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Amber Alert

Computer Tips #1 - Top Methods Scammers Use to Find Email Addresses and How to Avoid Them

Every day, I receive dozens of emails claiming that I've won millions of dollars from a Yahoo lottery or that Bill Gates want to get rid of some of that cash burning holes in his pockets. How do scammers get hold of my personal email address to send me scams? Here are some of the top methods that they use.

1. Harvesting Data from Fake Sweepstakes Sites

Scammers like to target people who are most likely to fall for their sweepstakes scams. This means that if they can get their hands on email addresses and other personal information from people who actually enter sweepstakes, they might have a bit more success with their scams. One method that they use to get this information is by setting up a fake sweepstakes site. They might even give away a small prize, but their primary goal is to harvest your personal information and use it to contact you with scams.

How can you avoid this kind of trap? Learn how to recognize legitimate sweepstakes before you enter. You should also review how much information to share on entry forms.

2. Buying Email Lists from Sweepstakes Sites

It's possible that a company could hold a legitimate sweepstake and then decide to make some extra money by selling the personal information that it collected. In that case, scammers could easily get hold of a large list of sweepstakes entrants without having to take on the time or expense of running their own sweepstakes.
To protect yourself from having your information sold to other companies and scammers, check out the privacy policy of the sweepstakes that you enter. If the privacy policy is missing, untrustworthy, or it says that your information might be resold, do not enter the sweepstake.

3. Buying General Email Lists

While sweepstakes scammers love to get their hands on lists of people who enter sweepstakes, they will also be perfectly happy to take the chance that someone who doesn't enter sweepstakes might respond to their scam. In fact, those people might be less savvy about the warning signs of scams, making them easier targets. So scammers might buy email lists from any type of company, not just sweepstakes.

For this reason, you should read the privacy policy of any site that collects personal information. Furthermore, you should use a separate sweepstakes email when entering contests, so that you'll know automatically that any win notifications that come to your other email addresses are not legitimate.

4. 'Scraping' Email Addresses from the Web

If you've left your email address in a signature, in a comment on a public forum, on a winner's list, or anywhere else that is publicly accessible, scammers can use programs to comb through the internet and harvest those email addresses.

To protect yourself, avoid leaving your full email address anywhere on the net. Don't use your email address as a username for a forum or website. If you need to share your address online, make it difficult for programs to read by writing it out: myemail AT mydomain DOT com for example, is easy for humans to understand but difficult for computers. Ask sponsors to use only a portion of your email address on winners lists.

5. Sending Scams to Random Email Addresses

Sweepstakes scam emails cost nearly nothing to send. That means that criminals can afford to send blanket emails to random email addresses and hope that someone will receive them. To do this, the scammers start with a popular email service - say Hotmail, Yahoo, or AOL - and then generate massive lists by combining common words and names. For example, the scammers might send mails to the top 100most popular names and each birth year for people between the ages of 18 and 90. If your email address is something like john1970@yahoo.com, you'll get one of these mails.

It's difficult to avoid this method of harvesting emails. The best thing to do is not to respond to these mails, so that the scammers don't get confirmation that the address is active.

6. Hacking Into Online Databases

Some sweepstakes scammers get their email lists by hacking into online databases that have inadequate security to protect your information. This is a dangerous, expensive, and high-risk method for hackers to get email addresses compared to any of the other methods listed here, but it happens in some cases.

To protect yourself, check the privacy policies of the websites you use to ensure that personal data is stored in a secure method, and that your information is not kept for longer than is necessary.

Most Email Addresses Will Receive Sweepstakes Scams

Remember that it might not be possible to avoid scam emails altogether. Learning to recognize the warning signs of a scam will help you avoid any problems from those mails that do sneak through. But following these tips can help prevent you from being overwhelmed with sweepstakes scams.

FDA Blocks Nutro Pet Food Shipment from Entering U.S.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) blocked more than 100 Nutro Products -- various styles and flavors of its dog and cat food -- from entering the United States.

ConsumerAffairs.com learned the FDA took that action at the Port of Los Angeles -- and listed Nutro’s pet food on its Import Refusal Report -- because the products appeared to contain poisonous substances and unsafe additives.

The FDA has authority to block and detain any regulated products from entering the United States if they “appear to be out of compliance with The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.”

Some of Nutro’s pet food on the Import Refusal List include its Adult Turkey with Chicken Liver, Choice Adult Cat w Turkey & Duck, Choice Complete Care Kitten Rich in Chicken with Liver, and Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice.


By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.Com

You can find the full story at http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/pet_food_recalls69.html.

My Heart to Yours

Since last week's NIU shooting, I have found myself again faced with fears I haven't felt for a while.

I'm not normally a fearful person, but when 9/11 happened in 2001 and the increasing number of school shootings since then, it brings about something within me that only another mother would understand.

I remember a night, about 10 years ago, after I brought my son home from the hospital. I found myself in the dark of the night weeping tears that I had never experienced before. As a new, single mother I suddenly found myself with a new perspective. I began to see the world in a different way. I no longer had only myself to consider, I now had the responsibility of another life.

For the first time in my life, I began to see the realities of the world that I had brought this child into. Suddenly the report of a murder on the evening news brought with it a new emotional experience. A story about a child missing was almost too much to watch. And world news that included the talk of war or conflicts with other countries was very unsettling.

As time continued and I added two more children to my home, I found myself coming to terms with the good and the bad in this world that we live in. Each time I added to my family, those old thoughts would creep in, but they would quickly subside as I became wrapped up with the daily responsibilities of motherhood.

That is, until September 11th. Suddenly I found myself back in a familiar place. Like a mother bear who protects her children I found myself feeling very protective with the lives of those I love. Each news report of the terrorist attacks brought about an emotional response in me that only comes from being a mother. When carrying the responsibility of another life, our viewpoint changes. We see death, destruction, and world conflict from the perspective of responsibility. It is a feeling that only another mother can understand.

All of these events cause me to pause and consider what it is I need to equip my children with to live in this crazy world. What can I give them that will keep them strong when the winds of chaos, and even destruction, blow throughout the world? What can I pass on to them that will keep their feet firmly planted in hope when hopelessness prevails around them? What gift can I give them that will allow them to find stability in an unstable world?

I have only one answer to those questions. The answer is faith.

It is faith that will calm their fears. It is faith that will give them peace in the midst of chaos. It is faith that will help them sort through the lies of this world. It is faith that will show them the next step when it seems too dark to walk ahead.

You see it was faith that got me through that first night of tears when I contemplated this messed-up world as a new parent. My faith helped me replace my own fears with God's promises. My faith is what allows me to learn to let go as my children grow older. My hope for the future of my children can't be based on their relationships in this world, but rather their relationship with the God of the universe.

If you have been rocked by all that is happening in the world, you're not alone. The security you and I can give to our children begins with our own relationship with Jesus Christ. Once your faith relationship is established, pass on the gift of faith to your children. Open up the Bible and read it for yourself and then share with your children what you are learning. Make church a priority each Sunday. Pray for and with your children every day.

While the world changes around us, God never changes. And when we give our children the gift of faith, we are giving a gift that will last a lifetime.

The Ultimate Blog Party - Don't Forget

Are You Coming to The Ultimate Blog Party 2008?

During the week of March 7-14, 2008, the blogosphere will be party hopping - jumping through the Mr. Linky list of participating bloggers, meeting new friends, and partying blogger-style at The Ultimate Blog Party 2008 at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Last year’s Ultimate Blog Party was a blast with almost 1,000 participating bloggers, so make sure you don’t miss out on this one. It is a fantastic opportunity to introduce your blog to a bunch of new people and to find new blogs that you will want to read regularly.

The Ultimate Blog Party features tons of prizes. The prize list is constantly growing. For more about prize eligibility read on and visit 5 Minutes for Mom's prize page.

So how do you party with us?

This is how it works for bloggers who want to participate in The Ultimate Blog Party 2008 and be eligible to enter the prize draw:

Invite your friends

Sorry boys… this party is for women bloggers only. All women bloggers are invited regardless of parental status, religious affiliations, etc. This party is about having fun with friends and meeting new people.

