Crossroads of Common Sense

Composting - Well Worth the Effort

2011-09-09T22:38:00.000-07:00

Composting is something that alot of people shy away from. I agree, it is basically a bunch of stuff we normally would sit out for trash collection. However, if you have a garden, like to plant flowers, or grow herbs, good soil nutrients are very vital. A nutrient rich soil will help maintain a pH balance, provide a balance of nitrogen, magnesium, calcium. These are all very important in supplying your plants with what they need to grow. As the cost, well of just about everything, continues to rise it is time that we look for alternatives. You know, like they did back in the "old days".

What most Americans do not know is that the soil in our country is very lacking of proper chemical soil balance. Thru improper crop rotation, nutrient depleted soil, a lack of understanding organic necessities. All these factors not only lead to a lack of bounty at harvest time, but opens a wide range of problems for the plants. When a plant becomes stressed, then that is when disease and the bothersome pests arrive. Having a rich healthy soil is just as important as the time you put into taking care of your plants.

So we should turn and look at how we can make our own rich healthy soil for our plants, and that is composting. I mean have you priced a bag of peat moss or Miracle-Gro bags of soil lately? Well, composting can achieve the same goal at the fraction of the cost. You can just about throw anything in there you want to, within reason. Alas you say, anything? Well, not exactly anything but you will be surprised what you can. The obvious ones are leaves, twigs, newspaper, cardboard, etc. But did you know things you throw in your trash from the kitchen can be used as well?

Just think how many banana peels, skin off tomatoes, onion skins, the center roll things from paper towel and toilet paper, lemon peels, orange peels, used napkins, grass clippings. Get the picture? Now you don't want to put in a composter things like diseased plants, metal, stuff like that. But common sense will prevail about it, and its trial and error. The best thing is leaves and twigs, then make a layer of dirt on top, and repeat a few times. Then over time toss in things. Now you will want to add in a little water to keep it damp, but not soaked. And a pitchfork may be a good investment because every so often you will have to go out and turn it over and mix it up. You want it covered from the rain and in a couple months or so, maybe sooner, you have nutrient rich soil! You can even toss in some worms and it is a good idea as they help with the decomposition.

I have looked around for some economical ones, but still sturdy and reliable. Plus big enough to turn out a good amount of soil. I have alot of plants around here and a good sized garden. The one I picked up has very good reviews and around $100. I got it on Amazon and would suggest if you are in the market to try it for yourself and save some money along the way, this would be my suggestion. Sturdy, enough room, has a lid to protect from the rain. So if that is something you would like to give a try, order one and lets make some dirt!
Its a clickable link so here you go:

Rebuilding Local Communities-It Begins With You

2011-08-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

We begin to embark in a new era of thinking, and a new era of politics, ideology, and individualism. We look at where we are at this point, and where we want it. Not only is it a personal struggle, but a political struggle. The focus on a national level, but, it all starts with you, the person, the neighbor, the local business, the community. It begins with our towns, our business, our schools, our children, all we have built into our community. If we fail, then we have no hope to repair mistakes of the past. For we, as a community, have failed ourselves. It began here and it must again become what it once was. For every ending is a new beginning.

Our fresh beginning is a different way of thinking, a new way of approach, and a new ideology. The ways of the future are not always the ways of the past, just as, the ways of the present, may lead to the road of the future. The road to the future is in you, it's inside every one of us just waiting to explore the unknown and new ideas we all have. To explore each of our personal talents and pooling those together for a better tomorrow. To have the knowledge, but also the accountability, responsibility, and courage to endure the difficult times. We must change our ways, we must have new ideas, and above all, governments must listen to the people and adhere to the same standards that most hold themselves to. However not only government, but also to each other. To share in each other's abilities and understand for each of us we are our own personal, but also part of collective of different people within our community. We must recognize that we are not always right, and others are not always wrong. It has to be a combination of ideas that forms the core of every successful endeavour.

As the people and government focuses on the country as a whole, many overlook the focus towards a commitment at the local level. That is where it all begins. Resources could be going to rebuilding local business and morale. Slowly as each community rebuilds, heals, and repairs, so does the next one. Improvements to the local infrastructure will not only grow local small business, but develop a sustainable tax base. The local community supporting and purchasing, as much as possible, from local business, rebuilds an intangible that has been lost in the modern structure. As each neighborhood improves, we all bond together, as we grow again, together. If a major business is lost, do not look at it as a dead flower that will never come back, look at it as a time to replant. Instead of spending resources and time to bring back what is lost, replant and start anew. We replace what we lost, rebuild from what we have, not waste time to remind each other for what we once had. We can make it happen again, for we did it once before, so we can do it again. Every major business was once a small business, with a new idea, a new product, and determination in successful.

