The Front Entrance Blog

Teachers are supposed to educate students during school, not tend to personal business. The majority of teachers do take the job seriously, but there are some who just don’t have time for students or classwork. Parents and students have every reason to be concerned since grades at the high school level impact the student psychologically and academically. Performance is also recorded in the student’s permanent record.

Clues that a Teacher is Not Doing His or Her Job

Teenagers in secondary schools can’t always be relied upon to show parents schoolwork or classroom test results. However, parents need only to listen to teens talking among themselves to get an idea of what’s going on in school. Listen to what your teen says, especially while carpooling or when teens gather in the kitchen:

• The teen brags to friends that a particular class is “easy” and one doesn’t have to do classwork or homework. A “bird course” is a class students say they can fly right through without doing any work.
• When parents inquire about a particular course, the student never seems to have any homework assignments, plus he or she never has any class work to show or test results.
• The student talks or complains about how a teacher brought her baby or small child to class … again. The teacher does child care in class a lot, even on test days, and the small child is never still or quiet.
• The student mentions he or she had a substitute because the teacher was out of town, or was taking care of some other business … again. Teacher absences seem to happen frequently.
• The student outright complains that he or she does not get what’s going on in class because all the teacher does is say, “Read the chapter and answer the questions at the end.” There is no lecture, no teacher interaction or explanation of the work.
• Teacher cell phone abuse is a constant distraction. The teen complains that he or she is not allowed to have a cell phone at school, but a particular teacher is constantly making or getting calls during class and stays on the phone almost all period.
• The teen comes home bored and/or frustrated, and complains they had to watch yet another movie in class. What’s more, the movie had no relevance whatsoever to the class material.
• The student comes home and talks non-stop (gossip) about every aspect of a teacher’s personal life.

A Student’s Grade Point Average and Self Image are Affected by Teacher Performance

Students at the secondary school level are required by individual state laws to take proficiency tests and pass those tests before he or she can graduate from high school. If a teacher is not doing his job because of repeated absences, personal obligations, and constant interruptions, then how is the student supposed to learn the material required to pass a state exam?

The teenager who is not grasping the class work because a teacher refuses to incorporate lectures and allow discussions, both in addition to written work, is being deprived of an appropriate education. Failing tests, or even scoring low on standard state-wide tests, harms the student’s confidence and self image. When grades slip, stress and anxiety result, especially for college-bound teens.

The parent who listens closely to what his child has to say about school will learn how well a teacher is performing in class. Parents who are concerned about teacher performance in class have every reason to step in and question what’s being taught in the classroom and how the material is being presented.

Students should also be aware that flying through a course made easy by an irresponsible teacher might cost valuable grade points on future state exams. The majority of secondary school teachers are passionate and competent in their work, but it only takes a few unfocused educators to harm a student’s future.

I’ve started cutting coupons to reduce the household grocery bill. I have very limited storage space and I refuse to go dumpster diving for Sunday newspaper coupons, so don’t look for me on the TV reality show “Extreme Couponing”. If I did have a lot of room to spare, I would pass on the sports drinks, disposable razors and such. I’d stock up on cleaning items I regularly use, diet Pepsi, dry foods with lengthy expiration dates, soap powder and canned/jars of food I use all the time.

I love a good bargain as much as anyone, but I think the TV series is a bit deceiving to viewers. Rarely do stores double coupons anymore. Rarely do coupons have a “no expiration” date. And furthermore, most coupons are very stringent about what size item is required for purchase and how many one has to buy to get the cents off. I prefer to find coupons for necessities on my grocery list, not buy items I’ve never tried before or brands I’ve never heard of. Perhaps my frugal behavior stems from having such a limited income. I have to be rigid about everything I buy and there’s no room for extras or error.

Couponing at Any Level Is One Way to Save Money on Your Grocery Bill

I went online yesterday with grocery list in front of me, and searched for items I needed for the upcoming month. After about a half-dozen failed attempts to find a coupon for Blue Plate mayonnaise, I moved on to Prego spaghetti sauce. No luck after searching 5 pages of Google results. The same thing happened when I searched for Baker’s cocoa, my favorite Special K cereal (low-fat granola), and a few other things that are rather costly. No luck.

I joined several coupon sites (at no cost) where I could print coupons. I am now a member of Kraft, Kellogg’s, Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, Birdseye and some other sites. Hopefully, the time I spent filling out forms will reap some valuable cents-off coupons within the next few weeks. I must say that I’m a little discouraged at what I couldn’t find, namely coupons to match my grocery list. To make matters worse, my local grocery store (Winn Dixie) isn’t listed on anyone’s coupon codes list. I’m thinking about buying a Sunday paper subscription, but have to wonder if I’ll use enough coupons from that source to make it worthwhile.

Don’t misunderstand, I think extreme couponing is great, especially for those who stock up hundreds of free items to send to our military men and women overseas, or donate them to local churches, food banks and shelters. I’m just saying that I wish I could find coupons online for the things I need right now (although I did find a coupon for sugar). I believe this is the reason that more people don’t join the couponing craze; it’s nearly impossible to get a good coupon for specific things you need. (Printing coupons can get expensive if done regularly; think of the paper and cost of ink used.)

I’ll continue to print, clip and carry my coupons to the store. It’s kind of fun, actually. I did save about $8.00 on my first trip two weeks ago. We’ll see how I do in December. Readers are welcome to share their coupon strategies here; perhaps I’ve missed some good online places to find coupons. Besides online sources, I take advantage of coupon dispensers in the store aisles and I look for coupons in the magazines I sometimes buy (Women’s Day, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping and All You*). I also check inside product boxes to see if any coupons have been printed on the inside of the box.

Maybe I’ll invest in a 3-ring binder to hold my increasing coupon collection. Today I’ll try the Nestle website to see if I can find coupons there. I’m willing to keep at it as long as I can save money, whether it’s a little or a lot. Perhaps I’ll even drop a few hints to my kids that I’d like a Sunday/Wednesday newspaper subscription for Christmas!

