SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Challenge is an opportunity to build strength and confidence. Overcoming the fear of defeat empowers the treasure of the triumph. For what is gained through your own success is priceless. 

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward-Finneran and Drawn 2 Design, LLC

All Rights Reserved

EATERY IS OPEN - IT'S ALL GREEK TO ME

SIZZLING GREEK STEAK

1/2 cup A.1. Original Steak Sauce

2   T-bone or Porterhouse steaks (3/4 lb. each), 3/4 inch thick

1 tsp. dried oregano leaves, crushed

2 Tbsp.  lemon juice

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Make It

MIX all ingredients except steaks until well blended. Remove 1/4 cup of the steak sauce mixture for later use. Pour remaining steak sauce mixture over steak in large resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Turn bag over several times to evenly coat steak. Refrigerate 30 min. to marinate.
PREHEAT grill to medium heat. Remove steaks from bag; discard bag and marinade. Grill steaks 10 to 12 min for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally.
REMOVE steaks from grill; remove and discard bones. Cut steaks into thin slices. Drizzle evenly with the reserved steak sauce mixture.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY JUNE 25

1906 - Pittsburgh millionaire Harry Kendall Thaw, the son of coal and railroad baron William Thaw, shot and killed Stanford White. White, a prominent architect, had a tryst with Florence Evelyn Nesbit before she married Thaw. The shooting took place at the premeire of Mamzelle Champagne in New York.
1910 - The U.S. Congress authorized the use of postal savings stamps.
1917 - The first American fighting troops landed in France.
1920 - The Greeks took 8,000 Turkish prisoners in Smyrna.
1921 - Samuel Gompers was elected head of the AFL for the 40th time.
1938 - Gaelic scholar Douglas Hyde was inaugurated as the first president of the Irish Republic.
1941 - Finland declared war on the Soviet Union.
1946 - Ho Chi Minh traveled to France for talks on Vietnamese independence.
1948 - The Soviet Union tightened its blockade of Berlin by intercepting river barges heading for the city.

JUNE 25 MUSIC HISTORY

1886 - Arturo Toscanini conducted the Rio de Janeiro Orchestra and "Aida."
1967 - The Beatles recorded "All You Need Is Love" live on the "Our World" program.
1969 - The Hollies recorded "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother," with Elton John playing piano.
1969 - Mick Taylor made his first concert appearance with the Rolling Stones after he had replaced Brian Jones.
1984 - The soundtrack "Purple Rain" was released five weeks ahead of the film.
1984 - Patti Scialfa joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.
1988 - Hillel Slovak of the Red Hot Chili Peppers died.
1992 - Billy Joel got his high school diploma. He had overslept and missed English and Gym finals 25 years before.
1995 - Pearl Jam canceled their tour because of an ongoing feud with Ticketmaster.
2003 - The Recording Industry Association of America disclosed its plans to fight Internet piracy. The plan was to sue hundreds of individual computer users who illegally share music files online. The process was planned to begin the next day.

GRAVES DISEASE...WORK IT

Where has Missy Elliot been? She announced yesterday, she is suffering from Graves' disease, which affects the autoimmune system and thyroid gland. The Rapper says the disease made even simple, everyday tasks difficult. "I couldn't write because my nervous system was so bad – I couldn't even use a pen,"

Elliott, 39, was diagnosed with the condition three years ago. She realised she had a problem while driving, when she lost control of her muscles. "I was trying to put my foot on the brake, but my leg was jumping," she said. "I couldn't keep the brake down and almost crashed."


Elliott went on to suffer other symptoms, including hair loss and mood swings. But her condition improved after she underwent radiation therapy, and spent more time at the gym. "I'm 30 pounds lighter because I've been exercising," she said. "My thyroid is functioning, so I haven't had to take medication in about nine months. [But] you live with it for the rest of your life."

Some classic signs of Graves' disease include an enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter, and bulging eyes.
Women are more likely to get the disease than men, and it usually develops after age 20.

Ladies this is yet another wakeup call! You should be having yearly physicals along with a mammography! Illness and diseease doesn't care if you are rich, poor, fat or skinny! Make the call today!