Many feel it is too late or they are just one person. One person becomes many, through charity, caring, innovation, and understanding. We must fight the internal struggle that just one person can't have a difference. We cannot help others, if we cannot help ourselves, for we all have done wrong, and have made mistakes and continue to. We must recognize each of us can always redeem ourselves. Sometimes, we just need a reason or a way to make that change. You are here for a reason, in this time and place. That reason could be to start fresh, start a new business, become a person of change in politics, or start an organization. Just as simple, it could be to help others through a rough time that yourself have experienced. To offer the lending hand to help from your experience of living the same situations, or an ear to just listen, or to be there for the one in need. No one is worth giving up on, even if they have given up on themselves.

In conclusion, we all realize that we must make difficult decisions in the days ahead. Just as you have to in your family household, so should the local government household. But, we will not make a common goal by division, as we must work together and this all starts at a local level. Only through cooperation, caring, and community spirit, can we survive the times upon us. Our communities can thrive once again, but that only is through you, through all of us. To help your neighbor, to help your friend, but above all, remember, you can not help others if you can not help yourself. We must hold ourselves, our establishments, and our elected officials accountable and responsible. Not only can you be an individual of change, but can help be part of a different way of thinking, not the same old way of thinking, but a new "out of the box" way of thinking. For we, as communities, as Americans, as problem solvers, can become the comeback model once again, but only can we make this goal together, one step at a time. Only by doing what this country has been founded on, the foundation of caring, charity, hard work, determination, innovation, and hard work. All while trying to achieve the American Dream, leaving the country for our children and grandchildren just a little better off than what we had it. I hope you, or at least most of you share in my vision of that dream.

Alcohol Addiction - The Quiet Predator

2011-08-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

In the beginning
Most people feel drinking alcohol is innocent enough. Having a few drinks, few laughs, play some pool, maybe a poker game, good times. Takes a bit of an edge off of life and gives a few hours to kick back and just set aside the problems that keep us awake at night. A way to unwind, loosen up, and maybe bring a quiet and reserved outer shell, transformed to a more inner part that wants to open up and become more interactive. What's the harm, a couple drinks here, a couple drinks there? For most it's not a problem, but for others, the predator has struck on that very first drink. Some things I say below may sound all too familiar, some may sound like things you may not want to hear. some may say, "what gives you the right?" The right is experience, for I have lived it and after many years, I found my way out, but it's not easy. It's a few drinks, whats the harm right?

The Predator Awaits
Like any predator, alcohol will take its time. A predator will stalk its prey, watch its reactions, seek out the weakest among the herd. Sometimes the prey is hurt and spotted right away, while others break down over time, and take a bit longer. Either way, eventually, the predator picks the most vulnerable for the time to strike. I can only speak from my experience and my observations of others. However, I have noticed that it begins innocently enough, or maybe after a bad day. Most people just have a night or weekend of it and do not again for a while, but for many others it quietly sneaks up on them. I have never seen anything wrong with having a few drinks or maybe occasionally having a good time and maybe having a few too many, making it home safely the proper way. I have also seen it as a start into a spiral spin that could be the beginnings of a downward motion that always involves the words somewhere in the conversation, "I am not hurting anyone". As I notice the first stage of denial that there could be a problem in the works. The person begins to find reasons to have a drink. Just to relax, my birthday, sports is on, favorite movie is on, its hot, its cold, helps me focus, was in an argument, etc, etc. Or the oxy-moron, I am drinking because of financial struggles, so it helps me take my mind off of it for a few hours. So you spend money on alcohol because you are broke instead of paying a debt. The predator is very quiet, calm, and very patient. It sits on a shelf disguised in many versions just waiting for the person, in a vulnerable state, to wander from the herd to come nearer to it. This predator lets the prey come to it.

The Middle
This stage you are probably well into drinking somewhat everyday. Most likely have a few more than you lead on to people or admit. In fact, if progressed enough, you may have even convinced yourself that you havent drank as much as you have. Mood swings start to become clear, insomnia and quality of sleep most likely becoming noticeable. Most likely, this is when the onset of anxiety begins. You start to notice subtle things like your quality of life has started to change differently. Now, with all the above said, no big deal really right? A hangover, lots of water, rapid heartbeat, some pills, and good to go. You know, the vows to the porcelain God and you will never do it again for the longest of times, or will it be again that afternoon? I like to call this the middle because in my experience, this is where one decides to keep that vow or go on to the next paragraph.

