Slippery Snail

Voyeurism… or 1984?

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When posting on blogs, I have noticed different trends from different people.  On how they write, express, the subject matter, etc.  And I am astounded at times of the amount of information out there.

Which allows me to segway  into a subject I have mentioned before….privacy.

We are into all kinds of social media, from Twitter, Facebook, linked to other websites and now Google +, Unthink and Disporia.  Each of these no matter what, wants personal information about you.  Anymore you don’t even have to belong to these and your information can still be found.  I was chatting with a Social Media Guru, who said, while in traffic between lights he is always on Twitter and keeping up with people.  I understand the concept, what I don’t get is do people really want to hear and be involved in idle chit chat?  With friends sure, but we are talking about followers on twitter or any of the social media websites, of people literally from all over the world.

Even though I have this and a couple of other websites, you have to hunt and scramble to find any personal information about myself or my business partner.  Which we like that part of anonymity.  But correct me if I am wrong, social media insists you strip this away.  Eventually, if you know how, you can find me pretty quick.

Point in fact, I know they are celebrities, but with the Moore/Kutcher impending divorce.  Both have been up front and vocal on twitter about their personal lives.  From going out, to dental work, whatever… now they both want privacy during this tragic part of their lives.  Huh?   It is the same with anyone, whether your famous or not our Society enjoys the voyeurism.  Just look at the TV shows.  You are hard pressed to find, just plain stupid funny shows on anymore.  Unless you go to TVLand and see the old re-runs from the late 70-80′s.  When we didn’t have to be so politically correct.

This brings us to another one I mentioned before.  And believe me when I say this will be an on-going discussion.  The social platforms running with anything and everything.  Whether it is news worthy or not.  Seeing all the Occupies across the Nation, being Facebooked and Twittered about constantly, not too mention video being released instantaneously of the clashes between the factions of government and people.  Good, Bad, Indifferent?  Hard to say.

But all this becomes reminisce of the book 1984.  If Big brother is not watching you, your neighbor is.  If my kid misbehaves and gets a swat on the ass for it, why is my neighboring, videoing and or tweeting about it?  Granted some people get carried away, and sometimes the kid deserves a swat or two.  I grew up with the belt and paddle,  my kids the same way.  And you know what, it only took one or two times and we all learned.  So why does the world really need to know? To see? to Tweet? To Youtube it?

I believe it will get worse before it gets better.  No matter how hard we try, look around you, there is no longer any privacy.  I am surprised all changing rooms and bathrooms don’t have video, or do they?

It is bad enough our Country has security issues, but when you are taught from childhood, not to let strangers touch you there, why are we allowing it?  For the better good?  Maybe, seriously probably not.  it is just another privacy being stripped away, because we are told we have too.

Okay last rant…..you, like me, don’t like the way our Country is headed, has been locked into for how long?  Then get out and vote!  But don’t vote for the incumbent.  Send a clear message to all of Washington, D.C.  all new people in office, and if they don’t get it done, in 4-6 years, vote for the next bunch.  Sooner or later those 539 people will get the message, to get off their butts and get with running this Country, out of debt!

And somewhere along all this, drop the political right bullshit and get back to the basics of being human beings.  And return our privacy…..Yeah, I know like that will happen.  But I can wallow in my delusions , at least a couple of hours a day!

 

Carpe Noctem!

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Fetishes

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Here at Slippery Snail, when we mentioned we talk or write about anything, this is true.  Although we do try to enlighten and educate at the same time.

So I was utterly amazed at how many Fetishes there are.  Ones that are recognized and popular, to those of WTF?  There are over 800 different types of fetishes, recognized that is.  I’m sure there are probably more.  And yes the majority are linked to something sexual.  But then isn’t everything.

Although not all have to be sexual.  A woman who enjoys running her hands through a man’s hair, whether short or long, is considered a fetish.  clothes on!  So out of all the most bizarre and trust they are there, I choose to spotlight for you, and yes it is sexual, the Spectraphilia.  Why I don’t know, except, the first Ghostbusters does bring it to life, as Ray Stantz is laying in bed….

