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Heading South for Some SUN!

Snow.  Wind.  Rain.  Hail.  Sleet.  Fog.  Ahhhh, yes; spring in Wisconsin.  After enduring a long (looooooong) winter, I am more than ready for warm weather and sun.  On Tuesday at about 11:00 a.m. I will be flying to Florida for a few relaxing days with my best friend.  I can literally hear the beach calling my name.  On Saturday, my husband, daughter, and parents will fly down and meet up with me to go on a 7 day Caribbean cruise.  We'll sail to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan (Honduras) and Belize.  I can't wait! 

I will return home on May 8th.  If spring has not yet sprung, I'm going back to Florida.

Lights, Camera, Action!

My fifteen minutes of fame is here!  I shot my very first video today - actually four videos - for healthcentral.com.  All four videos deal with different aspects of insomnia - medications, side effects, and problems associated with sleep disorders.  The production manager, Spencer, was very friendly and super helpful.  He put me at ease right away and allowed me to do as many takes as necessary (and there were many).  I can't wait to see the finished product!  Updates coming soon...

Is Your Kid an iPhone Addict?

In today's digital world, many parents are turning to iPhones for distracting and entertaining their kids. Rather than dolls or race cars, digital devices like the iPhone are quickly becoming toys of choice -- but not without concern. Experts worry too much "screen time" will hamper children's development and create unhealthy addictions. Researchers like Dr. Michael Rich of Harvard Medical School suggest that a constant stream of stimuli poses a risk for children developing an unhealthy desire for distraction. If you're concerned about your child, take steps now to determine if your child is becoming an iPhone addict.

Check out the full article published on eHow.

Hydroponics Goes Global

Hydroponics represents the cutting edge in growing, gardening, and farming; and now the rest of the world is catching on to what hydro enthusiasts have known for years. The United States, Canada, Japan, and Western Europe are spearheading the hydroponics industry, growing healthier produce and enjoying greater yields. Commercial hydroponics is practiced around the world for the simple fact that it is highly effective. It allows farmers to grow healthier produce without pesticides and other chemicals – all while conserving water. Lush, bountiful crops are being grown in smaller areas and providing greater yields. Progress in this industry has been rapid, establishing it as a viable and economical solution to common agricultural problems.

Read more about the growing hydroponics industry here.

How to Connect with Potential Employers

Looking for a job?  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13.9 million people in the United States are unemployed. An additional 8.4 million have had their hours reduced and are currently “involuntary part-time workers.” In this tough economic situation, the competition for jobs is fierce. If you are one of the millions searching for a job, no doubt you’ve experienced the frustration and hopelessness that comes along with it. Learning how to connect with potential employers is essential – and not as challenging as you may think.

The best job search tactic is to be positive, proactive, and productive. Research is a critical element of the job search process. It helps you identify companies that are hiring in your field, learn the best ways to find potential employers, and how to prepare for interviews. All of this takes time and effort – but hey, if you’re unemployed you’ve got nothing but time.

Read all the suggestions for finding a job here.

What Has Happened to Lyrics in Today's Music?

Surely I’m not the only one who remembers what real music used to sound like. Before electronically-enhanced tracks came along, music actually had melody, rhythm, and above all - meaningful lyrics. What's happened to lyrics in today’s music? Many of the popular songs currently topping the charts have lyrics that rhyme...but that’s about it. Of course you can argue that many songs of the past were somewhat lyrically lacking, but they were usually the exception - not the rule. Today, it’s the real, soulful songs that are the exception.

What do you think?  Read my article and please leave a comment!

Sweet Dreams: How to Conquer Insomnia

Are you one of the millions who suffer from insomnia? If so, I completely commiserate with you. There’s nothing quite as frustrating as lying awake all night – completely exhausted – but unable to fall asleep. An estimated 30 to 50% of the population are affected by insomnia, with 10% suffering from chronic insomnia. What causes this stubborn sleep disorder? Is there hope for those who suffer from insomnia?

Read all about conquering insomnia here.

Why Quit Smoking Today?

Do you have a death wish? Most of us would hopefully answer “no” to that question but if you are a smoker, you’re answer is an emphatic “yes.” Whether you agree with that statement or not, the sad truth is smoking cigarettes will eventually kill you. If you continue smoking, chances are you will look back on your life and the decisions you made and wish to God you could go back in time and quit while you had the chance.

Cigarette smoking is an intense addiction, and it may have had a hold on you for a long time. Perhaps you’re discouraged because you think you’ve already done so much damage to your body that it’s too late to quit. It is never too late to quit. Your body will begin to heal immediately after your last cigarette, and you’ll continue to see vast improvement in the weeks and months that follow.

Read the rest of the article here.

All About Katy Perry

What does a girl raised by two pastors turn into when she’s all grown up? A flamboyant pop singer who wears outrageous outfits and belts out tunes about kissing another girl (and liking it), apparently. Maybe not all religiously-raised girls turn out this way (I know I have never worn a cone-shaped bustier or a fruit basket on my head), perhaps Katy Perry is the exception. Or perhaps it has nothing to do with her upbringing; Katy Perry just might enjoy embracing her unique individuality and love drawing attention to herself.

Read All About Katy Perry.

Homelessness - Are We Making Any Headway?

Visit virtually any city in the United States and you’ll find at least one homeless person - usually many more. Despite all our country’s advances, the number of homeless people continues to rise. The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) explains two major trends responsible for its increase are the growing shortage of affordable rental housing and an increase in poverty. It’s difficult to accurately estimate how many people are actually homeless but the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty states approximately 3.5 million people are likely to experience homelessness in a given year.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the homeless population in the United States jumped approximately 20,000 people from 2008 to 2009. As a result of the declining value and availability of public assistance, families with children are among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. In a 2007 survey of 23 American cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors reported that families with children comprised 23% of the homeless population.

Check out the rest of the article here.

The Danger of Electromagnetic Field (EMF)

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from power lines, home wiring, transformers, computers, and appliances have been linked to cancer, brain tumors, birth defects, miscarriages, chronic fatigue, headaches, nausea, and numerous other health problems. Is the threat of EMF real or imagined? Could your health be at risk without you even being aware of it?

Research studies have produced contradictory results, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that “There is reason for concern.” By 1990, over 100 studies had been conducted worldwide. Of these, at least two dozen epidemiological studies on humans indicated a link between EMFs and serious health problems. Yet because of political and economic pressure exerted by utility, military, and computer lobbyists, we may not be getting sufficient warning regarding EMF exposure.

Read the full article here to learn about how you can protect your family from dangerous EMF.

Save Money with Solar Panels and Rooftop Wind Turbines

In today’s economy, everyone is trying to find new ways to cut costs and save money. Rooftop solar panels and small-scale wind turbines are two effective ways to reduce your home’s electric bills. Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular and can be installed on most roof styles and materials. Rooftop wind turbines are one of the most talked about trends in renewable energy, with more and more homeowners considering how these systems might save them money.


Are solar panels right for you?  Read the Entire Article Here.