Stink Bugs, Bed Bugs, Silverfish... Oh my!

Just when you thought you heard everything about nasty bugs invading your home and luggage, instead of dealing with bed bugs, now we have to switch our attention to Stink Bugs.  Nasty creatures that leave behind a fragrance reminiscent of skunks in the wild.

New Jersey, Pensilvania and Maryland have been recently invaded by these nasty creatures.  Stink bugs are native to Asia but are finding their way to the USA and Canada through fresh food imports.

Stink Bugs look like large armored bugs, they feed on fresh fruits.  Bed Bugs on the other hand like to feed on people's blood while they sleep nad travel on people's clothes and lugagge while bed bugs simply fly and travel on plant leaves.

There are natural remedies for bed bugs that will make pesticides unnecessary if treated properly.

"There are many types of bed bugs and the type of pesticides used to getting rid of them is dependent on the type of species found in the household.  While most people will panic and call an exterminator, there are some natural remedies that are non-toxic and will eliminate current infestations while preventing new ones.  However, be aware that a severe infestation may be beyond any natural remedy and pesticides may be necessary to rid a home that has been infected beyond the capabilities of natural methods..." Read the rest of the article for free here.

Silverfish is another story but these creatures too are prone to find human household a delight for their feeding purposes.  They love glue, flour, cereal, grains, and your beloved books and bookshelves.

"Silverfish is a wingless insect that resembles a fish both in looks and movements. Silverfish is a blue color pest that will destroy books and fabrics in record time if given enough time to reproduce and have a free-reign around the home.

It is important to know what attracts Silverfish in order to prevent recurring infestations and systematically eliminate their presence from the home.

Silverfish is attracted to the glue found in books, natural fibers containing cotton, silk and some blends or artificial fibers.  Silverfish thrives in humid and warm areas.  The most common locations of infestation are basements, under sinks, attics, pantries, bookshelves and water heaters. ."  Read the rest of the article for free here.

Stewart and Colbert

Not to be outdone in the hilarity department,Stephen Colbert, the founder and king of The Colbert Nation announced his march "to keep fear alive" on Washington DC on 10.30.10.  This is the response to John Stewart's "Rally To Restore Sanity" on the same date.  Dueling events on the same day may make for a much needed comedic relief in a very stressed Nation. 

Both shows had kept the blogspere buzzing with excitement.  Tweeter has been abuzz with comments as the show was developing with the anticipation of the announcements. 

Some concerns were raised as to whether this comedy team will overshadow the earlier, and far more serious, event that is scheduled to take place on 10.02.10.  Ed Schultz, an outspoken champion for the working class will be holding this event on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  The rally is aptly named "One Nation March", it is scheduled to start at 12:00pm and end around 4:00pm.

 
What is the purpose of the "One Nation" march? (click on title to be taken to the site)

"The march aims to bring working people, young people, retirees, civil rights activists and many others together on the Mall to show the obstructionists in Congress that we are many and diverse, strong and that united-and we will fight together for the American Dream.


Many of our unions are already committed to work as a part of ONE NATION. The unions of the AFL-CIO proudly join this coalition and pledge to work collectively to add our support to this great effort. "

Those who wish to add their voices to the serious efforts to bring this country together in order to save American jobs, restore unity and move forward in rebuilding our country should attend the ONE NATION march in DC if they are able. 

For comedy relief, a second trip to our Nation's Capitol at the end of October is highly recommended.

Schools Requiring Parental Approval For Their Children To Listen To Our President

The same ploy was tried last year and failed miserably. Namely because it was so far fetched that made rational thinkers feel sorry for those who were so obviously disconnected from reality. Unfortunately, this year we have lost our sense of humor and are truly concerned that the stranglehold vested interests and multi-national corporations has had on our government is chocking the living day lights of our humble citizens.

You know who they are, they are our parents and grandparents who have found a way out of their lonely existence by joining in with others in the repetitive chant of "taking back our government" and "keep the government out of my life".

Has anyone explained to these people that the only reason they get a social security check on a monthly basis is because the government is in charge? Have they ever stopped to think what would have happened if the push to privatize social security had congealed and the reigns passed to the thugs on Wall Street?

Do they think that Medicare just materialized out of thin air?

Are they so ignorant, clueless, filled with hatred and racism that they can't see that their tax burden has actually decreased since the last administration?

Indiana parents were horrified last year by the thought of OUR PRESIDENT indoctrinating our children into some liberal, Kenyan, Communist, Social, Nazi, and Martian agenda.

This year, parents in Indiana could careless but the school system (who is not in charge of pushing political agendas) is giving students the option to opt-out of civics (a subject that is no longer taught at schools and explains the current situation of lunacy and fear mongering in our country).


At what point are we going to turn off the stressful and hateful voices that permeate talk radio? At what point to we realize that Glenn Beck, Rush, O'Riley and the Palin clan are just in it for the money, publicity and personal agendas?

