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