Summer

For my last blog I thought it would only be suiting to talk about the wondrous thing called summer.  OH how I cannot wait to get my summer started.  I have never been more thrilled for summer, actually I take that back, last year I was pumped for summer because I was going to Europe, but none the less I am still very excited for summer 2011.  I can't believe that I have finished my first year of college, and am now going to be a summer.  It seems like it all went by so fast, but I am completely ok with that, because now summer has arrived once again, and it didn't seem like I had to wait that long.  This summer, although I am not travelling a lot, or going over seas, like I desperately wanted to do again, I have great plans to spend all my days working and being outside.  I have never wanted more than anything to just be outside all the time and do nothing else.  I plan on getting a hammock and taking my hammock to different peaceful, and beautiful places to set up and just enjoy the outdoors.  I also plan on spending every day hiking, biking, and caving.  I love all of these things and just want to spend my entire summer doing so.  I also want to take lots of trips to the river and lake and boat, jet ski, and canoe.  I went to the Buffalo River a couple years ago and absolutely loved it.  Spending an entire day canoeing is probably one of the best and most fun things to do during the summer.  I hope that I can get a big group of my friends together and we can go do this sometime.  This summer is going to be amazing I just know it.  I also don't have to worry about volleyball for once either; my entire summer is volleyball free except for of course working out and the occasional volleyball practices with my high school.  I need to sharpen my skills since I have been out for a while because of my recent knee surgery, but I hope that it will all work out and I will be able to play decently again, but you never know.  The only thing I am sad about and that will make my summer not as amazing, is the fact that my best friend, Keller, will be leaving me for basically the entire summer.  She has always gone to a camp in North Carolina where she is a counselor and she's gone the entire summer.  I am very depressed about this, yes, but I will make the best of it and I do have a little while with her before she leaves in June, but it will still be sad to see her go.  Oh the other thing I almost forgot about is the one trip I have planned for sure; and that is the BEACH! My family and I are going to spend a couple of weeks in Destin, Florida and I cannot wait.  I haven't been to the beach, let alone Destin in years, and I love it there.  It will definitely be a fun time and I cannot wait for it. 

Summer 2011!!! Let it begin!!!!

Hope everyone has enjoyed reading my babble and I hope you all have a great summer!!!!
Love & Peace

.Jackie Cooper, Former Child Star, 'Superman' Actor, Dies at 88

Just this week a former Oscar nominated TV-star, and TV executive and director while amassing scores of acting credits, including playing Perry White in the four Christopher Reeve Superman films died this week.  On Tuesday the former star died at the age of eighty eight in Santa Monica.  Cooper was lucky enough to experience and enjoy a 60 year acting career.  He was the most popular and widely recognized child star of the early 1930s and the first kid to shine in “talkies," until Shirely Temple.  His pug nose, crinkly smile and pouty lip endeared him to a nationwide audience, first as Jackie in Hal Roach’s Our Gang comedies. This popular 1920s that depicted the story of neighborhood children and their adventures.  It was also called the Little Rascals.  Cooper was so popular as a child that he was referred to as the "American Boy."  Jackie Cooper was born on September 15, 1922 in Los Angeles, he broke in as a bit player in silent films. Cooper acted in 15 Our Gang shorts between 1929 and 1931 His uncle, the director, Norman Taurog, cast him in the title role of Skippy, which was based on a comic strip. Cooper earned a best actor Academy Award nomination for the film.  This was the the first time for a child actor to do so and still the youngest to receive an Oscar nomination for a leading role.  These films were a great thing for Cooper. The films launched Cooper to stardom, and he went on to star opposite Wallace Beery in three films: The Champ,  The Bowery, and Treasure Island. Like most child stars, Cooper hit a difficult period during adolescence, both professionally and personally.  Due to age he was being replaced with younger child stars.  Based on his experiences, Cooper later opposed children growing up as actors. None of his four children went on to  perform.  As a teen, he showed his maturity and acting skills in 1940’s Seventeen and gave an inspiring performance as a trumpeter in Syncopation before joining the Navy during World War II, where he was ranked as captain. After the war, Cooper found movie roles harder to come by, enduring such low-budget pictures as Stork Bites Man, Kilroy Was Here and French Leave. The experiences ruined his love for the acting, and he left Hollywood, touring in stock companies and performing on Broadway in New York.  While in New York he also directed, produced, and starred in two series.  For a period during the 1960s, Cooper thrived as a TV executive. He served as vice president of program development at Columbia Pictures Television.  He began to direct episodic TV, and during the ’70s he was active in tackling tricky social issues like runaway teens. Based on his experiences, he couldn’t resist attacking the hypocrisy of show business. He returned to acting in the 1971 film The Love Machine, playing an obsequious and smarmy TV programming executive.  He continued to direct for TV throughout the 1970s and ’80s, winning a pair of Emmys for M*A*S*H andThe White Shadow. He directed multiple episodes of those shows along with others.  He also helmed two telefilms that centered on show business figures.  Cooper was a man of the TV screen making not only appearances in his own shows, but others. He guested on dozens of TV series including Suspense, The Twilight Zone, Hawaii Five-O, Kojak, Columbo, The Rockford Files, St. Elsewhere and Murder, She Wrote. He was most recognizable to latter-day audiences for playing Daily Planet editor Perry White in the four Superman films starring Reeve from 1978-87.  He also achieved a star on the Hollywood Walk of fame in 1960.  He retired in 1989, and has lived a quite life, raising horses in San Diego. He was divorced twice.  Once from June Horne, with whom he had a child, and Hildy Parks. In 1954, Cooper married Barbara Kraus, and the couple had three children. He is survived by two of this children.  Jackie Cooper was a man to be remembered and had many great successes in his life.  He went from child star, to famous executive and producer, all achieving great success.  He was a man of many talents and his death is one that surprises and sadness us. However he will always be remembered and honored for his great impact on television. 
May he rest in peace.

Love & Peace

Tangled

Disney has been a major part of my life growing up.  As a little kid I would spend endless hours watching my favorite Disney princess movies.  It was enjoyable and fun for me.  Just recently Disney came out with a new princess movie, called "Tangled."  "Tangled" is the last Disney princess movie to ever be made, and it depicts the story of Rapunzel.  Since I am a Disney princess fanatic, I decided I had to see the new movie.  Let me tell you, I am absolutely obsessed with this movie.  It is so cute and actually really very good! The story line is very fun and different than any Rapunzel story I have ever really heard, however I can't say I know much about Rapunzel except that she has extremely long hair.  There is so much more to this story and I was really please, because I didn't really know where they were going to go with her story. The movie had some very memorable moments and one of the biggest and most shocking ones was of course, the hair! Even though it is a cartoon, I have never seen hair so long in my life.  The entire time I watched the movie I couldn't stop thinking about her hair.  How heavy must her hair be? How does she get around with all that hair in the way? And I can't imagine how dirty her hair is. HA! I was none the less to say, mesmerized by her hair.

Throughout the entire movie Rapunzel was accompanied by a little friend; her closest friend.  This friend was her bet chameleon, named Pascal.  Pascal was by far the funniest character in this entire movie, yet he had no lines.  This chameleon killed me (with laughs) with his facial expressions and personality.  He was the funniest little thing I have ever seen in my life.  I have never been so amused by something so much, like I am by Pascal.  It is probably safe to say I am obsessed with him.  Literally the entire time I was focused on Pascal and what he would do next.  All of my closest friends think I'm crazy because of how much I talk about Pascal.  I couldn't stop laughing because of this little guy.  There was another animal in this movie whom I absolutely adored, and he was the palace horse Maximus, or Max for short.  This guy as well was extremely funny, and what I like to call sassy.  Everything he did was with a dramatic, sassy type of behavior.  He was not going to let anyone stand in his way of doing what he was supposed to.  It was hilarious.  He especially showed his personality when he and the wanted thief, Flynn Ryder, got together.  Those two were always at it, because Max was trying to capture Flynn since he stole from the palace.  It was priceless. 

I absolutely love this movie, if no one could tell, and highly recommend it to everyone to see, at least once.  If your sense of humor is anything like mine, you will laugh your sides into a pain frenzy.  I am very sad that this is the last Disney princess movie, but I think the ended it very well.  It was cute, funny, and something that will be remembered.  Disney was successful with the story of Rapunzel, and in my opinion it was a huge success.  Now I must go watch this movie again, because I have made myself interested once again.