Host a party at your place

The Utimate Blog Party 2008 is all about meeting people and getting your blog noticed, so throw a party that showcases your blog and your style. Add some pictures, music, video, slide show, decoration, include recipes, stories, make your guests laugh -- whatever you want. Be creative and have fun!

And, of course, make sure you introduce yourself.

Sign the Mr. Linky at 5 Minutes for Mom

After you have your post ready and published, come on over to the central Ultimate Blog Party Post at 5 Minutes for Mom and add your link to the Mr. Linky.

It will be a week long bash from Friday, March 7, 2008 to Friday, March 14, 2008. The prizes will be announced on Monday, March 17th.

The Mr. Linky will go live at Friday March 7th, 12:01 am Eastern Time and participating bloggers who have their party post up can add their link any time during the week of the party. (The Linky will stay permanently in the post, so you can come back later and catch up on any blogs you may have missed.) Obviously linking earlier in the week will result in more people visiting your party, but you do not need to have your link in the Mr. Linky until March 14 at 12pm Eastern to be eligible for the draw.

Only party guests (bloggers who signed the Linky and invited guests via a post and Invitation Button OR non-bloggers who have attended and commented on at least 20 participating party posts) will be eligible to win prizes. The prizes will be drawn from the comments at the main 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party 2008 party post, so make sure you leave a comment. All prizes will be awarded by a random draw.

If you have any questions, just contact Janice or Susan at 5 Minutes for Mom.

We can’t wait – see you soon!

http://www.5minutesformom.com

The Ultimate Blog Party 2008 - Are You Coming?

Ultimate Blog Party 2008

Thanks to the courtesy of my friend, Jennifer, I discovered the blog in time for the Ultimate Blog Party 2007. Janice and Susan are the sweetest, dedicated mothers and bloggers.

Join the fun and join us for a blog party. More details about the party at 5 Minutes for Mom and the prize giveawy for All Things Cherished will be posted later.

Make a Difference

The Animal Rescue Site
Make a difference today! Click on the purple button and give food to an animal living in a shelter or sanctuary -- at no cost to you.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/tpc/ERA_021508_ARS

The Child Health Site
Make a difference today! Click on the blue button at The Child Health Site and make health services possible that will save and improve the lives of children living in poverty. It's free.
http://www.thechildhealthsite.com/tpc/ERC_021508_CHS

The Hunger Site
Make a difference today! Click on the yellow button at The Hunger Site and give acup of food to the hungry at no cost to you.
http://www.thehungersite.com/tpc/ERH_021508_THS

The Literacy Site
Make a difference today! Help give free books to kids today! Simply click the orange button at The Literacy Site to help fund free books for underprivileged children.
http://www.theliteracysite.com/tpc/ERL_021508_LIT

You can even sign up for emails to get daily reminders so you can Make a Difference every day!

My Champ
















This is Champ, my Chihuahua. As small as he is, now about 6.5 pounds, he keeps me warm and toasty at night. He is superior companion because he doesn't judge me and loves me no matter what I did or what my mood is. Thanks, Champ, for being a part of my life.

Font Tutorial - Part One

Creating a Font Folder

Creating a folder on your computer for only font downloads makes it much easier to find the files after you've downloaded them. You can also download a bunch at a time, and unzip and install them at your leisure (very necessary for font addicts).

To create a new folder:

Click on My Computer/Computer in the Start Menu.

Click on the (C: ) Drive.

Choose File from the Menu Bar and then click New.

Choose Folder. Then type in the word "font."

Hit enter. You now have a folder on your computer where you can save your fonts and find them again.

Font Tutorial - Part Two

Do Not Delete These Fonts

Recently, at my scrapbooking forum, a member said she had over 900 fonts installed on her computer, and was wondering if it would be safe to delete some. She asked if there were any fonts that should not be deleted. There definitely are, and the list follows. This list would be a good one to print out and keep for reference!

Do not delete the following fonts:
Arial (TrueType)
Arial Bold (TrueType)
Arial Bold Italic (TrueType)
Arial Italic (TrueType)
Courier 10,12,15 (VGA res)
Courier New (TrueType)
Courier New Bold (TrueType)
Courier New Bold Italic (TrueType)
Courier New Italic (TrueType)
Marlett (Windows 95/98)*
Modern (Plotter)
MS Sans Serif 8,10,12,14,18,24 (VGA res)
MS Serif 8,10,12,14,18,24 (VGA res)
Roman (Plotter)
Script (Plotter)
Small fonts (VGA res)
Symbol (TrueType)
Symbol 8,10,12,14,18,24 (VGA res)
Times New Roman (TrueType) -
Times New Roman Bold (TrueType)
Times New Roman Bold Italic (TrueType)
Times New Roman Italic (TrueType)
Wingdings (TrueType)
Any font with a red A for its icon.
Any font that begins with the letters MS.

*Marlett is a hidden system file and it will not show up in a search, however, it may show up in your program font lists.

Scrapbook Challenge

Join me for some scrapbooking challenges and lots of fun.The way these challenges will work... you do the challenge, share your project in the comments section by giving us the link for your project (whether its uploaded to a blog, scrapbook community, or online photo storage site). Everyone who completes the challenge will get their name put into a drawing to win a small prize package from me. Use a minimum of 3 ingredients and at least 2 colors from the list below (this list will change monthly) and create a layout of your choice.

Ingredients List:
Tag
Ribbon
Floss
Buttons
Eyelets
Pattern paper
Chipboard

Colors List:
Green
Rust
Yellow
Orange

Pepper Spray, Diapers, and Rejection

The opposite of love is not hate; it is indifference. Indeed, love and hate have much in common, including intense energy, focused attention, motivation, goal oriented behaviors, and craving. Because of the way the brain is built, we can feel both intense romantic love and deep “hate/rage” almost simultaneously. It’s a bad combination.

I say this, of course, in response to the tragic story of Lisa Nowak, esteemed astronaut who drove 950 miles wearing diapers so she wouldn’t have to stop, donned a trench coat and wig, and stalked her romantic rival as this woman walked to her car in an airport parking lot. Through a two inch slit in the car window, Lisa then sprayed her competitor with pepper spray. And after the woman sped away, she disposed of her cache of questionable utensils in a garbage can: a BB pistol, a steel mallet, some rubber tubing, several plastic garbage bags, a knife with a four inch blade, and $600.

Why are Americans transfixed by this story? Can we remember times when we, too, wanted to maim a rejecting lover or romantic rival? Do we feel that if an astronaut can “lose it,” maybe we might?

I have something to add. I and my colleagues have just completed a study of the rejected brain in love. We put 15 men and women into a brain scanner and watched what happens when a spurned man or woman looks at the photo of their abandoning sweetheart. Several brain regions become active: Among them is a region associated with taking big risks for big gains and big losses, as well as a brain factory that registers physical pain. Other areas that “lit up” included those for obsessive-compulsive behaviors and for controlling anger.

This brain circuitry is no excuse to terrorize an innocent human being. But in Lisa’s case, her brain centers for impulse control were no match for her romantic ardor, pain, and fury.

“Parting,” Emily Dickinson wrote, “is all we need to know of hell.” I suspect that many of us have felt murderous at some point in our lives, but we controlled ourselves. Othello, however, Shakespeare’s tragic character who murdered his adored wife out of jealousy, represents the many who have fallen prey to this primordial, powerful, and sometimes horribly destructive brain system: romantic love.

My Nympho Statement

This is my Nympho Statement. Just because you’re born a nympho it doesn’t mean you naturally know how to wear it. But now? Now I wear it with ease.

I am a nympho. I always have been, and always will be. A lot of people don’t get that.

This is about me and my sexuality, my sensuality, the essence of who I am. This is not a “slut” thing or an identity issue or an intellectual matter. It’s just me, pure, and raw.

No apologies.

Pansexual Defined

pansexual

1. Noun: One who perceives all activities and experiences as sexual.

2. Noun: One who believes that all consensual activities are ethical.

3. Noun. One who believes that all human behavior stems from the sex drive.

4. Adjective. Pertaining to a person, group, or idea fitting the above descriptions.

Derivation: From the greek "pan" (meaning "all") and the english "sexual"

Alternate forms: pansexuality, pansexualism, pansexualist, pansexualize.

