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Using the Talents That You Have

4/18/2015

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I'm stepping away from my usual topics of food and cooking to share an amazing story that I just viewed online.  It impacted me deep into my soul.  I spent many years working with individuals with disabilities.  Many had cerebral palsy, and watching this story brought back memories of many students that I crossed paths with.  Some of my students had incredible challenges to deal with.

This story that I am sharing with you is about an older man who has cerebral palsy.  He is now living in a nursing home.  But that's not the focal point of his story.  This gentleman has a gift.  He is an artist.  His brush is an old fashioned manual typewriter and his canvas is paper.  You see, he uses a typewriter and his finger to put his visions onto paper for us to see, and his work is incredible.  What is more amazing is his personality and outlook on life.  His artwork is his passion, his pride and joy.  Regardless of the indignities brought upon him by his physical impairments, and the limitations on his life's experiences and roads traveled, his creative spirit drives him on.  And we are fortunate to receive the gifts he shares.

Grab your tissues, and watch this artist in action.  He along with his talents are amazing.

http://pulptastic.com/extraordinary-man-severe-cerebral-palsy-creates-incredible-works-art-using-typewriter/
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Black Friday Brawls - The Science Behind The Behavior

11/29/2014

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Well, Black Friday 2014 has officially "passed", however, the weekend of savings continues, moving onward towards Cyber Monday.  The Christmas shopping season is officially underway this year, beginning well before the traditional "Black Friday" day after Thanksgiving shopping marathon.  For the past couple of years, more and more retailers have been opting to be open on Thanksgiving, some as early as Thanksgiving morning.  Many merchants even started offering pre-Black Friday deals, in an effort to bring shoppers into the store before Thanksgiving Day. 

I used to take advantage of "Black Friday" deals in the past.  But after watching a mob crush towards a counter separating them from their must have, desired items; I reconsidered my decision to venture out on Black Friday.  That frenzied mob was massed against the counter and frantic employees behind the counter began throwing boxes out to the crowd.  It must have been frightening for them to face that group of people rushing them.  I just could not understand the crazy need to have that "stuff" and behave that way to get it. I stood back and observed from a safe distance.  Why subject myself to that insane situation?  I felt sorry for the employees.  I have since boycotted going to these sales.

The internet and news reports now have annual accountings of shopping behaviors escalating into brawls, fist fights, and even stealing from each others shopping carts.  With cameras everywhere these days, we now have an opportunity to see the behaviors of shoppers just about anywhere.  There's many instances of total mayhem, with brutish, animalistic behaviors.  All over materialistic stuff that really doesn't matter much later on.  This growing mob behavior seemed to be more common in the US,  but this year, videos of the mobs trampling over each other and fighting in the UK has revealed the global nature of this situation.

What is the science and psychology behind this behavior?  Why do typically rational people change and behave in such a manner?  What causes them to kick, punch, shove and even stab or stun gun each other over a Black Friday Special?

An article from The Independent provides some insight.

Primal instincts are triggered in certain situations.  Everyone has "hardwiring" for violence given the right situation.  What is it about Black Friday, that sets the stage for violence and mob mentality?

It's about obtaining a valuable reward.  We are highly motivated to gain this reward.  Black Friday offers "bargains" as the
"reward".  Consumers are very motivated by the bargains because price reductions are seen as a "gain".  It's getting something for nothing.

There are other motivators behind getting "the deal".  It's exciting.  It permits people to have things and enjoy them when they normally could not.  People will go to great lengths to have a chance to get a reward.  I am sure you have seen the images of people camped outside the stores, often days in advance, even in horrible weather.  All driven by the chance to get "the reward". 

Ironically, people are so driven to get a "reward", they buy stuff they don't even need, just because it was a good deal.  An interview of a UK shopper Illustrates this.  When she could not get what she originally came for, she grabbed a Dyson vacuum, simply because she wanted to "have" something. 

“I got a Dyson but I don’t even know if I want it. I just picked it up,” Louise Haggerty, a 56-year-old hairdresser and waitress, said of her 1am trip to the Black Friday sales. “It was mental in there. It was crazy. It was absolutely disgusting, disgusting.”  (source: theguardian.com)

Another condition adding fuel to the frenzy is "competition".  Competition happens when a limited number of products are offered at heavy discounts.  Typically, these are called "Doorbuster" items.  Ironically, the term "doorbuster" is no longer simply a metaphor...as there are videos of mobs actually breaking down doors to be among the first to enter the store and find their limited resource goal.  Deep discounts and a limited number of items raises the tensions and competition among individuals who are seeking the same limited resources.  One shopper's gain will be another shopper's loss.  That's a psychological zero-sum game.  This all results in very classic, violence inducing conditions.  There is such massive competition for a very limited number of resources that those resources obtain a very high value.  Scarcity seems to increase desirability.

