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Sunday, November 15, 2009

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Saturday, November 14, 2009

The Nature In Us (in this message: 3 new items)

The Nature In Us (in this message: 3 new items)


True Faith

Posted: 14 Nov 2009 03:30 AM PST

by Donna L. Watkins

When we're in the midst of trials and grief, we can't see beyond our emotions and the events. In all things we need to give thanks ... not be thankful! ... but give thanks to God that He is in control and has a plan.

© 2009 Fawn Behind Our Woodland Pond in Backyard
Although today you can't imagine that you'll ever be able to believe it was meant for good, God will show you more of what you want to know if you can seek Him in faith wanting to believe that "everything works for good" when we love God.


Elisabeth Elliot said, "True faith only goes into operation when there are no answers."

God says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways" (Isaiah 55:8).

The truth is, God doesn't think like us. He sees the big picture and works toward a specific end.

In a conversation with His disciples, Jesus said, "I have many more things to say ... but they are too much for you now" (John 16:12).

When you find yourself doubting and questioning God, pray: "Lord, believing isn't easy when I'm hurt and confused, and You are silent. Like Thomas, I want proof that You love me. Help me see beyond my desire for peace and comfort, beyond my doubts and unanswered questions, and grasp the truth of Your unfailing love and grace."

"Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning" (Psalm 30:5). A night and a morning is not a literal time frame. I think of this as seasons of our lives. God will help up pick up the pieces and rebuild our lives even better than we knew, but we have to get beyond believing that we must suffer, grieve and live in sorrow because something was awful enough for us to surrender our own life because of it.

The Enemy would love for you to stay stuck right where you are ... but Jesus is holding out His hand to pull you close and hug you and cry with you and heal your mind and heart. Will you reach out and let Him?

Hearing God's Voice
The book that is having a monumental impact on my life and way of living is one called, How To Hear God's Voice by Mark and Patti Virkler. The clear and detailed content with loads of Scriptural backup, along with the interactive process of applying what you are learning, is yielding a lot of spiritual fruit in my life and the life of my husband, the counselor, who is now promoting the book to everyone he knows. Your view of the present, past and future will never be the same when you begin to commune with God as He always intended us to do since He walked with man in the Garden of Eden. For those who yearn for a deeper relationship with the Father, this book will take you there if you read and apply it. The author promises that and I do too!


Copyright and Reprint Information
The photo(s) and article are copyrighted. You may use them if you include the following credit and active link back to this website:
© 2009 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission from TheNatureInUs.com.
The link URL is: http://www.TheNatureInUs.com

Costa Rica Photographs and Videos

Posted: 14 Nov 2009 02:55 AM PST

I love Costa Rica and its many fascinating destinations. The enticement for me is the abundant birds and wildlife. I've been able to spend 13 weeks there in my lifetime and hope to continue adding to it in years to come. With winter coming in I am dreaming of Costa Rica and my photos and videos make me feel like I'm there.

I'm not the type to return to the same place. Loving travel, I've always wanted to go to a place I've never been on "the next trip." But I've fallen in love with Costa Rica's wild rainforest jungles. To me, it's a visual representation of the Garden of Eden.

Here's links to some videos and there are more Costa Rica Videos at the main gallery, along with Costa Rica Photographs. Here's some videos by name:

Spider Monkeys

Great Tinamou

Central American Agouti

White-nosed Coati

Great Curassow Courtship Display
Great Curassow Couple Cleaning Up

Montezuma Oropendulas Nesting

Mantled Howler Monkey Mom and Baby
Juvenile Mantled Howler Monkey Eating in Tree

Leaf Cutter Ants Parade
Leaf Cutter Ants Harvesting Tree Leaves

Crested Guans Sharing a Piece of Fruit
Crested Guan Feeding in Tree

Collared Peccaries on Trail

A Rocha - Christian Conservation

Posted: 14 Nov 2009 01:55 AM PST

The first A Rocha project began in Portugal in 1983. A field study centre and bird observatory was established near the Alvor estuary and it has now been visited by thousands of people from many countries.

