Hanging By a Thread

5 Things {To Save World}

OK….So, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit when it comes to saving the world, but still, hear me out.

Plastic is a big problem for our Earth. As in, it takes years and years and years and years to break down. Some sources say it may takes plastic containers, bottles and bags 100s or even 1000s of years to break down. The truth is, we don't actually know how long it will take. Plastic bags have been around only 50 years….and they're all still piling up in landfills, etc.

So, our family has been trying our darndest to greatly reduce the amount of plastic we use. I know what you're thinking, "Your one little family not using so much plastic isn't going to save the world or make any great impact." And you're right. That's why each of us should be doing our part in "saving the world" whether it's reducing plastic usage, using fewer or no harmful chemicals in our homes, reducing our overall all carbon footprints, etc.

And did you know if you used just 3 reusable produce bags a week, you'd reduce your plastic bag usage by 150 in just one year? And did you further know that the average family goes through about 500 plastic baggies a year just for school and work lunches?

The way I see it is that if we choose to do things that reduce the waste and the harmful chemicals released into our air and leave our world a purer place for our kids and their kids or at the very least slow the damage to our planet and our people, then it's worth it.

And really these 5 things are EASY…there's just one I have trouble with….

1. Norwex Snack Bags/Sandwich Wraps. We NEVER send plastic baggies in school lunches. We also opt for reusable spoons and forks and travel sized enviro cloths for lunch napkins for waste free lunches. These bags are also great for small toys, crayons, pacifiers, etc. even makeup or nail files and polishes, etc., etc.
2. Reusable Bags for Shopping. Here's the one I have trouble with. I have them in my car, and I usually remember to take them in at Trader Joe's and my co-op, but often forget them when running into Target or a clothing store or shoe store, etc. I'm working on this one. And when I forget I do take my plastic bags to Target to recycle….I hope they actually recycle them!
3. Norwex Mesh Produce Bags. I use these at the grocery stores for fruits and veggies and for picking tomatoes and peppers in our garden – we have had a huge tomato crop and these bags are great for this job. My son even took one to school to store his headphones in. I use one in the freezer for the bananas that go mushy before they are eaten and get used in muffins, breads and pancakes. They are also great for washing grapes so that you don't lose them down the drain or for washing and/or storing Legos bath toys or Barbies and so many other things!
4. Compostable Trash Bags. I feel good about using these. I found 2 different brands at Lakewinds Co-op. They aren't too pricey and there are several sizes, depending on your needs. We have found them to be pretty strong and to work well.
5. Norwex Stainless Steel Straws. Think about how many millions of straws are tossed out each day….staggering isn't it? Well, if you use them in your own home or often stop for a carbonated beverage or shake or smoothie, then these stainless steel straws will serve you well. There's even a handy brush to clean them well! Again, I am working out a system to keep them in my car and remember to grab these and not the plastic version when we stop for a refreshing drink. My boys love to use them with milk.

OK, OK….I actually have 7 points for you, not 5….

1. Silicone Lids. I have been using these for about a year or so now. Norwex just launched a version too – work just the same and they are fantastic! The lids are safe for stovetops, ovens, microwaves and the fridge. There are so many reasons to love them. I don't even use metal lids for my pots now. The silicone lids make perfect rice, make the pasta water boil faster, keep food warm and still good for hours, steams veggies to perfection, keep baked good fresh and moist AND no more plastic wrap! Plus fewer dishes to wash since you can go from stove to fridge in the same container. Oh, and they don't stain or retain odor.
2. Beeswax & Cloth Wrap. I found this at my Lakewinds Co-op too, and they are great! They come in several sizes and even a variety pack. I use them to wrap cheese, bread, fruits, veggies, whatever and, again, NO PLASTIC WRAP or BAGGIES! You simply rinse it with cool water and dry it off and then wrap up the food. The warmth of your hand will mold and seal the beeswax and cloth wrap.

And this is what we're doing, along with removing all harmful chemicals from our home and recycling tons of plastic, paper and glass. Of course, there are always more things we can do…and we will. What are you focusing on changing in your home? Over and out….

Anna

**Full Disclosure: one of the many hats I wear is that of Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. However, none of these products were given to me and no company sponsored this post. This is simply my opinion based on experience using these products in my home.

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Signs of the Season {A Spring Break List}

On Sunday, we went on our first "Search for Signs of Spring" stroll of this year; there will be many to follow in the next few weeks and months. We do this every year, starting sometime in March, usually; that time when you start to think that winter will never end and snow will cover the ground forever. We usually start at our local nature center, Woodlake; a bit of woods smack in the middle of the city.

Admittedly, it's a bit early for finding signs of spring here in Minnesota, especially this year, considering the winter we've had, but we use broad definitions and look for anything that tells us winter is coming to a close. And we found a few of those indicators yesterday.

Will and I walked through the packed-snow covered trails while the boys went off-trail and plodded along in the deep snow, looking for animal prints and scat and any signs of spring. They joyfully called to us as they found a deer print or presumed coyote scat or saw a bird high up in the trees, singing its heart out.

There were lots of families out skiing, strolling and snowshoeing through the woods. It was a beautiful day, actually reaching the 40s and yet snow is still quite available for winter sport.

We noted drips of water coming off downed trees that they shimmied up and leapt off of. We saw the happy chickadees singing and flitting from branch to branch high above our heads. We delighted in seeing the sap bags attached to the Maples; this week should be perfect for getting the sap running. We stomped in puddles and slush. And we talked about the mulberries we like to pick and eat in the summer as we walked past those now leafless trees. 

It gave us hope to see these changes in the landscape, and it got me to thinking about Spring Break.

I love Spring Break because it was always such a magical time for me as a kid; a kid who always hated school. And as a kid, the week seemed to last forever!

We never went on any big trips or did anything extravagant, but it was a time to work on projects or play games or read or watch movies and just be. For a person who does not do well with schedules, this week of no scheduled events or times to be somewhere was delightful in and of itself.

Since becoming a mom with kids in school, I still look forward to Spring Break. We love to do things around the house, but the mini adventures out and about are also something to look forward to. So, here is my list of 30 things to do on Spring Break, just in case you are stuck in planning yours. Of course, I don't anticipate doing all of them; after all, that would take scheduling and I simply do not schedule this week.

1. Make Oobleck; my son did this at school and wanted to do it at home too and even drew out the recipe and process for us; seems like a Spring Break kind of thing to do;
2. Make a Peep diorama; anyone can enter the St. Paul Pioneer Press contest;
3. Go to the cheap movies; for us that is Riverview Theater in Minneapolis. We love the feel of this old one screen theater…and you can't beat the price of $2 a ticket.
4. Go to the zoo;
5. Go bowling;
6. Go ice skating; probably indoors for better ice. It's off-season for hockey, but we still have to keep up with skating.
7. Go roller skating; just for a change of pace;
8. Go to the arboretum; and for us that means the Maple Syrup Tours and Pancake Brunch;
9. Paint pictures; not my favorite thing to do with my boys….it can get very messy;
10. Declare a Lego Day and simply build and design with Legos all day;
11. Go to a museum or art center;
12. Have a dance party in your living room; any attire is acceptable;
13. Bake cupcakes for no reason other than it's SPRING BREAK!
14. Declare a book day; take turns reading out loud to each other and then everyone can read his or her book quietly…this way mama can read the book of her choosing too;
15. Go to a Nature Center; look for signs of spring…or maybe summer, depending on where you live;
16. Write a book together and illustrate it; Creative Kidstuff has some great bound blank books and comic books for this activity;
17. Spend the whole day in your jammies watching movies on Netflix or from your own dvd stash…maybe watch all of the Star Wars movies or all the Harry Potter movies; order Jimmy John's for lunch. This one is especially good if the weather is foul.
18. Have a tea party; yes, even if you have boys. I love tea parties and the best part is making the food for it; boys like food, especially if they have a hand in making it;
19. Play ball….soccer, baseball, basketball, football, tennis, golf, whatever….assuming you don't have snow on the ground or have a place to play inside;
20. Have a Family Movie Night and make or order pizza and stay up late watching movies together…no school in the morning…;
21. Play in the remaining snow…assuming there is any left (wishful thinking, folks) and then make a big pot of hot cocoa…not instant…with marshmallows…for the last time this season.
22. Declare it Game Day and play card games and board games all day;
23. Walk to a park and play on the playground; again, assuming there aren't mounds and mounds of snow on the ground…it has to melt sometime, right?
24. Explore a part of town you haven't before; shops, restaurants, activities, etc.;
25. Sign your kid(s) up for a day program offered through the city or school or museum in your area; by this point, the kids {& mom} have probably reached their limits of "family time." Give everyone a break;
26. If close to Easter; dye eggs and stuff plastic ones and do egg hunts inside and/or outside;
27. Go to the dollar store and find some cheap activities/games/toys. Each person gets $4 to spend;
28. Hang out at a coffee shop for a few hours, each person with his or her own electronic device. It gets you out of the house, around other people and you can each have a bit of space while being together; this week is lasting forever;
29. Plan absolutely nothing and see where the week takes you; and
30. If you have done all of these things, start over again with #1…the week won't last forever and the kids grow and will have plans of their own before we know it. So, I will be trying to remember this and soaking up every minute that I can!

Happy Spring Break….whenever yours is! Over and out…

Anna

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News Flash: Cancer is Killing Us {but we can Fight back}

The question we continually ask is "Why? How could this have happened?" When I have begun to ask, "Why not? How have some escaped this catastrophic disease?"

I am talking about cancer.

Today is World Cancer Day.

The World Health Organization has issued a jaw-dropping report on cancer. This report predicts new cancer cases will increase from an estimated 14 million in 2012 to 22 million annually within the next twenty years.

Christopher Wild, director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, is quoted as saying,

"We cannot treat our way out of the cancer problem. More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally."

At this point, most of the resources are spent on reacting to the staggering number of diagnoses and treating cancer, often to no avail.

However, the report indicates that half of the cancers are preventable if we take action to change our lifestyles, such as addressing smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and exercise, if we promote cancer screenings better, use vaccines more aggressively in order to prevent infectious types of cancer and consider the environmental impacts.