Love & Peace



Must see it!!! SOOOO funny!!!

Royal Wedding: A Stylish Marriage for William and Kate

Today was a big day for Prince William and his lovely bride Kate Middleton.  Today, while millions of people watched world wide, by television or in person, the royal couple were finally wed in London at Westminister Abbey. It was none to say a big day, and of course nerves were to be expected.  However nervous young Kate might have been she made it through this day with no flaws, and looked like perfection.  Kate and William royal wedding was not only an extravagant event, but beautiful and stylish as well.  The couple both were involved in the long wedding process and their hard work paid off, many of the guest said the wedding looked amazing.  Kate was stunning herself, in her designer dress.  The stunning gown was made by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.  The designer's dress was a masterpiece, being hidden until it's big debut on the day of the wedding.  The dress was a success sending the British fashion industry into a frenzy.  Complementing the ivory dress, with lace trim, was a grand 1936 Cartier diamond tiara loaned to the bride by the queen herself.  Kate joined the royal family with prestige and grand demeanour and looked like a princess.  However, she was not named a princess, but Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge.  The wedding went smoothly overall.  Kate remembered her grooms name and did not stumble over the vows.  The only slight glitch was Prince William seemed to struggle a little with getting on the tight ring.  William also looked very handsome dressed in the bright red dress uniform of a colonel of the Irish Guards; the two made a nice looking couple in front of thousands of onlookers.  After the ceremony the two were taken by carriage to Buckingham Palace, where they shared their first kiss on the balcony in front of millions, just like many before them, including Diana.  Kate also followed in Diana's footsteps by leaving out the part in her vows where she promised to obey.  The wedding attendance was none the less huge.  Attending the wedding was about 44 foreign royals seated close to 51 members of the Queen's extended family. The lesser royals had been bussed to the abbey in minibuses. The congregation included heads of state, diplomats, charity workers and the couple's friends.  David Beckham was there along with other celebrities like Elton John. 
Back at Buckingham Palace, 650 of the guests enjoyed a champagne and canape reception.  It was a very stunning wedding with nothing but praise and awe.  Certainly it will be a wedding to remember.

I really enjoyed this wedding and wanted to write about it because of how big an ordeal this was for London, and the world.  It was an event that had been awaited for a long time.  I also really loved this because I have been to London and it was cool to see this happening in a place I have experienced and viewed for myself.  I can only imagine how beautiful and extravagant this wedding was because I know the beauty of the church and the city of London.  It really made me want to be back in London to experience this monumental event for myself.  I can only imagine how amazing this wedding was and how exciting it would have been to be in London during the time of it.  It sounded like a huge party, or celebration.  Bells were tolling, horse drawn carriages were everywhere, with thousands of people watching as Kate Middleton entered into the extravagant life of royalty as she married Prince William.  This wedding was something to remember and it was a treat to get to see.  I hope that the couple has a blessed and happy life together and everything goes well for them.  They are to me the couple of the year and are truly in love with each other and that's a great thing to see. 

Love & Peace

Storms

The weather can be an unpredictable force of mother nature.  It can bring us sun, rain, snow, and other natural disasters.  Recently the weather has been a little, how can I put it, bi-polar in Joplin.  For a while we had sun shine and warm weather, but this week the weather has decided to unleash all the water the sky could possibly hold.  It has literally been pouring rain, non stop for days.  I personally love the rain.  I think it's calming, soothing, and the perfect addition to a great night's sleep.  I really enjoyed these storms. Not only did they help me to relax and sleep well, they were some pretty neat storms.  The lighting was like a light show in the sky all night long.  Every bolt of lightning was bright, intense, and unique.  I have never seen lightning like this before.  Every bolt literally went straight down.  I can only imagine how many things were struck by lightning over the last couple of nights.  It was so cool.  The only bad addition to these storms was the fact that I had to walk to class in it.  I really dislike rain a lot, when I have to walk long distances in it.  Thankfully I was well prepared and had my rain jacket along with an umbrella.  The storms were no match for me in the end.  I was also impressed by these storms.  I have never in my life seen as much water as I have in the last couple of days.  Literally it was like Noah's ark all over again.  I thought I was going to have to buy a canoe and row my way to classes with all the water that was gathering up on the streets.  There were literally small lakes and rivers running through the middle of MSSU's campus.  I was about ready to float down the one right out back behind the dorms and cafeteria.  It was insane how much water was building up everywhere, over hours.  It was ridiculous, and I had about had it with the rain.  I really didn't want to worry about hydroplaning when I drove somewhere and wrecking into a ditch; it wasn't on my agenda for the week.  Now the storms have stopped, and I'm a little depressed, because I love a good storm, but hopefully now the cold will go away and be warm at last.  I have never been more ready for summer than I am this year.  The weather has been so bi-polar, warm one day, cold the next, and I'm tired of being teased.  I'm ready to feel the warm sun on my skin, windows down, music blaring and shades on.  It has been a long time since I have been comforted by the summer sun, and I think it's about due time for some more.  So as I leave I ask the weather gods, to please stop this insanity of cold and rainy days, and bring us the wonderful, joyous summer sunshine and golden rays.  I would be very much obliged. 

Love & Peace

Trump Candidacy for White House Gaining Ground

The President, can be defined as the highest executive officer appointed or elected to preside over an organized body of persons. This position is the key and most important roles a person can be given in the United States.  It is only reasonable that the person given this job should be qualified and serious about the matters that are to be taken over.  Recently word has been given from the man himself, that Donald Trump wants to run for President.  Donald Trump is one of the biggest and prosperous business men in the world.  He is a very successful real-estate developer, who created and owns Trump Tower. 

When people decide to run for President, we don't usually see celebrity candidates emerge like Trump.  It is quite unusual and a curious topic for everyone.  At the beginning people thought Trump was just joking, but now people are starting to realize that he's serious.  Trump is making visible steps toward campaigning.  He is beginning to reach out to Republican Party activists, both in Washington and in early states such as Iowa, and is talking to a variety of potential handlers, pollsters, and operatives.  Furthering his aggressive progress Trump has made several important contacts to spread the word of his potential candidacy.  In Iowa last week, he spoke with one of the leading evangelical leaders, and has made himself known to tea-party groups in the state. He also is contacting prominent national religious leaders, while checking off other boxes typical for GOP contenders, such as agreeing to sign the Americans for Tax Reform pledge to never raise taxes.  Trump's confident and bold steps have made it clear to the public that he is more than serious about his potential Presidency. Trump's huge steps are causing people some major excitement, especially in Iowa where he is to host a GOP fund-raising dinner in June, and making some people a little nervous.  Republicans feel his attempts his attempts are distractions for the party.  The feel this is true because of the excessive amount of TV interviews he has done.  They all have diverted the attention from the rest of the potential GOP field and propelled him higher in national polls. He came in third in a survey of Iowa Republicans released Tuesday by Public Policy Polling, well behind former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee but just two points behind presumed national GOP front-runner, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.  This spontaneous interest in Mr. Trump may be a sign of low enthusiasm for the rest of the early field of Republican aspirants and potential candidates.  However, this may be a problem for other potential candidates for this party, it just goes to show that Trump, although he does have celebrity advantage, the man knows how to work what he has and sell himself and his ideas to the public.  He is a great business man and he knows what he is doing.  I feel that these are all good signs for a potential President and the man should be given a chance to prove himself.  Some people have acknowledged his threat to the polls and have began to fight back and take his position in the process more seriously.  Many have gone to say that his celebrity lifestyle will influence his role as a Presidential figure and because of the life he lives it would be a bad fit for a President.  Mr. Trump has in a rebuttal to their concerns said that if he were to run for President, he would sever ties with NBC and his long-running Apprentice series.

I choose this article because I thought it was interesting to see a celebrity running for President.  I feel like this is a huge deal, and something that may never happen again.  I respect Trump for his ambition and his way of handling this process.  He is actually trying and making his name and presence known to parties and other candidates.  I hope Trump does decide to run.  I think he would make a great President.  Even though he may not know all about what it takes to be a President, it is obvious he is learning and genuinely wants to help our government out.  He is a very smart man, and a great business man.  I believe that he could possibly turn our government around and help us to get back on our feet.  I support Trump and respect his strides and believe he could make a good President and that he wants to earn the right to be President and not just be given it. 

I wish him luck.