Typically, human behavior is restrained and controlled by social norms.  Such primal behaviors are usually tempered by laws and social mores.  Whether violent behavior is promoted or prevented depends on the absence or presence of norms.

One norm connected with scarce resources is the "line up".  Rules of "line up" are typically a socially agreed upon norm that prevents a "free for all", and as a result, maintains order and suppresses violence.  However, with certain conditions, the line up norm can also bring about violence.  Those who don't abide by the "norms" will degrade the situation.  One example is the "butt in person", the one who "takes cuts".  This violation of norm is so disturbing, that even the person in front of the violator gets upset.  Violence comes about as a way of protecting the "norm".  However, the way Black Friday sales are  conducted, the norm no longer holds when the "doors are opened".  At that point it becomes a "free for all".    Unfortunately, merchants' practices of providing limited resources and creating "fanfare" at door opening simply encourages and optimizes "free for all" behavior and mayhem. Mob mentality can also rule,
where people  justify loosening of moral standards when they see everyone else acting like brutes — it's called pluralistic ignorance,

According to an article on thewire.com, there are chemical brain changes with the availability of coupons and discounts.  The rituals associated with Black Friday shopping are exciting with arousal and presentation of challenge.  The brain is actually more stimulated by Black Friday shopping than by typical shopping.  The Black Friday shopping experience is viewed as a desired activity. While brawling and mayhem may make the news, a great number of these bargain shoppers are actually well behaved during their shopping experience. 

Personally, I have shunned brick and mortar stores on Black Friday and the holiday weekend.  I have absolutely NO desire to become part of the masses of humanity, some behaved and some not so behaved.  Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is worth brawling over, shoving and fighting.  I refuse to be manipulated by the psychological games involved in limited resource availability and sales.  I do however, shop for discounts, but from the comfort of my home via cybershopping.

Cybershopping has become more appealing and there are many good offers to take advantage of.  Online discounts and free shipping, many offered by merchants with local brick and mortar stores, are very attractive.  No stress, no fuss, with items delivered to your home.  I don't have to disturb my Thanksgiving Day, get up insanely early, use gas, compete for a parking spot, stand in line to get in the store, bump into people in the store, try to work my way around throngs of people and shopping carts, and then be disappointed if they are sold out of what I came for.  I don't have to stand in line to pay and fight traffic to get home.  I won't be tired out, my feet won't hurt.  I have permanently checked out of the crazy experience and mobs and I shop from home.

It's good to know you have the option of choice.  Choice to physically shop, choice to cybershop and choice to not shop at all!  It's not a bad idea to re-evaluate your shopping and gift giving habits.  Is mindless consumption something you really want to participate in?  Do you practice minimalist living?  Do you evaluate every purchase for purpose, need vs want and make you own logical decisions that are not driven by advertising, marketing and outside influences.  Exercise independence in your shopping habits to find what works for you and is in your best interests.  And don't forget, the bill will be coming in January.  By then, the excitement of getting the deal will have worn off....

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/nov/28/black-friday-sales-police-attend-supermarkets-amid-scuffles

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/black-friday-the-science-behind-why-people-kill-each-other-over-tvs-on-the-friday-after-thanksgiving-9889810.html

http://mic.com/articles/105126/science-reveals-a-crucial-difference-in-your-brain-on-thanksgiving-vs-black-friday

http://www.thewire.com/national/2012/11/why-we-love-black-friday-according-science/59146/







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Black Thursday - Is It Really A Good Idea?

11/14/2014

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source: washingtonpost.com
Here we go!  The race begins towards Christmas, and the ritual of holiday shopping is beginning.  Traditionally, Black Friday had been the official start of the shopping frenzy, with stores opening earlier and earlier to lure shoppers in for "specials" and "door busters".  Bleary eyed but energized shoppers poured into stores in the wee hours to shop and sometimes battle for deals.  People even start lining up outside the stores days in advance, marking their places with lawn chairs and tents, so they can be first through the doors when the stores open.  It amazes me that people do this.  It's COLD in some areas where this is happening.  Is getting "stuff" really that important??

You must have seen the videos that appear every year.  Pushing, shoving, knocking each other down, and fighting over "must have" merchandise.  It can get ugly.  Employees must fear for their own safety seeing those masses of people charging at them.  Sometimes entry doors get broken, displays are trashed and people get knocked down and trampled.  The lucky employees at least have a counter to "protect" them. I wonder if shoppers really need  those products or not.  Is it the mob frenzy mindset taking over and driving their actions?  Once shoppers have grabbed what's available, it's time to stand in long, snaking lines at the check out.  Some people thrive on this excitement, saying it's all part of the holiday spirit.  Others (like me) having experienced the insanity one time too many, vow never to be part of that chaos again.  I have no desire to be surrounded by rude, aggressive and greedy people.

