What Can We Do ?

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Poor Uncle Sam               (Photo: presstv.ir)

 

 This is the final post for awhile on the subject of a potential impending financial collapse in the United States.

  Over five posts, I have examined the reasons the United States may be headed for a financial crash.  I have skipped the post on how many people with an entitlement mentality are driving the national debt upwards, as we all already know this.  Houston, we have a problem, along with Denver, New York, Miami, Detroit, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Austin, Fargo, Taos and everywhere in between.  We touched on mis-structuring in our housing and banking sectors and in the attitudes of Americans which fuelled a housing market collapse which hasn't ended yet.  I did not mention a similar issue in commercial building, with defaults coming, although that would also be true.  We touched on runaway taxation as a phenomenon which has made it difficult for many to pay their own bills. It has also begun to socialize some to the idea that "the government has my money, and will therefore have to take care of my needs".   Then, I mentioned the serious issues of unemployment which have plagued our nation, most acutely from 2008 and forward.  I believe the unemployment situation to be inadequately reflected in governmental figures, and therefore inaccurately reported to us. Then, without getting into the complete stupidity of "Quantittative Easing" by the Federal Reserve, I tried to impart that the very bank entrusted with trying to keep the economy from crashing, may be part of the problems we are facing as a nation. (See below)   The printing of money, unbacked by anything, can only fuel inflation. (More paper money chasing the same amount of goods and services.)  The only reason inflation isn't a larger problem than it is, is that the banks are reluctant to lend money, thus holding back runaway inflation.  In the last post. I touched on our nations crushing debt, and how a default is a possibility.

(chivuhomework.blogspot.com)

      As individual families there is not much we can do to impact the changes which need to be made in our government.  The game continues to be played in much the same way a compulsive gambler plays, unable to stop and sure that next time, he will get his losses back.   We can be politically informed, registered to vote, and do our best to know what is going on. We can seek people of like minds for ideas and for support.  We can be active supporters and thorns in the side of our Congressmen. Both Democrats and Republicans in my state know my family and I well. We make our ideas known to them on a regular basis, with I am afraid, limited impact. We can make sure we vote, and ensure that every family member we have is informed, and votes also.
      Then, we need to get down to serious brass tacks.  How likely is a financial collapse in the US in the next one to two years or even before that ?  Each of our families must take a serious look at choices we make.  If your primary income or a substantial part of it ended, what would your plan be ?   If your adjustable credit, or credit cards went from a 9% to a 27% rate, what would you do ?   What is your financial disaster back up plan ?  Where would you live, and where would you go ?   It isn't necessary to tell me, but it is necessary that you, your spouse and your children have some idea what that "worst case scenario plan" is for your family.  The absolute worst case scenario rarely happens, but some version of it often does.  If your income ceased next month, how would you eat ?  Do you have long term food stored for major emergencies ?   Do you have medications set aside should your employer collapse ?   I know that few of us had the funds to set up a perfect and adequate retreat, but plans of any kind made now, may do a great deal to minimize the misery of an economic disaster the likes of which cannot be fully anticipated.
       I have personally and seriously looked at leaving the United States.  I don't know that in my research I found anywhere I thought would be insulated from civil unrest, financial collapse, or governmental problems. It may be that for most of us, where we are, is where we are, and we will need to survive somehow, exactly where we are. I do know that once a cascading failure of our domestic systems begins that it will be too late to leave. The point is that nations and governmental systems are so interdependent and interlocked that a failure in one location will appreciably ripple in another.   A financial crash in the US adversely impacts England.  A great loss of wealth in the US trips a recession in Russia. Australia could see a crash in visitors and in tourism if the European Union collapses. A financial collapse in the US may well lock the borders down to Canada.
        I have no advance warming of what might occur.  I know that those who manage our finances in the great machine that is the US economy, don't seem to understand it.  I know that the US economy is a resilient entity generally as many of the things done in the past would have destroyed a less tenacious machine.  However, there is a point of no return.  There is a point at which the machinations and failures will destroy the "Middle Class" and turn many into paupers.    I have no idea whether a natural disaster coupled with a terrorist act will beget a financial collapse and whether the US will experience a perfect storm.  I know only that it might be desirable for everyone to fashion a family emergency financial back-up plan.  Decide what you can pay off, what you should keep, and what you could part with should things become difficult.

Asthma

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Asthma can stem from acombination of causes. There is often an allergic component that triggersasthmatic attacks. In some cases the cause is purely genetic while in others itmay be an acquired reaction to exposure to an irritant. The state of thenervous tone of the body can also lead to bronchial spasms. In predisposedpeople, tension, anxiety, hyperactivity or exhaustion can cause so much stressthat an asthma attack is triggered off.The rate of asthma in theWestern world is rising rapidly, especially among children. Reasons often givento explain this phenomenal rise include: increased stress on the immune systemdue to greater chemical pollution in the air, water and food; earlier weaningand earlier introduction of solid foods to infants; food additives; and geneticmanipulation of plants, resulting in food components with greater allergenictendencies. The latest findings link the chlorine in swimming pools withincreased asthma.It has been known for over60 years that most asthmatics produce too little hydrochloric acid in theirstomachs. In 1931, Bray showed that 80% of sufferers had below normal acidamounts and that asthma can be improved by supplementing acid intake: glutanicacid, betaine and pepsin, stomach bitters and other digestive enzymesupplements. Many asthmatics also have poor pancreatic function and inadequatesecretion of digestive enzymes.As a result, high proteinfood may not be digested completely and, when absorbed into the bloodstream,may evoke an allergic reaction such as wheezing. Aspirin and non-steroidal,anti-inflammatory drugs can induce asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.Following an asthma attack,drink a large amount of liquid as soon as you are able in order to encouragethe coughing out of secretions. To prevent and reduce the severity of asthmaattacks, make it a habit regularly throughout the day to help liquefy mucus. Aperiodic juice fast, three days a month, helps rid the body of toxins andmucus.A diet rich in raw fruitsand vegetables and free of animal products is recommended. Milk and dairyproducts tend to increase mucus production. Animal products produceleukotrienes, which contribute to inflammatory reactions.Vitamin C is an importantnutrient, as it helps to stabilise cell walls in all types of allergic responseand has an anti-histamine effect. Vitamin C further protects the body from theeffects of toxins and increases resistance to infections. Taking 1g of timedrelease vitamin C each day can be a great help to a sufferer of asthma.Taking the herb Astragalusin tablet or tincture form will assist the immune system in such a way as tolessen the allergic reaction of the body. This herb is often used to treat hayfever, allergic sinusitis and asthma, as the basis of those diseases is thesame as a dysfunction of the immune system.A very useful combination ofherbal juices to treat asthma is Plantain, Coltsfoot and Thyme. Thiscombination will often help the asthma sufferer by reducing the congestion ofmucus in the lung as well as strengthening the lung tissue in order to ease thesymptoms of breathlessness and wheezing, Prevention of chest infections in asthmaticsis very important. To prevent infections, use Echinacea tincture at the firstsign of a cold or sore throat: taking 5-10ml every couple of hours will oftenhelp to clear a cold in 12-24 hours.
David FoleyMNIMH, MRCHMMedical Herbalist

