An anti-bullying video created for a school project by 15 year-old Jessica Barba caused her to get suspended from school.
According to writer Lisa Flam, “The high school freshman was suspended for five days after she created an anti-bullying video and Facebook page about a fictional girl who commits suicide says she tried to explain her work to school officials to no avail.” And, “Superintendent Allan Gerstenlauer told WNBC New York on Tuesday that Jessica’s video, posted online on May 15, was “unfortunate in that it created a substantial disruption to the school.”
It seems this all got started when a parent saw the fake Facebook page and brought it to the school’s attention because of a post that read “I wanna be dead”. Jessica posted disclaimers on the video and on Facebook, saying the teen (named Hailey) was a fictional person. The Facebook disclaimer somehow went unseen.
At first I thought the disclaimer might have been one of the “big issues” with the incident, but then Jessica’s mom supplied the evidence: “Her mother, Jody, did bring printouts showing the disclaimer to school officials, but she told Lauer [from the Today show], “they didn’t really care too much about that.”
After some debate, the student has since been reinstated and the mark on her permanent record dismissed. The question is this…should Jessica Barba have been suspended? Isn’t the action by the school administration outright bullying? I would say it is. They certainly went out of their way to disgrace Jessica in front of her family and friends.
As for the video, it should not only make a headline story with every news program in America, but should also be shown in every single classroom from first graders to high school seniors. I hope it goes viral on YouTube, which I’m sure it is doing at this very moment.
Terrific job, Jessica! You stood up and made a real difference for those of us against bullying. You deserve a lot more than a letter grade “A” for your work.
I wrote an online article the other day, “Brain Exercises a Strong Defense in the Fight against Alzheimer’s“. I firmly believe that when the human brain is sufficiently challenged, it will continue to grow and establish new information pathways. And by doing so, research scientists will find absolute proof that brain exercise is at least one way to slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s, if not prevent the debilitating disease altogether. There isn’t enough information yet to support the theory which some might describe as a “Use it or lose it” approach to brain function.
Suggested Ways to Increase Brain Function through Exercise
Solving word games and deciphering logic puzzles is only the beginning; the list of ways to exercise the brain is practically endless:
Take up a musical instrument.
Learn a new language.
Learn to sew your own clothes.
Take up a specific kind of dance.
Expand your crafting skills.
Try a different kind of gardening.
Learn how to rebuild a car engine.
Become a gourmet cook.
Research different cultures.
Create a video game or computer program.
Study a topic of interest such as biology, astrology, calculus meteorology, chemistry, physics and others.
Indulge in creative writing.
Go back to school (Free or paid courses).
Teach a community school class to adults.
Support a local candidate for election by doing research and gathering vital information.
Get involved with a new hobby.
Try mastering something new and completely out of character.
Feeding the (naturally curious) human mind with challenging information helps to maintain good brain health. Processing new and exciting things could make a person feel smarter, and maybe even feel younger. Even if a routine program of hard-core mental exercises doesn’t stop or delay Alzheimer’s, it can’t hurt to gain a little more knowledge, right? Well, it seems kind of far-fetched, but maybe it can hurt.
Do Brain Challenges Offer False Hope As a Way to Delay or Prevent Alzheimer’s?
While researching sources to back up some of my article statements, I came across another writer, Margaret Gatz, whose 2005 article, “Educating the Brain to Avoid Dementia: Can Mental Exercise Prevent Alzheimer Disease?” cited two ways in which engaging in brain challenges for the primary purpose of warding off Alzheimer’s might be harmful. Ms. Gatz is in the Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, at Los Angeles.
What could possibly be the problem with older adults trying and learning new things if they enjoy the activities? If the person feels younger, smarter and his level of self-esteem rises, then he’s bound to be happier and maybe even more outgoing. He might even feel like socializing more and that could lead to more exercise (walking, dancing, etc.). None of these results are harmful, obviously.
But there is a down side to encouraging an older loved one to challenge his brain in the hopes of fending off Alzheimer’s.
Margaret Gatz elaborates: “There are two ways that encouraging mental activity programs might do more harm than good. First, they may offer false hope. Second, individuals who do develop dementia might be blamed for their condition.”
Blamed for their condition? Gatz continues. “When heavy smokers get lung cancer, they are sometimes seen as having contributed to their own fates. People with Alzheimer disease might similarly be viewed as having brought it on themselves through failure to exercise their brains.”
I wonder how many people have considered these two situations and/or have witnessed any degree of harm first-hand?
The Benefits of Brain Stimulation Outweigh a Dementia Diagnosis
It seems to me that the benefits of brain exercise would outweigh any harm. I suppose the answer lies in the timing and your professional position. If you’re a therapist, doctor, professional caregiver or even a concerned family member/caregiver, then you should explain to the older loved one that taking on a brain exercise program to delay or prevent Alzheimer’s may not work. That said, the optimistic senior believes that if there is some bit of hope, then that is reason enough to try. Sure it will be disappointing if the brain challenges don’t work, but why oppose the idea until you’re absolutely sure? It’s only natural to have hope until the very end.
