Arleen's Writing

A Gardening Guide for Beginners and Masters

2009-04-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

Gardening is the word of the day. It could be because of the economy, but mostly it is because people realize that their food supply is not what they would like it to be - pure, and wholesome. Gardening is consumers telling the large chemical companies - no thanks.
If you start with a blueprint for your garden, when it is time to take shovel to earth, you will be ready. Whatever your "plot" of garden might be, if you work with what you have you will have success. Take into account what your property's natural beauty and areas are. You want to combine two very important aspects of gardening - beauty for the soul and utility for the body. If you have areas of "explosive" color and activity, then you can balance it with some quiet areas of solitude and peace.
A garden journal is a time saver and a future saver. It can be anything as simple as a shoe box with a tablet. Save your seed packets so that what works can be duplicated with the actual name of the plant you enjoyed so much, as well as the company or store where you purchased it. Write the dates that you planted and see if maybe it was too early because frost might have nipped some of your seedlings. Your box of plans, ideas, possibilities and hopes is a natural treasure and a gold mine. You can expand from what you have done, or scale back because maybe time was an issue with some work extensive plants. This is your primer to edit, delete, and add to. It is invaluable and a money saver. If something just did not work well in your area, then you don't want to spend your money on similar plants that probably won't do as well either.
Have assortment in mind as you select seeds and plants. It saves you from boredom when summer's heat isn't kind when you have to weed and feed. Diversity also keeps your garden safer from pests and diseases. It is also a safeguard - one very important word of advice. If you enjoy hot peppers, do not plant them near your bell peppers. Bees don't really know the difference and your everyday bell peppers will be a trip into spice land. Believe me this is not something you want to surprise your dinner menu with.
If you live where winter comes with a vengence, don't forget to plant evergreens around your garden area. They will protect your plot from winter's wind and in the spring, your ground will be ready to go with a few touches. If winter has its way, and there is not enough snow cover, your little garden will look like a relative of the desert areas you see in movies.
Think "specialty" gardens that can be incorporated into your overall plans. If you have small children, then you might want a red wagon type garden of fast growing plants that a child can enjoy and find success with. Take any old red wagon with wheels and a handle for moving around. Drill some holes in the bottom for drainage and fill with good dirt. Plant cherry tomatoes, a few string beans, maybe a cucumber plant, and strawberries. These can delight your child from blossom to fruit and it will prove a true gardening experience. If your area is tight, then you can move your red wagon garden to more suitable spots or even bring it on a patio or other area.
Try a salad garden raised bed around your yard. In this specialty garden, plant a tomato plant or two, some varied lettuce seeds, as well as carrots and some herbs. Then when dinner time comes around, you can get instant salad mix and fresh is just the beginning of this meal time wonder.
In your "quiet" garden, try lavender, and some tea roses for scent and beauty. Pansies with their tiny faces are a joy to behold when you just want to sit and rest. There are plants just made to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. These will add quality to your "quiet" garden as you marvel at the beauty of nature and its wonder. Reading in this area is a summer time luxury.
Teen agers might enjoy a "pizza" garden. Here is where you grow your heirloom tomatoes with their vibrant flavor and diversity of color. Add oregano, thyme, and some parsley to add to your meat toppings. If your teens love onions, garlic, and even green peppers on their pizza, add a few of these plants. Even teenagers will enjoy "picking" up their pizza ingredients.
Whatever your family enjoys and finds fun eating, you can incorporate it into small garden plots. The first rule of gardening - enjoy it and diversify. While fruits and vegetables are the main course of any garden, don't forget the flowers and decorative leaves for that dinner table centerpiece. In the fall, if you planned ahead and had your Halloween Garden in place, you can imagine the enjoyment of not ghosts and goblins but jack-o-lanterns right there at your finger tips, not to mention assorted gourds and squashes. There are even glow in the dark white pumpkins that shimmer in the moonlight. Gardening is fun, profitable, and a happy event.
Enjoy. ©Arleen M. Kaptur April, 2009

Customers Today Need Special Care

2009-04-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Business strategies have to literally "go with the flow." What worked yesterday in a great economy needs to be adjusted to work in today's. The first thing that will bring you the desired results is to analyze your client base. If your customers range in the senior, baby-boomer, or retired range, then these are people on fixed incomes. While their activities may be curtailed a bit because of high prices, unemployment is not a problem for them, and most likely their homes are almost paid for.
If your customers are young families or individuals in the pre retirement range, then job security, as well as closed factories and foreclosures will bring buying power to lower levels, as more important bills will take any extra cash they may have.
Understanding your most precious commodity - namely, your customers, is your number one priority during these times. Of course, they should always be maintained with the highest regard, but especially now. Whatever the product or service you are providing, whether in street establishments or on the internet, this is the time to re-think strategies.
Advertising is a big ticket item in any business. With newspaper readerships dropping, the internet is an upward moving media. There is, and always will be, direct mail as well. When you place something in a person's mailbox, this is more individualized and a more personal approach. Offering a "club" membership to your regular customers as well as to any new customers that might be joining you, is not only a great incentive to shop at your place of business, but this is a direct way to track customer activity and to make adjustments as well as improvements in what you offer. If you see a certain product or service being used by more than half of those in your exclusive "club", then that is the motivator and the starting point to increase sales and consider it a "draw-in." The products or services that are not moving need to be removed or revamped. This managing tool is a very vital means of knowing what your customers like about your business and what they would like to see changed. You could offer "club" membership with their very first order, or you could offer it with coupons or rebates on certain products, to join or not, if they so desire.
The current "wave" of interest as well as statistics pointing to the fact that it will continue on into the future is organic, pure, and as basic as possible. People want to feel soil between their fingers and know where their food comes from, they want crafting possibilities so that they can be creative and they appreciate innovative ways to keep the earth green. If any of your products fall into these categories then your attention to these areas will be well worth your effort. Also, it doesn't hurt to offer something for "every" age group. There could be "senior" discounts as well as "children" offers. You could even suggest ways to entertain at home, or to make the most of their shopping dollars. Samples work very well in this environment because people can actually try and see if they like what you are offering. This doesn't necessarily have to be food items, it can be gardening, or paper products, as well as car repair or house repair items.
The economy can be your motivation to get to really know your customer base and work with them and for them. It can bring your business to become a "friend of the family" and really mean it. Today's savvy customers can tell a phony deal a mile away and once they get the scent of dishonesty, then it is almost impossible to regain what you have lost.
In today's business world, you too must use your creativity and look to your employees to provide even more inspiration and ideas. From top manager to store room clerk, everyone has different interests and different contacts. Make the most of these diversities by offering incentives to employees who come up with great ideas or whose plan to have an open house to free movie tickets for a family size purchase, will bring you the best of all worlds. You will have customers who will sense that you do care about them as individuals and not as just seeing the cash register ring and you will have employees stretching their imaginations and output so that with your success, they too gain not only monetarily with job security but with respect and being treated as truly "part of the business." A perfect way to go down the highway of today's business world.
Something to think about ©Arleen M. Kaptur April, 2009

An Open Letter to the Catholic Church

2009-04-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

Notre Dame has invited President Obama to make the commencement address for this year's graduating class. The Catholic Church has decided that this is not appropriate and has addressed the fact that Notre Dame should rescind this decision. Catholics are making their voices heard that they do not want the President to have this honor because of his decisions on abortion and on stem cell research. Cardinal Francis George has even called this situation extremelyembarrassing and has asked Catholics to call, e-mail, or write and let Notre Dame know that they are not living up to their responsibility as a Catholic institution.
This type of action I find very hard to accept. I always was told through Catholic school education that the Catholic churchnot only "accepted" everyone, but we were suppose to love our neighbors as ourselves. This sounds like this doctrine taught to Catholic students for years is no longer appropriate. Sorry to say, while I sometimes find it hard to accept certain people, by their right as all children of God, I do have to accept them because we are all one human body under one God. I may not agree with what they say or do, but I do accept them. I did as a child and I do as an adult. The problem here is that the Church has decided that Mr. Obama is not part and parcel of this doctrine. They do not accept him on his decisions so they feel it is necessary to make sure that the college-age students he is to address should not be subject to his"doctrines." There are a few facts that should be brought into the limelight.
Where was the Catholic Church when President Bush lied about weapons of mass destruction and sent thousands of our young people to die? I did not hear major protests to the effect that he was wrong and that college students should not listen to his speeches because he led a nation to war over lies. The Catholic Church stands against abortion, and that has its place, but what happens when that child is born? Are they no longer under the right to be protected and cared for? Has the Respect for Life mantra expired upon the first birthday of a child or sooner? Sending them off to war when it was under false and deliberately misleading statements sounds likethe care for these "born" children is a bit lost. Remarks made by Cardinal George were at a human dignity and infertility session. Human dignity is showing the followers of the Church that they need to respect each other, no matter their differences, and to allow others to do the same. In other words, President Obama is the President of the "United" States and any dissension and division such as this can only lead to heartache and more conflict which is not in tune with bringing peace and good will to all.
There are all the Iraqi children who were innocent and did not even know what war was. Because of the lies of one administration, they are not allowed to reach adulthood. They were killed without reason, and they were not "protested" against by the Catholic Bishops. Their souls were just as important and precious to God as any unborn child. The Church's voice is loud and clear about abortion, but a child of three or four was not lamented with cries to halt the terrible actions so that these innocent ones could live. President Obama is not FOR abortion. If he was, he would not have the family he has. He is for the rights of a woman to make a decision with the help of her clergy, and her loved ones. I have never heard Mr. Obama make the statements that if you are pregnant, then abortion is the only way to go.
Presidents of any country do not represent only one faction of their people. They need to be open to all, including all religions, ethnic backgrounds, and social levels. All religions claim to be the "one and only" and the "true" religion. Religious churches claim "separation of church and state" in order to maintain their monetary means and not have to pay taxes. They do this because it is believed that people have a choice as to what manner they wish to worship God and where they find the peace all humans seek. When actions such as wanting the President of the United States to be insulted and un-invited to speak, when others were allowed, even though their actions were not always stellar, is stepping out of the "separation" theory. This is not fair and it is not beneficial to all peoples who believe in God but maintain their free will and choice as to how to worship and how to find ways to live with all their fellow people with dignity and respect.
What about the terrible acts of some priests with regard to sex scandals? These children were not protected or cared for except now when their childhood memories are tarnished and no longer a pleasure to look back at. They are suppose to be soothed with money and told to forgive those who harmed them. Where was the Church when the young under their care were placed in positions that allowed priests to harm them in a way that cuts and stains for a lifetime? There are no protests and denunciations by these victimsto stay out of churches or to tell people to turn their backs on the Church. I realize that not all priests are akin to acts such as those that have cost the church literally millions of dollars. The fact is that new born babies grow up and adults need care as well. What about the suffering and deaths of those whose illnesses could have been aided or cured with stem cell research? These grown up embryos deserve love and acceptance as well. There were no letter campaigns from victims of sexual abuse by the clergy, neither were there demands for e-mails and phone calls when literally thousands of children were killed in a country that did not cause 09/11, but was targeted by the Bush administration.
While the almost grown college graduates at Notre Dame are very capable to know what President Obama has considered and decided, they are not going to go to a conference on stem-cell research. They are going to a graduation and the fact that President Obama is leading our country - then further divisions between people is not a very Catholic thing to do. He is not going there to sell abortions to the young women, and he is not there to make sure that they are for stem-cell research. He is going there to tell the younger generation that there is "hope" and that "love" for this country and the world will see us through for better times for all. Isn't that what commencement speeches are about? It seems that as a black father, he is an example to those who have not been exactly stepping up to their responsibilities. As a man who loves education, he is there to tell these graduates that they have made the right decisions in reaching for higher challenges and believing that they too can make a difference, guided by their standards, morals. and abilities. Even these college graduates realize that not all will agree with their standards or moral beliefs, but they still need to live in the one world that we have and to bring peace, not division will benefit all, and as they say, from womb to tomb, we are all in this together.
If the mandates of the Church are to be believed and followed, then everyone is a child of God - the unborn as well as those born and growing, and adults, as well as the elderly. Hatred and planting the seeds of anger and dissension is cetainly not a very charitable way to go. Mr. Obama is a child of God, President of the greatest nation on earth, and a leader who will be taking our nation in a direction of peace and prosperity if all the citizens stand behind him. We need to be united, we need to be reaching out to everyone and seeking solutions for problems. The Church looks for forgiveness for the terrible acts of some of its priests, then why can't they open their minds and hearts, discuss the issues they disagree about with the administration, but do their utmost to unite and not divide. They need to sow love not division and hate. They need to allow the young that will soon take over this world to "hear" what both sides (but there should not be sides only healthy debate), and then know that they are loved enough to be allowed to be part of the world. They cannot and should not be protected from a man who is leading their country, who is Commander in Chief of the United States Services, and who is trying to straighten out a mess left by someone who was not treated in any such manner, but who brought about the current conditions we now have. Charity always began with the Church, but suggesting that Communion be withheld from certain individuals because of their beliefs, that doors should be shut to those who disagree on issues, and to create an aura of discord to a country who needs healing, is a very bad message to send and to promote. Our nation is in pain, through the two wars, the economy, and to political fever that allows cheating in elections and administrations who not only did not respect the voting public, but made it a point to not allow them to know the behind-closed-doors events. This turned the world from respecting the U.S. to hating us, it allowed our people to choose sides and anger, hostility, violence in schools, and abuse to the elderly grow rampant. Now the Bishops want to bring more and even more volatile discord into a situation that just might have found a way to heal and to repair itself, and that is why this is so wrong.
The Catholic Church knows the horrors when people turn to hatred and exclusion to settle differences. Why don't the church leaders turn their hearts and minds to accepting the President elected by the people, discuss with the White House what their fears or objections are, and realize that not all people are Catholics, but that they do believe in God and attend many different churches. Each religion should be joining hands and bringing about harmony and not contempt. We were told by the last administration to hate Iraq, even though it was Bin Laden who did the deed. We were told about the terrible terrorists, but we made the world worse when we would not open our minds and realize that other countries don't want war and they want peace just as much as Americans do, but not through deception and greed.
The Bishops should protect their flocks from the weapons the world uses and be the example that Christ would have been. Also, the Catholic Church should have enough "faith" in the young adults who have gone through their school systems to know right from wrong and to follow Christ in loving and accepting everyone and settling differences with a hand shake and not a hate march. Maybe the younger generation should remind the older Church leaders of what they stood for and how the youngwant to believe and stand behind the doctrines, but are mature enough to do it with love. Mr. Obama deserves to address the youth of this country because he is there leader. He is not their priest or minister. He is the civil leader who has the job of bringing this nation together, and if the Catholic Church continues to tear at the ties that bind, then when the world sees the hardened hearts of those who judge a man by issues and not by what is in his heart, then the unborn, those born and those in all stages of life lose the most blessed gift of all - peace to live a life of harmony, respect, and allowing others to do the same.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur April, 2009