All over the world, Christians are realizing that important habitats and their wildlife urgently need protection and so, since 1994, new A Rocha projects have started in other parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America and Australasia.

The international cross-cultural strength of the Christian community has been making a unique contribution, not least as communities struggle to reconcile the need to protect biodiversity with their hopes for sustainable development.

A Rocha projects have a community emphasis, bringing together people from widely differing backgrounds to work towards common goals. Read more and view short video.

Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind

Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind

Link to Fred's Head from APH

History in the Making: The Story of the American Printing House for the Blind, 1858-2008

Posted: 13 Nov 2009 12:00 PM PST

History in the Making: The Story of the American Printing House for the Blind, 1858-2008 Photo of the two braille volumes of: History in the Making: The Story of the American Printing House for the Blind: 1858-2008

This beautiful history book by former APH Museum director Carol Tobe was commissioned to celebrate the company's 150th anniversary. Packed with rare details about the origins of APH, this 180 page book features rich photography, reproductions of tactile pages embossed from vintage printing plates, and an accessible audio book version read by APH narrator Jack Fox. The hardbound 12" x 12" book was designed by nationally known graphic artist Julius Friedman and features color photography by Geoffrey Carr. Five tactile pages from vintage books embossed on original APH presses using original plates are scattered throughout the book.

Braille Edition: Two hardbound braille volumes with color covers contain the text of the regular print edition, including the pages embossed from vintage APH printing plates. Pages are bound with metal rings and a cloth page marking strip is bound into each volume. The CD containing the audio book version, narrated by Jack Fox, is included.

Not available with Quota funds.

Print:
Catalog Number: W-HISTORY-APH

Braille:
Catalog Number: W-HIST-APH-BRL
Click this link to purchase History in the Making: The Story of the American Printing House for the Blind, 1858-2008.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@aph.org
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org

Wilson Reading System

Posted: 13 Nov 2009 11:51 AM PST

Wilson System Readers 1, 2, and 3

The Wilson Reading System (WRS) is a research-based reading and writing program. WRS is a complete curriculum for teaching decoding and encoding (spelling), beginning with phoneme segmentation. Unlike other programs that overwhelm the student with rules, the language system of English is presented in a systematic and cumulative manner so that it is manageable.

  • WRS directly teaches the structure of words so that students master the coding system for reading and spelling.
  • Many students who benefit from WRS have deficiencies in phonologic awareness and/or orthographic processing which makes it challenging for them to learn to read and spell without a systematic, multi-sensory approach.
  • The WRS was developed for students in grade three and beyond. It is widely used with upper elementary students, adolescents, and adults.

The Wilson Reading System is authored by Barbara A. Wilson and published by Wilson Language Training Corporation. Permission has been granted to APH to publish the braille and large print version.

NOTE: Braille and large print editions of the complete program will be available in the future.

Wilson Reading System Braille Readers:

Student Reader One:
Catalog Number: 6-79502-00

Student Reader Two:
Catalog Number: 6-79503-00

Student Reader Three:
Catalog Number: 6-79504-00
Click this link to purchase the Wilson Reading System.

Wilson Reading System Large Print Kit

Large Type Edition Wilson Student Reader 1 Student Reader One and Workbooks 1A and 1B:
Catalog Number: 8-79501-SK1

Student Reader Two and Workbooks 2A and 2B:
Catalog Number: 8-79501-SK2

Student Reader Three and Workbooks 3A and 3B:
Catalog Number: 8-79501-SK3

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@aph.org
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org

Leaders and Legends: Dean W. Tuttle

Posted: 13 Nov 2009 08:56 AM PST

Dean W. Tuttle
Inducted 2009
Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field

Dean Tuttle was born in 1936 in the Belgian Congo where his parents were medical missionaries. After graduating from high school in the Congo, he completed his undergraduate work at Wheaton College, two masters degrees, one in educational administration and one in special education. In 1971 he earned his doctorate in a joint program between the University of California at Berkeley and San Francisco State University in Educational Psychology/Special Education. Dean and his older brother both lost their vision due to retinitis pigmentosa. He and his wife, Naomi, have three sons and five grandchildren.

