Science Proves that Family Get-Togethers Warp Your Brain

This new study is one to consider the next time you feel stressed rather than refreshed by time with your family. Now, I thought brain-warping only applied to those of us with dysfunctional families. Who knew it applied to y’all, too? *laugh*

Home for the Holidays
FoxNews – RedEye
December 31, 2008



If the video does not display, please try this link

So, speaking of time with family, does time with your family stress you out? If so, is it only certain members or is it being in a big crowd of family that does you in?

And the big question, if your family stresses you out, what have you done to change it or what do you do to handle it?

My method for handling it is that I am an equal-opportunity eliminator. I eliminate from my life all sources of serious stress.

The Brenda Bag – Making a Life Statement

Image via WikipediaI am a fan of ‘The Closer’ and the main character, Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson. One of her trademarks is her big black bag. Her purse is oversized so she can put all manner of items inside, including case files.

In more than one instance, her bag and the contents therein have been useful props in creating a particular impression of her choosing. Like many women, I have multiple bags of multiple sizes that I use for various occasions. However, lately I find myself drawn to my own ‘Brenda Bag’. My life circumstances currently dictate that when I go out, I must take a number of items with me, and they all just fit better in my “Brenda Bag”.

The bag you carry can create an impression, as Brenda’s use of hers illustrates. In her case, her big bag is like her life – disorganized, but everything she needs is there. Others carry bags that are compact, or highly organized with pockets, zippered sections, and slots.

What type of bag/wallet/briefcase/messenger bag/backpack do you carry and what does it say about your life?

Resources:

A Photo of Brenda with her bag
http://www.tnt.tv/series/closer/photos/?oid=38245

The Closer – TNT
http://www.tnt.tv/series/closer/about/

The United States No More – Russian Prediction

An interesting article in the Wall Street Journal caught my attention last night. In it, a Russian professor predicts the division of the United States, with each part joining up with or being ruled by a foreign entity. While I do not believe it would ever come to that, I can see some states wanting to separate. However, again, I do not really think it will come to that.

With the article is a map illustrating how Prof. Igor Panarin believes the U.S. will be divided. First question: If this came to pass, would you stay where you are or would you move to a specific region in order to be affiliated with a different country? In this illustration, there is no longer a U.S. section – all are under or affiliated with other countries.

I would have to move, and my move would be in an eastern direction – though I am not sure how far east I would move.

Second question: What do you think the likelihood is of the U.S. becoming a divided nation?

Source:
As if Things Weren’t Bad Enough, Russian Professor Predicts End of U.S.
In Moscow, Igor Panarin’s Forecasts Are All the Rage; America ‘Disintegrates’ in 2010
Andrew Osborn. Wall Street Journal (online). December 29, 2008
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123051100709638419.html

Step Back in Time – Victorian Pins and Greek Architecture

I have a very talented friend who I want to honor and support today. This multi-talented entrepreneur has two talents in particular that I want to blog about.

The first is her Handmade Victorian Pins (and more!). These lovely pieces of jewelry and other items are reasonably priced, and some are antiques. Each pin comes with a unique (written) story. The means of ordering is detailed on the site for the pins and other items.

The next item is related to her talent as a photographer. She recently took a trip to Greece (pre-riots) and got some great shots of the area, including some amazing photos of doorways and windows. That may sound odd, but once you see the photos you will understand why they caught her eye and are now part of a gorgeous 2009 Calendar.

2009 Doorways and Windows of Greece Calendar










For now, the way to preview the photos and order the calendar is via Facebook (use the link). If you have any trouble with either, please let me know and I will assist you. I have ordered my own calendar, and soon I will be ordering a pin (I need to make up my mind as to which one I want first!).

Please note I get nothing for sending business in her direction or in the direction of the other entrepreneurs I list in my directory, other than the joy of helping support other entrepreneurs.

Eartha Kitt Tribute – Symbol of Feminine Sexiness Passes Away

Image via WikipediaMy first exposure to Eartha Kitt was in her role as ‘Catwoman’ on the 60’s television series, “Batman”. One of three women to play the role, she grabbed attention as the only black woman to play the role (to that point in time). She got my attention by being the one to produce what I considered to be the best Catwoman purr ever.

