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Successful New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-27T09:04:00.000-05:00

Most of us have made and broken more than one New Year resolution. Much of our lack of success in fulfilling our resolution stems from a lack of planning and goal setting.

If you speak to the manager of a gym, that manager will almost always tell you that business peaks in January and falls off sharply within one month. That is because so many people resolve to lose weight and get into shape yet never follow-up on their objectives.

There is a well known study conducted by Harvard business school in 1979. The students were asked if they had clear, written goals. Only three percent of the students had written goals and only thirteen percent had any goals at all. Ten years later the students were once again interviewed. The students who had goals were earning twice as much as those who had no goals. Those who had written down specific goals earned a whopping ten times more than their classmates. (From the book What they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School by Mark McCormack).

Setting a New Year's resolution without being very specfific and writing down your goal is an exercise in futility. And that's where most of us fail. Here's what you need to do in order to succeed.

1) Select a goal (resolution) that is important to you. If you are not sold on the idea, you will fail. Be very specific. "I'm going to lose weight" is not a goal. "I'm going to lose 30 pounds by July 1, 2012" is a goal.

2) Next determine if your goal is achievable. If it is not, cut back on your expectations.

3) Set a time frame for your goal. Break it down into steps. How do you plan to achieve your goal.

4) Expect setbacks. They most likely will occur along the way. If you are ready for them then you will be better able to overcome them and continue on with your resolution.

5) Imagine yourself as if you have already achieved the goal. This must be done every morning and every night.

6) Evaluate your progress along the way. You may have to adjust your expectations or your time frame for achievement.

Good luck and happy resolution setting!

Sarah Palin Sticks Foot in Mouth Again

2011-01-13T07:25:00.000-05:00

Sarah Palin is proving to be much more of a liability than an asset to political conservatives, and particularly the Tea Party movement. Her comments regarding the tragedy in Tucson, Arizona just added more fuel to the fire.

Her words were more inflammatory than conciliatory. That seems to be the standard for her these days. Politicians on both sides have called for a more humane dialogue. It seems as if Mrs. Palin wasn't listening. I don't know who advises Mrs. Palin or who writes her speeches but she certainly needs to make a change. At this point her viability as a Presidential candidate in 2012 is becoming less promising. The more she opens her mouth the deeper she sinks.

Had I written her speech it would have went something like this:

We are all saddened by the tragic events in Tucson this past Saturday in which a deranged man felt the need to snuff out the lives of innocent people who were exercising their rights as free Americans. In the days which followed there were some who sought to displace the blame on me. That, in part, was due to the heated political climate during the past elections.

Politicians and supporters on both sides were involved in heated exchanges before, during, and after the campaigns. In retrospect, I too may have used words which were not in good taste. It is true that words coming the mouths and keyboards of those considered to be leaders in the nation may incite anger and contempt. However; this was the act of a very sick person whom I feel needed no words to motive him to perform such an atrocious act.

The heated exchanges have been coming from all sides of the political spectrum. That is why, in the aftermath of this tragedy, all need to take a step back and re-evaluate how we express ourselves.

I may have been guilty of poor taste in choosing my images and words but I am not guilty of murder. But I am not the only one who is guilty.

This is a time to mourn. It is a time for healing. It is a time to reflect on how we can best express our differences without inciting anger. It is not the time to start placing blame on others. Those who have taken this opportunity to place blame on myself are just as misguided as those of us who may have used terminology which we now regret.

My heart and prayers go out to the victims and families of this senseless and brutal act. And I hope that somewhere in the darkness of this event we can all learn a lesson which will bring a ray of light into our political process.

Death Hath No Sting

2011-01-12T11:27:00.001-05:00

Over the years I have cared for hundreds of people facing death. Many had lived their earthly lives the way they had chosen. More than a majority of those who knew ahead of time they were dying confessed to me they wish they had their lives to live over again. Almost all have shown fear and doubt at one time during the dying process.

Many of those for whom I have taken care of were professed Christians. Some were pastors and priests. Most all had some regrets.

"I wish I had spent more time with my family". "I wish I had not been so focused on myself". "If only I had given more time and effort to helping others". " I wish I had .... or I wish I had not ...". These are just a few of many remorseful statements I have heard over the years. I have rarely heard; "I am totally satisfied with the way I have lived my life and I'm ready to go".