After teaching mathematics and science in New Jersey and serving as an itinerant/resource teacher in California, in 1966 he was invited to be the principal of the California School for the Blind. In this capacity he led the school during its difficult but vital transformation into a school for children with multiple impairments.

In 1971, he began teaching special education at the University of Northern Colorado where he worked until his full retirement in 1994. Under his leadership the teacher preparation program became one of the most respected in the country, certifying teachers in orientation and mobility as well as in special education. Later a multiple disabilities component was added, offering a triple-competency option.

He is the co-author, with his wife, of the text, Self-esteem and Adjusting with Blindness: the Process of Responding to Life's Demands, now in its third edition. He was then asked to write a correspondence course for The Hadley School for the Blind based on this book. This classic landmark text is required reading in most programs which prepare professionals in the blindness field. Through his writings he has helped to clarify the psychosocial paradigms which impact on the relationship between disabilities and the development of self-esteem.

Dr. Tuttle served on many advisory boards for Hadley, US Department of Education, American Foundation for the Blind, American Printing House for the Blind and NAC. Many of his 38 publications have centered around the topics of self-esteem, family responses to a visual impairment and recreation for the visually impaired. His latest book is a tribute to his parents and their medical work in the Congo. Dean has been invited to give many major presentations in 29 different states, Canada, Australia, China and Israel.

Dr. Tuttle has received many honors, among which are the Migel Medal from AFB in 2000 and the Wings of Freedom from APH in 2004. Earlier he received the Scholar of the Year Award from the University of Northern Colorado in 1990, the Distinguished Service Award from CEC-DVI in 1991, and the Warren Bledsoe Outstanding Publication Award from AER in 1992 and the Hadley President's Service Award in 2004.

He has been described as both a peer role model and mentor, with a calm and quiet demeanor, one who guided and challenged his students by mutually shared wisdom and insight. Some have received and passed on his advice, "Be curious about and pursue a variety of interests, cultivate and sharpen your God-given abilities and skills and enjoy the adventure of life."

The Hall of Fame Induction of Dr. Euclid Herie and Dr. Dean Tuttle by Dr. Jane Erin

Dean Tuttle Dean Tuttle's Hall of Fame Plaque

Plaque sponsored by the University of Northern Colorado

About the Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is dedicated to preserving, honoring, and promoting the tradition of excellence manifested by the specific individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame and through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired.

These significant professional colleagues of the recent and distant past are a fascinating cross-section of heroes and pioneers who not only shaped our rich history, philosophy, knowledge and skills, but also give us insights into current and future challenges. These giants shared their personal lives and showed us strategies to ensure that services for blind persons remain unique and specialized. Enjoy their lives and contributions and reflect upon your own list of heroes.

Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is a project of the entire field of blindness. It is curated by the American Printing House for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.

Visit the virtual Hall of Fame for the inspiring stories of many more heroes of the field of blindness.

Leaders and Legends: Euclid J. Herie

Posted: 13 Nov 2009 08:22 AM PST

Euclid J. Herie
Inducted 2009
Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field

Euclid Herie was born in 1939 south of Winnipeg, one of three children of a poor French Canadian farming family. Congenital cataracts resulted in serious vision loss as a teenager, resulting in total blindness by age 40. He earned two undergraduate degrees, a masters in social work in 1965 and honorary Dr. of Laws in 1981, all from the University of Manitoba. He is the father of two children and three grandchildren. Euclid lives in Toronto with Barbara Marjeram, where he occasionally enjoys horseback trekking, white water adventures and sailing.