Fetish:  Spectrophilia

Needed:  mirror, Ouija board, condom with ectoplasmicide

The Fantasy:  This one will be an easy one to relate too.  Remember in the first Ghostbusters, Dan Akroyd’s character, Ray Stantz is laying in bed as a spectral woman appears above him?  Then you get the fantasy.  Wet dream?  Possibly not!

What is it:  Spectrophilia is sex with other worldly beings.  It is most popular form of Sex in the world.  People just don’t seem to realize it is happening, now and to them. A succubus (Male or female demon) enter your room during your REM sleep.  They enjoy themselves sexually all over you.  You wake up suddenly, heart racing, dripping sweat… and not quite sexually satisfied?  Yup, that would be a ghost rape of you!

Origins: But what about those who want to feel that cold hand of the spectral being?  They do have their work cut out for them.  However, one way is by using a mirror.  With the room completely dark and a candle to the side of the mirror, you stand naked in front of it and have your partner come up behind your and … use your imagination.  Most Spectrophiliacs use this method to simulate the experience of a ghost having their way.  Most swear by it.  The body’s reaction to fear is the same as sexual stimulation; increased blood pressure, shortness of breath and hypersensitivity.  The unknown is scary, scary is sexy, ergo, ghosts are sexy.

Considerations:  The best part in all this, are spectral being have yet to be grounded for STD’s, nor can you get pregnant.  But keep in mind, if you are caught having sex with an actual ghost, you could be burned at the stake!

Ending Note:  According to the Malleus Maleficarum, a witch hunter’s bible from the 15th century.  Ghost ‘seem’ to appear to woman who have beautiful hair.  Either because they are vain and boastful about it, or because God in His goodness permits the gorgeous locks, thus enticing the men through this and the Devil’s may care!? (From The Deviants pocket guide to the Outlandish Sexual Desires, by Dennis Diclaudio, copyright 2008, published by Bloomsbury, New York)

Carpe Diem or Noctem!

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Unthink

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Radical thinking is how technology and our Society evolves.  Just the way it is.

When everyone is getting fed-up with Facebook, alternatives are now popping up.  Think about this.  Before Facebook started,  MySpace had already hit the scene.  That was the place to be scene and heard.  As with any endevour, it had growing pains.  But not as many as Facebook at that time.  Since then, roles are not reversed.  MySpace is still out there, but not near as popular as the Facebook craze.

As you have probably noticed, Facebook has changed and evolved.  Not always for the best interests of it participants.  Privacy has been the biggest issue.  People seem to forget, if you post it on the Internet, EVERYONE knows.  It cannot be helped.  The information highway is just that.  But now employers, friends, new friends, etc.  Can now find out more information in a few minutes, that use to take hours or even days, in the ‘old’ days.

The other, and most criticized aspect of Facebook, is having fan or business pages linked to your private/social page.  I know, personally I have 8 accounts with Facebook, because it was the only way to ‘cheat’ the system.  Makes their numbers less accurate doesn’t it!

Now, there comes an alternative.  Unthink.  Unthink.com, now allows you to have one Social Media Suite to operate from.  And friends, family, professional and advertising-banding all have separate pages, yet all in one location.  For instance.  You can have a social page, all your friends are involved with.  Lifestyle page can be family.  Branding page is where you link up with advertisers and other like minded people.  Business/Professional Page is just as it says.  The beauty of this, should it work, would you would go to one location to get all of this.  Yet your links and contacts would see only the page you give them.  yes I am sure there would be a computer whiz who could get in and see it all.  But the regular everyday people, not!

This is Unthinks Pledge, deed if you will:

This Emancipation Deed is made this day between the domain known as UNTHINK.com, “Grantor”, and you, “Grantee”, a settler desiring to establish a social networking homestead, “Suite”, on the UNTHINK.com domain.

BY THIS DEED, for and in consideration of Grantee’s improvements to and ongoing use of the Suite, Grantor hereby conveys to Grantee the following Suite:

1234567890.UNTHINK.com/suite*
* Suite URL can be personalized upon completion of verification procedure by Grantee.

SUBJECT TO the Emancipation Covenants and applicable law,

AFFORDED the protections of the Privacy Policy.

GRANTOR WARRANTS that, while the Emancipation Covenants and Privacy Policy may change from time to time, all such changes will be minor or as mandated by law, and that Grantee’s protections will never be reduced without Grantee’s explicit consent.

