A Free Game - to win cash and gift cards

Just thought I would pass this on if you have not seen it.

Netwinner – it is a free site that gives away cash and gift cards – they play ads (so I am guessing that is how they make their money).

http://tinyurl.com/34o6ow

The site let’s you “spin” their wheel 100 times a day and until the end of the month they have 2x, 5x, 10x, 25x the points/cash – the jackpot is over $1,000,000 – they also let you play a Bingo type game 10 times a day… looks like the might be launching some new games next year…

I played yesterday and racked up 10,000 points already! Good Luck Spinning :)
Lisa

Resolve to “Feeling Better” in the New Year

How our mind interprets chronic and annoying (non-life threatening) symptoms is a topic that has recently gained much research and respect in the medical field. Through their successful 6-Week Program, Dr’s Barsky and Deans tackle many of the annoying and often debilitating issues facing a very large, stressed and overworked human population.

If any of the following symptoms sound familiar to you: anxiety, migraines, headaches, stress, depression, fatigue, arthritis, lower back pain, insomnia, indigestion and you have not found relief from your medical provider, I highly recommend reading and following Barsky and Deans “6-Week Mind-Body Program to ease your Chronic Symptoms.”

Through their step-by-step plan you will slowly change the way you perceive your symptoms and the way you approach life. You will spend time reflecting, journaling, becoming more active “in life,” finding and using stress reducing activities on a regular basis, concentrating on better nutrition and discovering an exercise program that will work for you.

In addition to examples and strategies, real-life stories and examples are provided for the reader. This is the type of self-help book that should be read more than once to gain the full benefit and to reinforce positive thinking and goal attainment over a period of time. I challenge you to resolve to “Feeling Better” in the New Year.


“Feeling Better”
By: Arthur Barsky, M.D. & Emily Deans, M.D.
Publisher: Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-076614-6

BathTime - BedTime Fun

The first part is of Anthony playing in the tub and the second part is of Mike reading “Good Night Moon to the Kids before Bed.” This was taken at some point over this past summer… Enjoy :)

Elizabeth & Anthony's 2nd Birthday

ok – so I was pulling off video’s that were on the camera the other day… and found the kids 2nd Birthday party from March!! (I know bad, bad mama)

Most of the family had to cancel coming in for the party because of the terrible snow storm overnight and that morning… but we still went ahead and celebrated. Enjoy :)

Overcoming the Force of Violence

Finding redemption and self forgiveness is the difficult task that is revealed through the history and growth of a young boy that ultimately is able to redeem himself as a grown man.

Through the story of “The Kite Runner”, we read and enjoy the deep friendship and bond between two young boys. Hassan proves over and over his loyalty to Amir, while Amir yearns for his father’s approval and love. This bond is ultimately broken by bullies, fear, confusion and the Afghan rules and society. I felt a closeness to each of the characters in this story and felt as though I was struggling to make decisions with them as they were living their lives. I wanted to give them my input especially to Hassan and Amir. In fact, the character development was told in such a magnificent way that one instance took me by surprise.

This is a brilliantly told story and one that will not be forgotten. As an American, I was taken into an unknown culture. I was intrigued by the author’s descriptions of Afghanistan and the various cities and cultural areas. I enjoyed reading about the preparations for and the kite flying contests that occurred in the Afghan winters of past. I was saddened by the treatment of the less fortunate, the abused and abandoned orphans, and the rampant destruction of property and human life by the Taliban.

The foreshadowing in the plotline was woven in carefully so that the reader was not readily aware that this element would appear in the future. In addition, I was pleased to have several of the plot resolutions end in a way that I had anticipated.

I highly recommend this novel and I am looking forward to the motion picture that is in theaters this month.

The Kite Runner
By Khaled Hosseini
Publisher: Riverhead Books
ISBN: 978-1-59448-000-3

Global Warming - Hype or Real?

Much is being written and said about global warming. The drastic increase in wild fires in the western United States, consuming thousands of acres and hundreds of homes in recent years is just one example cited. Is the evidence for global warming convincing on a world-wide basis or is much of it just hype? What are the major concerns in terms of the economic and human devastation that global climate change could bring? Are there ways to reverse or minimize the trend, and how could humankind "weather" the decades ahead if planetary warming cannot be halted?

If the world population is to move from hype to understanding, there must be a great deal of education involved. The discovery channel, PBS, Al Gore’s movie “An Inconvenient Truth” has started the long process of educating both the young and adults. My personal feeling is that the younger generation is much more inclined to believe the evidence and truly strive to make a difference. I have witnessed the older generations scoffing at the evidence and stating that media, TV, and politicians are causing the hype around the subject of global warming.

If these concerns are not heeded and global warming continues, the potential devastation of all sea-level cities and communities is guaranteed. Climate changes will alter growing seasons and crops in all countries world-wide. In addition, a potential mass extinction of animals and plants that are not adapted for warmer climates is nearly guaranteed.

Alternate energy sources that reduce global warming emissions are of course a high priority for those concerned. Even if we are not able to stop or slow down the warming trend of our planet, it would be wise to continue to adapt cleaner technology to be implemented in the present and future.