How often do you hear from a friend or family member that cancer is now affecting someone close to you? How often do you hear from a friend or family member that someone near to him or her is being affected by cancer?

For me, the answers to both of those questions is this: FAR TOO OFTEN.

It's not difficult for me to name at least 10 people who have recently been affected by cancer. I could easily go higher than 10. That is FAR TOO MANY.

It has not always been this way. It does not have to continue in this ever-upward moving line.

WE CAN CHANGE these numbers. WE CAN ALTER these predictions.

How?

Start making changes today.

1. Get regular exams, including any relevant cancer screenings. I also think there is a limit as to how much trust we should put in our medical system. I often find that doctors just try to throw medications at the problem, rather than treat the body as a whole and find the real issues that are often treated by a change of diet and/or lifestyle rather than with medications. So, think holistic approach when getting exams, etc. Check out the American Cancer Society's Cancer Screening Guidelines.

    

2. Take a good hard look at your diet. Eat more vegetables and fruits. Cut out meats and fats and processed foods and sugary drinks. In the last 60 years our diets have been increasingly bombarded with processed and refined "foods." This is not a good thing. Eat more fresh and real food. You will feel a huge difference, just by making a few changes. You or your kids don't like vegetables; try again. Change the way you prepare it and try more kinds of veggies; there are lots of veggies out there. I am willing to bet you haven't tried them all. Try growing a garden. Participate in a crop share program. Visit a Farmers' Market. Do these things as a family and try new food together. And, No, French Fries don't count as a veggie. Here are some helpful tips for healthy eating and food pyramids to help you on your way.

    

3. STOP smoking or if you are not the one smoking in your home, help that person find the support and best method for quitting. Stopping smoking can be done. I have never smoked and therefore never had to quit, but if you really want to change your health and that of your family, STOP. Need somewhere to start? Check out SmokeFree.gov.

    

4. Limit alcohol or completely eliminate it. We, as a society, drink a lot these days. It's what we do we when gather together at home or at a restaurant in celebration of a birthday, anniversary, a Friday, a rough week, a date out without the kiddos, etc. There are reports that tell us that wine can be a health benefit, but overall, there are a lot of reason to limit or eliminate alcohol from your life. Click to see what the American Cancer Society has to say about alcohol and risk of cancer.

    

5. Stop being a couch potato. If you sit in your car on the way to work, sit at your desk all day, sit on your way home again, sit in front of the TV and then get into bed to sleep it's time to make a change. You don't have to train to run a marathon {although you could}, but it's important to be active for you and for the example of your kids. Stand to work; clean your house; do laundry; go for a walk; play in the backyard with your kids or pets or both; scoop the snow from your drive rather than use your snow blower; sign up for a class or a team sport; or play Just Dance on the Wii with your kids; whatever it is, Just Move. Here are some really great tips on getting moving; you don't have to go to the gym to get some exercise into your daily routine!

    

6. Change what you are using to clean your home. You don't have to use cleansers filled with chemicals. It's making you sick and exposing you to really awful (MANY CANCER-CAUSING) chemicals. You could use just water and microfiber! Two years ago, we completely changed how our home is cleaned, how our laundry is cleaned and what we put on our skin. It has made a world of difference for us and our allergies, headaches, etc. I am a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant, just one of the hats I wear, and you can find out more about this easy change here: annaberend.norwex.biz or contact me directly.

    

We need to start responding to the cancer epidemic, instead of reacting. There is a difference. If we respond to these reports, we can take a firm stand and start making changes before it's too late. When it's too late, meaning there is already a cancer diagnosis or these predictions have come true, we are merely reacting by then treating the ill and often untreatable.

So, read the WHO cancer report, make a list of changes you and your family need to make, talk to friends and family about making these changes too. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. We don't have to live based on these predictions, ensuring that these prophecies will be true.

Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Do it for all of those people who you know and love that have been affected by cancer already. And if you are looking to get educated on cancer prevention or looking for support for you or a loved one fighting cancer now this site is really great with lots of information: F*@% Cancer.

The report indicates that in the next two decades, cancer deaths are predicted to go from 8.2 million a year to 13 million annually. These numbers are not acceptable. Over and out…

Anna

Sleeping with the Enemy {Kids and PJs}

Empting out the Drawers

I just threw out all my kids' pajamas; all the fleecy, fuzzy Mario Bros, Angry Birds, Avengers, Ninja Turtles and snowmen playing football. No, I wasn't having a mommy tantrum. It wasn't a brain dead mommy moment either. Nope, I was lucid and calm, but not happy about it.

The reason I tossed my kids PJs is because they were flame resistant; said so right on the tags. Sounds like a good thing, right? Well, it's not.

No, I certainly don't want my kids to catch on fire while wearing their jammies. But you know what concerns me more? Toxic chemicals.

Missing the Forest for the Trees

Here's what the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission says about kids pajamas,

To protect children from burns, these rules require that children's sleepwear must be flame resistant and self- extinguish if a flame from a candle, match, lighter or a similar item causes it to catch fire. The rules cover all children's sleepwear above size 9 months and up to size 14 and require that

(1) the fabric and garments must pass certain flammability tests; or

(2) be "tight fitting" as defined by specified dimensions.

What this means is that the majority of kids' pajamas are treated to be made flame resistant, especially synthetic or fleece materials.

The Danger of Flame Retardants

Mothering Magazine reports, "the most common chemicals used on pajamas are halogenated hydrocarbons (chlorine and bromine), antimony oxides, and phosphate based compounds. These offgas into the air kids breathe and are skin irritants."

HealthyChild.org found that "While flame retardant chemicals like chlorinated TRIS and PBDE have been phased out due to toxicity concerns, others remain, like tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride, a.k.a. "Proban" or "Securest." This popular treatment has been linked to a variety of health effects including genetic changes, cancer promotion, and liver and nervous system damage."

And yet, PracticallyGreen.com says that "One carcinogenic chemical, chlorinated Tris (TDCPP), which was removed from children's pajamas back in the 1970s was recently found by The Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States in 80 percent of new baby and children's products!"

Why This Bothers Me

I watch what we put in our bodies, avoiding processed foods, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fat, artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, etc. I am careful about what we put on our skin; lotions, shampoo, sunscreen, makeup, skin creams, etc. I don't buy harmful chemical cleaners; we use Norwex, of course, cleaning mostly with microfiber and water (ask me how). We don't use products with harmful chemicals in our laundry room; we use Norwex there too.

I am careful to watch for other areas that chemicals could make their way into our home, but chemicals in the kids' pajamas, leaching out into the air, being inhaled, as my darlings sleep; that makes me mad!

Check the Labels

There's a remedy. Not all kids' pajamas are flame resistant. It's not necessarily easy to find them and they probably aren't covered in your kids' favorite characters and they aren't necessarily cheap, but you can find them. Look for snug-fitting, long-underwear style jammies. You can always get them at Hanna Andersson and Gap Kids has some styles that are not flame resistant online. The tags must say whether they are flame resistant or not; so always check there to be sure.

The CPSC requires all sleepwear that is not flame-resistant to bear a label saying, "For child's safety, garment should fit snugly. This garment is not flame resistant. Loose-fitting garments are more likely to catch fire." Look for this bright yellow tag attached to the jammies; this is what you want to see. This means it is free of toxic flame retardant treatments.

The Scoop

This is important to me. I care what goes into my kids bodies. Kids are effected much more than we, as adults, are when it comes to chemical levels in our bodies. The rate of cancer and other conditions related to toxic chemicals is astounding and on the rise. The question I have begun to ask is not why did so-and-so get cancer, but why do we all not have cancer.

This post is not meant to frighten you, but to arm you with information. If you have information, you can make informed choices and make a difference for your family. And if we all make informed choices, we could change our communities, our country, our world.

Now is the time to start taking a stand against harmful chemicals; it's not too late, but we must stand up and DO something.

And please note that the federal regulations require kids' sleepwear to be flame-resistant because of external heat sources that a child might come in contact with, such as a fire in a fireplace, a candle, an electric heater, a lighter, etc. This requirement is not in place in order to protect a child from a house fire.

Therefore, if you choose to clothe your children in pajamas that are not flame resistant, do exercise extra caution around any open flames/heat sources, as I would hope you would do regardless of whether their pajamas are treated with toxic chemicals.

And I have more to say on several related topics too….coming soon.

So, are you tossing out your kids' pajamas? Over and out…

Anna

The Killing Fields {Out of the Mouths of Babes}

Why are We so Stupid?

My six year-old loves honeybees and everything to do with them. When I mentioned to him that many were dying or getting sick and weak and explained why this was happening this was his response.

"Don't people know that we need the earth to survive? I mean, it's the only planet we have to live on. So, if we are doing things to destroy our earth, we are basically destroying ourselves. Why do people do things like that?"

Man, I love this kid. He is so witty, so smart and so perceptive on issues so far beyond his 6 years on this earth! And he's right; it's that simple....if we are doing things that destroy our earth and the living, growing, working organisms on our earth, we are destroying ourselves.

The Need for Bees

In the last few years, I have read several articles on our dwindling population of honeybees and the concern over this issue. In the last few months, I have read and seen a continual flow of articles on this topic.

The concern is growing. Some say this may be the worst year on record for honey production, but honey is not the only issue. Honeybees are needed to pollinate over 95 different fruits and vegetables crops, including almonds, berries, avocados, apples, pumpkins and pears, to name just a few.

Since 2006, honeybee numbers have been closely watched, with beekeepers losing approximately 30 % of their bees a year; however, this winter keepers are reporting a 70 to 90 percent loss. This spells trouble for all of us who eat food.

The Killing Fields

So, what is sickening our honeybees? Well, the buzz word, if you'll pardon the pun, is pesticide, and not just any pesticides, but a certain class.

Scientists have linked this Colony Collapse Disorder to neonicotinoids. Included in this class are clothiandin, thiamethoxam, imidicloprid and sulfoxaflor, which are currently under consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"Neonicotinoids are applied before planting to coat seeds. The pesticide is then taken up through the vascular system of the plant and expressed through the pollen and nectar, which bees rely on for food," according to Paul Towers of the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). Apparently, these pesticides linger in the soil affecting the next crop, as well.