Prime Time Education - Is a Hard Pill to Swallow

2009-04-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

You are what you eat - this saying has been around for a very long time. There is now a newer, more modern sage saying that everyone should take notice of - especially parents.Your children are what you let them see. A bit different, yes, but very up to date when it comes to what our children are allowed or just happen upon as they play video games, switch channels on the TV, or surf on the computer.
There have been some court cases of parents suing companies because their children committed vicious crimes after seeing a TV program or playing a computer game that allowed them to "shoot 'em up". The difference was that the "players" got up after the game, but in real life, the victims don't get up. School violence is a travesty and everyone asks, "Where did these children come up with these violent thoughts?"
There is violence in something as simple as comic books, with super heroes doing the unthinkable. The toys that mimic the super heroes can do anything that the imagination can give them the authority to do. Movies, TV, computer video games, and even TV shows that allow children to see violent crimes, such as rape, murder, incest, and torture. They may not stay on the channel for very long, but it is the image that finds a place in their mind and decides to stay there.
Corporations that put out this type of action advertisements say that this is not their fault, and that their product just could not have the influence that the parents say it has. Case in point - why do corporations spend literally millions of dollars a minute to put a commercial on at the Super Bowl games. The answer - because they know that a picture is worth a thousand words and an image will leave a lasting impression. It is business sense to place your ads where so many people will see them. So, in essence, that image will stay in a consumer's back thoughts and when they see that image elsewhere or see a particular product, they will buy it because they remember the commercial - which might have been months past.
Human behavior has been charted by corporate America for a very long time. They have it down pat as to what sells products and what does not. While they mean no particular harm, as they state, they do target their images to areas and parts of the population that will trigger more business, bigger bottom lines. Liquor ads for low priced liquors appear all over low income areas of the country. Tobacco ads offer "gifts" for saving coupons which in turn means that you have to buy more to get something. Teenagers are pressured with "war game" videos and can even carry them with hand-held computers just in case they get bored with real life. These games are carried over into movies, various products with the insignia or image, and even into our drugstores. Take these vitamins and you too can be a "super hero."
Prime time TV is an unmanaged field of adult content but aired when families should be together and children of all ages are sitting right there on the couch next to mom and dad. Erectile dysfunction ads are prevalent and the idea that a pill will make you more of a man is there at every break in the program. The drug companies have pill ads that allow your children to see that from a simple stomach ache to a cold and sinus infection, the pills are right there to relieve whatever ails you. How about peer pressure, fear of not being popular, or even freezing up on test day? Children are growing much taller and stronger these days, but their minds are still the minds of a child. The maturity factor grows with experience and day to day living. As a child their perception of reality and what they see does get a bit mixed up. What they don't hear are the side effects to these drug ads which now include such daunting effects as cancer, heart attack, stroke, and even death. This is lost in the vision of the perfect man, woman, and couple.
What can a parent do when their children are at risk, and society as a whole is less because of the marketing strategies of corporate America? There are companies that are taking their responsibilities to heart and trying to curb when their ads appear and where, but once again, it is the few bad eggs that allow prime time and fun time to be turned into violence. Did you ever try to get a nagging "theme" song out of your mind, or even recognize a picture on a billboard before you even knew the title? Well, children's minds work basically the same way. There is that image of perfection, popularity, and "kicking ass" that sways their mind set into being what they can't be at the moment. They want to be on top and they want to prove something to everybody that they have prowness and abilities. They do have abilities and as the future becomes today, they will grow into whatever they want to do with their lives. But right now, right here, that pill, that cigarette, bottle of liquor, and worse, that violence calls to the heavens that they can have it all right now, no questions asked. But the questions have to be asked, and the changes must be made. The solution - taking the time to note the products and the companies that make them - remember these companies are always looking at their bottom line - products sold and profits raked in. If you have to hurt them where it really hurts in order to get them to stop destroying the futures of so many young, then don't buy what they are promoting, and don't allow these products in your home, no matter how much your children cry, demand, and bring up the fact that "everyone has one." While that may be true, your main concern is to start changing things right on your home front so that parents in the next house can use your children as the example of how " you don't need that to be good in school, good with friends, and going down the right path to a wonderful future.
Parenting is a hard job because there are no instruction booklets that are given out at birth. It is a hit and miss sort of job description, but everyone strives for more hits then misses. Children do turn out fine and parents can be proud of milestones all along the path, but it does take strong standards, hard decisions, and knowing what is out there and can do harm. It is education for the parents and it is not taught in school, but in the very real world. The world does not have your child's best interests at heart because it is too busy making sure that money flows and profits rise. It is therefore the job of parents to take the reins and make sure that when they pull the "strings", they rope in decency, good values, and best of all, the pride that their children will have that their parents took some risks, maybe made some mistakes, but it was always done with love. Something to think about ©Arleen M. Kaptur April, 2009

STOP - You're Killing Yourself

2009-03-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

This day and age is really a study in contrasts. It seems that we value sports figures more than we value educators. We do nothing when politicians lie to us, but we demand justice when a line in a contract between friends is not with "Ts" crossed or the "i'"s dotted. If someone on the road interferes with your travel speed, some turn to road rage, but when a company sells you enough pills to make sure that you are incapable of functioning without these chemicals, you call it "taking care of yourself."
Take any TV commerical by a drug company and the "side effects" are enough to make you ill. While the pill may cure what ails you at the moment, the side effects lately have been coming on stronger than the drugs. They can cause cancer, heart failure and even death. You will not die from what you took the pill for, but the pill itself just might put you to eternal rest.
Our system of checks and balances is also a bit lopsided. We call it murder or suicide if a person dies quickly, such as at their own hand or that of a stranger. But if a perpetrator lets you suffer for a very long time, and you die, then it is not murder, but a natural death. Tobacco companies continue to sell products that eventually will give you cancer or a painful death. They tone their ads to teen-agers because the longer you smoke, you will suffer more in the end but the outcome will still be the same. Your family will not have you as part of the home front - but it wasn't murder. It was your fault as the tobacco attorneys would tell you, because you picked up that smoke and inhaled that blue haze. The truth being that they produced a product that they knew was not a "healthy" product, but they are free to go and harm another person.
If a soldier from our country dies, he is defending his country and it's honor. He is a hero. A soldier from another country is an "attacker" even though we traveled into his land to "defend" what we believe is ours. The citizens of the other country are wrong and our soldier will always be a hero. A play on words, because both deaths are wrong - in the eyes of their families and in the eyes of those who love and care about them. Words are used to justify and place blame.
We slowly place ourselves in harm's way in a multitude of different ways each and every day. We inhale cancer causing chemicals, we poison our systems with additives and supplements in our food supply that have not been adequately checked for future damage in a human body, and we breathe unclean air every day from cars, factories, and other places. Even second hand smoke from smokers is a risk to any person, but we are not calling this murder. We tolerate all these dangers because society does not give it a name that matches what it does. If you picked up a gun and placed it to your head, you would be arrested. If you take a chemically laden box of treats that have enough artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, and assorted laboratory send-offs, you are fine - you are living the American dream.
The point to all this is that we have to take a stand to preserve our own lives and that of everyone else. There is no outrage for the daily assault on health for our children or for adults. We say nothing and the corporate giants continue to produce new and better ways to do us in. Our food is not pure, neither is the air we breathe or the water we drink. The plastic bottles that we carry with our water will cause cancer. The make-up you use may give you skin cancer and so forth, but still people are not offended enough to stand up and demand that changes be made, that profit margins do not include every third person dying from the side effects of new and better drugs - new maybe but better and for whom?
From tobacco giants to automakers, standards must be placed so that unsafe and harmful products are not sold on the open market, and they are not allowed into the hands of our children. That bottle of pills that you take for a cold can be used to get a teenager high. Even that detergent to get clothes cleaner than clean pollutes ground water and lakes.
The solution to this tragedy - is very simple. People, every man, woman, and child, must say "NO" to corporate greed and insensitivity to the lives of those who buy the products they entice us with through fancy commercials and ads in newspapers and magazines. They bombard the air waves so that children demand products that parents know are not quite tested for safety. We throw our hands up in the air when a foreign made product is said to cause harm, but we allow the companies within our borders to infiltrate the sacred boundaries of home and hearth through the very items that we need to live. Our food needs to be safer, our water needs to be cleaner, and our air should be fit to breathe.
Bottom line - if we don't car about ourselves right now and right here, then how can we preach to our children that they should not smoke, take medications that might do more harm than good, and to take a deep breath when they step outside. Something is very wrong here - and the main "wrong" is that we are not doing something. Words - if only we could as a society call a "wrong" exactly what it is - or it will continue to kill us.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

Special Occasions Demand Special Gifts

2009-03-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

Celebrations are an enjoyable part of life. These special days highlight milestones in a person's life and accomplishment. Whether it is a birthday party, anniversary, or national holiday, taking the time to be part of a "celebration" is a privilege.
Gifts are usually part of any party and they are paramount when it comes to children being the guests of honor. Many people feel that it is the amount that a gift costs that leaves the best impression. While that may be true to some, it has taken a back seat to another manner of showing how much you care and what a person means to you. This new "wave" in today's economy, is simple - it is creativity and inspiration. If you are handy and can paint, sew, knit, or make things out of wood, then you have a store right there at your fingertips. If, you feel that this just isn't you, maybe you just haven't tried it out for size. Personalizing a gift is by far the more meaningful memento of any occasion. Store bought gifts are appreciated, but they soon find their way onto shelves and into boxes. It is that "special something" in a hand-made gift that stands out and is a source of joy and remembrance for a very long time. Hand-made is and always will be heart-made, but if you are a bit unsure of how to begin, then begin with what you can do. Going to tag sales or yard sales is a great way to "shop" for truly wonderful gifts. Keep in mind the interests and even the favorite colors of the person you are shopping for. When you see an object that "is just so" that person, let your creative mind take over and make it a one of a kind find. Embellishing is a fantastic way to begin "making special gifts." You can glue a picture, use sparkles, ribbons, lace, and even fish lures to create a special occasion treasure. With regard to those fishing lures, if you find an "outdoorsy" box or container, placing fishing lures or other sporting items in this special box, then decorating it to "personalize" it is all it takes to become part of this new way of celebrating. Ideas are everywhere and you can visit scrapbooking or crafting stores for supplies such as glitter, paints, and even emblems, monograms, and even insignias. Enhance your special find to fit the person it is going to, and have fun with it as well. Enrich it so that you make a point of just how special this person is and how great it is to be part of their lives.
Cards have always been "greetings" for special occasions and holidays. It seems that e-cards can be fun, but they are not the type of cards you want to store in a "treasure" box and check out once in a while when life just gets in the way, the way it has a tendency to do. Hand-made cards are not suppose to be difficult and only for the artistically inclined. They are choosing a picture or drawing that "means" something, or is symbolic of the occasion, and adding "your" greetings, your special "words" and feelings. When you use e-cards or store bought cards, some total stranger is making the "wish." If you, no matter your expertise at writing, adds a "memory" such as a special event, or meeting to individualize your card, this just adds more feeling to your "card." Photographs are sure-fire choices and even a favorite poem from a book you both might enjoy or even from a favorite movie or trip. It does not have to be "classical literature." It only has to come from the heart.
Gift wraps and ribbons - now here is a great way to add to the beauty of your gift. Wrapping a gift in a newspaper with the special day's headlines (only if they are uplifting), or even with a place mat from a favorite restaurant is first-rate. Ribbons can be plain that you have "added on" to with stickers, or sparkly add ons. They can be twine, lace trim, braid, yarn, or even a chain made from pine needles (great for that sportsman). The point is you match all the "extras" to the person and their interests, likes, and enjoyments.
People are unique and special - each one different. Gifts should follow suit. A gift from a store shelf will go to a lot of different people, but it is the same item to a myriad of personalities. Therefore, the gift is not highlighting the distinctive qualities of the celebrating person. It is a one size fits all instead of one of a kind delight.
Now is the perfect time to rethink gift-giving. It is the best opportunity to shop with meaning instead of wallet power, and to change your store bought gifts into true special day or holiday memories. It doesn't have to take a lot of time or effort, it just has to take quality time in looking for an item, and the effort of making it one of a kind.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