GRANTOR COVENANTS that the property is not encumbered, that the Endorser Grantee selects will cover all Suite maintenance costs in exchange for being showcased on the Suite, and that Grantee’s possession and enjoyment will not be disturbed by advertisements or spyware.

GRANTED by UNTHINK.com.

This says allot.  NO advertisements nor spyware involved!  How can you not like just this part.  They are in Beta testing right now and looking for people to join and help them work out the bugs, so to speak.  For those of us with privacy issues, this is a great alternative.  While Facebook will be around for awhile.  I like the idea others have taken the initiative to take it those next steps higher.  Especially in these wars of social media.

Take the time, to read their Privacy and Emancipation Policies.  Sign in and get you invitation. Just like when you first got on Facebook, there will be a learning curve, but so far, not too bad! Read and follow the tutorials they have.  The best part?  They will import all your media from Facebook.  I like one stop ‘shopping’.  With my privacy covered……Oh did I mention, it is all FREE!!!

Carpe Diem!~

 

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Veterans Day

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Yes, it comes around each and every year.  Surprise!

Seriously, this is a day that should be celebrated across the Nation.  Our WW I veterans are now all gone.  And it was the war to end all wars.  At this time in history, it was an honor for men and women to serve (yes women served, but not in combat).  The sacrifice they give can at times be their lives.  Other is their saving lives.  When WW II came, this should be the last.  Unfortunately several more followed. Although sometimes, they were not actually called a War.

Even now, it may not be considered World Wars any more.  But the World in involved more than they realize, I believe.

The difference in how we treat these people, has been a contention of many debates.  I will not open that can of worms here.  Okay, maybe a little.  I come from the Vietnam era.  Watching every night on the News.  With the expansion of the Media, this became the first highly publicized war.  The Media also learned their lesson about portraying death, executions and dieing at dinner time.  Unfortunately, in this alleged wisdom, of today they forgot, to report the truth.  Okay, that would be a whole other debate on the Media.

Back on track here.  You could say the Vietnam Veterans have been the hardest hit of government cover-ups.  They have been with the invention of chemical warfare.  But then WW II Veterans were also with the Atomic era.  And what amazes me, WW II veterans, volunteered.  Knowing it was this honor.  Society by the time Vietnam started up had changed and people started really questioning our Governments decisions.  Vietnam, saw the draft.  No longer were people willing to blindly go where the Government said they needed to go.  Our Government told them they had to go, thus all the protests. (I know I am generalizing, work with me.)

Now we have a volunteer Military again, with a volunteer draft (which thankfully has not been enlisted).  And has the World has evolved, so has warfare.  This is one of those subjects, that if you sit and actually see and understand what is happening around the world, it would make you curl in the corner and suck your thumb.

However…

This is where the celebration comes into play.  Whether your beliefs or politics agree or disagree with any War.  It boils down to the men and women, we as a Country and yes Government send to fight.  Fight for liberty, freedom a way of life.  To exploit, condemn, spit on, yell at, ignore:   These individuals who make this decision everyday, is flat out wrong!  I have been to many Veterans Day celebration (Military background), and what truly amazes and stuns me, is how many people, show a total lack of respect.

Just two years ago, in a small town I resided in, they have a Veterans Day Parade.  I was absolutely stunned, when the men and women of the military went by, with or without an American Flag, how many people, either booed or could not be bothered to stand up.  What really surprised me, most were under 40 years of age.  I went a little ballistic.  I made people around me, feel so bad, they stood the rest of the parade.  Which they should have been doing to begin with.

Then again, when I see a hat, not removed or people who cannot be bothered to stand when our Flag goes by, I have to say something.  Obviously, some parents, have not been parenting!

Okay, almost finished.  Coming from the West Coast, and moving to the middle of the Country.  I was again surprised, when children did not have Veterans day off, to go to the Parade or other events Veterans groups were putting on.  I just naturally assumed, everyone had it off.  Even allot of banks were open!  WHAT?

If you cannot make the events this coming Veterans Day, take a moment, every time you see someone in uniform and shake their hand and or Thank them. It literally takes less than 30 seconds.  Is that little amount of time, worth YOUR time?   Such a small thing, goes a long way with our men and women in uniform.  I have even given hugs at the Airports when traveling.