Struggle

As you might know, I am getting more and more involved in understanding personality, particularly all of the biological traits that we have inherited. I am searching to understand why you (and I) fall in love with one person rather than another--particularly how our biology steers us to "him" or "her." In this regard, a new scientific study landed in my email box yesterday that gives a remarkable clue to how we "read" others-- an essential aspect of choosing your future partner. As it turns out, the iris of the eye has two physical traits that have been linked to personality differences. The number of "crypts" or pits in the iris signal how likely you are to be warm, tender, and trusting. And the number of "furrows," or curving lines along the outer edge of the iris, signal the degree to which you are likely to be neurotic, impulsive, and willing to assuage your cravings. In both cases, the more crypts or furrows, the more likely you are to be, respectively, tender hearted or spontaneous. These traits develop in the womb. In short, we have evolved a remarkable and subtle biological strategy to signal who we are.

Which brings me to one of my favorite quotes. "We struggle all our lives to know a few basic things about ourselves that the most casual passerby can tell us in a moment." It seems that Mother Nature has produced many devises by which we advertise our virtues and our vices, enabling those around us to make careful choices in the game of love. No wonder sunglasses can be so disconcerting. No wonder some call the eyes the window to the soul.

Does Worrying about Money Help?

Does worrying about money help?

Let's look at this critter, "worry," for a few minutes. What does he add to our lives? I know when I am worried about something I focus on it, I think about it, I obsess about it, I loose sleep over it, I concentrate on it, I worry about it.

Hmmmmmm - what did that get me? The problem is still as clear as mud. I have a headache. I am tired. And I am still worried. Lot of good that worry did me. Lol!

Worry uses up our energies.

Worry takes away our sleep.

Worry takes away our appetite.

Worry solves nothing.

Worry can be addictive (it's easy to get used to worrying all the
time).

So, let's stop old man worry right dead in his tracks. There is no point in worrying anymore today. (If you really miss him, you can worry again tomorrow.

New Asthma Inhaler Approved for Children

TRENTON, N.J. - A new inhaled steroid treatment for preventing asthma attacks in young children has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the drugmaker Schering-Plough Corp. said Monday.

Its Asmanex Twisthaler is the first once-a-day, inhaled corticosteroid medicine for asthma — the most common chronic condition among children — that can be taken by children as young as 4.

The Kenilworth-based company got FDA approval two years ago to sell the product as a maintenance treatment to prevent asthma flare-ups in adults and children 12 and older. The dosage for children aged 4 to 11, 110 micrograms, is half the adult dose.

Competing products are approved for children as young as 6, or must be taken more times a day.

Asthma afflicts 7 percent to 10 percent of U.S. children under 18. It is blamed for more than 14 million missed school days and nearly 1 million emergency room visits by children each year, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Flare-ups of the sometimes-deadly lung disease are triggered when allergens such as pollen or irritants like smoke aggravate airways, causing trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest.

Inhaled corticosteroids are now the cornerstone of asthma care, the first treatment given newly diagnosed patients because they go straight to the lungs rather than through the bloodstream like the ingredients in pills, said Mike Tringale, spokesman for the foundation. He said each new treatment is helpful.

"The broader sort of palette that a physician has to work with, the more customized their treatments can be, and that's a good thing," he said.

The new product should be available in the second half of 2008, said Schering-Plough spokeswoman Lisa Ellen.

Unlike standard inhalers, the Twisthaler does not have a propellant. It is activated when the patient puts the end in the mouth and takes a breath. A counter shows how many doses are left.

A small study in children 4 to 11 showed the Twisthaler reduced day and nighttime symptoms, plus "interruptions" of daily life such as emergency medical visits or missing school, significantly more than an inhaler with no active ingredient.

Asmanex has some significant side effects, like other inhaled corticosteroids: It can slow growth rate in kids, cause fungal infections of the mouth and increase risk of glaucoma or cataracts. More commonly, it can cause headaches, sore throat, respiratory infection, upset stomach and muscle, bone or back pain.

By Linda Johnson, AP Business Writer

Minorities

We need to show more sympathy for these people.
* They travel miles in the heat.
*They risk their lives crossing a border.
*They don't get paid enough wages.
*They do jobs that others won't do or are afraid to do.
*They live in crowded conditions among a people who speak a different language.
*They rarely see their families, and they face adversity all day every day.

I'm not talking about illegal immigrants,
I'm talking about our troops!

Doesn't it seem strange that many Democrats and Republicans are willing to lavish all kinds of social benefits on illegals, but don't support our troops and are now threatening to defund them?



America....Land of the FREE
Because of the BRAVE!!

Family Minute #2

Think Fun and Games are Just Child’s Play?

According to the National Academy of Sciences, “A child’s eventual ability to learn calculus or a second language starts with the neurons that are shaped by positive interactions with nurturing adults.” In other words, wrestling on the floor with your kids, tickling them, riding bikes or hiking together, laughing over a game of checkers, or throwing the ball in the backyard is setting the stage for their bright intellectual future. Interaction with your kids isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental in shaping their ability to learn. So get serious about playtime.

Remember your family first.

A Valentine for Single Parents

He’s never brought you roses. She’s never given you chocolates. They’ve never bought you a nice card or a fancy dinner. It may seem that all you do for your children, day after day, year after year, goes unnoticed. You may wonder if it’s worth it.

Well, they might be too young to tell you what you mean to them now. But one day they will likely take your hand, or hug you, and say the sweetest words you’ll ever hear: “Mom, I know how hard it was for you to raise me on your own. Thank you. I love you.”

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Remember your family first.

Tax Rebates: What You Need To Know

Lawmakers have given their final seal of approval to a $170 billion plan intended to spark the slowing economy.
The plan's centerpiece: tax rebates.

But questions remain about how the program will work, and officials at the Treasury Department and IRS are scurrying to work out the details.

In the meantime, here are some answers based on currently available government information and experts' analysis.

Do I qualify for a rebate and how much can I expect?

One-time rebates will be sent to at least 117 million low- and middle-income households, 20 million senior citizens living off of Social Security, and 250,000 disabled veterans.

To be eligible for a full rebate, single tax filers must have 2007 adjusted gross income (AGI) below $75,000 and joint filers must have AGI below $150,000.

Adjusted gross income is not your annual salary. It's equal to gross income minus "above the line deductions," which are reported on page 1 of the 1040 tax form. Above-the-line deductions include deductible IRA contributions, alimony paid and, for the self-employed, some portion of money spent on health insurance or Social Security.

Single filers with AGI below $75,000 will get rebates of as much as $600. Couples with AGI below $150,000 will receive rebates of up to $1,200.

In addition, parents will also receive $300 rebates per dependent child; there is no cap on the number of children eligible.

An example: A couple with one child and $100,000 in AGI will get a rebate of $1,500 ($1,200 + $300). If they have two children, they will get $1,800 ($1,200 + $600).

Tax filers who do not owe income taxes because of various credits and deductions but have at least $3,000 in income - which can include Social Security and disability payments - will get $300 rebates per person or $600 per couple.

I make more than the income caps. What about me?

You might get a partial rebate. It depends on how much your income exceeds the caps.

The stimulus legislation allows for a 5% phaseout rate for households above the income caps of $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers.

That means that for every dollar a tax filer earns above those caps, he or she will lose 5 cents of the rebate, said Jason Furman, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Put another way, the rebates of those taxpayers will be reduced by the amount of income above the cap multiplied by 5%, said Mark Luscombe, principal analyst at tax information publisher CCH.

Take a couple with two children. If they make less than the income cap, they will likely get an $1,800 rebate. If they make $15,000 more than the cap, they will see their $1,800 rebate reduced by $750 ($15,000 x 0.05). So instead they will receive a check for $1,050 ($1,800-$750).

A childless couple whose AGI falls below the cap will likely get a $1,200 rebate. But if their AGI exceeds the cap by $15,000, their rebate will be reduced by $750. So they'd get a check for $450.

Single filers with no kids and an income below $75,000 will likely get a $600 rebate. But if they made $80,000, their rebate will be reduced by $250 ($5,000 x 0.05). So they will get a check for $350 ($600-$250).

