Technology has always been something that terrified me.
Not in the way that you’re thinking. I’m not afraid to use tech. If anything, I’m the first to embrace the newest thing and to marvel at it’s implications. The world is changing faster than is ever has before in human history, and it has been a lot of fun to be present for. I often think about how incredible it must be for the oldest among us who saw the world change from a time when a horse and buggy were the primary forms of transportation to the world as it is today, where transference of information between anywhere in the world is almost instantaneous. I envy how incredible that journey must have been for them, but I’m equally as excited about my own journey and optimistic that I will see something just as incredible, if not more so. I just hope that I live to be old enough to see what the future holds.

Today I saw the video for a new flying car that could potentially be on the market in the next few years, and I am petrified by the thought. See, technology scares me because it changes everything. The internet and the personal computer have completely changed the way the world communicates, and we will never be able to go back to the way it was before. Could a flying car do the same thing for the way we travel? In a few years could we be driving to a sky-way exit instead of a free way exit? Could getting across the country take only a few hours instead of a few days?

The idea of a vehicle we can back out of our drive way, drive to a run way and then take off and fly it where we want is, for me at least, a simultaneously exciting and scary thing. I think about the exciting possibilities of people being able to travel great distances in much shorter spans of time. I think about families who live in different parts of the country and will be able to see each other more often, about business people who will spend less time traveling, about the tourism that could be generated by making a cheap, easy way to travel great distances.
 

All of these things are incredible advances, and surely everyone will benefit from them. What am I afraid of? But then I think about what could disappear from our lives. What will happen to the airline industry? Where will those jobs go? Stewardesses, pilots, airport security personnel, I’m sure the jobs won’t disappear entirely, but I imagine if this flying car thing becomes a consumer level product there certainly wont be as many of them. I even think about the cultural affects.

The thrill of air travel will leave us. What will happen to all of the classic airline food jokes we all love to hate? All of these changes scare me, because I think that the hardest thing to remember about life is that if you stand still you fall behind. I do not want to fall behind, but I’m afraid that I wont be able to keep up.

What do you think? Am I being paranoid? Are flying cars going to be awesome, or are they going to change things for the worse?

By Marlo Sollitto

More than 33 percent of accidents and falls involving people 65 years old and over occur at home, according to the CDC. A caregiver’s worries never end, particularly when the elderly parent wants to remain living in their own home – which most seniors would prefer to do for as long as possible. But what if an elderly mother falls, or dad has heart attack, stroke or any medical emergency? What if they are home alone? What if they can’t get to a telephone to dial for help?

There are many devices available that will instantly summon help in the event of an emergency. Sometimes called Personal Emergency Response System, Medical Alert, or Medical Emergency Response Systems, all systems work in essentially the same way: When emergency help (medical, fire, or police) is needed, the senior presses the transmitter’s button. The elderly person wears the transmitter around their neck, on their wrist, belt buckle or wheelchair. In case of emergency, the senior calls for help by simply pressing the alert button, without needing to reach the telephone.

“A medical alert system provides peace of mind for the caregiver and the elderly parent,” says Ken Gross, President of Medical Alert, by Connect America, a leader in the medical alarm industry since 1977. “The senior simply presses a button and help is one the way. The transmitter sends a signal to the speaker box that is connected to the phone. The console has a two-way speaker, so the operator can hear the senior, and the senior can hear the operator. A medical alarm system provides round-the-clock monitoring 24/7.”

Emergency Response Systems have three components: a small radio transmitter (a help button carried or worn by the user); a console, or base station, connected to the user’s telephone; and an emergency response center that monitors calls. The console automatically dials the Central Monitoring Station. Most systems can dial out even if the phone is in use or off the hook. (This is called “seizing the line.”)

In addition to dialing the emergency response center, once notified, the operator will also contact family, friends and neighbors. With so many systems on the market, what should a caregiver look for when purchasing?

To help you shop for an emergency response system, consider the following suggestions, provided by Gross, whose company, Medical Alert was recommended as the best medical alert system by Good Housekeeping magazine in an article titled “Home Alone” (Nov 2005).

Price – Medical alert companies charge a monthly fee for monitoring services. Compare pricing, features and servicing of each system. Also, ask if the price will increase. Some companies raise the monitoring fee every year.

“Our fee is $29.95 per month, for as long as the senior has the system. The price never goes up, so the senior and caregiver, many of whom are on tight budgets, don’t have to worry about the cost going up unexpectedly.”

Hidden Costs – There should be no up-front costs. Seniors should not have to pay for the transmitter or monitoring console. The systems should be included as part of the monthly fee.

Contracts – Don’t sign a long-term contract. Caregivers and their aging parents should be able to cancel at any time. Read the agreement carefully before signing.

Experience – How long has the company been in business? Portability – Can the system be used when the elder is away from home – i.e., is it portable? Some companies offer a small base unit that is the size of an answering machine. “The senior can take the system with them when they travel, and it will work in all 50 states. It’s great for snowbirds,” Gross says.

Ease of Use –Try out the system and make sure it is easy to use. Is the emergency button large and easy for the senior to see and press? Are there any complicated instructions, buttons on the console or other features that might be troublesome for the elder to operate?

Here are more things to look for when buying an emergency response system:

Waterproof – “Most accidents happen in the bathroom,” Gross points out. Make sure the emergency button can be worn in the bath or shower.

Trained Operators – Find out what kind of training the monitoring center staff receives. It’s all about the service. In the case of an emergency, when every second counts, you will want qualified care specialists to assist you and your parent.

Hours – Make sure the monitoring center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for both emergency monitoring and customer service. What happens if you are having difficulty using the system? Or perhaps you have questions about your service? Make sure to ask if the medical alert company has a 24/7-customer support line available in addition to monitoring service.

Testing – Your emergency response company should test the system on a regular basis to make sure it is functioning properly. Ask what procedures the center uses to test systems in your home. And how often are tests conducted? “Medical Alert receives a silent signal from the home on a weekly basis, to ensure that the customer’s medical alert system is connected and functioning,” Gross explains.

