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
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
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.
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
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
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
Monday, March 7, 2011
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
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
Friday, March 4, 2011
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
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
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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
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
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