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated as a time for us to pause and give thanks for the good things we enjoy in our lives such as family, friends, health, jobs, food, freedom, football and more. Some people choose give back to the community and volunteer their time at soup kitchens or donate money/items to food banks.  The holiday's origins trace back to
the “first Thanksgiving,” however, it was neither a feast nor a holiday, but a simple gathering. Following the Mayflower’s arrival at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims suffered the lost of 46 of their original 102 colonists. With the help of 91 Indians, the remaining Pilgrims survived the bitter winter and yielded a bountiful harvest in 1621. In celebration, a traditional English harvest festival, lasting three days brought the Pilgrims and natives to unite in a “thanksgiving” observance. (allabouthistory.org)  In modern times, it is still tradition to gather around the table (at home or at a restaurant) to enjoy a feast to celebrate our bountiful lives and to strengthen our bonds with those in our lives who are important to us.  This holiday is one of the busiest travel days of the year as people travel, sometimes great distances, to come together. 

Traditionally, retailers were closed on Thanksgiving.  Black Friday was the first day of traditional Christmas shopping, during which crowds of consumers are drawn in to take advantage of special offers by retailers.  “Black” refers to stores moving from the “red” to the “black,” back when accounting records were kept by hand, and red ink indicated a loss, and black a profit.

Things have changed over time. 
Now, "Black Friday" has turned into "Black Thursday".  Holiday shopping creep has moved into Thanksgiving Day with retailers now opening their doors to shoppers on Thanksgiving.  Of course, this means their employees no longer have the day off to celebrate the holiday.  Reaction to this change has been mixed.  Shoppers are showing up, but does this really mean they actually approve of this practice, or are they simply being manipulated by retailers who are trying to utilize as much time as possible prior to Christmas to boost their sales and profits?  Black Thursday may now be the new "norm" but are shoppers really "choosing" to shop that day or are they simply "responding" to retailer induced changes? 

A survey by consulting firm Accenture found that 45 percent of Americans planned to shop on Turkey Day, up from 38 percent last year. And most shoppers had few qualms about leaving the holiday dinner table: 32 percent of shoppers said they would avoid brick-and-mortar stores on Thanksgiving because it would interfere with family time, down from 41 percent last year. (wsj.com)

Ironically, Black Friday isn't necessarily the best day to snag the best prices.  Instead, retailers’ biggest price cuts last year came on the Monday before Thanksgiving, and shoppers who bought items on Thanksgiving Day snapped up the season’s lowest prices, according to Adobe.  The weeks before the Black Friday weekend offered better deals than the weeks leading up to Christmas.  What’s more, those who shopped on Black Friday were more likely to find items out of stock.  In addition, more shoppers are moving towards making their purchases on line. (wsj.com)

This year, some retailers have decided NOT to open on Thanksgiving, and are promoting their decision to do so.  It's no longer notable when a retailer says it will stay open on Thanksgiving Day. Instead, it makes headlines when one says it's going to close.  The moves to make Thursday the new Black Friday has drawn petitions, boycotts and plenty of questions about worker fairness and the effect on employee morale. It's also unclear whether the holiday openings will even help these stores in the long run. Though some data has shown an upside, retail consultants have warned that Thanksgiving sales could just cannibalize purchases that would have happened on Friday. (washingtonpost.com)

What are you going to be doing on Thanksgiving?  Eat, relax and enjoy the day with those you love?  Or are you going to eat and run....to the store?

http://online.wsj.com/articles/when-to-snag-the-best-holiday-deals-1415569005

https://blackfriday.com/pages/black-friday-history

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-leadership/wp/2014/10/28/in-keeping-with-its-values-costco-to-close-on-thanksgiving/

http://newsroom.accenture.com/news/us-consumers-plan-to-increase-holiday-spending-this-year-supported-by-greater-optimism-about-personal-finances-accenture-study-finds.htm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2014/11/12/how-giving-workers-the-day-off-for-thanksgiving-became-a-retailer-promotional-scheme/
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History of Car Colors - Reasons Behind Choices

10/23/2014

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I've owned a few different cars over my driving years.  Probably not as many as most people though as I tend to keep my cars for an extended period of time.  I ran across some interesting articles about choosing vehicle colors, the changes colors available and color preferences over time,  which vehicle colors are more popular and hold value over time. Unlike the Model T days, of which Henry Ford wrote in his autobiography: “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black”, consumers now have choice of color on their vehicle.