Consider this, "In the United States, such neonicotinoids are routinely used on more than 100 million acres of corn, wheat, soy and cotton and are in some home gardening products." Thomson Reuters

It's not just bee populations being destroyed; it's also bats, birds, butterflies, beetles and other small mammals. They too, play a large role in pollinating our plants. According, to North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, some species have seen a 90 percent decline in their numbers just in the past decade.

Taking Action

A couple of weeks ago, four professional beekeepers and five environmental and consumer groups filed a lawsuit in federal court against the EPA. In the lawsuit, the groups claim , "the U.S. environmental regulators are failing to protect honeybees and their role in pollinating important food crops, and should immediately suspend use of some toxic insecticides tied to the widespread deaths of the bees." science.ncbnews.com

"Despite our best efforts to warn the agency about the problems posed by neonicotinoids, the EPA continued to ignore the clear warning signs of an ag system in trouble," says Paul Tower of PAN. It's also worth noting that in Europe, the European Commission has proposed a ban on neonicotinoids because the European Food Safety Authority found that there is a high risk to the health of the honeybees when this class of pesticide is used.

The Scoop

We all eat food. If our crops fail here and/or abroad because there are no honeybees to pollinate them, then prices go up, food is scarce and we are all adversely affected.

There is an ever mounting pile of crap that leads to companies like Monsanto, Syngenta and Bayer and other companies manufacturing pesticides and manipulating seeds and plants. Believe it or not, it was just a few years ago that such pesticides from the neonicotinoids class began being used widespread to grow stronger, disease/pest resistant crops. Unfortunately, this was done at the expense of health of humans and animals. I believe we are only starting to see the repercussions of the use of such strong and harmful chemicals.

So, why should we care about this issue? Because it matters to all of us; that is, all of us who eat food. More to come on this and other food issues. Over and out...

Anna

Random Tidbits {Food; What’s Fit to Eat?}

I love to eat. I love to eat really good food. I love to cook food in. I love to get food out. I read labels. I read articles. And lately, everywhere I look I see issues with food; food full chemicals; food genetically modified; dirty food; mislabeled food; food with hidden additives, preservatives and ingredients; food that could make you sick.

Is it that hard to nourish a body without ingesting something harmful? The simple answer appears to be yes.

It's almost enough to make one move to the wilderness, live off the grid and produce all of one's own food. Almost.

It just shouldn't be this difficult to eat healthy, fresh, clean, nutritious food.

In the last few weeks, I have been collecting articles involving food issues. Here are a few of them:

1. Your Reusable Grocery Bags Could be Harboring Bacteria! A number of cities are going "green" by banning all plastic and paper bags at stores via city ordinances. The consumers are to supply their own reusable bags instead. An admirable move it would seem, but a recent study by the American Chemistry Council shows that the reusable bags often left in hot cars and rarely washed are harboring a multitude of bacteria, including E. coli. Fortunately, more than likely this won't make you sick according to at least one report. Washing them isn't a bad idea though.
2. Shrimp Fed on Pig Poop! Now that's appetizing. About a third of our seafood is coming from China and the surrounding areas. Pig, human and goose feces is often used to feed the shrimp and tilapia, etc., the tap water used to make ice to put on the seafood is contaminated and the conditions of the farms producing the fish and shellfish are downright disgusting and dangerous to our health. Only a small percentage is inspected, and much of what is inspected is rejected.
3. Looks Like Tuna, Sold as Tuna, Often Not Tuna. The Los Angeles Times reports Oceana found in its study that nearly 60% of tuna sold to consumers, at both restaurants and grocery stores, is not tuna. In fact, most of the mislabeled tuna was the extremely oily fish escolar, which can cause explosive diarrhea. Of course, this issue is not exclusive to tuna, mislabeling is quite common with many fish.
4. Aspartame a Part of Milk? The National Milk Producers Federation has asked FDA to change the definition of milk. They wish to have artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose included in the definition of milk. This way they can sneak these ingredients in without having to list them.

Many of these issues involve the food industry powers that be trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the consumers so they can sell more and make more money. I like to think that we, as consumers, are savvier than ever and are more conscious of what we are putting into our mouths, but then again, I'm not so sure that enough of the consumers are paying attention to these issues to force the hand of those producers and brokers and growers and marketers to make a difference...yet. Over and out...

Anna

Communicating with the Dead: Smoke and Mirrors or the Real Deal?

Do You Believe in Mediums?

What if some people can communicate with spirits from beyond? What if spirits have consoling, touching, sometimes funny messages for us? What if mediums are real?

If you believed this, would you go see a medium? Would you reach out to a loved one; would you try to "hear" the words of your beloved one more time?

Last week, while traveling, I found myself in an exhausted stupor, in my hotel room, flipping channels, trying to find something I wanted to watch since I had the chance. We don't have cable, and I rarely watch TV because I am usually working on my computer during the evening hours.

I landed on TLC and was drawn into the Long Island Medium. I didn't know what to expect, but what I found was comforting and sometimes funny. I found myself believing that Theresa Caputo was truly delivering messages from spirits to their loved ones. To my surprise, tears streamed down my face, just as they did the intended recipients of these messages.

But, do I believe there are no smoke and mirror tricks involved? I'm not so sure. And yet, I want to believe and I do believe that some people can "feel" and "communicate" with souls; I know some who do.

Reaching Out

Who hasn't felt that overwhelming sense of loss from time to time for no apparent reason or been flooded with memories of a deceased loved one at random times or experienced that tingly feeling that they are nearby or dreamed a dream so real, so vivid that when you awake, you're sure you had been talking with that loved one, not simply dreaming. I certainly have.

And what's the harm in believing that Theresa, the Long Island Medium, is legit? She allows the families to feel peace and contentment, resolves questions, and melts away guilt. The people who encounter her by choice or by coincidence go on their ways with lighter hearts, happy tears and a connection to their loved ones' spirits.

The Scoop

Sometimes that's all it takes to move on, to let go and to live life fully again. And for that, I say, it's worth it, whether real or imagined. For now, I'll be watching {when I can} and wondering whether Theresa is the real deal or a great fake. Over and out....

Anna

Some Kids Will; Some Won’t {Be Patient}

Some kids will always win the foot races at recess; some kids will be able to dangle from the bars on the playground, criss-crossing, frontwards, backwards, sideways, upside down and right side up.

Some kids will always have a neat desk, keep their papers in a straight stack and have clean and even fingernails.

Some kids will keep their focus on the teacher, on the task at hand and follow the directions to a T; some kids will never push limits or question authority.

Some kids will do these things, but some won't.

Some kids will never run out of questions; some kids will create, design, formulate, doodle and sketch; some kids will daydream, fail to focus on the lesson and almost never follow all the directions, making up their own directions as they go.

Some kids will have a single focus; some kids will have ever-changing obsessions; some kids will have a handful of enduring passions.

Some kids will frustrate, perplex and even irritate their teachers in their individuality, their strong-willed determination to refuse to march to the beat of the masses.

Some kids will not always be understood by teachers and peers; some kids will always be swimming against the current trying to satisfy their curiosity and sense of adventure and their need to fit in and make it through life.

These kids will be game changers; these kids will strive to improve, cure, alter, overhaul, present us with new frontiers, entertain us in new ways and make us ask more questions and seek further than before and their ideas won't ever stop...unless our conforming society squashes the life out of these young inventors and innovators before they have a chance.

To all the teachers who might not see things in this light, I would ask you to be patient; all the basic, rote learning will come with time; for some kids the order of the letters in the alphabet is not important {and it really isn't if you think about it}; let your curiosity be peaked, you just might be witnessing the development of the next Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, Marie Curie, Mark Zuckerberg, Lady Gaga or William Shakespeare; and forgive them if their lack of focus in the classroom and their penchant for making up their own rules when it comes to assignments and projects. They are just being true to themselves. Be Patient.

This is something I often have to remind myself of when I find interesting contraptions taped to my walls, come across strange mixtures frozen in cups in my freezer and must continually come up with places to store bits of this and that, screws and parts from machines and circuits and batteries that will eventually be a part of a small robot being imagined, designed and built by my Darlings and discover my dining table and the surrounding floor covered in paper, stickers, pens, pencils, markers, glitter glue and pencil sharpener shavings after a book writing and illustrating blitz. Be Patient.

And when I'm in a hurry and already experiencing sensory overload and they are full of queries with answers that require deep thought, advanced degrees, a few Google sessions and some honest "I just don't know, honey" answers; when they make tremendous observations and musings; and they aren't focused on the task at hand which happens to be jumping in and out of the car, running in and out of stores and staying on task! Be Patient.

Be Patient. Over and out...

Anna

Change Your Whole Lifestyle: The Missing Piece {On a Soapbox}

A Full Picture of Health

How often we talk about changing our eating patterns, buying more locally produced and/or organic groceries, exercising more and having a healthier lifestyle overall. While I think these things are important pieces to the puzzle, I also think that many are missing a large chunk of the picture of health. Until recently I was included in this group.

I'm talking about radically reducing the number of chemicals in your home. Yes, I realize I'm biased now because I am a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. But, honestly, the reason I'm buying, selling and telling everyone I know about these products is because I have been doing researching, reading and becoming more educated about the number of chemicals we are bringing into our homes under the premise of cleaning our homes and clothes and the harmful effects of these chemicals.

Linking Household Chemicals and Cancer

PreventCancer.org reports, "Approximately 70,000 chemicals are now in commercial production, many of which are used in household products. Many of these chemicals accumulate in the human body and cause cancer and other diseases, yet they have been inadequately tested or remain completely untested for their safety."

When I searched, "connections between cancer and chemicals in household cleaners" I was shocked at the alarming number of articles in the query results on links between chemicals in household cleaners and breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. It was expected that in 2011, almost 300,000 new cases of breast cancer would be diagnosed in women. Breast cancer and lung cancer kill more women each year than any other cancer.