Today's Economy is a Business Boom

2009-03-29T10:01:00.001-07:00

Money is tight, businesses all over the world are closing their doors and unemployment has hit workers harder now then since the Great Depression. How can this environment be a boom to business? Very simply - if you are the owner, or manager of any business - you can make it work.
There is a quotation by Warren Buffett - It takes 20 years to build a reputation, but only 5 minutes to ruin it. Nothing could be more truthful than this one statement. If your business is based on quality and not quantity, your workers are your source of pride and not only bottom line, and you yourself have a direct hands-on passion for what you do - then recession, depression, or anything in between will be to your advantage.
Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's Hamburgers was another great example of what true business success is all about. His foundation for his restaurants was a combination of hard work, patience, and above all honesty in all dealings. If you, as the owner or manager, have a strong, passionate commitment to what you produce, the people you serve or sell to, and how you will stand behind every product you put out, then you have success guilded in bright letters for your business. As a business person, you know that the there will always be ways to get out of deals and guarantees, but this does and has lead to doors being chained and business dreams being added to the heap that is quickly piling up and known as America's small business enterprises. However, if you change your way of thinking and instead of knowing all the ways to get out of promises, if you never stop finding ways to save deals, commitments, and guarantees, then your front door to the buying public will be open and the fresh air of new business will flow.
Commitment is the very difference that can make or break a small shop, or a large mega-corporation. Everyone has read about the greed of some CEO's, and the fact that while they basked in the security of finances, their workers' pensions and benefits melted away. However, there have been owners and directors who turned the tables on "bad" business and instead made the headlines for sharing corporate profits with workers when things were tough and gave workers not only the monetary benefits but the moral and ego benefits needed to produce the best products and give the best service. You yourself know that being motivated and assured that what you are doing is the best you can do, taking one step further is the sign of success. If you can get this message across to your workers, you have to believe in it yourself and practice it until it is perfect. What is perfection? It is knowing that after you reach this high step, there can always be a step higher. It is never being satisfied with what is perfect, but letting those that work under you to know that you are grateful for this level of success, but together, and this is the key word, together it can be better and better.
In today's economy, doesn't it make sense to reach out to families that are struggling and give them their money's worth in what they purchase from you, as well as the trust that it takes so very long to build up to. If you continue with your quest to make every customer a return customer - then you have the answer to what ails American businesses today. The key that unlocks the chest of success in your business is that you - together with your workers - not your workers alone while you sit back and bask in their output - will keep that cash register ringing when other businesses and their registers sit silently in the dark. If you can turn first time buyers into returning customers, then that is a feather in your cap. If you can turn returning customers into passing the word about your way of doing business, then you have a gold mine. In this gold mine though, you have to pick up that pick and shovel and work just as hard as you are asking your workers to work. You have to pick up that phone and speak the truth to your customers instead of asking your workers to dance around the truth, but never tell it like it really is. If you have trust, and you let it go because of greed, or wanting to cut corners, then you might as well go and buy that chain and padlock from the hardware store that you trust and that you give repeat business to. Irony - you bet - but the type of irony that keeps you motivated and with your heart in the right place.
No body begrudges a business owner a profit, but if that profit is gotten on the backs of people who shell out hard earned money that is becoming harder to come by, then your profit will blow in the wind and disappear with every economic downturn. However, if you assure your customers that you stand behind that widget you sell, the car repair you just completed, and that they are welcome to ask questions and get answers, then clouds disappear and the sun does come out. If your customers can reach you, and not only your workers, then your place at the top of the business heap is ready and waiting for you. If you can't be bothered to talk to a simple customerbecause you are too busy or too important and you leave it up to only your workers, then the heap you find yourself on will not be to your liking.
It is not rocket science to know that your thoughts and endeavors should be in providing buyers with value and trust. Especially in today's hard times, you will be remembered, and the word spread around will not be anywhere close to what is being said about AIG or other "can never fail" businesses that now find themselves with tin cups and asking for bail-outs. Even the car dealers made offers that were good for the bottom line, but did you ever try to get a bad engine replaced even though there was a warranty and that if certain motors were known for certain problems, did any of the Big Three ever offer to make the difference between a sale and a commitment.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

What Color Chemical Are You Having For Dinner Tonight?

2009-03-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

There is a commercial on television in which an actress states that "I have this one life and this one body." While this statement is used to sell a medication, it is a truism in itself.
We live in a world that started out with all the basics - fresh green grass, food that was natural and very organic, and families had to make due and find ways to keep healthy, happy, and fed. While advancements have taken place, they have not all been geared to helping each man, woman, and child to be given the pleasure of knowing that all that they put into their bodies is clean, fresh, and not produced in a laboratory under a microscope. The food supply in the United States has always been abundant, but many mega-corporations needed to find a way to make sure that part of this abundance was in the form of cash into their bank accounts. Chemicals, preservatives, and artificial flavors and colors were produced. Following on this premise, every category of the diet was infiltrated by pseudo products that might have smelled like food, tasted like food, but were a far reach from what food is suppose to be. In addition, if you watch or listen to any commercials in the media, the prescription drug products have exploded and you now are told that you need a pill to take before you eat, after you eat, and just before you settle down to sleep because the food that you ate won't let you rest. When you get up, you are told that you have to take a pill to face the day, take another one just in case you might contract a dreaded disease, and then in the evening, that yellow pill in the box will make sure that you are ready to face your life as parent, wife/husband, or Olympic athlete. We are now finding out that well-known athletestook pills so that they could do their sport, and teen-agers feel that drugs are necessary to face peer pressure and even to understand homework. Adults who should know better, take pills that are a rainbow in themselves and there even has to be a cabinet in the kitchen just for the pill bottles.
If you look back a bit, before the world was "recreated" by chemical companies, food was the source of vitamins, minerals and all that was good for you. Vegetables, fruits, and herbs were the ingredients to health and the good life. But somehow all this got confused in the laboratories across the world. There had to be a better way, or in essence, a more profitable way, to eat. Eating was essential no matter the gender, religion or ethnic background of a person. Food was the one item in the human make-up that was a stable and would be around for as long as humans were around. So in came the laboratory workers and you now have aisles in stores filled with cans, bottles, and boxes with ingredients that you can't pronounce, let alone understand. We stopped eating by the seasons and we wanted fresh fruit and exotic vegetables all twelve months of the year. There was need for instant gratification and meals had to be a trip into the twilight zone, but served in nine courses.
Cancer is more prevalent, illnesses are surpassing the abilities of antibiotics and children are facing a multitude of ailments that were never heard of in the past. People are dying by the numbers, but the numbers that get to see another day face quantity of life because the quality is gone. Food is not food any more. They are chemical formulations and treated products that kill insects and weeds, but are suppose to keep people healthy and thriving.
Do you see anything wrong with this situation? If you are a parent, then the truth of what you are eating or serving to your family must become paramount and important once again. Fast food is becoming a quick trip to heart disease and cancer. Food that looks as fresh as a picture in a magazine is shining because of pesticides and herbicides.
What is the answer to this new problem that has arisen in the grocery aisles across the country? One very potent and true way to make your way through the jungle of preservatives and three letter potent ingredients such as BTH, BTT, etc. is to know your food, where it comes from, who grew it, and even take a hand at growing it yourself. Farmer markets are virtual catalogs of fresh ingredients and chemical-free is guaranteed if you do the gardening yourself. While it may take more time or challenge then you really want to put out, then join with groups, neighbors, and organizations and then share in the work, and in the joy of the harvest. Good food is not dead and gone - it is alive and well and just waiting for people to rediscover its goodness, taste, and health appeal.
If you are tired of being tired, and if the sight of hospitals, nursing facilities, and pictures of children, adults, and the elderly wasting away and science not being able to keep the tide of new diseases and maladies at bay, take matters into your own hands. Put on the gloves and fight back. Gardens can be grown in any area from kitchen windows to twenty acre fields. Cities are volunteering areas to be taken over by community gardens and there are farm stores and co-op stores just brimming with vitamins and minerals all courtesy of the sun and the rain. Even commercial buildings and apartment complexes are heading upward with roof tops gardens. Think about food, plan your menu and then find the solution to ridding your mealtime plans of chemically laden and hazardous to your health products. Read labels and go to libraries for more information. However you tackle this deadly crisis of altered food, it will be to your benefit and to the benefit of those you love. Start today and know that all your efforts will be rewarded and that cabinet in the kitchen with the pill bottles could be put to better use.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

How Do Children Spell Love?

2009-03-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Children are unique in many ways. From crib to college, they are personalities that are as different as the wild flowers in any field. Just like these blooms, they are the golden beauty of the hand that created them, and the graceful delicate notes of a sonnet. They are just beginning and so the freshness of all they see, do, and say are gems that may need a lot of polishing, but underneath there is always the brilliance of precious jewels and stones that only can come from years of absorbing love, care, and nurturing.
It is a very sad fact that over three billion people go to bed hungryin the world every single night. A fact that is much sadder is that over four billion children go to bed hungry for love, attention, and encouragement. While their physical bodies are growing, their need for more than sustenance seems to expand and encompass their entire existence.
Many parents lament the fact that children just don't listen to them. These parents are positive that their knowledge from facing every day life, getting through hurdles in handling situations such as jobs, careers, and money are far beyond the reach of their offspring, but still children just don't hear what a parent is trying to teach them. The truth of the matter is that children do not really care how much you know or just how smart you are until they know and are sure just how much you care about them and love them. They can sense a parent who feels only the need to be a parent, but not someone who a child can turn to, talk to, or even dream with. I am not saying that parents should be "pals" with their children. They are and always will be the parents, the adults in the home, but children want a confidant, a listener, and someone who loves with no strings and no boundaries. They realize that if you don't love them with open arms no matter what they do, you have to love them with bear hugs for who they are and who they are yet to become. Parents may hate and detest an action, but the child should always be the recipient of unconditional love and always to be allowed to start over and move on.
It may only take the parents' time to eat meals together at least a few times a week, or for one parent to walk to the library with a child and just "listen." It can be taking out some books yourself, as the example of your wanting to nurture reading in your child will then be more of a concrete belief than just "words." If you want your child to follow, words may introduce a concept, but actions will culminate the lesson. While driving, if you don't wear a seatbelt, then the message is not "Put on your seat belt", it will be "Choose the law you wish to obey or the one you would like to ignore." Which lesson then is the one that you are trying to convey?
If you as a parent regard your job as a paycheck from week to week, then the directive that is being given to the child is that work is a chore, it is only an economic means of getting what you really want in life, and you must take a job as only "making time." If this is the message, then the sad fact is that a child sees it as a person's outlook on life determining their output into life. If you only do the minimum to get by, then what you put out will reflect this as your goal. However, if your passion for work or hobby is exuberant and worth pursuing, then the child will follow suit and find challenges and problems only bridges to be crossed and setbacks as small hills to be conquered. Makes quite a difference doesn't it?
However you decide to make your child feel loved and special, know that it is not the amount of money you spend on them, or the elaborate ways you try to communicate, because in the long-run, the bottom line is that children will always spell love as T-I-M-E. This time is spent with you, it is time spent in growing and learning, and together with you, they can grow in both body and character, and they can learn ways to reach the stars, but they will need that map and those directions that only come with TIME, because TIME will always translate into LOVE.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

The Power of Profanity

2009-03-27T05:24:00.000-07:00

Everyone has heard it and probably a very large number of individuals have used profanity to make a point in a conversation. Does profanity in the business community have an impact or is it a barometer to just how intelligent a client, manager, or CEO is?
Charles Osgood once made a comment on "words." He said "Compared to the spoken word, a picture is a very pitiful thing." Words can be so powerful that they change the course of history and they can and have brought powerful nations down to their knees. It is the choice of words, whether in social or business situations, that tracks the course of the meeting, the evening, or even just a walk through the park. Have you ever gone to eat with your family to an upscale restaurant and the table next to you - an after business meeting get-together of men/women, or other group of adults, that used language that more than emphasized their laughter and their gestures. Did you leave that restaurant refreshed and grateful that you were privvy to such language? Could you honestly say that the conversation at the next table made your night out memorable? It may have if your vocabulary was built around the premise that the harsher the words, the more authority the speaker commands.
Most individuals who have reached the point of being managers or in places of authority in their chosen fields did not get there because they were well-versed in foul language. They moved up the ladder of success because they had a command of the English language that motivated and moved their staff to productivity and to results. At performance meetings between employers and employees, do you actually think that when the subject of how you would advance the company or bring better workmanship to your department that the use of profanity gave you a better score? Why do colleges and higher institutes of learning have English/ grammar, and even public speaking classes but none have Profanity 101 - a class that will better your chances for success in the business world? Point in case, the more advanced your vocabulary, the better handle you have on expressing your needs with words, the use and need for profanity decreases tremendously because you are in control, you have nothing to hide with vulgarity, and it is more important to you to get your point across in a way that motivates and inspires those you are in charge of, whether that be an assembly line, a sales department, or even a branch office.
Profanity does have its place - in the mouths and on the minds of those whose limits of language is to be pitied not copied. In any business setting, vulgar language is a marker of someone who does not have the capacity to lead, but only to the immature level of not being able to control his/her own temper or outbursts and can only use tactics that are not business worthy. Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

A Quilt In Time

2009-03-26T05:20:00.001-07:00

There is one item that is not only universal in bringing comfort, warmth and security, but it has gone through the test of time and has come out stronger and more versatile. This generation-enduring gift of making cold nights warm, and worrisome tossing and turning into peace and tranquility - it is a quilt.
Throughout history quilts have been made as a necessity, but that turned into works of art as well as gifts that are treasured and passed on from one generation to another. While their simple components are merely pieces of scrap material and thread, they are woven with the personality of the quilt artist into a time machine of past, present and future. If you ever come across quilts that are torn, soiled, and worn, you can't just toss them away. Just looking at them, you can envision the multitude of "chores" they went through, from keeping a family warm when snow and blizzards blew, but they also provided a welcome mat for picnics near the lake with cooling lemonade served while conversations flourished and friendships became forever. Quilts brought beauty to road-ways as they waved in the breeze while hanging on clotheslines in back yards. They sometimes were endowed with pieces of cloth taken from clothing, or from nostalgic fabric used not only to highlight events in someone's life but to bring back the memory with the colors and feel of the fabric. They have become scrapbooks of family ancestry and walls for play houses when children need a place to read and just dream.
Quilts today are more elaborate than in bygone days, but they still are the messengers of "Happy Anniversary" or "Welcome Baby." They bring banners of "Get Well" or "So Sorry for Your Loss". They make a house of wood and mortar into a home that you want to come back to, no matter how your day went. They are always close by when a "chill" enters a room, or a problem needs a bit of deep thinking. They are a one size fits all, but they are one of a kind and unique. Quilts are the ties that bind, and they are the reminder that home is wherever you are,no matter the miles in between. Whether they are simple in design or fit to hang in a museum, they are "quilts," and in living up to what their mission is, they will always hug a child, or bring solace and comfort to the aged. In fact, they are there to lend themselves to whatever "ails" you, but they can also inspire and bring that certain touch to your decor that just can't be explained. Quilts will never become "old", they will just be given to those who follow and intended for those you love.
Whether you make a quilt for yourself or as a token or gift to someone you know or even someone you may never meet, such as a returning veteran or someone in a care facility due to life just being life, they don't need "words" to express feelings - you can just "know" that whoever made this quilt was giving more than their time - they were giving material and thread that was also woven into their hearts and lives. Each quilt is a warm handshake and a bear hug. It can take the heat of a roaring fire on a winter night, but it can cool and refresh when a nap on a summer afternoon is called for.
Quilts have quite a job ahead of them when they are finished by the crafter, but they also have a legacy of love behind them. Quilts have so many personalities that some-times they are hard to categorize. They can be "crazy" and wild and bring a smile, or they can "patchwork" and hold a life story in their borders. They are always "comforters" but "coverlet" sometimes is all that is needed. The words of description are not the important part, but the "giving" power of all that a quilt brings to someone is all that is needed to convey what words can never do justice. If you make quilts, then you are an artist who knows no boundaries, and if you find an antique quilt, then your pot of gold is overflowing. However, if you receive a quilt, then you are loved. Something to think about ©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