Since that time, she captured the attention and imagination of the world with her striking eternal feminine sexiness, voice, accent, and style.

Some of my favorite Eartha Kitt songs are: Santa Baby, I Don’t Care, This is My Life, I Love Men, and Where is My Man. In addition to acting, dancing and singing, this amazing woman penned three books and lived life to its fullest as a single woman.

Today, news broke that this remarkable woman died due to colon cancer at age 81.

Please enjoy these musical treats from Eartha Kitt. At the bottom of this posting is a listing of sites with more information about her life and her passing.

Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt


I Love Men by Eartha Kitt

Where is My Man? By Eartha Kitt

I Don’t Care by Eartha Kitt

This is My Life by Eartha Kitt


More information may be found at:

The Official Eartha Kitt website
http://www.earthakitt.com/

Singer, Actress, Dancer Eartha Kitt Dies of Colon Cancer at Age 81
Associated Press/FoxNews.com. December 25, 2008.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,472987,00.html

The Purrrfect Diva
Eartha Kitt Had a Taste For the Best Things in Life. Wil Haygood, Washington Post Staff Writer. Washitnton Post (online). Posted Decebmer 25, but listed as December 26, 2008.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/25/AR2008122500870.html

Eartha Kitt listing at The Internet Movie Database (IMBd)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0457755/

Singer Eartha Kitt Dies
US Magazine (online). December 25, 2008.
http://www.usmagazine.com/news/singer-eartha-kitt-dies

‘Santa Baby’ Singer Eartha Kitt Dies.
Aaron Parsley and Stephen M. Silverman. People Magazine (online). December 25, 2008 6:00 p.m. eastern time.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20249101,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines

Political Parties and the U.S. Government – Democracy Requires More than One Voice

Image via WikipediaI have never believed that our government should be controlled by one party. In a democratic society, there is more than one school of thought that needs to be addressed, and many voices that need to be heard.

While I lean more centrist to conservative, I recognize the value of having a healthy mix of liberal ideas and plans in the rule of the country, side-by-side with a healthy mix of conservative ideas and plans. I believe having a good mix of both protects the people and ensures more is done for the ‘common good’ of the people as a whole than for party lines.

I have watched as the parties have changed over the years, primarily the Republican Party. There was a time when each of the two major parties had clear doctrines and clear stances. Now both have become a mish-mash of extremism and centralism, overlapping each other in some areas.

When it becomes more about getting votes than standing for something, the people suffer. When it becomes more about poll numbers than doing what is right for the people as a whole, the country suffers.

I am aware of a movement to return one party to its roots and get back on track. Though I do not agree with every statement made (especially when the other party is attacked), I do believe the overall concept is a good one. The movement is one to rebuild the Republican Party, and the link leads to the Facebook portal for it.

If you know of any other grassroots movements to rebuild, restructure, or otherwise change any of the U.S. political parties, please let me know and I will review and add them here.

Post Election - Can We Truly Be 'United' States?

Image courtesy Senator Obama Press Kit.
The election is over and Senator Barack Hussein Obama has been declared the 44th President of the United States. His term will begin in January of 2009 and run for four years.

There are strong emotions on this day after the election on both sides of the political fence. What happens from here on out is not just up to our leaders, but to 'we, the people', as well.

One friend who was strongly pulling for Senator McCain very graciously posted a statement to the effect that as people who love this country, we should now pray for President-Elect Obama and his family, and show our support to our president. That we should not behave as some have toward President Bush, but we should honor the office of President and treat our leader with the respect he deserves as our leader, regardless of our differences in philosophy or values.

A writer for whom I have tremendous respect wrote a beautiful article calling for unity and expressing some of the same sentiments: "A Call for Unity - Bridging the Political Divide for a Stronger America".

In a day and age of disrespect and ignorance, can we live up to the call for 'Change' that was such a huge part of our new President's campaign?