In 1963 he began a career in child welfare at the Children's Aid Society of Winnipeg. Then he was the Executive Director of the Manitoba Division of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and later of the Ontario Division from 1977 until 1983.

As President and CEO of CNIB from 1984 until his retirement in 2001, his masterful hand at the helm guided the organization through some difficult changes and growth spurts which included the establishment of regional offices, the implementation of new service models, the closure of residential and workshop programs, and the creation of technology, employment, youth and leadership development programs. He led CNIB in a multimillion dollar campaign to digitize the library, one of the largest libraries for the blind funded through private donations.

From 1988 until 2004, Euclid served successively as treasurer, president and past president of the World Blind Union which represents 180 million blind persons in 150 countries. In this capacity he was deeply involved with international agencies stimulating programs in many developing countries particularly in braille literacy, accessible and affordable technology, maintaining universal postage rights, improving the status of blind women, and the restoration of the Louis Braille birthplace. Over the course of his WBU presidency Herie, usually accompanied by executive assistant Marjeram, visited more than 60 countries, delivering speeches, promoting causes and advocating for the rights of blind persons throughout the world.

During his retirement in 2002 he exemplified his strong advocacy for Braille by establishing the World Braille Foundation to help implement Braille literacy programs. In the first six years 40 literacy projects in 18 countries have been implemented to support the training of blind children and adults. From 2003 to 2007 he served as a director of HumanWare, a company which manufactures and distributes technical aids for blind and visually impaired persons.

His publications include Journey to Independence--Blindness, the Canadian Story, a history of blindness in Canada, and a chapter in Changing What It Means to be Blind: Reflections on the first 25 years of the World Blind Union.

Dr. Herie has received many honors for his exemplary leadership on behalf of the blind worldwide and was elected in 2000 as an honorary life member of the WBU. In 2001 he was appointed president emeritus of CNIB, an unprecedented recognition. He received AER's Ambrose M. Shotwell Award in 2002 for "outstanding contributions to the personal adjustment or rehabilitation of adults who are blind or visually impaired." He is also the recipient of the Queen's 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medal and the Canadian Government's prestigious Member of the Order of Canada. His most recent award is the World Blind Union Louis Braille Medal in 2009.

He has been described as "dynamic and fearlessly optimistic" and is valued for his "warmth of personality and ability to touch the lives of disempowered people."

The Hall of Fame Induction of Dr. Euclid Herie and Dr. Dean Tuttle by Dr. Jane Erin

Euclid Herie Euclid Herie's Hall of Fame Plaque

Plaque sponsored by Humanware

About the Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is dedicated to preserving, honoring, and promoting the tradition of excellence manifested by the specific individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame and through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired.

These significant professional colleagues of the recent and distant past are a fascinating cross-section of heroes and pioneers who not only shaped our rich history, philosophy, knowledge and skills, but also give us insights into current and future challenges. These giants shared their personal lives and showed us strategies to ensure that services for blind persons remain unique and specialized. Enjoy their lives and contributions and reflect upon your own list of heroes.

Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is a project of the entire field of blindness. It is curated by the American Printing House for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.

Visit the virtual Hall of Fame for the inspiring stories of many more heroes of the field of blindness.

UV Contact Lens that Darkens Automatically Under Sunlight

Posted: 13 Nov 2009 06:56 AM PST

While glasses that turn a shade darker under bright sunlight have been around for forty years, only recently has someone developed a pair of contact lens that does the same.

Even better, through the use of some nifty nano-engineering, these photochromic (that's the scientific term folks) lens perform even better than their traditional, frame-rimmed counterparts. According to the director of the Singaporean institute responsible for this development, the contact lens adapt faster, thanks to the use of a network of really tiny tunnels distributed evenly throughout the lens.

These tunnels contain the dye that automatically adjusts to the sunlight; the structure itself allows more of this dye to exist in the same area, granting the sensitivity and speed benefits noted above.