As for putting the blame on someone, I want to say that no family member(s), friend(s) or even medical professionals in their right mind would be so cruel as to accuse an Alzheimer’s patient for not trying hard enough—not challenging his brain with adequate stimulation—to avoid Alzheimer’s. Still, I suppose there are people in the world who would do just that.
Alzheimer’s Deserves More Attention to Find a Cure
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in America. More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and that number could jump to 16 million by 2050, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many people argue that not enough attention is being given to finding a cure for dementia, especially Alzheimer’s, which continues to be a fatal disease. Until a cure is found, those persons middle-aged and those on the threshold of their golden years will do most anything they think might help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Engaging in new and challenging mind activities has another benefit: The diversion keeps our minds busy. Staying occupied surely beats sitting around the house and wondering if and when Alzheimer’s will strike. I have my word puzzles. I have a passion for research and multiple types of writing. It may not be enough in the end, but I prefer to have hope. Right now, it’s the only thing I can count on.
Seniors Challenge Their Minds for Good Brain Health
Scam crimes and looting increase after a natural disaster. Thieves expect to make easy cash after a hurricane, tornado, flood or other act of nature strikes. Residents who are forced to wait months for storm cleanup often make bad choices, risking savings & ID theft.
The National Weather Service urges everyone to stay alert for hurricane and tropical weather advisories; but for some residents, the damage continues for weeks or even months after the winds and rain have died down. As local law authorities and even officials from the weather channel warn, scam operators hit the computer, phones, and streets once a storm has passed, hoping to take advantage of vulnerable storm-weary residents.
Hurricane Victims Alerted to Scam Offers for Cleanup and/or Repair
Consumers may not only lose hard-earned savings, but may also lose their identity. Scam operators hit the streets, offering to remove downed trees, repair fences, and restore homes. These con artists show up at the resident’s door. They call on the phone, and many hit the Internet as power is restored to a damaged area. When a scammer appears at the door, he or she:
May be well-dressed and present a business card.
Claims to be a representative of a well-known company. The company supposedly is sending workers into the area to help with cleanup and repair.
May be wearing a (phony) uniform that looks authentic.
Usually has a (phony) contract for the resident to sign.
Asks for an advance payment, payable by cash or credit card number.
May claim that neighbors in the area are using his (or her) services to give the client reassurance.
May pose as an independent contractor for whatever repair work is obviously needed.
May pose as a mold inspector, citing extensive mold and mildew damage that can result in serious health problems if not fixed by a professional immediately (mold remediation). Learn how safely manage mold and mildew after a storm that may have caused rain or flood damage to a home’s interior. Most molds can be removed with simple household chemicals (bleach and laundry soap).
Telephone and Internet scam artists:
Often pose as FEMA representatives needing information.
May pose as an insurance investigator needing more information from the client (victim) to complete the paperwork.
Often pose as home contractors, vehicle windshield repairmen, tree service persons, fence repairmen, to name a few disguises.
May claim association with a disaster relief agency such as the Red Cross, National Guard, or Salvation Army.
Home Repair Services Make Perfect Setups for Scam Artists after a Hurricane Strikes.
Slow disaster relief is partially to blame for the storm-related fraudulent activity. Insurance companies can take weeks or even months to respond and assess storm damage. Too often, homeowners are forced to go to court, battling for months with companies that don’t want to pay, or don’t pay enough for repair work or replacement of property.
Government assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is usually just as slow, and the red tape from applying for a low-interest loan is endless – often not worth the hassle – for residents who are desperate to have their homes made livable again.
How Can Hurricane and Disaster Victims Avoid Being Scammed?
Make certain any repair services are contracted by qualified service persons licensed with legitimate companies. Don’t take someone’s word for it; check the company or organization through the town’s local Better Business Bureau (BBB) by phone, in person, or online. Additionally:
Don’t fall for scare tactics, such as the con artist that says the roof is about to fall in if it doesn’t get fixed right away.
Be cautioned against contractors that offer huge discounts for work.
Don’t accept verbal agreements; get everything in writing.
Don’t accept quick estimates for work or sign a contract.
The Federal Trade Commission offers even more tips for home loan scams, debris removal scams, and how homeowners can protect themselves after a hurricane or storm disaster.
Price-gouging for gas, food, and basic necessities, used to be a big problem for residents after a hurricane disaster. Today, the dangers are much worse. Most con artists are pros at what they do and sound very authentic on the phone, online, and in person.
The bottom line is people pay for services they never receive. Desperate to get help and get their lives back to normal, victims sign bad contracts, give out bank account numbers or credit card numbers, and give social security information. Be alert to scam activities, including online phishing and other suspicious emails. Report any evidence of fraudulent activity to local authorities.