The Studies

Interestingly, there was a study done a few years ago by Silent Spring Institute in MA that found a significant link between household cleaners and breast cancer. This study was made up of 1508 women; 787 of the women had been diagnosed with breast cancer; 721 of the women had not been. The women who reported the highest use of cleaning products had a doubled risk of breast cancer; the use of air fresheners and products for cleaning mold and mildew was associated with the highest increased risk for cancer.

The Silent Spring researchers are the first to admit that the results are imperfect though, considering the data came from surveys. So, that means that women who had been diagnosed with cancer may have been influenced by the belief that the cause of their cancer was something other than a genetic link; or it could mean that women diagnosed with cancer more accurately recall their past product use. Either way, the results of this study show that further research is warranted in this area.

In another study conducted by Silent Spring Institute researchers took air and dust samples from 120 homes on Cape Cod and measured the concentrations of 89 chemicals identified as endocrine disrupting compounds. They identified 67 of these chemicals in these samples, but the most interesting finding of this study was that they identified a number of chemicals that had been banned for years. One such chemical found in dust collected from the homes sampled was DDT. This banned chemical was found in 65% of the homes, even though it was banned 30 years ago. This fact suggests that chemicals don't break down indoors.

Making Healthy Changes

There are a number of hazards concerning the numbers of chemicals contained in household cleaners besides cancer including asthma, allergies, headaches, fatigue, pulmonary issues, depression, conditions involving the nervous system and more. These chemicals are inhaled, absorbed and ingested.

So, should you stop cleaning, fling open the windows and flee your home? No. Well, opening the windows more often might be a good idea, but you can still clean your house. You just have to clean smarter and better. I happen to think the most efficient and smartest way to clean is with Norwex products.

This isn't a shameless plug for my business though; regardless of whether you're interested in buying Norwex products or not, please take a look at these studies listed above and others; do some research for yourself; start reading the labels on the cleaning products you have in your home; evaluate any illnesses or chronic symptoms you or a member of your family is suffering from; notice the reactions you have while cleaning your house or after your house is scrubbed down with potentially toxic chemicals; and I think you will find the missing piece to the whole picture of health.

The Scoop

You can find more of my thoughts on this issue and information on Norwex at State of Clean. I'm a reformed cleaner, a Norwex convert, and I feel better knowing I've made this change for me and my family. Seeing is believing; so, contact me if you want to know more.

We have a choice about our health. Let's take control of it. Here's a good place to start. Over and out...

Anna

 

Too Dangerous to Consume? Hazards of Doing the Dew & Having Some Wip at the Reddi

Considering Junk Food

At this time of year, the start of one year before us and the food-laden holidays and past year behind us, many of us take stock of our diet and exercise routines. We all know which foods we should be filling our diets with, but why is it that ALL seriously delicious, crave-worthy foods are terrible for us? It seems like a really cruel joke.

Although I think that on the whole I eat pretty well, I am often snared by the chocolate traps and can fall very far down in the ooey, gooey, rich chocolate pit {which I don't necessary think of as bad thing}. At least chocolate does have a number of redeeming qualities, which I have mentioned to you before.

However, there are other foods sitting on grocery store shelves looking very innocent, indeed; that are actually deadly {to a mouse} or could be used illegally. How could these corrosive, dangerous items be legal to sell? These junk foods are actually quite often consumed. It might surprise you when you find out what I'm talking about.

Last week, I happened upon two stories regarding food items and the law. Each story is completely different from the other, but both are interesting.

Whipped Topping No Laughing Matter

In the first instance, last week in St. Cloud, MN, a 23 year-old male was arrested driving while impaired from a hazardous substance after he crashed his car into a pole. What was this substance? Well, inside the vehicle were numerous cans of whipped topping.

My first reaction was "what, you can sniff whipped topping?" How crazy is that? Well, as it turns out whipped topping is included on the list of dangerous inhalants.

While the whipped topping contains mostly fat and sweeteners {and no cream}, it also contains nitrous oxide gas. You may be more familiar with its other name, "laughing gas." Yep, that's right; nitrous oxide is the same stuff your dentist might administer to you as an anesthetic. This gas aids in the dispensing of the whipped topping and whipping it at the same time.

There are actually a number of household items that are can be inhaled. Some you are quite aware of, but others may surprise you. They are categorized as gases (nitrous oxide, propane tank gas, chloroform, whipped topping, gases from a refrigerator, etc.) aerosols (contained in spray bottles, such as hair spray, vegetable oil sprays, spray paint, etc.), nitrites (often contained in cleaning products, leather cleaners and scented air fresheners; butyl, amyl and cyclohexyl) and volatile solvents (Often found at home, in schools and in the work place, including glues, paint thinner, degreasers, felt-tipped markers, etc).

Not many consumables on that list. Did you take a good look at other items in the same category as the whipped topping? I bet you'll think twice the next time you spray whipped topping on your pie? But seriously, would you really want to eat this product again?

Do the Dew or Maybe Not

The second story involves a lawsuit. A man alleges he found a mouse in his Mountain Dew. He says he sent the mouse remains he found in his Dew to the folks at PepsiCo for analysis and they destroyed the mouse. The lawyers for PepsiCo came back with an argument that isn't quite what you might expect.

They say that if a mouse had indeed ended up in a Mountain Dew container, the soda would have dissolved the mouse into a jelly-like substance before the consumer ever opened the container; approximately 15 months after bottling. Hmmm. Well, that makes me want to drink this pop.

Let's ponder that for a minute. I'm not talking about a cleaning substance or poison or toxic substance that could dissolve a mouse. I am talking about a consumable; a beverage. OK, so it looks like toxic waste and tastes a bit like what I would imagine Windex might taste like, but still many people do "Do the Dew" quite often.

So, here's the skinny: Mountain Dew contains citric acid that is corrosive enough to destroy teeth and bones in a matter of months {if soaked in the liquid}, as noted by several studies. While citrus fruit juices have more citric acid and the rate of decay of teeth and/or bones would be the same; at least there is vitamin C in the fruit juices. So, will Mountain Dew kill you? Well, it's not going to dissolve your teeth and bones; unless you soak in it for a couple of weeks; and it's not known to be corrosive on your "innards". For the record, I'm not taking any chances.

The Scoop

At the risk of sounding like a food snob, I don't consume these particular foods, and I have to admit I'm really glad I don't'. So, there you have it; a few interesting legal issues involving foods under inconsumable circumstances. Over and out...

Anna

The Sign Said to Take a Chance: Well, Here Goes.... {A New Business}

A Chance

The sign said, "Take at Least One." At the bottom of the piece of paper were little tabs to rip off that usually have contact information listed. This one had little tabs with just two words... "A Chance." I don't know who pinned this sign up on the Caribou Coffee bulletin board, but I thought it was clever and it got me to thinking.

Was this a sign I should be paying attention to? Have I taken many risks lately? Am I putting myself out there enough? What's too risky? What's not risky enough? Does it mean I'm not taking risks if I have to ask these questions?

Risky Business    

Honestly, I feel like that the last two years have been one risk after another with the start of launching Motherly Law in March of 2010. I have put myself out there, utterly exposed and vulnerable, in cyberspace and in the tangible space too. I have tried this and that. I have strived to grow as a writer and thinker and doer.

Then, after Will found himself in search of a job, under circumstances not of our choosing, we decided to pursue entrepreneurship and grow a business in social media consulting. Now, recall that I'm an independent contractor for a legal publisher and a freelance writer.

This is no life for the weak. This is a life of no regular paychecks; no benefits of any kind. There is little assurance of anything.

Well, I have decided to take another "chance." I am launching a new business today {in addition to everything we are doing}. I am now......hold onto your hats....this is going to surprise you....a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. I know, I know; I, myself, am still shocked when I step back and think about this statement. Now, wait, bear with me. I'm going to answer your questions: 1) What the Heck is Norwex? 2) Why this Product? and 3) Why Now?

What the Heck is Norwex?

Norwex's mission statement is this: To improve the quality of life by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning.

Norwex cloths are an antibacterial microfiber. To use the cloths for cleaning all kinds of surfaces and spots and stains, simply add water. Nothing more is needed. How is this possible, you ask? Well, the microfiber cloth goes beyond surface clean because there is a silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent physically and chemically bonded to the fiber of the cloth. The microfiber picks up and locks in the odor-causing/illness-causing bacteria into the fibers and the silver agent destroys the bacteria.

These cloths eliminate cross-contamination on surfaces or hands; are easy to use, launder when needed and use again; will reduce the amount of chemicals your family uses and absorbs; and cleans really well.

The cleaning products are enzyme-based and continue to work on a surface until all material to be cleaned away is gone and then the cleaner itself breaks down to Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen. These enzymes are naturally occurring and are not at all harmful to humans, pets or plants.

Additionally, there are personal care cloths for the bathroom that gently exfoliate your skin and clean makeup {including mascara} from your face without the use of soap and softer, gentler cloths for kids and babies. There are even cloths for your pets and much, much more. For additional information {and believe me there is additional information} go to the FAQ page on my website.

Why This Product?

I am passionate about these products. Norwex has already changed the way I clean; and more importantly it has changed the way I think about cleaning solutions filled with chemicals.

This sounds trite and canned, but it's the absolute truth. Since getting our Norwex products, Will and I have not wanted to stop cleaning and trying Norwex products out on various stains, spots and hard to reach grime; cleaning counters, floors, toilets, appliances and skin {there are bath towels too}; you name it. Our Norwex products have stood up to each task presented and have not let us down.

The first thing I cleaned with my Norwex Envirocloth was the dining room rug below Darling 1's chair. Bless his heart; he is the messiest eater no matter how hard he tries not to be. There are always spots and stains beneath his seating area. I have tried to get the spots up with various cleaners. I took the Envirocloth, got it wet, wrung it out and started scrubbing the spots on the rug. Every last one of them came up with ease. The rug looked brand new; and I was sold.

And that was just the start. I think it will revolutionize the way you view cleaning your home, your clothes and your body as it has done for us.

Why Now?