Love & Peace

Birthday's

Birthday's.  The day that marks for everyone, at some point in time, the day of which they were born into this world.  It is a time of celebration and joy, to remember a great time that once was and add another year to your being on this earth.  I love birthdays, whether it be mine or someone else's.  It's just a time to have fun and make someones day very special.

When I was younger birthdays meant that it was all about me, and of course getting presents.  I couldn't wait for my next birthday so everyone would know about it and give me gifts.  Now that I think about it, I realized, wow, what a selfish kid I was.  Birthdays and the whole concept of birthdays have changed for me now that I'm older.  Now, when it's my birthday I rather not have all the attention.  I mean it's just a birthday, I'm a year older, big whoop; no one really needs to know.  I ask myself the question, is this because I really just don't want to be the center of attention for the day, or has it reached that point in my life where I wish I was subtracting years instead of adding another.  I still haven't really come up with a conclusion for that, so I may just have to ponder that a little longer.  Maybe I'll figure it out the next birthday that comes along.  Least to say I never thought I would turn into my mother so soon. ha.

On a different note, birthdays for other people are what I live for.  I love celebrating my friend's birthdays.  It's a chance for me to make it a special day for them and spoil them rotten.  I just hope that I can do something special for them on such a special day and hopefully be something they will remember and appreciate for the rest of their lives.  Now that I'm in college it's become even more of a greater deal to me.  A lot of my best friends from high school stayed back home to go to the university there, and because I can't see them all the time it's really special when we get to see each other and a birthday is a perfect opportunity for that.  It gives me a chance to do something extra special and maybe even surprise them and make their day that much better.  My best friend from high school just turned 19 last Sunday.  I was luckily able to go home on her birthday and surprise her.  I showed up at her house and had a cookie cake for her.  She was shocked and just seeing her smile and knowing that she appreciated me driving down to see her, made my day.  I love making people's days and doing something nice for them, and the fact that it was a birthday surprise made it that much better.  After I surprised her, her family and I went and spent the rest of the beautiful day out at the park.  We had a picnic, threw a Frisbee, and played nertz. (Which is an extremely fun card game. Kind of like solitaire on steroids)  It was such a fulfilling day and I was glad I could do something special for her on that day.  I can't wait for other people's birthdays. 

Love & Peace

Tornadoes, storms leave at least nine dead

As we all know Thursday night, leading into Friday surrounding areas were devastated by terrific, powerful storms.  Many of the areas were faced with strong thunderstorms and winds, along with a few tornadoes touching down.  In Little Rock, Arkansas and close to Jackson, Mississippi the storms seemed to be a threat to homes and their residents.  Tornadoes plowed their way across the cities destroying everything in its path, killing a total of nine people, including three children.  The devastation was unbelievable.  From Arkansas, there were seven fatalities all together.  Six of these were from uprooted trees being smashed into houses, reported by National Weather Service meteorologist John Robinson stated.  The trees were smashing through houses, causing damage and disaster.  Robinson cannot remember a time when so many fatalities occurred due to fallen trees in Arkansas.  Among the dead in Arkansas Friday were two boys, ages six and seven, and an 18-month-old girl. The seven-year-old and his mother were killed after a tree fell on their house in Little Rock.  Besides deaths the brutal storm left Little Rock physically damaged.  There are a range of different problems from uprooted trees, to downed power lines and destroyed traffic signals.  The destruction was significant, and will take a while to repair it all.  Other areas in the south like Alabama, were affected by the devastating storms.  Due to the storm some events planned for this weekend like sports events at the University of Alabama and Auburn University, and a major NASCAR race at Talladega expecting more than 100,000 fans may be changed because of the storms impact.  It is a tragedy throughout the south, with many people being harmed and affected by this disaster.  There was also reported severe structural damage in Jackson, Mississippi, with lines down and roofs off. An 18-wheel semi-trailer truck flipped over on I-20, shutting down the highway. There have been no fatalities reported, though eight people have been injured and one being critical.  The storms have passed, but they have not left without leaving a mark, and making their presence known.  It will take a while for people to recover, and emotionally overcome the impact this storm has left on families and their lives.

It's amazing how something in nature can be so powerful.  A simple storm, can lead to something so huge and life altering.  It may seem small and soothing, but then it turns into something so powerful, that it can sweep away houses, and take the lives of our loved ones.  I cannot believe what happened in the south, last night with the storms, especially in Little Rock.  This makes me nervous and worried, because I have many friends, and more importantly all of my extended family lives there.  I had no idea how bad the storms were there, and that there were tornadoes that touched down, killing people for that matter.  That makes me start to think on the bigger side of things; what if it was my family or friends who ended up getting hurt from the storm or even worse, what if they were one of the few whose lives were taken.  It makes me respect storms more and their power, and never underestimate them again.  I am so happy to know that my family is ok though and that this time they were safe.  However, the next bad storm that comes around, I just hope they are prepared for the worst and can find safe shelter.  It is amazing how something in this world can result in something so big and devastating.  This really makes me think about the Japanese and what they just went through.  This storm was nothing like what they experienced and I have empathy for them and pray that they will all recover from that horrific incident and be able to move on with their lives. 

Love & Peace

Saving Money

Saving money is an issue I have never really had a problem with until this year.  I used to be the person who wouldn't spend a dime. Literally I would probably cry if i had to spend or even think about spending money.  I really believed in saving and wanted to save for that day when I needed or wanted something big or important.  However, recently since entering into college spending money has been an easy task for me.  I find myself purchasing something every day.  The two main things I find myself purchasing quite often is clothes or food.  The two most essential and intriguing things in my life.  I love clothes, and fashion and am always wanting the cutest, newest thing, so it becomes hard for me to say no when all there is to do in Joplin is go to the mall.  Also I love food; good food, so it's not shocking when I say I rather not eat the cafeteria food, and spend money on something that actually has flavor and fills me up, even though it may just be fast food and not the best for me.  I really need to start saving money.  The other day my mother told me I only had about one hundred dollars left in my account, which is a drastic change from what I used to have.  I really didn't realize how much I was spending and how it was all adding up so quick.  I don't understand what happened to my saving personality and why all of a sudden when I get to college my whole value for saving goes out the window.  It is quite frustrating and I don't like it, because I don't not like having money. When I don't have money, or feel like I'm going to run out of money soon it makes me nervous and worried.  It's always nice to feel financially stable and like if I really do need something important I'll have money to pay for it.  Lately this whole feeling of security has disappeared in my life.  This lifestyle needs to change and I need to start saving money.  It is for my best interest and I'll be a much happy, stress free, go-lucky kind of girl if I start limiting my purchases.  I probably will have to come up with some type of plan, and keep track of my purchases.  If I can do this I think I could be successful in saving money and cutting back on all the spending. I really like my money, and I appreciate all the money I get so it would be nice if I could keep it in my bank account a little longer than it normally stays there.  I need to figure out why I spend so much, and limit myself.  My theory is to allow myself to purchase only a certain amount of items each week.  However, with the money I have right now, I may have to limit myself to monthly purchases.  I really want to have some money before summer gets here, so I think since, there isn't much school left I can survive and not spend any money, or a significantly large amount of money in that time period.  I hope my plan works, and I can succeed in this task.  It would greatly benefit me and my financial well-being. 