Treating Food Poisoning

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With the amount oftravelling we are doing now, especially during the summer months, thepossibility of food poisoning is ever more likely to affect us and ourfamilies. Unless the whole family is affected, it is often difficult to distinguishsymptoms of food poisoning from a stomach or gastric flu, which can affect manyin the community - a tummy bug doing the rounds.With both food poisoning andgastric flu, the symptoms can be very similar - discomfort and diarrhoea (whichdisappear within a few days). Salmonella is the most common source of foodpoisoning and can be life-threatening in severe cases. Symptoms of salmonellapoisoning are typical of other types of food poisoning, including stomachcramps, watery diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. A fever may be present. In thecase of salmonella, stomach discomfort and diarrhoea occur between 6 hours anda full day after consuming food, and often continue for up to 5 days withouttreatment. Symptoms from other poisons can start within half an hour or not fora full two days.Food poisoning occurs when atoxic substance has contaminated a particular food and is then eaten, causingsickness. Poisons can be bacteria or toxins produced by bacteria, but someplants and mushrooms can also be poisonous by nature. Fish and shellfish can bepoisoned by toxins in the water. In most cases, however, bacterialcontamination is caused by handling food with unclean hands. If the food isthen kept at room temperature, the environment is ideal for bacteria to grow.To prevent poisoning, eatperishable food only when it has been kept cold or hot (near boiling), but notif it has been left at room temperature for any length of time. Cook poultry,seafood and meat thoroughly before it is ready to be put in the oven. It maydevelop bacteria, which contaminate the meat. Barbecues are a leading cause offood poisoning due to the meats not being cooked well enough or left to standfor long periods uncooked in the sun. Never eat food from bulging or damaged tincans. Honey given to infants under I year of age can cause infant botulism.If food poisoning occurs,drinking a broth made from garlic and onions, which acts as a detoxifier, andpotassium-rich vegetables like parsley and celery, will help the body riditself of toxins. Drink citrus juices diluted with water to provide Vitamin C,which helps detoxify the body. Blueberries or Bilberries will kill the bacteriaand can prevent diarrhoea that results from eating food which is no longerfresh.Ginger Root Tea will stopthe nausea and cleanse the digestive tract. Black tea made very strong workswonders to stop diarrhoea in food poisoning; it will also help kill thebacteria causing the diarrhoea.The natural bacteria inAcidophilus are very helpful in fending off harmful germs. Acidophilus can betaken as a preventative. I remember once a group travelling to rural China. Theindividual in the group who had the chance to take Acidophilus with him didn’tget tummy upsets while the rest of the group did suffer from the dreadedtravellers’ diarrhoea.

David FoleyMNIMH, MRCHMMedical Herbalist

Cholesterol

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  Cholesterol is a necessary ingredientfor building cell membranes and hormones and for producing vitamin D and bile. Highcholesterol levels, however, can lead to the development of heart attacks and strokes.  Because high-density lipoprotein(HDL) is capable of removing cholesterol from the blood to the liver and out throughthe bile, it is called “good” cholesterol. Low-density cholesterol (LDL), on theother hand, carries cholesterol to the cells, and it is here that it is more likelyto contribute to the development of plaques and arteriosclerosis (narrowing of thearteries).   Although, in most cases, elevations of blood cholesteroland/or triglyceride (another blood fat) levels are due to dietary and lifestylefactors, elevations can also be due to genetic factors. These conditions are referredto as Familial Hypercholesterol, Familial Combined Hyperlipidaemia and FamilialHypertriglyceridaemia. These disorders are among the most common inherited diseases,as they affect one in every five hundred people.  Most of the cholesterol in our blood does not comefrom dietary sources; a diet aimed at eliminating cholesterol will reduce it by10 per cent only. Most of the body’s cholesterol is produced by the body itself.In fact, a deficiency in cholesterol is associated with a higher risk of cancerand immune disorders. This is because the role of cholesterol is a protective one,binding toxic mycotoxins in the blood.  Researchers at the World Health Organisation (WHO)have found that a diet of mostly refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour, etc.)increases the presence of fungal mycotoxin blood levels, which in turn trigger theliver to increase its production of circulating cholesterol.  Many health factors raise cholesterol levels: hyperthyroidism,smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse and a diet low in fibre and high inprocessed, refined foods. The most important approach to lowering a high cholesterollevel is a healthful diet and lifestyle. The dietary guidelines are straightforward.

• Eat less saturated and cholesterol by reducing or eliminating the amount of animal products in the diet.
• Eat more fibre-rich plant foods (fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes).
• Lose weight, if necessary. Get regular aerobic exercise. Don’t smoke. Reduce or eliminate consumption of coffee (both caffeine and decaffeinated).

  In many cases, dietary therapy aloneis not sufficient to get fat levels into the desired ranges. Fortunately there areseveral natural compounds that can lower cholesterol levels.  Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) willlower “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol by 10 to 15 per cent.Take 900 mg per day. Vitamin C directly promotes the breakdown of triglycerides.Take 1 to 3g per day.  Lecithin will help in the properbreakdown and transport of fats. Take 4-6 tablespoons per day.  Taking 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil will help reducecholesterol and triglyceride levels. 1-4 cloves of fresh garlic or 4,000 mg of allicinper day in tablet form will also help reduce cholesterol by 15 per cent.

David FoleyMNIMH, MRCHMMedical Herbalist

Bladder Infections

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Bladder infections in womenare surprisingly common: 21% of all women have urinary tract discomfort atleast once a year.     Frequent urges to urinate, accompanied byburning, stinging pain during and at the end of urination, are the typicalsymptoms of a bladder infection. The onset of a bladder infection can be slowor sudden, and cramping pains intensify the suffering. Since kidney infectionscan result from untreated bladder infections, seek professional care if thepain is severe or if the infection does not respond to treatment. Other signsto be treated seriously are fever, lower-back pain or blood in the urine.     Many factors are associated with increasedrisk of bladder infection - pregnancy (twice as frequent), sexual intercourse(nuns have one-tenth of the incidence) and perhaps most important, structuralabnormalities of the urinary tract which block the free flow of urine. Refluxof the urine from the bladder up to the kidney is an important factor inrecurrent kidney infections.     In women, bladder infections are morecommon than in men due to the short distance between the anus and urethra, sobacteria can enter the bladder easily. E. Coli, which is beneficial to thelower bowels but hazardous if it finds its way to the urinary organs, is themost common bacterial cause of bladder infection. Genital hygiene is crucial inwomen who are predisposed to, or suffer from, recurrent bladder infections.     Men also get bladder infections as aresult of a chill or possible link to a prostrate problem. Antibiotics, oralcontraceptives, stress and poor diet all weaken the immune system and create atendency for recurrent infections.     Cranberries and cranberry juice have beenused to treat bladder infections and have been shown to be quite effective inseveral clinical studies. Recent studies have shown components in cranberryjuice to reduce the ability of bacteria to cling on, or adhere, to the liningof the bladder and urethra. In order for bacteria to infect, they must firstadhere to the mucosa (the lining of the bladder wall). By interfering withadherence, cranberry juice greatly reduces the likelihood of infection andhelps the body fight off infection.     It must be pointed out that most cranberryjuices on the market contain one third of cranberry juice mixed with water andsugar. Since sugar has such a detrimental effect on the immune system, use ofsweetened cranberry juice cannot be recommended.     Another herb with most research is thebearberry or upland cranberry, Ulva Ursis, which has powerful antisepticproperties that are marvellous for easing a bladder infection. Garlic isanother powerful antiseptic of great use in bladder infections.    A herb to strengthen the urinary tract andcure bladder infections is called Horsetail. Horsetail increases the excretionof urine by 30% and strengthens the elastic tissue of bladder walls.     During the acute stage of an infection,avoid salty, spicy foods as these irritate the bladder. Drink plenty of water,especially barley water. To make, boil 100g/4 oz. of barley in 1 litre of waterfor 30 minutes. Add lemon juice to taste. 