To be frank with you, and you know I always am, we need to increase our income so that we can focus on building Will's business and my writing portfolio; our passions. But I also look forward to the challenges of improving my communication skills and presentation style. I am excited about gaining business acumen. And I honestly believe these products will save time and money, promote health and better the environment.

The Scoop {This Part is Important}

So, here I go, starting the New Year with a Clean slate, so to speak, and taking "A Chance." If you love me or even if you just slightly tolerate me any and all support and encouragement is much appreciated. One way to support me is to Like my Anna Berend – Norwex Independent Sales Consultant Facebook Fan Page and/or Follow me on Twitter @AnnaBerend. Another way to support this endeavor is to check out my Norwex website: annaberend.norwex.biz.

If you are interested in hosting a party {there are really great gifts involved, plus it's a fun gathering of your friends} or you just want to learn more about these products and why I love them so much, please email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below. I would love to talk to you. I am hosting a launch party on Sunday, January 15^th. If you would like to attend let me know {evites will be going out soon to those whose addresses I have}.

As soon as I get my URL approved, I will launch my accompanying blog that will regale you on achieving a new State of Clean with Norwex product reviews and the philosophy and science behind these products, etc. So, stay tuned for that information in the near future.

Ready or not, here I come 2012. Oh, and Katy, stop laughing. I know; I'm eating my words. Over and out....

Anna

Where are you, Christmas Joy? Dealing with the SADness of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The Cruelest Month

December is the cruelest month. I have always loved winter and Christmas, but since moving to Iowa and then Minnesota 11 years ago, I have felt the blues begin to settle in come end of November and beginning of December when the days get exceedingly short and dark and dreary. I drag around completely exhausted, with bags under my eyes. I have no energy or "unction" to do anything. I feel low and down and sad.

Each year it seems to get a little worse. A number of years ago, I began to notice the pattern and acknowledge my blues. I would tell myself I wasn't going crazy; it would pass. And it does...eventually. I have come to realize that I suffer from SAD; that is, Seasonal Affective Disorder.

This year, with Ben's death, one month ago, and the many stresses of 2011, I have really begun to feel the SADness deepen and settle all around me like thick, black fog. I feel as though I am slogging through wet cement, hot tears roll down my cheeks as I drive along running errands or sit typing out articles, I can't get enough rest and I can't muster the joy of the season no matter how much I try.

A Ray of Light

This year is especially low, but this year I have a SAD lamp. Years ago, my brother lived in AK and suffered from SAD too. He now lives in sunny and humid Houston and I am now the proud owner of a big, bulky, very bright and sunny SAD lamp. I have used it only a few times, but I am working on getting into a schedule of using it on a regular basis in an attempt to brighten my mood.

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD affects people in winter or summer, spring or fall, year after year. It can happen at different times of the year, but often occurs during the winter when a person with otherwise normal mental health suffers from episodes of depression.

SAD occurs more often in women than men, and those who live in places with long, dark winters have the greatest chance of suffering from this type of depression. Apparently, it's estimated that 20% of SAD sufferers are Irish; about 10% of those in Netherland are afflicted with SAD and 8.9% of Alaskans suffer from this disorder. Other factors include hormones, genes, amount of light exposed to each day and body temperature.

Symptoms of SAD

While there is no test to determine if one does indeed suffer from SAD, a health professional can make a diagnosis based on symptoms of the patient and by ruling out other illnesses. A person with SAD usually presents these symptoms:

• Increased appetite and weight gain;
• Irritability and unhappiness;
• Lack of energy;
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering details;
• Fatigue;
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping;
• Sad, anxious or empty feelings;
• Social withdrawal;
• Loss of interest in work or other activities; and
• Sense of hopelessness.

Phototherapy

There are a number of treatments that can be very helpful for SAD sufferers. The most common treatment comes in the form of light; a very bright light. It helps to get outside and exercise during the hours with sunlight, but light therapy is best way to get the "sunlight" needed. This is accomplished with a special lamp with fluorescent lights up to 10,000 lux.

Studies have shown that light therapy of 3,000 lux for 2 hours a day for 5 weeks or 10,000 lux for 30 minutes a day for 8 weeks is effective for many. By sitting a few yards away and glancing at the light occasionally, the "rays" can help ease the SAD symptoms.

However, commercial light boxes are not regulated by law in the U.S. So, use caution when selecting a phototherapy lamp. They are not all the same.

And, of course, neither are we humans all the same. Therefore, light therapy does not work for everyone. In fact, 20 to 50% of SAD sufferers do not feel a difference with the light box. If that is the case and the symptoms are severe and unrelenting, other treatment could be sought; that is, vitamins or supplements, occupational therapy or antidepressants. As with any medical diagnosis or treatment, seek the advice of a medical professional before beginning any treatment.

For now, I'm sticking with my light box and trying to find the right time and place to use it each day. I have been told that starting off each dark morning for a 30 minutes of light and/or 30 minutes of phototherapy each evening when it's already dark will be helpful.

The Scoop

I am optimistic, as always, even through this very low time. I give myself pep talks and try to force myself to keep up my social calendar, but it's extremely difficult getting through each day. Much of the time, I feel like I am accomplishing only the mandatory tasks of each day and going through the motions, leaving much undone.

This may sound backwards and crazy to some, but I really feel that some bright and beautiful snow would lift my spirits. There is more light reflected and less darkness when there is snow. Now, where are you snow? Where are you Christmas? Please come to me in Minnesota and light my very dark winter, and lead the way to a soggy spring and beautiful summer.

Does this sound familiar? Do you or someone you know suffer from SAD? How have you dealt with the lack of sunshine during the winter months? Over and out...

Anna

Making an Informed Decision: Alternative Medicine Part II

As I was thinking about yesterday's post on homeopathic remedies, I decided that perhaps I should have provided more background information and definitions regarding alternative medicine choices. To be clear, honey, as referred to yesterday in the opening paragraph, is not a homeopathic remedy. My point was simply that I, personally, use a combination of types of treatments; whatever I think is the best approach given the symptoms and issues at the time.

Here is a bit more information on a few alternative medicine approaches:

Holistic Health is looking at the body as a whole and working cooperatively with all systems and practitioners to achieve optimal health in mind, body and spirit. This means taking stock of your health on a spiritual, physical, nutritional, social, environmental, emotional and lifestyle level. For more information on holistic health, check out this page of the American Holistic Health Association site.

Homeopathy is medical science that is based on the "law of similar"; that is, the idea that like cures like. So, the theory goes that any substance that will produce certain symptoms in a healthy person can cure like symptoms in a person who is sick. For instance, take an onion: when you chop an onion, the juices will make your eyes water and nose run; now think of a person with hay fever; suffering from watery eyes and runny nose; a homeopathic remedy made from an extremely diluted onion can relieve these symptoms. There over 3,000 substances used as homeopathic remedies that treat the mundane cold, annoying allergies, painful arthritis and much more. Read more about Homeopathy here.

Herbal Medicine uses herbs to produce dietary supplements that improve a person's health. The supplements are sold over the counter in tablets, teas, extracts, powders and dried plants. However, many herbal remedies can also produce adverse effects in certain people. Herbal remedies should not be taken without consulting with a medical doctor.

There are many different approaches for each of us to choose from when trying to attain the best possible healthy, in both mind and body. Of course, there are other choices, including modern medicine, other than those listed here.

Watch for my announcement about the Motherly Law Virtual Cookie Exchange later; I would LOVE for you to participate. Over and out...

Anna

The List: My Televac Personality Analysis

Purging in the Basement

This past week, we spent a lot of time in our basement culling through, cleaning out, reorganizing, combining and throwing out. It felt good to purge and start fresh. I enjoy doing this every so often going through every room, closet, cabinet and drawer in the house. I tend to want to save things, and then after a time of not needing or using items, I'm ready to get rid of it. Of course, there are some things that I keep just to keep.

In so doing, I looked at a lot of old pictures, read old papers written in grade school, college and law school and went through the tiny baby clothes deemed keepsake worthy. In a box of various items from college I came across an old yellowing piece of paper stapled to an index card-sized paper with my signature and entitled "Televac Personality Analysis." The printout indicated that I got this personality analysis at the Tri-State Fair back in 1995.

The Personality Analysis

Back in 1995, when my parents and I went to the fair, we encountered the Televac Personality Analysis booth in one of the buildings. We thought it would be fun to give it t shot. After paying $1.50, I simply signed my whole name on the index sized-paper and watched the paper get fed into a machine and spit out a list of my personality traits based on an examination of my handwriting. While I did this analysis for fun, it's surprising how accurate this list of personality traits is.

Here's my Televac Personality Analysis:

1. You prefer to have a few secrets;
2. You are always ready to try new ideas or take a fresh approach;
3. You are afraid of being overlooked by others;
4. You sometimes tend to be overconfident;
5. Your persuasive manner makes you used to having your own way;
6. Adventurous and daring, you will take risks to get the things you want;
7. Your bark is much, much worse than your bite;
8. You are independent and like making your own decisions;
9. You adapt well to new situations;
10. In thought and action you are positive and aggressive;
11. You can be a tyrant at home and difficult to live with; and
12. You have a playful spirit and positive attitude.

Perhaps somewhat general; perhaps it could fit many people; but, for better or worse, it does sound a lot like me.

Graphology

This handwriting analysis is called graphology. Graphology has been around a very long time, dating back to China 3000 years ago. The specific features and techniques of graphology were clarified and defined by French clerics in the late 1800s. Some consider it to be a serious science, and others view the practice as a pseudoscience without any validating evidence.

Proponents of graphology argue that it can be used in relationships for compatibility purposes; in education for discovering hidden talents and skills; in personnel selection for finding the person who best fits the position; in career counseling for matching personality traits and professions; and counseling sessions for helping understand one's self.