The one thing which has had such an impact on my understanding of death is the fear I've seen in the eyes of some of the most active churchgoers in the Christian faith. Many of these folks have spent much of their adult lives going to church and practicing the rituals of church attendance and the superficial observance of Christ's commands.

One which especially sticks out in my mind is the case of a very well known and popular pastor of a large church. If I told you his name, you most likely would recognize it immediately. He was on television every Sunday delivering Christ centered discourses to his congregation. I was assigned to care for him one night when he had just learned that he would die within days and there was nothing medicine could do to help him.

I could tell he was very anxious. Initially I thought he was concerned about leaving his family behind. I started our conversation with; "You're having a tough time tonight. Are you hurting?" He responded; "Yes; but not physically". I sat down in a chair beside his bed and said; "Are you worried about how your family will do when you leave?"

His answer threw me for a loop: "No. I'm worried about where I'll be when I leave."
I replied: "Pastor, you know where you will be. We know where you will be".
He then said; "I'm not so sure: Because I enjoyed speaking in the pulpit. I enjoyed the applause. I enjoyed the power that came with being a pastor of a large church. But I didn't follow my own admonitions to the congregation. I'm not even certain there is a heaven or a a hell. I taught it because that was expected of me. Now I have to face that doubt and I'm not ready."

I was at a loss for words at that point. I administered a medication to help him sleep. That was the last conversation I had with him and the last time I saw him alive.

Then there was my dear friend Donald McGalliard. I didn't have the opportunity to care for Donald but he was my best friend over the years. Donald wasn't particularly active in a church. He didn't spend his time preaching or expounding on Gospel principles. Yet; he knew Christ. He followed the command - "Love thy neighbor as thyself". My last conversation with Donald was just a couple of days before he died. He knew he was dying. He had absolutely no regrets and told me he knew he would be in heaven soon. He told me he prayed every single day; not for himself so much as for others. There was no fear in his voice. There was no remorse for his life. He wasn't perfect and he knew it. But; he also that knew his life, as imperfect as it was, postitively affected all those he knew. I told him; "Donald, I'm proud to call you a friend and a brother". His reply was simple; "Thank you, Steve".

"Thank you Steve" was the last words I heard out of his voice. The one thing I have learned in my short life is that it's easy to quote Gospel principles. It's easy to memorize Bible verses. It's much more difficult to understand them in context and live them on a day to day basis. We get our feelings hurt and dwell way too long on other's faults. Don would simply say; "Hope you have a great day". I cannot count the number of "great days" Don had wished me personally. But I can count the number of times I went to Facebook just to look for one of those special messages from Don. It was pretty much every single day.

We can follow Christ's command to preach the Gospel; but living it on a day to day basis becomes much more of a challenge. If I am fortunate enough to know the day that I'm leaving this earth I want to be able to say as my good friend Donald did; "I'm ready".

God Bless you all and I hope none of us will have to face the fear of that pastor during the last days of our lives. My wish is that we can say as Paul said in 2nd Timothy: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

The Vietnam War Continues to take its Toll

2011-01-11T11:11:00.006-05:00

There are 58,195 names listed on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.. What isn't listed are the untold number of American casualties which resulted from the use of Agent Orange. Those vets will not be listed as wounded or killed in action; yet they are nonetheless casualties of war.

My good friend Donald Gary McGalliard succomed on December 28, 2010 from illnesses he suffered as a result of exposure to agent orange. He never allowed his pain and suffering to make him regret his service in the United States Marine Corps or in Vietnam.

Donald served with the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines in Cu Chi, Vietnam. His unit was singled out by North Vietnam as one which had to be destroyed. They survived the enemy onslaught with valor. Yet; many of those Marines became victims of our own military war strategy to use agent orange to defoliate jungles around major U.S. military strongholds.

Donald and I were like brothers. We have known one another and have been best of friends since I was 13 years old. When Donald joined the Marines, I had to join. When Donald went to Vietnam, I had to go. Donald's unit was singled out for destruction in 1967. My unit was singled out for destruction in 1969. Donald married my girl friend's best friend. That didn't work out. I married my girl friend's sister. That didn't work out. Donald then married a wonderful woman who stuck with him throughout the remainder of his life. I then married a wonderful woman who is still with me. Our lives paralled one another. Except for one thing ... Donald's exposure to agent orange which eventually took his life. I served in Vietnam with the Marines but was rarely in an area which was sprayed.