David FoleyMNIMH, MRCHMMedical Herbalist

The Fisherman's Technique To Dig For Sand Worms For A Fishing Trip

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For the fishing enthusiast who does not wish to use peeled fresh prawns or shrimps as bait, sand worms is the preferred alternative.

Here's how you can learn the Fisherman's method to dig for sand worms to use as bait.

Trip

You merely need some very basic tools, and these are a spade with a pointed tip, and a squeeze bottle which can be fashioned out of any drinking water bottle with a hole punched in the cap.

We shall use some chicken feed as bait for the sand worms and also a small container to store the sand worms that we are going to catch.

First, we shall prepare our bait for the sand worms. To do this, we simply add the chicken feed into the squeeze bottle that is filled with some seawater, and we shake the bottle to form a chicken feed solution.

Next, we will stand near the edge of the beach, and wait for the tide to come in. As the water comes into the beach, squeeze the bottle of chicken feed over a wide arc, this forming the feed for the worms.

The next thing to do is to watch with a keen eye for worms that will come up to feed. Now the characteristic feature to identify the location of these worms is the special water formation that looks like a "V" pattern caused when the worms come up to feed and the water moves around its head to form such a pattern.

Do not search for them exactly at their home spot, because these worms are very fast and can hide back into the sand before you can even catch them.

The key is to quickly dig deep where you see the "V" formations, and bring the sand up to a dry part of the beach and then to spread the sand out to get the worms.

It is a skill of speed, and after you have done this a few times, you should be pretty fast.

Digging for the worms is something your kids will love, and if you are bringing your children along, ensure they have a good dose of sunburn lotion before letting them have fun catching the worms for you.

Who says the fun is in the fishing itself? Digging for the bait forms the prelude to a wonderful time of fishing. Try it out the next time you go for fishing!

The Fisherman's Technique To Dig For Sand Worms For A Fishing Trip

Peter Lim is a Certified Financial Planner who enjoys fishing and is never tired of hearing the exciting fishing stories from his sister who is another avid fishing enthusiast. For more free information and tips on fishing places and techniques, visit " The Big Fishing Guide" at [http://dynamic-guides.info/fishing]

Nassau - Bahamas

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No trip to the Caribbean would be complete without a stop in Nassau. Located in the Bahamas, it is the main tourist attraction in the area.

Many new attractions have been added in the last few years to make this a destination well worth spending several days.

Tour

Probably the most luxurious is Atlantis, covering 141 acres, this resort features more than 20 million gallons of water and 50,000 sea creatures!

It features several restaurants, a casino, water rides, as well as your standard beach and shopping.

Probably one of the best tours available is the Pirates of Nassau and Historical Highlights tour. Billed as the best pirate tour in the world, traveling in a taxi van the excursion begins with a tour of the islands historical sites. First on the agenda is the Queen's Staircase, along with the Water Tower and Fort Fincastle.

From there Parliament Square, the Governor's Mansion, Gregory's Arch and other attractions.

Then discover life in the 1700's at the Pirates of Nassau, you will find a three quarter length replica schooner. You may even come face to face with Blackbeard, or Anne Bonny.

Afterwards you can enter the courtyard to relax and purchase a pirate cocktail!

Nassau is well known for it's pristine beaches, dolphin encounters, carriage rides, and of course the "Straw Market".

The Straw Market is well known for their shopping bargains, bartering is not only acceptable, but expected. After a day of beach hopping, shopping and sightseeing, the perfect finish is enjoying a cool drink at Senor Frogs before retiring for the evening or making your way back to your waiting cruise ship!

Nassau - Bahamas

Experience a modern day Walkabout!
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Past Lives - Scientific Evidence

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Edgar Casey, known as the most prolific prophet of our time, was the first to bring past lives to light in the 20th Century. His many readings are archived at the Association for Research and Enlightenment center in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

A convincing form of confirmation that we live more than one life is demonstrated by those who have experienced past lives as a result of spontaneous memory or hypnotic regressions. The details are documented in many countries, and the authenticity of many of these examples cannot be disputed or an alternative explanation offered.

Voyage

Established by Hazel Denning, PhD, 1980, IARRT, the International Association for Regression Research & Therapies Inc., (formerly - Association for Pastlife Regression Therapies) is the first professional organization for regression practitioners. IARRT provides education and research in past life regression and metaphysical healing.

The scientific community more often than not refutes the proof of past lives. However, there are many scientific examples, some of them highly convincing. In a case reported by Dr. Morris Netherton an eleven-year-old boy, who when under hypnosis was taped speaking in an ancient Chinese dialect. This astonishing taped regression was taken to a Professor at the Department of Oriental Studies at the University of California, where it was found to be a recitation from a forbidden religion of ancient China. (Fisher 1986:202.)

In the past ten years, multiple independently researched reincarnation cases have emerged, which reveal that from lifetime to lifetime, people have the same facial features, personality traits, passions and even linguistic writing style. The most compelling cases involve those in which children have spontaneous memories of a past lifetime that can be factually verified. The case of James Leininger, aired on ABC Primetime in 2005, and the case of Anne Frank/Barbro Karlen, are examples. See reference below.

Walter Semkiw, MD the author of Return of the Revolutionaries: The Case for Reincarnation and Soul Groups Reunited and Born Again independently researched reincarnation cases that demonstrate objective evidence of reincarnation, including the cases of neurosurgeon Norm Shealy, Police Captain Robert Snow, Asst. Fire Chief Jeff Keene, and William Barnes.

The case of Robert Snow, a Captain in the Indianapolis Police Department, in charge of the Homicide Division, was initiated on a dare by a fellow police officer. Captain Snow, in his book, Looking for Carroll Beckwith, relates that he only did a regression so that it didn't look like he had "welshed on the dare." Captain Snow did not believe in reincarnation and did not expect to have a meaningful experience. After his regression, Captain Snow researched Beckwith's life by studying an extensive diary found in Beckwith's belongs. Of the 28 specific memories Snow documented from the regression, such as the painting of a hunchback woman, 26 were verified through his research. Though initially reluctant to accept reincarnation as the basis for his regression experience, Captain Snow finally came to the conclusion that he was Carroll Beckwith in a prior lifetime. Snow states that the evidence he compiled would stand up in a court case and that no plea-bargaining would be offered if it were a murder case.

Past lives can also be derived from spontaneous memories and confirmed in past life regressions.

William Barnes, author of Thomas Andrews, Voyage into History, started having spontaneous past life memories when he was a child. Thomas Andrews, Voyage into History, is the story of Tommie Andrews, Titanic's designer. Barnes' motivation for writing this book is, in part, to clear Tommie's name of any wrongdoing in the context of Titanic's sinking and to document his vivid memory of this life time. In a recorded regression into the life of Thomas Andrews, Barnes spoke with a heavy Irish accent as he describes the ordeal of Titanic's sinking and relives his death on the deck of the great ship.