Graphologists use over 300 features to "read" a person's handwriting. Some of the basic features include:

• Slant {left, right or upright} Left indicate emotion and reserve; Right indicates a response to communication, but not how to convey the communication; Upright show independence;
• Size {over 9 mm = large; under 9 mm = small} Large can indicate extravert or at least an outward showing of confidence; Small could mean shyness or introvert;
• Pressure {Heavy or Light} Heavy pressure points to responsibility and commitment; Light pressure indicates sensitivity and empathy; Too Heavy means uptight and quick reactions in a negative manner; Light, but Uneven shows a lack of vitality;
• Page Margins {Left or Right} Wide Left margins may indicate wish to move on; Narrow Left margins points to caution and biding one's time; Wide Right margins can show some fear of the unknown; and Narrow Right margins indicate impatience and readiness to get things going;
• Word Spacing {Wide or Narrow, based on the width of one letter of a person's handwriting} Wide spaces indicate a need of space; Narrow spaces show a need of sociability, but it might be crowding and intrusive to others; and
• Other features include upper {l, t, h, etc.}, middle {a, c, e, etc.} and lower {g, y, p, etc.} zones; thread and wavyline writing, etc.

For more information on graphology and features examined, see article by Elaine Quigley at http://www.businessballs.com

The Scoop

My analysis was done by a machine, true; but there are certified graphologists who perform these studies with great care.

As with other such practices, palm reading and other fortune telling techniques, astrology, personality tests and profiles, etc., it's easy to grasp on to any vague statements that can apply to many of us and in many different situations and take them to be unique and personal. Is this the same thing or is our handwriting a mirror into our souls indicating our strengths, weaknesses, passions, confidences, fears, tendencies, etc.? Over and out....

Anna

What’s Your SPF? The Dangers of Sunscreen {2013 Update: A Gentle Reminder to Do Your Research Before You Buy}

Rays of Light {Seen & Unseen}

 

Spring finally reared her pretty, sunny head this weekend. We've been waiting a while for her to grace us with her fair beauty. In celebration, we spent most of the day outside on Saturday, basking in the golden rays, soaking up the warmth and relishing the feeling of sun on our bare skin. I guess we soaked up a bit too much sunlight because Saturday evening I noticed the tell-tale pink spread across the Darlings' cheeks and noses and forearms; the first sunburn of the season.

Now I'm not one to take health and safety risks, as you, dear readers, well know. But, it has been a long, cold winter here in Minnesota; longer and colder than most in recent memory. The sun has been shrouded by clouds and snow much of the past 7 months. On the days there was pure sunlight the temperature was generally hovering in the single digits with below zero wind chills. Even on those days, we got outside to feel the warmth on our faces; that was the only part not covered in protective, winter gear. In Minnesota, you learn to take it when you can get it, regardless of the temperature.

So, you can see why the thought of putting sunscreen on our bare, pallid, winter skin escaped my mind. And yet, I now have been given a not-so-subtle reminder that it's time to buy sunscreen. Yesterday, I did my annual research into the best sunscreens, made a list and went shopping.

Choosing the Best Sunscreen

Buying sunscreen should not be a difficult task. The purpose of this product is to protect skin from the harmful UV rays and prevent skin from being damaged. For years, I bought the cheapest, largest sunscreen I could buy, gingerly applied it to my very pale, very sunburn prone skin, and generally ended up somewhat sunburned. And didn't give too much thought to it. Then, I had a child.

The mere thought of that soft, smooth, very pale baby skin getting burned by the sun made me cringe. I read labels, research and articles. There was an article being circulated by email a few years back with a list of "good" sunscreens.

I recall being at Target trying to remember which ones were on the list when another mom walked up with the very same list printed from an email checking the shelves for the brands that had made the cut. She let me take a peek since I didn't have mine.

The trouble is that most on this list are outrageously expensive and not readily available at drug stores, grocery stores or department stores like Target or Wal-mart. Many are available online or through specialty stores, natural health stores and the like. One on the list I found on the Walgreens' website, available online only, for $52. Outrageous.

The basic premise of "the list" is the inclusion of a key ingredients and the exclusion of several harmful ingredients. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed 1,400 sunscreens, cosmetics, moisturizers and lip balms and graded each one with an explanation of any risk or issue. All top-rated products contain either zinc or titanium minerals to help cut UVA exposures for sunscreen users. None of the top-rated products contain oxybenzone or vitamin A and none are sprayed or powdered.

I managed to find a cheaper, rated at a 2 with minimum cautionary notes, sunscreen at a drug store. At $ 9.99 for 8 fluid ounces, it was the cheapest of the three options I had for a fairly good rating at that store. I have found that I have basically the same options at Target. I bought Coppertone Kids, Pure and Simple with a 50 SPF. Not all Coppertone options get a rating of 2, the lowest given to any of this particular brand. Check the EWG's very comprehensive list with ingredient concerns and details for each of the 1,400 products listed before you stock up for the summer.

The FDA

{*Note: There are new regulations going into effect in June 2012. I'll be writing a post on the new labeling and effectiveness testing soon. Watch for it!**}

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes sunscreen as a drug, rather than a cosmetic. The FDA introduced new proposed rule regarding the standards of formulating, testing and labeling over-the-counter sunscreen with ultraviolet A (UVA responsible for tanning) and ultraviolet B (UVB responsible for sunburns) protection back in 2007.

The proposed regulation creates a consumer friendly rating system for UVA products designed to help consumers identify the level of UVA protection offered by a product. The FDA proposal provides a ratings system for UVA sunscreen products on a scale of one to four stars, but no new regulations have been finalized yet. And yet, it was this proposed rule that generated more awareness of the dangers and issues with some of the chemicals being used in sunscreens and forced the sunscreen industry to make some changes of its own. These changes have been beneficial to the consumer.

SPF

On its site, the FDA notes that many consumers are confused by what SPF stands for and means. To clarify, SPF is the measure of how much solar energy, or UV radiation, is required to produce sunburn on protected skin {skin with sunscreen applied} relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin {no sunscreen applied}. As the SPF number gets higher, sunburn protection also increases.

While SPF does not have to do with the time one is exposed to the sun {ex. SPF 15 sunscreen does not protect someone for 15 hours}, generally it does take less time to get sunburned at midday, rather than in the morning or evening because the sun is more intense during the midday. Consequently, during hours of more intense solar energy, sunscreen would need to be applied more often than at times of decreased solar energy.

Other factors also account for the amount of solar energy a person is exposed to: skin type {a lighter skinned person absorbs more solar energy than a darker skinned person experiencing the same conditions.}; amount of sunscreen applied {more sunscreen equals less solar energy}; and frequency of reapplication {physical activity, heavy perspiration and activity in the water can rub off sunscreen, leaving skin exposed to more solar energy}.

The Scoop

So, until the FDA finalizes the new rules that provide for tighter regulations and clearer and simpler consumer information, refer to EWG's list and research for the best and most affordable choice for sunscreen. Remember that staying out of the sun, covering up with clothing and/or a hat is also advisable even if you apply sunscreen.

Do your best to avoid sunburn and keep an eye out for the FDA's new and well overdue regulations regarding sunscreen labeling and testing. But do get outside and enjoy the spring and summer. Afterall, around here, it really lasts only a few months. Over and out...

Anna

**I will be posting  a new post on the new FDA regs soon as the labels are finally changing.

You might also like:

The Overly Cautious Traveler: Must Read Pool Safety Tips

Feeding the Minds of Students: Federally Funded School Lunch Programs & Kids’ Nutrition

Alphabet Soup: Food Safety Standards; USDA, FDA, HHS & Now FSMA

 

 

From the Obituaries: Trailblazing Women & Moms

Leading the Way

There are so many women who have forged ahead of us leaving a path to follow and a map for making our own way. A great number of these women had families and household responsibilities in addition to making great strides for their causes and professions and other women, in general. The majority of these women have gone unnoticed; neither winning awards nor gaining great prestige. And yet we are able to do and be and choose and say because of these women.

From the Obits

As I've mentioned on several occasions the one thing I read on a regular basis is The Week. The Week is a comprehensive guide to news from around the globe with bits representing both sides of an argument with articles on subjects ranging from that week's headlines, politics, science and technology, movie reviews, restaurant reviews, obituaries, etc. Yes, obituaries. There are usually only 2, but sometimes 3 obits listed.

These are not your run of the mill kind of obituaries. Generally, they are written about someone who was well-known in his or her field, but sometimes they are about people who did extraordinary things in his or her life without ever being well known. I always read them and have learned much from these articles.

Dr. Louise Reiss

It was from one such obituary a few months ago that the idea for this post 1^st struck me. The article was on the passing of Dr. Louise Reiss. Heard of her? No? Well, she did amazing work that started with a very simple plan and ended with a ban on certain nuclear testing.

Dr. Louise Reiss, born in 1920, the same year that women won the right to vote, attended medical school and married a fellow medical student. The two moved to St. Louis, MO in the 1950s for her husband, Dr. Eric Reiss, to take a position with the Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Louise Reiss was hired by the St. Louis City Health Department to work on inoculating children with the polio vaccine.

In 1959, the Drs. Reiss, along with an environmental scientist, created the Greater St. Louis Citizens' Committee for Nuclear Information. It was this founding trio who initiated the Baby Tooth Survey and joined forces with Saint Louis University and Washington University of Dental Medicine to carry out the study. Dr. Louise Reiss was named the Director of this study from 1959 to 1961, leading and organizing this project.

The Baby Tooth Survey was a brilliant and simple plan to study the affect above ground nuclear testing was having on humans. Specifically, "The goal was to show that radioactive fallout from nuclear testing was getting into the nation's food supply and ultimately working its way into human bones and teeth. And the study succeeded." Source: NY Times

Youngsters losing teeth were asked to send their baby teeth to researchers. In exchange for the teeth, kids received badges which read, "I gave my tooth to science." Over 12 years, the Baby Tooth Survey researchers collected almost 320,000 baby teeth.

The teeth were sent to the Washington University lab where they were tested for strontium 90, one of over 100 chemicals present in nuclear explosions and reactors. This chemical is similar to calcium, attaching to teeth and bones when ingested through food and water. The baby teeth were the easiest way to test large numbers of people from around the country.