Personally, I've owned cars and SUV's, and I've only owned three different colors, dark/wine red, white and silver.  Ironically, the white and silver were compromises that needed to be made because I was purchasing a vehicle off the lot.  When I ordered a vehicle, I certainly considered the different colors available, but always gravitated back to the dark red color palette.  I currently own a silver vehicle. I've found it a bit challenging to locate my car in a sea of cars in the parking lot (assuming I wasn't the one that parked it there), because there seems to be quite a few silver vehicles out there (along with black and white!)

Vehicles from earlier generations that are still on the road, stand out and are quite visible.  Not for their design necessarily, but for their colors which just pop out in contrast to the more bland color scheme of  modern vehicles.  Vehicle colors today are usually black, white, gray, or silver.  Other colors, such as red or blue tend to be muted rather than bold and pronounced, like those vehicles of the past.

According to an article from slate.com:
"With the exception of an early ‘90s flirtation with the color purple, and a late ‘90s love affair with forest green, the past 20 to 30 years have represented a demure era in the world of automotive colors. Since the late-1990s, the best-selling paint colors have been black, gray, white, and silver (silver, in fact, was the best-selling color for a decade, until it was recently overtaken by white). George Iannuzzi, a board member of the Color Marketing Group (an international color-forecasting group that meets regularly to discuss the colors of the future) says that concerns about resale value have a tendency to conservatively shape buyer’s inclinations"

An article from Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) describes the effect of vehicle color on resale values.

"The Monetary Value of Color
So, you might ask, "Why does color matter?" Like many vehicle features, color plays a role in the residual value of your car. Put simply, today's popular color will probably make your vehicle more popular to a buyer five years from now. The "probably" factors in the cyclical nature of color popularity, but the general rule still holds true.

It also follows that less popular colors depreciate your vehicle's value. By how much, you ask? That's the tricky part. It actually can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the vehicle and the color in question.

Sticking to neutral colors such as silver, white, black and gray are your safest bets. But, if you feel moved to more chromatic colors, bright yellow, orange, or purple vehicles could put you at a disadvantage when selling or trading in your vehicle."

However, an article by Forbes stated:
"
On average a yellow car that originally cost $20,000 can be expected to retain about $1,500 more of its value after five years than the same exact car painted black.That’s according to an analysis of over 20 million used car listings from the 1981 through 2010 model years conducted by the Boston-based used-vehicle website iSeeCars.com. Other colors the study found that bring back the most green include orange, teal and – of course – green.....it should be noted that one is more likely to find a sports coupe or convertible offered in eye-popping hues like orange and yellow in the first place than a more-conservative family sedan or station wagon, where the “non-colors” tend to proliferate."

An extensive and informative article written by The Consumerist (consumerist.com), explains the impact of the rise and fall of the economy on vehicle color preferences and resale potential. 
"...during the recent recession, consumers were a bit shy of flashy things and tended to play it safe when and if they took the big step of buying a new car, and that trend has persisted over the years. Meaning the likelihood of a flood of yellow cars on the market is not great, hence, the rarer it is, the higher price tag it can command." 

Bottom line is that color choice is part of your personal expression of your ride.  The importance of personal expression through color varies among consumers.  Some like more subdued colors and other want the "look at me, here I am" presentation of popping, bright colors. 
Run with the pack or stand out?  As the Consumerist article states: "Whether or not you take that risk, it’s up to you. But at least you don’t have to order it in black, if you don’t want to."

Here are the links to the articles and sites I referenced in this Musing.  I found them to be very interesting.  I hope you do to.

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/design/2011/10/car_paint_colors_why_are_so_many_cars_painted_white_silver_and_b.html

http://www.kbb.com/car-advice/articles/best-color-to-buy/?r=40420190542296290


http://consumerist.com/2014/10/10/a-brief-history-of-car-colors-and-why-are-we-so-boring-now/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2014/06/17/new-car-colors-that-boost-resale-values/

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E-cigarette Toxicity in Dogs & Cats - What You Should Know

9/27/2014

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image credit: dogtipper.com
I don't smoke so I haven't followed the e-cigarette development closely.  I ran across these articles, and realized that people might not know the dangers of this "better than cigarettes" alternative.  If you are around pets, you need to exercise care to keep them away from animals (and children).  They contain very toxic substances and can have fatal consequences in the wrong paws (or hands).