The point at which the rebate gets phased out entirely will vary. For example, a single filer with no kids whose income exceeds the cap by $12,000 or more will get no rebate, because it will be reduced by an amount equal to or greater than the $600 ($12,000 x 0.05 = $600).

Do I have to pay the rebate back?

No. And here's why.

Your rebate is a one-time tax cut - an advance on a credit you'll receive on your 2008 return.

It's based on your 2007 income initially. If it turns out that your 2008 income and number of children would have qualified you for a larger rebate than the one you received, you'll be sent the difference. If it turns out your 2008 income was lower than in 2007 and you should have gotten a lower rebate, you get to keep the difference.

"If you were supposed to receive a larger payment than you did, you will get the extra money," said Treasury spokesman Andrew DeSouza. "If you received more than what you should have gotten, you will not be penalized."

What do I have to do to get one?

You must file a 1040 or 1040-EZ federal tax return for 2007.

Some people are normally not required to file a return. To get the rebate, however, they have to file a federal tax return.

So when will I get a check?

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Thursday night that the IRS will start sending out checks in early May. Last month, he said it should take about 10 weeks to crank out all the checks. In all likelihood then, you'll see the money sometime between May and early July.

That assumes, of course, that you hit the IRS deadline and file by April 15.

If you're a laggard and have to file for an extension, you'll still get a check but it may not come until the end of the year - probably in time for Christmas shopping.


By Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com senior writer

Around the 'Net - Fun School

This is a new column for me aptly titled Around the 'Net. I will share some of my favorite websites . . .

some are fun, some are serious,
some are for you, some are for the whole family,
some are educational, some are games,
topics will everything.


FunSchool.com

This site is dangerously educational while being joyfully fun. Click on the various 'fun spots' to navigate the site and find the learning inside, well disguised as fun, of course. The games are exciting and changing constantly. Children, including those of us over 18, love the variety and colorfulness of the content. Here's everyone's chance to become a kid for the day as we play our way from kindergarten through 6th grade. See you at graduation.

Double Cross

Double Cross by James Patterson

Another excellent thriller by Patterson. I hated the ending... it does leave you hanging. The good news with the ending, I'm hoping, is that there is more to come. I love the Alex Cross series.

Rating (1, lowest; 5, highest): 5.

"Just when Alex Cross's life is calming down, he is drawn back into the game to confront a criminal mastermind like no other. The elaborate murders that have stunned Washington, DC, are the wildest that Alex Cross has ever seen. This maniac adores an audience, and stages his killings as spectacles in public settings. Alex is pursuing a genius of terror who has the whole city on edge as it waits for his next move. And the killer loves the attention, no doubt -- he even sets up his own Web site and live video feed to trumpet his madness.

In Colorado, another criminal mastermind is planning a triumphant return. From his super-maximum-security prison cell, Kyle Craig has plotted for years to have one chance at an impossible escape. If he has to join forces with DC's Audience Killer to get back at the man who put him in that cell -- Alex Cross -- all the better."

My Links

To learn more about me check out my sites, groups, and blog:

I still believe in the Christmas spirit, the magic, and the love.
Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/12_Months_of_Christmas/
Forum: http://christmasaddict.proboards82.com/index.cgi

Share some MAGIC this Christmas... a letter from Santa!
Elf and Buddy Team Leader for SantaSearch -- www.SantaSearch.com.

Scrapbook Your Cherished Memories.
Newsletter group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cherished-Memories/
Forum: http://scrapbookaddict.proboards85.com/index.cgi

Ind. Consultant for Memory Works
The moment you cherish! The products you love!
www.memory-works.com

Supervisor and Ind. Consultant for Usborne Books
The books kids love to read!
www.ubah.com

Want to learn more about me... my interests, my life.
Read my blog: http://360.yahoo.com/scrapaddict01

Want to learn more about my love of scrapbooking, my layouts.
My Place: http://www.scrapbook.com/places/Storm

Want to learn more about my love of music.
http://www.youtube.com/Storm2c

Do You Have the Christmas Spirit?




Your Christmas Sprit Level: 100%



Your Christmas spirit is almost as big as Christmas itself. Christmas is definitely your thing.

You celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm. You love every minute of the holidays.



Your Christmas spirit is inspiring to everyone who runs into you during the holidays.

You make everyone's day just a little bit brighter. And that's what the holidays are all about!

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?




Your Linguistic Profile:



65% General American English



15% Dixie



5% Midwestern



5% Yankee



0% Upper Midwestern

First Post

I am not new to blogging. I'm just new to Blogger. Check out my 100s of entires at my Yahoo blog -- http://360.yahoo.com/scrapaddict01. Eventually, I will move most of my blog from there to here.

Daily Living - 2/5/08

Today was a roller-coaster of a day.

Cameron didn't want to get up and I had to keep using various techniques to get him out of his bed -- finally, 15 minutes late. Low.

It was pouring down rain today. We had to stand outside in the pouring rain for 25 minutes while waiting for Cameron's bus to school. The difference in time from one day to the next is baffling. Low.

Got Cassandra to school. She turned around and blew me a kiss and a hug. Awwwww. High.

I got the news via email that some child support was deposited into my account. High.

The child support didn't show up in account yet. Low.

I got 3 loads of laundry done. High.

Got more Christmas decorations down. High and low.

Cameron's daily report from school. Low.

Children fed, transported to Boys Club and Girls Club, respectively, and back home again. Is this a high or a low?

Children now quiet and in bed. High.

Care for Others Without Resentment


Daily Living - 2/4/08

Today was a busy day for me. With no school this past Friday due an ice storm, I missed a lot of appointments (and the errands didn't get done) so today involved a lot of running around town.

I met with Cameron's school therapist. Not good news.

Cameron had a medicine check with the psychiatrist at the school in which several changes are being made. Hopefully, for the better.

Then I had food shopping to do. Not a good idea to do this on Food Stamp day but I had no choice so off to Aldi's and WalMart I went. Got as much as I could. Sadly, I am already out of food stamps for the month and its only the fourth.

Afterwards, I had to go to the drug store to pick up Cameron's special cleanser for his extraordinarily sensitive skin. I spent over $80.00 on all the medical creams, recommended (by the pediatrician) lotions, and the outstanding-must-have cleanser. Ugh!

Somewhere along the way I went to the bank to get the money to pay for all of this, dropped off my library books (3 days late... at least, the library will enjoy the money due to the phenomenal late fee), went back to the drug store for Cameron's prescriptions, and stop at the post office.

I also managed to get my kids up, ready for school, dropped off at their respective schools, and picked back up.

Dinner was easy -- chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, & pineapple -- and, as usual, Cameron refused to eat.

Homework and bath time also got accomplished.

I am happy to say that the kids are all in bed and Champ is snoozing at my feet. God is good!

The Center

Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalms 117

Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalms 119

Q: Which chapter is in the center of the Bible?
A: Psalms 118

Facts: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118. There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118. Add these numbers up and you get 1188.

Q: What is the center verse in the Bible?
A: Psalms 118:8

The next time someone says they would like to find God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to be in the center of His will, just send them to the center of His Word!

Now isn't that odd how this worked out . . . or was God in the center of it?

How Nice Are You?


Ouch! It Hurts to Wear Clothes!

Do your clothes make you hurt? Mine do! Bras, waistbands, even the tie on my old bathrobe -- anything that puts pressure on my chest or abdomen can at times set off either burning or intense, stabbing pains.
I've tailored my entire wardrobe to accommodate this particular symptom, but I've never read a word about it anywhere. Wondering if I was crazy or if it was a common thing among those of us with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), I asked others who suffer from Fibromyalgia.

Turns out, I'm not alone. A lot of people posted that they have the same problem and thought they were the only ones. One woman described the pain as feeling like a "terrible sunburn." Clothes can cause pain all over, on your tender points, and on areas that are numb or tingly.

With the help of others, I've put together these tips for dressing when you have fibromyalgia:

Spare Your Waist
Unless you want to wear long, flowy dresses all the time, you've got to find ways to spare your waist from all of those waistbands. I've found several ways to get around this:

Pitch the Pantyhose -- Buy Thigh-Highs
Forget control tops! They might feel OK when you put them on, but the last thing your body wants is to be squeezed for hours on end. Thigh-highs keep your legs looking nice while keeping your mid-section much happier.