*UPDATE: All You magazine has coupons galore, plus there’s a new tool where shoppers can use their grocery lists to find coupons.

How about brining a turkey this Thanksgiving! Brine is a solution made with salt, sugar, water and seasonings. Soaking meat for hours in brine enhances the flavor and makes the meat tender and juicy. Can you brine a Butterball turkey? What turkeys should not be brined?

What Is a Brine?

Brine is a lot like a marinade. The preparation method can be used on many different types of meat, vegetables, fowl and some types of seafood. Like marinade, seasoning brine is simply a matter of preference or taste. What exactly is brine? Put simply, brine is seasoned and salted water. Some cooks even add orange juice, apple juice, beer or some other preferred liquid to flavor the water.

Is it hard to brine a turkey? Not at all! I tried it 3 years ago and now it’s the only method I use to cook the Thanksgiving turkey.

Make Your Own Turkey Brine or Search Popular Brine Recipes (Links Provided at the Bottom)

Brine a Turkey for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Any Occasion

It doesn’t matter if the turkey is to be roasted, fried or smoked. Brine the turkey first for the juiciest results. Before you get started, there are a few steps—guidelines for brining a turkey:

1. Do not brine a “self-basting” or “kosher” turkey. These birds are already prepared.
2. Kosher salt is preferred over table salt in brine.*
3. Plan to start the brine process the day or evening before the holiday meal. Allow 1 hour of brine time for each pound of turkey. (I.e. a 16 lb. turkey is going to take 16 hours to brine.) Remember to allow for cooking time (and 20 mins. for “resting”) when you’re calculating what time dinner will be served.
4. Have the proper equipment. The turkey has to be completely submerged in the water, so use a large plastic container, a stainless-steel stockpot, clean pail, or brining bag (best for larger turkeys). Some people use an insulated cooler for brining big birds.
5. Remember the bird has to be refrigerated – kept at 40 degrees F. or less. If not refrigerated, then add bagged ice (so as not to dilute the brine) to the container to keep the contents cold.
6. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before submerging in the brine.
7. Don’t forget to remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity!

*Why use kosher salt? According to the Betty Crocker website, in the article “A Fine Brine“, “Kosher salt does not have iodine or anti-caking agents (which table salt does), so it has a more subtle, clean flavor.” And, “Kosher salt is more coarse and less “salty” than table salt, so you’ll want to use a bit less table salt than you would kosher salt.”

Completely Thawed Turkey Soaking in Brine

A Few Words About the Brine

Be certain the salt and sugar are completely dissolved in the water. Some people like to boil the salt/sugar mixture in water first and then let it cool completely before adding the bird. Otherwise:

• Add seasonings and wine as desired, but don’t use seasonings with salt in turkey brine recipes or the bird will be too salty to eat. There are some links to brine recipes listed at the end of the article.
• It isn’t necessary to rinse the bird before cooking (according to Butterball turkey experts).
• Safely dispose of the brine; do not reuse.

Can You Brine a Butterball Turkey?

Yes you can! There are instructions for making turkey brine on the Butterball website, plus the Butterball turkey expert operators confirm that Butterball turkeys can be brined. Operators for the Butterball turkey helpline will gladly answer product questions @ 1-800-BUTTERBALL (800-288-8372) Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time).

Basic Brine Recipe and How to Brine a Turkey

Here is an easy basic brine recipe for a 16 lb. turkey:

Ingredients for brine solution:

• 2 cups kosher salt
• 1 cup sugar

The day (or evening) before the holiday:

Dissolve salt and sugar in a gallon of water in the stock pot or other container. Remove wrappings and place thawed turkey in the container. Add enough cold water to completely cover the turkey. Place in refrigerator overnight or sixteen hours prior to cooking.

The basic brine doesn’t have any specific flavorings, but it will make the meat tender and juicy. Follow the recipe links below for flavored poultry and turkey brine.

Thanksgiving Turkey

How to Roast a Turkey (Brined or Not)

Roasting a turkey isn’t as complicated as it might sound. Preparing the bird for Thanksgiving or Christmas is a sort of “right of passage” for a new cook – especially a new wife. The following recipe and instructions can be used even if the turkey wasn’t brined first.

Ingredients for roasting a turkey:

• 1 stick butter cut into 8 pieces
• 2 large onions, peeled and chopped
• 2-4 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 2 or 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 cup white wine

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity.
3. Rinse the turkey thoroughly and place on a rack in the roasting pan.
4. Carefully push the pats of butter under the skin (4 on each side) on the breast. (I do this even with a Butterball.)
5. Loosely fill the turkey cavity with about half the celery and carrots, one sprig of thyme and one onion.
6. Arrange the remaining vegetables and thyme around the turkey in the pan.
7. Pour the wine over the vegetables in the pan.
8. Cover the turkey with a foil tent to prevent the skin from browning too quickly. Remove the foil thirty minutes before the turkey is done to allow the skin to brown.
9. Allow 15 minutes roasting time per pound of meat. A 16 lb. turkey takes around 4 hours to cook. The bird is done when thigh juices run clear (not pink). Or, test with a meat thermometer: Butterball experts recommend 180 degrees F. when the thermometer is placed deep in the thigh.*
10. Allow the turkey to stand for 20 minutes before carving.

* Please note that brined turkeys can cook a little faster (30 mins. or so) than regular cooking methods, so it’s best to use a meat thermometer to test for doneness.

Don’t Forget Safe Food Handling Instructions for Turkeys

Preparing a turkey with brine adds flavor to the bird and is an easy way to add seasonings. Prepared correctly, the brine ensures a moist tender turkey that’s sure to be a hit for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Follow instructions carefully for handling turkey or any kind of raw meat. Cook turkey to the correct temperature, store leftovers in the refrigerator and be sure to have a safe holiday celebration.

Links to Brine Recipes for Turkey

Half the fun of using brine is experimenting with many different seasonings. Both the Betty Crocker website and the Butterball website have turkey brine recipes. (See the links in the article). Here are more links from trusted food sites:

1. All Recipes.com turkey brine recipe (uses sea salt).
2. Cook’s Illustrated brine recipe.
3. Food Network.com brine recipe.
4. ABC News Good Morning America brine recipe with “how to” video.

Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Looking for a suitable gift for a child who has special needs? The link takes you to an article of mine that introduces 10 tips for choosing toys for children differently-abled.

Want to know more? Check out Lekotek for additional information on how to choose a toy for a child who’s disabled.

I wrote the article for Suite101 a few years ago, but the tips for buying toys for children with disabilities are still worth noting today. Lekotek is a big influence in what goes into the Toys-R-Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids.

I don’t know why Toys-R-Us doesn’t advertise or put a link to the differently-abled toy guide on their site’s home page. It’s hard enough trying to find suitable toys for kids disabled without having to search through site maps and other pages to find the section you’re looking for. The guide can be used by family, friends, schools, relatives and agencies searching for holiday gifts for children physically and/or mentally disabled.

What do you buy for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease (or other form of dementia)? To begin, it depends on what stage of the disease the person is in. Buying a gift for a person in the early stages of Alzheimer’s shouldn’t be any more difficult than choosing something for the person without the disease.

Painting

Persons in the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s benefit from things that help them remember the past. Music and the arts offer a superb way to enhance memory function. In fact, painting is recognized as one of the best methods for stimulating memory and has become quite a popular program for Alzheimer’s patients.

“I Remember Better When I Paint”.

Even if your loved one has never shown any interest in painting, it might be worth buying a few paint supplies to see what he or she can accomplish.

Music

Music is one of the last memory functions to be affected by Alzheimer’s. Finding music from a favorite time period is easy if you look online. You can even make your own CDs to give as gifts by downloading music and burning it to a disk. So what was popular before today’s rock ‘n roll? The big band era, for one. Swing, jazz and easy-listening music were also popular. Classic rock from the 1950s and 60s offers a huge selection of favorites. Or, go back to the 40s and 50s with big names like Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Pat Boone and many many more great artists.

Scrap Booking

What better way to bring history to life than through scrap booking. This is a great way to record events that the elderly person experienced. Print pictures from online sources—the first moon landing (1969), images from WWII, photos of Elvis Presley and more. Select a few antique and historical magazines or other media that contain photos of items and events from the past. Record in writing whatever personal stories the elderly person remembers.

More Gift Ideas for the Person with Alzheimer’s Disease

How about a favorite cologne or after-shave? Here are a few more gift suggestions for the person with Alzheimer’s.

• A wall painting (Landscape, seascape or other picture the loved one would find pleasing.)
• Did the aged person love to cook? A cookbook with lots of pictures might just bring a smile. Any type of book with nostalgic pictures might stir old memories.
• A nice outfit or piece of jewelry. It’s still important to look good in spite of the disease.
• Plants and gardening supplies. Gardening is a great way to spend time with the senior and it’s relaxing. If outdoor gardening isn’t an option, then try indoor gardening with just a few favorite plants.
• Word game books. Depending on the stage of the disease, even the easiest crossword puzzle books can be entertaining and fun to do with caregivers or grandchildren.

What kind of gift do you buy for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease? The kind they would enjoy receiving, of course. Present him or her with a favorite casserole or other favorite dish. Perhaps Grandma always loved the pound cake you made during the holidays; it would make a great gift for her now. Did Grandpa love to go fishing and grill the catch afterward? Then find a local seafood restaurant that grills fish and either take him out to eat or bring a take-home dinner to him.

Be creative when choosing a gift for a loved one who is coping with Alzheimer’s disease. Be sensitive to what they like, as well as what they can and can no longer do. If Grandma loves old Clark Gable movies, then get on the Internet and see what you can find (Amazon & E-bay are good starting points). If Grandpa is still as spry as ever and loves athletics, then a Nintendo Wii with fitness games might be right up his alley.

Enjoy the holidays with the elderly loved one(s) in your life. Take the time to think through your gift selections and this could be the best Christmas ever.

Perhaps the current state of the economy in the U.S. will bring new waves of innovation—the kind of imagination that made us the number one world leader. We’ve all had to take a step (or two) back to see what other paths to survival are available. Taking new roads has led us to think “outside the box”.  We are not just a nation of thinkers, but are also a population of doers. We have had to look at the past and relearn how to be innovative if we are to remain on top as an individual and as a whole nation.

Creative thinking and the ability to produce the unexpected is what separates us from the rest of the world. An essay by Walter Isaacson, from The New York Times Sunday Review gives insight to creativity and imagination as it applies to “good old American know-how”. It reflects the ingenuity of Steve Jobs and other inspirational Americans who have stood at the intersection of the humanities and the sciences, and have thus achieved the greatest inventions in all of mankind.

Read “The Genius of Jobs” published yesterday (Oct. 29, 2011).

It doesn’t hurt to upgrade the safety rules for trick-or-treating as new concerns arise. Halloween is a fun time for children and adults, but precautions are necessary to ensure everyone stays safe.

Parents, please read the tips shown here and go over Halloween safety rules well in advance of the big day.

General Safety Tips for Halloween Trick-or-Treat:

• Don’t go trick-or-treating alone. It’s just not safe, no matter how old you are.
• Stick to familiar neighborhoods. Walking at night is a lot easier when you know the territory.
• Plan your trick-or-treat route. Parents, don’t forget … little goblins tire quickly and won’t be able to go as far or last as long as the older kids.
• If your child is trick-or-treating as part of a group, make sure you know the adult(s) who’s in charge. The person should be dependable and responsible. Know where the group plans to go and make it clear that you don’t want any last-minute changes in the game plan.
• No running! Kids get excited, but running can lead to falls and put a damper on the fun. Incidentally, don’t cut across lawns; you may not see small yard ornaments or a depression in the lawn that could cause a fall.
• Only trick-or-treat at houses that are well-lit. Look for porch lights turned on or Halloween lights and decor.
• Avoid fenced residences where dogs are running loose. Even friendly dogs can be spooked (frightened) by strange costumes and Halloween noises, and may attack.
• Children (even the older ones) should never enter a stranger’s house for any reason, even to get candy.
• Except for the adult in charge, leave cell phones at home. Cell phones can be a real distraction to kids who should be watching for traffic and other hazards. The adult in charge doesn’t want to get distracted either, and should only use the cell phone for emergencies.