Repairs – Make sure your system includes repair and replacement service. Obtaining the right medical alert system is crucial for your security and peace of mind.

Use these tips to help you make the right decision when choosing the best medical alert provider for you and your aging parents.

Think of an older person in your life that you respect or has influenced you as a person. It could be a grandparent, an elderly neighbor, a mentor from your childhood that has grown old, anybody.

Now, when you conjure up that image, what do you think of that person? If you’re anything like me, you feel a sense of gratitude. You know that you owe them for everything that they’ve given you, whether it’s something small like a piece of sage-like advice or something huge like financial help in a time of crisis. The simple reality is that humanity has only advanced by building on top of what the previous generation has provided.  All of the knowledge, skills and tools we have to succeed we only have because the people who came before us passed that knowledge, skill or tool onto us. It’s why we say, “Respect your elders.”  We owe our elders as much as we can give.

That’s why, if you’re like me, reading this article will make you pretty angry.

What the article essentially highlights is the fact that as many as one in ten people over the age of 60 suffer from some sort of abuse. This abuse could be anything from neglect, mistreatment, or exploitation of a physical, psychological or sexual nature. That’s as many as 4 million seniors being abused across the country. How could we let this happen?

It’s not just our responsibility to respect our elders, but also to protect our elders. They certainly deserve better than to be physically abused or taken advantage of. It makes me sick that this stuff is going on and so little is being done about it.

Back in 2010 we did pass the Elder Justice Act, but with statistics like that it seems that 2 years later the policy has done little to change a situation that is only going to get worse if unchecked.

Census projection data shows us that by 2020 there will be an estimated 74 million people living in the US over 60 years old. That’s nearly twice as many as in 2010. With the baby boomers reaching retirement age there is going to be a lot of pressure on the younger generations to step up and take care of the growing older generation. With so many more elderly to take care of,  it is going to be more likely that elder care is entrusted to someone who is not going to abuse them. We need to take steps to ensure that that does not happen.

I honestly believe that the best way to make sure that our elders stay protected is to give them the power to get help quickly and efficiently. The best way to do this is to arm our seniors with Medical Alert Systems. There is no better way to make sure that someone can get help when they need it then to put an device in their hands that means one button gets them the help they need.

Just look at this news story of a woman who’s medical alert button saved her from an attack by her daughter. Seeing is believing.

So you’re thirsty, but you’re not much of a water drinker. Man, a Coke would be really good right now wouldn’t it? It would really hit the spot. But Coke has all of that sugar right? And that’s going to send your diet right down the toilet. But what about a Diet Coke? That will be better right?

Oops…

Turns out that artificial sweeteners can actually have negative affects in terms of weight loss. The taste of the sweetener actually make our bodies think we’re getting a dose of sugar, when we are in fact not, and this will in turn put our hunger and weight regulation out of sync. In a recent study rats that were fed artificial sweeteners actually gained weight rather than lost it. In another 7 year study, researchers showed that diet soda may even have a link to obesity, though they are unsure why.

I suggest steering clear of the Diet Coke next time you’re thirsty. How about some Vitamin Water?

2)  Vitamin Water

What? Come on! It’s called Vitamin Water? How could it possibly be bad for you? It’s packaged in those nice neat clear bottles and it comes in clear colors so they can’t be filled with that much sugar? It has to be better than a Soda?

Oops…

Well okay, Vitamin Water does have less sugar than you average can of soda, but it’s still got about 32 grams of sugar in each bottle. To put that in perspective, that’s more than your average candy bar.

“Hey, wait a minute”, you’re saying. “I’m looking at the nutrition facts of a vitamin water right now and it says there are only 13 grams of sugar! Liar!” Look at the service size chief, 2.5 servings per container. Are you trying to tell me you were only going to drink about half of that bottle and save the rest for dinner? I didn’t think so.

3)  Fast Food Salads

Okay, so you’re about to go to lunch, and you’ve only got about half an hour before your boss would take your head off for taking a long lunch, so fast food is really the only option, right? It’s okay, you’ll get one of the salads, then you’ll still be on your diet.

Oops…

You’d actually be better off eating the cheesburger. The Asian sesame salad from Wendy’s actually has more calories, carbs, sugar and sodium than a double cheeseburger. I mean, you were probably aware that if you were walking into a Wendy’s ordering a salad you weren’t getting the most healthy salad in the world, but I’m sure you at least thought you’d be getting something better than their cheeseburger. Sorry, but if you’re on a diet you’re probably better off steering clear of fast food all together, delicious as it may be.

4)  Low-Carb Diets

Okay, you’re thinking, I’ll just really stick to my guns and get on a serious diet that actually works. What about that atkins diet? I’ll cut out all of my carbs and I’ll lose a couple pounds and I will be good to go, right?

Oops…

See, the problem with low-carb diets is that essential what you’re doing is tricking your body into thinking it’s starving so that it burns off your excess fat and muscle for the glucose it needs. That leads to a number of negative affects. The first of which being most of the weight you lose is going to be water weight and therefore will be gained back just as quickly once you’re off the diet. The other problem is that this process, called ketosis, can cause your kidney’s to overwork, give you headaches, and even cause heart palpitations.

Sorry to break it to you, but there is just no short cut for living a healthy lifestyle. If you want to grow old someday you’re just going to have to get out and stay active. If you’re already older and want to improve your quality of life I recommend the medical alarms for seniors with mobile options that allow you to get out of the house and remain protected with their personal emergency alarms.