Love & Peace

Lady Gaga Concert

As some of you may remember I informed everyone that I would be attending the extravaganza of what is the Lady Gaga concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 4.  Well, now that I have officially experienced this significant event, I am here to write a follow up on my adventures.  This concert, really left me speechless.  It was the most amazing and intriguing concerts I have ever been to.  I can honestly say this was my favorite concert of all times.  Compared to other concerts it was so unique, and different from anything I have ever experienced before.  The people were different, of course, but that's not the only thing that stood out.  Lady Gaga's performance itself wasn't just your normal singing and dancing.  The show was more like a theatrical performance.  Lady Gaga used props, and other elements of acting that played into the concert.  It was a story line, and Gaga and her dancers were telling it through acting, singing, and dancing.  It was so amazing.  The entire time I was shocked, and in awe and I was never once bored with her performance.  After the two hours were up, I was sad.  I wasn't ready for it to be over; I wanted more. I was very impressed with Gaga's talent.  Prior to the show, I knew she was a great artist, but once I experienced her live, I am even more amazed at what a talented artist she is.  Her singing was flawless, the entire time I thought I was listening to her music on a CD, that's how wonderful her real singing voice is.  She does not lip sync and she definitely never needs to.  After this show, I respect and admire Lady Gaga even more.  She is such an amazing and inspiring woman.  I have never more than now realized what an amazing spirit she has.  She is such an accepting and humble person.  The entire time through the concert she would take time to talk to us, and thank us for her success and popularity as a music icon.  She never once took all the credit, she gave it to us, and said "without her fans, she wouldn't be the artist she was today."  She was truly inspiring and told us all to let ourselves be free tonight at her concert, because at the Monster Ball no one would be judged and that we could be whoever we wanted to be and let ourselves go.  Her eloquence and words were inspiring and really showed the kind of person she is.  All she wants to do is inspire people and let them know it is ok to be yourself, and strive for the goals you want to achieve in life.  She isn't just a artist, she is a musical genius and a changer of popular culture and music.  Her music, is all her original thoughts and every song is meant to inspire, and make people happy.  After this concert, my respect and love for Lady Gaga has been nothing but reinforced and raised.  She truly is a unique and a good person.  I am already planning for her next concert; that is how amazing and fun it was.  I have never danced or yelled so much in my entire life, and truly been able to let go of everything in my life and have fun.  It was refreshing and a great experience.  Next time, I'm going all out with my look.  Now that I've seen the extreme, and what to expect at one of her concerts, I want to be just as extreme, and have even that much more fun. 

Love & Peace

In the words of Gaga....
Put your paws up.
Be Free.

Four More Genes Identified in Alzheimer’s Research

Old age is a part of life, but along with old age comes the possibility of disease and other frightening ideas.  One of the most common diseases that affects older, and aging people in society is a horrible disease known as Alzheimer's.  Alzheimer's is a type of dementia, loss of brain function, which gradually gets worse over time, affecting simple things such as memory, thinking, and behavior.  When diagnosing this disease factors such as memory impairment, problems with language, decision-making ability, judgment, and personality should be considered because they are crucial features to this particular disease.  Alzheimer's, as of now, is an incurable disease, that affects 5.3 million people today.  Alzheimer's affects up to ten percent of people 65 and over and is increasing to 50 percent at 85 or older.  It is a serious disease affecting an entire age group of our population.  It is no means a normal part of life.  As we age, there is a risk of developing the disease, because it deals with old age, however it is not a certain thing.  Having a close blood relative who developed the disease increases the risks, but the only real conclusion scientists can come up with is that the risk for developing Alzheimer's lies within both genetic and biological factors.  Alzheimer's research is being conducted all around the country, all the time.  It is a fascinating disease, that doctors and scientists everywhere want to find an answer to.  Recent studies have identified four genes implicated in causing the disease.

Although they can only identify five or six specific genes out of the 100 genes linked to Alzheimer’s that currently are now known, the development signals a “monumental breakthrough” that could lead to the identification of nearly all the suspect genes in three to five years.  Despite this progress doctors still can't predict when the disease will be preventable or curable. 

Another major value of discovering more genes implicated in Alzheimer’s is that it will help pharmaceutical companies create drugs aimed specifically at the faulty genes. It also will help with earlier predictions of who is at risk, so they can make lifestyle changes.  This is a major break through in science.  Hopefully this will continue to make progress in the direction of finding a cure for this terrible disease. 

 

Love & Peace

Woman Mauled by Chimp to Get Face, Hand Transplant

Everyone remembers the horrific incident when Charla Nash was mauled by a chimpanzee two years ago, completely losing her face and hands.  This memorable tragedy made news headlines everywhere, leaving the world in awe and fear.  Charla, was an ordinary woman, 55, who one day when trying to help a friend round up her chimpanzee who had escaped, had her entire world changed drastically.  The chimp, named Travis, savagely attacked Charla, leaving her with no face or hands.  It was a miracle that she survived this vicious attack, she lost her nose, lips, eyes, and hands, and also all the bones in her face were broken.  It was against every rule of nature that she was able to survive.  The doctors had to completely change her face for her in order to get just fluids through a straw.  This incident was one that shocked a lot of people.  Chimps, somewhat smaller primates have always been known to be very friendly and kind towards others.  They usually have calm tempers and are able to be patient and kind toward other primates as well as people.  That's why many people are seen holding chimps and being associated with them.  This was  a very curious case, because the chimp literally went balistic, doing some severe damage.  Chimps may be kind for the most part, but they do know how to defend themselves.  In the wild it was a must.  They are clever and can use things to their advantage to make sure they are safe. Charla was declared eligible last month for a face and hand  transplant and is currently waiting for a donor.  Charla is unable to do simple tasks like seeing, touching,or smelling and struggles to eat through a straw following the mauling in February 2009 that left her horribly disfigured.  After undergoing several pre-operative tests and evaluations, surgeons at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston gave her the green light.  Now they just have to wait to find a donor match.  Hospital officials are working with the New England Organ Bank to find donors who match Nash's tissue requirements.  If they are able to find a match, this could be a life altering surgery for Charla.  It is a huge possibility for her that could do wonders for her future.  Hopefully they will be able to find a donor as soon as possibly. This is a tragic and unpredicted story, and hopeuflly now it can finally have a bit of a happier ending.  It is amazing how something so small can do  something so terrible and life altering to a person.  Hopefully an incident like this will never happen again, but there really is no way to predict so, however thank goodness for science and all the new medical ways to improve something. 

Love & Peace

Spring Break Follow Up

Spring Break is over, and now it is time to get back to reality and merge back into the predictable flow of school.  It was fun while it lasted, but all things must come to an end at some point.  This Spring Break, was quite a success.  It was filled with, shopping, an excessive amount I might add, hanging out with friends and staying out till three o'clock in the morning, and finding a job.  Everything was better than I had expected it to be.  My parents were extremely generous, and surprised me with one hundred dollars to spend while shopping in Tulsa with my roommate.  However, the generosity did not end there.  My mother continued to buy me several other things.  I couldn't believe how much she was spoiling me, but it was nice, and I was glad to spend some time with her.  She truly is the greatest mom ever.  After shopping I ventured my way to Bartlett, Kansas where I spent two exciting days with my boyfriend.  I didn't know exactly what to expect for this trip to Bartlett, and I was not disappointed.  I got to plant potatoes and onions with his family for the first time ever.  It was extremely fun, and I feel like a true farm girl now.  I tilled on the tractor and covered up rows of potatoes and onions with a hoe.  It was something memorable and I cannot wait to do it again.  After Bartlett my boyfriend and I went to pick up one of our friends, at Joplin and then we spent two days hanging out in Fayetteville.  We went and saw Red Riding Hood and I absolutely loved it.  I was in suspense the entire time.  I was very happy with movie.  After the boys left I was left to work.  Yes that is right, I was successful in finding one job! I am very excited about my summer job, and I was even able to work a little over spring break and get a feel for what I was going to be doing.  I got basically my dream job.  My job, is basically to baby sit kids at my church's child care.  It was so much fun.  I cannot wait to hang out with three year old's every couple of nights during the summer, it is going to be so much fun.  I literally only have to entertain kids for a few hours and I get paid! It's probably the easiest and best job ever.  I love kids, so I was thrilled when I immediately got the job.  The children are so cute, and fun, I know it will be a very good summer.  I also applied for a camp counselor job as well, but do not know whether or not I got that job yet.  I really hope I do.  Again it is an ideal job of mine; being around kids and able to be outdoors, and another benefit is that it pays really well.  I can only wait and hope now.  Overall my spring break was very successful.  I was able to do the things I do best; shop, sleep, and hangout with my friends.  I loved my spring break, and being able to relax and just have fun.  It was like a taste of summer, now I cannot wait for that to roll around.  Let the count down begin. 

