course, mistakes happen; that sad fact is just part of life. A writer can attest that it doesn’t matter how many times something is proofread….sometimes mistakes still get published. However, there are some simple steps that one can take to proofread their life and cut down on everyday mistakes.

    Think Smaller

    Over 7,000 people die in the U.S. each year as a result of medication errors. Many of these errors are due to the doctor having sloppy handwriting that a pharmacy or nurse misreads. Handwriting may seem like a small thing, but in this case it is the difference between life or death. So, think about the small things in your life. Sometimes they add up to create big mistakes. For example, keeping your checkbook perfectly balanced. Three five dollar debits may sound like a small amount to go over your balance, but add the $30 to $40 dollar charge to each of them and 15 bucks just turned into over a hundred dollars.

    To read the other 7 tips - Top Eight Tips to Mistake Proof Your Life