As was reported by The Nation in June 1959, "Dr. Louise Reiss and her assistants have had extraordinary success in getting local schools — public, private and parochial — to help in the teeth collecting. Some 250,000 forms have been distributed to reach all lower-grade students. At present, baby teeth are reaching the little office on West Pine Boulevard at the rate of about 50 a day." Source: NY Times

In one instance, the study found that children born in St. Louis in 1963 had 50 times as much strontium 90 in their teeth than children born in 1950, prior to atomic testing. In 1963, Dr. Eric Reiss testified before a Senate committee in support of the treaty with the Soviet Union and Great Britain to stop above ground nuclear testing; the treaty was signed two months later.

In 1996, in a letter to a colleague involved in the Baby Tooth Survey, Dr. Louise Reiss wrote, "I continue to be moved by the knowledge that a group of organized people can effectively pressure government if they come up with data instead of rhetoric." Source NY Times

My Early Computer

In 2011, it's almost unheard of to not own a computer. In our household, we have two laptops. And yet I did not own a computer of my own until my parents bought me one during my senior year of college. Until that time, when I needed to type and print something from a computer, I went to a computer lab on campus where large, clunky computers lined tables which were linked to two antiquated printers that often jammed on the reams of paper snaking through the machines. There was no Internet to surf, no Facebook to check or emails to return. It's hard to remember those days.

Jean Jennings Bartik

Well, just a few weeks ago, we lost a true pioneer woman; as in technology pioneer. Jean Jennings Bartik, was the only math major in her class at Northwest Missouri State Teachers College. When Bartik learned that the Army was hiring talented mathematicians for a project in Philadelphia she left on the next bus.

Bartik was on a team of 6 women whose task it was to program the ENIAC {Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer} the first all-electronic digital computer. Although it was first billed as plugging in electrical connections, the work actually entailed "converting mathematical calculations into electrical impulses decipherable by machine." It was extremely grueling work. ENIAC was originally intended to calculate the firing trajectories for artillery shells, but it was completed in 1946 and was too late for the war.

Bartik went on to work on the programming of Univac, an early commercial computer, introduced in 1951. She also worked on hardware and software for Univac and Binac, a small computer made for Northrop Airlines.

In 1951, Bartik stopped working to raise three children. Bartik returned to the computer industry in 1967. From 1967 until 1985, when Bartik was layed off, she did work with programming, training and technical publishing in the emerging computer industry.

Although at the time of her work with ENIAC, BINAC and UNIVAC she did not receive recognition, in recent years Bartik was honored for her groundbreaking, transformative work in computers.

The Scoop

These two women are just the tip of a very large iceberg. So many women, both known and unknown, honored and overlooked, young and old have contributed to our societal freedoms, advancements and overall knowledge. These women are our mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and so on. So much is owed to these brave, strong, innovative, bright, determined women. Let us hope that when our children are adults they can look at our generation and say the same thing. Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

 

My Hero, Princess Diana: The Importance of Role Models

In Recognition of Moms: Women’s Suffrage

Motherhood: What I Didn’t Know

Motherly Law Year in Review: Updated Posts

Trial and Error

Parenting is largely trial and error, a learn-as-you-go, kind of job. It's been my experience that many times a well-thought-out plan for dealing with a developing issue or setting a goal or laying down the law may not work or have an unintended consequence and must be re-worked to some degree.

This is also the case with the law. As I have mentioned in the past, the law is ever-changing depending on current trends, new research, new technologies, and old lessons learned. Laws are passed, amended and repealed every year; for better or worse.

Updated Posts

Therefore, due to changes in laws, guidelines and recommendations over the last year, there are several posts that need to be updated. Here are a few words regarding the changes for each one of these posts, plus links to the changed, updated information. The posts themselves have also been updated with new links, etc.

Bisphenal-A {BPA}

My second post on ML was about BPA-free products and the laws banning this chemical in certain items. Most of the state laws in place regulate BPA in baby/child products. GreenBiz.com reports "17 states and the District of Columbia will be looking at new legislation to ban BPA from baby bottles, infant formula packaging, receipt paper or a combination of items." Currently, ME, MA, MN, CT, WA, NY, VT, WI and MD have state laws in place banning such products.

Birth Centers

Many women are turning to alterative choices when it comes to where to have babies and who is delivering babies. One choice that seems to be gaining popularity is a birth center. A birth center provides a homelike, comfortable setting in which to give birth with a midwife overseeing the pregnancy and delivery. Birth Centers are often covered by major health care plans and are an attractive alternative to a home birth or at the opposite spectrum, a hospital birth, for those who feel a hospital is too invasive and uncomfortable. Over the past year, accredited birth centers have been popping up all over the country. Click here for a current list of accredited birth centers.

Bike Helmets

There's been some discussion over whether bike helmet laws and recommendations are causing kids who can't afford helmets or find them "uncool" to simply stop riding bikes. This result, of course, was not what was intended by lawmakers who passed these state laws requiring helmets to ride bikes, scooters, skate boards, etc.

Regardless, 21 states, plus District of Columbia have bike helmet laws, covering various ages. Here is a table and accompanying maps that show what the helmet laws are for each state, whether it's for motorcycles, scooters or other low-power cycles and bikes.  

Pool Drain Safety

Last summer, I wrote about the new mandatory pool drain covers that were meant to ensure that people, and in particular, children could not become trapped under water or disemboweled by broken/malfunctioning pool drains. However, just last week there were reports that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is investigating whether the pool drain covers were improperly tested. After issuing subpoenas to three independent laboratories, the CPSC is reviewing more than 17,000 pages of documents to learn more about their testing methods.

Pool & Spa News reports, "The investigation has revealed that the testing protocols used by some laboratories may have been improper and, as a result, some covers certified by these laboratories may not comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act." This means that some drain covers may not have accurate flow ratings and may not prevent entrapment. CPSC is trying to have finished this investigation by the start of pool season, but warns pool owners to keep children away from drains, especially the shallow areas.

Car Seats

While my posts on car seats have been focused on booster seat laws and finding the car seat that best fits your car, there are new guidelines for rear-facing seats. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that infants remain in rear facing seats until 2 years of age or until reaching the maximum weight or height allowed for the rear-facing infant, convertible or 3-in-1 seat being used. This recommendation may seem extreme, especially for those who have giant toddlers like I did, but it's based on research that shows this is the safest position for a small child to be in should a crash occur. And as parents, ultimately it's our kids' safety that matters most.

For additional information on this subject click on these links:

www.aap.org

www.heathlychildren.org

www.ghsa.org

The Scoop

It's interesting to watch the progression and/or reversal of laws, regulations, guidelines and recommendations on these and other issues. The great thing about a law or guideline is that it can continually be molded or completely done away with depending on the current school of thought, needs and purposes of our society. Many guidelines or recommendations of organizations like AAP do eventually become law and others retain their status as merely guidelines of a particular organization.

Next week, I will have a guest post on what to look for in finding an attorney to help you with your estate planning needs; how to approach your digital legacy and more. Over and out...

Anna

 

Distracted by Technology: Are Hands-Free Devices in SYNC with Safe Driving?

Meeting with Ford

A few days after I returned from participating in the Distracted Driving Forum in New York, I was invited to talk to Paul Russell, a Ford executive, in town to promote SYNC at the Twin Cities Auto Show. SYNC is Ford's voice-activated system that works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players to provide hands-free calling, music selection, etc. with the touch of a button.

Interestingly enough, none of the people I met and talked with knew that I had been in New York on Monday discussing distracted driving issues with Consumer Reports and the U.S. Department of Transportation. In fact, they didn't even know I was an attorney until I gave them my business card. All they knew was that I had a blog and I had written about distracted driving in the past.

Multitasking While Driving

Not only have I written about distracted driving and recently participated in a panel discussion on this issue, I have researched and read numerous articles, interviews, statistics and tweets on the topic. I have come down hard saying it's not OK to EVER use your phone, hand-held or hands-free, while driving, regardless of whether the law allows it or not.

Research done at the University of Utah has shown that only 2.5% of us can truly multitask. This means that 97.5% can't do two or more things at one time and give full attention to all of the tasks engaged in at one time, but many of us probably think we can. I know, as a mom who is forced to multitask much of the day, I like to think I'm in that 2.5%, but if I'm being honest about it, I know I'm not.

Hands-Free Disengagement

Based on this research and other studies, I think that even hands-free options are distracting. Yes, it's true; you can keep your eyes on the road while you make a call, answer a call and have a conversation. The problem is that your brain is engaging with the person on the phone and the conversation you are having, not on the road on which you are driving. You can operate your vehicle and stay within your lane, but your reaction time is delayed: you may miss a turn, an exit, a stop sign, a red light, notice a bit too late that a car is swerving into your lane or a dog or child is darting out from a yard.

An argument that I've heard often is that talking hands-free is no different than having a conversation with a passenger in your vehicle, but there is a crucial difference. A person in your vehicle can see when traffic becomes heavy or when driving conditions have worsened due to weather, etc. The passenger will pick up on these social queues and stop talking or aid the driver in noting a red light or another vehicle careening into your vehicle's lane, etc.

Interesting Choice

Since my stance is that any cell phone use while driving is dangerous, I was a bit surprised when I was contacted to talk with Russell about this hands-free product. However, I went with an open mind and a lot of questions. We sat in the lobby of the dramatic and luxurious W Hotel in downtown Minneapolis to discuss this product. I was disappointed that I did not get a demonstration on a vehicle, as I had been told I would.

Yet, having done my research and emailed my friends at Consumer Reports, I had read about this product and watched a video demonstration for SYNC and the MyFord Touch program that works hand-in-hand with SYNC. I also requested tickets to the Twin Cities Auto Show so that I could see a demonstration of this product and check out other vehicles systems too. So, I was able to do a self-guided demonstration in a Ford vehicle set up for that purpose at the Auto Show.

SYNC

SYNC is convenient and seems to be very simple to set up in your vehicle. Your phone, along with contacts, music files, etc. has to be connected and files downloaded only once. After that, the system will recognize your Bluetooth-enabled phone. The SYNC system itself is relatively simple, having to touch one button on the steering wheel to activate SYNC. Then it just a matter of learning the commands, such as: phone, radio, etc. which the system itself tries to help you with if it doesn't understand the command.