Halloween Costume Safety Tips

• Make sure each child carries a light. Glow necklaces and bracelets make children easier to see, too. Reflective tape on costumes/clothing make it easier for drivers to see a child.
• Wear shoes that fit well. A child wearing heels or clunky shoes as part of a costume isn’t going to last long walking the streets. Loose shoes like flip-flops and costume boots that are too big can cause a child to trip or fall.
• Avoid costumes that drag the ground. A cape, flowing gown or dragon’s tail might look cute, but the material can get caught on bushes and fences.
• Choose costumes for young children that are bathroom-friendly. No explanation needed.
• Don’t wear a mask or complicated head gear. Both can limit a child’s ability to see. Wear make-up instead. Some masks can make it difficult for a child to breathe, too.
• Allow only flexible costume props that can’t cause injury. And parents, unless the prop (sword, etc.) has a “holder” attached to the costume, be prepared to carry said prop after you’ve visited the first house on your route.

Safety Tips for Halloween Candy

• Never allow a child to eat candy while trick-or-treating. All treats should first be checked by an adult. Toss unwrapped items and pieces that don’t look right.
• Avoid eating while walking … period. It’s easy for a child to get distracted by the food or even choke.
• Carry bottled water if your trick-or-treat route is a long one. Or, plan ahead with a trusted neighbor to have a pit stop where your kids can rest a minute, use the bathroom and get a drink of water.
• Avoid homemade treats from strangers. Yes, there are still some mean people out there who hide things in candy.
• If you don’t want to walk the streets, then take advantage of malls, churches, schools and public service groups in your community that are offering a safe alternative to trick-or-treat.

Have a wonderful Halloween this year and be sure to follow the safety rules.

Want more? Check out my other Halloween articles:

“Teenage Drivers Use Extra Caution on Halloween”

“Halloween Music for Parties and Celebrations”

“Halloween Safety Tips for Residents and Homeowners”

“Halloween Party Ideas for Grownups on a Budget”

Mary King Books

Check out the Google site I made. I’m still working on these books, but progress at times is painfully slow.

I’m going to go ahead and post this article, though it’s not finished and rambles a bit. It’s getting close to Halloween and people are looking for costume ideas. I’ll add more entries here as I think of them. In the meantime, please bear with me. Thanks!

A Halloween costume can be a real-life person you admire, a fictional character from a book or movie, an animal, or even a material thing like a scarecrow, remote control or pack of gum. Witches, vampires, zombies, devils, ghosts, skeletons, werewolves, mummies, Frankenstein and (unfortunately) Freddie Krueger are costume ideas that still rock. So do gypsies, movie stars, ballerinas, princesses, Luke Skywalker, and other memorable Halloween characters.

Choosing the right Halloween costume can be fun – it shouldn’t be an ordeal. Check what’s available in department stores and party stores. You might even consider making your own Halloween costume. Some costumes are timeless, while others come and go like fads.

One of the popular Halloween costumes for little kids this year (2011) is the condiment pack (think fast-food restaurants and those little little mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise packs.) Don’t forget the traditional doggie, kitty, chicken, bunny, Chip and Dale (chipmunks), Yogi Bear, Micky and Minnie Mouse, Ariel the mermaid, and other cute kid costumes. Turtle outfits are cute too, and I’ve seen gator outfits (I live in Florida. Maybe I should add python costumes here, too).

The TV and film industries have seen the return of a few classic Halloween costumes for adults – outfits for characters from the “Flintstones”, Lion King, Batman, Spiderman and such.  Consider other popular names (and groups) for costume ideas – people like Dolly Parton, Oprah, Donald Trump, Rocky Balboa, the cast from “Sex and the City”, and the “Golden Girls”. The choices are virtually unlimited when it come to Hollywood Halloween characters. “Jersey Shore” cast costumes are available, as are Tiger Woods outfits.

Still can’t decide what to wear this Halloween? The choice depends on your age of course, your personality and whether you’ll be attending a Halloween party or walking the streets. Here are a few Halloween costume categories to get you started. Some ideas overlap, so be sure to check out all the categories. Some of the Halloween costume suggestions below can be applied to groups, families and couples.

Classic Oldies Halloween Costumes for Adults:

Vintage super-hero character choices are still popular: Batman (and Robin; Joker, Cat woman, Penguin, etc.), Superman, Spiderman, Captain America, Wonder Woman, The Lone Ranger (and Tonto). Heroes and villains offer great Halloween costume ideas.  Try dressing up as Bigfoot, the blob or the creature from the black lagoon.

Tarzan and Jane would make a hot Halloween costume combination for a couple. Marge and Homer Simpson – definitely funny stuff.  Incidentally, if you plan on wearing a naughty Halloween costume, you might want to read one of my other articles: “Naughty Halloween Costumes Are Not Always a Nice Idea“.

And then we have a few more tame ideas to share: Snow White, Prince Charming, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Star Trek (original series with Capt. Kirk, Spock, Uhura, etc.), and The Wizard of Oz characters, circus clowns, scary clowns, 101 Dalmatians (Cruella De Vil), Aladdin and so on.

More Popular Characters from the Past for Adults:

Lucy and Ricky Ricardo (Fred & Ethel Mertz), The Cartwrights from Bonanza (Ben, Hoss, Little Joe and Adam), John Wayne, Charlton Heston (Ben Hur or Moses).

Vintage Cartoon and Comedy Show Characters:

Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Foghorn Leghorn, Muppet characters, Sesame Street characters, Fred and Wilma Flintstone (Pebbles), Barney & Betty Rubble (Bamm-Bamm), Gomez and Morticia Addams (Pugsly and Wednesday, Uncle Fester, Grandmama, Thing, Lurch), The Munsters: Herman, Lily, Marilyn, Eddie and Grandpa. Fast-forward to the “Happy Days” gang, Steve Urkel and other TV favorites.