So I read this article today, and I thought it was some pretty exciting news. That is, until I realized that it was published in 2007…

It turns out that at the University of Alberta researchers discovered a new way to fight cancer, a way that, until recently, scientists and doctors had never considered. Inside of every cell there is a useful little organelle called the mitochondria. You probably know it from your high school biology classes as the energy producing part of the cell, but the mitochondria has a second, very important function: self-destruct. In cancer cells, the mitochondrion’s self destruct function is switched off. This is why cancer tumors continue to grow and spread, the cancer cells never die. Since the 1930’s scientists have believed that the mitochondria in cancer cells were permanently damaged and that was a result of, or even the cause of the cancer. In Alberta they figured out a way to reactivate the mitochondria in cancer cells, allowing them to self-destruct and causing cancer cells to diminish.

But here is the real beauty about this whole thing. The treatment that they are developing only affects cancerous cells, and leaves healthy cells alone. This means that there are very few side affects to the treatment. Even better, the treatment (called DCA) cannot be patented and can be produced pretty cheaply. So there is a cheap, affective cancer treatment out there with few side-affects? Hallelujah!

So why am I only just hearing about this now? This initial research was done back in 2007, surely 5 years is enough time to have gotten the ball rolling on this one. It’s obvious, according to this DCA update site, that this research is ongoing, so what’s the holdup?

Well, here’s where things get sticky. Some people think that pharmaceutical companies aren’t backing this research because the treatment can’t be patented and therefore wont make them any money. So you mean to tell me that we’re not investing in a possible cancer treatment because there is no way to make money off of it? The original researcher, Dr. Evangelos Michelakis, even said that he was worried he would not be able to get much funding for that very reason.

 So what gives Big Pharmacy? Can’t we invest in just helping people? I admit that it’s possible that this research is just not providing sufficient findings, but everything I’ve read suggests otherwise. Something must be stopping this treatment from gaining some ground and I don’t know what else it could be.

I just get so worked up thinking about all of our elders suffering from this disease in nursing homes and hospitals when with this treatment they might be able to come home and spend their golden years in their own homes or with their families. Of course, I would never let my parents go without their medical alert system to keep them safe.

Permacultivate Non-Profit Organization Developing Communities

PermaCultivate works to develop exciting sustainability projects related to the areas of food, energy, water, zero waste, and other important urban challenges. All of our projects integrate education and community development as we work to address these issues while building successful models for further implementation.

Reading Roots Farm & Learning Center

Our first major project was the Reading Roots Farm and Learning Center, which began in the summer of 2011 in the City of Reading. We ran an intensive food production using sustainable methods on two sites: the greenhouse in City Park and 601 Canal Street. Our goal is to provide fresh and nutritious produce for the city and its surrounding boroughs while also educating the community on permaculture practices that can be used in homes and businesses.

Last June, our farm had a featured produce stand at the Penn Street Farmers Market, where eager “Readians” purchased just-harvested vegetation and voiced their support of our work in the city. We plan on offering fresh greens, herbs, flowers, and an assortment of specialty items as our farm grows. If there’s something you’re looking for, simply let us know!

For more information visit:
Permacultivate.org
Renue.org
Level1Kinetics.com

THE REVIVAL OF A POST-INDUSTRIAL TOWN

While driving through the city of Reading, PA, I can’t help but fall into a melancholy mood. To say that this city has seen better days is an understatement. The ruins of once thriving textile mills and factories of various industrial products now cast a shadow of gloom over the remaining cityscape. I try to avoid making that drive because lets face it, who likes to feel sad. On the rare occasion when I do find myself navigating through this desolate place, I notice trash on the street, dilapidated row homes due to years of neglect and empty lots overrun by weeds and discarded furniture. I can recall stopping at a traffic light and seeing an old woman sweeping trash out into the gutter and I remember thinking “why not just put it in a trash bag.” That bothered me for a few minutes, but I shrugged it off as city life. Like many struggling cities, Reading is suffering from high unemployment, poverty and crime. And this once beautiful town riddled with some of the finest and diverse architecture is left to decay and fade from our memories due in part from a generation or two of devaluation.

Through the past few decades there has been a steady stream of people from New York City and Philadelphia flowing into town in search of cheap housing. And there is no shortage of landlords who want to rent to anyone just as long as they are getting their monthly payments. There are two major problems that come from this, especially in a post-industrial town. The first problem is that “there is barely any homeowners pride in these areas.” It’s not the property of the inhabitant so why should they worry if the place is in disarray. Problem number two being “what do all these renters do in a town with no industry.” Sit on their front porches and stare at each other I suppose. If you ask me, there was a lack of strategy on the part of many of these families when making the choice to come here. Sure, there are cheap places to live in this area, but how are you going to pay for it. Where are you going to find employment? Are you planning on living off the tax payer’s dime? I’ll leave that topic for another time.

The city of Reading, as well as many like it, is teetering on the brink of failure and is poised for a new identity. But pointing out the problems is extremely easy. After you read this, ask the first person you know “what’s the solution for your failing town?” I’m sure you’ll get a wide range of answers from volunteer programs to employment opportunity, from crime to respect for the community, from social change to an unoriginal racial joke. Everyone usually has an answer to contribute but few think their conclusions thoroughly, let alone act on them. For the romantics out there, there is hope. And that hope is only materialized through action.

Stereotypes often litter the general public opinion, which consequentially helps form a blanket impression about all city inhabitants. Fortunately, there are those, who are willing to act and not just posture in a discussion so the person next to him regards him as insightful. The forming of ideas and discussing them among colleagues, neighbors, and peers are valuable portions to resolving any challenge, but they are only portions. Action then becomes required to make these ideas existent. Through various forms of activism, communities can become revitalized and welcoming. There are recycling programs, charities and other nonprofit organizations that have progressed past the idea phase and now they are working to make a positive change in these neighborhoods. Many provide education and social awareness while others provide the means for achieving the revival process. Take an organization like RENUE for example. RENUE is collaboration of Reading residents working toward the beautification and rejuvenation of their neighborhoods. Their program focuses on educating communities about damaging and unproductive waste and harmful pollutants. Despite being a small group, RENUE is making a big impact in the inner city. Their actions are a testimony of positive values plus cooperation between city residents to achieve a common beneficial goal. With initiative, there is always success.