I don't know how many Vietnam veterans have died as a direct effect of agent orange but I do know of one; and that is one too many. Donald was not only brave in war. He was a sincerely good person who never allowed himself to feel sorry about his bad luck. There are hundreds of people who miss him dearly. Semper Fi Big Don and save a place for me. I always was one step behind you.

The Homeless Man with the Golden Voice

2011-01-11T07:58:00.003-05:00

Just days ago ted Williams was on the streets of Columbus, Ohio panhandling for money. Then Columbus Dispatch videographer Doral Chenoweth III asked Mr. Williams to prove his voice on video. The rest is history. as the video went viral, Ted Williams became a world celebrity.

It wasn't that Mr. Williams had not had the same opportunity in the past. He is a trained radio announcer who forfeited his career for drugs and alcohol. He has a rap sheet a mile long. The miracle is not as much in Mr. Williams' voice as it is that he now has a second chance to get his life back on track.

Just how was it that a video of less than 2 minutes could create such a sensation? It wasn't the original post which went off of the charts. An unauthorized copy of the video was posted on Youtube. The original video was posted on the Columbus Dispatch home page.

A YouTube user called "Ritchey" posted it on Youtube with the message, "Throwing this video from The Columbus Dispatch out there, hoping we can find this talent a place to call home." It was a post on Gawker.com that sent the video and Ted Williams into orbit around the world. Once the video went viral, Ritchey's video post disappeared from Youtube!

So; what made this video so popular? No one really knows. Most likely, it was the sight of a homeless man on the street and hearing that voice of gold which touched so many. What has happened to Mr. Williams is a miracle. What he does with it is entirely up to him.

Search for Haleigh Cummings Heats Up

2010-04-14T16:10:00.002-04:00

The search for Haleigh Cummings in Putnam County Florida continues to intensify as investigators reportedly have begun to focus on Joseph Overstreet, Misty Croslin's cousin. The FBI has interviewed Overstreet, 20, regarding HaLeigh’s case.

However; Putnam County Sheriff detectives are saying nothing regarding the new developments.

Lt. Johnny Greenwood, a spokesperson for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office made the following statement: “Sheriff Hardy would like HaLeigh Cummings’ family, the citizens of Putnam County and the media to know, if and when any factual information is obtained in this case that will either explain what happened to HaLeigh Cummings or identify who is responsible for her disappearance, he will make a formal release to the public,”

Overstreet was visiting the Satsuma area at the time HaLeigh went missing. He reportedly had an argument with Haleigh's father the day Haleigh went missing. His attorney, Shawn Sirgo said his client “denies any involvement” regarding the case and has “been consistent in that from the beginning of the investigation.”

Misty Cummings' attorney, Robert Fields, told the Florida Times-Union that his client may have “shed some light” on who is responsible for HaLeigh’s disappearance. He stated, “Somebody else has possibly been implicated in this. You need to look away from Misty.”

New Search Begins for Haleigh Cummings

2010-04-13T17:44:00.002-04:00

Haleigh Cummings who went missing in February of 2009 has never been found. There have been no arrests in the case but suspicions abound that her father's girlfriend knows far more than what she's admitting.

Misty Cummings married Haleigh's father shortly after the child went missing. The 17 year old ws the last person to ever see Haleigh alive. Since Haleigh's disappearance, Misty has been questioned time and again by Palatka detectives. She also has been jailed on drug charges.

The Palatka Florida girl who was 5 years old at the time of her disappearance created an outpouring of support from people all over the United States. Extensive searches thus far have yielded no clues as to the child's whereabouts.

On Tuesday, April 13, 2010, Putnam County investigators brought family members in for questioning. according to reports Misty Cummings was among those questioned. Shortly after the interrogations Putnam County law enforcement officers began a search of the St. Johns River for Haleigh. They were joined by officers from four surrounding counties and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

As of 6 pm today there has been no announcement on what stirred the investigation or whether any new evidence has been obtained. Let's all pray that whoever is responsible for this child's fate will be brought to justice swiftly.

Getting What You Want with Words

2010-04-13T16:04:00.000-04:00

Words are powerful. They may have significant positive or negative effects on a person's response. People often base decisions on persuasive words. All too often that decision is not based on logic nor truth. It's formed out of the emotional impact those words elicit. Often times a person who is effective in utilizing powerful and persuasive words has his or her own interests in mind. The person on the receiving end rarely uses logic to make a final determination unless that person is trained in recognizing persuasive techniques.