Fly an American Flag this week or any week, in support of all our Troops worldwide.  They deserve our support, whether we believe in the circumstances or not.  They are away from their loved ones.  It is such a small thing, that goes on and on and on and on.

 

Carpe Diem!~

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Hiring a Contractor

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In the alleged recession, when making a decision to have work performed at your home, it comes down to the almighty dollar.  With this being said, you don’t want to skimp on professionalism.  While George down the street might know what he is doing, hiring a licensed Contractor can make all the difference in the world.  This doesn’t necessarily mean they know more than George down the street.  What they do have is usually certification and information available to you, most of all insurance.   Something the guy down the street may not.

And just because you are hiring a licensed Contractor doesn’t mean more money.  Even though it is kind of a pain, always get at least three different proposals.  It is better for your peace of mind.  You do not want to pit each Contractor estimate against each other.  But when money is tight, you want more bang for your buck, for sure.

Keep in mind, part of the licensing also means they have the insurance.  Should George down the street fall or trip on your property, without him having insurance, he can come after your homeowners insurance.  This increases your rates, and they work does not get finished.  The liability alone, should give you peace of mind when hiring a licensed Contractor

So here are few tips for you to keep in mind when looking for a licensed Contractor…

1.  Call local organization for Contractors.  They are a fountain of information.  They assist in finding you qualified help.  The Contractor pays to belong.  Should you have plans on what you want to accomplish, submit the plans and they find the Contractor, generally at no cost to you.  They also assist to let you know, the validity of a Contractor you might be looking to hire.

2.  Contact you State’s Contractor Board.  This also assists you in finding a Contractor.  But you have to do all the leg work yourself.  Which is time consuming and frustrating.  However, the Contractors Board will let you know, if they are insured, active and how many complaints against them.  How many times they have moved or changed Company names.

3.  Always, always, get a minimum of three bids when possible.  Not just for costs, but you receive more information, from different opinions and concepts.  One of them, might have thought of something creative or easier, you did not.

4.  Do Not be afraid to ask for references.  Call the references.  Most people that will let themselves be listed, usually like that Contractor and will sing his praises.  Keep in mind though, to ask if they performed the same work.  Once you get someone on the phone and chit-chat, they will usually be forth coming in more information.

5.  Ask the Contractor if they Sub out any work.  This is where they ask a fellow colleague to perform a service, they do not.  Make sure they have all their insurances.  This would not be covered under your Contractors.

6.  This link provides you valuable information in hiring a Contractor.  Take the time to read it.  It will save you time and money in the long run.

http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/HireCon/Checklist/before1.asp

7.  Take the time to interview your Contractor.  Make sure you would be able to work with them.  Make sure they are available and return phone calls or e-mails in a timely manner.  Most of all perform the job in a timely manner.

8.  Things you ‘assume’ could spell disaster.  Always ask when you are not sure.  remember, they work for you, not the other way around.  Delays do and will happen.  Keep track, make sure they don’t happen often or for too long.

9.  Sign a contract.  Hold the Contractor to the contract.  If you are not sure about all the fine print.  Take it to the Contractors Board or the local Contractor Organization.  It is one of many services they offer.  Don’t be embarrassed.  Usually the only ones who understand the lingo are lawyers.

By taking a few extra steps, your peace of mind, time and money will so be worth it.  But protect yourself, home and family.  It would catastrophic, by missing just one simple thing.   And remember when in doubt, never assume, ask!  less mis-communication this way!

 

Carpe Diem!~

 

 

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60 Ways to Simplify

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I don’t know about you, but some days I need the reminder, of why I am here, what should I really be doing and does any of it really matter.  In other words question my existence.  So keeping an eye out, I find these simple but eloquent word from Marc and Angel Hack Life, Practical tips for productive living.  Surely some of these would be familiar….