Love & Peace

Oxy-Cones: Ice Cream Truck Sold Painkillers

Ice cream, it is the symbol of summer, and a long desired treat for people of all ages.  There is nothing like a cold ice cream cone to hit the spot on a hot summer day.  Ice cream, was first developed in 3000 BC by the Chinese.  It made its way to Europe in the 17th century, where it was made out of the iced and flavoured confection made from full milk or cream that is most common today.  Italy and France were the first to really hone the idea of ice cream.  Finally in 1776, the first ice cream parlor was opened in New York City, and ice cream was born, becoming a desired treat from there on out. 
Ice cream, personally, is one of my favorite things.  There are so many varieties and different ways to prepare it, it's no wonder why I love it so much.  Ice cream has become a social craze.  Ice cream is served in parlors, fast food restaurants, and even out of trucks.  I remember as a child, my favorite thing to do was get an ice cream cone from the ice cream truck.  Once you heard that catchy little tune, you knew that soon you would have a delicious ice cream cone in  your hand.  Typically you would never expect anything odd to come from the ice cream man, but however recently in Staten Island customers were getting more than ice cream.  A ring of drug dealers were using the ice cream truck to sell painkillers.  There were a total of thirty one people who were involved in this operating drug ring, who were selling Oxycodone pills.  The head ringleaders Louis Scala and Joseph Zaffuto, bought the illegal prescriptions from Nancy Wilkins who worked as an office manager for a Manhattan doctor. She sold them the prescriptions for about one hundred dollars a piece.  Continuing the plane, they hired friends, family, neighbors, and anyone else they could get to take the fake prescriptions to pharmacies and get them filled.  The drugs were then sold, along with the frozen treats from the Lickety Split ice cream truck that Sala operated.  The New York City's Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Bridget G. Brennan said the men sold more than 40,000 Oxycodone pills all the way back in July 2009 to June 2010, profiting the operation more than one million dollars. 
I found this article very strange, and a little bit discomforting.  If this sort of thing could happen out of an ice cream truck, something that seems innocent and nothing more than a typical summer time activity, then who knows what else is going on secretly within organizations or other places.  This just goes to show that anything can happen, and that we should always take precaution when we are buying or taking stuff from people.  Who knows what you may be getting next time you decide you want a refreshing ice cream cone on a hot summer day.  This article has taught me to take caution with what I consume or take from others.  This is an ironic and unnerving case, and it is amazing what people these days will do, no matter what it may be. 

Spring Break

Spring Break.  This is the ultimate vacation time that all students all over the country anxiously await for.  This joyous vacation can bring good fun with friends, possibly some bad decisions, and a memorable experience.  For years I have not been able to experience the full capacity of a spring break. For my entire life since I was twelve my spring break has consisted of long car rides, to play volleyball.  While I may have been able to do some fun things in a big city, it was mainly filled with hours upon hours of endless volleyball games.  While, I do love volleyball, and it was fun to travel and play all over the country, I had always wanted that weekend free, just once to be able to go somewhere with my friends, or family and relax and enjoy what was established as spring break.  Instead my plans were already made, and I was required to have my spring break consistent of volleyball.  I do not regret club ball, because I greatly enjoyed it, but now that I am in college, I don't have to go to tournaments anymore, and for the first time in a long time, my spring break is open to where I can do whatever I feel like doing.  I am extremely excited about this concept, however I really am not doing anything exciting.  My plans for break are to find a job, visit my roommate in Owasso, possibly my boyfriend in Bartlett, Kansas, and then spend the rest of the time back home in Fayetteville, where some friends may come visit and stay and we will all hang out and have a ball.  While I may not be doing anything extremely exciting like going to a beach, or somewhere to sleep, I am very happy that I finally get to do what I want and relax.  The one thing I am really not looking forward to doing over my spring break, during my own free time, is looking for a job.  I really do need to find a job for summer, when I go back to live there, but I really rather not take the time out of my own spring break to do the search.  I am hoping that by some slime chance, my mother may cut me some slack, and let me do the search some other time, but I highly doubt that will happen.  I really hope that it won't take too long, and I get lucky and find some possibly candidates for working, but with my luck that probably won't happen.  Another thing I may do on my time off is paint.  I have been in an extremely artsy mood lately and usually I take pictures to fulfill this desire, but decided this time to try painting.  I have never painted before, so it was something I was a little nervous about but at the same time extremely excited.  For my first time, my painting actually turned out pretty well, I was proud of my finished product, and hope that with time my painting skills will become better, because it's really fun and relaxing.  That will also give me more artsy things to do, besides just photography.  Well spring break here I come! So glad you made it!

Love & Peace

Red Riding Hood

Fairy tales,  are the kinds of folktales or fables that we have all grown up on, passed down from generations to generations.  In these tales a world of magic, princesses, and dragons exist where anything is possible.  These stories bring joy to children, and will always be apart of society.  Familiar and popular fairy tales are those like, The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling,  and Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  These are perfect examples of every ones childhood.  From generations before us to now, these fairy tales have been around, comforting and bringing joy and excitement to the young. 
In most cases fairy tales always end with the characters living happily ever after.  However, writers today like to make twists on the story line, and a perfect example of a more twisted, and maybe even cynical version of a classic fairy tale is "Red Riding Hood." This new movie, is a dark and twisted spin off of the tale of Little Red Riding Hood who went to visit her grandmother.  The movie adds an bit of an edgy, modern feel to it, and goes beyond the original light hearted and happy tale.  This movie, that releases this weekend, by Catherin Hardwicke is a variety of new ideas.  It is a mix of a romance, psycho/sexual spin off, and it could even be called a horror film.  
The plot of this story takes place in the Middle Ages in an isolated town, where villagers have been suffering from the attacks of a vicious werewolf.  For years they had offered the beast, animal carcasses to consume, but lately the beasts hunger for human flesh had returned.  "Red Riding Hood" is a young, beautiful girl named Valerie, played by Amanda Seyfried.  Although she does have a grandmother who she goes to see in the woods, this movie isn't really centered around her trip to see grandmother.  The main idea of this movie is within the village, where Father Soloman, the famous werewolf hunter raids the village, taking over, because they are positive the werewolf must be living in human form in the village.  The team of soldiers tear apart the village in search of the horrific monster, and no one is safe.  All Valerie's role is in this movie, is to stand around, and look pretty. 
I was glad I found this article to write on.  I have always been a fan of fairy tales, and movies that are remade and based on famous fairy tales.  When I saw the commercial for this movie, I was very excited.  I love this fairy tale and the fact that it has a scary, demented twist to it made me even more excited about it.  I really want to see this movie as soon as possible and I hope that it will be good.  I really like the actress who plays "Red" so hopefully it will be intriguing and a good movie.  It will be very interesting to see the new twist on this classic fairy tale.

Love & Peace

Lady Gaga

Ok, so Lady Gaga is basically my favorite artist ever.  And however hard it is to believe that statement is true, it is.  You're probably thinking, wow, and how can that be so, because people's taste in music changes and popular bands change all the time, but in this case it's stayed constant.  Lady Gaga is the first artist I have ever fully loved the most, and I have been a fan and follower of her music since day one.  Her unique since of style and ideas inspires me and makes me love her even more.  Is she a little eccentric and possibly even crazy, yes, but who isn't and it's so refreshing in today's music world.  I feel like there hasn't been an artist who has brought so much diversity and controversial ideas to music since Madonna.  She is changing the world of music and it's evident.  Her bold personality and wardrobe are clear examples.  It has always been a dream of mine to go to one of her concerts and I have finally accomplished that goal.  On April 4th 2011, less than a month from now, I will be attending one of her over the top, exciting concerts in Tulsa at the BOK Center.  I cannot wait for this day to come.  It doesn't seem like it could get here any slower.  From what I have seen, her concerts are over the top, packed, and even a little scandalous if I do say.  I cannot wait to experience this even first hand, and I'm just so lucky that this opportunity came so soon.  I didn't think I was going to be able to make it to this concert because tickets had sold out, but they opened up another section so my dream was able to come true.  The other thing I love about Lady Gaga is that she is one of few artist today that actually can sing well live.  I feel like half the artists who sing live now, can't or they lip sync.  It's refreshing to hear a good voice, not just audio tuned and recorded, but live as well.  It shows that she actually does have genuine talent.  Well now you know my obsession for Lady Gaga and how excited I am for the concert.  You may find me strange or weird for liking her music so much, but that's ok, think what you want, but at least I have valid reasons at to why I think that her and her music are good, and unique. 
My favorite song by Lady Gaga has to be one of her more mellow, and less recognized songs, it is titled "Speechless."  I really like this song because I think it shows a different side of Lady Gaga.  This song is slower, and has an almost soul like feeling to it.  It is very deep, and beautiful.  I love the beat, the passion she puts into it, and how mellow it is compared to all of her other up beat, over the top songs.  It shows that she can make different types of music, and isn't limited to one type of genre, or style.  This song is featured on her second album.  Her third album is yet to debut, but with the new single released from that album, "Born This Way," it is only adding to the suspense and excitement of what she is going to do next.  Her newest song is good.  I feel like it's another example of how all her music is different, and how she is expanding her style.  I don't know if I like it as much as her other stuff, but it's still very good, and different from what you expected from Lady Gaga.  She is all about being yourself, and not being afraid to express who you are, and being comfortable with who you are.  This new song definitely shows how much she promotes that idea. 