Jenny Cockell had memories of living in Ireland. She remembered facts about her previous life, such as the name of her eight children. As a child Cockell drew a picture of a church and a map of her previous life's childhood town, with an accurate description of her house etc. The impact of these memories disturbed her day-to-day functioning to the degree she consulted a hypnotherapist. After many past life regressions and armed with a list of several items-including two oval-shaped photos, one of her as a child and the other of a soldier she want back to the town where she lived in her previous life. She not only found the house with a rabbit hutch in the back (now in disrepair) where she died at a young age, leaving her eight children motherless, she found and met seven of her living adult children from that life time. Her oldest child, a son, although reluctant to meet with her eventually agreed. Together they compared memories-only one item on Jenny's list of memories remained unsubstantiated by him. The ABC TV program 20/20 documented the reunion including a birthday party with her oldest child of her previous life.

The most profound researched proof of past live connections is documented by National Geographic DNA journey. You can explore your own genetic journey with Dr. Spencer Wells, Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project. DNA analysis includes a depiction of your ancient ancestors and an interactive map tracing your genetic lineage around the world and through the ages.

Diba Ayten Yilmaz, Past Life Regression Therapist, Turkey wrote. "One of my clients is a 39 years old woman, who is a computer engineer in IBM Turkey. At the first meeting she mentioned that she had felt an attraction to Russia since childhood. She found herself as a woman in Russia in the first Past Life Regression Therapy session. She sent her DNA sample to Genographic Project of National Geographic. The results showed that her origin goes to Russia! In the second regression session she found herself as a young woman in a small village, which she called Lappland. She had been killed by German soldiers along with the entire village.

After the session both women wanted to know if Lappland existed and if so, where. They searched the Internet and saw that there was an area called Lappland in Sweden. The second question was about the German soldiers. Yes, the German soldiers had killed all the people in the small village of Lappland in the late period of World War II.

The amazing thing is; after the session she checked her Genographic results again on National Geographic. The NG follows and updates the DNA journey results and saw that her DNA has a connection to Lappland!

If you want to see her DNA results I can send it to you. You can check your DNA results on NG or do you know someone who has checked?"

Reference:

http://www.victorzammit.com

International Association for Regression Research and Therapies
National Geographic - Genographic Project https://genographic.nationalgeographic.com

Past Lives - Scientific Evidence

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach - Certified Hypnosis/Regression Practitioner, Author and Speaker. Dr. Dorothy connects people to principles that resonate in the deepest part of their being. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one's daily thoughts and feelings. http://www.drdorothy.net

Hiking to Levette Lake, British Columbia

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Levette Lake is located just north of Squamish and is about 11 kilometers round trip. This isn't a difficult hike and should take about 5 hours to complete with an elevation gain of only 300 meters. If you're looking for a great hike but one that doesn't require as much energy as, say, Garibaldi, then try Levette Lake and I'm sure you'll be very happy you did. This is also a dog friendly hike as long as your pooch is under your control.

To get to this destination, drive along highway 99 just past both Squamish and Brackendale. Turn left at the turnoff for Cheekye and follow the Squamish Valley Road over a bridge. Turn right at the fork in the road and then take your next left for about a kilometre. You can park along the side of the road here to begin your hike. There is a signboard at the trail start with maps of all the local trails in this area.

Trip

The beginning of this hike to Levette Lake begins along an old logging road which leads to hiking in a new forest growth area. The trees have not been planted as densely as an old growth forest and are of course much shorter.

The trail is well marked for hikers and is also well maintained. I'd recommend doing this hike earlier in the season and save some of the higher elevation hiking for later on in summer.

As you continue on your hike and climb slightly in elevation you will begin to gain fantastic views of the Tantalus Range to your west, Garibaldi to your east and the Squamish River to your south. Once you leave this viewpoint you should notice that you have now entered an untouched old growth forest filled with beautiful Douglas fir trees.

Cross a wooden bridge and you will see a range of bluffs to your left which makes a great spot to stop for a snack or lunch. Or, continue on to the shores of Levette Lake to have your lunch and a quick swim.

There is a campground near the shores of the lake for those wishing to stay overnight. Or, after having a peaceful break by the lake, simply re-trace your steps back to your vehicle down below.

Levette Lake is a great way to start your seasonal hiking year and one that isn't going to be too strenuous on even the average hiker. Enjoy this hike for the splendid views and scenery it will provide.

Happy Hiking!

Hiking to Levette Lake, British Columbia

Leanne Arnott invites you to read more articles about taking your family camping or going on a family hiking trip at http://www.family-camping-and-hiking.com.
You can add your submissions on many topics and subscribe to our monthly ezine.

Needs Based Selling - Reading Your Customer's Mind

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... there is no subsitute for paying attention.

- Diane Sawyer

Trip

WALKING into the local grocery store the first week in January, I nearly tripped over a pallet of Slim Fast. I smiled at this excellent piece of "prophetic marketing" - knowing what the customer wants before she wants it.

The owner of this store knows that with each New Year nearly every American resolves to lose weight. The diet related products are in place on New Year's Eve. And he follows this marketing strategy all year long. In February, ice chests will line the high traffic areas within their stores. Outdoor accessories are on display weeks before spring arrives. School supplies are on the shelves by the end of June. This business owner anticipates each season months before its arrival.

How can you adapt prophetic marketing to your business? What seasons do your customers follow? Are they sports oriented? Do they own a boat? Do they follow the hunting seasons? Answering questions about your customers' seasonal inclinations will offer clues that enable you to anticipate their personal needs.

Another way to anticipate your customer's needs is to be sure you have everything required to use your product. For example, my wife went into a store to buy a mailbox. She picked out one made out of wood. An alert salesman pointed out that she would need to weatherproof the mailbox. He then proceeded to take her to each location for the other products she needed - sealant, sandpaper, brush, paint thinner.

Identifying what your customer wants before she wants it can place you in an invincible position. Any business can furnish customers what they want when they want it, but to give a customer what they want and how they want it before they actually want it, is Customer Service that knows no equal.

TURNAROUND TIP: This level of Customer Service is all about strategy. Below are three more ways you can learn to "read your customer's mind."

1.Help customers to identify their needs. Some people don't plan for their needs until they become urgent. Convince them of the value of pre-planning. Understand in detail your customer's business to see where your product fits in.

2.Make it a group effort. Get together with your colleagues and share information about customers and their product or service requirements. Cooperation is the key to making your business successful. Discuss ideas on problem prevention. Share current resources of information about each cust-omer.

3.Explore all of the capabilities of your products in relation to each customer. You may find that your service or product can help customers in ways they hadn't imagined. Be sure your clients fully understand all of the uses for your product or service.

By using these strategies, you will gain loyal customers, increased sales and less stress from unforeseen problems.

Needs Based Selling - Reading Your Customer's Mind

ike Dandridge md@theperformancepro.com Mike is the founder of High Voltage Performance, a consulting firm that specializes in designing customer experiences for the industrial marketplace. He is a keynote speaker and a seminar leader with 25 years experience in electrical wholesale distribution. Dandridge is author of, The One Year Business Turnaround, a book based on his years in wholesale, containing a year’s worth of ideas for improving your customer service. You may reach Mike at 254-624-6299. Visit his Website at http://www.highvoltageperformance.com. Subscribe to his blog at http://www.businessturnaround.blogs.com.