No word yet on market availability or price.

Article Source:
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23922/

How to Prolong Battery Life

Posted: 13 Nov 2009 06:46 AM PST

We all know that batteries will lose their ability to hold a charge, but that doesn't mean you can't take steps to make them last for a few extra charge cycles. Note that the tips below only apply to Lithium-Ion batteries, the most popular type used in gadgets today.

  1. Keep Your Batteries Away From Heat. Heat lessens a battery's lifespan, and unfortunately many gadgets today (especially laptops) can get very hot. The solution, aside from keeping the unit as cool as possible, is to always charge the battery when the gadget is off. When using laptops that are plugged in, remove the battery once it's fully-charged.
  2. Maintain an Optimum Charge Level. You should try to keep your battery charged from 20 to 80 percent. This means you should actually minimize letting a battery drain, and of course be mindful of overcharging it. Once the battery is full, unplug!
  3. Charge Before Storing. Storing a battery drained of all power definitely lowers its lifespan. So if you plan to stow away that power pack for a long time, make sure to charge it to around 40 percent. Aside from prolonging the battery's life, you've also got power for those emergencies.
  4. Reset Your Battery Meter. This is tricky: some gadgets reset their power meter once you let the battery completely drain before charging it back to full strength, a clear violation of maintaining an optimum charge level. But, if not done frequently (i.e., only when you think your gadget's remaining power estimates are off), the damage to lifespan should be minimal.
Article Source:
http://www.slate.com/id/2234009/pagenum/all/

How to Freeze Cheese

Posted: 13 Nov 2009 06:19 AM PST

Hard and semi-hard cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella and swiss can be frozen with good results once thawed but softer cheeses such as cottage cheese and ricotta will have trouble with the cream separating and changes in texture. If you're using the cheese in baking or dishes like casseroles, the changes won't be that noticeable.

Once cheese is frozen and thawed the shelf life dwindles so it's best to cut them into smaller pieces before freezing (about 1/2 pound).

Wrap each piece well with plastic wrap then pack into air tight freezer containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible before placing container in the freezer.

For cheeses like Parmesan and Asiago, shred or grate first and freeze in sealed freezer bags or airtight containers.

Most cheeses can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator rather than at room temperature.

Once thawed, many cheeses will likely be crumbly but the taste will still be good and they'll be fine in cooked dishes such as casseroles.

Test Baking Powder for Freshness

Posted: 13 Nov 2009 06:13 AM PST

You found a can of baking powder tucked away in the back of the pantry and you aren't sure how old it is or whether it's still good to use in baking. Here's a quick test for freshness:

  • Pour a teaspoon of baking powder into a bowl or small glass.
  • Fill the bowl with hot water to cover the baking powder (about 1/4 cup should do.

Listen carefully. If the baking powder begins to bubble happily, it's fine to use in your recipes.

Tip: For best results, do not dip a wet spoon into the can of baking powder when measuring what you need. The moisture will activate the baking powder left behind in the can and it won't be as good to use next time. If you notice lumps in your baking powder, that's usually a sign moisture has found its way in.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind

Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind

Link to Fred's Head from APH

Quickly Create Folders in Windows

Posted: 12 Nov 2009 08:26 AM PST

Want an easy way to create subfolders? When you are in a folder hold down the Alt key and carefully type F, W, F and a new folder appears. Want more than one? Just keep the Alt key down and type F, W, F over and over again until all your new folders are created.

You can then go back and name the folders whatever you like. How's that for a time saver?

Cool Text Formatting in MS-Word

Posted: 12 Nov 2009 07:02 AM PST

When working in MS Word, we all know about the usual toolbar / ribbon buttons and lists that allow us quick access to things like font type, size, bold, italics, underline, color, etc. Did you know that there are even more aspects of your fonts that can be manipulated?

There are things like character spacing and text effects to be explored, along with options like strikethrough text, superscripts, shadow, embossed text, engraved text and so on.