The primary danger to pets is the nicotine they can be exposed to.  There is a cartridge in the e-cigarette that contains nicotine at levels toxic to animals. 
Pets may be exposed when they chew up the e-cigs or the bottles containing e-juice, or even when they walk through puddles of spilled e-juice and get it on their paws.  The signs of nicotine poisoning may begin within 15 to 30 minutes of exposure to the e-liquid; in contrast, signs of nicotine poisoning following eating tobacco products may take a few hours  as the nicotine must be released from the tobacco.  (source: veterinarypartner.com)

The links below will provide more information about the dangers posed to your pets.  Please read them so you will know what symptoms to look for, be ready if an accident should happen, and above all, know how to keep your pets safe in the first place.


http://www.petplace.com/cats/e-cigarette-toxicity-in-cats/page1.aspx?utm_source=Newsletters&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=&utm_content=CL-20140925%20%281%29%20remainder

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/e-cigarette-toxicity-in-dogs/page1.aspx?utm_source=Newsletters&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=&utm_content=DL-20140925%20%281%29%20remainder

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=3557
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Crack Price Codes & Save A Few Bucks When Shopping

9/13/2014

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I'm all about saving money and not spending more than I have to.  Once I've decided that I really need to buy something, I look for sales, I compare prices, use coupons, shop on line, look up discount promo codes on the internet, buy gently used items and even try to repurpose when possible.  There is no reason to pay full price for almost anything these days if you plan ahead, and invest a little time to do some research.

Retailer price coding has been a topic on the news lately, so I decided to research it further to share what I found with readers here.  There is some great advice on how to save money if you know how retailers price their merchandise!
  The link below also has a printable chart with coding information that can come in handy when you are out shopping.  Or you can save the link on your smart phone!

http://www.rather-be-shopping.com/blog/2013/09/24/retailers-big-secret-crack-the-price-tag-code/

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/04/25/cracking-the-price-tag-code-to-retail-store-savings/

http://business.time.com/2013/08/21/decoding-the-secret-language-of-price-tags/
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"It's All The Rage" - What's Up With That?

9/3/2014

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Typically, when someone says "It's all the rage.", they are referring to an increasing popularity of a product, certain look, or activity.  Often this is demonstrated as passing "fads", where things become popular, then fade away.  This Musing is about a different reference to rage.  I'm referring to "rage" and anger being demonstrated by people in different travel situations

Road Rage

For a long time, we have heard the term "road rage".  Chances are you have been on the receiving end of "road rage", or maybe you are someone that has expressed some type of  "road rage" or aggressive driving.  AAA reports that aggressive driving and road rage are increasing and is one of the top concerns of drivers today.

Aggressive driving is a term for dangerous on-the-road behaviors that emerged around the 1990's.  It refers to behaviors such as:

  • Following too closely
  • Driving at excessive speeds
  • Weaving through traffic
  • Running stop lights and signs

Aggressive driving can also escalate into behaviors such as:

  • gesturing in anger
  • yelling at another motorist
  • confrontation
  • physical assault and even murder.

"Road Rage" is the label that refers to the angry and violent behaviors at the extreme end of the aggressive driving continuum. An important distinction is that aggressive driving is considered to be a traffic violation, while road rage, not including yelling and gesticulating, is considered  a criminal offense. (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

What Do The Experts Think?

What are the underlying reasons of this rise in aggressive and dysfunctional behavior on the road?  Experts have various opinions. (source: T
he Growing Problem of Road Rage By Charles Montaldo)

Sociologists: suggest it is due to the breakdown in our society's sense of community and a disintegration of shared values.

Psychologists: blame the intoxicating combination of power and anonymity provided by motor vehicles.

Traffic engineers: believe the problem is due to inconsistent driving speeds among travelers.

Suggested Causes:


Traffic Congestion:  This is sited as a frequent cause. 
Drivers who have a low tolerances for traffic delays might react by following too closely, changing lanes frequently, or becoming angry at anyone who impedes their progress.

Running Late: 
People are stressed because they have too much to do and are running late for work, school, their next meeting, lesson, soccer game, or other appointment.  Drivers often "justify" their speeding because they are running late.

Anonymity:   Drivers can feel detached when insulated within the privacy of a vehicle. Tinted windows facilitate the misconception of being an observer of the surroundings, rather than a participant.  Being anonymous can "release" individuals to behave in antisocial ways, because they don't feel accountable for their actions.  This combined with power of a vehicle can result in extreme rudeness.  It can turn a "nice" person into a dangerous "rager".

Disregard for Others and for the Law:  The erosion of societal values and respect for authority has been the subject of studies and news stories.  Suggested causes for this problem are: the fragmentation of the extended family, increased individual mobility, media influence, and other characteristics of modern society.  This trend is reflected in the expression of narcissistic traits and the common phrase, "I'm just looking out for number one."