Go Low!
When it comes to underwear, try bikini briefs that sit down on your hips instead of the fuller styles that go clear up to your waist. And while you may not like the thought of low-rise pants that expose your belly button, try on a pair to see how much kinder they are to your gut. For those of us who don't want to bare all that skin, a long shirt can cover your midsection nicely.

Do the Sit Test
When you try on pants, don't just stand in front of the mirror. Sit down. Slouch. Lean forward. If they're still comfortable, you've got a winner.

Venture into the Maternity Section
I'm not talking about those horrid pants with the big baggy section in front, but about the ones with the "under belly" band. It's a nice wide band at the top that's designed to sit lower on an expanding belly. For the non-pregnant, these pants are just an incredibly comfortable way to go. I got this style of pants and skirts while I was pregnant, and I'm still wearing them. No one knows they're maternity, and I can keep them on all day.

Draw-String v. Elastic
When it comes to sweat pants, a draw string wins out over an elastic waistband because it's adjustable. If your weight fluctuates or you eat a lot while wearing them, you can give yourself a little more room. True, the elastic will stretch, but you'll find it puts more pressure on you when it does. Some people have luck with loosening or removing the elastic.

Lounging About
Let's face it -- some days, clothes are just out of the question. A lot of us have spent entire days, maybe even weeks in attire most people consider only appropriate for sleeping. For those times, I recommend a bathrobe with a zipper instead of a tie. Also, a lot of pajamas these days are shirts with pants or shorts. A nightgown is kinder to your body, but of course, your legs might get cold. I'm considering leg warmers, especially now that 1980s styles are all the rage.

Beating the Bra Blues
An underwire may support you nicely, but you'll likely be ready to rip it off before lunch. Here are some alternatives:

Soft-Cup Bras
Even if you're a larger size, you can find soft-cup bras that will give you support. Check out the selection at a specialty shop or a plus-size boutique. Also, get a bra fitting. Most women don't wear the right size, and a too-tight band is doing you no favors. Look for wide shoulder straps as well -- they don't dig into the shoulders like thinner straps often do.

Sports Bras
As long as they're not too tight, sports bras are comfortable and put far less of a squeeze around your rib cage. They also hold everything right in place.

Bralettes or Bandeaus
If you're smaller, one of these styles might be the way to go. A bralette is an unlined soft-cup bra that's designed for comfort. It's most popular among teenagers because it doesn't provide much lift. A bandeau is basically a tube of fabric that goes around your chest. Again, the support isn't the best, but it won't poke you anywhere and cause pain.

A Feel for Fabrics
The texture and weight of a fabric can make a big difference in how it feels to you. Here are the ones that come highly recommended for those with fibromyalgia:

  • Cotton
  • Silk/Satin
  • Stretchy knits
  • Fleece
  • Flannel

Some people also prefer shirts with the tags printed on the fabric instead of sewn in.

Socks that Squeeze
Ah, that elastic dilemma again. This is a tough one, since many of us seem to have chronically cold feet, but no one wants loose, sloppy socks bagging around their ankles. So what can you do?

Experiment with Length
Look at where your socks hurt you, and see if a different length will miss those spots.

Try Thinner Fabric
A heavy sock will put more pressure on your foot when you wear shoes. Thinner might be better.

Look into Diabetic Socks
Fibro pain has a lot in common with diabetic neuropathy, so this makes a lot of sense. "Sensitive foot" socks are widely available online and at specialty shoe stores.

Take it Off!
Lastly, if you're in the privacy of your own home, take off everything that's not comfortable and find something that is. The UPS guy has seen it all, I'm certain, and you'll feel better for it. And really, isn't that the most important thing?


Adapted from Adrienne Dellwo, http://chronicfatigue.about.com/.

How to Use Test Scores to Measure Educational Progress and FAPE

"If something exists, it exists in some amount. If it exists in some amount, then it is capable of being measured." Rene Descartes, Principles of Philosophy, 1644

Assume your child began receiving special education services three years ago. Is your child making progress? Is your child catching up with the peer group? Has your child fallen further behind? Is your child receiving a free appropriate public education (FAPE)?

How do you know? Do you know your child’s standard scores, percentile ranks, subtest scores, and age and grade equivalents on the most recent evaluation? Have you compared these scores with earlier testing?
Parents, teachers, and advocates must learn how to measure educational progress. If you do not learn how to use information from tests to track your child's progress, you will not be able to play an active role in planning your child's special education program. Your biggest obstacle is likely to be your own fear that you can’t understand this material. You need to overcome that fear.

What can you do? Read “Tests & Measurements for the Parent, Teacher, Advocate and Attorney” -- three times. Use a highlighter. Make notes in the margins. Reading the material three times is the key to success.

After you have read the article or chapters three times, get the evaluations and tests on your child. Compare tests that have been administered more than once. What's the verdict? Is your child learning and making acceptable progress? Has your child fallen further behind?

Web version: http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/tests_measurements.html
Printer friendly version: http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/tests_measurementspf.html

Written originally in Summer 2007.

100 Things I Love

The rule is you are not supposed to list people. Despite that rule, the first two are my children. Other than my children being the first two great loves of my life, these items are not in any particular order:

  1. Cameron
  2. Cassandra
  3. Mountain Dew
  4. The laughter and giggle of my children.
  5. Hearing the chirping of birds to start the day.
  6. Reading before I fall asleep every night.
  7. Photography -- all aspects, taking pictures, especially the unexpected and candid pictures; seeing the outcome or different views/perspectives; having photographs all over the house.
  8. Cassandra’s curly hair.
  9. Scooby-Doo because he works for Scooby snacks.
  10. My blue eyes.
  11. The “color” of fall.
  12. Old Bugs Bunny/Tweety Bird/Road Runner cartoons.
  13. Headsets for phones so I can be hands-free.
  14. Rubies because they are red and my birthstone.
  15. My king-size bed because my whole family can fit in it.
  16. Cassandra’s dimples.
  17. The smell of lilacs.
  18. Remote controls.
  19. Air conditioning.
  20. Snuggling.
  21. Being able to read and write.
  22. My ring collection -- each ring is unique and has special meaning.
  23. Snyder Hawaiian Sweet Onion kettle potato chips.
  24. Scrapbooking and scrapbooks.
  25. Being a mom.
  26. Cameron’s smile.
  27. Hearing, “I love you, Mommy!”
  28. Dark chocolate… yummm!
  29. The beauty of sunsets.
  30. Friendship.
  31. Disposable diapers.
  32. My collection of milk bottles (the old-fashioned glass bottles).
  33. My friends that are my family.
  34. Thumb sucking because it comforts me when I’m tired or sick.
  35. Sleep.
  36. Electricity.
  37. All shades of blue.
  38. The waddle of penguins.
  39. Asthma medicine so Cassandra can breathe.
  40. Salt.
  41. Comfortable clothes.
  42. Chunky potato soup.
  43. Avon cosmetics.
  44. My calendar/organizer/planner to keep me organized.
  45. Cameron’s nicknames: Cool Dude, Pickle.
  46. Internet communities.
  47. Hair color to cover the grey.
  48. Telephone.
  49. Celebrating the “small” things, such as half birthdays, first day of school, etc.
  50. Cards for all occasions.
  51. My German heritage.
  52. My American pride and the ‘Red, White, and Blue.’
  53. Old Steven Segal movies.
  54. Tylenol.
  55. Big old trees.
  56. Email.
  57. Music -- classic country, today’s country, 80s, Christian, oldies, Christmas, more.
  58. Jesus.
  59. Kids sleeping.
  60. Dreaming.
  61. Being a woman.
  62. Towels warm/”fresh” from the dryer.
  63. Knowing how to drive.
  64. “Puppy” love.
  65. Sunny days.
  66. Springtime -- new, fresh, baby animals, the right temperature, clean slate, Easter, Jesus rises from the cross.
  67. Comedy movies.
  68. Deodorant.
  69. Mystery novels.
  70. Disposable contacts.
  71. My nickname, Storm, which has now become my middle name.
  72. Hope.
  73. My Mom’s roast beef, mashed potatoes w/gravy and shoepeg corn dinner.
  74. Yankee candles.
  75. Daddy’s Bible, including his preaching notes.
  76. Grandma’s wedding band that I wear every day.
  77. Being organized.
  78. Candles burning.
  79. Bug spray to protect from getting bitten.
  80. Being an advocate for children, children’s rights, and mental health issues.
  81. Photographs and photo frames -- one of my many collections, each frame is unique.
  82. Taking walks.
  83. Cocker spaniels, especially Princess and Willie.
  84. Night lights.
  85. Free stuff.
  86. Leak-proof sippy cups.
  87. Febreeze.
  88. Scented shower gels.
  89. Going to a restaurant for dinner.
  90. Prayer.
  91. Surprising others with small gifts.
  92. Journal writing.
  93. Not being homeless.
  94. Laughter.
  95. Bag clips to keep foods fresh.
  96. Stickers.
  97. The awe and wonder of toddlers.
  98. Wearing red shirts (because I get lots of compliments).
  99. My mom shirt -- “This mom is extra special because she’s the dad too!”
  100. That I challenged myself to complete this list.
This list was originally written in 2002.