These people could careless if you have a job or not. These people are not interested in your life story or having a legitimate, productive plan of action that will allow you to keep your home and your jobs.

Why is it that those who need to be protected from con artists, special interests, and abuse are those who keep voting against their best interest?

These individuals speak as a group against a government because they are afraid that the multi-national corporations will loose money and power in our country. Do they like what British Petroleum has done to OUR country? Are they delusional enough to think that they must preserve these industries tax exempt status so when they get to that level they will reap the benefits?

Can someone please tell Joe Smoe that will continue to work at Wal-Mart until the day he dies and will never, ever reach that level of wealth?

Personal gifts for Valentine's Day or "just because"

There are times that we want to show someone that we love them and would like to present them with a "little something" that would mean a lot to them.  There are too many things to choose from, not enough money or we simple just don't have a clue what their reaction is going to be.

The stage you are in your relationship will largely determine the direction you are going to take and how much you are going to spend.  If you have been together for many years are able to finish each other's sentences or read each other's thoughts, then being predictable may not be the way to go.  Your partner may relish being surprised with something unexpected that is filled with meaning of your shared life together.

Perhaps you are new to a relationship that has the potential to last a life time and surprises about each other are being discovered on a regular basis.  Perhaps at this stage, it may not be a bad idea to present your loved one with something that is traditional and reminiscent of old-fashioned love.

In either case, the main purpose of gifting something to someone you love is to make it personal and be a reminder of your life together.  The list below are common items that can be made personal by adapting the gift to your loved ones taste:

1.  Jewelery. 

Does he have a favorite watch? Does she favor a specific stone? A charm for a bracelet that marks shared and happy events?

2.  Books.

Is he a student of history? Politics? Arts? Does she have a photography hobby? Plays the piano? Loves reading mysteries? There are books on these subjects that are sure to be treasured for years to come.

  

3.  Movies.

Old favorites have been remastered in blu-ray and they look awesome.  From romance, to action, to drama and mystery, there is an entire selection of old favorites and new releases that are sure to make for a cozy and intimate evening at home.

4.  Electronics.

It may not sound romantic but it can be very thoughtful to someone who loves new gadgets or replace outdated ones.  Blu-ray players and surround sound audio systems have come down in price greatly and are always appreciated.  How about a higher capacity mp3 player? or one with video to carry a few movies for out of town trips? Something as simple as quality earbuds to replace failing ones can delight someone who uses them daily.

5.  Candy and chocolate that is made in your community is a special treat that helps your community and can be a surprise that is both delicious and economically sound.

Whatever you decide to gift your loved one on special ocassions, it is sure to be received with appreciation when it incorporates their personality and taste.

How very thoughtful of you!

My country: What makes me proud

My country: What makes me proud

The latest major human disaster has occurred in the island nation of Haiti and I have watched with a same sense of awe the mettle of my country men and women. It has been heart warming to watch them jump into the fray and snap into action to help people who are suffering, dying and feeling completely lost and forgotten. Before I go any further, I want to thank you all for your donations, your physical presence and your heartfelt prayers towards your brothers and sisters who have suffered so much for so very long.

My country made me proud when Katrina devastated so much of New Orleans and with righteous indignation at the lack of response from our government, they packed whatever thought might be of help, threw everything in their car and drove up, down and sideways to reach people who were drowning, starving, homeless and in dire need of a human face that wanted to be of help and restored their faith in humanity.

My country made me proud when the twin towers were hit on 9/11/2001. Men and women followed the same ritual of quickly packing their cars and snapped into action to dig through the rubble in the hope of saving one more life. There were firefighters, police officers, medical personnel, secretaries, construction workers and young students who took emergency vacations or leave of absences to do the most grueling and horrific job they had encountered in their entire lives.

My country made me proud when those who call themselves Christian did the Christian thing and went to help their brothers and sisters to dig through the rubble in Haiti. Millions of lives are damaged, lost, in peril, and the Christian thing to do is the human thing to do. My country made me proud when people who are agnostic, atheist, jewish, or non-denominational did the exact same thing. My country made me proud when republicans, democrats or independents did the exact same thing.

My country makes me proud when the nonsense of partisanship is put aside for the benefit of citizenship and humanity. We have always lived in dangerous times, but nothing is more dangerous that divisive rhetoric that serves to pit one American against another based on ideology, ignorance and racism. Just when I thought there was no solution to this ever increasing vile and hateful rhetoric, my country made me proud once again when hundreds of thousands have mobilized themselves to help other humans in need without thinking of themselves or their own safety.

My country would make me eternally proud if they just turned off the radio or changed the station when the hateful rhetoric begins. My country would make me eternally proud if they turned their back on religious leaders that incite fear, hatred and the perpetuation of ignorance and stereotypes that are hurtful to our collective souls.

My country makes me proudest when she works hand in hand with other nations to lift the human spirit and shed a light of hope to illuminate our, yet to be written, future.