A Character Analysis of Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown

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What created Goodman Brown? A man so tormented by what even he considered to be a dream that it changed his life in a profound negative way forever. Goodman Brown was man plagued by his own conscious; he was someone who believed himself to have committed grave sin by meeting with the devil and participating in a witches meeting in his dreams. This spoke of an era where people were overcome with religious guilt and superstition. As a result of Brown's dream he suspected everyone in the town of being cohorts with the devil, in addition his superstition and questioning of his own self overcame his ability to trust or believe in anyone else. He died a bitter, unhappy, miserable man.

In order to fully understand the character of Young Goodman Brown we must first understand the era he comes from. Although Hawthorne does not state directly whether or not the plot of this story takes place in Salem in the seventeenth century, his references to other characters clearly imply it does. His references to Martha Carrier, Martha Cory, and Sarah Cloyse, all women hanged as witches in 1692; as well as his reference to King William who ruled England from 1650-1702 tell of this horrid time where people killed, tortured, burned, executed and suspected that everyone from their sister to there neighbor might be in contact with the devil. As a result of this environment of suspicion and paranoia Goodman might have felt as though his dream was in reality a lack of faith on his part. He may have felt so guilty for experiencing this dream that he thought he, as well as the people in his life were guilty of coercing with the devil.

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Goodman Brown might have been Hawthorne's expression of his own struggles with his faith in humanity and himself. Hawthorne was a guilt ridden person and I believe that he had many instances when his faith was tested. Brown is Hawthorne to a lesser extent. Goodman Brown starts out as a good, happy, decent man; he seems very content. All of this changes when he decides against the advice of his wife faith (the symbolism is obvious here) that he should go out on a journey into the woods to meet with the devil. I believe path in the woods to be his continued decent into metaphorical as well as literal darkness. As he continues down the woods he reaches the pinnacle of his journey when he comes upon the witches meeting. Once Brown reaches this point he loses his faith despite his last ditch effort to save his wife. He never knows if he was able to save her. This doubt is what destroyed him.

Brown's motivation for meeting with the devil is never made absolutely clear and can only be speculated by the devil's references to others that have come into his fold. He speaks of the King, Goodman's father and grandfather, the deacon, minister and mayor. The devil makes it appear that everyone with any power, success or for that matter anyone that means anything to Goodman is in fact allied with Satan. Although Goodman resists the devils temptations at first; as more and more people are brought to his attention as being followers of the dark one, the idea becomes more acceptable. I believe Brown's motivation to meet with the devil was power; he wanted an advantage over others to achieve his goals. This may have contributed to his last ditch effort to save faith when he shouted "Look up to Heaven, and resist the Wicked One". When he arrived at the witches meeting he discovered that everyone already had the advantage of being on the wicked side and had already sold there souls for money, power, or prestige. He was able to see that nothing would put him ahead of anyone else by following through with his original task. He had nothing to win and everything to lose by making an alliance with the devil. Unfortunately for Young Goodman Brown it was too late for his soul to be saved. He reached the point of no return and not only didn't he reap any benefit from his ordeal but lost every bit of happiness he previously possessed.

Goodman Brown was a man destroyed by his own obsession. He lived a miserable life as a result of the guilt he felt for embarking on a dark journey in his dreams; which resulted in his suspicion of everyone and a lack of trust for individuals in his community, himself and humanity. The only way Goodman Brown would have been able to save his faith would have been to never embark on the dark path.

by John Schlismann

A Character Analysis of Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown

John Schlismann has an interest in American Literature.

To read Young Goodman Brown goto:
http://www.online-literature.com/short.php/158

Easy Trip

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If you really want to enjoy your vacation that requires you to drive anywhere, then there are a certain number of things that you need to do. Are they easy? Yes, they are. Does everyone do them? No, they don't. So, what are they?

First of all, planning for a road trip depends on where you want to go in terms of distance, how much money you want to spend, and how many people are going. The other important details include whether you are travelling with a young baby or child, or whether you are taking along a teenager or teenagers.

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The first thing to plan for a short or long trip is the maintenance of your vehicle. You want to be sure that what your driving has been tuned, brakes checked, and will not let you down.

The next thing to do depending on how far you want to go is to plan how far you want to drive in any one day. If you have two drivers, it is much easier to drive a lot further and make sure to trade off frequently the longer and farther you travel.

Make sure that when you travel in peek vacation season that you book lodgings at a spot where you plan to end up for that day. There is nothing more frustrating, tiring and stressful than to arrive at a location and find no accommodation available. Take it from me, I've made this mistake and regretted it.

If you are travelling on board with a small child, you need to bring everything along that would serve to provide for their needs. This may include diapers, bottles, formula etc, or, with small children, bring along some toys, favourite teddy bear or blanket, and do not drive so far each day that your child learns to detest being in the car with you.

The real challenge comes if you taking a teenager with you. For most teenagers, they just don't seem to enjoy the family trip anymore. So, what can you do to make at least the travel portion a little better? If you can, see if you can take along a friend so they can have someone to talk to their own age, listen to music together, and just hang out together when you get to your vacation destination. There is nothing worse than a teen that never is enthusiastic about anything you suggest, and just sits there and mopes.

With just a few smart planning decisions, you'll find that your travelling vacation gets a whole lot smoother and much more relaxing.

Easy Trip

Many people assume that they have to go to a far off place in order to have a great break and ignore . . . Back yard vacations

Entrepreneur With X Factor

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When you think of an entrepreneur what do you think of? According to Wikipedia it's described as, "An entrepreneur is a person who has possession of an enterprise, or venture, and assumes significant accountability for the inherent risks and the outcome. It is an ambitious leader who combines land, labor, and capital to often create and market new goods or services". Do you think of yourself as an entrepreneur or as an employee?

Think for a moment of some well known, even famous entrepreneurs. Names like Walt Disney, Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Simon Cowell to name just a few. How do you feel about these people? Do you think that they are special, gifted or talented in some way that the rest of us "mere mortals" aren't? What is the X Factor? One dictionary describes it as "a hard-to-describe influence or quality; an important element with unknown consequences". People generally admire successful entrepreneurs like these but do they aspire to be like them? Do you have ambition, motivation and drive to succeed in creating a life of financial freedom, personal development, more quality time and the opportunity to do more of the things that you love to do? If you have strong desire to change your circumstances, find your inefficiencies so that you can eliminate them and find your strengths so that you can multiply them, then you are a strong contender for home business.

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If you can actively visualize being your own boss, quitting the rat race and living a life on your terms, then you already have the first steps to mapping out your journey to becoming an entrepreneur. The Internet has become the new way to do business and is fast becoming the most efficient source of income. Learning to leverage the Internet and learning from some of the best Internet marketers in the world can only help you reach your destination more effectively and quicker!

Zurieka Model © 2009 - 2012

Entrepreneur With X Factor

Zurieka Model is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who discovered how satisfying life is when you make money online from anywhere in the world. Zurieka mentors individuals globally, interested in quitting the rat race forever, and working from home.

How To Cure Vampirism In Oblivion

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The easiest way to cure vampirism is once you have contracted Hemophilla (Vampire disease) go to a local church and pray at the alter for a cure (seriously). If you have been sick for more than 3 game days you will be a vampire. There are a few pros to being a vampire. One of the best benefits is a great strength, also you have add bonuses and spells. The biggest draw back is the sun begins to harm you and it forces you to walk at night.

Another draw back is people and merchants will refuse you service in your vampire form. The way to lessen the effects is to feed on sleeping NPCs. The best place to find sleeping NPCs is at the stables of any town. There is usually a farm hand asleep on the outside of the stable. Make sure you access that area after 11 pm. Now that you know how to contract,treat, and live with the disease lets talk about the cure.