Habitual Or Clinical Behavior:  By far, most motorists rarely or never drive aggressively.  For a minority, there are frequent episodes of aggressive driving, and for a small group, aggressive driving style is the norm. Occasional episodes of aggressive driving might occur in response to specific situations, such as speeding and changing lanes abruptly when late for an important appointment, when it is not the driver's normal behavior.  And for some, it can even be an expression of illness or pathology.

Something to remember is that it is not the anger that is experienced by drivers that is of concern, but what they do with that anger. 

Air Rage


Recently, the newscasts have aired stories about a different kind of "rage".  This situation involves "Air Rage" which is a term that refers to airline passengers exhibiting aggressive and disruptive behaviors.  Some say that "Air Rage" is the new Road Rage.  In the last two weeks, three flights have had to be diverted due to fights about reclining seats.  Other recent expressions of "Air Rage"  include a passenger who were arrested for punching a sleeping passenger and another who beat up an airline employee.

Suggested Causes:

What are the reasons behind the increased incidents of air travel belligerence and even violence?  Psychologists have suggestions on causes: (source: Air Rage: Why Does Flying Make People So Crazy? Leah Ginsberg)

1.  Air travel security restricts personal freedoms making people feel vulnerable, so they act out.  People can be very
    sensitive to being controlled and might become afraid or angry. 

2.  People have "personal space" and airlines offer very little of it, so people are willing to fight for it. 
American culture has a
     norm expectation of about 3 ft of personal space (or an arm's length).  Maintaining this boundary on a plane is virtually
     impossible.  Coach seats are often less than 1.5 feet wide causing passengers to invade each others space.  Pushing
     boundaries is a good way to upset people and airline practices of putting more seats on planes and flying planes at full
     capacity make air travel more uncomfortable and stressful.  Recent arguments on planes have involve "the reclining
     seat" where the person in front reclines their seat, causing "problems" for the passenger directly behind.  A new device,
     called Knee Defender will prevent the seat in front of a passenger from engaging in recline.  This device was a trigger for
     an inflight argument.  The passenger in front wants to exercise their "right" to recline the seat they paid for, and the
     passenger in back is trying to prevent the reclining seat from invading his "space" that he has paid for. 

3.  Being overloaded and overwhelmed.  Too much to think about stresses us out, which leads to a short fuse.  Having too
     many responsibilities to deal with at once is one of the top causes of stress.  Multitasking is not really that efficient and
     creates an overload on individuals.  Traveling is a stressful experience with worries about getting there on time, coping
     with airport security and invasion of personal space, dealing with luggage, schedule delays, catching connector flights,
     managing carry on luggage etc.

4. 
Some people drink or take medication when flying.  Doing so can help people relax and may help manage anxieties, but
     it can also result in more impulsive behavior. 

5.  Many travelers experience anxiety while flying, putting them on edge
and less able to cope with stress.  Adding
     medication or alcohol can make matters worse.

6.  Some travelers
are belligerent and in a bad mood.  This attitude can be contagious and create conflict in a social
     situation.  An "emotional contagion" can can have a cascading effect, and cause everyone to pile on when someone
     starts something.  One or two incidents and become many.

What To Do About Road Rage?

Edmunds.com has 10 tips to prevent road rage:

1.   Be rested- inadequate sleep can cause irritability
2.   Plan ahead - being disorganized and running late
can cause speeding and impatience.
3.   Don't use your car to blow off steam -Your car is not an extension of yourself.
4.   Don't listen to aggressive music - Aggressive music can prompt aggressive behavior.  Listen to music that is calming.
5.   Keep relaxed behind the wheel - Take rest brakes, if you find yourself tense, relax your muscles and breathe.
6.   It's not about you -
Do not take behaviors of other drivers personally.
7.   Hostility is not healthy - Falling into habits of anger and stress has negative health consequences as well as exposing
      you to conflict and retaliation with other drivers. Is it really worth it?

8.   Practice good etiquette - Don't let detachment and anonymity of being in a car cause you to act out.
9.   Self Assess - take a look at your driving habits and practices.  Are you behaving aggressively?  Self awareness can
      help you curb negative behaviors. 
10. Develop the habit of practicing kindness. - Don't be an emotional contagion.  Modeling kindness can reap kindness in
      return.

What To Do About Air Rage?


Below is a brief summary of flying etiquette suggestions from Wikihow.com.  Their article has excellent advice for airplane etiquette with great advice to consider.  Please consider going to their link (below) to see more to help you have a better air travel experience.