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

Tony Walker

Over the weekend Boyle was trying to post some rants on The Lounge but was having problems with her computer. She called me to see if I could help her.
I went to her house, messed around, (on the computer of course) clicked a few things & everything was all fixed.
"Wow," exclaims Boyle, "You are amazing. What was wrong?"
I told her it was an ID ten T error.
A puzzled expression runs over Boyle's face.
"An ID ten T error? What's that in case I need to fix it again?"
I smile. "You've never seen an ID ten T error before?"
"Nope," Boyle replies.
"Write it down. I think you'll work it out."
I D 1 0 T

PARANORMAL PUB: THE ESCAPE

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

This is a tale that was told to me when I was a teenager and in that “dating” age. I don’t know exactly where the story originated, but I’m sure it was a parent who started it!

A teenage boy drove his date to a dark and deserted Lovers' Lane for a make-out session. After turning on the radio for mood music, he leaned over and began kissing the girl.

A short while later, the music suddenly stopped and an announcer's voice came on, warning in an urgent tone that a convicted murderer had just escaped from the state insane asylum — which happened to be located not far from Lovers' Lane — and that anyone who noticed a strange man lurking about with a hook in place of his right hand should immediately report his whereabouts to the police.

The girl became frightened and asked to be taken home. The boy, feeling bold, locked all the doors instead and, assuring his date they would be safe, attempted to kiss her again. She became frantic and pushed him away, insisting that they leave. Relenting, the boy peevishly jerked the car into gear and spun its wheels as he pulled out of the parking space.

When they arrived at the girl's house she got out of the car, and, reaching to close the door, began to scream uncontrollably. The boy ran to her side to see what was wrong and there, dangling from the door handle, was a bloody hook.

PILOT WHALES LOOKING GOOD!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Our last day at the Marine Mammal Conservancy started early today. We left the hotel at 3am for a 3:15 arrival. Whale 301 (the baby) was sleeping in her pen, resting her head against the soft yellow divider just as she would against her mother in the wild. Perhaps it gave the little orphan some comfort. Whale 300 was still being supported by 4 volunteers and a supervisor.  She is doing better, respirations down to a more normal count and heart rate strong and also at a more normal level.

My friend Patty suited up immediately and joined three others in the water. I took the job of scribe today, keeping time, recording vitals and documenting behavior and nebulizer treatments. About 2hours into the shift, 300 suddenly bucked and tried to swim on her own. She scared the daylights out of the volunteers, but the “professional” volunteers flew to her side and raised her head back above the surface and calmed her down. I was so upset, thinking something  was wrong, but Marco, one of the MMC’s most dedicated “professional “volunteers, explained that this was a good sign; 300 is feeling her oats! She calmed back down and cooperated fully for her nebulizer treatment and a visit from the Vet.

I hate to have to leave today. Over these few short days I’ve grown attached to these beautiful creatures and am in awe of the many people who give so much of themselves to help. To Marco, Bruce, Mike, Patrick, Robert, Mica, Becca, Alice and all the other “regulars” at MMC, thank you for all you do to save these amazing Marine creatures, and to educate people like me so that I can have a new awareness and appreciation of all Marine Mammals! I wish you great success in your work and look forward to the day 300 will be released to a pod of Pilot Whales in the wild. I know 301 will be cared for and the best possible decision will be made for her future if it is decided she’s too young to be released. I know I’ll be back again, because this experience has truly touched my heart and forged a connection that will not be broken.

If you’re interested in helping the Marine Mammal Conservancy with a donation, sending items on their wish list, volunteering, or coming to them for classes, you can contact them at : www.MarineMammalConservacy.org

TERRORISTS....

Dawn Boyle

Today is the last day, or shall I say hour of school. I have been waiting for this day since late April. It was way back then when I noticed a complete disconnect. My kids acquired this new whine. I have said this before my children should be hired by the government. They would be great annoyance tools to get information out of the "bad guy", I know this because they have been mastering their skills on me for the past ten years. Their specialty - SLEEP DEPRIVATION.

I have not slept an entire night since September 2000. My brain has become so accustom to this practice that on the few occasions where I have been childless for a night, my body doesn't know what to do. I still wake up every few hours. In addition, I can add my aging bladder which now accounts for 3 additional wake up calls during the night. I feel like I could pass out at any given moment.

A few days ago I started taking back my nights. I have successfully (sorta) removed all extra bodies from my bed. I have explained to them that "Mommy" will be way more fun if she gets some sleep and that I am not to be woken unless someone is bleeding, throwing up, or the house is on fire.

I did a little research and have found out some of the things lack of sleep can do to a person....read below, it explains A LOT!