Got a favorite reality TV show? Get creative and dress like a hoarder (“Hoarding, Buried Alive”), or crab fisherman (“Deadliest Catch”).

Don’t forget these:

• Gilligan’s Island crew: Skipper, Gilligan, Professor, Mr. & Mrs. Howell, MaryAnn and Ginger
• Peanuts gang: Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Sally, Schroeder, Pigpen, the little red-haired girl, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Franklin, etc.

Vintage Movie Characters for Halloween Costumes:

• Grease (John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John)
• Gone with the Wind (Captain Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara)
• Camelot (King Arthur, Guenevere, Lancelot, Merlyn)
• The Sound of Music (Maria, Capt. Von Trapp, Children)

Other actors with Halloween reputations: Marilyn Monroe, Mario and Luigi (and Princess Peach),

Law Enforcement and Criminal Characters for Halloween Costumes:

Jon and Ponch from “CHIPS”, Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty from “Gunsmoke”, Lt. Columbo in “Columbo”, Daisy Duke, Boss Hogg from “The Dukes of Hazzard”, ”Dragnet” stars Bill Gannon and Joe Friday. Don’t overlook the newer stuff too, like popular “Law and Order” characters.

Recent Halloween Costume Ideas (No particular order or category)

• President Obama
• Cast of Fame
• High School Musical
• “Wizards of Waverly Place” (Selena Gomez)
• Wrestling entertainment heroes past and present: Hillbilly Jim, Junkyard Dog, Andre the Giant, Rick Steamboat, Undertaker, Percy Pringle, John Cena, The Rock, Big Show, Vince McMahon, Vickie Guerrero, or one of the gorgeous divas.
• Lady GaGa
• “Simpsons” characters for a family (Bart, Homer, Lisa, Maggie, Marge)
• Police officer, Fireman, Postman or other civil service worker (naughty versions available for adults). Remember the sexy postman at the beginning of Sister Act 2?
• Teacher
• Pirates of the Caribbean (Johnny Depp)
• “Spongebob Squarepants” and the whole Bikini Bottom crew
• Harry Potter
• Hannah Montana
• Dora the Explorer
• Bible characters like Hercules, Moses, Adam & Eve, etc.
• Headless horseman (Ichabod Crane)
• Roman Gladiator
• Rock group singer
• Cowboy
• Doctor or nurse
• Country music star
• Burlesque entertainer
• Hawaiian dancer, belly dancer
• Karate kid
• Body builder
• Robin Hood
• Betty Boop
• Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

It’s no secret that America treats disgracefully her elderly population. Support group meetings are a necessary part of the Alzheimer’s journey. Such events need funding, but are not likely to get it in the states. Alzheimer’s cafes are springing up in other countries that respect their elders. Why are we so indifferent when it comes to caring for seniors? Did the older generation forget to teach its offspring how to care?

Cure for Cancer – Can Double Suicide Virus be the Answer?“>

“Chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Jae-Ho Kim of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI has been researching a new cancer treatment, the “Double-Suicide Gene Therapy” called “Theragene.” The virus, Ad-tk/cd, can only disseminate within cancer cells and is programmed to destroy itself after the death of its carrier cancer cell, greatly reducing the risk of any possible side-effects.”

Imagine what an amazing breakthrough this would be for cancer victims. I wonder how long it will be before the public has access to the treatment and if a lot of bureaucratic red tape will force victims diagnosed with cancer to wait several years or more for treatment. Keep an eye out for cancer testing projects that will use human volunteers.

Put an end to Alzheimer’s disease by 2020!

It’s not just the victim who gets Alzheimer’s disease, but is also the spouse, son, daughter, niece or nephew who’s taken on the role of caregiver.

How Hard Can It Be?

How hard can it be, you ask, to assume the duties of a full-time caregiver for someone whose brain deteriorates a little more each day?

Imagine having to keep an eye on your parent/patient all the time, 24/7. The patient has to sleep, you argue. No, they don’t have to sleep, or at least it seems that way when you (the caregiver) are so dog-tired you wonder which of you will die first. You install door alarms. They rip them down. You try to show compassion. They don’t recognize you most times, and physically fight back when you try to assist them in some way. Your frustration level is already off the chart and it’s only 9 a.m.

Your faltering parent forgets how to put on her clothes; worse yet, she wanders outside without any clothes on. You have to feed her because she can’t remember how to do it herself. You bathe her, perform hygiene care, do the cooking, cleaning and everything else that needs to be done. You pray the respite worker you’re getting through an agency will have some clue as to how difficult it is to bring your loved one back inside the house once she gets outside.

You put away mirrors because they only create anxiety. Your loved one doesn’t recognize herself anyway, and you have aged ten years in the last six months. You’d rather not look at yourself or see what all the extra work has done to you. You wish someone else in the family would volunteer for respite time, bring over a casserole to give you a break in the kitchen, offer to do the grocery shopping or at least pitch in and mow the lawn so you won’t have to sneak a few moments here and there to do it.

You dread your loved one’s visit to the doctor tomorrow. Driving and restraining a strong elderly person who’s trying to escape isn’t safe. The doctor wanted you to start a journal and record all the changes in your loved one’s behavior. He believes the brain deterioration is worse than what he originally thought. You tried to explain that very thing to him at the last visit, but what the hell do you know? And does he really think you have enough free time to write down anything?

You wonder how some people do it … celebrities on TV who’ve been through Alzheimer’s with a parent or other loved one and have had the privilege of doing the care giving. They all say their journey was a joyful time to bond again with the person they cared for. Sorry, but you don’t agree; and bonding is out of the question. Your parent doesn’t know who you are anymore. Do those celebrities who tell their stories on TV really think they’re helping “REAL” caregivers like yourself who have to manage alone?

Does being wiped out all the time, feeling isolated and numb, and feeling guilty because you don’t have the same perspective as the above-mentioned celebrities, make you a bad person? Do you care anymore what people think? You’re just trying to get through one more day.