What Kind of World Do You Want

Change Claudia's World

Follow the link to watch a video about a sweet, young girl, Claudia. She was diagnosed with Autism but, unfortunately, cannot get the help she needs due to a 2-yr waiting list.

For every view of the video, money is donated to Autism Speaks in Claudia's name.

Get the Respect You Deserve



Get the Respect You Deserve


What Kind of Pet Would You Be?




You Would Be a Pet Dog



You're friendly, loyal, and an all around good sport. People love to be near you.

You are very open with your feelings, and you're quite vocal in expressing them.

You are sincere and kind. You love many people - without any sort of agenda.



Why you would make a great pet: You're content to chill out with your friends



Why you would make a bad pet: You always find yourself getting into trouble



What you would love about being a dog: Running around and playing



What you would hate about being a dog: Being left home alone while everyone else is out having fun

The Top Ten Predictions for 2008

1. The Bible will still have the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

Christmas Magic

Christmas Magic is two books in one. Mistletoe and Holly by Janet Daily and
Sweet Sea Spirit by Emilie Richards.

Mistletoe and Holly: "Christmas festivities were the furthest things from Leslie Stiles's mind when she left the city for her aunt's house in Vermont. Her plans were foiled. Her neighbor Tagg Williams ignited a spark in her with his contagious Christian enthusiasm. It was the season of giving and Christmas filled the air. Could Leslie resist the season... and her heart's desire?"

Sweet Sea Spirit: "Hanging upside down from a giant tree, free-spirited Sandy MacDonald met Tyler Hamilton, on of Georgia's most prominent attorneys. Tyler was from a world that demanded sophistication and elegance. If there was one things Sandy couldn't resist, it was a challenge... a challenge that seemed insurmountable until Christmas showed her the miracles of love."

I don't usually read romantic novels but I do love Christmas time so the title appealed to me. Yes, I was rooting for the romance and so happy when both couples finally got together.

Rating (1, lowest; 5, highest): 4

Reach Your Full Potential


Happy Thanksgiving!

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know everything,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times,
because during those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

~~ Author Unknown ~~


Happy blessed thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.

My Champ

Meet Sir Champion Litz... the newest member of the Litz family.


Champ -- short for Sir Champion Litz -- was born September 2nd and adopted November 3rd. Early Merry Christmas to the Litz family!

Champ is approx. 3.5 pounds and 3/4 quarter Chihuahua and 1/4 terrier.

I've wanted a Chihuahua for many years, especially after I lived with a friend about a decade ago who had a Chihuahua. I'm so excited. A few friends have taken great joy and laugh at me at how excited I am. (Remind me how excited I am/was when in several weeks I am exhausted after the sleepless nights.)

Happy Veteran's Day

In 1918, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month, after four years of bitter war, an armistice between the Allied powers and Germany went into effect, bringing the fighting of World War I to a close. Today, we celebrate the anniversary of that cessation as Veterans Day.

Over 1.5 million veterans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan so far, and every one of them volunteered to serve. As Tom Lynch, a military fellow at the Brookings Institution, said: "Perhaps never before in American history have so few done so much for so long."

For many newly-returned troops, this is the first Veterans Day they will spend as veterans. This weekend, help us welcome them home.

Attend a local Veterans Day event, or if you know a veteran personally, take a minute to thank them.

3 Rules to Not Buying

Remember the three rules of NOT buying...
1) DO instead of BUY -- Can you DO something instead of BUY something?
2) SHOP at home FIRST -- Do you already have it at home?
3) Procrastinate -- Can you put off BUYing it until later?

Happy Halloween

Halloween Hangman created by The Dimension's Edge, Inc.

Have fun with this sarcastic skeleton that doesn't cheer you on. How many Halloween words do you know?

What Your Halloween Habits Say About You




What Your Halloween Habits Say About You



The scariest thing on Halloween is you! You definitely don't want any kids in costumes crossing your path - and you're willing to scare away any who do.



You definitely think of yourself as someone who has a dark side. And part of having that dark side means not showing it.



Your inner child is open minded, playful, and adventurous.



You fear people taking advantage for you. You are always worried about protecting your own interests.



You're prone to be quite emotional and over dramatic. Deep down, you enjoy being scared out of your mind... even if you don't admit it.



You are picky and high maintenance. If you wear a Halloween costume, it's only when you really feel like it. And it has to be perfect.

1 + 1 + 1 = 3

When a friend mentioned on her blog that this week's theme was "three," , good grief, I never imagined being flooded with so much emotion over a number. It's just a number. But...

I am a mom of three living children (the oldest was given up for adoption 21 years ago).

My family consists of three... Cameron, Cassandra, and I.

For as long as I can remember, I have been immersed in a life of triplicate. Purchasing everything in sets of three... three bikes, three ice cream cones, three ornaments, three umbrellas, and it has been so with everything.

The children have discovered individuality... distinctly different interests, tastes, likes and dislikes. They are growing at different rates, physically and mentally. No longer are clothes interchangeable. No longer do they crave the constant companionship of each other (or me). My children are growing up.

No longer to be referred to as "the three of us", it is now "each of us." Not so little humans with minds of their own, beginning to shape their own lives. I can't help but feel that as each child walks individually, searching for life's truths, we will always be connected. After all, 1 + 1 +1 = 3.

Different But Tolerable

Cameron, my dear son diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, mild Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Integration Disorder (old name under DSM) is an avid reader. Cameron struggles due to severe ADHD and other issues, but has learned to read on a first grade level, which means he is not as independent as he should be in fourth grade but he still loves to look at books. At age nine, he reads at a first grade level, reads very methodically -- though very disorganized -- but loves to read.

Cassandra, my dear daughter, is still in the process of learning to read and is reading first and second grade books. She too loves to read.

I cherish the many ways my children are completely different from one another and how they love and tolerate one another. Wouldn't my house the world be stiff and boring if we all did things the same way? Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if we each tried a little harder to understand those who share the planet, but live in a different world?

Bullying Prevention

This week is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week.

If you don't think bullying is a big problem, please think again. At Wrightslaw, letters are received every week asking advice about what to do when children are bullied... by peers, by older students, even by teachers.

Wrightslaw lists dozens of resources that provide strategies for dealing with bullying and how to prevent it.

Reports and Resources

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 50% of children are bullied and l0% are victims of bullying on a regular basis. (The NYU Child Study Center, 2005.) Kids who have learning disabilities (LD) or ADHD are especially vulnerable to bullying problems. Read Understanding Bullying and Its Impact on Kids with Learning Disabilities or ADHD.

The PACER Center, a national parent center in Minnesota, has established a National Center for Bullying Prevention. Read about their campaign to empower schools, parents, and kids to end childhood harassment. With an emphasis on children with disabilities, you'll find tool kits for daily activities, online bullying prevention training for parents, and informational handouts.