As per WebMD:

In the short term:

• Decreased Performance and Alertness: Sleep deprivation induces significant reductions in performance and alertness. Reducing your nighttime sleep by as little as one and a half hours for just one night could result in a reduction of daytime alertness by as much as 32%.
• Memory and Cognitive Impairment: Decreased alertness and excessive daytime sleepiness impair your memory and your cognitive ability -- your ability to think and process information.
• Stress Relationships: Disruption of a bed partner's sleep due to a sleep disorder may cause significant problems for the relationship (for example, separate bedrooms, conflicts, moodiness, etc.).
• Poor Quality of Life: You might, for example, be unable to participate in certain activities that require sustained attention, like going to the movies, seeing your child in a school play, or watching a favorite TV show.
• Occupational Injury: Excessive sleepiness also contributes to a greater than twofold higher risk of sustaining an occupational injury.
• Automobile Injury: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates conservatively that each year drowsy driving is responsible for at least 100,000 automobile crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 fatalities

In the long term, the clinical consequences of untreated sleep disorders are large indeed. They are associated with numerous, serious medical illnesses, including:

• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Obesity
• Psychiatric problems, including depression and other mood disorders
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Mental impairment
• Fetal and childhood growth retardation
• Injury from accidents
• Disruption of bed partner's sleep quality
• Poor quality of life

STOP AND LISTEN TO THE BUBBLES.....

Dawn Boyle


Over a month ago I wrote a story about how a little boy named Kyle indirectly touched my life. Today would have been Kyle's 7th Birthday.

Kyle's family will be celebrating the life he not only lived, but how much everyone learned once they stopped and listened to the bubbles...

I received a facebook invite to participate in celebrating Kyle's 7th Birthday and I want to share it all with you. In part it read as follows:

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

Tony Walker

My wife & I were fighting the other day. As we were fighting she started packing.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
She said, "I'm moving to Vegas! I'm going to become an escort & charge $500 a night!"
With that I started packing too.
"Where are YOU going?" She asked.
I replied, "I'm going to Vegas too. I wanna see how you'll survive on $1000 a year."
Then I asked her, "I bet you can't wait for me to die so you can spit on my grave."
My wife said, "No way. I don't like standing in long lines!"

A Black Man, The Progressive's Perfect Trojan Horse

EDITORS NOTE: The Following Article is being circulated via emails.  Since it is stated to share it - that's what we are doing.  It is being posted "as is" as it was received verbatim from an email.  It will be interesting to see the comments that ensue considering the controversial topic discussed. Read & talk...

By Lloyd Marcus

As millions of my fellow Americans, I am outraged, devastated and extremely angry by the democrat's unbelievable arrogance and disdain for We The People.  Despite our screaming "no" from the rooftops, they forced ObamaCare down our throats.  Please forgive me for using the following crude saying, but it is very appropriate to describe what has happened.  "Don't urinate on me and tell me it's raining."  Democrats say their mission is to give all Americans health care.  The democrats are lying.  Signing ObamaCare into law against our will and the Constitution is tyranny and step one of their hideous goal of having as many Americans as possible dependent on government, thus controlling our lives and fulfilling Obama's promise to fundamentally transform America…

  I keep asking myself.  How did our government move so far from the normal procedures of getting things done?  Could a white president have so successfully pulled off shredding the Constitution to further his agenda?  I think not.

  Ironically, proving America is completely the opposite of the evil racist country they relentlessly accuse her of being, progressives used America's goodness, guilt and sense of fair play against her… in their quest to destroy America as we know it, progressives borrowed a brilliant scheme from Greek mythology.  They offered America a modern day Trojan Horse, a beautifully crafted golden shiny new black man as a presidential candidate.  Democrat Joe Biden lauded Obama as the first clean and articulate African American candidate.  Democrat Harry Reid said Obama only uses a black dialect when he wants.  White America relished the opportunity to vote for a black man naively believing they would never suffer the pain of being called racist again.  Black Americans viewed casting their vote for Obama as the ultimate Affirmative Action for America's sins of the past.

OR A MISSED GRADUATION...

Tony Walker
At the time I am writing this it is 1230AM, Thursday June 23. I am so freaking tired.

Why am I so freaking tired? Because my wife went away this week. (She left on freaking Father's Day!) So, I've been doing everything since 730AM this past Sunday.
Why am I not in bed? Because my wife is coming home in a little while.
Why is she arriving in the middle of the night? Because the weather has screwed up her flight plans.
Why does she need to get home? Because our son graduates from elementary school at 9AM tomorrow morn..... scratch that.... in 8 1/2 hours.