There are certain words, when used in the right context, which will make people pay close attention to what's being said. One must be careful because some words which once were considered effective are no longer due to overuse. Also; be certain the words fit the situation. For instance, if you're writing a cover letter for a resume you might want to use some of the words below:

Ambition Appreciate Approval Aspire Attain Benefit Capable Conscientious Courage Courtesy Definite Dependable Desirable Determined Effective Efficient Enhance Enthusiasm Excellence Fitting Genuine Good Grateful Guarantee Helpful Humour Imagination Improvement Ingenuity Integrity Initiative Intelligence Judgement Lasting Loyalty Merit Notable Opportunity Perseverance Practical Prestige Proficient Progress Prominent Punctual Reasonable Resilient Recommend
Reputable Salient Responsible Satisfactory Service Stability Success Substantial Superior Thorough Truth Useful

I must impose a word of caution here. Use power words sparingly and in strategic places. The overuse of power words will make your argument much less persuasive. Effective use of these words can increase your chances of success 3 to 4 times or more. Overuse could cost you dearly. People can see through the overt use of "canned" words and terms. There is a great list of power action verbs at http://www.writeexpress.com/action-verbs.html. Read through these and utilize the ones which fit your situation.

When you're considering a situation in which you must be persuasive never ever forget this one important point. It doesn't matter what you want or what you think. Put yourself in the other person's shoes and try to think from his or her perspective. Do not ever assume another person thinks the same as you. What is important to you may have little or no importance to the person you're attempting to convince.

Next up: How to ask questions to get the information you need to know.

Get the Job You Want with Power Words

2010-04-12T15:44:00.000-04:00

If you're applying for a job and you need that extra edge, your cover letter can either make or break your chances. Employers often read the cover letter before they even look at your resume. So; what if your resume is a bit on the weak side? You can increase your chances of landing the job if your cover letter is impressive and conveys the right message.

You want to grab your potential employers attention. The best way to do so is to make your cover letter convincing. You need to do so in short order and without being too verbose. The best way is to use words and terms which will grab the reader's attention immediately. You only have one shot. Give it your best and your chances of landing the job you want will increase substantially.

First; your letter must be organized. That requires you to organize your thoughts and present them concisely and dramatically. Follow the below format in your letter:

1. Introduce yourself - this part of the letter should be filled with facts about your accomplishments. Never, ever apologize in your letter for any inadequacies. Focus on the positive throughout the letter.

2. List your achievements in the field for which you are applying. If the list is small, use power words to emphasize your accomplishments.

3. Close the letter with a note of optimism.

You do not want to appear to be begging for a position. Make the reader think he or she would be lucky to have you on board.

To determine the most potent words, first write your cover letter and use an online thesaurus to compare your adverbs or adjectives. Compare your words with the synonyms and select the ones which elicit the most profound and positive emotional response.

Follow these simple steps and I cannot guarantee that you will land the job of your dreams but I can guarantee your chances will be much greater. Good job hunting!

Success with Words

2010-04-12T14:14:00.002-04:00

Have you ever wondered just why you can't seem to get ahead no matter how hard you try? You do all of the right things (or so you thought). Yet, success continues to elude you.

The difference between success and failure may be as simple as using the right words. Mark Twain once said; "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter--it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."

Perhaps your words have been nothing more than a lightning bug when they should have been portraying the lightning. Lightning words need to evoke strong emotions. You may want those emotions to be positive or negative. There are certain words which will elevate emotions in either direction. Allow me to give you some examples.

Let's take the word "active" as an example. What do you picture when you're speaking about an active person? It's positive. It denotes action. Now compare this word with with "vibrant". Would you be active or vibrant? These words are synonyms (they mean the same thing) but they evoke a much different emotional response.

Now let's take a look at an example with negative connotations. Take the word "distress" as an example. When you think of distress, how do you feel? I'm sure you don't feel very good about that word. Now, let's make it have more impact. Replace distress with the word "agony". Which one gives you a picture of more despair?

I'm hoping you're getting the picture by now. If your vocabulary needs a bit of assistance then use an online thesaurus and stop sprouting lightning bugs when you intend to strike with lightning.

Tiger Woods and Meaningless Apologies

2010-04-12T13:27:00.003-04:00

Thousands of golf fans tuned into the Masters rooting for Tiger Woods. Fans not only wanted to see the onetime unbeatable champ but they also wanted to witness a new contrite and humble Tiger Woods. Instead; Tiger Woods once again displayed his true colors on the golf course and during his interview.