The question becomes: "Where are all these things? After all, I certainly don't see them on the Formatting toolbar or the Home tab of the Ribbon."

You're right. You don't see all the options on that toolbar or tab, you just see the most frequently used items. For more options, you've got to go to the Font window.

One way to access the "extras" is to use the Format menu, Font choice (older versions of Word) or Home tab, Dialog Box Launcher button in the bottom right corner of the Font section (Word 2007). A faster way would be to do a quick Ctrl + D (this one works for all versions of Word). Look at all the new options!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind

Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind

Link to Fred's Head from APH

What is the Difference Between Downloading, Uploading and Installing?

Posted: 11 Nov 2009 01:54 PM PST

Don't worry, you're not the first to be confused by these terms.

Downloading: This is moving a file that's on the Internet (or over a network) onto your computer. For most of us, downloading is just a matter of clicking a download link on a web site and saving the file to disk.

Uploading: This is the opposite of downloading. With uploading, you take a file from your computer and send it to a computer on the internet (or a computer / server on a network). Usually this is done with an FTP client, but some modern web sites you'll come across will allow you to send files to them with your web browser.

Installing: This is often confused with downloading, but it's a different animal. When you install something, you basically "put" the program on your computer so you can use it. Normally this is done via a setup program or "wizard" to make installation easy. Once you're finished installing a program, you can usually run it from your Start Menu or Programs area.

Windows Live Sync

Posted: 11 Nov 2009 01:29 PM PST

The most noticeable disadvantage in using more than one computer is the fact that your files may be left on one computer while you work on another. Wouldn't it be cool to take your updated files with you wherever you go?

Windows Live Sync is a free Internet based file syncing program which enables the availability of documents from one computer to another. It is also important to note that should the primary system fail, all current files will already reside on the secondary system. In such a situation, response will be slower, but you will have access to your data so you can continue to work.

In order to take advantage of Windows Live Sync, you will require a Windows Live ID. After you have installed the Live Sync application on your system, you will need to log into your Windows Live account and configure the synchronization parameters.

First, go to the Windows Live Sync website at http://www.sync.live.com.

In order to download Windows Live Sync, you will have to create a Windows Live account. Select "Download for Windows" or "Download for Mac" depending on your platform.

Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions. Once the installation is complete, login again using your Windows Live account. Click on "Create a Personal Folder". Once signed in, you will identify which computer holds the folder and then indicate which folder is to be synced.

Repeat the same steps for the other computer. To finish the sync setup, you will choose the computer that will complete the pair. On this second computer, you choose the folder to match with the first.

Email from the Future

Posted: 11 Nov 2009 01:11 PM PST

Recently the time shown on my received email runs three hours ahead. Other times I get email from days or years ahead. Are these email messages really coming from the future?

It would be nice if when someone told you, "I need that information yesterday!" you could email it to them and have it show up yesterday. But, alas, this is not the case. This "email from the future" can happen if your ISP's clock is off.

Since the time stamp gets put there by your e-mail server, if the time on that server is off, your e-mail received time will reflect this. Your best bet is to contact your ISP and ask them about it. They can either give you an explanation for the time problem (i.e. you live in LA but the server is in New York) or get it fixed for you.

I've seen junk mail come from a year ahead or from way in the past before Al Gore invented the internet (joke there). This puts the junk mail at the top of your inbox whether you have it sorted ascending or descending by date. That's some kinda trick they do on their servers.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Nature In Us (in this message: 3 new items)

The Nature In Us (in this message: 3 new items)


Termites in Dead Trees

Posted: 11 Nov 2009 03:58 AM PST

by Donna L. Watkins

I was on a forum to list a local classified ad and saw a post about trees. Being a tree lover, I had to click. One of the posts mentioned they had two dead oaks cut down and they were "infested with termites." I don't know if they thought that the termites killed the tree or what, but termites eat decaying wood, they are a huge part of the reason our forest floors are not piled high with fallen trees.