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Once you are a vampire you need to go to the church and talk with someone at the alter. They will send you on a whirlwind tour across the country talking to different people. You will end up at a old woman's house named Draklowe. She will make you a potion, but first she will need a few ingredients. First, she will need 5 Grand Soul Gems. This part of your journey will take you the longest but, with the help of this guide I can save you a few hours. The Five places I have found Grand Soul Gems:

1) Dungeon of Miscarcand (to the west of Skingard)

2) Squardered Mine (next to Draklowe)

3) Imperial Market (Not sure which Vendor)

4) Leyawjjn (Mages Guild)

5) Bravil (Mages Guild)

Once you have the 5 Grand Soul Gems take them to Darklowe and she will give you the next part of the quest. You will need 6 cloves of Garlic, 5 Nightshade leaves and 2 Shoots of BloodGrass. You will also, need the blood of a Argonian and Vampire ashes form a Vampire named Hindaril. All of the ingredients can be found at various mage guilds and markets. The blood of a Argonian is pretty easy (there are the lizard people). There is a bum Argonian wandering around the city of Leyawjjn poke him with the dagger and you good to go. The last piece of the cure is you need to kill a powerful vampire. Darklowe will give you the exact locaction of Hindaril. Once you kill him she will give you the potion and a extra potion for a friend. I hope this guide helps you in your quest.

How To Cure Vampirism In Oblivion

Ian Austin, has a B.S in Management of Information Systems form the University of Memphis. My business partner and I started Senisen. Our Web site http://www.CorporateReaper.com is a site with funny corporate stories and awesome t-shirts.

Life is a Journey - Not a Destination

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Life is a journey, not a destination is a phrase that has become popular. Have you pondered the true meaning of this statement? If you have, you no doubt, recognize that, life is a journey with many steps on your unique personal journey that takes you down a winding and sometimes bumpy road of constant evolution. Each day, you are provided a myriad of opportunities that allow you to transform into your next best self--more of who you truly are.

Each moment on your journey, you are presented with an opportunity to react differently when yet another someone or something in your life rubs you the wrong way, or you may find yourself wanting to walk away from a circumstance, but are not sure if that is the right thing to do. However, you may find yourself stuck in a rut that seems impossible from which to extricate yourself. You may even make the same choices over and over again because you do not know how to choose otherwise.

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Rather than moving you forward, your present path may take you in a seemingly never-ending circle where your actions and choices lead you, not only, nowhere, but to where you've been before. It is during these repetitious moments that awareness becomes the first step to change.

Awareness is the moment when you are able to recognize what you are doing at the deepest level. You observe yourself, noticing your actions, reactions and choices in real time. Awareness is the first step to change because you can not make a change unless you are aware of what needs to be changed.

You can then understand why you are doing what you are doing. Afterward, it becomes difficult not to change because you are no longer in a fog about what you are doing. You will, also, realize that as much as you are the root source behind the causes for your behaviors, you are also the originator for any changes that you need to make.

There is infinite freedom in your awareness. Rather than thinking that you are stuck in a repetitive cycle with no escape, you will begin to see how you play a role in creating your life. Whether you are aware of them or not, your behaviors and choices are yours to make. Your past and present no longer have to dictate your future when you choose to be aware in real time. You are then free to move beyond your old limits, make new choices, and take new actions. With awareness, you take a new path that moves you forward while paving the way for new experiences and new ways of being. It is through awareness that you can continue to consciously evolve.

Life is a Journey - Not a Destination

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, Author, "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life." Dr. Dorothy has the unique gift of connecting people with a broad range of profound principles that resonate in the deepest part of their being. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one's daily thoughts and feelings. http://www.drdorothy.net

What Causes Your Hairline (Edges) To Become Thin?

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If you're like me, I've dealt with a thin hairline for most of my life. I believe some of it is hereditary and some is because of unhealthy hair care practices. My edges took a turn for the worse when I got micro-braids in my hair. They were braided so tight, that they literally pulled a good portion of the hair out. That was eight years ago and I haven't had braid since then. When I began my journey towards healthy hair, this was one of the areas in which I wanted to see improvement. Through some research and talking to others with the same issue, I found the following tips to be helpful in re-growing my hairline and thickening it up a bit.

First thing is to stop any practices that contribute to adding stress to your edges. This may include wearing braids and pony tails that are too tight, wearing cotton hair bands, applying gels, constant brushing, frequent touch-ups, etc.

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Castor Oil - applying this oil on a regular basis helps to stimulate the hair follicles

Scalp Massages - another practice that aid in stimulating the hair follicles and blood circulation in the scalp. My suggestion would be to massage your edges every other day with castor oil and other essential oils. Moisturize - apply a moisturizer to your edges every night after your scalp massage. My suggestion would be a homemade moisturizing sprits consisting of water and castor oil.

Be Consistent - success does not happen overnight and hair growth certainly doesn't either. It is imperative to be consistent with the above practices and remember that it takes time. Determine how often and for how long you will apply these practices and then stick to it. You will see the results of your labor in due time and will be rewarded with a thicker hairline.

What Causes Your Hairline (Edges) To Become Thin?

I am an African American woman who started a website for the purpose of teaching women about healthy hair care practices for thin fine hair. I have learned so much on my healthy hair journey and want to share it with as many women as possible.

http://www.thinhaircangrow.com

Fun Things to Do on Your Vacation!

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That's the intent of this article, to wake up some ideas in your head, and plan for things to do in Florida and any of your travels.

When we venture down to Florida or anywhere for that fact of the matter, we first figure out what activities we definitely don't want to miss. Here is our list of favorite things to do on vacation...

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1. Sit on the beach and play in the ocean. This is a no brainer. We love to walk the beach, bathe in the sun, play in the waves, and watch the beautiful people.

What types of things do you do on your vacation? What activities do you have planned? Do you relax, go active, or a little of both?

2. Play golf. Golf is a great game. There are excellent golf courses all over the world to choose from and you can even plan an entire golf vacation.

3. Go fishing. Deep sea fishing or fishing from a pier is a blast. If you have never done this try it once, you'll love it.

4. Other sporting activities like scuba, snorkeling, water skiing, parasailing, renting jet skis, or whatever. There are a ton of water activities to choose from.

5. Day trips and tours are awesome choices. Rent a boat for the day. Take a barefoot cruise. Venture over to Orlando and go to Disney World or any theme park. Dinner cruises, exploring, hiking, tours at local sites, and anything else that you can think of.

6. Go shopping! Yes, the ladies will love this one and probably already have it planned. I hate to shop, but it is actually fun when I am on vacation. It wears me out though. Take some extra money and visit the local shops, find souvenirs, and spend some of that hard-earned money.

7. Drive around. We have rented convertibles or motorcycles for a couple of days and just explored the area. One time, we went from Miami to Key West and spent the day there. Another time, we traveled up the A1A highway along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, enjoying the luxurious homes, yachts, and views. You can even do this as a weekend getaway. Find a cool spot that's only 6 hours or less away and take off. We always have fun doing this.

8. Take in local entertainment, events, restaurants, and such. Go dancing, find the best watering holes, do something romantic, party likes its 1999. Remember, you are on vacation and it's time to have some fun and do stuff you don't usually get to do at home.

The list is as endless as your imagination. These are just a few general ideas that we always plan on doing. Be creative and try new things.

Enjoy your trip, have a good time, and tell us your stories!!!