  1. Don’t try to read other people’s minds.  Don’t make other people try to read yours.  Communicate.
  2. Be polite, but don’t try to be friends with everyone around you.  Instead, spend time nurturing your relationships with the people who matter most to you.
  3. Your health is your life, keep up with it.  Get an annual physical check-up.
  4. Live below your means.  Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.  Always sleep on big purchases.  Create a budget and savings plan and stick to both of them.
  5. Get enough sleep every night.  An exhausted mind is rarely productive.
  6.  Get up 30 minutes earlier so you don’t have to rush around like a mad man.  That 30 minutes will help you avoid speeding tickets, tardiness, and other unnecessary headaches.
  7. Get off your high horse, talk it out, shake hands or hug, and move on.
  8. Don’t waste your time on jealously.  The only person you’re competing against is yourself.
  9. Surround yourself with people who fill your gaps.  Let them do the stuff they’re better at so you can do the stuff you’re better at.
  10. Organize your living space and working space.
  11. Get rid of stuff you don’t use.
  12. Ask someone if you aren’t sure.
  13. Spend a little time now learning a time-saving trick or shortcut that you can use over and over again in the future.
  14. Don’t try to please everyone.  Just do what you know is right.
  15. Don’t drink alcohol or consume recreational drugs when you’re mad or sad.  Take a jog instead.
  16. Be sure to pay your bills on time.
  17. Fill up your gas tank on the way home, not in the morning when you’re in a hurry.
  18. Use technology to automate tasks.
  19. Handle important two-minute tasks immediately.
  20. Relocate closer to your place of employment.
  21. Don’t steal.
  22. Always be honest with yourself and others.
  23. Say “I love you” to your loved ones as often as possible.
  24. Single-task.  Do one thing at a time and give it all you got.
  25. Finish one project before you start another.
  26. Be yourself.
  27. When traveling, pack light.  Don’t bring it unless you absolutely must.
  28. Clean up after yourself.  Don’t put it off until later.
  29. Learn to cook, and cook.
  30. Make a weekly (healthy) menu, and shop for only the items you need.
  31. Consider buying and cooking food in bulk.  If you make a large portion of something on Sunday, you can eat leftovers several times during the week without spending more time cooking.
  32. Stay out of other people’s drama.  And don’t needlessly create your own.
  33. Buy things with cash.
  34. Maintain your car, home, and other personal belongings you rely on.
  35. Smile often, even to complete strangers.
  36. If you hate doing it, stop it.
  37. Treat everyone with the same level of respect you would give to your grandfather and the same level of patience you would have with your baby brother.
  38. Apologize when you should.
  39. Write things down.
  40. Be curious.  Don’t be scared to learn something new.
  41. Explore new ideas and opportunities often.
  42. Don’t be shy.  Network with people.  Meet new people.
  43. Don’t worry too much about what other people think about you.
  44. Spend time with nice people who are smart, driven, and likeminded.
  45. Don’t text and drive.  Don’t drink and drive.
  46. Drink water when you’re thirsty.
  47. Don’t eat when you’re bored.  Eat when you’re hungry.
  48. Exercise every day.  Simply take a long, relaxing walk or commit 30 minutes to an at-home exercise program.
  49. Let go of things you can’t change.  Concentrate on things you can.
  50. Find hard work you actually enjoy doing.
  51. Realize that the harder you work, the luckier you will become.
  52. Follow your heart.  Don’t waste your life fulfilling someone else’s dreams and desires.
  53. Set priorities for yourself and act accordingly.
  54. Take it slow and add up all your small victories.
  55. However good or bad a situation is now, it will change.  Accept this simple fact.
  56. Excel at what you do.  Otherwise you’ll just frustrate yourself.
  57. Mature, but don’t grow up too fast.
  58. Realize that you’re never quite as right as you think you are.
  59. Build something or do something that makes you proud.
  60. Make mistakes, learn from them, laugh about them, and move along.

At times easier said then done.  But simple things in life usually are….

Anything to add?

Enjoy your day and even more your nights!

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Halloween Movie List

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I noticed going back through the posts here, it has been awhile since we have had a list!  So list it is…..Tis the season of Halloween, of course we could do no less than list the top 50 Greatest Horror Movies.  As seen on Stumble Upon.

What I found extremely interesting, is that in this modern CGI era of film, how many classics were truly represented here.  List compiled from IMDB.

You really didn’t expect we would start with Number One?