The Predator Tightens its Grip
Experience tells me by this step your pretty much in a downward spiral. Lack of sleep has worn on you, anxiety growing worse and most likely panic attacks are beginning or increasing. You drink everyday to calm down, but takes more to do it. You have shut yourself out to most your family and friends, and most likely even to yourself. Chances are you now have become dependant on your alcohol addiction. Drinking everyday, risking DUI, injury, your relationships, financial burdens, the list can go on. Including the inner struggle of knowing you feel bad for what you are doing, so you drink more to forget it. The more the anxiety, the more the alcohol, the stronger the anxiety, the more the alcohol. The spiral deepens to the point that your asking yourself what is wrong with me, I don't want to live this way anymore. This is usually the point that everyone around you, including yourself, knows that something is wrong. Normally, they just wont say anything. However, you know, and if any of this still sounds like you or a loved one, then you must and need to read on.

The End - Looking in the Mirror
The first thing to remember is a predator does not always catch its prey. I can tell you, it does not matter if an individual was court ordered, had surgery, spouse threaten to leave, lose a job, lack of money, whatever. You will not get over your dependance of alcohol unless you are ready to become sober. I will also tell you, chances are, you will have a relapse. Why? One is you wont quit until you have reached the absolute low spot of your life, and that is a point that only you will know. Secondly, you wont until you discover the underlying cause of why you drink in the first place. One of the things I learned is taking a good long hard look in the mirror and I didn't like what I become. But it is hard to face others, when you can't even face yourself. Its goes for family as well. Loved ones and friends should better understand that someone dependant on alcohol isn't always just a drunk. Even if they relapse. There is something there that is inside, in most cases. No one should just be written off. I have noticed anyway, if a friend or family member begins to pick up on the person starting to talk more and more about quitting or drinking less, then that is a hint to intervene. If you are a family member reading this, tough love is all I can say, if they don't listen, then you did your part. Your part is to understand, watch for the signs, and hear the hints. It is important not to bring up that the person drinks but more important to ask why do you drink? Most the time I have found, the person has mentioned it one way or another, just no one ever listened. Once I learned why I drank, then I started to climb the stairs, its was one step at a time, but it was up from there.

The One That Got Away
I can't stress enough if you find yourself struggling with alcohol dependency, do not try to tackle it alone. You need to be in the care of a qualified physician or proper detox program. It is very dangerous or could be life-threatening to attempt to go cold turkey. Accept the support of family and friends, join a group therapy program like AA. Find hobbies or tasks to keep you busy. Avoid things that remind you of the habit but don't cut them out completely. Non-alcoholic beers do not help keep you off the habit. It's a slow process, but the reward is greater. Over time, you will feel healthier, sleep better, and if you get a craving talk to someone. Think back to that low point, do you really want to be at that point again, or worse? It isn't going to be easy, but in time, you can pat yourself on the back for your sense of achievement. Having the courage to endure and face the tough road. It takes a lot of courage to stand in front of people and say your an alcoholic, or a recovering alcoholic. You can get all the support in the world, but in the end, it's up to you and you only to make the final decision of sobriety. Then you might be able to help someone else, for experience of living it is worth 100 textbooks. Then you can look in the mirror and give yourself a smile, and know the predator had to tell the story of the one that got away.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6460451

America the Beautiful - Time for a Visit

2011-08-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

One of America's longest traditions is that of owning a family business. Business establishments were handed down from generation to generation. However, the small business person are being squeezed in today's atmosphere. Small town shops, diners, and places of interest, being replaced by resorts and major chain big box stores. Who doesn't like a nice resort on the beach? The feeling has become more popular that a renewed interest is growing in what made America's economy. The family owned small business. Renewed interest in small town America, the history, the culture, and how we all got where we are today.

A growing number of people are looking for home town shops, bakeries, diners, bed and breakfast, nature trails, museums, etc, to visit. Sometimes only to window shop, and value the homemade treasure of skills taught from grandparent to grandchild. Many small towns across this great land still offer great family owned establishments, but they are quickly being lost. Hard work and dedication is the key to make a business successful, is the foundation of America. Owners of these establishments, endure the emotions of losing what has been handed down by family generations. More and more people are looking to visit and help these types of establishments. To rediscover the beauty of America that goes unnoticed. Rebuild what once was. Rediscovering what they feel is quickly being lost, and wanting to help local shopkeepers to revitalize their communities.