Gaga Fan 4 life <3

Love & Peace

Parkinson’s Risk May Be Reduced by Ibuprofen Use, Harvard Study Suggests

Parkinson's disease, is a serious disorder that can effect anyone, and is pretty prevalent today.  This disease is  a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking or tremors and difficulty walking, movement, and coordination.  This disease is more common in older ages, and usually begins to become relevant around the age of 50.  It is one of the most common nervous system disorders of the elderly.  Once a person develops this disease they can eventually lose all basic motor functions; unable to do anything on their own.
The reason Parkinson's disease occurs is because of the nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine are slowly destroyed.  We need the brain chemical dopamine because it's what allows our nerve cells to control muscle movement.  Without it the nerve cells in that part of the brain cannot properly send messages. This leads to the loss of muscle function. With time the damage only becomes worse.  Exactly why these brain cells waste away is unknown.
Parkinson's, doesn't have a cure.  One day, maybe, they will find a cure, but for now there is only the hope of slowing down the progress with drugs, and even possibly reduce the risk of developing the disease.  According to recent research by the University of Harvard taking ibuprofen, a nonprescription painkiller,
people may be less likely to develop the disease.  One study showed that men and women who took three or more tablets  each week were about 38 percent less likely to develop Parkinson’s, than people who didn't take the drug.  It isn't exactly clear how the medicine works to reduce Parkinson's, but it seems to be a common factor from studies that it helps.  It may lower inflammation in the brain, which can contribute to the illness.  Other painkillers were not associated with reducing the risk, only ibuprofen. 
Parkinson's is a disorder that I personally am greatly concerned about.  A couple of months ago, my grandpa had a stroke, and the doctors associated a lot of his symptoms to Parkinson's disease.  I don't know much about it at the time, but after research I discovered some things that made me scared for my grandpa.  The thought of him never being his normal happy self again, not able to do most of his daily routines on his own, and maybe not ever talking again scared me.  I don't want him to go through these changes, and I don't want to have to see them.  I wish there was a cure, and I hope one day maybe there will be, so no one has to live with this disease, or see their loved ones lives change, and never be the same.   As many as 1 million Americans have Parkinson’s, and each year about 60,000 new cases are diagnosed.  Don't let yourself or your loved ones become a victim to it.  If by taking this drug really helps preventing it then start, and advise everyone else to start so as well.  Don't let this disease get any worse than it has to be. 

Love & Peace

Cirque du Soleil

The world is filled with freaks, talented people, and the extraordinary, and even sometimes beyond the extraordinary.  A place where all these people can come together and use their talents for good is no other than the circus.  It is amazing the type of people, and crazy things you can find at a circus.  From flying and flipping through the air, to uncoordinated clowns, it is all gathered together into a grand scheme called the circus. 
There is one circus act that tops them all and this is the infamous Cirque du Soleil.  This is the top dog of all circuses.  I was lucky to finally experience one of these performances this past weekend. My roommate and I went to spend the weekend in Tulsa with her family who just happened to have tickets to this intriguing event.  I was so excited.  I had always been fascinated with the unexplainable and the ability to do freaky, abnormal things.  I hardly knew what abnormality I was about to see.  I don't think there was anyway I could have prepared myself.  Cirque du Soleil was a kaleidoscope of colors, lights, acrobats, and comedy.  There were so many physically defying things going on that it was hard to believe what I was seeing sometimes.  I never expected this performance to be as good as it was.  There was never a moment when I wasn't entertained.  This show really was one of those sit at the end of your seat the entire time, biting your nails, anxiously awaiting what would come next. 
There were a total of seven thrilling acts.  These included trapeze artists, trampoline tricks, and even a contortionist, and much more.  It was amazing to see these people defying the physically impossible, and risking their lives.  It really made me want to join the circus myself.  I plan to drop out of college, and use my freaky talents for good.  If only; but in all seriousness, it was a completely amazing experience.  The most unbelievable act of them all was the contortionist.  It was insane what she was able to do with her body.  I swear she did not have one single bone in her body, because she was doing stuff physically impossible.  No normal human being could possible twist and bend their body like she was.  At times it made me hurt for her; she must have serious back problems.  Even though I was slightly grossed out at times, overall it was the most unique and coolest thing I have seen by far.  I only wish I was as flexible as those people were.  They have definitely inspired me to work on my stretching every day.  Maybe one day I'll be just as flexible? Doubt it.  But a girl can dream. 
The other part of the circus was definitely the clowns.  In between acts they had three, abnormally looking clowns, quite odd fellows if I do say so, performing short comical skits.  I have never laughed so hard in my entire life.  These clowns were probably the funniest people I have ever seen.  I especially liked how they would pull people form the audience to participate.  It was so funny, and the people were such good troopers.  The best part was when the clowns would imitate acts that just happened, poking fun, and trying to be like them.  It was quite humorous. 
Well, Cirque du Soleil was beyond what I expected; in a good way of course.  I highly recommended that everyone see one of these performances sometime in their life.  It will be incredibly worth your money, and time, and you will get to experience a little taste of the extraordinary and extreme. 

GO EXPERIENCE THE FREAKY!

Love & Peace

No Brain Damage From Ecstasy, New Research Shows

The brain, the complex system, or organ that controls everything we do; from little things like movement to more complex areas like language, the ability to think logically and to make moral judgments.  The brain is probably the most important part in our body, along with the heart.  If it weren't for our brain we wouldn't have the ability to do simple things like walk or even speak.  The brain is what triggers, or tells the rest of the body what to do.  It should be an important goal, and necessity to make sure our brains stay healthy and ensure that no damage is done to our brain in order to function to the fullest and properly. 

Manly people today however do not protect their bodies, or brain the way they should.  Today drugs are a social contribution. The semi easy and availability to drugs and other damaging substances are becoming popular ideas among many people, whether they are young, and trying to be "cool" or older.  It seems to be that substance abuse or addiction is only becoming more of a problem.  The more someone uses drugs the more it will damage their brain.  Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain.  The more they abuse drugs the more their brain is going to rely on them, and the brain sends the person intense impulses to take them; it becomes a necessity, or addiction.  It is not a good idea for anyone to become addicted to drugs, because if they continue to use them their brain will change and send messages to the body that it needs more drugs, which will hurt your body, and cause it to become more damaged and unhealthy.

Although drug addiction is bad, and can have serious effects on your health it has recently been discovered in a study that the most popular rave drug, Ecstasy, may not have damaging effects on the brain.  The study done was the largest study ever done on the drug, costing 1.8 million dollars funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.  The study showed that when testing for other factors that might lead to impairment, such as sleep deprivation and dehydration commonplace in rave culture, previous habitual drug or alcohol use, and former cognitive damage for any reason could lead to reasons why ecstasy previously might have been linked to brain damage.  However when you take those factors out and just focus on the Ecstasy users only, with no previous drug abuse or cognitive damage the results are different.   The initial 1,500 subjects selected for the study was reduced to only 52 cognitively clean subjects.  This means that those who were only taking the drug Ecstasy and not effected by these other factors were thinking clearly and their brain was not effected by the drug.  Thus proving that the drug Ecstasy does not effect the brain. 

Love & Peace.

Dont do drugs. :)

Music: it feeds the soul

Ever since I was a child music has been apart of my life.  Whether it be singing in a choir, listening to music in the car, or even the music from my dance recitals it has always been there.  It's like the annoying little sister, always there but you never really realized the full importance of it in your life.  Now that I'm older, and really think about it, music is the one thing that has always been constant in my life.  I mean think about it, old boyfriends or girlfriends have come and gone, clothes are used and then thrown away, but music is different.  It's everlasting.  What did you do when that boyfriend or girlfriend broke up with you, well I know I was listening to music constantly.  Music is my escape, my one thing I can call my own, and know that it will always be around.  Music is the door to my soul, the way I express myself the most and an escape.  I need music, and I like it.  I may have never really fully recognized the impact it had in my life, but now that I really think about it, it's basically one of the most important parts of my life. 

Music has been around for ages, Beethoven was a master of music during the 1700s, 1800s, and today although it may not be a classical genius like Beethoven we have our masters of the art like Lady Gaga, Eminem, or whoever.  Even as time has changed, interest, and different styles of music have emerged music is still constant.  As music changes your preferences may change yes, but when you have rough times, or need a pick up or just want to jam out there will be some type of music there that you can always turn to. 