What are your thoughts, input, and suggestions?

College on your Mind? Here is a College Planning Tip

Please click on the following link to read my article:

College on your Mind? Here is a College Planning Tip

How did music in the Sixties impact you?

Although I was not born until 1969, I can say that music has always been a part of my life. I remember as a child I had my own record player in my room. One year for Christmas my grandmother asked what I would like and I firmly remember telling her that I wanted a “grown-up” record. I was given an “Alvin and The Chipmunks” record and was very disappointed because this certainly was not grown-up. In spite of my great disappointment, I had a plan.

In the Family Room, my parents had a TV that was enclosed in this beautiful wooden table. The side tops of the table opened up and inside was a record player and records. I would sneak downstairs to borrow my parent’s albums and take them up to my record player since I did not have any “grown-up” records of my own.

I remember listening to music of the 60’s as a child, and wishing these albums were mine to keep in my room. When I was a little older, my mother gave me her collection of 45’s also music from the 60’s. I listened to these little records over and over, never tiring of the “grown-up” music. I’m not sure where these 45’s are now, I may have given them back to my mom or they may be in one of my stored boxes, but I will never forget the music of the 60’s and how it made me feel all grown-up.

Where were you when President Kennedy Was Assassinated?

This is a very interesting reflection topic and one that most anyone that was old enough to recall the assassination would remember for the rest of their lives. This question is similar to ones I’ve seen about 9/11. Of course I remember nearly every moment of the day of 9/11 as I am sure that those that were alive clearly remember the day President Kennedy was assassinated. Although I was not born yet when President Kennedy was assassinated, this does not mean that the day has lost significance with me.

In my early 20’s I was fortunate to be able to travel most of the United States. During my travels I always visited historically significant places, museums, etc. While in Dallas, TX, one of the places I visited was the “X” on the street where Kennedy was fatally shot and a very simple monument that is dedicated in his name nearby.

I have also visited Kennedy’s Eternal Flame located at Arlington Cemetery. While visiting both places, I felt peaceful and thoughtful reverence to our lost president.

"Plane" Jane Discovers Life and Art

“If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend” is a fun, lighthearted story of a young woman finding her own identity with the help of her friends and strength that she finds within herself. “Plane Jane”, as she calls herself, is easily identifiable in most every young woman. She is single, has relationship issues, resents her boss, dislikes a co-worker, is bored with her mundane life and is having difficulty finding meaning in her chosen career. These real life issues are so very common among young women that the character of Jane is easy to identify with, even if the reader has moved passed this phase of their life; it can bring back so many individual memories from the readers past.

This novel is centered on the theme of art. However, the reader does not need to know anything about art to enjoy this heartwarming story. This Novel is not a true romance story; it is more in the category of “chick-lit.” However, I would imagine many men would also enjoy Jane’s quirky nature and her experiences in the art world.

I found that this was a very quickly paced novel as Jane and the famous artist Ian traveled around the globe promoting Ian’s artwork. I was eager to read of their adventures together and the mishaps along the way. I was very please by Jane’s character development throughout this story. She began as a very week and uncertain individual who needed to rely on others. In the end, she was transformed into a strong woman who knew exactly what she wanted out of life and carrier and was able to vocalize her feelings and solve her own problems.

One major theme presented in this novel is to always think positive of situations that may seem negative or not fit into our plans. You may find unexpected growth in yourself by remaining positive and finding the “good” in all situations.

“If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend”
By Alison Pace
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 0-425-20024-8

A Fun Read with Great Food, Wine, and Company

Right of the bat I am going to admit that I am not into sports novels or sports stories. However, Grisham has once again sucked me into a book that I would normally not read or even pick up off the shelf. Football is the overlying theme with good, no…. great food. It must have been the great Italian food and wine that kept me reading… right?

As we learn about Rick Dockery’s pathetic football carrier which continues through much of the first half of the book, you have to wonder if anyone who plays a sport so poorly and for the NFL could actually exist. Throughout the novel, Rick grows in so many different directions. Italy will certainly leave a permanent mark on this character. He finds friends, a great girl, contentment, and even improves his game. There is truly growth in his character leaving us to wonder where his next adventure will lead.

Throughout this novel, and through Rick, the reader learns a little about the NFL, but mostly about Italian football, life, food, wine and sites. This short novel is quickly paced and I found I was eager to continue on with Rick and his adventures throughout Italy.

Unlike Grisham’s normal crime, court and lawyer novels, “Playing for Pizza” proved to be a wonderful short read that inspires us to keep working hard, even if we are struggling and want to give up.

“Playing for Pizza”
By John Grisham
Publisher: Doubleday
ISBN: 978-0-385-52500-8

What role does the United States have in curtailing Global Climate Change?

As a science Teacher, one important lesson that is discussed, researched and debated in my classroom is the topic of Global Warming and the destruction of the Ozone layer. This controversial topic is not only debated in classrooms but it is also being debated by politicians and scientists around the world. My question is what role does the United States have in curtailing Global Climate Change?



Feel free to respond at the following link:

What role does the United States have in curtailing Global Climate Change