Secondly, the key to bringing urban areas back to life is revitalizing commercial districts. There are several dilemmas with bringing in businesses. Many federal guidelines favor a suburban investment. Also local zoning and tax policies in the city make it less desirable then the suburbs. One idea would be uniting the public with those in the urban community willing to make a change and create effective partnership between themselves and the city government. Networks of communication need to be put in place in order to keep the issues on the surface. Some key issues are commercial district revitalization, adjacent neighborhoods re-beautification and ample security to assure the average suburbanite that all is well. There will be a need for outreach and education for the existing commercial district and adjacent neighborhoods in order emphasize the importance of improving the area’s image. This will be crucial in attracting new businesses and customers. When this is achieved only then can assistance be provided to help make it happen. Also, there will be an essential need for federal grants, low-interest loans or both to encourage businesses owners to make the improvements.

These are just ideas and there are many strategies to overcome demographic and economic stale-mates. Commercial revitalization initiatives should be combined with education and work force development programs, housing improvement and development, sustained crime reduction efforts and career opportunities as part of a wide range effort to create inner-city revitalization that significantly benefits low and moderate income residents. The Post-Industrial Town can become that haven for hipsters, the preferred lunch location for the business man, the evening attraction for families, the focal point of culture, music, art and ideas. Ideas so delicate, saying them too loud will cause them to vanish. I envision a place of celebrated diversity and mutual respect and prosperity. This is just an idea but I suppose actions have to start somewhere.

Video : Portrait Drawing Techniques Demo

Learn how to draw and paint in Bucks County, Pennsylvania by joining portrait painting, oil painting, or life drawing classes at the center of fine art and classical atelier artists.

POPCAKE® is the world’s first automated pancake making machine designed for the commercial food service industry. By using the Popcake machine, restaurants, diners, coffee shops, food stands, and catering companies can make multiple mouth-watering, 97% fat-free, piping hot pancakes under 60 seconds at a single press of a button.

The Popcake pancake machine is fully enclosed and remains cool enough to touch while operating. The counter-top POPCAKE® machine uses proprietary software and electronics to control the automated cooking process and is fully adjustable for pancake diameter, and mix options. This patented machine is robust in design and requires minimal maintenance. Create fast, automatic and delicious pancakes that are perfect for any food service company.

The unique and patented POPCAKE® technology allows operators the flexibility to make a 1-inch (silver dollar), 4-inch (medium) or 6-inch (large) pancake with just the simple press of a button. Best of all, the POPCAKE® machine delivers freshly baked, 97% fat-free, delicious, piping hot pancakes in under a minute. Capable of creating a wide variety of menu options, POPCAKE comes in sweet and savory mix options accompanied by popular toppings from traditional maple syrup to various fruit combinations.

Innovative Commercial Concepts has expanded upon recent successes in Australasia, Europe and Hong Kong – Macau with a NSF certified machine supported the North American launch back in Q3 2009.

Fast Facts

Registered Name:
Innovative Commercial Concepts
Authorized North American Distributor of POPCAKE®

Registered Address:
911 Cranbrook Glen Lane
Snellville, GA 30078

Year Established: December 2008

Website: www.Popcake.com | www.Popcake-NA.com

Patents: First patent granted early 2008

Product Range:

• Automated POPCAKE® machine
• Proprietary POPCAKE® mix: sweet, savoury, gluten-free and buckwheat
• Real fruit content toppings

Notable International
Customers:

• Marriott Hotels
• Langham Hotels
• Novotel Hotels
• Qantas Airline Lounges
• Air New Zealand Lounges
• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Compass Group Hong Kong
• Sodexho Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Club
• Hong Kong Cricket Club

Global Market Presence: Australia, Hong Kong & Macau, Russia, United Kingdom, United States of America

Logo:

Social Media:

Twitter: @PopcakeNA
 
Facebook: Facebook.com/Popcake.NA
 

Pancake Recipes

Stir up a hearty, satisfying breakfast with a quick batch of homemade pancakes. Here are a few popular recipes that are sure to please.

Banana and Peanut Butter Pancakes

Here’s a protein packed recipe to power your day. Try adding cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor or chocolate chips for sweetness. Try health substitutes like whole wheat flour or whole wheat graham flour. These pancakes are sweet enough to enjoy without toppings or try with whipped cream or dunk in syrup.

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour
1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
1 ½ cups of milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 small banana, peeled and chopped

Directions:

1. Combine, flour, baking powder, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Mix in the peanut butter until the texture resembles cornmeal. Add milk and vanilla; stir just until blended. Stir in the banana pieces.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Spoon batter onto the skillet, using approximately two tablespoons to form each pancake about the size of a silver dollar. Cook until pancakes are golden brown on each side. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Servings per recipe: 4
Amount per serving: 1
Calories: 283
Cholesterol: 7mg
Total Fat: 10.3g

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes

The ingredient amounts listed for this recipe yields about 5 pancakes. There are many additions that can be added to the batter to create some delicious variations on a heart healthy, whole grain pancake recipe. Try adding vanilla, yogurt, blueberries, chocolate chips, or cinnamon. Serve with molasses and syrup.

Ingredients:

10 tablespoons quick cooking oats
½ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup all purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the oats, flours, baking soda salt, and sugar. In another small bowl, beat the egg, oil, and buttermilk. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
2. Pour batter by 1/3 cupful onto a greased hot griddle. Turn when bubbles form on top; cook until the second side is golden brown.

Country Crunch Pancakes

This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at the breakfast table. Try making it heart healthy and use only whole wheat flour. Any fruit can be added to this recipe so try with mangos, strawberries, raspberries or your favorite. The ingredient amounts listed yield about 7 pancakes. They can be served with butter and syrup or enjoyed just so.