She was supposed to be on a plane that arrived here in NY at 9PM, but due to weather that flight was canceled. My wife freaked that she was going to miss graduation. She was scrambling trying to figure out what to do. She called me so I was scrambling as well. She paid extra to get on another airline last minute so she could get home. That flight was due at midnight but it keeps getting delayed. Last I heard her plane should be taking off about now.

Why am I telling you this story? Here's why. Throughout all this craziness my wife has been in touch with her folks.... our kids are sleeping at her folks house so I can pick her up.... Her folks told her she shouldn't be putting us through all this just for an elementary school graduation. They said there will be other graduations & we'll record this one for her. So now my wife is upset.

What do you guys think? I disagree with her folks. I would do everything I could to be home. I don't like to miss anything no matter what level it is. Would you jump through hoops to be there or would you say screw it? What about some of you who travel for their jobs & are forced to miss certain things? How do you feel? How do you handle it? Do you agree with the folks?

LUNCH TIME POLL

Dawn Boyle

As usual time has escaped me... today I have to make the mad dash out for the end of the year teach gifts. My daughters suggested Kohls and Target as places they have heard all four of their teachers talking about. I am wondering if any of our "teacher readers" out there would suggest a good place to go get the giftcards.

AGED LIKE A FINE WINE....

Dawn Boyle

I attended a softball game last night. It was the championship game for little girls in fourth and fifth grade. The game was a real nail bitter. It was wonderful seeing the children really give it their all and come through with a very BIG WIN!

But here is the thing... the strength and agility of these young girls wasn't what amazed me. It was the crowd. The crowd was filled with proud moms and dads but there was such a difference between the two. All the fathers (who would all fall in the VERY late thirty to early forty crowd) looked great. Most of them were in tip top shape, and their spouses were, well lets just say a majority of us have turned into the "mom jean crew". We are not in as good of shape as our counterparts.

Which brings me to my What's Shakin - it's our ASSES! It's our lunch ladies! It's our cottage cheese, thunder thighs with the chub rub! Why is it that men get older and get handsome with their salt and pepper hair and fine facial lines, but women look like something out of a Saturday Night Live skit with ankle socks on rocking that ankle bracelet - mind you, all that does is accentuate the cankles.

By no means am I making fun of these ladies...I am just asking WHY? Is it written that we have kids and get an ass the same size as the mini-van we are driving around? What happened to us? Why do we get robbed?

WHALE RESCUE UPDATE; WADING WITH WHALES AND LOVING IT!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Patty Smukall and I (left) work with other volunteers to assist whale 300 at the Marine Mammal Conservancy

It was another amazing day with the whales today! Our shift started at 7:30 am, suiting up, getting instructions and getting ready to support pilot whale 300. She is a teenage whale who is still suffering from pneumonia. While 2 of us helped keep her blowhole above the water, two more of us supported her around the dorsal fin area, keeping her fluke high and keeping her from listing. We at the same time we all kept her skin moist. Every half hour we took vitals; heart rate and respiration. All this was done under the direct supervision of a Marine Mammal Conservancy Supervisor.  All volunteers were trained and given an orientation before being allowed in the water.

Whale 300, a "teenager" receives nebulizer treatments for her pneumonia

While being supported by volunteers, 300 was given treatments with a special nebulizer. She cooperates and takes deep breaths because she knows she’ll get fish when she does. She also receives Physical Therapy for her tail, which has atrophied a bit since her stranding. Hydration is given by inserting a tube down her throat, but she is very happy to eat fish on her own. Whenever one of the supervisors or staff who she is familiar with came in the water, she was like a big puppy, “wagging “her fluke, lifting her head and trying to move toward them. It’s so heartwarming to see the loving relationship these wonderful people have with this incredible animal!

The Vet (shirtless) checks on 300 after her treatments

I actually look like I know what I"m doing at the registration/infomation desk at MMC!

After our time in the water with the whale, we all shared in various other duties. I took over the registration/information desk. Others went out to sit with the “baby”, whale 301 who is a feisty 2 year old who is now swimming on her own. For safety, someone sits with her 24 hours a day, collects data on her vitals, feeds and plays with her. Another person acts as “scribe” recording all the data. Others work in the kitchen, help sanitize wetsuits, and perform any other chores that need doing. There’s a fantastic feeling of camaraderie at the Conservancy and the staff are more than willing to answer questions, teach, praise and thank all the volunteers.