Apparently his recent trials and negative publicity have taught him nothing. His most poignant comment; "I finished fourth". There would be no thanks to all of the fans who forgave and forgot. There would be no congratulations to those who finished ahead of him. None of that for Mr. Woods as he continued his arrogant and self righteous attitude.

Tiger's accomplishments on the golf course have been nothing short of amazing. Off the course, his attitude is one that says "I'm great. Now bow down." His self control is lacking in far more areas than the bedroom.

Many avid golf fans wanted to see the Tiger win; including myself. I did not just want to see him win on the golf course. I wanted to see him win as a human being. I lost on both counts. Many of us were made to feel like fools when we saw a total loser instead. It wasn't so much the miscues on the fairways or the greens that upset so many fans. It was his total disregard and disrespect for the fans and his competitors.

There was a time when golf really needed Tiger Woods. That time has passed. It's not that golf doesn't need a super hero. It's that golf doesn't need a super villan. And that is exactly where Mr. Tiger Woods is headed right now.

Toyota Record in Court Uncovered

2010-04-12T04:39:00.005-04:00

An investigation by the Associated Press reveals that Toyota often relys upon deceptive and evasive practices when sued. The report states that Toyota has even been known to outright ignore court orders to produce documents related to a case.

While reviewing lawsuits filed around the country, the Associated Press has learned the automaker has hidden the results of tests that would have been harmful to its case. Toyota also often claimed that results were difficult to get to at its headquarters in Japan. The investigation also states that data stored electronically in Toyota vehicles was kept from scrutiny in some of those cases.

Two cases were specifically cited in the investigation. In one Colorado case, Toyota witheld evidence of tests it had performed on the roof strrength of Toyota 4 Runners. This case involved a rollover and Toyota won that case. In another case involving a Texas woman killed when her Toyota Land Cruiser lurched backward and pinned her against a garage wall, the Japanese automaker told lawyers for the woman's family it was unaware of any similar cases. Yet less than a year earlier, Toyota had settled a nearly identical lawsuit in the same state involving a Baptist minister who was severely injured after he said his Land Cruiser abruptly rolled backward over him.

With potentially hundreds of lawsuits pending involving sudden acceleration cases, one can surmise from Toyota's past record that the company will not suddenly cease it's old habits. A panel of federal judges decided last week to consolidate the sudden acceleration-related cases before U.S. District Judge James V. Selna in Orange County, Calif. Judge Selna will handle pretrial matters in all the cases, including decisions on what material and documents Toyota will be required to produce as evidence. We'll see how far Judge Selna gets.

Will Mesothelioma Become a National Healthcare Crisis?

2010-04-10T13:31:00.002-04:00

New guidelines for recognizing and treating Mesothelioma was presented to physicians at a national conference held at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Pleural mesothelioma refers to the thoracic-based (chest) form of the disease, the most common type of mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma. And it can be undetected for more than 20 years. It also may be prone to surface in people previously treated for cancer with radiation therapy.

Diagnosing mesothelioma may be difficult because the symptoms mimic so many other medical conditions. Common symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness or breath, chest pain, fevers, sweats, weight loss, and pneumonia. Many people with this disease are initially diagnosed with pneumonia and treated with antibiotics.

Once mesothelioma is diagnosed treatment options are limited and often severe. Even with aggressive surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy the cancer often resurfaces.

Mesothelioma is not a common disease in the United States with about 2,000 to 3,000 new cases each year. However; the only known cause is asbestos and with baby boomers coming of age, these rates could increase dramatically over the next 10 years. It's rates tend to increase with age and it is rare to see a case in a person younger than 55 years old.

Mesothelioma could become a national healthcare crisis as those born in the 1950's age beyond 55 years. It was very common for asbestos to be used in almost every structure during their lifetime.

The Future of Health Care in America

2010-04-10T11:04:00.002-04:00

No one can be absolutely certain what healthcare in America is going to look like in four years from now. Supporters of healthcare reform tout the reduction in cost to currently uninsured Americans and the ability to have pre-existing conditions covered. Opponents are concerned about the high cost of providing such coverage and the ability of insurers to survive the economic impact of such coverage. A frequently quoted example of the failure of a government run health insurance is the one currently utilized in the state of Massachusetts.