The growing trend among travelers seems to be a common theme. In that, they want to experience a more quiet and relaxing vacation time with family. Enjoying the sounds of nature, the historic buildings, a nice quiet nature walk, the stories of a small towns' history. Maybe just to share an old story from a resident, on the front porch of a bed and breakfast inn over a glass of lemonade. I am sure the story has been "added to" a few times over the years, but would it really matter? People are finding these type of vacation destinations not only quiet, refreshing, and rewarding, but educational.

However, it does have its drawbacks. You may not have cell phone service like you are used to. Bed and breakfast inn's do not have but a few rooms, so tend to be more difficult to book at the time you are wanting. The town may be small and amenities may be what you are not used to either. Shops may close early. There are some drawbacks, but many positives, if you are looking for a change of pace travel destination. It would be prudent to plan well ahead of time. A good search engine would provide you with numerous bed and breakfast inn's and almost any town has a Chamber of Commerce. Every state has a tourism office with free information. If planned right, your destination could have the best of both, by having a small town quiet vacation stop with big town attractions just a few miles away.

The important thing is plan ahead, travel carefully, decided as a family what you want to see. This will help decide where you would want to go. Coupons, coupons, coupons. Save money while you plan. The internet is a wonderful source, and you can make your own plan, save your own money, book your own trips, all from your own living room. America is beautiful, a diverse countryside of landscape of people. Small towns scattered across the whole country, waiting to welcome visitors with open arms. What are you waiting for? Time to take a visit!

You can visit http://www.discoverhometownamerica.com.

What to do during a Tornado Watch

2011-08-05T21:04:00.000-07:00

One of the most frightening display's of nature is a tornado, but also one of the most awe-inspiring. Winds within a tornado can reach greater that 300 miles per hour in the most powerful of storms. Damage can range from a few knocked over chairs, to entire neighborhoods wiped away in seconds. Thankfully, we can rest a little easier by having a little lead time. Research continues to learn conditions on how tornadoes form and are favorable for such powerful acts of nature to generate. This lead time becomes designated into a certain geographic area determined the most likely location for the formation of tornadoes, thus a Tornado Watch will be issued for that area.

A Tornado Watch is issued by a national office in Norman, Oklahoma. This office is called the Storm Prediction Center and is responsible for the entire United States for Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watch boxes. This would be your first step towards determining if a Tornado Watch has been issued for your area or the area you are traveling to. The Storm Prediction Center or SPC, also issue 1, 2, and 3 day convective outlooks. These will list a general, slight risk, moderate risk, or high risk for severe weather for a geographic location. In general, areas in a moderate or high risk circled area most likely will have the highest percentage of having a Tornado Watch. The Tornado Watch to be considered the most life-threatening is a PDS Watch Box, known as a Particularly Dangerous Situation. These are when numerous tornadoes or strong tornadoes are expected in the watch Box area.

If you are in a Tornado Watch are, these are the things you should consider. First, stay calm. Just because you are in a Tornado Watch, does not mean you will have a tornado. A watch means conditions are favorable, a warning means that one has been sighted or could occur any moment. Do not confuse the two. Secondly, have a safe place planned. Knowing where to go during an emergency is a life saver. Especially when traveling, you are in an unfamiliar location. Plan ahead, but remember, still enjoy your activities because a watch does not mean a tornado is happening, just that conditions are favorable. Monitor local television stations and radio, or purchase a portable weather radio. The National Weather Service transmits across the country on just a few main transmitter frequencies, so you should be able to always pickup their transmission no matter where you go. If traveling or at home, have a small kit in your trunk or location in your home. Flashlight, batteries, small transmitter radio, first aid kit, etc. In the most severe situations, it does not take long for a watch to become a warning.

If you are outside during a Tornado Watch and you see the skies darken, it is best to go inside and check the weather. Conditions favorable for tornadoes, storms can move fast with individual storm cells moving with speeds up to 70 miles per hour, so your time to take cover may be short. If you are driving in an area in a Tornado Watch with an approaching storm, do not be afraid to pull off on an exit and ride the storm out. Your check in time can wait, a tornado can occur with little or no warning at any time. If in a hotel, motel, resort, etc, ask where their designated tornado protection areas are located in case a warning is issued. These tips above should help with what to do during a Tornado Watch. A Tornado Watch will normally last about 8 hours, and usually cancelled for your area earlier. If you are at home, you probably already know what to do, but if traveling, it becomes more difficult to the unfamiliar surroundings. Above all, ask, use common sense, stay alert, and stay safe.