Fun Things to Do on Your Vacation!

Discount Florida Vacations is a total Florida vacation guide offering fun, sun, tips, ideas, checklists, help, recommendations, resources, and experiences for anyone traveling to Florida. You can find excellent information or plan your trip with us at… http://www.discount-florida-vacations.com

Anne Bradstreet, "To My Dear and Loving Husband," A Discussion

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"To My Dear and Loving Husband" was written by America's first female poet, the Puritan, Anne Bradstreet. In fact, Anne Bradstreet is one of only a handful of female American poets during the first 200 years of America's history. After Bradstreet, one can list only Phillis Wheatley, the 18th century black female poet, Emma Lazarus, the 19th century poet whose famous words appear on the Statue of Liberty, and the 19th century Emily Dickinson, America's most famous female poet.

"To My Dear and Loving Husband" has several standard poetic features. One is the two line rhyme scheme. Another is the anaphora, the repetition of a phrase, in the first three lines. And a third is the popular iambic pentameter.

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Iambic pentameter is characterized by an unrhymed line with five feet or accents. Each foot contains an unaccented syllable and an accented syllable, as in "da Dah, da Dah, da Dah, da Dah, da Dah."

The subject of Anne Bradstreet's love poem is her professed love for her husband. She praises him and asks the heavens to reward him for his love. The poem is a touching display of love and affection and extraordinarily uncommon for the Puritan era of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in which Anne Bradstreet lived.

Puritan women were expected to be reserved, domestic, and subservient to their husbands. They were not expected or allowed to exhibit their wit, charm, intelligence, or passion. John Winthrop, the Massachusetts governor, once remarked that women who exercised wit or intelligence were apt to go insane.

Anne Bradstreet was born Anne Dudley in 1612 in England. She married Simon Bradstreet when she was 16 and they both sailed with her family to America in 1630. The difficult, cold voyage to America took 3 months to complete. John Winthrop was also a passenger on the trip. The voyage landed in Boston and the passengers joined the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

The men in Anne Bradstreet's family were managers and politicians. Both her father and her husband became Massachusetts governors. Her husband, Simon, often traveled for weeks throughout the colony as its administrator.

Anne Bradstreet's poem, "To My Dear and Loving Husband," was a response to her husband's absence.

Very little is known about Anne Bradstreet's life in Massachusetts. There are not portraits of her and she does not even have a grave marker. She and her family moved several times, each time further away from Boston into the frontier. Anne and Simon had 8 children during a 10 year period, and all the children survived healthy and safe, a remarkable accomplishment considering the health and safety hazards of the period.

Anne Bradstreet was highly intelligent and largely self-educated. She took herself seriously as an intellectual and a poet, reading widely in history, science, art, and literature. However, as a good Puritan woman, Bradstreet did not make her accomplishments public.

Bradstreet wrote poetry for herself, family, and friends, never meaning to publish them. Consider that her friend, Anne Hutchinson was intellectual, educated and led women's prayer meetings where alternative religious beliefs were discussed. She was labeled a heretic and banished from the colony. Hutchinson eventually died in an Indian attack. Is it any wonder that Anne Bradstreet was hesitant to publish her poetry and call attention to herself?

Anne Bradstreet's early poems were secretly taken by her brother-in-law to England and published in a small volume when she was 38. The volume sold well in England, but the poems were not nearly as accomplished as her later works.

Bradstreet's later works were not published during her lifetime. Her poems about her love for her husband were private and personal, meant to be shared with her family and friends group only.

Though her health was frequently a concern, especially during childbirth, Anne Bradstreet lived until 60 years of age.

Enjoy "To My Dear and Loving Husband," a remarkable accomplishment.

To My Dear and Loving Husband

If ever two were one, then surely we.

If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee;

If ever wife was happy in a man,

Compare with me ye women if you can.

I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold,

Or all the riches that the East doth hold.

My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,

Nor ought but love from thee, give recompence.

Thy love is such I can no way repay,

The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.

Then while we live, in love let's so persever,

That when we live no more, we may live ever.

Anne Bradstreet, "To My Dear and Loving Husband," A Discussion

*****************************

Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the owner of http://www.Anchorage-Homes.com and http://www.TheDatingAdvisor.com.

Charles Darwin For Kids

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Some people have described Charles Darwin as the "father of modern biology". Whether this is true or not, is of course a matter of opinion, but it is certainly true that Darwin's idea, of evolution by natural selection, is one of (arguably the main) the key foundation stones of modern biological sciences.

The year 2009 marks the bicentennial anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth in 1809, and as a result there are currently many celebrations and commemorations of Darwin's life and work going on. Is however a great pity is that among the general public, although many people have heard of Charles Darwin and know that he has something to do with the theory of evolution, many do not know really know what his work was about.

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Many people wrongly believe that the theory of evolution attempts to explain the origin of life, and that Darwin was the creator of this theory. Neither of these is true. The theory of evolution is not about how life first appeared (this is a different field of study known as "abiogenesis"), but rather is about how successive generations of organisms change over time. Additionally, Darwin was by no means the first person to propose an evolutionary theory, or even the transmutation of species (how one species evolves into another), but rather was responisble for providing a mechanism and an explanation (known as "natural selection") by which evolutionary processes work.

The main concept behind natural selection is actually surprisingly simple (although it does have complex and fascinating implications) - that organisms with heritable traits that are helpful to successful reproduction, will tend to predominate over organisms without such beneficial heritable traits, and thus, over successive generations, beneficial heritable traits will tend to become more common in any population. To explain this concept, Darwin used an analogy of selective breeding - pigeon breeders, over just a few centuries, have been able to produce a great variety of different domestic pigeons by selecting for particular heritable traits - and similarly he argued that nature, over many millions of years, could produce a great variety of different organisms, by its own form of selection.

Among some religious people, Darwin's ideas, and even the idea of evolution, remains highly controversial. Among the scientific community, the principle of evolution, as well as related facts such as the great antiquity of the Earth, were already commonplace by Darwin's time. Darwin's theory of evolutionary (namely natural selection), however was for many years only one several competing evolutionary theories - it was only by the 1930s, when Darwin's ideas were combined with those of Gregor Mendel in what is known as the "modern synthesis", that it began to be recognized that natural selection was indeed the driving force behind evolution.

Charles Darwin For Kids

By S. Tanna. Discover more about Charles Darwin at http://www.dinosaurjungle.com/dinosaur_scientist_charlesdarwin.php

The Seven Characteristics of a High-Performing Team

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If you lead a team, you know that the journey to high-performance is ongoing. It's the rare team that achieves high-performance and just stays there. In my business life, whether I've managed a team within an organization, or run my own company, it's been unusual to keep the same team together for longer than a year. Team members come and go, driven by the needs of the organization and their own career goals. And every time the members of a team changes, the team needs to regroup and refocus.

Shared Purpose and Direction

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On a high-performing team, everyone on the team is committed to the team's purpose. They know exactly what that purpose is because the team leader keeps them focused by constantly communicating that purpose in team meetings and regular updates. The team leader helps each individual team member meet his or new own needs while serving the overall purpose of the team.

Motivating Goals

The team leader ensures that everyone on the team has clearly defined goals and targets. In some organizations, the strategic goals and departmental objectives are determined by senior management. In that case, the team leader makes sure that these goals are clearly discussed. Team members should understand how their jobs support the achievement of the defined goals, and, if possible, have the opportunity to develop individual goals and action plans that spell out how they will contribute to the success of the organization.