© 2007 Donna L. Watkins - Termites During Swarming Cycle of Life
Termites in dead trees are a good thing. Wouldn't you rather give them a table to eat outside of your home? Another reason to leave dead trees in your yard. More reasons mentioned below.

We've lived on wooded property since 1990 and have never had our house sprayed for termite protection. Our last home we built and since we put enough down on the mortgage we didn't need termite coverage for the loan. Here at Lake Monticello I doubt the builder did anything before selling it to us in 2000 and we've not had it done.

Yes, we do inspect. They're easy to detect if you look for the signs. Here's a great article on How To Inspect Your Home For Termites by a professional.

Now ... when we lived in suburbia, we tried that same theory (because I had chemical allergies and didn't want the asthma). We had termite problems and then needed treatment and repair. Obviously there wasn't an alternative dinner table for the termites on a street with only the customary 1-2 "decorator" trees on the front lawn.

There's also a lot of wildlife that eats termites: spiders and bugs, most species of birds, small lizards and skinks and even snakes. Nature provides a great array of termite inspectors and eaters.

Nature loves to balance itself out if we leave it alone, because when you remove one thing (the trees), you only upset the apple cart on another problem.

An example is one year when we had cottony scale. Before we "did something about it" we had a surprise. It's incredibly humbling to realize how little I know about the natural world around me. It sure has a lot of life lessons to teach me.

Copyright and Reprint Information
The photo(s) and article are copyrighted. You may use them if you include the following credit and active link back to this website:
© 2009 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission from TheNatureInUs.com.
The link URL is: http://www.TheNatureInUs.com

Recycled and Recharged Tennis Balls

Posted: 11 Nov 2009 03:53 AM PST

A decade ago, while volunteering as a high school tennis coach, Bill Dirst began exploring different methods of recharging lifeless tennis balls. With the technology perfected, Rebounces is bringing their offering to the masses.

Every tennis player has experienced the pain of throwing tennis balls away after a few hours of use. Rebounces is determined to make this pain a thing of the past by launching a national tennis ball recycling initiative while helping grow the game by offering recharged practice balls at a substantially discounted price. Check out Rebounces.com.

Under Pressure

Posted: 11 Nov 2009 01:00 AM PST

From The Word For You Today

Do you feel like you're in a tunnel with no way out? Rejoice, you're positioned for a miracle!

Paul said, "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed ... but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

A certain amount of pressure is necessary to release our faith, and God knows exactly how much to apply. He allows us to get to where:
(a) We've exhausted our own resources.
(b) We're tired of Satan stealing what God says is ours.
(c) The opinions of others no longer control us.

It's the place Hannah found herself in when she prayed in the temple, 'In distress of soul ... and weeping bitterly" (I Samuel 1:10). She was under such pressure because of her childless state that when she began to unburden herself before God, the church hierarchy thought she was drunk. But when you're desperate, you're not overly concerned about blowing the minds of religious onlookers; your only concern is touching the heart of God.

With God there are no hopeless situations, just people who've grown hopeless about them. Real faith comes into its own when push collides with shove. After all, you don't need God to part the Red Sea when there are bridges all around, right?

It's when there's nothing you can do to avoid the inevitable, that you start trusting God to do the impossible! So the crisis you're experiencing today could be a blessing in disguise - an opportunity to experience a greater degree of His power at work in your life.

Hearing God's Voice
The book that is having a monumental impact on my life and way of living is one called, How To Hear God's Voice by Mark and Patti Virkler. The clear and detailed content with loads of Scriptural backup, along with the interactive process of applying what you are learning, is yielding a lot of spiritual fruit in my life and the life of my husband, the counselor, who is now promoting the book to everyone he knows. Your view of the present, past and future will never be the same when you begin to commune with God as He always intended us to do since He walked with man in the Garden of Eden. For those who yearn for a deeper relationship with the Father, this book will take you there if you read and apply it. The author promises that and I do too!