Celebrating Easter Beautifully on a Budget

2009-03-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

A headline this morning said that even Easter celebrations are taking a down because of the recession. While money may be tight and jobs are pared down or in short supply, Easter can still be a true celebration - ringing in Spring, putting the Easter Bunny in the spot-light, and making your home the place to be for this honorary day.
If you are like me, mass produced just never made it to my choice for home decor or holiday celebrations. Right now is a great time to go through your attic, basement and garage and hunt up old Easter baskets. You could invite your family members to do the same. You might be surprised when a basket you cherished as a child just might appear again to be used and enjoyed.
Fill your Easter basket with shredded colored paper, such as tissue paper or wrapping paper. In pastel colors, these are more than reasonable in dollar stores and discount stores. If you like to bake, then make rabbit, chicken, or egg shaped cookies that are decorated with royal icing. Fill your basket with these edible delights and while a "few" may disappear on a daily basis, filling them back up should only take a bit of time. Assorted colors of blue, pink, yellow, tan, and purple will brighten any table in your home.
Tag or garage sales are coming alive, and there you can find some very "spring type" fabric and lacy embellishments. Cover pillows in your family room, porch, or living area. They can be as simple as "envelope" type coverings which slip on and off very easily and can be saved from year to year so that when Spring is fast approaching you have pillow covers to blend in with the colors of the season and the Easter holiday.
If you have young people coming to your home for festive entertaining during this time of year, simply take a TV table or other small table and cover it with a fine whitecloth or Easter kitchen terry. Place a tray or large unbreakable platter on top of the covering . Cover the platter with shredded yellow, pink, and light green shredded paper. Using white chocolate, milk chocolate or healthy dark chocolate, take candy molds and fill them with the melted chocolate, cool, and pop them out. Nestle these little bunnies in the "grass" yard you created. Foil covered chocolate Easter eggs, peanut butter eggs, and even sugar cookies made to resemble carrots, and bright Easter eggs can be added to multiply the fun and adventure to your home-made Easter welcome tray. Guests can help themselves as they leave to a goodie or two to take home. With little children, let them pick their favorite after they finish dinner. However, you use this garden of goodies, this will be a token that your guests will remember for years to come.
If you are having an Easter get-together, send your invitations by using "seed" packet envelopes. You can get copies of vintage seed packets on the internet or in the library, in some craft books. Glue the pictures of the seed packets together and form an envelope. Place your invitation inside and hand deliver or mail your invites in pastel colored envelopes that are less than $3.00 for about twenty-five envelopes in a dollar store.
Don't forget to have your digital camera or standard camera ready to take pictures of the Easter Egg hunt in the back yard, the adult egg-toss game, and the fun of your Holiday festivities. After your guests have left, make copies of the pictures and pick up a favorite one for each person at your party. Taking the same vintage pictures of seed packets, glue the picture in the middle, allowing the flowery sides of the pictures to extend about 1/2 to 1", forming a border. Mail these "Thank You For Coming" gifts to family and friends. Keep some for yourself and place these picture perfect Spring items on bookcase shelves, or on the mantel.
When you are serving dinner, place a small-size terra cotta pot that you fill with jelly-beans or even a cloth napkin that you have decorated with sparkles and ribbon. Not only will each place setting items make the table shine with holiday spirit, so will your guests' smiles beam and light up the room.
However you celebrate Easter this year, remember it isn't the amount of money that you spend to make your guests enjoy the day, it is your thoughtfulness and creativity that will make them remember Easter at your house.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

A Very Enjoyable Lesson in Life

2009-03-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

Gardeners are really very sage and knowledgeable people no matter their skill at the past time that they truly enjoy. It seems that life itself is in that warm soil heated by the rays of a brilliant sun and cooled by gentle breezes that relax, yet invigorate, calm yet bring new enthusiasm, and allow the gardener to reach new heights by stooping low and picking even pesky weeds and dead-heading blossoms.
When you head out to your garden area, it really does not matter the acres, yards, or even feet that is yours to maintain. In fact, it could be containers set on your patio, or a table facing the sun lined with pots of your favorite plants - this is your garden space and it is special indeed. While the place, size, and choice of plants is important to you, there are lessons to be learned and messages to be understood and taken to heart.
Gardens are not only stepping stones to life lessons, they are ladders that raise the playing field and allow inner beauty, sensitivity, and creativity to emerge and help bring about bountiful harvests and succulent food, one of life's necessities. Flowers allow you to take in the aroma of spring mornings, and summer delicacies. It is something as simple as taking a petal from a brilliant rose bloom and placing it in waxed paper and using it as a bookmark. This small gesture is thanks to the patch that adds so much charm and elegance to your day to day living, no matter the cir-cumstances or the voices on the evening news. A garden is your space to stop running and truly take the moment to smell the roses.
Some of the lessons that a garden will allow you to learn and experience is the ability to observe and not just look. You can stop and look at an emerald green pepper, or a magical ear of corn, but do you understand the forces that had to come about in order to produce this perfection of nature? Water could not do it alone, nor the sun. The roots that are hidden by the soil are not forgotten by the plant nor would the plant be there if it's past of seed, soil, and growth were not part of its history. Anyone can pass by and "see" the plants as they reach toward the morning sun, but a gardener cannot put aside the mysteries and the awe of what nature and man together can accomplish.
Understanding comes right along with trowel in hand and fingers that carefully pull the weeds but delicately press the soil around a stem. This understanding is that work is not drudgery and can, in its own right, be enjoyable and pleasurable. The gardener truly understands that learning is an on-going process and it never ends with the season. Plans are truly made in heaven and optimism convinces the flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables to give their all. With effort, a dry patch of dirt can be transformed into a living, breathing work of art. Barren is not an option but abundance and overflowing are words that come to life, with a gardener's cup always half full and reaching for more.
If you are gardening for the first time or for the tenth or twentieth season, each page of the calendar year brings new challenges, accomplishments, possibilities, and discoveries. As in life, nothing stays the same and if wind and rain tear down and destroy, the sun, man, and gentle care can cure and rearrange.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

A Shopping Trip You Can Be Proud Of

2009-03-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

More people are turning to gardening this year than in any other year before. Most will rush to nurseries and plant stores and buy up all the plants their cart can haul - but before you do this, if you were planning on such a venture:
Even the best of nurseries will have plants that are just not feeling too well. Even if all you do is pick plants by their "looks", healthy plants should have roots that are white. If it is alright with the shop you are in, gently lift the plant from the container to check out the root system. If the roots are spiraling around each other and they look like a ball of white yarn, they are rootbound and should be left where they are. These types of plants will dry out very quickly and will just suffocate themselves and produce nothing. If the roots are very very dark in color and appear "matted", then the plant has a rotting problem and it is best to pass these by as well. If the soil just literally falls away from the roots and you have nothing but a straggle of roots, then these plants are immature and will most likely not bloom in the season you have available.
Everyone loves to see the "flower" on the plant because it is usually bright and enticing. However, plants that are already blooming are using much more energy to keep that flower intact and are not putting the energy into the root system. Buying plants with "buds" is the very best buy and check out that root system. You will be well rewarded with fantastic blooms and harvest because the "calories" are going where they should and life is good for this plant.
An A-1 plant that is healthy will have a rich green color, it will be growing upright and it will "fit" the pot in which it is kept. Yellow leaves are not a good sign and this could come from too much water, not enough water, or a disease. One major rule is that you never buy plants with yellow leaves in the main body of the plant. Like humans, plants can become stressed for a lot of different reasons, and yellow leaves are the indicator that this plant need a "plant doctor."
If a plant you fall in love with just wants to lean to one side, it is not only tired, but in any breeze or wind in the outdoors, it will be not be able to hold its head up high and drink in all the goodness of the sunshine and the rain. Another indication that all is not too well with your plant is a powdery mildew that appears on the upper side of the leaves and resembles a grayish white powder. Other sightings such as brown, fuzzy spots are a no-no and gray or brown spotting on leaves or flowers is a call to put this one back on the shelve.
It may seem that all of this would makes you think that not too many plants out there are vital and healthy. Not true at all - in fact, try to shop for your plants in several trips. This gives you the amount of time you need to really examine your plant choices and come home with an armful of healthy stock, instead of a car load of plant hospital patients. In fact, if trees and shrubs are in your planning, even if you wait until late summer, sale prices are in full swing and there is more than ample time to plant and enjoy. This applies to herbs as well. They are quick growers except if you start from seed, which will take a while longer. Another quick tip is to ask your discount store what day the plants arrive - then plan on shopping on that day. Discount stores do not have the time to take tender loving care of their plants and they are often neglected. This way, off the truck, and you have the pick of your choice.
It is guaranteed that after your first trip, you will have all of this down pat. If the plant looks healthy, and the roots are healthy, then you are well on your way. Planning and preparing a garden is only the beginning of a very rewarding venture. It is in the harvest that you can proudly say, "I grew that", and you can be rightfully proud.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur

When Greed Grows Up

2009-03-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

It seems in the United States recently, we have seen a rash of examples of what happens when the quest for "more", and the growing, almost gnawing need to have it all, regardless of who it just might belong to, paints a picture of how crime takes greed by the hand until it is all grown-up and on its own two feet.
If you take Mr. Madoff and the irreplaceable trust and life hope that so many people had, you have to realize that it may have started small, then the greed grew until it encompassed what everyone else had and then some. From Mr. Madoff himself, to his wife, and their family, there is no doubt in the mind of the country that they knew and were part of the grab for all that was out there, regardless of the hearts and futures that were trashed and discarded. People lost the homes that they retired in, the money that was suppose to last them until they passed on, and a legacy to their family that would include a sense of beauty and peace as they aged. This was turned over into an ugly, almost unbelievable attempt to take from everyone so that "all" belonged only to the Madoff family. When Mrs. Madaff requested that she remain owner of the homes, as well as the bank account, would she have allowed the "victims" the same courtesy? Could they have kept the property they waited their entire lives for, or the funds that were suppose to insure that they could have a "golden" retirement as has always been the end to the perfect American dream. They did not have a choice, cannot be given back what was taken, and their lives have been altered, never to be what they were, let alone what they should have been because of a life spent working and hoping that there was always greener grass as you advanced in years. Mrs. Madoff fears losing this scenario, as do her sons. Sympathy is not forthcoming because the pain of so many was caused by the overwhelming greed of a handful.
AIG, and the other Wall Street mega corporations have done much the same. They wanted to make sure that they not only led the industry in profits, but that if it all came tumbling down, they could still stand up and watch the sun rise. These company CEO's and their counterparts, who are suppose to be intelligent in their fields of choice, knew that the "bubble" that they perpetrated would eventually burst; however, the flak would come to those who only wanted a taste of the dreams their parents told them about as they grew up, or the vision and lessons about keeping your nose to the grindstone so that you are rewarded in the end. The wrong side got rewarded, and those who struggled will have to continue their struggle. Even those who had no part in the mortgage gamble, or the banking bad-decisions, or they never toyed with other people's money, are faced with factory doors chained and locked, food that should be a guarantee of life has become a challenge to pay for, and leading your children to the land of hope and bright futures, will just have to wait.
The white collar crime of "greed" exceeds anyone's vision of what could happen when a handful of individuals make the concerted effort that all is their's and the rest of the nation will just have to adjust and live a lifestyle they only saw in still pictures of the Great Depression. Mrs. Madoff fears losing her jet-setting daily life, the fact that she not only had one home but several, and the choicest of the choice were hers. It was not enough and the pain will undoubtedly be more stinging and unrelenting because sooner or later the faces of the true "victims" are out there as you walk down the street, or sit in the park. The faces of children cold because their jackets are not adequate, the faces of the parents who come out of motel rooms that are made for two people but now house a family, and worse, the faces of an invisible nation that will find trust hard to come by, and belief in a fair system of capitalism as only a pipe hope. They are all out there and there is no street, state, or section of the U.S. that has risen above the tragedy of crime growing up.
It didn't have to happen, but it did. It might have been prevented, but it wasn't. It should teach everyone a lesson, but the pain stands in the way. However you slice the current economy, the loss of billions through the Madoff scam, being mugged in the park seems like just a walk in that same park. What used to be construed as horrendous in behavior has become "typical" on the evening news. Greed is everywhere you look, and whether you try to step around it, or cross the street to avoid it, it is no longer a child's game. It has reached its power, and it needs to be restrained. There will always be victims and there will always be schemers. The balance is in how a nation takes hold of a very bad situation, and when every single individual realizes that no one is above another, nor are they below each other either. They need to walk side by side, and greed will have to wither and die for there is no place for it to hide. We have seen it's face andtherefore it is hunted and will never find peace.
The nation's perception that there are those "who have" and there are those "who have not" must change. While bank account balances will never be equal, respect for the individual and relinquishing the need to suppress so that a person can rise to new heights, must be eradicated. No person can have it all and no person should have nothing. If Mr. Madoff could have lived in a homeless shelter for one day, would he take homes away from those he did? If Mrs. Madoff found herself with no funds for the evening meal, would she remove the prized entree from the tables of all the investors, and claim it as hers? The examples could go on without end, but the sad reality is that when the crime of greed takes over a person, they are truly unrelenting in acquiring what they could never have on their own merits. They take from everyone because they cannot leave anything for anyone else. The drive must be so rigid that if all is not in their grasp, then no one can have it either. Sad when you ponder how some live this type of life, when power, money, and greed have the freedom to grow up.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