I really need to qualify what I mean by volunteers! I'm really referring to people like me who come without specific training or experience. However, absolutely everyone at the Marine Mammal Conservancy is actually a volunteer! There are people who have training and have worked there for some time. Sea World rotates people at the Conservancy to assist, and many other marine groups send trained personnel. Some staff began as volunteers, just like me, but then took some of the classes offered by the MMC, and learned by doing over time. So while they are volunteers, they are more like "professional volunteers".

Everything I’ve learned about the Marine Mammal Conservancy has made me more proud to be a part of their efforts. They do uncommonly well in in research, rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild, marine mammals. To learn more visit    http://www.marinemammalconservancy.org/  or Info@MarineMammalConservancy.org  .

 

 

DAY 25 ANTHONY TRIAL


FBI geologist Maureen Bottrell testified that she analyzed items from Anthony's car and home to including a shovel and over 20 pairs shoes.  Maureen Bottrell said the shoes could not be scientifically connected to the wooded area where the remains were found. Under cross-examination, however, she said that doesn't mean the shoes were not ever worn at the scene.

Defense called Madeline Montgomery to the stand, she is a forensic toxicologist. Ms. Montgomery examined hair found with deceaseds remains. She said she found no trace of drugs in the hair sample. On cross examination, Montgomery said hair is not the best way to test for drug exposure.

Dr. Michael Sigman, a University of Central Florida chemistry professor, who said he was asked by Orange County sheriff's officials in July 2008 to take air samples from Anthony's car.

Sigman detailed how he and a colleague transferred 1 liter of air into a bag and another sample into a second bag. Sigman said he later performed more tests. Sigman said he could not conclusively determine that human decomposition was present in the trunk of Anthony's car. In cross-examination, Sigman said he did not fully examine the trunk on July 21 and only opened it about an inch to take the air samples. He also said he was unaware that the trunk liner had been removed days earlier.

State experts have testified that the chloroform they detected came from a stain on the trunk liner. Since the UCF tests were on air drawn after that "point source" of chloroform was removed, the state may argue that's the reason why chloroform was not detected in high concentrations by Sigman.

Prosecutors have argued that Caylee was suffocated by her mother with duct tape. The defense contends Caylee drowned in her grandparents' swimming pool. Caylee's skeletal remains were found in December 2008.

Judge Perry told jurors that Wednesday would only be a half-day because he has to attend a court budget meeting.

PILOT WHALE REPORT FROM KEY LARGO

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

The sun slipped silently into a golden horizon here at Key Largo leaving an ethereal glow on the water. The palm trees swayed gently in the tropical breeze and the air was filled with the scent of flowers. You would think such beautiful surroundings would bring peace and tranquility, but my heart is so heavy I couldn’t enjoy it.

Another pilot whale died today at the Marine Mammal Conservancy where professionals and volunteers alike have been working shifts around the clock to save these beached whales. This particular whale was in critical condition and despite all efforts, couldn’t recover.

Two pilot whales remain and every effort is being made to help them recover. The prognosis is good. One whale is swimming on her own. The teenage whale still needs to be supported and is receiving medical treatments for pneumonia through her blow hole, but is said to be progressing nicely.

My first shift begins at 7:30am tomorrow (Wednesday) and I’m looking forward to holding and wetting down the little pilot whale! Maybe tomorrow night I’ll feel that I can enjoy the tropical splendor around me!

Zoologist Patty Smukall and I join the rescue team tomorrow morining



WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!

A couple was dressed and ready to go out into the city for the evening. They turned on a night light, turned the answering machine on the phone line, covered their pet parakeet and put the cat in the backyard. They phoned the local cab company and requested a taxi. The taxi arrived and the couple opened the front door to leave their house. The cat they had put out into the yard scoots back into the house. 

They don't want the cat shut in the house because she always tries to eat the bird. The wife goes out to the taxi while the husband goes inside to get the cat. The cat runs upstairs, the man in hot pursuit. 

Waiting in the cab, the wife doesn't want the driver to know the house will be empty for the night. She explains to the taxi driver that her husband will be out soon. "He's just going upstairs to say good-bye to my Mother." 