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup quick cooking oats
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 ¼ cups of buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
CRUNCHY TOPPING
½ cup quick cooking oats
¼ cup chopped slivered almonds
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flours, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Combine buttermilk, eggs, and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until blended. Fold in blueberries if desired. Combine topping ingredients, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon for each pancake onto a lightly greased hot griddle; pour ¼ cup of batter over the topping. Immediately sprinkle with another teaspoon of topping; turn when bubbles form on top of the pancake. Cook until second side is golden brown.

The sphere is perfect as a classroom exercise because there is no way of faking it! If you make one of the transition tones in the light even a little bit too dark it will look like a spot or blemish. Make the value too light in the dark range and the form doesn’t turn. The more one works on it and the more real looking it becomes, the more delicate your handling must become or it will stand out compared to the previously painted passages.

Jessica Du painted this during the Sunday drawing and painting class. She is in high school and works very consistently here, even though she has the usual full high school schedule. This is all going into her college portfolio I am completely impressed at her level of focus and the care she puts into her studies. At that age, I had nowhere near her level of maturity or quality of finished work.

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Medical Alert Direct Response Via TV

Although it’s one of the veteran companies in its category, Medical Alert had never used direct-response television advertising before choosing Kre8 Media Inc. as its new agency. Medical Alert’s new TV campaign from Kre8 Media debuted last August and new leads and orders have spiked.

Medical Alert’s in-home personal alarm system lets people who are experiencing a medical emergency summon help by pushing a button on a wristband or pendant.

The campaign from Kre8 Media is aimed both at senior citizens who live by themselves and the people who care for them. This represents a combined audience in excess of 10 million people. Previously, Medical Alert, a unit of Connect America, had relied on print and online advertising.

Kre8 is using two of its trademark tactics to increase Medical Alert’s market share: telephone numbers that are unique to the networks on which the commercials run and the single Internet URL use www.medicalalert.com. Much of Kre8’s growth and success since its founding is the result of its ability to track Internet responses to the commercials that generated the responses with the aid of sophisticated metrics and modeling.

“Medical Alert is a natural for direct-response TV advertising,” said T. Lee Cutler, founder and president of Kre8 Media. “Their dual audience now has two ways of responding to the company’s offer: an 800 number for the seniors and an Internet address for their younger caregivers. Using this new approach, we’ve already seen an increase at this early stage in the TV campaign.” Kre8 Media’s DRTV Buying tactics have proven to be extremely effective.

With so many people having smartphones, there are two (2) different elder care apps that may help those baby boomers who are caught between raising their own family and caring for elderly loved ones.  Caregivers, families and the senior population are in desperate need of information, direction and practical “how-to’s” to understand and expedite their needs.

With that in mind, these two (2), free apps can help provide the information that these individuals so desperately need. Elder 911 is specifically designed for emergencies like a fall or sudden illness.  The app provides critical tips and information immediately accessible to help navigate through the complexities of a crisis.  It provides access to expert advice on what to ask the doctor and other pertinent information. Elder 411 is a comprehensive database of elder care information and provides access to suggested solutions to care-giving problems.  Needless to say, neither app should replace sound medical or legal advice but these apps may provide some quick insight or guidance to those individuals assisting the elderly.

Medical Alert Systems For Seniors

Medical alert systems are used to get help when — for whatever reason — you are unable to call 911. Falls are the most common way for seniors to get injured. Medical alert systems provide a way for seniors to get help after a fall when they are unable to get to the phone.

Medical alert systems are communication devices designed to summon help when you can’t get to the telephone. Medical alert systems typically have a panic button that subscribers where on their person, usually around the neck or wrist, that they can push when they are unable to walk.

Some medical alert systems are monitored, so the device contacts an operator who can summon help either through family, neighbors or emergency services. Other medical alert systems are automated devices that don’t call a live operator. Instead, automated medical alert devices call a series of preprogrammed phone numbers and play a recorded message to whomever answers. These devices can be programmed to call 911.

What was the most memorable list in 2011 to you? Let us know in the comments.

According to Nielsen, the top web brands in 2011 (in the U.S.) were:
1. Google
2. Facebook
3. Yahoo
4. MSN/WindowsLive/Bing
5. YouTube
6. Microsoft
7. AOL Media Network
8. Wikipedia
9. Apple
10. Ask

For social networks and blogs (in the U.S.) the list was:
1. Facebook
2. Blogger
3. Twitter
4. WordPress
5. MySpace
6. LinkedIn
7. Tumblr
8. Google+
9. Yahoo Pulse
10. Six Apart TypePad

The Top online destinations for video (in the U.S.) were:
1. YouTube
2. VEVO
3. Facebook
4. Yahoo
5. MSN/WindowsLive/Bing
6. AOL Media Network
7. Hulu
8. The CollegeHumor Network
9. CNN Digital Network
10. Netflix

Twitter

Twitter’s most tweeted events (tweets per second):
6,939 – JAN 1 – New Years
4,064 – FEB 6 – Super Bowl
5,530 – MAR 11 – Japanese earthquake and tsunami
3,966 – APR 29 – UK Royal Wedding
5,106 – MAY 2 – Raid on Osama bin Laden
6,303 – MAY 28 – UEFA Champions League
5,531 – JUN 13- NBA Finals
6,436 – JUN 27 – BET Awards
4,995 – JUL 11 – Home Run Derby
7,166 – JUL 17 – Brazil eliminated from the Copa America
7,196 – JUL 17 – End of FIFA Women’s World Cup
5,449 – AUG 23 – East Coast earthquake
7,064 – AUG 25 – Steve Jobs resigns
8,868 – AUG 28 – MTV Video Music Awards
7,671 – SEP 20 – Troy Davis executed
6,049 – OCT 6 – Steve Jobs passes away

The top hashtags of the year were:
1. #egypt
2. #tigerblood
3. #threewordstoliveby
4. #idontunderstandwhy
5. #japan
6. #improudtosay
7. #superbowl
8. #jan25

The top topics were broken down by category

TV:
1. Pretty Little Liars
2. Two and a Half Men
3. The Craigslist Killer
4. Golden Globe Awards
5. People’s Choice Awards