Want to get the word out about your new business? Advertising the old-fashioned way can cost a bundle and doesn’t always paint a clear picture of what you’re trying to sell. And, unless you live in a big city and the local paper reaches thousands of readers, classic advertising just doesn’t cut it anymore. Even radio ads have limited range. But how about if millions of people from all over the country—all over the world—got wind of your business and it didn’t cost you a cent?
Social Networking for Business Marketing
Social networking isn’t just for stay-at-home moms and dads, and news stations, you know. Twitter and Facebook users talk up a storm about everything under the sun, and the topics for discussion easily include new products and services on the market. Best of all, all that chatting and interaction between friends, relatives and complete strangers from all income levels, all classes and all walks of life, is free.
What are you waiting for? It’s the 21st century and if you want to be successful in business, then you’re going to have to get with the program—the latest means of advertising. It means engaging in conversation with people that are curious about what you can offer them. Social networking is the most powerful means of advertising on the planet!
Social Networking as Business Advertising Connects Buyers and Sellers
Social Media Sites are Virtual Highways to Success for Small Business Owners
Contributing writer Laura Petrecca from USA Today wrote an article titled, “Tweet Your Way to Business Success”, and she emphasizes how just a few clicks can connect you (and your business) with thousands of customers. The article was printed in the Pensacola News Journal (Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012). Quite naturally, interested readers then pass on your information to friends and cyber-friends. Your business info might even make it to a few blogs where hundreds—or even thousands—of new readers will see it.
Granted, you have to stand out in all the chat that’s going on at any give time, especially on Twitter, so you’ll want to be at least a little clever in presenting your business. However, if one sales pitch doesn’t attract attention (and sales), then you have plenty of chances to re-do your advertising strategy. Or, you could use a lot of different strategies, spreading them out to cover different days and different social sites. And, it won’t cost a dime!
According to Petrecca’s article, “Wielded wisely, social media can:
Help a growing business boost brand awareness
Improve customer relations
Garner market research
Bolster sales
As the number of people using social media rises, marketing experts say [social networking] is essential for even the smallest of companies to consider diving in.”
Social Networking is the Most Economical Form of Advertising on the Planet
Incorporate Social Networking into Your Daily Business Routine
So again, what are you waiting for? What have you got to lose except the little bit of time it takes each day to post your information? That’s probably the only drawback to social network advertising—having to post at least once daily. But just think of all the different ways you can present your material, plus all the new potential customers you’ll reach who haven’t yet seen your promotion.
What else can you gain by jumping on the social networking bandwagon? Well, for starters you can comment and answer questions—socialize with potential customers. Communication makes a company seem human; and in this day and age of answering services and computer-directed calls, it’s nice to get a response from a “real live person”. (If you, as a small business owner, are too busy to chat online and you can afford to pay someone, it might be to your benefit to hire a PR person to pitch your company and talk to interested online readers.)
Endless Advertising with Social Networking
Engaging in a business discussion with interested persons can get you everywhere. Face it, no matter how clever you (or your advertising department) are, there’s just no way to put all the glowing features of your business in the average newspaper ad. There’s no way to print it all on a business card. There’s no way that a radio announcer can say all that needs to be said about your company in a few seconds…unless you’re willing to pay a fortune for added time.
Once people begin noticing your business, you can read—and use to your benefit—comments made by customers. I know I read the comments that customers have posted before I hire a service or purchase an item. It’s saved me from making purchasing mistakes plenty of times. It’s also kept me from doing business with sellers who have a less-than-sterling reputation.
The advantages of using online social networks for advertising purposes far outweigh the disadvantages. Small business owners on a budget can enjoy the same playing field as large corporations. Everyone who shares information gets exposure to thousands upon thousands of consumers with very little effort. Potential customers deserve your time and attention. With online socializing networks you can address questions and concerns. Customer comments and feedback can draw new customers and can make your business even more attractive. Funds budgeted for costly old-fashioned advertising can then be put to a better use—expanding your business.
Businesses that Utilize Social Networking Sites Have an Advertising Advantage: A Virtual Gold Mine
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:
Do not brine a “self-basting” or “kosher” turkey. These birds are already prepared.
Kosher salt is preferred over table salt in brine.*
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.
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.
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.
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before submerging in the brine.
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:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity.
Rinse the turkey thoroughly and place on a rack in the roasting pan.
Carefully push the pats of butter under the skin (4 on each side) on the breast. (I do this even with a Butterball.)
Loosely fill the turkey cavity with about half the celery and carrots, one sprig of thyme and one onion.
Arrange the remaining vegetables and thyme around the turkey in the pan.
Pour the wine over the vegetables in the pan.
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.
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.*
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:
All Recipes.com turkey brine recipe (uses sea salt).
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.
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.
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)
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.
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?
“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.
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
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.
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.