A few minutes later, the husband gets into the cab. "Sorry I took so long," he says, as they drive away. "Stupid witch was hiding under the bed. Had to poke her with a coat hanger to get her to come out! She tried to take off so I grabbed her by the neck. Then I had to wrap her in a blanket to keep her from scratching me but it worked. I hauled her fat ass downstairs and threw her out into the back yard!" 

The cab driver hit a parked car......

Tony Jokes.......

Tony Walker
A psychiatrist is conducting a group therapy session with 3 young mothers & their small children.
"You all have obsessions," he observes.
To the first mother he says, "You are obsessed with eating. You've even named your daughter Candy."
To the second mother he says, "You are obsessed with money. You've even named your daughter Penny."
The third mother has heard enough. She gets up & says to her son, "Come on Dicky. Let's go."

GOTTA GET YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE... Not the finish line!

Barbara Ward-Finneran

I've been told, "You have it all together", "You inspire me", "You handle everything so well"... 

Most times I feel pretty secure in handling life and all it's curve balls day in and day out.  Then there are the days that it's an effort to breathe. Occasionally, a day like that can meld into a stretch of time.  Only those closest to me might notice the heaviness of heart.  There are "airs" to put on when you are "the inspiration" the one who always keeps it together.  Ms. Mary Sunshine shouldn't have thunder rolling in.  Ironically, the last few weeks has not been clear skies.  Geez, talk about feeling like a fraud! Lately the constant struggle to keep all the balls in the air has ruled my life.  When all you do is keep tossing one up - do you really handle anything? Are you just stuck in a wicked cycle of keeping balance, of keeping up appearances, ...never able to forge ahead or climb up?

Plateaus stink.  Professional, personal, relationship, and life/health style ones (any kind at all!) all stink.  No really, they suck. When more then one smacks you in the face at a time, "Forgetaboutit"!  Being "stuck" in one place can be a torture that is the epitome of spinning your wheels in the thick nasty mud when you had the potential to win the race!

Spin, spin, spin.... that's what it's been.  So much energy and jubilation pointed towards the end of school and summers arrival.  The limitless list of all that would be easier, personally and professionally, once school was out on May 27th.  All the "to do-s" that would and will get done.  All the time that would be had to catch up and move on. (Side note: A prime example of not to convince yourself it will be better "when"...!)

Silly me.  All that spinning ended in a wicked stall out! Almost a month later. No closer to winning that race.  No closer to smashing any plateaus.  Reasons matter not.  They were not earth shattering - just challenges in my little corner of the world. But enough to suck the air from my lungs and my motivation right along with it!

What matters is not days past - but NOW.  What matters was Monday.  Monday I declared my own personal "re-do". The restart of summer and all the goals that I have intertwined with the anticipation of it's arrival.  Dusting off that motivation and digging deep to move forward.  Practically forcing myself.  Amazing how even though you want and need to move forward - at times you have to force it into being - even just the start of it. Nothing just gets you nothing, nothing but more spinning! It's a difficult cycle to break at times.  Starting can be the hardest, but doing something is better then doing nothing. Start! Start something, maybe not all of it, or even the most pressing of the issues - but, START SOMETHING!

So, I've started! (Again, FINALLY!)  Not everything.  But, the wheels are in motion and gaining mileage.  I'll keep juggling the balls, keeping my eyes strategically on "myself","family" and "faith"- the rest can bounce if needed.  I'll catch them when I can.  Admittedly - as much as I wanted it - it took days to force the start. I cannot completely even explain why, in writing or even in my own mind.  I have however come to acknowledge the problems with keeping all the balls in the air you tend to ignore the ones that are about you.  That always leads to trouble.  After more then two years of embracing my own mantra of "Keep the promises you make to yourself" I dropped that ball and let it roll out of reach.  Somehow thinking I'd fix the other things and get back to me later.  Doesn't work that way.  HOW DID I FORGET THAT?!?!?  You have to take care of YOU to take care of the rest. 

Do you need to be starting something?!?! 

Do you need to remember to put yourself on the list? 

I highly recommend it! 

LUNCH TIME POLL

Dawn Boyle
What do you feel is the most OVER PAID profession?

What do you feel is the most UNDER PAID profession?

I feel that I might be the most UNDER PAID person in the world.....