50.  Hellraiser 1987

49.  The Beyond 1981

48.  Nekromantik  1987

47.  Eraserhead 1977

46.  Hour of the Wolf 1968

45.  Dead Alive 1992

44.  The Descent 2005

43.  The Devil’s Daughter 1991

42.  Targets 1968

41.  Scream 1996

40.  The Plague of the Zombies 1966

39.  Candyman 1992

38.  Vampyr 1932

37.  The Howling 1981

36.  Martin 1976

35.  Inferno 1980

34.  Dead Ringers 1988

33.  Diabolique 1955

32.  The Devil Rides Out 1968

31.  The Innocents 1961

30.  Shivers 1975

29.  Audition 1999

28.  Bay of Blood 1971

27.  Henry:  Portrait of a Serial Killer 1986

26.  Night of the Demon 1957

25.  An American Werewolf in London 1981

24.  A Nightmare on Elm Street 1984

23.  High Tensions 2003

22.  The Curse of the Cat People 1944

21.  Night of the Living Dead 1968

20.  The Bride of Frankenstein 1935

19.  Alien 1979

18.  Peeping Tom 1960

17.  The Evil Dead 1981

16.  The Haunting 1963

15.  Witchfinder General 1968

14.  The Blair Witch Project 1999

13.  The Exorcist 1973

12.  Carrie 1976

11.  The Thing 1982

10.  Cannibal Holocaust 1980

9.  Don’t Look Now 1973

8.  Rosemary’s Baby 1968

7.  The Wicker Man 1973

6.  Psycho 1960

5.  The Shining 1980

4.  Dawn of the Dead 1978

3.  Suspiria 1977

2.  Halloween 1978

1.  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974

How many have you actually seen?

 

Carpe Noctem!  Each and every night!

 

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Hoop Dancing

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While you might be laughing over the title.  It really is something that has been expanding over the last few thousand years.  Let us delve back in time….

As far back as Ancient Greeks, used hooping as a form of exercise.  So technically, the invention part has a tremendous history.  At this time, bamboo, vines, wood, even braided grass were used to make hoops.

No one ‘inventor’ can claim it.  Approximately in the 1300′s Britain was introduced to hooping.  And became very popular.  By the 1800′s British sailor, exploring Hawaii (when they finally found it) watched the hula dancing, which were the same movements as using the Hoops.  Thus when the two names came together – Hula Hooping.  Some Native Americans tribes also use Hoops in their traditional dancing (although a little different style).

Richard Knerr and Arhur Melin are the ones who brought it to more ‘modern times’.  From their company Wham-O.  They started their company from a garage in the late 1940′s.  Their first toy, as it were, was a version of the sling shot.  They took the idea from the sling shots used to feed birds of prey.  When released it made a Wham noise.  Thus the company name was also born.  They also went on to re-invent the Frisbee, which is a whole other story, and the one they are most known for.  In 1958, using Marlex, color and a little noise to the hoop, out came the new Hula Hoop.  They then trademarked and registered the Hula Hoop.  And the modern day crazed and name started.    With enough space around you, you can perform anywhere.  Everyone wanted to Hula Hoop.  In 1958 twenty million Hula Hoops sold for literally $1.98.  This was in the first six months.

Quick Trivia Here:

  • Japan once banned the hula hoop because the rotating hip action seems indecent.
  • On June 4, 2005, Australian Kareena Oates set a Guiness Book of World Records for hula hooping – with 100 hoops for three full revolutions.
  • 101 hoops were spun by Alesya Goulevich of Belarus on June 11, 2006
  • 105 hoops were spun by Jin Linlin of China on October 28, 2007.
  • 107 hoops were spun by Aleysa Goulevich in June 15, 2009.
  • 132 hoops were spun by Paul Blair on November 11, 2009.
  • The world record for the largest Hula Hoop (by circumference) spun was set by American Ashrita Furman at 51.5 feet on June 1, 2007.
  • At the Height of the Hula Hoop craze, 50,000 plus hoops a day were made by the Carlon Products Corporation.
  • Inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999

Ah but much like skateboarding and roller skating, you have the pioneers.  Spring forward a few more years and you can see the evolution of the Hula Hoop.  Now just called Hooping or Hoop Dancing.  There is even now World Hoop Day.  Chosen on days of the same number 07-07-2007 was the first one.  The next is 11-11-2011 and  12-12-2012.  It raise funds to help others who may not be able to afford a hoop.