Commitment to Individual and Team Roles

On a Total Team, team members have clearly defined expectations but they also understand how each of their roles is linked to every other role. Team leaders ensure that team members are cross-trained in other responsibilities so that everyone can back each other up when needed. The team leader makes sure that individual job responsibilities are fulfilled, but, at the same time, works to help the individuals develop a common language, processes and approaches that allow them to function as a team.

Multi-Directional Communication

On the best teams, team members solve problems, communicate with each other, and keep the team leader updated on current challenges or emerging issues. On low-performing teams, communication is one-way (from team leader to team members) or two-way (between the team leader and individuals). Skilled leaders focus on developing multi-directional communication, avoiding the trap of communicating with individuals members of the team.

Authority to Decide or Act

No doubt about it, new teams may have to earn this authority by demonstrating that they understand the team's purpose, processes and priorities. However, effective team leaders work toward pushing authority for the team's outcomes to the team members. Team members know how and when to get approval for decisions and, in the best of cases, are charged with making on-the-spot decisions when a customer is facing them. On low-performing teams, team members have to constantly get approval before taking action, significantly reducing their effectiveness and negatively affecting their sense of engagement on the team.

Reliance on Diverse Talents

Savvy team leaders pay attention to helping team members understand their unique strengths, talents, and weaknesses. No individual team member can be good at everything. The best team leaders assist everyone to develop an appreciation for individual style differences, natural gifts, and personal experience. Teams are encouraged to use the language of acceptance and appreciation, rather than criticism and judgment. Team leaders consciously hire team members who bring complementary skill sets, unique experience, and diverse perspectives.

Mutual Support and Trust

The seventh characteristic may be the most important, and frankly, is probably the most elusive. The team leader can't force a team to be supportive and trusting--it's a natural result of shared responsibility, shared success, and mutual respect. The high-performing team achieves mutual support and trust because they have a history of working together to achieve grand dreams and results. They have met challenges, overcome obstacles, backed each other up in good times and bad. The Total Team has earned each other's trust.

Building a high-performing team is not an easy task. However, if you're a team leader that is up to the challenge, then consciously focus on developing these seven characteristics. Bring them to your next team meeting and ask team members to evaluate them. How do you know whether each of these characteristics is present or absent on your team? What is the team willing to do to develop these seven characteristics? Then ask the individuals on your team to commit to 3 - 5 specific actions they will take in the next 60 days. Revisit these commitments regularly and see what develops. I guarantee a rewarding journey to high-performance.

The Seven Characteristics of a High-Performing Team

Cynthia Clay is the President/CEO of NetSpeed Leadership (http://netspeedleadership.com). NetSpeed Leadership meets the learning needs of managers, supervisors, and individual contributors in small to mid-sized organizations. Our programs blend interactive instruction techniques with online reinforcement tools to extend learning beyond the classroom. With this holistic approach, our clients quickly launch programs, train participants, reinforce skills, and measure the impact.

What Size Luggage Do I Need For My Trip?

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Planning a business trip or vacation? The first question asked is always "what size luggage will I need?" How do you determine the size, and the number of pieces to bring? It's really simple. There's a rule of thumb - and then you need to ask some questions.

What works for most people is a wheeled tote for overnight, a wheeled carry on luggage or 22" for a weekend, and the long weekend will usually be the 22" carry on luggage with an attachable tote. The wheeled tote can hold a small change of clothing and a few cosmetics. Keep in mind if you're flying, the cosmetics need to be in a three-one-one clear plastic one quart sized case, with bottles and jars of three ounces or less. You could pack the same amount in a tote without wheels, but we're at the airport for a long time these days, and wheels seem to be the easier way to go.

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The 22" wheeled carry on luggage can easily work for the weekend, holding several changes of clothing and even shoes. You will need to adhere to the same three-one-one rule for your cosmetics if flying. Wheeled carry on luggage also comes in a 20" or 21" size for those that are flying on smaller planes, or for those who take less. Wheeled totes or regular totes can attach to the top of the smaller piece and both pieces can be wheeled together with one hand. This is the easiest way to travel. You cannot carry another purse, or briefcase, as you are limited to the one carry on piece and one personal bag when flying. There's usually an outside pocket on carry on luggage or tote bags for your travel essentials and your travel wallet. Your boarding pass and I.D. should be easily accessible when traveling. And don't forget to throw that small lightweight travel umbrella in the outside pocket!

The one week trip usually needs a 25" or 26" Pullman for one person. This size will also work for two persons for a long weekend. It can hold quite a lot of clothing, shoes, incidentals, travel accessories and even an extra jacket. This size rarely goes over the fifty-pound maximum that many of the airlines are enforcing today. Always check with your individual airline to be sure you are following their particular regulations. Most of the newer luggage available now is lighter in weight than the luggage purchased years before. You may want to invest in a lighter piece of luggage, or a travel luggage scale to be sure you won't be charged.

Some of the airline charges are substantial and you may save money in the long run by purchasing a lighter-weight Pullman case. It's always a good idea to take carry on luggage for the important items you cannot afford to lose. You'll want to keep any needed medications, eyeglasses, your jewelry and other valuables with you. The wheeled tote or regular tote should attach to the top of the Pullman case for ease in wheeling through airport, train and bus terminals.

A two-week trip or longer generally requires the 27", 28" or 29" Pullman for one person. The old luggage sizes of 30", 31" or 32" will be considered oversized by the airlines and you may be charged. Generally, they consider cases over 62" when you add the length plus height plus width to be oversized. The oversized cases will usually go overweight also, and you may incur double charges. Check with your airline before packing for the trip. When two people are traveling, you may be able to pack the larger Pullman with just clothes, and take a slightly smaller case for the cosmetics, shoes and heavier items. This will probably keep both of your cases within the weight restrictions.

Many travelers today pack their heaviest items in their carry on bag to keep their larger Pullman cases from becoming overweight. Keep the new regulations in mind when packing. You can no longer pack all of your cosmetics in the carry on luggage or the tote bag. One person may carry on liquids and gels in a one quart bag, and the containers must be three ounces or less. This is the three-one-one clear plastic bag. Since we're putting these cosmetics in the Pullmans, it's making the Pullman case weigh more. And you need to double wrap your liquids, creams and gels to insure that nothing will stain your clothing.

When two of you are traveling, you will usually need to double the amount of luggage or cut back on sizes slightly. You may be able to share some cosmetics and that travel umbrella. If you are going to attend many evening functions where you'll need to change each evening that will increase the size of the luggage you'll need to pack. If it's a casual trip, you may get away with bringing less and packing a smaller piece of luggage. If you're renting a car and sharing with another couple, you'll all have to bring less. European rental cars are usually on the small size so you'll need to take that into consideration. You can often wear the heavy coat on the airplane, and may want to wear boots rather than packing them.

Some airlines have restrictions on the size and the weight of your luggage but may allow two pieces per person. Remember that travelers rarely wear everything they bring. There are also many new travel items like the UBU reversible lightweight jacket, or the OneSole shoes with choices of hundreds of different tops. If you don't mind paying extra on the airline, you will not have to be as rigid when packing. Expandable Pullman cases are wonderful if you plan to bring back a lot of souvenirs. However, do check with your airline, and watch your weight. The more you travel, the easier packing becomes, so plan a lot of trips!

What Size Luggage Do I Need For My Trip?

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