One thing is absolutely certain. This is a massive piece of legislation which few, if any, in Congress even read before signing onto the bill. Taxes are certain to increase. Although Americans were told this legislation would be funded by taxing the "wealthy", this is one bill which will clearly increase the cost of insurance to all who subscribe to private and group policies.

Regardless how the funding and provision of healthcare plays out in America, it is sure to take a toll on Congress during the midterm elections. There are too many voters who are making their dissatisfaction known in the wake of this monstrous bill. Yet; many in Congress continue to keep their blinders on in hopes that it will all blow over before the elections. Look for much more to come as proponents and opponents take their opinions to the polls in November. I predict a record turnout for midterm elections.

No Survivors in West Virginia Mine Explosion

2010-04-10T10:13:00.002-04:00

The search for survivors in the West Virginia mine explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine has ended as the last four missing were found dead. Now the focus turns to who is to blame.

Causes of mine explosions are complex and it may be difficult to determine what just happened at the Upper Big Branch Mine. Since the disastrous explosion, it has been made public that this mine has been cited for numerous safety violations. Massey Energy Company, the owner of the mine, has been cited numerous times for safety violations invoving the venting system.

Criminal charges are rare in minig accidents but they are not unheard of. In fact; a subsidary company of Massey was fined over $4 million in 2008 for an accident which killed two miners. With President Obama getting in on the act, one can be reasonably certain that there will at the very least be a Congressional investigation. The final outcome will be determined by the focus of any investigation. Will investigators be more concerned about finding someone to blame or will they search for a cause and answers in order to ensure the safety of miners in the future? That's the million dollar question.

A Terroist Lies and Navy Seals are to be Tried

2009-12-12T15:18:00.002-05:00

Chapter 18 of the Al Qaeda training manual states; "Members must complain of torture and mistreatment inflicted on them if they're captured." That's just what Ahmed Hashim Abed did. He complained that he was struck in the mouth by a Navy Seal.

Unfortunately; the word of this murderer supercedes any of the Navy Seals denials who are accused of torturing this terroist. Three navy Seals are facing trial because of that complaint. Who is this man whose word takes so much precedence? He was one of the most sought after terroists in Iraq. He is accused of capturing four Blackwater employees, setting them on fire, and dangling them from a bridge. There were no collaborating witnesses to our knowledge. The charges lodged against these young men were solely based on the word of this lowlife.

America has become her own worst enemy. This action by the Military, which I'm sure transpired under political pressure, will undermine our young men's confidencce and make it more difficult to recruit patriots into military service.

Congressman Dan Burton of Illinois is working to have these ridiculous charges dropped in his Save the Seals campaign. Sign the petition and send a message to Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, that we not only onject but are appalled by this action.

Click Here to sign the petition to save the Navy Seals

A Holiday Message

2009-12-11T16:05:00.002-05:00

One of the most powerful messages of the holiday season is that of peace and goodwill. Yet; the news is filled with hatred and violence. That's the great paradox of our hope and our behavior. We desire peace and prosperity but we engage in actions which result in suffering and death.

In this age of technology there is no excuse for hunger or poverty. There is no excuse for the ongoing depravity which grips societies around the world. Why do these things continue to dominate our culture? It's because most people have not found peace within themselves.

Peace on earth and goodwill toward men begins within each individual. We all have our own personal trials and tribulations. We all face difficulties every single day of our lives. None are promised a life free of hardship. Unfortunately; when challenges come, we tend to turn the blame outward.

Whether you are Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, agnostic, or just plain athiest; you must acknowledge the the words of Jesus of Nazareth ring just as true today as they did over 2,000 years ago. That commandment is love.

First; we must love ourselves. That doesn't mean that we should place ourselves on a pedestal and think we're any better than any other human being on this planet. It means that we must love this life we are given as a gift and appreciate it for what it is. We are to love all of humankind.

Second; we must love others as ourselves. That means that no other human being on this earth is of lower stature than we, regardless of our station in life. The homeless, the mentally ill and challenged, the prostitute ... all are of equal stature. All of the kings and presidents of the world face the same sentence of death and all will one day share the same soil with the peasants.

Peace on earth and goodwill toward men begins within each and every persons soul. So long as there are people at war within their own souls there will be wars against nations and individuals.

I would like to end with Happy Holidays to everyone but I feel more inclined to wish this world a very Merry Christmas. It's not to be disrespectful of other religions, but it is the one wish which continues to give us all hope for a brighter future in a chaotic world.