Movies:
1. Thor
2. The Dark Knight Rises
3. X-Men: First Class
4. Fast Five
5. Green Hornet

Music:
1. Rebecca Black and Friday
2. Nate Dogg
3. FEMME FATALE
4. Gerry Rafferty
5. Gil Scott-Heron

Actresses:
1. Elizabeth Taylor
2. Mila Kunis
3. Anne Hathaway
4. Raven Symone
5. Natalie Portman
6. Elisabeth Sladen
7. Jennifer Lopez
8. Nina Dobrev
9. Emma Watson
10. Fernanda Vasconcellos

Actors:
1. Charlie Sheen
2. Macaulay Culkin
3. Ryan Dunn
4. Ricky Gervais
5. Pete Postlethwaite
6. Tracy Morgan
7. Jake Gyllenhaal
8. Ashton Kutcher
9. Colin Firth
10. James Franco

Soccer:
1. Wayne Rooney
2. Fernando Torres
3. Howard Webb
4. Wembley Stadium
5. Colo Colo

Football:
1. Dallas
2. Green & Yellow
3. Superbowl MMXI
4. Jim Harbaugh
5. Pittsburgh Steelers

NBA:
1. Rashard Lewis
2. Ray Allen
3. Derrick Rose
4. Jason Terry
5. Dallas Mavericks

Baseball:
1. Texas Rangers
2. Bert Blyleven
3. Roberto Alomar
4. Vernon Wells
5. Justin Verlander

Food and Drink:
1. McLobster
2. Fried Kool-Aid
3. Starbucks Trenta
4. Devassa Beer
5. Guinness
6. BBQ
7. Mac & Cheese

World News:
1. Mubarak’s resignation
2. Raid on Osama bin Laden
3. Japanese earthquake and Fukushima nuclear disaster
4. Shooting of Gabrielle Giffords
5. Gaddafi’s death
6. Swine Flu outbreak
7. WoW Gold Guide

Cities and Countries:
1. Cairo
2. Egypt
3. Japan
4. Libya
5. Tokyo
6. Dallas
7. Vancouver
8. Hawaii
9. Joplin
10. Austin

Tech:
1. Mac App Store
2. Sony NGP
3. Guitar Hero
4. Mozilla Firefox
5. Duke Nukem Forever
6. iPad
7. iPhone
8. Nintendo 3DS
9. Mortal Kombat
10. iPod

Facebook

Facebook’s top games:
Gardens of Time (Playdom)
The Sims Social (EA)
Cityville (Zynga)
DoubleDown Casino (DoubleDown Interactive)
Indiana Jones Adventure World (Zynga)
Words With Friends (Zynga)
Bingo Blitz (Buffalo Studios)
Empires & Allies (Zynga)
Slotomania-Slot Machines (Playtika)
Diamond Dash (wooga)

Facebook topic lists for 2011

US Top 10 status trends
1. lms (like my status)
2. tbh (to be honest)
3. Death of Osama bin Laden
4. Charlie Sheen
5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
6. Casey Anthony found not guilty
7. Packers win the Super Bowl
8. Hurricane Irene
9. Insidious (movie)
10. Death of Amy Winehouse

Fastest growing areas of interest on Facebook globally

 Entertainment:
Actors and TV Personalities
1. Megan Fox
2. Vin Diesel
3. Adam Sandler
4. Selena Gomez
5. Will Smith
6. Taylor Lautner
7. Jackie Chan
8. Ashley Tisdale
9. DJ Pauly D
10. Kim Kardashian

Movies
1. Harry Potter
2. The Twilight Saga
3. Toy Story
4. Avatar
5. Jackass
6. Shrek
7. Saw
8. Pirates of the Caribbean
9. Fast &Furious
10. Titanic

TV Shows
1. House
2. Two and a Half Men
3. The Simpsons
4. Family Guy
5. South Park
6. Grey’s Anatomy
7. SpongeBob SquarePants
8. CSI: Miami
9. iCarly
10. The Big Bang Theory

Fictional Characters
1. Dr. House
2. Dory
3. Patrick Star
4. Mr. Bean
5. Upin & Ipin
6. Bob Esponja
7. Mario
8. Doraemon
9. Ari Gold
10. Sue Sylvester (GLEE)

Music:
Musicians
1. Rihanna
2. Bob Marley
3. Avril Lavigne
4. David Guetta
5. Enrique Iglesias
6. Usher
7. Lady Gaga
8. Metallica
9. Green Day
10. Black Eyed Peas

Most Listened To Songs
1. We Found Love – Rihanna and Calvin Harris
2. Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) – Katy Perry
3. Sexy And I Know It – LMFAO
4. Titanium – David Guetta and Sia
5. First of the Year – Skrillex
6. Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites – Skrillex
7. Without You – David Guetta and Usher
8. Stereo Hearts – Gym Class Heroes featuring Adam Levine
9. Pumped Up Kicks – Foster the People
10. Someone Like You – Adele

Sports:
Athletes
1. Leo Messi
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
3. John Cena
4. Ricardo Kaka
5. David Beckham
6. Michael Jordan
7. Sachin Tendulkar
8. Andres Iniesta
9. Kobe Bryant
10. Cesc Fbregas

Sports Teams
1. FC Barcelona
2. Real Madrid C.F.
3. Manchester United
4. LA Lakers
5. Chelsea Football Club
6. Liverpool FC
7. A.C. Milan
8. Arsenal
9. Galatasaray
10. Fenerbahce

News:
News Outlets
1. CNN
2. Fox News
3. NPR
4. The Onion
5. The New York Times
6. Al Jazeera Channel
7. Yahoo! News
8. The Times of India
9. BBC World News
10. PBS

Most Shared Articles
Satellite Photos of Japan, Before and After the Quake and Tsunami (New York Times)
What teachers really want to tell parents (CNN) No, your zodiac sign hasn’t changed (CNN)
Parents, don’t dress your girls like tramps (CNN)
(video) – Father Daughter Dance Medley (Yahoo)
At funeral, dog mourns the death of Navy SEAL killed in Afghanistan (Yahoo)
You’ll freak when you see the new Facebook (CNN)
Dog in Japan stays by the side of ailing friend in the rubble (Yahoo)
Giant crocodile captured alive in Philippines (Yahoo)
New Zodiac Sign Dates: Ophiuchus The 13th Sign? (The Huffington Post)
Frugal Dad put out this infographic comparing the year in review through the eyes of Twitter, Facebook and Twitter.