To find out what works -- and doesn't work -- in bullying prevention and intervention read What Adults Can Do from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Another excellent resource for parents, teachers, and others who are trying to protect kids is a publication from the Office of Civil Rights titled Protecting Students from Harassment and Hate Crime: A Guide for Schools. It includes a section on the definition of harassment based on disability and provides step-by-step guidance for developing a district's written anti-harassment policy. You may want to ensure your school board has a copy of this publication. Download a copy by clicking on the link above.

Take a Stand, Lend a Hand

Go to Stop Bullying Now! to find information, prevention, tips, and games. You'll find webcasts and podcasts for kids about what bullying is and how to take a stand against bullying.

This document Preventing Bullying: A Manuel for Schools and Communities addresses the problem of bullying in schools and defines bullying, discusses the seriousness of this behavior and the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach, and presents strategies for teachers, students, and parents to use when dealing with bullying situations. It also provides examples of innovative and successful approaches used by schools in different parts of the country.

The Personality of Your Handwriting

Your handwriting reveals that you are Sociable.

Your writing style reflects that you tend to feel connected to others, and that you help to facilitate that connection through your clear written communication. Tickle research indicates that people who are sociable generally have a few or all of the following characteristics in their writing: prefer printing over cursive, a left margin that doesn't get narrower or wider toward the bottom, avoids using very heavy pressure when writing, a large or very large letter size, doesn't print in all lower case letters, &/or regular writing is clear and legible.

Your writing tends to be particularly clear, which is a sign that you're trying to be communicative and make it easy for others to read your writing. Of all of the personality characteristics that are projected in your writing, sociability is the one that predominates. However, Tickle has also included in this report a comprehensive handwriting analysis, using traditional methods, to give you a deeper view into what a handwriting analyst might say about you based on your writing.

The Ten Major Components of Your Handwriting

Graphologists use a number of techniques to decipher your handwriting. Tickle's test focuses on the ten most revealing and prominent traits: Slant, Baseline, Margins, Spacing, Pressure, Size, Speed, Zones, Style, and Signature. This section explains the basic rationale behind each trait, as well as the specific meaning of your personalization of that trait.

Your Slant

As children, we're taught to slant to the right, primarily because we write from left to right. This means that a rightward slant is the most common slant, though some people have a leftward, vertical, or varied slant. While you might assume that left-handed people are more likely to slant to the left, graphologists have discovered that an equal percentage of lefties and righties slant in both directions.

You have a rightward slant. According to handwriting analysts, rightward slant indicates that you focus your thoughts and efforts on the future, despite any fears or reservations about what's to come. Because we write from left to right on the page, leaning toward the right indicates a leaning toward the future. Thus, your slant indicates that you tend to express your true feelings. Your expressiveness may lead you to be particularly affectionate, as well as passionate about the people and things you care about most. Like you, Marie Curie had a distinctive rightward slant.

Your Baseline

The baseline is the invisible line we use to guide our handwriting on a blank sheet of paper. Some baselines are relatively straight, while others slant upward, downward, or vary as the line progresses to the edge of the page. When you start at the left-hand side of the page, you're in the past. As you write across the page, you move through the present and to the future. Handwriting analysts believe that the angle of your baseline as you progress through this metaphorical time continuum reveals information about your general moods, your attitudes toward the past, present, and future, and your level of mental energy.

You have a straight baseline. Handwriting analysts say that this means your emotions and your outward behavior is stable and even-keeled. You likely exert a certain level of self-control over your external expression of your mood. People can count on you to be consistent and careful. While a relatively straight baseline indicates stability, an overly straight baseline (one created by writing with a ruler, or one that looks as if it's been written using a ruler), is a sign that one is over-controlling their behavior to compensate for a deeper fear of losing control.

Your Margins

Graphologists see the blank page as a representation of your life. The top of the page represents your past; the bottom represents your future. Likewise, the left side symbolizes your past, and the right side represents your future. The size and placement of your margins speaks to how you balance your relationship with the past and present, as well as how you interact with the people you encounter. The ideal, standard margin for adults is to start roughly 1 to 1½ inches in from the left and to go as far as you can to the edge of the right-hand side without moving into it and having to crunch your words.

Your Full Page

You exhibit the ideal, standard margins on all sides of the page. Analysts believe this standard formatting indicates a healthy relationship with your past and your future.

Your Left Margin

Because we write from left to right, the left side of the page reveals our feelings about our past. Your standard left margin leads graphologists to conclude that you have a healthy relationship with your past.

Your Right Margin

Our right margins relate to our feelings about the future. Graphologists believe that your standard right margin means you have a timid relationship with the future. You're more likely than others to be inhibited.

Your Top Margin

You have a large top margin. Your adherence to standard formatting points to your more formal, humble nature. Because you allow for the standard amount of room in your top margin, you're likely more considerate and respectful in your interactions with others.

Your Lower Margin

Handwriting analysts deem your lower margin wide. Because the bottom of the page represents the future, your avoidance of some of the usable space in the lower margin may indicate a fear of the future and avoidance of forward-movement in life.

Your Indentations

Because every line of your paragraphs are aligned, as opposed to having an indentation in the first line of each paragraph, graphologists would speculate that you're slightly inhibited and shy.

Your Spacing

The spacing between your letters, words, and lines of writing all reveal how you feel about your relationship to others. Analysts see each word as an expression of yourself, and how close you place those words reveals your unconscious emotional and physical boundaries with others. Because spacing will vary with how fast you're writing, standard spacing is generally anything that doesn't stand out as unusual.

Your Spacing Between Letters and Words

The spacing between your letters and between your words is standard. Analysts say this means that you tend to be orderly, while at the same time maintaining an open-minded and relaxed attitude.

Your Spacing Between Lines

You have standard, even line spacing, which points to your being a consistent, even-keeled person with clear intelligence.

Your Pressure

The pressure of your handwriting relates to how hard you're pressing down when you're writing. Analysts believe that the pressure of one's writing relates to the amount of mental energy and intensity the writer is experiencing. Pressure is a trait that can change regularly, depending on your mood. However, most people generally write with a medium pressure.

The heavy pressure you exert while writing is a sign that you're assertive, energetic, and forceful.

Your Size

Because the blank paper represents your life and your surroundings, the size of your writing represents the way you relate to your surroundings. Analysts learn to determine size by examining many handwriting samples, and comparing those samples over time. Because size isn't a fixed trait, and the size of the paper can impact the size of your writing, it can be useful to view several samples to get the most accurate reading of your handwriting size.

Graphologists would categorize the size of your writing as medium. They'd say you're someone who feels socially normal and possesses an average ability of concentration. The majority of people write this way, except for when they're experiencing a temporary shift in mood.

Your Speed

The speed at which you write is a sign of intelligence, spontaneity, patience, and honesty. Adults of average intelligence who are being truthful generally don't write slowly most of the time. When someone generally writes quickly, but suddenly slows down over a few words, graphologists often suspect that those words could be untrue or conflicted.

The slow speed at which you generally write indicates a guarded nature.

Your Zones

Your handwriting can be dissected into three zones: the upper, middle, and lower zones. Tickle's handwriting test focused on your upper zone, which represents your mind, and your lower zone, which represents your instincts and desires. In graphology, the standard balance for the zones is for your middle zone to take up half the amount of space as your upper or middle zones. Graphologists reap a lot of information from the size and proportion of the zones, as well as the shape of the letters that appear in each zone.

Your Lower Zone

The length of your lower loop is normal, which means you are likely consistent and able to stick with things — such as mates, jobs, and locations — for a long time. The normal shape of your lower loop shows that you're able to maintain an affectionate, monogamous sexual relationship.

The normal shape of your lower loop shows that you're able to maintain an affectionate, monogamous sexual relationship.

The size of your lower loop is normal, which means you're sexually satisfied and happy with the status of your material life.

Your Upper Zone

Your rounded upper loop reveals that you are tender and sympathetic.

The lead in into your upper loop means that you're likely indirect and less efficient than others.