SCREAMS HEARD AT NIGHT

Dawn Boyle

Many of you are aware of the Serial Killer(s) here on Long Island that have been littering our shores with people. So far there have been over 10 sets of remains recovered on the shoreline of our South Shore beaches, to be honest it is right in my own backyard. I have to admit a few times I have gotten freaked out about this, but nothing like what happened this past weekend.

Friday afternoon was stormy. We had strong gusty winds and torrential rains. Around 8:00 the rain subsided and we heading over to our boat. Last minute plans to sleep over for the weekend were in full swing. My daughters had a friend joining us. We waiting 'til the sky was clear and pink to push off. We arrived to very distant lightning up in the clouds and a rainbow that stretched clear across the bay. It was beautiful. We pulled in to our usual spot and said hello to a few of the diehards. These guys will ride out anything, and apparently that day it was wind gusts of 60mph. We settled in and joined our friends for a cocktail on the dock. It was about 11:00 when I was standing with two friends, talking about how we needed school to be over and how our children were fried from the year and how the boat basin was unusually empty, being Fathers Day weekend and we figured the nasty weather had kept many away, when we heard a blood curdling scream, followed by two other shrills.

STICKY SWEET

 THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

Patty B.

If life is like a box of chocolates, then its time for me to buy another box, I seemed to have already devoured all the good ones!

Chocolate in the morning is what makes moms get through their day!

Chocolate: luscious, lumpy. load of love......

If chocolate equals heaven, I’m an angel

*** MY FAVORITE THIS WEEK*****

Worried about how your chocolate consumption will affect your bikini body? 

Then get rid of the bikini!

SUMMER SOLSTICE 2011 - BRING ON THE HEAT!

"The summer solstice occurred today at 1:16 p.m. EDT, the time the sun is at the highest point possible in the sky. In the Northern Hemphisphere, June 21 is the longest day of the year and marks the official beginning of summer.

Today, the North Pole is tilted toward the sun more than any other day in 2011. The summer solstice is a result of the Earth tilted on its axis 23.4 degrees in the direction of the sun, exposing most of the Northern Hemisphere to sunlight.

Solstice is derived from Latin words meaning, "sun stands still." The summer solstice occurs when the sun is directly overhead at noon at the Tropic of Cancer.

For the Southern Hemisphere, everything is opposite. Today is the actually the beginning of the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year for the Southern Hemisphere.

Wherever a person is on the earth today, solstices occurred at the exact moment across all global time zones.

Even though on June 21 is the day that the Northern Hemisphere receives the most sunlight in 2011, it is not necessarily the hottest day of the year. Since it takes several weeks for the earth to release the heat from the sunlight, the hottest days in summer are usually in July or August."

Facts as reported at: Interesting Facts for the Longest Day of the Year 

CASEY ANTHONY TRIAL: Jail Mate May Testify & Kronk May Be Morally Bankrupt

Earlier Today, Baez complained to Judge Perry that  prosecutors had given him an indication that a conversation Anthony heard from jail mate, April Whelan, in an adjacent cell.  The scenario Whelan spoke of bears a  striking similarity to the claims made by the defense that Caylee drown and then the death was covered up.

The defense has conceded that Casey was a habitual liar and that her claims have often been laced with a crumble of truth.  The judge has left the door open for Whelan to testify, however there is no indication that prosecutors will choose to bring the jail mate to the stand.

Defense expert, Dr. Richard Eichlenbloom was on the stand talking about test performed on the duct tape found near Caylee's skull.  He said there was no trace of DNA on the tape.  Prosecutor Jeff Ashton has tried to discredit this "science".  (The jury is not privy to the information that Ashton was among the first prosecutors in 1988 and 989 to fight DNA science as evidence.)

Dr. Jan Bock, forensic botanist,  testified about the vegetation at the site where the body was found.  Under questioning by Prosecutor Jeff Ashton, Bock admitted her opinion has changed ad to the length of time the child's body was in the woods.  She now states no less then two weeks which contradicts her earlier deposition where she stated that it was impossible to tell.

Defense attorneys may use this information to debunk testimony by Roy Kronk, the utility meter reader who found the body, hoping to extend the insinuation that Kronk was after reward money and may have had a role in hiding Caylee's body.

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!

A man and his wife were driving through the country on their way from New York to California when the man noticed he needed some gasoline. He spots a Mobil station in the middle of nowhere and pulls over to the high octane pump. 

"What can I do for y'all?" asks the attendant. 

"Fill `er up with high test," replies the driver. 