StumbleUpon
Top topics from StumbleUpon’s explore box:
1. love
2. funny
3. tattoo
4. games
5. diy
6. wedding
7. harry potter
8. hair
9. recipes
10. food

Blogs
Pingdom ranked the top blogging services in terms of downtime:
1. Blogger
2. WordPress
3. Typepad
4. Posterous
5. Tumblr

YouTube
Most popular videos of the year:
1. Rebecca Black – Friday
2. Ultimate Dog Tease
3. Jack Sparrow (feat. Michael Bolton)
4. Talking Twin Babies (pt. 2)
5. Nyan Cat
6. Look at me now – cover by @KarminMusic
7. The Creep (feat. Nicki Minaj & John Waters)
8. Maria Aragon – Born this way cover
9. The Force – Volkswagen commercial
10. Cat mom hugs her baby kitten

Most viewed videos from major record labels:
Jennifer Lopez – On The Floor ft. Pitbull
LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock
Bruno Mars – The Lazy Song [Official Video]
Nicki Minaj – Super Bass
Pitbull – Give Me Everything ft. Ne-Yo, Afroj

Drawing & Painting in Classical Atelier Techniques

Background:  John Murdoch has devoted decades to the study and teaching of representational painting and drawing. He produces both portraiture, figurative and still life paintings with an otherworldly edge, often using hand-ground paints and gold leaf on wood panel or canvas.

New Inspired Angel Painting

I first visited the Cascade mountains in Washington state as a teenager. I grew up in some perpetually gray and dreary Chicago weather and I loved seeing the mountains, lush forests and greener than green, well… GREENS! Everywhere I looked the colors and light just saturated my eyes. As always I kept imagining mythical creatures in the settings around me. So when it came time to place my most recent studio model in an environment that meant something to me, out popped my very large stock of reference photos.

This painting is a combination of a lovely rock from the Cascades, the always terrific local model Jessica Triller, some wings gifted to me from a friend who found a dead bird and of course my constant supply of gold leaf.

Video: Cascading Angel Part 1

Restaurant Online Ordering Software System

Visit: http://restaurantonlinesolutions.com

Learn how to streamline online food orders and payment transactions with this free restaurant online ordering software system created by Restaurant Online Solutions.

This video tutorial will show you how to add menu items to an online menu.

Video: Adding Menu Items

We’ll provide a weekly post of free software support video tutorials from Restaurant Online Solutions.

This Week’s Video…

Learn how to add menu items with the free restaurant online ordering system.

Video Tutorial Series

Medical Alert Helping Create a Support Network For Older Americans

Disasters or emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Over the past two years alone, more than 130 Presidential Disaster Declarations have been declared in 45 states and territories. When a disaster strikes, older persons and persons with disabilities may experience public health and human service needs that threaten their well-being. In many cases, existing physical or mental impairments may worsen, and needed family and community-based supports may be disrupted by the emergency situation. Medical Alert helps create a prepared and safe home environment are the cornerstones for older Americans living independently.
Create a Support Network

• If you anticipate needing assistance during a disaster talk to family, friends and others who will be part of your personal support network.
• Write down and share each aspect of your emergency plan with everyone in your support network.
• Make sure everyone knows how you plan to evacuate your home or workplace and where you will go in case of a disaster.
• Make sure that someone in your local network has an extra key to your home and knows where you keep your emergency supplies.
• Teach those who will help you how to use any lifesaving equipment, administer medicine in case of an emergency.
• Practice your plan with those who have agreed to be part of your network.

Supplies and Documents:

Medications and Medical Supplies

• If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need to make it on your own for at least a week, maybe longer.
• Make a list of prescription medicines including dosage, treatment and allergy information.
• Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you need to prepare.
• If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers and incorporate them into your personal support network.
• Consider other personal needs such as eyeglasses,  hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, oxygen, and medical alert system.

Emergency Documents

• Include copies of important documents in your emergency supply kits such as family records, medical records, wills, deeds, social security number, charge and bank accounts information and tax records.
• Have copies of your medical insurance and Medicare cards readily available.
• Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices or other life-sustaining devices. Include operating information and instructions.
• Make sure that a friend or family member has copies of these documents.
• Include the names and contact information of your support network, as well as your medical providers.
• If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information notes the best way to communicate with you.
• Keep these documents in a water proof container for quick and easy access.

Whiplash, or better termed, cervical acceleration-deceleration disorder (CAD) is primarily an injury to the soft tissues of the neck – that is, the muscles, their tendon insertions, and the ligaments that hold the joints firmly together. Neck pain is a very common health problem that affects between 10–15% of the population and drives people to all types of health care providers. We have previously discussed the reasons why whiplash /CAD injuries occur, the examination process and the prognosis aspects but the argument continues as to what treatment methods work the best when managing patients with CAD.

In the May 21, 2002 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, a group of medical doctors and PhD’s reported on neck pain treatment comparing traditional medical and physical therapy approaches verses spinal manipulation. In the study, they compared three common neck pain treatment approaches in a group of 183 patients with chronic neck pain (patients who had neck pain for more than 3 months). The 3 methods included traditional medical care which included medication utilization and rest, manual therapy (chiropractic adjustments) and physical therapy (active exercise training). After 7 weeks of treatment, the percentage of patients who felt either totally resolved (cured) or much improved were 68.3% receiving manual therapy / chiropractic care, 50.8% receiving physical therapy, and 35.9% receiving medical care. The author, Jan Lucas Hoving, PhD reports that manual therapy / chiropractic was found to be more effective than the other 2 methods “…on almost all outcome measures,” not just a few! Further, although PT scored better than traditional medical care, “…most of the differences were not statistically significant,” meaning, not that much better. The authors appropriately reported that further study was needed to better understand the differences between methods.