You remember the career you had to put on hold. You think of the benefits you lost at work when you became a full-time caregiver. You wonder if any of your friends ever think about you. You wonder why your ill parent didn’t plan for the future and how you can’t afford the things you need. You figure and re-figure a budget that can’t be stretched anymore. You wonder if this is all a bad dream from which you can’t escape.

If you do manage to survive another day, you go on praying for the strength to continue … or a miracle. The washer just broke down and it’s out of warranty. The caregiver agency just called and said the respite worker can’t make it, and they have no one else available right now. You get a letter from an old girlfriend who’s bursting with great news about the cruise she’s taking.

You wonder why God was too busy to listen to you today. And you carry on.

As we pay tribute to those who perished in the World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001, the airline flight crews and passengers, and the uniformed and volunteer rescuers, be sure to remember the K-9 heroes of 9/11 and their handlers, too.

A moving tribute to the Search and Rescue (SAR), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), government, military and private citizen SAR dogs and handlers that answered America’s call on September 11, 2001.

AHAF is seeking part-time volunteers who are motivated, caring people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of people impacted by diseases that affect their mind or vision. Check out these opportunities to help advance research and public information activities aimed at ending these diseases.

Administrative Support
CFC Event Ambassador
Video Producer/Editor
Photographers/Videographers
Media Assistant

Click the link provided above to learn more!

According to a message tweeted by the Kessler Foundation, only 21% of Americans with disabilities are employed.

My young adult daughter is taking part in a “Skills” program for high school graduates. She goes to the high school each day and the students are driven as a group to various jobs around town. She’s also worked in the school cafeteria. Because of her various neurological and profound mental disabilities, she needs supervision.

Last year, as a senior in school, she was involved in a work program, too. Twice a week she would be bused to the local animal shelter to help feed and water the cats and dogs there. I so wish she could find a paying job similar to the animal shelter work. She really loved it.

My daughter wants very much to work and earn money, but it seems that beyond the school program (non-paying), there is little chance of that happening. She can only attend the current program until she reaches her 22nd birthday.

There are so many others like her that want to work—that would gladly show up everyday, be on time, and not complain—but the majority of employers have neither the time nor the patience to put up with them.

My daughter can get involved with the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) in our area, I suppose. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) might be of some help when the time comes (she’s already involved with APD for other reasons). I just hope someone some day will see my daughter’s eagerness to work for hire and give her the chance she deserves.

Should applicants who are deaf be allowed to serve in the U.S. military? Not at the front lines perhaps, but what about behind the lines such as in computer intelligence?

There’s a double standard too, as Keith Nolan points out in the above video. Soldiers who lose their hearing in battle are allowed to stay.

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HOPE EVERYONE STAYS SAFE AND OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL

Find out what people and groups in your area are doing to aid hurricane victims. Check Red Cross, Salvation Army, local churches and more!

It’s not a good idea to ignore a mandatory evacuation order, but that’s just what 92 seniors did in a New England apartment complex. They believe they’ll be just fine where they are (they all appeared competent enough and could be described as “spry” even). One said their medical conditions were a deciding factor in staying home. Another said that staying home was better than being shuffled off to someplace unknown for an undetermined amount of time.

Special-needs shelters are generally less-crowded than regular shelters; but still, there’s not much privacy. Older people love their privacy; I know all about that myself. The small group of seniors being interviewed couldn’t be swayed by the buses being provided for them, free meals, a cot or the safety of being sheltered with others.

It wasn’t just power outages and no elevator service that worried authorities who tried to pry the stubborn seniors from their apartment homes. It was the fear of glass being blown out of windows and the injuries it could cause. Beyond that there was the risk of flying debris. And what if the building’s upper floors succumbed to the prolonged high winds and pounding rain? The area was determined to be a flood zone, so that was another issue.

I sure hope those seniors make it through the storm with no problems. I hope they realize that no emergency services will be available to come to their rescue if need be. I hope that if one or more of them does have to be rescued, that another victim won’t lose his or her life because the rescue teams were busy with the apartment rescue (that could have been avoided in the first place). I hope the seniors have plenty of supplies to do them for what might be a long while.

All eyes are on New York City as Hurricane Irene takes aim with continued deadly force. As of this entry, 9 people have died (one had a heart attack) since the storm reached the mainland. NYC looks like a ghost town with no people on the streets. The city’s entire transit system shut down—subways, buses and anything that moved, practically. No incoming flights to New York until the city is mobile again (passengers flying in would have no way to get to where they’re going).

Good luck, New York, Boston, Philly and all those who have yet to go through the storm. Our prayers are with you.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those who are facing Hurricane Irene. Already dubbed a “historical catastrophic hurricane” and “The Storm of the Century” the devastation to the eastern seaboard is only just beginning. At this writing one life has been claimed by the monster storm that is large enough to cover the main part of Europe.

The rest of us who are unaffected by the storm can prepare to render aid to the hurricane victims as soon as the rain stops and the last winds fade. These are our neighbors and they are going to need our help. To those who live in the south, let us not forget the aid rendered to us when we faced similar destructive natural disasters.

Take photos of the outside of your home and photograph all your belongings inside your house before you evacuate. Take the photos with you. You’ll need these for insurance claims, or at least they’ll make replacing things easier.

Contact a relative or good friend outside the storm area and tell them what your plans are (evacuation out of town, sheltering in town, staying home).

Turn off gas and water supply to your home before you leave to prevent a possible fire.

Before you evacuate, empty your refrigerator of ALL food and turn off the appliance. You might even prop open the door to let air circulate. The reason? When the power goes out the food will begin to spoil. The stench will be terrible if you don’t remove the food, plus getting the smell out of the appliance is next to impossible.

Freezers: Chest freezers full of food can keep most foods safe for up to five days and sometimes longer if the lid remains shut. Food in upright freezers will thaw sooner. If you’re at home and you’re lucky enough to get power back early, then check immediately to see if anything is still frozen. Throw out any thawed foods and anything that doesn’t look right. Follow the old saying, “When in doubt, throw it out”.