Blueberries are Definitely Keepers

2009-03-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

Personal gardening this year is booming. More and more people are realizing that they can control what additives or chemicals are put into their food supply. Besides the nutritional and health benefits, gardening is just plain fun. The work can be tedious and tiring, but the rewards are in the harvest - you experience a thrill during the "growing" season as your menu plans include "just picked" and couldn't be any fresher fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Home grown flowers adorn your table and even children can pick and enjoy tossing a sun warmed cherry tomato into their mouths, instead of candy or other sugar-laden treats.
There is one fruit that can be grown with a lot of success wherever you might live. In fact, certain varieties can even be grown in containers on a patio, porch, or deck. Blueberries have come into their own because of the beneficial properties they contain. You can find "wild" blueberries in forests and along waysides when you go camping, hiking, or fishing. These are tasty morsels that will get your inspiration headed to pies, tarts, cereal toppers, french toast, etc.
In the local stores, they can run up to $5.00 a pint when the season is early. However, if you freeze your bounty from one year to the next - and they do freeze beautifully - you can feature "blueberries" at your Easter celebrations. If you choose the early or mid-blooming varieties, you will have edible blue-berries quicker, to add to breakfast, dinner, and even picnics.
Blueberries thrive in acidic soil, much like azaleas, and rhododendrons. A quick trick if your soil may not be just perfect, add your used morning coffee grounds to the base of your blueberry plants and you will see them thrive and blossom beautifully. Low bush blueberry plants make excellent and very edible land-scaping plants. They are one of nature's "gorgeous" members - you will be very impressed.
You can purchase your blueberry plants from reliable nurseries or through garden catalogs, but now is the best time to order them. Read the planting instructions carefully, and remember, if you care for your plant, it will last many, many years. They are definitely a "keeper" and will reward your choice with luscious, juicy, deep blue berries that enliven many recipes.
Blueberries are one of the top sources of antioxidants, which are translated into cancer prevention and a reduction in cell damage in your body. It has also been studied as to blueberries being rich sources of anthocyanins that help ward off heart attacks and can even slow macular degeneration. Blueberries contain vitamin C and are about 40 calories for an entire cup of these berries. They taste great, are nature sweetened, and they add lunch bucket enjoyment to carry lunches or even snack choices for car trips and extra energy when you are hiking or walking in your favorite park or forest area.
Blueberries are fun, healthy, and even kids won't turn them down. Fresh off the bush or in a bowl of cereal, you have a berry that delivers what today's families can't find in processed or packaged foods - freshness, easy to grow, and a delight to serve to family and friends.
It's almost blueberry time - what are you waiting for?
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

Today Is Just the Beginning

2009-03-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

It's not a perfect time in history, but it is a "turning" point in life. The situation is world-wide and basically, no matter the country, color, age, or lifestyle, we are all facing a very major change - in some ways for the better.
Here in the United States, we did find out that we don't have to "drive" to the corner for the paper, and that our children can walk to events and school. While saving at the pump, we found a healthy excuse to use our feet and find out just how exhilarating walking with our kids can be. They even enjoyed it which was no surprise. Kids are resilient and they appreciate the "time" not the "method" of getting from here to there.
We now find that the metal box holding the morning newspaper just might become a part of past history as newspapers find readership slowing and advertising money fading away. However, meeting the neighbors and "getting the news" from your area is more pleasant, more personal, and gives you a "heads up" to what is going to affect your area. In the process, you begin to bring together friendships and acquaintances that were "missed" as you sped by with your to-do list in hand every morning.
Now we come to stores closing and major chains locking their doors for the last time. This is sad for the workers but this also eliminates the excuse for that "quick" gift or card that you grabbed, probably never reading it, but knowing it was important only in the fact that you sent it. Not so in today's mindset. Everyone has boxes of "supplies" whether they are sewing, scrapbooking, or just plain a little of this or that. It is a perfect setting for meeting with family, friends, or neighbors and "creating" your own invitations, birthday cards, anniversary remembrances, or even "sunshine" tokens, such as Get Well, and "We are here for you" type of cards. When someone has suffered a major mishap or just let the economy and world situation hit them like a brick wall, going to the mail box and finding a "strange" envelope there is a bright beginning to healing. It is, of course, hand made but so creatively done and signed by the neighborhood, your church, or a group of friends that only knew each other by name but never by heart. Now things are different - meeting for coffee is not "gossip" time but a chance to share and find out how a bit of "give and take" will make children's parties a combined effort and really more fun for the kids. It is welcoming the holidays as "home and family" time and making sure that fun, and togetherness are the active ingredients in your festive undertakings.
It is looking around your home, taking note, and realizing that your pillows on the sofa need a bit of refurbishing and curtain tie-backs that are "seasonal" would give your windows a lift. Don't grab your purse with the charge cards in it, that's a big no-no today. Grab your library card and head out to that impressive building with the walls filled with books. Ideas are between two covers, and pages are just waiting to be turned as innovation and creativity practically grab you by the hand and lead you down a path of "I can do this."
Whether your new found excitement is in gardening (to save on food bills), on sewing (even an apron for when you begin baking again) or scrapbooking (making memories that won't be put on a shelf but in a picture frame or card that will not only highlight an event but give it a lasting, pleasant impression), it is time to use your "natural" resources and make-do, make-new, and make-it-better abilities.
No time is better than now to dust off the cobwebs that may have gathered because "convenience" was easier. It never was quite right and you know it. Hand made or better known as heart-made is the mantra for today and it has so many strings attached to it. There are strings of accomplishment, completion, enjoyment, and togetherness. Not bad for getting up in the morning and realizing that life does go forward and so can you. It is seeing the sunshine and ignoring the storm clouds for a bit. It is looking at your hands and realizing that yes, they are the finest tools this old world ever had - and that yes, you can do it, but you need to get started. Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

Gardening with our Feathered Friends

2009-03-09T04:39:00.001-07:00

It's the time of year when everyone just wants to get outside and enjoy some warm weather. Garden catalogs are filled with colorful pictures of plants, trees, and shrubs. Ideas come from all over for landscaping your land to growing that perfect tomato or fragrant rose. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the many birds that return to your area as they follow the seasons. They make the "outside" more fascinating and they can help you with your gardening chores.
You can have the best of both worlds - a luscious and bountiful garden and a paradise for birds of all species. It may take a bit of extra work, but the rewards, as the saying goes, are priceless.
Hummingbird feeders at both ends of your garden will give you the opportunity to view these tiny creatures as they zoom in and out. So tiny and yet so very busy all day long. If you have a pea trellis in your garden, you will not only attract the hummingbirds because of the white blossoms that are sweet and full of nectar, but other birds will join them. Bluebirds will perch on the trellis and their snack of choice is caterpillars. Their eyes will catch them and they will snatch them up quicker than you can. They get a taste treat and you get rid of some pesty critters.
A compost pile near your garden with attract a myriad of birds that look for bugs. Allowing the "weeds" in your compost pile to grow, especially those that produce seeds will keep the birds healthy and your garden safe as well.
While you may worry about damage from some birds sampling your garden victories, scattering a few "treats" will take care of any worries. Blue jays love peanuts and dropping a few in your garden aisles will satisfy their cravings. If blackbirds or ravens bother your corn stalks, leave some field corn on the outskirts of your garden and that will keep them busy and occupied outside of your garden space.
Other tips to keep birds nearby but your produce safe, use untreated wood for trellis items and wooden cages. Woodpeckers won't peck and other birds prefer trees to test their beaks on. Hallowed out gourds that you grew last year will blend in perfectly in your tomato patch if allowed to hang from a line just above your plants. The gourd will be hidden by the foliage of the plants, and soon the soft sounds of tiny birds will fill the air while you work in your garden. A perching post somewhere in your garden will give birds a perfect place to keep a keen eye over your hard work and eliminate pests for you. These morsels give them the nutrients they need and birds are great workers. They never tire and best of all - you don't have to pay them.
If you have the room in your garden, placing a bird bath in the middle, surrounded by a patch of gravel, sand, or plain soil will allow the birds a bit of relief from the noonday sun and heat, and the sand will keep lice out of their feathers. They are also a bit safer from predators kept out by your garden fence.
After the first hard frost many of us love to "clean up" the garden of the past year's vines, and leaves. If you enjoy birds, don't pull up the plants - this can be done next Spring. Grosbeaks, goldfinches, wrens, and even robins that may stay a bit longer than other birds will enjoy doing the "cleaning" for you. Cardinals, nuthatches, and woodpeckers will also thank you for the winter food supply. Whether it is left over herbs or even a green tomato left in a tomato cage, this will give them food when the snow covers the rest of the land.
Birds, like many of us, are creatures of habit. They know the "good spots" and are just a bit uneasy to try new places. However, they do venture and while they may not flock to your first attempt to attract them, they will find your garden and its added features that you included just for them. After that, you will be on their flight path and will enjoy their beauty, songs, and help for years to come. That's a great way to join with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

Bringing a Bit of Sunshine Into Recession Cooking

2009-03-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

Recession or depression, whatever word you decide to use - it can be daunting to realize that you depended on a whole lot of "quick" foods that may have added dollars to your food budget, but things were better and jobs were not disappearing like snow on a sunlit day. It has happened, and it may continue to happen, but you still have to eat and serve meals to your family or keep yourself nourished if you live alone. It is a matter of economy because medical costs are going through the roof and today it is much cheaper to stay healthy.
Many people are looking to "gardening" as a way to get fresh, and nourishing food with a little bit of elbow grease. Fruits, vegetables and herbs taste "oh so good" when they are just picked and used for dinner. You can't beat the taste of tomatoes that are still warm from the sun, or a cucumber sweet enough to brighten any salad. Adding home-grown basil to dishes gives you a new taste appeal, and parsley will not only dress up your plate, but it is absolutely fantastic fried for a few moments.
You can have a little bit of fun when you do more cooking and that is "dressing" up your family's dinnertime entrees. Even breakfast can be "flowery" when you use candy molds (you can get some great ones at yard sales or tag sales) and press softened butter, margarine, or cream cheese into the mold. Refrigerate to harden, and then pop out your flower, leaf, or whatever design you have chosen. Place a lovely yellow daffodil on top of morning toast and believe me when I say a person's whole day will light up and they will begin their activities with a "sunnier" disposition. It works!
Cherry tomatoes give tomato roses appeal with any meat dish. While all this "creativity" may take a bit more time, you will be the mom who is truly "cool", the neighbor who is asked to help with party plans because of your inspiration, and well, you will look at the anticipating faces at mealtime and know that the job you are doing is rated E for Excellent.
Using a sharp knife, slowly remove the skin of the cherry tomato, starting at the bottom, not the stem end. Remove the skin in one long piece, which forms the petals of your rose. The peel should be about 1/2" in width. The "meat" of the tomato should be inside and start to curl your peel from the bottom, forming a very pleasing red bud rose.
When you serve a sandwich, make a dill pickle fan to dress up the meal. Cut the pickle into slices but do not go completely through. Stop about 1/2" from the end and gently fan out the slices.
Using fruit as a garnish, don't forget that oranges cut in a zigzag mode completely around and through. Gently pull apart and you have two halves of saw-tooth orange beauty to place with a steak or BBQ ribs.
If you serve hot dogs or hamburgers, place the condiments in hollowed out green peppers (use red, yellow, or purple too if they are reasonably priced). Fill these pepper baskets with mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, chopped onions, and tomato salsa. They are colorful and after using, empty the baskets and slice up the peppers. Place in a plastic bag in your refrigerator and use whenever you need some green peppers for fajitas or steak sandwiches. With this one, you win twice.
Taking a cucumber, stripe peel the cucumber (using your vegetable peeler, peel and leave a peel, and peel again and do this completely around your cucumber. Using an ice cream spoon, hollow out the center to remove all the seeds. Using your favorite "filling" such as tuna fish salad, ham salad, etc. spoon the filling into the hollowed out cucumber. Wrap in foil and place in refrigerator for about 30 mins. Just before serving, slice the cucumber into 1/2" slices and place on a bed of lettuce. This salad is very appealing and quite a "treat" for your appetizer choice.
These are just a few examples of using food to make food more interesting, beautiful, and to give every meal a bit of a festive "design". Try your hand at other vegetables and you may just discover how artistic you really are.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur
March, 2009

Making "Good" Out of a "Bad" Economy

2009-03-03T04:33:00.000-08:00

Lifestyles change with every page of newspaper headlines or a new televised report of stocks falling or companies closing. It's sad and for many it is heartbreaking.
There can be a bright side to every sad disheartening tale but they are sometimes hard to find and still harder to take in. One of the best changes that is occuring because of the economy is a turn around to home-cooked meals, more natural food and less chemically laced ingre-dients. It can even include growing your own fruits, herbs, and vegetables. By sharing the knowledge of how foods started with simple seeds can and do turn into fantastic meal entrees and delectable desserts, you and your family have new inroads into healthy and sustainable eating habits.
Holidays are also getting a "change" when it comes to entertaining, gifts, and decorations. Families are finding out that home-made has and always will be heart-made and that something given that is unique, and one of a kind, not manufactured or mass produced will give lasting memories. A meal served simply but with mouth-watering tastes, colors, and textures can surpass an expensive restaurant experience. How many times have we been disappointed with a meal that we thought would take our breath away and instead just took the dollars out of our wallets? It happens and this does not mean that eating out is a no-no. It only represents the fact that you can, with a little effort and planning, prepare feasts when monetary famine rears its ugly head.
Remember that cookbooks and recipes are maps or guidelines for certain dishes. You can and should include your family's favorites when you prepare a meal. If your family prefers corn to artichokes, make the change if it is appropriate for the dish. Improvise and tuck and trim and you will be delighted with the results. If not, and the family gives you the thumbs-down, then you know from this experience that these ingredients just did not go well together. There is nothing wrong in trying because "tried and true" recipes have evolved from many false starts and "maybe" ingredients, until the final result is a passed down to generations "keeper."
Going to garden shows or nurseries as a family, you will find that the kids enjoy the varieties of vegetable plants and flowering treasures and would consider it more "personal" if you let them pick and choose a few varieties. Their interest will be more in tune because they had input and their choice just may be the stellar star of your own garden show.
In home decor, let the children try their hand at decorations from vacations past or tidbits just lying in boxes collecting dust. If you enjoyed a vacation at the seashore a few years back, those shells may be re-invented to be used as curtain tie-backs, or even glued to a vase or tray. Glass balls from a tourist trap, placed in a clear bowl, can be a colorful and eye-catching mantle piece that reflects colors and rainbow accents. A skirt from a spa venture just never fitted right but was just too good to toss. It can now cover a pillow for porch or deck and its new life will bring back memories once again.
It's all a matter of choosing how to deal with down-turns and making sure that they don't turn your life downward. An old saying of "This too shall pass" is a wonderful mantra, but in the meantime, using your creativity and talent, your inspiration and dedication to trying your hand at new ventures, is the right "recipe" for dealing with anything the economy or this life can throw at you.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

Talk Radio - It's Full of Pork

2009-03-02T08:16:00.001-08:00

It may be old-fashioned to think that radio was a form of entertainment in days gone by. Today it has become a way to intimidate, threaten, and rally the troops towards hatred, greed, and retaliation.