1.  Carry your bag in front of you and low to the ground as you walk down the aisle in search of your seat. - you don't want
     to be whacking other seated passengers.
2.  Utilize the overhead space above your own seat row. - Don't even think about putting your bags in the overhead storage
     near the front of the plane. 
3.  Keep your chair upright at least until you are told it can be reclined. - When you do recline, do it slowly so you don't
     bump the passenger behind you or knock something over on their tray.  Be courteous and keep your seat upright during
     meals and drink servings and until things are cleaned up.  Remember that reclining hyour seat for your comfort can be at
     the expense of the person behind you.

4. 
Avoid grabbing the back of the seat in front of you.
5.  Respect personal space.
6. 
Avoid hogging the aisle.
7. 
Be considerate of other passengers when you exit the plane.

Happy traveling, and remember to breathe!

http://crime.about.com/od/victims/p/roadrage.htm

https://www.yahoo.com/travel/air-rage-96496033942.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-03/reclining-seat-spats-put-focus-on-air-rage-in-packed-jets.html

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/top-10/top-10-tips-to-prevent-road-rage.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Practice-Airplane-Etiquette





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Babysitting Grandchildren & Alzheimer's Disease

8/31/2014

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Picture
image credit: alzheimersweekly.com
I don't have grandchildren yet, but maybe you do. Parenting is a hard job.  Some say that the reward of parenting is becoming a grandparent where you can "enjoy" children without all the hard work.  You can spoil your grand kids and then give them back to their parents and let them to do the hard job of day to day child rearing.  I know my two children loved spending time with grandparents.  I am sure they were doted on and spoiled while in their care!

I recently saw this item on the news and it caught my eye.  We have a history of dementia and Alzheimer's Disease in our families.  I've been doing a great deal of reading about what you can do now to help prevent dementia.  It is reported that adopting certain behaviors and activities in your life can help delay and even deter development of Alzheimer's Disease.  Common thinking is that if you are destined to get Alzheimer's Disease, there is nothing you can do to stop it.  While that might be true for a percentage of Alzheimer's cases, there is evidence that supports the fact that you can adopt lifestyles and behaviors that will help keep you from developing Alzheimer's or at the very least, delay it.  That will be a topic of a future Musing that everyone should read if you want to be proactive about this disease.

Today's Musing presents a recent study about how caring for grandchildren can lower the likelihood of developing disorders affecting memory or cognitive ability.  Being socially engaged is one preventative strategy that is suggested for avoiding dementia and Alzheimer's. A 2011 study completed by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that seniors who stay most socially engaged show less cognitive decline on testing.

The Women's Healthy Aging Project in Australia published results online in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS). This study looked at 186 women ages 57 to 68. 120 were grandmothers.  The participants completed 3 mental assessment tests that measured cognitive abilities.  Findings suggested that taking care of grand kids one day a week helped keep grandmothers mentally sharp.  Ironically, the study also found that caring for grandchildren five days a week or more could actually have some negative effects.  Those grandmothers demonstrated poorer performances on mental sharpness tests.  The grandmothers caring for their grandchildren one day a week performed best on two of three tests.  Those spending five days a week or more did noticeably worse on the test that measures working memory and mental processing speed.

This was an unexpected finding.  Researchers also found that with increasing time spent caring for grandchildren, grandmothers reported that they felt their own children were more demanding of them.  It's possible that these feelings of being stressed out from the responsibilities of child rearing as well as being stretched too thin to make time for themselves could lead to some decline in the brain's performance.  Other studies already exist showing that women who experience even mild forms of emotional or situational stress take longer to remember recently acquired information. Naturally, follow up research is being conducted.

What if your grandchildren live very far away?  Technology can help bridge that gap.  A 2014 Pew Research Internet Project reported that 46% of seniors who use the Internet visit social media sites.  Doing this promotes stronger and more consistent connections with their loved ones.  The added benefits of options like Skype and FaceTime, where you are able to see people you are talking to, strengthens the quality of technological social engagement.

Those with no grandchildren to care for have options too!  There is no reason your social involvement has to be centered around relatives or children.  Volunteering, becoming involved in church activities, taking classes, frequenting a local senior center or
regularly socializing with friends can have the same beneficial impact on your brain function, and enhance feelings of happiness.

What do I take away from this?  One key to promoting cognitive health seems to be maintaining an active social connection with family, friends and community that is
not stressful or demanding.

http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/2014/04/a-grandchild-for-one-day-keeps-dementia.html

http://jonbarron.org/alzheimers-and-dementia/grandkids-boost-brain#.VAKsVmOx3tQ
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National Dog Day - August 26

8/26/2014

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Picture
Chloe and Minnie shortly after we adopted Minnie.
It's August 26th and it's National Dog  Day!  This day was created to help educate the public about the number of dogs currently in rescue and to thank everyone who works to save and rescue dogs every day.