Another tip about freezers: If you plan to stay away for a long period of time after the storm passes, then you may not know if the food in your freezer is good or not if the power is back on before you return home. Food that’s no good could re-freeze and you won’t be able to tell what’s good and what’s not.

Here’s one trick you can try with freezers: Place ice cubes in a plastic bag. Put the bagged cubes in the freezer on top of the food. (Don’t turn off the unit). When you return, if the cubes are still intact, then the power wasn’t off long at all and your food should be fine. However, if there are no cubes and you have a solid chunk of ice in the bag, then you know that the power was off long enough to have caused food to spoil … the spoiled items (and bag of water) re-froze when the power came back on. Don’t take a chance, but instead throw out all the food so you or your family don’t get sick.

(I remember being able to apply for reimbursement for food that was spoiled during Hurricane Ivan. I went to a local school that was taking information from residents. I got a debit card in the mail (like the government food stamp program issues) for the amount that I lost. I didn’t need any proof of the amount; I estimated it to 500.00 and that’s what I got on the debit card. Be sure to apply if this is offered in your area. You don’t have to be “low income” or be on food stamps to get the help; all you have to do is show up with any required ID and proof of where you live.)

Be sure to take all your important papers with you when evacuating. If staying, put important papers in a sealed waterproof plastic bin or bag in case of flooding or damage that will let in rain.

If you have an upstairs and live in a low area, move as many things as you can upstairs where flood waters hopefully won’t reach.

Be sure to have updated ID (driver’s license) before returning to a damaged town or city. You’ll have to show proof of where you live before you’ll be allowed back into town.

Expect curfews when you return. These are strictly enforced, as looting becomes an unfortunate issue after a natural disaster strikes.

When you return and start repairs and cleanup, be aware of, and report immediately to authorities, any suspicious activity that may be a scam in progress. Cleanup and repair scams are common after a storm when people are in a hurry to get things back to normal. Especially vulnerable are the elderly, who are sometimes too trusting of crooks posing as repairmen.

For those residents in outlying areas who have septic systems, if your area got a lot of rain from the storm and your yard is flooded or at least very saturated, then’s it’s very possible that your toilets won’t work for quite some time. If you try to flush the toilet, then waste water is sure to back up into your home. I don’t have to describe what a terrible mess that is.

And finally, don’t count on emergency personnel being able to get to you if you call for help during the storm or even after the storm has passed for at least 72 hours … maybe longer. This monster of a storm is deadly and no one should have to risk his life to rescue a victim who was too stubborn to leave the area when advised to.

When told to evacuate, don’t delay! Your life may depend on it.

“Rip Currents Threaten a Coast After a Hurricane”

Rip currents are often referred to as rip tides, but the powerful current of water is not a tide at all. Rip currents can be unexpected, catching unaware swimmers off guard. Strong swimmers have drowned trying to break free of a rip current. Often mistaken as an undertow, rip currents sweep victims farther out into the ocean. By contrast, undertow currents draw swimmers downward toward the ocean floor.

After a hurricane has passed and tidal surges slam the shoreline in the aftermath, rip currents are stronger and deadlier than usual. Spectators fascinated by the crashing coastline waves mistakenly go into the water despite warnings from lifeguards. Weather Channel advisories also warn residents and visitors to stay out of the water after a storm, citing the dangers. Rip currents are influenced by the profile of the shoreline, making some beaches more dangerous than others.

How to Break Free of a Rip Current

The website, How Stuff Works, provides information in the article, “How Rip Currents Work” (2009) by author Tom Harris. Harris states, “Rip currents are responsible for about 150 deaths every year in the United States. In Florida, they kill more people annually than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. They are the number-one concern for beach lifeguards: About 80 percent of all beach rescues are related to rip currents.”

Most people don’t realize that rip currents are powerful enough to knock an adult off balance where he or she stands in shallow water. Know ahead of time what to do in the event one is caught in a rip current:

• Most importantly, don’t panic.
• Relax and don’t fight the current.
• Swim sideways (parallel) to the beach if possible. It may be necessary to ride the current for a few minutes in order to swim free. Once free, swim to shore.
• If escape is not possible, then float or tread water. Wave for help and yell to attract attention.

Water Safety Tips Save Lives

Water accidents can happen quickly. Poor swimmers often don’t realize physical limits or miscalculate the power of the water. Rip currents can occur suddenly and with no apparent cause. Observe the following water safety tips at the beach or wherever one plans to swim:

• Learn to swim.
• Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty.
• Never swim alone.
• Observe flag warnings that show the current condition of the water.
• Keep children in sight at all times.
• Never dive headfirst into unfamiliar water.
• In the event of a thunderstorm get out of the water immediately and take cover.
• Heed coastal warnings provided by local media stations, NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in the USA, and officials reporting from The Weather Channel where available.

Hurricanes can cause deadly coastline conditions long after the storm has passed. Rip tides can happen at any time, but occur frequently after a storm. Know how to escape a rip tide in case it becomes a matter of survival. The most important step to remember is not to panic.

Water safety tips should always be observed no matter where one plans to swim. Teach children to follow and obey water safety rules, but be sure to keep an eye on kids near the water at all times. The most common reasons for water accidents are lack of knowledge and unfortunately, careless human behavior.

A hurricane is a massive storm with heavy rain and sustained winds of 74mph or greater. Residents in the strike zone are urged to act quickly and take shelter before the storm arrives. All hurricanes have some degree of danger associated with them, but a major hurricane of category 3 or higher (5 is the worst) is a serious threat to life and most certainly will destroy homes and property.

What is the Difference Between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning?

A hurricane watch goes into effect when an area is deemed to be in the storm’s projected path and is expected to experience tropical storm activity within the next 48 hours (2 days). The storm is close enough that the National Weather Service repeatedly issues information to everyone in the strike zone and surrounding areas. Tourists are advised to leave the area and everyone is told to quickly finish any last-minute storm preparations. If a resident is going to evacuate, then he needs to do it now.