Under the Bush administration, it would be considered high treason to say anything demeaning against the President or the Vice President for that matter. We were in war and this would never have been allowed. You would find home-land security on your driveway and the SWAT teams on your roof.

We are still at war, but with the new administration, talk-show hosts are asking the listening public to hope and pray that the current administration fails and that cartoons of racial undertones are funny. Some talk show hosts are telling tales of underground move-ments to take back the country and to counter any move from the Democratic Party.

While freedom of speech is presented as a defense to such verbal abuse, we as a people listen, laugh, and find it enjoyable as we head to work or take the kids to school. Consider, how-ever, that the ride to work is probably short-lived as unemploy-ment nears record numbers, courtesy of a former administration who decided that bombs, and artillery was more important than jobs and schools. Some believe that a war makes a land prosperous. This spoken by a lawmaker on national radio and television.
If war was so good for a country, why are we in this deep
recession with the money problems that we currently have to
endure. We have been at war for well over six years, and with
two wars going on at the same time, why are we not in the lap of
luxury and enjoying a bountiful lifestyle?

This type of scenario is morally sick. War kills and destroys, but those "with vision" made profits from no-bid war contracts, supplying guns and ammo, and giving security companies the right to shoot and kill, at their discretion. As a society, we should have hung our heads in shame, but we did the right thing - we decided that "change" was needed and this came in the form of a new administration.

Legislators like Mr. McConnell from Kentucky and Mr. Boehner from Ohio are loud, and vehement as they denounce not only the ideas, but the periods and commas that they believe were missed in a document. In other words, they would be against Santa Claus if he was part of the new administration. This type of "idealism" is harmful and childish. If no new ideas came from the Republican rule for eight years prior, then what makes any idea unacceptable and to be denounced and to make people believe that such ideas are conceived in the back-rooms of demon terror. Talk radio feels that freedom can allow it to create unrest, unjust assumptions, and personal insults towards anyone and everyone who does not toe the line to a single drum beat.
That single drum beat brought pain at the pump, and Wall Street,
car companies, and banking institutions to come with tin cups and
haggard faces to the very people they enjoyed taking advantage of,
in the first place. What goes around, comes around fits this, don't
you think?

No party has or ever will have all the answers, but at least doors are opened and windows are allowing a breath of fresh air. If there is a source of contention, then speak the words, but do it with civility and honor. Mr. Limbaugh fits into neither of these words, and if he is the new voice of the Republican party, then prayers are in order because our young deserve better and an example of such abusive behavior should not be tolerated by parents or adults.

Talk Radio needs to clean house a bit and to ask everyone to hope that the administration will fail is Unamerican. You cannot be an American and fight any new ideas, methods, or department leaders. It is a very short time since the new Administration began, but the loss of an election is no cause for such bitterness and hatred marketing. They had their chance, they failed, and hopefully, they will change their ways. Public input was ignored, the public was closed out of documents and dealings, and money was given, spent and could not be accounted for. I still remember one prominent Treasury official stating, "How could you keep account of billions of dollars?". The public should ask in return "How could you not?". We are in a dire economic situation and to allow Talk Radio, both male and female to denounce, threaten and intimidate is allowing freedom to be turned into tyranny.

Radio is a wonderful invention and should be used for the purpose of informing, and entertaining. It is not informative to hear "hate" preached and it is not entertaining to be told that there are "underground" groups forming to make sure that this country is taken back - ask yourself what this country would be taken back to - war, secret meetings, shredded documents, kick-backs, profits from devastation and death, prisons that caused torture to smear its ugly tar onto an entire nation of decent, and hard working people. Companies abused money they took for jobs they never performed, Wall Street and the banking industry gave the high-five when they knew that the money bubble would burst but they had already put into place their billions in "perks" and "parties." If you want to take the country back - take it to a time when radio was family-oriented and you did not have to cover the ears of your children when the likes of radio jockeys rode their mouths like spoiled, arrogant children who have no control, morals, or pride. Talk Radio - it's time to grow up and do what Radio was intended for.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

If We Don't Change - We Lose

2009-03-02T05:33:00.001-08:00

Reading the few remaining newspapers that are still printing, getting your news on the internet, or listening to talk radio while in your car - a few ways to find out exactly what is going on in the world around you. We listen but we have a specific agenda in our minds about what really interests us and what will have an impact on our daily lives.
Being part of a world community, sometimes we get so absorbed in our own path that we "hear" what is going on but we really do not take it in or find it something to garner our concern. While every single one of us is human and a citizen of the entire world, so to speak, we usually just meander as to our local, state, and federal news items. If the truth be known, deep inside the recesses of our subconscious mind we have heard about the total and unrelenting abuse of people all over the world by their own governments or by warring factions that want to be their government. Darfur is one example, Mexico is still another, and the Guantanemo abuse story is old news to many of us. However, these atrocities happened, are happening, and while they may not be right there on our doorstep, we can all realize one issue. Cruelty and abhorrent behavior is on the rise and there seems to be no way of stopping it. We are repulsed by the news but we feel helpless and unable to do much about it. The "side effect" of feeling this way is that life loses some of its "special" and important assets, which is one reason why violence thrives and grows.
When a nation cannot feel pity and pain at the death and devastation of people of other ethnic, color, or religious beliefs, then we have given apathy a free reign in our thoughts. This is inherently dangerous to us as individuals and as a society. There is numbness that grows in our hearts and minds and when a child dies from bombs and war, we see it, read it, and it dies somewhere in our soul, because it is not "one of us." Bringing the issue closer to home, we pick and choose our political affiliations and being what they are, when a Republican does what a Democrat just might do but hasn't, they are praised and put up on a pedestal. When it is reversed, the Democrat is verbally stoned and the thought of "tar and feathering" is there but maybe not in so many words. This can be turned around with the Democrat being on top and the Republican battered. It just depends on what side of the aisle you are on.
There is such a very transparent malady that we all see and hear, but many choose not to deal with. We no longer judge issues on their merit, but we decide the outcomes by petty grievances held against a certain party, nationality, or religious sect. We, as a people, have lost our ability to do our homework, regardless of what side we sway towards, and to do what is right because the facts speak for themselves and there is only one right way - the way that will benefit humanity and do the best by those who are suffering. Whether we want to acknowledge Darfur, an Iraqi child killed by misguided rage, or something as close to home as the danger our young people are in. in the battle of drugs and sexual exploitation, we need to stand up as adults, and act as adults. Mexican drug problems have crossed the borders into our country, brutality in violence is astonishing right here and right now, and even harsh outrage against those in our government needs to have the restraints of civility and just actions - not demeaning people of different color, or bank account balances. The rich sometimes feel they have all the answers and they deal with the less fortunate, never knowing what it is like to go to bed hungry or to lose a job and your pride at the same time. They have never experienced it and therefore do not have the right to assert they know the answers. Wall Street cannot take taxpayer dollars and "party" while those who gave stand in long lines for food stamps and unemployment benefits. While their existence is worlds apart from day to day experience, they need to examine, and find solutions that will benefit all and not just a few chosen ones such as their families, relatives, and friends.
The point of all this is that we as human beings need to begin to "walk in someone else's shoes" before we complain that they do not hurt or bind. We need to do less of the "talk the talk" and more of the "lean on me" mind sets. Lately, prominent and highly publicized government officials argue, and denouce each other, no matter the issue. This example to our young is that if you are on one side of the fence, make sure that the rocks and stones you throw are indiscrimately aimed, just so long as they hit a target. It doesn't matter if you know that what the other side is doing is right and is for the good of all, pick up that stick and strike with all your might. In the end, you just might convince yourself right along with all the others you are trying to convince. Power after all is the prize and control is the sought after gold pot at the end of the rainbow.
Civility demands a change in our attitudes, and we must pick our fights against those who kill and brutalize, not those who work toward peaceful negotiations and ways to correct crooked paths. Party affiliations, religious rights, and ethic barriers do not solve problems for the multitide, but they do create a gap that cannot be bridged or water too deep to tread. We were blessed with minds and hearts, and if we don't use them to the best of our abilities, then we have no one to blame when the war comes into our own back yards, and it is our children who learn that "might makes right" and "the bottom line is all that really matters." Those who steal money from others in scams and in bail-outs that were caused by their own greed and inept behavior are thieves and should be treated as such. Rewarding them with perks and allowing them to reside in regal surroundings only teaches everyone that money is the goal and greed is the way to get there. Those who are abusive to children, the elderly or to those who win over them in competitions or campaigns, they are the true "terrorists" and their reign is unacceptable and needs to be overthrown.
Facing issues, using our intelligence, and working so that "all" people live in the best of ways in the best of times is our goal on this planet. There is no color we should see, there is no ethnicity we cannot accept, and there is no religious or party affiliation we can't throw aside and work for unity and freedom. We are not the color of our skin, or the church we were raised in. We are not a government party or a chosen ancestry - we are people and we are "equal" because God did not give up His/Her job just yet. The position is filled and we, while only a small pebble on the beach, we are a vital and vigorous entity that can find solutions and reach across oceans, aisles, and prosperity inequalities. We can, but we have to want to - this is the first step.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur March, 2009

Springtime Hints and Household Helps

2009-02-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

Spring Cleaning is a ritual that most families fear but it always seems to get done. Well, maybe not in Spring but by Labor Day at least.
Here are a few tips that just might help your quest for that squeaky clean house so that you can enjoy the Summer time weather at the beach right along with the rest of the family. These were learned "in the trenches" and worked so they are "tried and true".
Most households keep the cabinet under the sink for cleaning supplies, unless you have little children. Then keeping this cabinet locked is a must, but with older children or no children - glue some wooden clothespins onto the inner door. These can hold sponges, rubber gloves, and window cloths. They don't get moldy because they are not bunched on the bottom floor of the cabinet, and they stay just as fresh as you need them. Talking about soap, most people get dirty digging, clipping, and working outdoors. It you use a soap on a rope technique (it doesn't have to be expensive soap, just use any hand strong soap and attach to a nylon rope), you can make sure that everyone washes their hands right there by your outside faucet. Kids love it because it is washing in a whole different realm and dads love it because their hands are clean before picking up little ones or leaving smudge marks on back doors or screen doors.
Attach a Key Board (home made or bought at a craft store to the "inside" cabinet door right by the door. This keeps the keys out of sight, they are organized, and they are not just thrown on the counter never to be seen when you need them. Most key boards are thin enough not to interfere with shelving inside the cabinet, or you can simply attach it where you have a wider space between shelves.
Mops, brooms, and dustpans are the mainstay of spring cleaning. Little ones can feel like they help, and a bit older chidren can use "children" size cleaning gear much easier than the adult size. In your broom closet or wherever you store cleaning musts, attach a bar about the height of your child on the inside of the door, then attach hooks for a child-size mop, broom, and dustpan or any other "cleaning" wonder that your child might enjoy. They even have little-size vacuums, and for the outside, this works well for shovels, pails, and rakes.
Remember enjoying blowing bubbles when you were small? That iridescent liquid produced those billowing bubbles that kept your attention until they disappeared into another world. If you have very small children, let them join in the fun with the older ones, with your supervision of course. Use a paper clip and form it into a bubble maker just like the regular slze ones that come with the bottles. Pour a bit of bubble liquid into the cap of the bottle and help your little one enjoy petite size bubbles that may soar just as high as the bigger versions of his/her brothers/sisters. It is fun and it is a chance for quality time with your children. Also, bubbles work best on a day after it just rained. It seems the humidity and moistures helps create bigger and better bubbles. Next time you are in a dollar store, buy a spare fly swatter with the hundred little holes. Give this to your older child and let them enjoy a cloud burst of hundreds of bubbles. Pour the liquid into a baking pan and let them place the swatter into the liquid. Different and a real "attention" keeper.
When it comes to craft time, your child finds waiting for the old-standby white craft glue to slowly come to the tip. If you use a plastic two liter bottle and cut it off about 3 inches from the top, you can fit the plastic glue bottle into the top of the cut off bottle and the glue will always be "ready." No more waiting and it doesn't tip over while the "crafting" is taking place.
Hope a few of these tips give you ideas for enjoying more time when you clean, and more fun time with your children.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009

Vintage, Antique - Old Is Today's Gold

2009-02-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

With the change in weather from winter's cold, brutal wind and driving snow, Spring ushers in that longing to go treasure hunting at tag and rummage sales. Churches, towns, and civic groups also feel this tug to begin tossing out winter and bringing in "new." Today, however, "new" does not have to be literally just off the manufacturer's assembly line. New to the savvy home-maker of today means vintage, antique, and gracefully charming items that "breathe" that feeling of "home" and "gracious living."
Something as simple as throw-away windows from Victorian era homes are a "find" that you should grab and run with. They are versatile and can be a part of any room in your home. As the weather brings back sun, and balmy breezes, antique water cans, porch swings, and even garden gates will put your homefront in your neighborhood's Home and Garden Special Places. Even terra cotta flower pots in varying sizes are used not only on porches and "Florida Rooms" but in the kitchen, bathroom and in your craft/sewing room.
If you are fortunate to find leaded glass windows then you have a myriad of possibilities to highlight and delight family and friends. These unique windows are a virtual rainbow in their own right, but added to your home decor they can take the place of painted pictures. Adding a bit of extra charm is if you showcase them with additional "vintage" items such as antique quilt blocks, or even old-fashioned handkerchiefs or table doilies. Check on the web for laundering instructions for delicate needlework or ask a dry cleaning establishment what they would recommend in case you have a "yellowing" of the fabric or any stains on the needlework.
Once you begin the challenge of bringing the "old" into your home, you will begin to realize just how "right" it seems to have these "vintage" items displayed and treasured by today's generations. So when the weather begs you to go outside, check out those flea markets or even architectural "scrap" stores that have the most fascinating door knobs, cabinet hardware, and yes, most assuredly windows and their frames. Consider this a fun way to bring true charm and captivating decorating accents into your home, no matter the style. You won't be disappointed and just think of how proud you will feel when everyone notices and thinks you are truly a decorating genius.
Something to think about
©February, 2009