Copyright and Reprint Information
The photo(s) and article are copyrighted. You may use them if you include the following credit and active link back to this website:
© 2009 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission from TheNatureInUs.com.
The link URL is: http://www.TheNatureInUs.com

Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind

Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind

Link to Fred's Head from APH

Always Hit the Container with the g-Spout

Posted: 10 Nov 2009 01:14 PM PST

How many times have you tried to pour something into a container and made a big mess? It happens all the time for me. I get so tired of cleaning up the counter after I've tried to pour something into a container for storage or to put in the trash.

The g-Spout is a removable spout/strainer that easily attaches to a skillet, double boiler, bowl or can. Made of high temperature food grade silicone, the g-Spout is microwave and dishwasher safe.

The g-Spout was originally developed to encourage the environmentally responsible disposal of cooking grease and oil, and to help eliminate clogged drains and sewers. Fats, Oils and Greases stick to the inside of sewers becoming a blockage and sewage "backs up" into homes, businesses or the street.

The g-Spout has become so much more! Customers are suggesting new uses almost every day! It's great for making cupcakes, muffins, and pancakes without drips or baked on batter; drizzling chocolate, and caramel from a double boiler; pouring paint back into bottles; straining fruit salad, vegetables or rice; pouring sugar, salt or coffee; and of course, straining hot bacon or hamburger grease into disposable containers.

Remember - removing the fat, oil, and grease is also good for your family's health. It's not limited to the kitchen either - it can be used in the garage, shop, RV, and even the craft room. The g-Spout is easy to attach and lets you pour with one hand - No more clumsy funnels or dripping ladles to worry about.

Click this link to visit http://g-spout.com.

What does blind mean?

Posted: 10 Nov 2009 08:40 AM PST

by Donna J. Jodhan

I truly believe that most of the sighted world has a fixed notion as to the meaning of the word "blind" and I say this based on a life-long experience plus those of several of my fellow blind and visually impaired friends and acquaintances. In a nutshell: the word "blind" is taken by the majority of society to mean that a person is unable to see anything and in addition many mainstream persons would tell you that they have a very difficult time understanding what blindness really means.

As a kid growing up in a mainstream environment with two sighted parents and two sighted brothers, I never really gave much thought to this topic except to tell you that from the start I always knew that I was blind because I could not see what others saw. I had a bit of vision that enabled me to see things at a very close range but still things were extremely blurry. I was able to see colors, daylight, and I could distinguish light from dark and some objects. Then when I was in my teens I received a cornea transplant and the world really opened up for me. I was still classified as "blind" but now I could see much more. Then five years ago I lost most of it and now I really know what it is to be blind.

To clarify the picture for you: The word "blind" is liberally used to describe a person who has difficulty seeing things. Someone who is unable to drive because they did not pass the eye test. Someone who either uses a cane or a guide dog to move around. Someone who uses specialized glasses to read and write. Someone who can only see light, shadows, but nothing more. Someone who is totally blind, meaning that they are unable to see anything. So you see, there are varying levels or degrees of blindness and there are different terms to describe each common level. You may hear terms like: High partial, high functional vision, low vision, low functional vision, light perception, and totally blind. If this is all confusing to you, then there is the term legally blind.

As for me: I was born with low functional vision, graduated to high functional vision, and now I am back to light perception. All very confusing you say? Then try this on for size! Different countries apply these terms a bit differently and I am going to give you two websites to visit so that you can see for yourself.

http://www.nfb.org - right here in the United States.
http://www.rnib.org - across the pond in Britain.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, an accessibility and special needs business consultant wishing you a terrific day. If you'd like to learn more about me, then you can visit some of my blog spots at:
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all: http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly Saturday postings on issues of accessibility: http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
blogs on various issues and answers to consumers concerns: http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm

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