A hurricane warning means the storm will strike within the next 36 hours (1.5 days). Evacuation is still possible, but motorists can expect very heavy traffic. It may be safer to go to a storm shelter than to risk getting caught on the highway.

All last-minute preparations should be finished as the weather will deteriorate very quickly. Make sure outdoor furniture, toys, grill equipment and potted plants are brought inside and vehicles are secure. Expect tropical storm winds and rain possibly for several hours in advance of the storm’s  landfall.

Everyone should have at least  basic disaster supplies on hand at all times. If you aren’t prepared for a hurricane such as Irene, then you don’t have much time to waste if you plan to stay home. Take it from someone who’s been through many of the lower category 1 and 2 storms … and has seen first-hand the devastation left after major category 3 and 4 storms.

In a major hurricane like Irene, the smartest thing you can do is leave. Evacuate now while there’s still time.

If you insist on riding out the storm, then prepare your home. Board up windows with plywood, remove outdoor furniture and any yard items (plants, statues, grill and everything else) that could be deadly projectiles in a storm of Irene’s strength.  Irene is now a category 3 storm … considered a major hurricane. Repair loose shutters, decking, railings and gutters to keep them intact.

Do not drain your outdoor in-ground pool, but lower the water level no more than is safe for the pump. Do not put patio furniture in the pool. If there’s time, cut dead branches from trees and remove them from the property. Secure all garbage cans in the garage and anything else, including porch swings and rockers.  I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to prepare your home for a hurricane.

What hurricane supplies should you have on hand?

• Gasoline-powered chainsaw. (Make absolutely sure that you know how to use a chainsaw! Don’t think you’re going to learn to use it when cleanup begins after the storm.
• Heavy gloves. You’ll need to protect your hands when cleanup begins.
• Tools to shut off the home’s water and gas. You may need nothing more than a wrench to turn off the gas. Most water shutoffs are a knob or lever. Check out your utility situations before the storm so you’ll know where they are and know how to turn them off. If you shut off the gas, do NOT try to turn it on again after the storm. The gas company will have to do it.
• Fire extinguisher. Every home should have one. If you don’t, then get one.
• Charcoal grill. (Optional) Charcoal grills are great for cooking food after the storm has passed and there’s no other way to cook. Depending on how bad your area is hit, expect power outages. NEVER use an outdoor grill indoors! Dangerous carbon monoxide gases can kill within minutes. Don’t forget to buy charcoal, lighter fluid and a lighter.
• Generator. This is optional, but if you want to keep your refrigerator and TV running, then invest in a good unit. Make absolutely certain that you read all instructions before operating a generator. Units run on gasoline, so you cannot run a generator indoors because of carbon monoxide exhaust. NEVER rig your home’s electrical power source to a generator! You could kill a repairman working to restore power to your neighborhood!
• Fill your car’s gasoline tank. Even if you don’t plan to leave, you’ll need gas to get around when the roads are cleared after the storm. It may be a week or two, or longer before suppliers can deliver to gas stations and the power is on to run the pumps.

The list above is just for starters. Moving on …

• Have enough non-perishable food and snacks stockpiled for each person to last at least a week. MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) supplied by the military after the storm will help. They also supply cases of bottled water and plenty of ice.
• Bottled water. Have at least 1 gallon of water for each person per day.
• Bleach. Unscented bleach can be used to purify water if need be. You may also have to boil water after the storm if your area’s water service has been compromised by the storm.

Notes: Why not wait for the military to bring in free food, water and ice? Many major roads will be impassible in some places after the storm. It takes a while to clear roads and get the stations set up.

It’s a good idea to have more than the recommended amount of water if you have small children or a need for frequent cleanups, or if it’s hot when the storm passes. Hand sanitizer is good to have on hand, as are popup wipes.

There’s more …

• Can opener. You might need it in spite of having cans with pull tops.
• Bug spray. The mosquitoes can be terrible, so it doesn’t hurt to have repellent on hand.
• First aid kit. Buy one or make your own.
• Flashlight and extra batteries. Consider that you might have no power for a week or it could be much longer.
• Radio and extra batteries. You can keep up with what help measures are going on in your community through a local station.
• Items to occupy the time … and batteries … if you plan to use a personal music device, hand-held game device or something of that nature. Once your laptop or notebook battery dies, there won’t be a way to charge it.
• Cell phone. You may not have service for phone calls on mobile phones, but you might be able to send text messages and tweet! (Of all things)
• Land line phone. Cordless phones run on electricity, so get a cheap land line phone. Service may be out or it might not be.
• Extra medications. Rx drugs and anything related. Have enough to last at least a week.
• Pet food and supplies. Stock up now with enough to last a week or two.
• Air filter mask. If you have damage to your home, then use a filter mask to protect your lungs.
• Plastic garbage bags for cleanup.
• Garbage cans with snap-shut lids. It may be awhile before garbage service is restored. Locking lids will keep animals out and odors confined.

More later …

Residents along the U.S. east coast are strongly urged to make preparations for Hurricane Irene if they haven’t already done so.  Expecting the worst and praying for the best is good advice. I’ve been through a number of these storms (I’ve lived my entire life in Florida) and no amount of tough attitude can match 120+ mph winds and torrential rains.

Hurricane Irene is already a dangerous storm. By the time it gets to the U.S. east coast it’s going to spell disaster for those who ignored the warnings. Would I stay home and ride it out? Definitely not. When you see the massive destruction even a category 2 storm can cause, you tend to have a different view of things.

How bad can a hurricane get? Remember Katrina? The photos and news stories of the devastation weren’t exaggerated by the media. New Orleans is below sea-level, so the land profile was a strike right from the start. The cities and towns along the eastern seaboard are above sea level. Still, residents along the coast should be prepared for high winds and extreme flooding from the storm surge.

What makes a hurricane so destructive? High winds and rain are just part of the answer. Hurricanes like Irene are massive storms. The weather deteriorates hour after hour with driving winds and rain blowing and pounding relentlessly. The massive amount of damage is the result of prolonged winds and rain.

Make preparations now and get out before it’s too late.