The Night Gallery of Corporate America and the Banking Industry

2009-02-26T05:21:00.001-08:00

The news just keeps getting "stranger" with each day that passes. Citizens are urged to "make sacrifices" and tighten their belts, and government officials promise that saving the economy will take the work of everyone. It seems that banks and Wall Street feel that they are not part of "everyone."
When a bank such as Northern Trust, or Wells Fargo accepts tax-payer bailout funds, then they have joined the ranks of "everyone." Outrageous expenses on parties, lavish foods, highest priced hotel accomodations, and entertaining that ordinary people just can't afford seems to scream out "We don't care what you do without, because we don't have to do without anything." Northern Trust stated that they did not ask for the bailout funds. I cannot imagine an armored truck pulling up to Northern Trust's door, bandishing weapons and demanding that the safe be opened so that they could pour the billions of dollars into the coffers. It is more of a stretch of the imagination than Night Gallery. If it was a hostage situation where bank CEO's were held against their will and the money stuffed into their pockets by government agents, then I could understand their dilemna. This did not nor has it ever happened. Their open hands took the money and decided that now it was "party time."
If the Obama administration could do one thing while in office, it should be to make it plain, simple, and mandatory that banking and Wall Street "higher ups" do not make fools out of the American taxpayers, and that they share in the misery that they have created. There is a lot of finger pointing, but one thing is for sure. It did not happen overnight, it did not happen since January 20, 2009 when President Obama took office, and it did not happen because of the expertise of these highly educated and valued employees. It happened because of greed, stupidity and down right blatant "me and not you" attitudes. If you did not want the money Northern Trust, then return it, and ask your guests to pay the tab, and not the American people. You could have made corporate contacts at a much less lavish scandal then the one you flaunted in the face of the nation. So if the American people point their fingers, it should be at corporate America and the banking industry. There has never been in the history of America such a significant gap between those who have and those who have not, and especially in those who take and those who have to give. Taxpayers do not have a choice, they have to pay their taxes or face the penalties. Corporate and Banking CEO's do have a choice, as does the automobile industry. If GM buckled down, used common sense and tried to appease its customers instead of its investors, I can assure you that the economy would not be the straits it is now in and it would not be costing in the trillions. It should be the American people who celebrate when greedy corporations, whether Northern Trust, Bank of America, Citi-groups, or Chrysler face the taskmaster and pay up, shut up, or give up their opulent lifestyles. After all, it seems that with the lack of business sense displayed so far, there is a lack of education and quality among the CEO's of this nation. It is time to start cleaning house and dispose of the "malfunctioning", broken, and inadequate leadership in the business world. If they were in the private sector, they would be the first to be let go for inefficiency, non-productivity, and corporate theft. They stole the peace of mind, and the lifestyle of the everyday tax paying man, and woman and should be dealth with swiftly and forcefully. An uncontrolled child is disciplined and an uncontrolled adult is just not acceptable.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009

Easter Brunch-Celebration That Is "Egg cellent"

2009-02-26T04:39:00.001-08:00

Easter is the welcome banner of Spring. Whether you decide to have a delightful breakfast served after church services or a formal sit-down dinner with your best silverware, china, and linens, there is another option to consider. Brunch showcases an informality of morning taste treats with the sumptious offerings of dinner. On such a special occasion such as Easter, foods are presented in silver casserole trays and the table is sparkling with daffodils and tulips, as well as baskets overflowing with creative colored eggs and bunny cookies.
As you go through your recipe files, look for some do ahead dishes that will allow you more variety at a slower pace on Easter Day. Serving a variety of hot and cold foods is sure to please the food choices of everyone who shares your Easter Brunch.
Condiments such as butter, jams and cream cheese should be chilled in their serving dishes so that the frosty goodness melts on toast, muffins and Easter breads. Peach muffins topped with brown sugar and pecans tantalize your guests from baskets set around such entrees as scrambled eggs or ham and swiss strudel. Succulent roast beef carved into thin slices will literally melt in sheer goodness or let your guests taste the traditional leg of lamb seasoned to perfection with just a hint of garlic and lemon.
Asparagus, while simple to prepare, makes brunch a true Springtime event. Glazed bacon strips are a reminder of childhood "candy" treats and tart shells brimming with the first strawberries of the season fan across a cool, creamy custard filling. Add a mint leave and you have eye appeal and taste satisfaction.
The aroma of baked ham slightly sweet with warm juices running down each slice stands next to a colorful bowl of buttered carrots with a green accent of chives, highlighting all the pastels that Easter represents. French toast sticks bring the young and young at heart together and chocolate chip coffee cake just begs for a smooth, hot and delicious cup of coffee.
Serving breakfast fare and dinner specials allows everyone to pick and choose, find new favorites and renew past memories of fantastic food, great companion-ship, and the wondrous opulent colors of Easter. Don't forget the camera for those scrapbook additions of family and celebration photos.
Enjoy Easter in all its delights with family and friends and know that all your ventures into culinary land will finish up "eggs cellent".
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009

Easter Eggs and Mother Earth

2009-02-25T05:42:00.000-08:00

When Easter time comes rolling around, everyone enjoys the tradition of coloring eggs. Hard boiling eggs and then using your artistic touch is not only fun but can be a true learning experience for younger members of your family and their friends.
Waste not - want not is true even when coloring eggs for the Easter Basket. Scraps of food that you would otherwise just toss can and do produce some of the brilliant hues that make you "Ah" when placed in a basket for a centerpiece on the tableor as part of your mealtime plans.
The deepness of the colors depend on your preferences and if you enjoy mixing and matching, then using rubber bands around the eggs, or wax will allow for that decorative touch that we all have hidden in our "creativity" file right there next to "holidays are special". These files while hidden deep in our minds do come out once in a while and when they do, beauty and elegance as well as remarkable can be used to describe our efforts.
In the "purple" family - ordinary bottled grape juice is a "natural". For lavender, a shorter soaking period will produce this "spring" color, while a deeper shade comes with prolonged "soaking." While red onions have red skins, they do produce the color red, but also shades of violet and deep blues. Using pomegranate juiceis an interesting and tasty way to get shades of ruby. Remember to boil any "natural" coloring in water and allow it to cool. This brings out the "artistic" qualities of the natural products.
For brown or tan, try using dill seeds and if you like brown with a touch of orange then chili powder will give you that effect. Yellow which is a very popular color for Spring can be obtained with orange and lemon peels and you also get the aroma of these two citrus fruits which makes your whole kitchen smell like a breath of fresh air.
Deep brown or true chocolate brown - strong coffee and if you use instant coffee then vary the amount to reach the intensity you like. Orange comes with yellow onion skins and pink shines through with beet juice (and you have a vegetable for dinner) or use cranberry juice. In any of these products use only the "juice" and remove any solids from your bowl before placing the eggs in them.
Green is bright and can be obtained by using spinach leaves and a lighter lime green or yellow/green comes with apple peels, especially the Delicious variety.
Coloring eggs is not hard - it is well worth the extra effort and you can experiment on your own. While cooking vegetables or using a spice that your family enjoys, note the colors that it produces and try them with your egg coloring venture. It is all natural, with no chemicals or preservatives and it is time well spent. Imagine the truly stunning baskets you can create as well as watch the smiles if you use eggs as place setting "extras."
However you use Easter eggs, enjoy the moment, and enjoy the experience. Your creativity will bloom just like the lilies and tulips that are part and parcel of this Holiday.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February 25, 2009

Gardening - A History of Love and Life

2009-02-24T04:35:00.000-08:00

When warm breezes blow and the sun shines on more days than not, it is time to begin the task of preparing and getting a garden together. It might just be a small plot, a container garden on a patio or porch, or several acres if you are so blessed. Whatever the space available, it is one of the most enjoyable, and healthiest pasttimes around. There is actually something "spiritual" about a handful of soil and a seed - each attending to a task of producting fantastic blooms of color and aroma, crisp and tasty vegetables and fruits, and herbs to tantalize and set any dish to higher standards.
Many who garden also enjoy scrapbooking or crafting. These ventures can be joined together and you can have the best of all worlds right there at your fingertips. If you garden with children, then the sense of unity, ancestry, and shared quality time is priceless. Many years ago, I visited a garden that gave me an incentive to try my hand at "naming" the wondrous flowers and succulent vegetables that I grew. While the packages of seeds already come with names, they really had no meaning to me or to anyone I gave the "Grand Tour" of my garden plot to. It just seemed like the perfect melting together of personal history and gardening success. Scrapbooking supplies provide the material for some fantastic yard signs at the end of a row of peas, or green peppers. They also can decorate a rose garden or a planter filled with fragrant flowers and set on a porch just outside the entry way of a house. These "markers" can give a hint of fun and laughter or a sentimental reminder of those we love and cherish. If roses were Grandpa's favorite gardening pursuit, then a small sign highlighting his love of tea roses can give him the honor of having his name on a banner proclaiming to all that he did have a hand in keeping the tradition of sachet scents greeting visitors to his home a while back. So "Grandpa Mike's American Beauty Roses" is a tribute, and one that will bring back fond memories as you work in the garden or just admire the unbelievable floral treasures that are yours in the height of summer. In the vegetable garden, cherry tomatoes are a quick snack and a very tasty treat as you well remember when you visited Aunt Betty's house for a Fourth of July picnic. So a garden sign giving her the "honor" of Aunt Betty's Red Ruby Tomato Gems will make you smile every time you pop one in your mouth delighting in the warmth from the sun and the "splash" of juice and tomato goodness with just one bite. There could be signposts for your best friend who lives miles away (Sherry's Green Goddess Green Peppers) or for a friend who always makes the best pies (Lydia's Azure Blue Blueberries).
This is not only a whole lot of fun, it makes your daily gardening chores a trip into friendship and family. It allows small children to relate to being part of the success and accomplishment of family and friends, who they may never have met, but whose lives they can now touch through something as simple as a garden signpost. A venture like this combines gardening with crafting and scrapbooking and those photographs of your child standing in a patch of Uncle Harvey's Candy Sweet Strawberries is another contribution from the garden.
So using your imagination and creativity just got a bit more "personal" but a whole lot more fun - now that's a harvest of some very good things all put together.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2008

Automakers and Their Crocodile Tears

2009-02-20T05:21:00.000-08:00

The American Dream - remember we were suppose to have a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage. This was the mantra of the nation and it was a good thought. It came with its share of problems but none to compare with the night-mare that is hovering over American soil.
The carmakers - Chrysler, GM and Ford - are working hard and burning that midnight oil. They have come up with a solution and it involves asking for about $20 billion more in bail-out money, but there is a string attached that they are hoping the American public doesn't see, or doesn't care about.
That bail-out money program still involves laying off thousands of workers. The money part is fine with them but what they don't want you to consider is that - you the taxpayer - will be handing over more money from your own unemployment checks to their unemployed workers through taxes. If the truth be known, while the nation "supports" the layed off auto workers, gives them food stamps and government assistance for their children, the car makers are taking that "pot of gold" in the form of billions of dollars and riding off in that "just off the assembly line" vehicle right into the sunset. This makes for quite a fairy tale - unless you read between the lines and realize that once again the American people are the "knights in shining armor" - only the armor is green and the metal for the armor is rusting quickly.
The auto makers had time to work up a "plan." If this is all they can come up with - we will take the billions in dollars, lay off thousands of workers and put them on the mercy of unemployment and taxpayer dollars, shut down a few plants and sell off some "models." This sounds like a plan right out of a mentally dysfunctional mind-set.
How nice of Detroit to "agree" to take your money, give you a whole bunch of people to take care of with more dollars, and then they feel that they have written up a very successful, workable program for future growth. President Obama has put into law the stimulus package to "create" jobs, Detroit, not add to the rolls of the unemployed. Maybe the American taxpayer just speaks a different language than GM or Chrysler. If you take a bail-out, exactly who and what are you "saving." It can't be the hard-earned money of the American tax-payer and it can't be lowering those tear-jerking unemployment numbers because you have just agreed to raise that number - oops, we were not suppose to figure this out.
If we want to live in fairy-lands and make-believe, then collectively the American tax-payers should allow the auto makers to file bankruptcy, get some restructuring guidelines and tutoring, and keep their workers working, and their bottom line exactly where it should be - at the bottom of the golden bowl that holds billions of dollars of wasted money on CEO's who don't have a clue, but know where the best resorts are, and the finest restaurants. After all, you have to spend that money wisely and how better to spend it then on yourselves and your families.
It should not be allowed to let the car makers do a literal double-take on the citizens of this country. You cannot, Detroit, have your cake and eat it too. If you take the money, then the workers stay. If you can't handle that scenario then obviously you are in dire straits, and need government overseers to go behind your fancy desks and into those file cabinets that hold your resumes. Polish them up and begin to wear comfortable shoes - you will need then when you stand in the unemployment lines and feel the "heat" of your bad leadership. However, why do I get the feeling that your lifestyles won't change and while you may not come flying in a corporate jet, you are leaving on a "gravy" train right back to the status quo.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February 20, 2009