To me music is my way to be myself and get away from the world.  I love music.  I can't go a second of the day without listening to a song, singing a tune, or rocking out to my favorite song, it is a part of me.  I hate silence, it makes me uncomfortable, that is why I always have to have something going on and why music is such an important part of my daily routine.  If I was deprived of music, I honestly don't know how I would function, because I need it.  It calms me, makes me happy, and is soothing.  I never realized how much I needed it until I noticed myself singing in the shower, always having the radio blasted in my car, and how much my headphones were attached to my ears.  Music is the one thing I can always count on.  It will never let me down, leave me, or hurt me.  I can always count on it to help me get through those days when I don't want to do anything, and when all I want to do is dance; it is who I am.

Music is my soul. 

Love & Peace

Father Charged with Attempted Murder in Injuries to Adoptive Son

Parenthood, a guardian, protector, a role of which holds the highest position when caring for the life of another.  This is arguably one of the most important jobs a person will ever have during their life time.  Once they decide to take on the role of a parent, they are responsible for the life, survival, and protection; overall well-being of that life.  It was their choice to bring a life into this world, and therefore it is their duty to take care of them until they can care for themselves. 

For some people the idea of being a parent is a scary thought; it's only reasonable seeing as if they have to be completely responsible for someone's survival.  For some people they are ready to handle all the struggles and responsibilities, but for others, it isn't as easy, and may step into the role not ready and maybe a little bit immaturely.  It is important to understand the full job that is involved with being a parent.  Parents have to fully and unconditionally love their child, without that they can never fully be the parent that every child deserves.  The worst thing a parent could ever do is beat their child; this is an obvious sign that they were not ready to be parents and did not think of the child's own welfare. 
There are many tragic stories in the world of children being brutal beaten, neglected, and even murdered by their own parents; heart wrenching stories that makes a person question how a parent could ever do that to their own child.  It really shows how some people are not ready to be parents and do not fully understand the meaning of being a parent.

Recently in Miami a father was charged with attempted murder of his adopted son.  The boy was found along side of I-95 in the back of a pickup truck soaked in chemicals and badly injured with severe burns.   Along with the boy, his sister Nubia, was found in a bag dead.  The two children were foster kids to Jorge Barahona, 53.  For years he and his wife Carmen had been foster parents to children, taking them in from the Department of Children and Families.  The department is an agency that finds and makes sure to protect and provide stable living environments for children and families in Florida.  The department is very sad and sorry for what happened to these twins, and is going to make sure that incidents like these cannot slip under their noses anymore.  The father was charged with a 1 million dollar bail and scented to jail for the murder of Nubia, and was also just recently charged with attempted murder on his son, Victor.  The boy was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s burn unit for his severe burns and placed on a respirator, and recent reports say he is doing better, but still in critical condition. 

It is sad and unfortunate to see such abuse and neglect.  It also seems like the agency should have been able to see that something was not right, especially after the child abuse hot line received a call about how the two twins were being forced to stand in a bathtub for hours hands and feet bond.  It is a horrible accident not caught soon enough, and a tragedy.  This just goes to show the irresponsibility of some parents and the need for mature adults to raise children and protect and provide for them like they deserve.  I hope that tragedies like these will one day not exist, but that will take a lot of maturing for some people for it to ever stop. 

Praying for a world of LOVE & PEACE.

Knees

Last Friday I had the joy of experiencing yet again another knee surgery.  Yes, these things are a pain, I mean both literally and metaphorically, and I never realized how much I hate knee surgeries.  I mean honestly they are nothing but an annoyance.  It's amazing how we depend on one thing so much, to function properly and just be able to do little every day things like walking, and then when you are abruptly taken away the privilege of putting all your weight on both legs, you realize how important your knees are.  I really have never been more thankful to have functioning legs.  After my surgery I haven't been able to do anything, let alone walk properly.  I really haven't appreciated something as little as walking in a very long time.  It makes you really be glad for how fortunate you are to have to working legs, unlike some people.  I never have been so annoyed though with knee surgeries as I am now.  I have had one already and I am really tired of dealing with knee problems, constant pain, and trying to be active and play volleyball at college.  I don't know how much longer my knees can take it and I really do want the doctors to "fix" my problem but it just doesn't seem like that is going to happen.  I mean, doctors are very good at what they do, I highly respect them since I have dealt with with them a lot in my life, and my dad is even a doctor, but honestly, you have tried a hundred times, so it seems, with several different options to "cure" my knee problems, but it isn't helping.  The surgery same surgery I had on my other knee two years ago, helped for a while, but guess what, yes my knee is killing me once again.  Oh and what is the only option available, that they will hope help to solve the problem, yes, another surgery.  I really don't see the point anymore, and I am severely getting tired of it.  I don't know, it could be just because I want to be fixed so badly and know not much is going to help, and there fore I am a little down about it, but I really just don't see how it will get better the second time, if it didn't get better the first time.  All I know is that I don't like being in pain, and would like to stop being in pain, and volleyball isn't helping much I know that. Looks like I have some things to think about. So now that I have complained enough to everyone, and vented my long brewing frustration, I hope that whoever is reading this is not completely annoyed with me, and that maybe you will be able to appreciate your healthy functioning knees. Just pray that you never have knee problems, because it is the worst thing to ever have to deal with, and basically it will be with you for the rest of your life. 

Love & Peace

Fish that regrows cardiac tissue could mend human hearts

Science and medicine are always making new strides every day.  It is amazing the things that are discovered every day and how life changing they can be.  There are no ends to what the medical field will discover next.  Something is always happening, and being discovered.  The most recent strides being made is in the area of heart.  The heart is the most important structure of the body that keeps everything working properly.  If the heart is not functioning correctly then everything else falls apart.  The heart is a delicate part of the structural complex, and needs to be handled delicately when being tampered with.  It is essential that nothing goes wrong with the heart, or it is injured in any way.  A small tear in the tissue could cause major problems.  It is important in the medical field to find ways to mend things like this in the heart, in the most effective way possible.  The most recent advancement in this is a fish.  The zebrafish, may be the answer to all heart transplant surgeries; forever ending their purpose in the world.  This amazing little fish has the ability to they can regenerate damaged cardiac tissue at an incredible rate.  In a week it is able to repair as much as 20 percent of it's heart muscle.  Medical researchers are working with the British Heart Foundation in hopes to gain insight into how the fish's ability could lead to the development of new treatments that eventually will allow the human heart to heal itself one day. There are enough similarities in the structures of a zebrafish and human heart that the idea is possible.  In a human heart it contains a significant number of latent steam cells that could be stimulated to regenerate cardiac tissue, like the zebrafish does.  The only matter is that we must learn from the zebrafish and begin to adapt it to human hearts.   Steps have already been made; the zebrafish's heart contains a protein called thymosine beta-4, which triggers the growth of the epicardium membrane that surrounds the heart.  New heart-repairing drugs based on this protein are already being researched.  The development of this technology won't extinguish the onset of heart disease itself, it does however offer hope that heart disease sufferers can eventually make a full recovery, plus it could mean the end for the need of heart transplant surgeries by enabling a heart attack survivor to regenerate the damaged cells.  This is a huge breakthrough because heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S.  If this idea is successful it could potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives every year in America alone.  It is ironic that such an enormous problem could be solved by a tiny fish.  Just goes to show you can never predict what might happen in the medical field, and what things will produce an outcome in the world of science. 