I love animals and have had many kinds of pets.  Right now I have two dogs, both rescues of different types.  Chloe was rehomed with us because of conflicts with another dog in the house.  Minnie is a rescued stray, with evidence of a life of neglect and possibly abuse.  We seem to be partial to pets with special needs...as all of our pets across time have been found strays, difficult to place animals or animals needing a new home because of a home situation that was not working.

If you are thinking about getting a pet, please consider adoption from a shelter.  Rescue pets can make great companions. Many times dogs with "issues" in one household will be fine in a different setting.  Often,  it's the fault of the environment or the owner that has contributed to a dog's "problems".  A rescue can have a new lease on life with the right home.  Don't pass up older pets!  They have lots of love to give!  Our most recent adoption is about 8 years old.  She's been here about 9 months and has become the most lovable companion.

Please take your time and do your homework when preparing to adopt.  You may not find your forever friend immediately.  It's important to invest some time and preparation when adopting so you will have a pet that is a good match for your home, lifestyle and personality.  Think with your head and not your heart.  Not every dog will be right for you.

Here are some links to help you prepare for a successful adoption. 

http://www.nationaldogday.com/#!main/c1o50

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/tips-to-find-your-prefect-match-the-best-rescue-dog/page1.aspx?utm_source=Newsletters&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Wellness&utm_content=DL-20140826%20%281%29

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/adopting-a-dog-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-adoption/page1.aspx
Picture
Haley
Picture
Minnie
Picture
Chloe
1 Comment

What's The Big Deal About GMOs?

8/26/2014

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Picture
image credit: wikipedia.org
There has been quite a bit of press about GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).  GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). (source: NonGMO  Project) 

"Europe largely bans genetically engineered foods and has strict requirements on labeling them. They do allow the import of a number of GM crops such as soy, mostly for animal feed, and individual European countries have opted to plant these types of crops. Genetically engineered corn is grown in Spain, though it amounts to only a fraction of European farmland." (source: Huffington Post)

In the United States, consumers are pushing to have mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods, but it is an uphill battle.  Many of the big corporations producing GMO products are vigorously fighting  this requirement. 

"The U.S. does not require labels on the view that genetically modified food is not materially different than non-modified food. Opponents of labeling say it would scare consumers away from safe foods, giving the appearance that there is something wrong with them.....U.S. activists insist consumers should have the right to choose whether to eat genetically modified foods and that labeling would offer them that choice, whether the foods are safe or not. They are pushing for labeling at the state and federal level. California voters last year rejected a ballot initiative that would have required GM food labeling. The legislatures of Connecticut and Maine have passed laws to label genetically modified foods, and more than 20 other states are contemplating labeling."  (source: Huffington Post)

Like it or not, we have been consuming genetically engineered foods for years.  "GM foods have been a mainstay in the U.S. for more than a decade. Most of the crops are used for animal feed or in common processed foods such as cookies, cereal, potato chips and salad dressing." (source: Huffington Post)  Some estimates are that 60%-70% of all processed foods in the US are genetically modified.  Most likely we have all consumed foods with at least one genetically modified ingredient. 

"
GMOs may be hidden in common processed food ingredients such as: Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products." (source: NonGMO Project)

According to NonGMO project, these are GMO crops currently being grown:


  • Alfalfa (first planting 2011)
  • Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)
  • Corn (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011)
  • Cotton (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011)
  • Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)
  • Soy (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011)
  • Sugar Beets (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010)
  • Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash (approx. 25,000 acres)

Why the issues with GMOs?  According to Web MD, some of the risks of GMOs include:

  • Introducing allergens and toxins to food
  • Accidental contamination between genetically modified and non-genetically modified foods
  • Antibiotic resistance
  • Adversely changing the nutrient content of a crop
  • Creation of “super” weeds and other environmental risks

Recently, GMO movement has entered new territory with the FDA evaluating approval of a genetically modified salmon.  If approved, this would become the first genetically modified animal to be approved for human consumption. 

How can we avoid eating GMOs?  Avoid consuming processed food and buy organic products. 
Certified organic products cannot intentionally include any GMO ingredients. Buy products labeled “100% organic,” “organic,” or “made with organic ingredients.” You can be doubly sure if the product also has a Non-GMO Project Verified Seal.  

Below are links to help you learn more about GMOs.  The NonGMO Project has a shopping guide to help you if you want to avoid purchasing products with GMO ingredients.  They also have an app you can put on your phone.


http://www.nongmoproject.org/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/02/gmo-foods_n_3693246.html


http://gmomythsandtruths.earthopensource.org/

http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/tips-for-avoiding-gmos.html
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