Your Style

The style of your handwriting refers to whether you generally use print or cursive, or a combination of the two. The reason for your choice is significant to graphologists. One reason for this is that printing only certain words or phrases may be an indication of dishonesty. Another reason is that statistically, more men print than women. Some analysts believe this is because boys' fine motor skills aren't as advanced as girls' at the age at which printing is taught, which makes it more difficult in general for boys to learn to write. By the time cursive is being taught, many boys have decided they don't care for handwriting, and even though their fine motor skills have caught up by this point, many are reluctant to take on a whole new kind of writing with the same gusto. Once they're no longer forced to write in cursive, many boys return to print.

Your Printed and Cursive Writing

You've indicated that you generally try to print, even though your cursive writing is legible. Handwriting analysts believe this means you don't want to reveal your true personality to others, and that you consider the effect you have on others.

Capitalization of Your Printed Writing

When you write in standard capital and lower case letters, you maintain the distinctions among the three zones of writing. Handwriting analysts believe this means you like things to be neat and orderly, and that you generally follow the rules necessary to keep things clear.

Your Signature

While the majority of your handwriting communicates your conscious feelings and ideas, your signature represents your unconscious public self-image. In your signature, you convey your public identity: how you see your public self, how you wish others would see you, and how you think others do see you. By comparing your signature with the rest of your writing, graphologists seek to determine if your public and private personas are similar or different. Your

Signature Style

You've indicated that your Signature Style is similar to the rest of your handwriting. This means that you're a person who lives by a "what you see is what you get" ethos. You aren't likely to show off or put on airs in public. Your

Signature Size

Because your signature is slightly larger than the rest of your writing, analysts believe that you have a degree of self-confidence in public that is healthy and appropriate.

Your Signature's Legibility

Having both a signature and writing that are clear and legible indicates that you are considerate and respectful, and that you hope to communicate both your thoughts and your true self to others.

Your Signature's Underscore

Not having an underscore indicates that you don't feel the need to emphasize yourself publicly.

Your Signature's Initials

Because the initials in your signature are the standard amount larger than the other letters, graphologists think you have a desire to stand out in public and be socially prominent.

Your Signature Placement

Placing your signature on the right-hand side of the page indicates that you go along with what you're taught. You're also particularly conscious of your public persona.

Handwriting ABCs

In addition to the ten handwriting traits just discussed, handwriting analysts also take into account the formation of individual letters. This section of your report reveals what graphologists would say about your letter formation.

Your lower-case "b" demonstrates that you have the ability to persevere through difficult circumstances.

Your lower-case "g" reveals that you are an honest person who is well-educated.
Handwriting analysts believe that your lower-case "j" indicates that you think analytically and act cautiously.

Your capital "O" is a sign that you're determined and discreet.

Albert Einstein’s Signature

Handwriting analysts believe you can tell a lot about a person's public persona from their signature. Albert Einstein's signature has initials that are somewhat larger than the rest of his letters. According to graphologists, this indicates that he had a desire to stand out in public and be socially prominent. As one of the most brilliant and imaginative minds of the 20th Century, we also know that Einstein was one of the more publicly playful scientists in history. He certainly didn't seem to mind having his photo taken or being in the spotlight.

Einstein's signature is also pretty legible. Graphologists would interpret this to mean he hoped to communicate his thoughts and true self to others. The ascending baseline in his signature is a sign of healthy mental energy and a strong possibility of success in his endeavors. Sounds about right!

The History of Graphology

The first historical records of graphology date back to 11th century China, where a man named Kuo Jo Hsu said it was possible to discern personality characteristics from people's handwriting. Confucius once said, "Handwriting can infallibly show whether it comes from a person who is noble-minded or from one who is vulgar." Then, in 1622, an Italian man named Camillo Baldi wrote the philosophical book On the Way of Knowing the Nature and Qualities of the Writer by Analyzing a Letter Missive. It wasn't until 1875, though, that French Abbot Jean Hyppolyte Michon coined the phrase "graphology."

In 1869, Frenchman Jean Michon wrote The Mysteries of Handwriting, which was later followed by The Practical Method. Both of these books were based upon countless studies and analysis, and they are still largely the basis of graphology today. At the end of that century, when psychology emerged as a science, psychiatrists Rene Rasten, Paul Joire, and Paul Carton, combined psychology with graphology to create graphotherapy, the science of changing personality characteristics by changing elements and characteristics of the individual's handwriting.

Today graphologists use the empirical method of blind studies to derive data about the meaning behind handwriting. For instance, if graphologists are trying to determine if a particular personality trait, such as alcoholism, can be revealed by handwriting, they first agree on the criteria for that trait, and then they sample a large number of people who are known to have that trait, as well as a control group of a large number of people who don't exhibit this trait. Based on their findings, they determine if this trait can accurately be detected in one's handwriting.

Graphology in the Courtroom

There are all kinds of interesting uses for handwriting analysis; perhaps the most intriguing application is using graphology to solve crimes. Handwriting analysts are often asked to testify in criminal court cases, and often the handwriting of suspects is examined to see if particular writing characteristics are consistent with the traits of the criminal (such as being a deceitful, angry, or extremely introverted person). Graphologists are often employed to examine suicide notes to determine if they're genuine or forgeries done by the deceased's murderer. Handwriting analysis is also useful in determining if wills were signed willingly or under duress, or if a document is a forgery.

In one famous case, handwriting analysis was employed to help link the murderer to his victims. Serial killer Ted Bundy's victims were in different states and were murdered in a variety of different ways, which made it difficult for authorities to link the crimes to one perpetrator. However, Bundy did have one common technique that he used with the majority of his victims: he lured them over by buying them a drink and accompanying it with a note inviting them to sit with him. It was by comparing these notes that investigators realized that they were looking for one serial killer, not several different murderers. Without graphology, authorities may never have realized — or been able to prove — the full extent of his crimes.

References
Amend, Karen, and Ruiz, Mary. Handwriting Analysis. (New Page Books), 1986.
Imberman, Arlyn, and Rifkin, June. Signature for Success. (Andrews McMeel Publishing) 2003. Lowe, Shiela R. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Handwriting Analysis. (Alpha Books), 1999.
McNichol, Andrea. Handwriting Analysis: Putting It to Work for You. (Contemporary Books), 1994.
Rodgers, Vimala. Your Handwriting Can Change Your Life! (Fireside), 2000. Santoy, Claude. The ABCs of Handwriting Analysis: A Guide to Techniques and Interpretations. (Marlow and Company), 1994.

A World Without Love

Some 100 million prescriptions for antidepressants are written annually in the United States. Because these drugs are becoming generic, they will soon be widely used worldwide as well. Many are SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These drugs raise levels of serotonin in brain -- a good idea when you are horribly depressed. These drugs blunt the emotions, curb obsessive thinking and help you sleep.

But serotonin enhancers also suppress the dopamine system in the brain and dopamine circuits become super active when you feel intense romantic love. So, connecting the dots, I hypothesize that when you take these drugs, you can jeopardize your ability to fall in love and/or stay in love.

This apparently stimulated the following letter from a medical doctor in Texas: “After two bouts of depression in ten years, my therapist recommended I stay on serotonin-enhancing antidepressants indefinitely. As appreciative as I was to have regained my health, I found that my usual enthusiasm for life was replaced with blandness. My romantic feelings for my wife declined drastically. With the approval of my therapist, I gradually discontinued my medication. My enthusiasm returned and our romance is now as strong as ever. I am prepared to deal with another bout of depression if need be, but in my case the long-term side effects of antidepressants render them off limits.”
I can’t tell you how many people have emailed me similar stories.

Some people are chronically and severely depressed. They may need to take one of these drugs for life. I am not trying to minimize their path to sanity and comfort. Many “normal” folks are taking these drugs for reasons of temporary malaise and then continuing to use them after the depression has lifted. These are the people that concern me. We all know these drugs cripple your sex drive (in 73% of users). But humanity has inherited other brain systems for reproduction as well, among them the neural mechanism for romantic love. And these men and women may be jeopardizing this brain system too.

What is a world without love? If patterns of human love subtly change, all sorts of social and political atrocities can escalate.

Why I Blog

I love my life... really!

My "special purpose" son and "gifted" daughter take me to places daily in my mind and heart that I would have never known existed without them. In sharing photos and a few words from our day to day life, I hope to help you look at your life with humor and with the reality that you do what you can do when you can do it... then you eat chocolate.

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