Modern day Hoopers can be found everywhere.  Doctors once again, realize the benefits of hooping and the actions your body does, to help stay active and healthy.  The stretching exercises are easily done before and after.  It is easy, less impact on your joints.  Stretches and tones your muscles without that heavy lifting.  While this is not just a child’s toy any longer, literally all ages can use and enjoy the benefits hopping provides.  It strengthens your core and provides a cardio workout, in a most fun and entertaining way.  With the collapsible hoop now available, you can take it anywhere with you.

Compared to the older version made from Marlex, modern hoops are now made with different grades of polyurethane tubal plastics.  Most easily found in the irrigation department of your hardware store.  Different grades gives you different weights.  Decorating is an art form all to itself, with different gaffe, electrical, duct and ribbon tapes available.  You can now get them with LED colored lights and stems with wicks for lighting them up with fire.

It has definitely come a long way from the grass and vine versions.  The are a host of websites available to show you how and to purchase already made hoops.  DVD’s abound a plenty as well.  But for the basics, You Tube shows the best versions.  While not everyone will be on the championship level.  Hooping allows freedom of creative expression, even if it is in your own backyard.

Try it you might like it!

Carpe Diem!  Everyday!

 

 

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Your loved ones

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Anyone who has owned a pet, for any amount of time.  Understands the following information.  Doesn’t make it any easier, just more empathy, if you will.

When owning a pet, allot of responsibility comes with them.  Unfortunately, there are those out there who do not take it seriously.  We are not going to talk about those people.  Instead, we want to discuss the others.

I grew up with animals around, cats and dogs.  Mother Nature made them to have shorter life spans than ourselves.  So the responsibility falls to us, to make their lives, happy, fulfilled and enjoyable.  But as they age, because they do age faster than ourselves, comes even more responsibility.

No they are not ‘human’, but usually by this time 12-16 years later, they are such a part of the family.  Well lets face it they are family.  And we want to give them the best in their older years.  Sometimes I think, it is just as tragic to hear your dog has cancer, as it is, to learn a ‘human’ family member has it.  The difference, is we can help them from suffering.

I had a Queensland Healer (actually I have had allot of animals through the years).  At 14 she was mostly deaf.  Her eye sight was fading fast.  Her body could no longer keep up with her mind.  She knew she wanted to do something, but fell and or hurt herself when she tried.  One of the worse days of my life, was making the decision, to no longer allow her to suffer.  She had more bad days than good.  And that was just not the quality of life, I felt she deserved.  Considering, she did more in her 14 years than most humans did their whole lives.

Once I made the decision, that last day, I made it the best I could for her.  And thankfully it was not one of her bad days.  I was with her the next day at the Vet’s office.  Which I have to mention here, every Vet I have been too, has always been compassionate and understanding at this point in the animal and your life.  Letting me hold her and talk with her as she breathed her last.  And gave me the time to sit with her after.  I still cry when I think of it.  As I do with all the animals I have held while dieing.

But even with that heart ache, I would not trade it for anything in the world.  I waited over a year and now have another Queensland Healer, except blue instead of red this time.  I know in 12-13 years I will be going through this pain again.  I still also believe it is worth every tear.  It has been shown, animals help prolong your own life.  They rescue, help sniff out cancers and help epilepsy patients know before they have a seizure, and elderly and in-firmed patients get better by giving love to an animal.

So when you come to that choice for your animal buddy.  It won’t be easy, it will be one of the hardest choices you ever make.  Ask yourself one question.  What is best for them, not me?

Living my adult life surrounded by animals, I have made this decision, many times.  I have instilled in my children the same principles.  Yes it is just a cat or just a dog, horse, bird, etc.  But to me their lives are no less precious, because they gives us the one thing, no human can ever achieve.  Unconditional love and gratitude.

Just sayin’

Carpe Diem!

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HCG and Dieting – Part 2

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I left off last time explaining, up to a point of reading and studying the protocol by Dr Simeons.  The real protocol.  Not all  the fake stuff all over the internet.  And building a support system.