According to the SYNC brochure, this system provides: hands-free calling, texts read aloud (although Russell said it does not do this), music searches, automatic 911 calling should the air bag deploy, vehicle health reports, business directory searches, traffic alerts, turn-by-turn directions, and favorite alerts. SYNC works hand-in-hand with MyFord Touch system which is the 8 inch touch-screen navigation, music, climate control and information system located in the center of the dashboard. With SYNC, MyFord Touch does become voice-activated, as well. I was told, but did not see it demonstrated, that a number of touch-screen options are locked unless the vehicle is in park for added safety.

SYNC is different from many voice-activated systems in vehicles because it can connect to a MP3 Player or iPod and it's powered by Microsoft. This means that you can continue to update your system with new downloads as better programs or new maps and other programs become available. SYNC also supports most smart phones.

Russell agrees that texting in any format, even if it's read/dictated, or using hand-held phones is dangerous. Russell noted that while he wasn't sure of any particular distracted driving tests performed with the SYNC and/or MyFord Touch systems, Ford does conduct rigorous simulated tests on their vehicles as a whole. Russell said that Ford tries to balance safety concerns with the conveniences that drivers want in their vehicles. They feel that SYNC is safe and convenient.

MyFord Touch

I tried out the MyFord Touch with SYNC at the Twin Cities Auto Show. I found that with 2 loud, excited, car-crazed boys in the vehicle with me, SYNC did not always recognize what I was asking it to do. It was able to tune the radio to 89.3 the Current for me and understood a few other commands. It wasn't difficult to touch the button and speak commands, but I did find myself looking at the screen more intently when the system didn't recognize my commands.

Vehicle Manufacturers & Distracted Driving

I did talk to several vehicle manufacturers at the Twin Cities Auto Show. Many of the vehicles in addition to Ford also have voice-activated systems that work with your smart phone to some degree. Most that I spoke with did not have connectivity with MP3 players and/or iPods though. None are powered by Microsoft, setting Ford apart in that respect. It appears that most, if not all of the touch-screen systems do go into lockdown when the car is not in park, as well.

I found that on the whole, the vehicle representatives were not well-versed in their vehicle's voice-activation/touch-screen systems, nor did they have much information to contribute regarding their company's stance on distracted driving, other than to say it's dangerous.

On the back of the SYNC brochure in tiny print it does say, "Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so." Buick also told me that their touch-screen system does have a distracted driving warning message when the car is turned on.

The Scoop

While I will concede that if you absolutely are not able to put your phone down {yet} a hands-free option is better than taking your eyes off the road to use your phone, but not using your phone, hands-free or hand-held, is safest. Here are links to the Consumer Reports article on the Ford systems. Overall, Consumer Reports found SYNC to be helpful, as far as voice-activated systems go, but they thought the MyFord Touch was overly confusing and complicated. Based on my limited experience with it, I concur.

If you don't agree with me, don't worry the laws are in your corner...for now. I liken this to smoking. You know it's not healthy and it's a nasty, stinky habit {and if you don't know this, just trust me; it is}, but you just can't seem to quit. One day, you finally try to quit, maybe your child had told you she doesn't want you to die from cancer; or maybe a close friend or relative has just been diagnosed with cancer. You try, but you still need the nicotine fix; so, you start using the nicotine patches. Little by little, you reduce the amount you need and ever so gently wean yourself off of this addictive drug.

The same goes for cell phone use while driving. You know it's dangerous to you and others on the road, but it's a habit you can't quit...yet. So, go hands-free for a while. Then, maybe one day you'll be ready to stop using the phone in the car; or the laws won't allow it, regardless of how you feel. Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

 

Driving to Distraction Part II: Why Using Your Cell Phone While Driving is a s Dangerous as Driving Drunk

Phone Down; Eyes Up: Distracted Driving Statistics Update & Driver Challenge

A Funny {or not so funny at the time} Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Travel Distractions & a Focus on Things Learned

Side A: Love Songs, Part 1

If music be the food of love, play on. ~ William Shakespeare

What does music have to do with love? Just about everything. Almost every song, regardless of genre or generation, is about love: unrequited love; good love; bad love; long lost love; the magic of love; falling in love; falling out of love; first love; last love; secret love; young love; love after many years, the upside of the love and the downside of love.

Music often sets the stage for falling in love whether it plays in the background at a bar, a restaurant, a movie, a concert or on the car radio; music allows you to get close to your potential new love without words when dancing, holding hands or snuggling; and music can bring back the feelings of first being in love; losing love; hitting some rough patches and making up again. One song can represent all of these things to a couple; or maybe different songs symbolize different phases of a relationship for another couple. Just like every couple's experiences and relationship is unique, so is their song and its meaning.

I ask you, what else can reduce us to tears, puff us up with love and confidence or give us a boost to follow our hearts? What else other than music can make us feel so much?

The Science of Music

I recently read an article about a study done at McGill University that found that listening to music triggers the same pleasure inducing chemicals in the brain as sex does. In this study, volunteers' brains were scanned while they listened to their favorite instrumental music, ranging from classical to punk to bagpipes even. The resulting scans indicated that as the thrilling parts of the music approached, the neurochemical dopamine was released by a part of the brain's striatum region. Once the musical climax occurred, the dopamine surged through a different part of the striatum. Dopamine is the same chemical associated with pleasurable feelings while eating, having sex or using psychoactive drugs.

Still think music isn't so important to love or life and our feelings about things? Think about your favorite love scene in a movie; or any favorite movie scene for that matter? Now take the music away. I bet its affect is not the same. Music adds passion and powerful feelings and emotions.

My World of Music

Music is an important part of my world. I love music and always have. And I thought I had a wide musical range until 89.3 The Current, a Minnesota Public Radio station, went on the air in early 2005. This young station's arrival on the scene coincided with the beginning of my working from home as an independent contractor. I began listening out of curiosity. The Current has now become a part of me; a part of our family; we've been sustaining members for years now. They have opened my eyes {& ears} to so many fabulous artists and musical styles; both locally and worldwide.

The Scoop

Later today, I'll be posting a Q & A with Mark Wheat, Current DJ and host of the Valentine's Day Greatest Love Songs of All Time. Plus I'll have a Motherly Law-style Public Service Announcement regarding MPR and all public stations. Over and out...

Anna

Q & A: Little Nuggets of Information to Tuck Away Until the Next Round of Trivia

Points to Ponder

Some people land on Motherly Law looking for information that's not necessarily on my site, but the key word combinations are in posts on Motherly Law. Since I have spent this week examining search engine traffic and searches, I decided I would answer a few of the search questions that brought people here, but did not lead them to the answers they were seeking.

1. 1.  "Did Lorenzo de Medici have children?"

    

   1. As a matter of fact, he did. According to Wikipedia, Lorenzo de Medici, born in 1449, an Italian politician, diplomat, patron of scholars, poets, and artists and ruler of the Florentine Republic during the Italian Renaissance, had 9 children. Two of his sons went on to become popes. Lorenzo's death in 1492 marked the end of the Golden Age of Florence. For more information on Lorenzo de Medici, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzo_de'_Medici

       

2. "Can toys be bought with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiary money?"

    

   1. According to SSA.gov, SSI is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). SSI is designed to help aged, blind and disabled people, who have little or no income; providing cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. So, the answer is no, you shouldn't use SSI money for toys. For more information on SSI, go to www.SSA.gov/ssi/ .
3. "Cell phones in pool seems dangerous"
   1. The only danger of having your phone in or near the pool is the danger of ruining your phone's battery. If this should happen to you to, don't panic…yet. Try these steps from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-should-i-do-if-i-drop-my-cell-phone-in-water.htm.
4. "Is a temperature of 34 degrees OK in children?"
   1. OK, so I'm going to assume we are talking about 34 degrees Celsius because clearly a Fahrenheit temp of 34 is not OK. The conversion formula for Celsius to Fahrenheit is 9/5 * (Celsius Temp) + 32, so 34 Celsius is 9/5 * (34) +32 which is 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit. And 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit is still not a good temp. Hypothermia can set in at a body temp below 96 degrees Fahrenheit. So, the answer is no, 34 degrees Celsius or 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit is not OK in kids or adults.
   2. *To convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit: Start by taking the number in Celsius and multiply it by 9. Then divide that number by 5, and then add 32. This is how you convert Celsius to Fahrenheit or use the equation F = (9/5) C + 32.

   Source: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_34_degrees_Celsius_in_Fahrenheit

5. "Is it safe to take candy from people on Halloween?"
   1. OK, so you can find the answer to this question on ML. The answer is yes and no. Read these tips from Never Take Candy from Strangers….Except on Halloween: Tips for Trick-or-Treating Safely for more on this subject.

Other Top Read Posts

These posts also get picked up by searches quite frequently. I predict that the bullying posts will soon surpass all others in the amount of search engine traffic. I have been surprised and saddened by how often the grown-up bullies post gets searched and read. Interestingly, the modification of a child support order post was not highly read when I first posted it, yet it gets read by search engine traffic frequently enough to make the top 10 list; coming in at number 5. I'm not surprised the Choosing Work Over Baby post regularly gets picked up by search engines. It's a topic that is ever on the minds of moms.

1. A Change in Circumstance: Modification of a Child Support Order
2. Grown Up Bullies: The Legal Remedies of Adult Bullying
3. We're Not Gonna Take It: Anti-Bullying Laws Leaving Kids Unprotected
4. "Choosing" Work over Baby: The Reality of Parental Leave in the United States

The Scoop

On Saturday, I will post a Saturday Summary regarding Obama's School Lunch Nutrition Bill highlighted in the last Sunday Spotlight. Then, on Sunday I will post a new Sunday Spotlight. I will also be posting a New Year Goals post sometime this weekend. And then next week, I'll get back to business with a topic yet to be determined.

Have a safe and fun New Year's Eve. Don't drink and drive; appoint a designated driver, if you intend to go out and drink; and be cognizant of the weather for the evening, especially here in MN. OK, I feel better now that the bossy, mom and attorney parts of me each got to speak her piece. Over and out…

Anna