Black Friday 2009 Deals Better than Ever due to Poor Economy

2009-11-18T15:32:00.004-05:00

The economic recession does have its advantages; that is if you have money to spare for the upcoming holidays. That advantage will become evident this black friday when prices at the major retailer's plummet.

Perhaps the best bargains are at the Walmart and Target stores where unheard of deals will find holiday shoppers drooling. The Target ads were leaked then, strangely, Walmart ad leaks followed shortly afterward.

Walmart will be offering laptops for under $300. The Xbox 360 reportedly will sell for a measely $199 and Sony Playstation 3 for around $300. These are just a sampling of the deals which will be available at Walmart.

Target; not to be outdone by Walmart has an array of items at super discounts. Just as Walmart has deeply discounted many of their electronics, so has Target. It's reported that Target will be offering the Nikon 10 megapixel digital camera for under $100 and an Apex 40" LCD television for under $500.

If you're one of the fortunate with some spare money this holiday season, you're in for a real shopping treat ... that is, if you can survive the crowds.

Long Time Ago in a Land of Freedom

2009-11-07T18:24:00.001-05:00

Long time ago in a distant past and a land far away, there once was a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It wasn't eutopia and no one was perfect. However; there was hope.

Then something unusual happened. The people in that land became focused on their own little pots of gold. Every person in that place lived in their own little world. Some wanted greener pastures. Some wanted free food and clothing. Others strived for self fulfillment by urging others to follow the impossible dream of a perfect existence. That's where everything began to fall apart.

The mighty leaders of that land decided they knew better what was good for the people. They shouted from the rooftops: "We'll give you change. We'll give you comfort. We'll give you security." Ohhh what a sad day. The people embraced their so-called leaders and said; "YES. YES. Give me. Give me."

And so it happened. In a hushed filled room, so that none of the peasants would hear the whispers of contempt, the leaders quietly made slaves out of their followers. They legislated how everyone in that land would live ... or die. They decided who could and who should be given a chance of life. They decided who should be discarded like trash. They decided that fish were more important than human lives.

And, if a single person raised his voice in opposition, the mighty force of change would send him (or her) to the depths of hell for even questioning the mighty government.

Americans demanded change and they got exactly what they wanted!

The Great Education Fraud in America's Universities

2009-11-04T14:54:00.000-05:00

by Steven L. Blanchard

Are students in American Universities more intelligent and hard working than students of past generations? They must be or their grades are being inflated to astounding proportions.

The college student of today is the future of America. These are our soon-to-be bankers, lawyers, physicians, and scientists. Just how well equipped are these students going to be for the challenges facing America and the world? Here are some facts which might astound you.

At Brown University, a renowned Ivy League college, two thirds (that's 66.7%) of all letter grades given are A's! Is Brown so enriched with exceptional students that 2/3's are A students? I have serious doubts.

You think Brown University has the best students? Think again. Ninety one percent (91%) of all Harvard students graduate with honors! How blessed we are to have such gifted students entering the real world of business, politics, and life (cough, choke).

Do you need more? Eighty percent (80%)of the grades given at the University of Illinois are A’s and B’s. Half of the students at Columbia University are on the Dean’s list. Stanford University only had only six percent (6%) of students who received grades as low as a C.

Such results are not a result of smarter and more disciplined students. It's a result of an enormous fraud perpetrated from elementary through high school. SAT scores have been declining for four decades. At least one third of freshmen entering college must enroll in a remedial course in math, writing or reading.

It's not the fault of the student. It's the fault of a failed education system. It's the fault of parents who are either too busy or too apathetic to change this spiraling whirlpool of ignorance. It's the fault of voters who allow too much governmental intervention in educational standards. It's the fault of the National Educational Association, composed of teachers more concerned about their salaries and benefits than the quality of education their students receive.

We must get off of our duffs and demand higher educational standards for all of our kids. Those standards must begin in kindergarten and continue through high school.

We must demand that propaganda be removed from all curricula. Theory must be taught as theory and not as fact. Our young people deserve to be challenged and deserve to be taught the truth. They must learn to observe and think for themselves. Otherwise, our future is bleak and our children have little hope of enjoying the freedoms we have taken away from them.

Reference:
Grade Inflation: A Crisis in College Education

The Murder of Somer Thompson

2009-10-22T05:54:00.007-04:00

I write this with a heavy heart this morning. An inncocent 7 year old girl has been taken from her family and from this earth. It's difficult to imagine the terror Somer Thompson experienced during those hours just prior to her death. It's difficult to imagine the anguish her family is feeling at this moment.