Bottom Line is the Reason

2009-02-20T04:31:00.000-08:00

Many corporations have decided to shackle and chain their factories and workplaces here in the United States. The reason is that they can find cheaper labor as well as supplies in foreign nations. They employ thousands of workers, who work from sun-rise to sundown and they feel that they are being very "patriotic."They can bring their "goods" back to the States and sell them at a cheaper price to the American public.
All this sounds like a win-win situation - the company is happy counting its profits, and workers are employed and working very diligently because they are putting food on the table at home and a roof over the heads of those they care about. There is one item that these corporate CEO's forget to mention, even though they proudly broadcast their accomplishments on radio and TV. They have, by their actions, cheated literally millions of workers out of jobs here in the U.S. These workers are being cared for by the U.S. government through unemployment, foods shares, and other governmental benefits. The cost is turned over to the American people who cannot count the money in their wallets, because there isn't any in there. These American taxpayers can then go out and happily buy the brands from those very thoughtful CEO's who allow their products to be sent back to the country that they tossed aside so that their "bottom line" gave these corporate giants a nice home, the best in food and medical coverage, and those restful vacations.
The managers of these outsourced establishments can't understand why people here in the U.S. are angry. Their products bear the same brand name, but only the label is different. It does not say "Made in the U.S." but it does boldly proclaim in which foreign country it was made. Then these same "bottom line" watchdogs want the American people to pluck down their unemployment check monies to buy these products and wear them proudly, further advertising the "brand" so that more corporate profits can flow overseas so that expansion is possible and "raises" just may be in the offing for these workers.
With the current economic conditions here in the U.S. isn't it time that the American workers who stand in long lines waiting to see if there is any work for them this day to voice their collective voices and say "Good bye" and "Wish you well" and walk away from the counters that carry the goods that took away their livelihood, the food from the mouths of their children, and the fear of having no medical insurance just in case. Now this sounds more like a win-win situation to me. The out-sourcing companies still have their factories overseas, they have a bottom line, and they can now look for ways to market their products to the workers that work for them. After all, isn't this just being fair?
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009

It's Green, It's Spring, and It's St. Patrick's Day

2009-02-20T03:55:00.000-08:00

It's Green, It's Spring, and It's St. Patrick's Day
by: Arleen M. Kaptur
The color green is the in-color for maintaining our planet in the best condition we can for future generations. Those who experience winter, snow, and below zero weather can now turn to thoughts of Spring. It is also the feast day of St. Patrick - whether you are Irish really doesn't matter. It is a great day to celebrate, share, and maybe even find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
The traditional foods are corned beef and cabbage, served with potatoes. The colors are green and gold for table decor and for fun - you can serve Blarneystone cakes (cupcakes tinted with green food coloring and covered with tinted coconut and frosting) and wish everyone the joy of finding their own rainbows in life as well as that pot of gold filled with coins and treasures.
Legend has it that if you serve Irish Soda Bread, the "X" that is cut into the bread before it is baked was to ward off evil spirits. More luck and good wishes on this special day.
If you really want to impress family and friends your table linens should be green or gold, mixed or matched or checked if you like and sprinkle some gold foil-covered "coins" on the table. For your menu, serving glazed carrots which can be the "gold" in your meal plan along with spicy so tender corned beef and cabbage. Potatoes are a staple for St. Pat's Day as is Irish Coffee for the adults, and lime punch for the kiddies. Serve hot pastrami dip with bread cut into shamrock shapes to begin the festivities as your guests arrive. Every meal needs bread so cut bread into the shape of a horseshoe, spread with your favorite butter mixture and broil just until golden brown. For dessert, try pistachio pudding topped with chocolate "good luck rainbows". Place melted chocolate into a plastic bag, cut a corner off and pipe the mixture in the shape of a pot with a rainbow onto waxed paper. Chill thoroughly, top your pudding dishes and fill in the rainbow with colored frostings of bright colors.
It's not a lot of work but it does make St. Patrick's Day extra special, reminds everyone of how "green" is the way to go and that friendship and caring for each other is the best "luck" you can find in today's topsy turvy world.
Somethig to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February 19, 2009

The Lucrative Business of Fiscal Responsibility

2009-02-19T05:08:00.001-08:00

Sarah Palin ran for Vice President on the premise that she was "fiscally responsible" This in light of the fact that she charged for staying at her home in Wasilla instead of in the capital of Juneau. Her children's hotel rooms and meals were charged as well as other "incidentals" that are now amounting to tax due bills of $18,000 plus. This is just one example of how the fiscally responsible get their nest eggs, while the "ordinary Plumber Joe's" are losing their jobs, shopping with food stamps, and foregoing health in-surance so they have gas in their cars to look for work.
Several of Obama's nominees for office conveniently "forgot" or simply "did not understand" the rules of filing taxes both for personal and business profits. This makes a person wonder why they never forget to pick up their paychecks or flaunt their wealth with vacations, limos, and other "perks" that the system offers only to those who are "fiscallyresponsible".
Tom Daschle should have known better because he tried to be "fiscally responsible" for the health care of millions of senior citizens. He simply told them that they should "understand they are not as young as they used to be." While this truism is one that no one really wants to hear, maybe his memory was slipping a bit as well, because he "forgot" that the limo and driver were no longer his to use as he wished, but then that was simply an "error" and never intended to hurt anyone.
If you work for GM or one of the other car companies, you just may lose your job, pay more for health coverage, or have unpaid leave. This all in light of the fact that Oops - the first "beggars" came to Washington in private jets where they sat in luxury while they wined and dined until they appeared before Congress contrite and "fiscally responsible". They tried and isn't that all that is asked of CEO's of Wall Street and banking insitutions. Remember that if you work hard at being "fiscally wealthy" you deserve vacations, now labeled "awards" in Mexico, Greece, etc. How conveniently they "forget" about those who buy their cars and support their luxury lifestyles while foregoing the basics for themselves and their families.
In today's government halls of justice, being "fiscally responsible" is just a very polite word for trying to beat the system and lining your pockets with taxpayer money so that if push comes to shove, you can ride off into the sunset on that white horse with boots blazing and that air-conditioned limo waiting at the end of your ride.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009

Schoolyard Bullying in Today's Workplace

2009-02-19T04:06:00.000-08:00

Schoolyard Bullying in Today's Workplace
by: Arleen M. Kaptur

In today's economy, corporate CEO's and upper management personnel are under scrutiny more than they have ever been. This leads to behavior that is growing more and more violent as bottom lines are not met and sales are dim. The other side of the coin is that workers are exposed to more unfair practices and workplace harassment because, in essence, they tolerate such behavior because of fear of loss of employment and their pay checks.

From the top echelons in companies to branch managers and departmental staff, "bullying" has become a way to vent frustration and uncertainty. This can be compared to "school-yard" bullying but an adult version of this travesty. Common respect has been laid aside and excuses such as "It was just a joke" or "It was just harmless fun" are seeing no sympathy in court systems around the U.S.

Harassment is more than sexual in today's workplace. It involves physical, emotional and mental intimidation as well. Actions such as constant humiliation, a barrage of petty criticisms, relentless insults and sarcasm constitute unhealthy environments for any worker. Managers vent out business, family, and personal agitations because of money problems, and responsibilities. Workers, in turn, face a new threat in the workplace - abuse that centers on cruelty and a lack of respect. In the past, workers would never allow themselves to be on the receiving end of bad behavior by those who are "above" them in the corporate structures. Branch managers violent privacy rights of the worker by showing a more aggressive approach to insulting and "cutting down" those they are hired to motivate and direct. When a worker is humiliated in front of fellow workers, some feel it is "open territory" to continue the actions of their supervisor by further insulting or using non stop verbal abuse toward the one that has been targeted by "those in charge." This leads to further violations of workplace ethics. There are company polices that deal with issues of "privacy" and "harassment" but in some places they are ignored and used as bait to demean and hurt so that the person doing the actions feels better at the end of the day. This is a form of mental unbalance which believes that if you vent out your personal frustrations onto another person who is forced to deal with your bad behavior because of financial issues, then you are better for it and can go home and face life in a better mood - not so. You will still carry with you the bad character traits that make you believe in such nonsense to begin with. Respect is not a given - it must be earned and while you were hired for your expertise in a certain field, people skills were a part of your job description. You cannot motivate individuals if you carry on with a barrage of insults and remarks that in a barroom would cause you to get "your act together" before someone does it for you.

There are avenues for workers to take when a manager causes them distressin any form - sexual, mental, emotional or physical. Going to company headquarters and documenting the actions of those in charge is just a start. Companies should have policies in place to deal with such issues and investigations should be discreet and meaningful. If companies lack in these requirements of labor law, then the federal Department of Labor has the means to deal with such travesties. Intimidation has cost businesses in fines and awards that are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and in some cases in the millions. They lead to such actions as dismissal, and mandatory counseling or anger management which puts a black mark on any future job possibilities for those who dish out bad behavior. Attorneys specializing in such actions have had unprecedented success against companies whose management have behaved in dangerous and unacceptable conduct.

If you are a victim, keeping notes of names, places, times, and remarks or actions taken is vital. Remember that if you take matters into your own hands, however, you will also lose in the end. Allow the agencies that specialize in such occurrences to handle the issues for you and let them reach an amicable and fair conclusion. You do not have to take taunts and humiliation in today's workplace, no matter the economic climate your company may find itself in. You do have rights and there are remedies, but only if you allow those who are trained to deal in such issues to do what they are hired to do - protect workers from unfair managerial staff. As you can see by today's headlines, even CEO's find themselves under fire.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009

Bipartisanship is the New Government Word

2009-02-19T04:01:00.001-08:00

Bipartisanship has become a very popular word in not only federal government but local as well. It seems that the concept behind this word is something new and that no government entity really believes in its existence. Now, everyone wants it but they don't want it if they are not "in charge" and it doesn't go their way.

In the Halls of the U.S. Congress and Senate, the GOP side of the hall want bipartisanship, but not unless the words, concepts, and ideas are all theirs. If the Democrats, which are the majority at this time have input, then it is denounced, criticized and scrutinized. Bipartisanship to the Republican party is not voting for or being part of anything that is or has a Democratic stamp on it. You have to wonder where the logic is even as far as the stimulus package is concerned. They demanded more tax cuts and the top echelons in business to be allowed to operate, and continue on with their jobs. While nobody is perfect, least of all any government official, what did not work for eight very long years is destined not to work when the walls of Jericho are tumbling down. Tax cuts are fine when you have a job, but when unemployment, food share stamps, and living in a tent in a park are what you face, then tax cuts have no meaning whatsoever to you or those you love.Tax cuts are beneficial when you have enough income to put into the taxation system, but when you are on government programs in order to survive daily, then a tax cut is of no value. With the hundreds of thousands that are collecting unemployment, they are not impressed with tax cuts. The Senators and Congresspeople are because they have jobs and tax cuts means they can keep more of their salaries.

Health care is never affordable when you don't have a way to pay for it, and labeling any health coverage except the status quo as socialism is using the English language to your private selfish goals. A Washington government official bypasses emergency room waiting rooms and is escorted and treated to the best the medical world can offer. Private medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare gives you the privilege of sitting for literally hours with assorted other sick patients in hospital and doctor waiting rooms. Yes, some serve coffee but when you are ill and only want to lie down and be treated, then our health care system literally "sucks."

Hidden pork and pet projects were denounced over and over again as filling the pages of the Stimulus Bill. A very tanned and lately loud advocate of the Republican side of the aisle stated that not one Democrat read the 1100 plus pages of the bill. He never stated how many Republicans read it cover to cover but still they found literally untold number of pages filled with "pork." Being pressured to name the pages and sections, he not only declined but ignored the request. The GOP was also very vocal and proud that they did not go along with the stimulus bill, but in essence, they would have preferred to let their constituents beg, steal, and borrow whatever conveniences they can come across because lucrative pay checks, benefits and perks are not made available to them, as they are to our highly paid and rewarded government officials. There is an irony in the halls of our government - why are they all, each and every one of them, above the million dollar in assets group of the population with the luxury of raiding the tax dollars as they so choose. Do you see something wrong with this picture? I do, and I'm sure that the "chosen few" certainly do not want too many people to be aware of this scenario. Imagine not tacking on high priced lunches to your tab graciously paid for by none other than those laid-off workers who are standing in long lines waiting for those meaningless tax breaks.

By all means, the stimulus package is not perfect, nor was the last eight years of government far from the stellar existence that the Republican Party seems to broadcast as being Nirvana. It wasn't and its time to move on.

The Republican Party should embrace bipartisanship and stop carrying on like spoiled children whose lap of luxury just might go down the tubes, right along with the highest gas prices in history, and banks and CEO's so used to billions when their job performance only echoes dollars and cents. When the limo rides with hired drivers are taken away, and those expensive tanning sessions, haircuts, and designer clothes are removed, don't they look like every one of their constituents? I don't see "royal" engraved on any forehead but only "human" I thought we were equal under the only judge that really matters but maybe things have changed and the well-heeled have an inside track to grace and merit.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009

Springtime Is Just Around the Corner

2009-02-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

About mid-February, everyone starts thinking about spring -

warm breezes, flowers beginning to blossom for Easter table

centerpieces, and all the scents of nature coming to life.

Surprise your table with this "springtime" basket when your salad

course comes to your mealtime plans. Fit two lettuce cups together.

Fill with tossed salad of your choice and use split green pepper rings

for the handles. Top with dressing or serve the dressing on the side,

depending on your family's preferences. Top with a bit of shredded

cheese. Trim with some springy "marigolds" - just notch thin slices

of carrots - and you have a really wonderful fresh touch to take you

and your family from the winter doldrums to springtime freshness.

Another way to bring a brand new season to your table is to serve

Sunshine Fresh Fruit Baskets - somehow baskets and spring just go

together perfectly.

Slice top from a large orange. With paring knife, remove orange sections

and any white membranes as these may be bitter. Combine orange

sections with banana slices, strawberry halves, blueberries, raspberries,

or whatever fruit you may enjoy. Refill orange shell with your fruit

choices and sprinkle some chilled ginger ale over the fruit. Trim with

mint sprigs and be ready for wonderful thoughts of springtime knowing

that your recipe is not only very pleasant to look at but is healthy, and

tasty.

When dessert time rolls around, try our Winter is Over dessert idea.

Start with 1 pkg. (8 ozs.) cream cheese softened, 3/4 cup confectioner's

sugar, 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 cup whipping cream, 2 quarts fresh

berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Blackberries

work well too, 1 carton (8 ozs.) frozen whipped topping, thawed.

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually

add the cream; beating until thick. Spoon mixture into 10 mounds on a

waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Using the back of a spoon, shape into

3" cups. Freeze overnight.

To serve - just fill each cup with fruit and garnish with whipped topping

and chocolate curls. Aw, the luscious fruits and cream, made for a royal

meal indeed.

However you decide to start celebrating the "change in seasons" have fun

and enjoy what nature begins to tempt you with and you will have the

ingredients for some of the best meals available.

©Arleen M. Kaptur

February, 2008