While the attendant is filling up the tank, he's looking the car up and down. "What kinda car you got here" he asks. "I never seen one like it before. It sure is perty." 

"Well," responds the driver, his chest swelling up with pride, "this, my boy is a 1999 Cadillac DeVille." 

"What all's it got in it?" asks the attendant. 

"Well," says the driver, "it has everything. It's loaded with power steering, power seats, power sun roof, power mirrors, AM/FM radio with a 10 deck CD player in the trunk with 100 watts per channel, 8 speaker stereo, rack and pinion steering, disk brakes all around, leather interior, digital instrument package, and best of all, a 8.8 liter V12 engine." 

"Wow," says the attendant, "I'll be!" 

"How much do I owe you for the gas?" asks the driver. 

"That'll be $30.17," says the attendant. 

The driver pulls out his money clip and peels off a $20 and a $10. He goes into his other pocket and pulls out a handful of change. Mixed up with the change are a few golf tees. 

"What are those little wooden things you got there?" asks the attendant. 

"That's what I put my balls on when I drive," says the driver. 

"Wow," says the attendant, "dem Cadillac people think of everything!"

LUNCH TIME POLL

Dawn Boyle

A New Jersey School has banned photographs of students from their school being posted on ANY social media network. This is to avoid a number of issues we now face in this sexting, bullying, harassment world we are now living in.

Do you feel this is a smart move or does it take away from our freedom?

HE SAID... Bad Boys, Bad boys... WHY?

Tony Walker

Heather Locklear/Tommy Lee

Robin Wright/Sean Penn

Beautiful women marrying bad boys. I'm sure you could add so many couples to this list. I'm also sure you have seen this in real life. The "good ones" always going for the jerks. Why is that?

In 2008 I went to my high school reunion. We were celebrating 20 years since graduation. My wife came with me. A woman who was one of the most popular & beautiful girls in our class ran up to my wife and asked, "Do you know how lucky you are to be married to Tony Walker"? I almost sh*t myself!!! I would've done ANYTHING to date this girl back then! But back then I was a nerd and a dirtbag... not a bad boy.

Bad boys...
They'll cheat on you.
They'll demand you make them a sandwich while they watch the game.
They'll tell you you look fat.
They'll make you cry.
You'll still go out with them.
You'll tell the nerds that you like them as a friend.
Yet the nerds will grow up to become better men than any of the bad boys.

Ladies explain this to me.
What makes the bad boys so attractive?
Do you enjoy being treated like sh*t?
Is it an image thing?

Feel free to comment on this, share your own "bad boy" story, or attack me and "The Lounge" like last week.

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

The school year is at an end here in the south, and close to finishing up north as well. As our children pack away their notebooks and school uniforms for the summer in favor of bathing suits and flip flops, let’s take time to remember the gifts their teachers have given to them throughout the year. Teaching isn’t just imparting facts and figures as some people think. Teaching is the gentle molding of a mind and soul, the passing on of knowledge, yes, but of so much more! It’s caring for each child’s physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual growth and development  for 10 month of that child’s life. (And most of the teachers I know never stop caring or thinking of those children even after they’ve moved on to the next grade and beyond.) Any child I’ve ever taught knows that he or she will ALWAYS be my “little chicken” and that I’m still here for them (and many have grown children of their own by now!)

Take a moment to reflect on just what a teacher does, as written in a letter from Abraham Lincoln to his son’s teacher.

He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just, all men are not true.
But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero;
that for every selfish Politician, there is a dedicated leader...
Teach him for every enemy there is a friend,
Steer him away from envy, if you can,  teach him the secret of
quiet laughter.
Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest to lick...   Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books...
But also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun, and the flowers on a green hillside.
In the school teach him it is far honorable to fail than to cheat...
Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him
they are wrong...
Teach him to be gentle with gentle people, and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd
when everyone is getting on the band wagon...
Teach him to listen to all men... but teach him also to filter
all he hears on a screen of truth, and take only the good
that comes through.
Teach him if you can , how to laugh when he is sad...
Teach him there is no shame in tears, Teach him to scoff at cynics
and to beware of too much sweetness...
Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders
but never to put a price-tag on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob and to stand and fight
if he thinks he's right.
Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him, because only the test
of fire makes fine steel.
Let him have the courage to be impatient...
let him have the patience to be brave.
Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself,
because then he will have sublime faith in mankind.
This is a big order, but see what you can do...  
He is such a fine fellow, my son!