In 2008, the “Decade Task Force” reviewed 10 years of studies on the treatment of neck pain and found similar results and referenced many studies that indicated spinal manipulation for neck pain, headaches, whiplash, and other neck related conditions was one of the most effective methods and that patients with neck pain should be given the option of receiving manual therapy / chiropractic before other approaches as it was found to be less expensive, faster in obtaining satisfying results (shorter course of disability), and most effective in terms of long-term benefits. This comparison discussion is by no means meant to minimize the importance of medical and PT care. However, there appears to be a bias among patients with neck pain to seek medical care first when the studies clearly show chiropractic care is the preferred method.

Hence, the purpose of this article is to educate the reader that their choice in treatment for neck pain should favor chiropractic care FIRST, not last. In fact, the sooner manipulation can be applied to the injured joints of the neck, typically the faster the results. For example, long term disability and chronic neck pain can occur from prolonged use of a cervical collar as the structures tighten and stiffen up from being immobile – unable to move because of the collar. Unless there is some unstable condition to the neck (fracture, grade 3 ligament tear, progressive neurological loss, etc.), studies support manipulation / early mobilization of the neck joints after injuries like whiplash verses wearing a cervical collar and rest.

Did You Know?

Among the many natural ways to treat infection, tea tree oil is one of the very best. Tea tree oil is an essential oil taken from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It has a wide variety of uses with strong antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. The aborigines in Australia used tea tree leaves to heal skin infections wounds, and burns by crushing the leaves and holding them in place with a mud pack. Tea tree oil effectively treats a variety of conditions. If you choose to try tea tree oil, it is good practice to do a patch test on your skin first, as undiluted tea tree oil can irritate the skin. If the skin is sensitive, then it is necessary to dilute it. A good tea tree oil solution can be made by mixing 5 parts of tea tree oil with 95 parts of water.

Please note: tea tree oil should never be taken internally, even in small amounts.

Here are just some of the many ways to effectively use tea tree oil:

• Acne – Tea tree oil kills the skin dwelling bacteria that cause acne. Dilute the tea tree oil as directed above and apply to lesions. Another way to apply it is by diluting it with aloe vera gel To begin with, mix one or two drops to one ounce of the gel.
• Athlete’s Foot – Every morning and evening, saturate a cotton ball with tea tree oil (you may need to dilute it) and apply to the affected and surrounding areas. Also, you may want to apply a tea tree oil enriched moisturizer. Tea tree oil is also very effective when treating nail fungal infections.
• Insect Bites – Apply full strength to the bite area. Tea tree oil is also an effective insect repellent.
• Wound Healing – Moderately apply tea tree oil (at a strength of 70% to 100%) on the wound at least twice daily.

Lastly, putting a few drops of tea tree oil in bathwater has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect. It will also soothe sore muscles and eliminate persistent body odor.

Quick Video: Tea Tree Oil

There are many causes of low back pain (LBP). Most of us can think of the time we bent over to lift a child, the heavy tongue of a trailer, a 5-gallon pail of water, or maybe simply sneezed too hard and threw out our back. These causes are common and most often associated with LBP. But, one unusual cause of LBP (not so unusual once you know about it) involves Vitamin D deficiency. Yes, you read it correctly – a VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY!

One study reported on a 360 patient (90% women, 10% men) group being treated at spinal and internal medicine clinics over a 6-year time frame for LBP of 6 months or greater with no obvious cause. Doctors tested these patients for blood levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D), as well as calcium and alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme found in bone). Then, they administered Vitamin D supplements and the same tests were repeated. Their results are VERY INTERESTING! The findings showed 83% of the group studied (299 patients) had abnormally low levels of vitamin D before supplementation and after treatment of ONLY vitamin D, clinical improvement was seen in ALL the groups that had low vitamin D levels and in 95% of all 360 patients! THAT’S AMAZING! They conclude “Vitamin D deficiency is a major contributor to chronic low back pain,” and recommend screening for vitamin D deficiency and treatment with supplements which they say, “…should be mandatory…,” especially in areas that are “endemic” for vitamin D deficiency. They also conclude that bone softening diseases like osteomalacia may occur as a result of vitamin D deficiency, while many other studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with osteoporosis. Another question then arises, what geographic regions are most susceptible to low sunlight and hence, vitamin D deficiency?

One study showed that during the 8 months centered around summer in the US (March-October), for all locations from the southern tip of Texas to just south of Portland, OR, no difference was found in the vitamin D levels. But, in the winter months (November-February), a significant difference was seen where as latitude increased northward, the amount of vitamin D decreased “dramatically.” However, in lower latitudes (<25 degrees), no difference was found between summer vs. winter months. What about sun block? Does using it reduce vitamin D absorption from the sun? The answer is, YES. On “The Peoples Pharmacy” website, it was reported that the typical dose of vitamin D of 400 IU “…is probably inadequate to overcome a deficiency.” They recommend 10-15 minutes of time in the sun without sunscreen a few times a week or a higher dose of vitamin D3 (“…closer to 2000 IU of vitamin D”).

There are many other benefits – not just in terms of LBP – from taking vitamin D that have good scientific support. In fact, a PubMed search for “benefits of vitamin D” resulted in 554 studies, some of which included conditions such as, HIV, heart conditions (many), chronic illness in the elderly, osteoporosis, cancers (colorectal, prostate, breast and others), kidney disease, autoimmune diseases (celiac disease, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, many others), types I & II diabetes, and more! You get the picture, I’m sure.