If there's one bright spot in this horrendous trajedy, it's that of the outpouring of support and emotion by those in her community who didn't even know her or her family. Tears flowed from bystanders, police officers, and reporters as they learned that Somer's body was discovered in a landfill near Folkston, Georgia.

Tears flowed from my own eyes as I watched this story unfold. I did not know Somer. I do not know her family. But; I have been in her neighborhood on many occassions taking care of sick children in their homes. That neighborhood reminds me of what a neighborhood in America should be. Families raising their children in what was thought was the safety of a caring and compassionate group of parents. It is middle class America at it's best.

It was brilliant police work that found Somer so quickly. But; it just wasn't quick enough to save this child. What kind of animal does such a thing? Can a person even be called human who would stoop so low as this? Let's all pray that the person or person's who perpetrated this act will be caught swiftly before another child is lost.

Somer Thompson was walking the mile from school to home on Monday afternoon. She was with other children but a childish squabble sent her ahead of the group. That was the last time anyone saw her alive. She was doing what thousands of children do every weekday. The only difference is that Somer was targeted by the lowest and most despicable creature on this earth.

As Somer Thompson is now at peace, let's pray for peace for her family and friends; that they will be comforted in this most awful moment. Let's pray that the poor excuse for a human being will be caught and given what he, she, or they deserve: the death penalty. Or even better; place the animal on a street lined with parents with stones in their hands. These are not very forgiving words but I not in a very forgiving mood at this moment.

Grief and Children

2008-11-02T10:51:00.001-05:00

A child's expression of grief is very different than that of an adult. The grieving process may vary widely depending on the emotional maturity of the child and the culture in which the child is raised. It is important for parents, teachers, and professionals to understand the grieving process in children and the methods of support and intervention.

A child may demonstrate a multitude of responses following the loss of a loved one. These responses often dramatically affect the behavior of the grieving child. The child may experience a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological changes. The grieving process in children is not linear. It does not progress neatly from one step to another. Often; the grieving process in children regresses back to prior phases.

The emotional responses often demonstrated by the grieving child include: sadness, anger, irritability, guilt, excessive worry, a feeling of abandonment, and helplessness. These responses may lead to physical symptoms. A grieving child may experience a variety of pains including stomach aches, headaches, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and loss of apetite. The child may also tire easily with a decrease in activity and energy.

Grieving children will display the symptoms of grief in a variety of ways. Some may regress into an earlier developmental stage. For example; a potty trained toddler may suddenly become incontinent again or regress to thumb sucking behavior. A child may withdraw from others or become forgetful. He or she may refuse to go places which serve as reminders of the deceased loved one. Nightmares are common.

How do we help these children work through their grief? Even though there are grief patterns, not all children grieve in the same manner. There is no "right" way to grieve nor is there a wrong way to grieve. The goal should be to allow the child to grieve and offer support. For example; a school age child may not feel it is appropriate to cry in front of classmates. An observant teacher could provide this child an outlet by offering the child an opportunity to cry in a place outside of the classroom.

Because adults so often have difficulties coping with their own mortality they tend to avoid talking about death and too often attempt to protect the child from any discussions of death. Many adults feel a child should be "protected" from seeing the dead loved one or even attending the funeral. If a child is mature enough, that child should be given the option as to whether or not to view the deceased loved one or attend the funeral.

There are many methods available to help a child cope with grief other than just talking. Some children may want to talk. Others may express their grief through a variety of outlets other than verbal communication. Offering the child creative opportunities to express grief may go a long way in helping the child cope with loss. Art, play, dance, music, and activities can sometimes help a child express grief more effectively than conversation.

There are a variety of reliable internet resources available on gief and children. Some of these are listed below:

http://www.goodgriefresources.com

http://www.hospicenet.org/html/children.html

http://www.johgriefsupport.org/

http://www.grievingchildren.org/resources.html

References

Silverman, P.R., & Worden, JW (1992). Children's understanding of funeral ritual, Omega, 25, 319-331.

Doka, K. (1995). Children mourning, mourning children, New York:Routledge.

Bluebond-Langner, M. (1965). The private worlds of dying children. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Wolfelt, A.D. (1991). Dispelling Ten Common Myths About Children and Grief Retrieved October 27, 2008 from http://www.goodgriefresources.com/articles/article18.htm