Gastric Bypass Surgery May Be Good For The Heart

In today's society it's all about looking thin and getting fit.   Sometimes people will do anything to get that perfect body, no matter what circumstances they have to take or endure.  Today, however, most people want to get the quick fix.  Instead of dieting, or eating right, working out and actually striving through hard work to get into good shape, and obtain the body they want, people tend to take the easy way out, or short cuts, like surgeries.  There are a numerous variety of different surgeries today that could be the answer to all your fat and bodily problems.  Weight loss surgeries seem to be all the rage.  There are all kinds of new weight loss surgeries, like lipo suction, gastric bypass surgery, and even the newest type of surgery, incision free.  It is amazing all the new advances the medical field is making in weight loss surgeries, and will only continue to improve. Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most common and effective weight loss surgeries offered.  A gastric bypass surgery was designed to reduce your food intake by creating a small stomach pouch and bypasses of the duodenum and other segments of the small intestine to cause malabsorption, which is the reduced ability to absorb calories and nutrients from food.  Gastric bypass does not only improve your figure, but recently research has discovered it could be good for your heart.  According to the "Journal of American College of Cardiology" it helps overly stressed hearts return to more normal function and structure.  400 severely overweight people who had undergone gastric bypass surgery were followed by doctors and compared to a group that did not undergo the procedure.  Two years prior to the operation, ultrasounds in the patients with the surgery showed a "remodeling" of heart structure.  This discovery suggested that the hearts were less stressed and had returned to a more normal size.  This new finding could be a major breakthrough for medical world.  It goes to show that sometimes things can produce more than one good effect.  It goes to show how much the entire body ties together, and is all working together to help the body function properly and to its full potential.  This also proves for more reasons why weight loss surgeries may actually be a better option for some people when trying to lose weight, especially for more severely overweight and obese people.  It could not only improve their body image, but improve their longevity of life.  Weight loss surgeries may be an easy way out of hard work, but if you are physically unable to lose weight the natural way, and it could help your overall health and life then weight loss surgery may be the way to go; it seems to improve every aspect of your life, providing for a better and fully functional lifestyle. 

Guard strangled at Washington state prison

"I WILL ACT WITH HONESTY, COURTESY AND REGARD FOR THE WELFARE OF OTHERS, AND WILL ENDEAVOUR TO DEVELOP THE ESPRIT DE CORPS," this important excerpt from the ethical oath that all police officers take once completing their training is an important part of their main duty, when entering into the force.  Going into a field of police work, whether it be in corrections, courts, or a cop, it is fully aware that a main goal or priority in your work is to protect the people.  However, sometimes, it is the officers who need the protecting.  Guards especially may need extra protection when containing dangerous and potentially violent inmates.  This was the case for a young guard at the Washington state prison.  A tragic accident took the life of one of the dedicated guards there in the chapel.  Jayme Biendl, the victim, 34, was found dead Saturday night in the chapel at Monroe Correctional Complex about 30 miles northeast of Seattle.  She had been strangled, and the main suspect is an inmate serving a life time sentence at the facility for a first degree rape and kidnapping in 1997.  The inmate had been reported missing at 9:14 pm Saturday night and three minutes later found int he chapel, where he said he was going to attempt to escape.  Coincidentally enough, after Biendl did not check in after her shift, staffs members found her unresponsive in the chapel.  She was officially declared dead at 10:49 pm.  Ironically before Biendl's death she was raising concerns to others about how she was the only guard in the chapel.  Understandably Biendl was worried about being alone, and no one there to check on her.   Maybe if someone had listened to her concern and provided for more safety for the guards, her life could have been spared.  Apparently they were unable to provide these safety measure because of budget cuts.  These economic problems caused for staffing reductions, and unmistakeably have caused minor worries in union members on the impact of those reductions on safety within the vicinity.  This incident just goes to show that protection of officers working within their practices is just as a major concern, if not more important, than the safety of the individuals being held in custody in jails and others facilities.  Due to results of this incident the facility has been greatly pushing for more safety and hopefully their pleas will be heard, and this issue can be resolved once in for all.  It is tragic to see that something so horrible had to happen for these people to see that they need to have high priorities in safety for their workers. 

105 Million in U.S. Have Diabetes or Prediabetes, CDC Says

Any illness is a serious and possibly life threatening issue for anyone who experiences one.  Diabetes is probably one of the most major and serious issues in people of all ages.  This disease can affect anyone at anytime during their life making it all the more an issue and something to look out for during your life time.  Diabetes has different levels of seriousness and types, that can be affected by diet and other issues.  Diabetes is not a disease to take lightly, for if not properly treated it could take the life of that person who has it.  Prediabetes is another concern that is raising many problems in peoples lives as well.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC prediabetes affects 35 percent of adults today.  Although prediabetes is not quite as serious of diabetes it is a condition where people still have abnormally high levels of blood sugar. 
Diabetes is a disease where the pancreas produces little or no insulin for proper break down of glucose in the body during digestion.  Since people who have diabetes cannot break down glucose properly it stores up in the blood over time, overflowing into the urine and then the body loses it's major source of fuel or energy when it is lost during urination.  There are two major types of diabetes.  The first is Type 1.  This type affects young adults and children the greatest, hence how it gets it's more common name of juvenile diabetes.  Only 5 percent of people have this type of diabetes.  Many kids seen with obesity have this type of diabetes or they are at a great risk to develop it.  The second type of diabetes is Type 2.  This is the more common form of diabetes.  Although anyone of any age can conduct this disease it is more likely older people will be more susceptible to it.  Although diabetes is not curable it is manageable.  If people monitor their blood sugar levels and eat a healthy diet specific to a diabetics needs, they will have a healthy, and for for the most part normal life. 
Today diabetes or prediabetes affects nearly 105 million people in the U.S.  That is nearly one third of our entire population.  It is a serious matter and not to be taken lightly.  It is affecting our entire population, and may continue to worsen.  According to studies by the CDC by 2050 as many as one in three American adults could have diabetes.  The majority have type 2 diabetes, and if you have prediabties is only increases your risk to develop type 2 diabetes and other serious medical issues like heart disease and stroke.  According to experts the reason for this increase in diabetes is weight gain.  Obesity is a major problem today and the increase in obesity is greatly related to the increase in diabetes cases.  Doctors also have switched methods of diagnosing this disease, due to complaints, and now use a method called hemoglobin A1c-testing.  This test measures levels of blood glucose over a period of two to three months.  The good news is that people currently living with diabetes are living longer.
The reason I chose this article is because it is an issue that I am greatly concerned about and lies close to my heart.  My family has a history of diabetes and my mother lost her father due to diabetes when she was 13.  I never met my grandfather.  I didn't have the opportunity to share memories and fun times together because of how powerful and horrific this disease is.  It took life from my family, and prevented me from getting to know someone really special and amazing in this world.  And I feel bad for my mother, because she lost her father at a young age, and didn't get to share as special a day as her wedding day with him.  I hope that one day someone will find a cure for this disease and prevent more people like my mother from losing something so dear to them in their lives. 

Peace & Love

FDA: Breast Implants Possibly Linked To Very Rare Cancer

In today's world many things can be linked to causes of illness, disease, and cancers.  Cancer can be obtained from natural causes, surrounding causes, like cigarette smoke, and even breast implants? It seems like in today's society anything can increase the risks of cancer.  It makes us start to take more caution in the life decisions we make, for who knows it could lead to serious health issues.  To begin let's identity what cancer is, and in this case the specific type of cancer that is being connected to breast implants.  This rare cancer, known as anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, or ALCL, is a type f non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, beginning in the lymphatic tissue.  It is important to understand that this is not a breast cancer.  It is a cancer of the cells of the immune system, and occur anywhere in the body including the lymph nodes and skin.  A person may experience ALCL when lymphocytes, which are found in the lymph nodes, do not have mature T cells, meant to fight off infections in the body, and they experience changes and do not behave in a normal manner.  Although this disease progresses quickly, the survival rate is high, with a five year survival rate reaching 70%.  This rare cancer has been discovered to be linked to saline and silicone breast implants in women.  The Food and Drug Administration has registered 60 cases so far, worldwide. The strange cancer can develop anywhere, but in all the cases reviewed they seem to have a common origin, the scar tissue around the implant.  Before women decided to drastically alter their bodies for their ideal perfect body, they should consider the risk factors that come along with it.  They need to understand the fact that this could lead to cancer and make sure they are willing to take that chance, and be prepared for the outcome.  It is advised to women everywhere to think about this and do more research on what they are wanting, and for women who already have breast implants be aware of your body and they experience any pain, swelling, or asymmetry, it is advised that they contact their doctor.  I found this article very interesting and something I had never heard of before.  It is amazing how many things in every day life can contribute to the possibility of obtaining cancers.  After reading this article I want to learn more about this topic and find out more about what causes and leads to women generating this type of rare cancer.  I want to know if it can be prevented, or if it is incapable of being controlled and contained.  This new discovery just goes to show how the medical field is always discovering new things and that we shouldn't be surprised by all the ways a person can become ill.  It is amazing what can affect us and how extreme it can be sometimes.  I will be more cautious of decisions from now on in life, and always be willing and curious to learn more about medical issues and what causes people to become ill.