Once you start on the HCG, and no I am not going into details here.  One for liability and two read the protocol and talk to your Doctor about the real HCG.  A quick note here, HCG is made in a lab, don’t listen to all the other garbage.  It is natural, but it is hormones.  Okay.  So what was the most daunting part for all of us, was the 500 calories a day for 40 days?  Besides no sugar or carbohydrates?  Oh and drinking a gallon of water a day?  None of us, to this date,  want cucumbers or tomatoes, yet.  LOL.

I do have to admit the first 10 days were probably the hardest.  Mostly because, all our lives we have been conditioned one way, when it comes to eating.  From our parents, telling us to finish everything on our plate, to the advertising on TV telling us how good, all that BAD food is for us.  The HCG does re-program how you look at food, count calories, measure food for eating and gets you past the psychological blocks.  Weighing your self everyday, while I fought it, I now realize how important it really is.

By day 20, and losing 12 pounds by then, I was feeling better and more energy.  Not too mention the scale was impressing me everyday.  Clothes were getting lose and big on me.  Now you would think at 500 calories a day you would starve.  And some days you do.  That is where the HCG helps.  It lets your body lose the water weight, the fat, the toxins and lets your body feed off of  itself.  It’s a little more than that, but that is the basics.  During this time, you cannot exercise except for mild walking.  Because exercise eats calories.

During the 40 days, you do hit a plateau.  As the protocol states, you can adjust your food intake and get your body to pass it, relatively easy.  When you finish the HCG, you still have two more days of the 500 calories.  This continues to boost your system.  By this time, weighing yourself each day, you can see your body fluctuations.  And you become more aware how quickly everything effects your body.

The next 21 days are the level 3 Maintenance.  This is where you re-set your body and your metabolism, to where you body maintains it’s weight.  Still weighing yourself each day, you can increase your intake of calories, but still no sugars or carbohydrates.  And definitely weigh yourself each day.  You want to stay within two pounds of your weight, from the last dose of HCG.  For the next 21 days.  And this is vitally important.  You now have re-programmed yourself and your body.  Don’t blow it now.

Level 4, is simply eat what you enjoy, in much smaller quantities, more often.  We have even gone so far as to use salad size plates, to trick our eyes into seeing a full plate.  Also when we eat out, we ask for the doggie bags at the beginning of the meal.  By removing half of the meal up front, we eat less when dining out.  Then we have lunch for the next day or two.  By watching the scale, if you fluctuate up 2-3 pounds, you know the next day, is an all protein day.  And it is easily accomplished.  Have the pizza, the hamburgers, cake and ice cream.  Don’t short change yourself.  We are always going to want these things.  Now smaller portions.

We have also notice, there are some things that just don’t appeal to us or our bodies.  We had those wonderful hamburgers at our favorite place.  Within an hour, we felt sick.  Not because the food was bad, but because our bodies rebelled against it.  So slowly over the next 21 days on level 4, we learned things our bodies, just did not enjoy like we once thought it did.

At the beginning I weighed 183#, for 5’4″.  I now maintain a regular weight at 158-160#.  At the first of 2012, I will be on the 40 days of HCG again, and reach my goal weight.  In the meantime, have maintained my weight since the last dose, easily.  Much, much easier than I thought I could.  Now I am exercising, but not strenuously.  Hooping and weights are allowing me to tone up for now.  I am toning up the flabby areas  (although some will never leave), and have my phone alarm set for every three hours.

All of this has gotten to be easier to incorporate into my life.  Because it is a Lifestyle Change.  No quick fix, but life has more energy and less clothes.  It is fantastic.  Each one of the seven of us, have maintained our last dose weight.  A couple have already gone onto the next 40 days and are doing fantastic.  The weight still comes off gradually, and the maintaining is getting more simple.

Now granted we could have done allot of this without the help of HCG.  Except for those of us with no metabolism.  By being able to re-set our metabolism, getting our bodies back to remembering how it works, I seriously don’t think anything else could have assisted us.  With the same results.

This more than anything has taught us the value of food, the amount we consume and how to watch how things effect our bodies.  We know we can never go back to what we did before.  But it is okay, this has opened our eyes and pushed us on to a much healthier Lifestyle.

Want to share with us?  Please do, we would like to know if you have tried and maintained or just interested ….

Carpe Noctem!

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