Antoinette's Page

Vol. 1,  No.  5,  This 27 Day of November, 2010
CUCINA D’ANTONIETTA*
(Antonietta’s Kitchen*)
“the art of food, wine, family & more*”
By Antonietta La Posta

TITLE: “I LOVE MY EASY CHEESECAKE RECIPE – IT’S NEW & DIFFERENT*”

(Editor’s Note: This is a special post on the main blog page of Antoinette La Posta. We are therefore making a pre-upload this Saturday. (It is the next REGULAR post of her other blog, a cooking blog, entitled, “CUCINA D’ANTONIETTA* (Antonietta’s Kitchen*) “the art of food, wine, family & more*”. We at Valente want to make sure that Antoinette’s fans know about her excellent cooking blog.  (To access the cooking blog, please enter the following Internet address:  www.saveandread.com. Once there, press the “Blog” button – it is the second to the last button on the left, then press the button at the top, the second after home, bearing the inscription, ”Antoinette’s Kitchen”; and there press the link: www.saveandread.com/kitchen/
Or you can go directly to the new location at  www.saveandread.com/kitchen/
Please do join her on her food escapades. Reader comments regarding her scrumptuous recipes are whole- heartedly invited.)

SUB-TITLE: “ANTONIETTA’S FAMOUS “RICOTTA CHEESECAKE DI CILIEGIE””: its yummy!'”

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday bargain hunting day have come and gone. The shopping season is in full swing.  Christmas music is being played. I am starting to think about…. Christmas.

MY LIFE & TIMES*

I want to get you in the spirit early…… fast forward to dessert on Christmas day. At my house, it’s cheesecake, not store bought, ready-to-eat or a mix “bake-by-the-numbers* style. This yummy ricotta cheesecake is my mother’s recipe – in her day, she was a great cook. When I got married, I started making it too. It’s a veritable LA POSTA family original, upon which, I have put my very own stamp. It became ‘our’ cheesecake recipe. It has now been re-named “Ricotta Cheesecake di Ciliegie””. It’s cheery – sorry, I meant to say it’s cherry. (N.B. the Italian word, “ciliegie” means cherry.)

I am excited about making this – my recipe of the week. And without further ado, here is “Ricotta Cheesecake di Ciliegie””.

SAVORY INGREDIENTS PLUS*

Ricotta

“Ricotta (…)  is an Italian sheep milk or cream cheese cow milk whey cheese.[1] Ricotta (literally meaning “recooked”) uses the whey, a limpid, low-fat, nutritious liquid that is a by-product of cheese production.

Ricotta is produced from whey, the liquid separated out from the curds when cheese is made. Most of the milk protein (especially casein) is removed when cheese is made, but some protein remains in the whey, mostly albumin. This remaining protein can be harvested if the whey is first allowed to become more acidic by additional fermentation (by letting it sit for 12–24 hours at room temperature). Then the acidified whey is heated to near boiling. The combination of low pH and high temperature denatures the protein and causes it to precipitate out, forming a fine curd. Once cooled, the curd is separated by passing through a fine cloth.

After realizing that whey cannot be safely dumped in large concentrations as it creates an environmental nuisance,[1] Pecorino Romano makers discovered that when the protein-rich substance is heated, whey protein particles fuse and create a curd. This curd, after drainage, is ricotta. Because ricotta is made from whey, rather than milk, it is technically considered a whey cheese.[2]

Ricotta is a fresh cheese (as opposed to ripened or aged), grainy and creamy white in appearance, slightly sweet in taste, and contains around 13% fat. In this form, it is somewhat similar in texture to some cottage cheese variants, though considerably lighter. Like many fresh cheeses, it is highly perishable. Ricotta comes in other forms as well.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricotta

Why I prefer SAPUTO brand Ricotta

I always buy Saputo brand. It has a rich, smooth taste, not flat. It does not disappoint.

Flour

“Flour is a powder which is made from grinding up cereal grains, other seeds, or roots. It is the main ingredient of bread, which is a staple food for many cultures, making the availability of adequate supplies of flour a major economic and political issue at various times throughout history. Wheat flour is one of the most important foods in European, North American, Middle Eastern and North African cultures, and is the defining ingredient in most of their styles of breads and pastries. Maize flour has been important in Mesoamerican cuisine since ancient times, and remains a staple in much of Latin American cuisine.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flour

Why I prefer Robin Hood Five Roses brand flour

It is a good brand. I have been buying it forever. It is consistently good at a fair price.

Powdered (Icing) sugar

“Confectioner’s sugar Powdered sugar, also known as confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar, is very fine powdered sugar. When intended for home use, it typically contains a small amount of anti-caking agent.In industrial food production, it is used where a quick dissolving sugar is required. Domestically, it is principally used to make icing or frosting and other cake decorations. It is often lightly dusted on baked goods to add a light sweetness and subtle decoration.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powdered_sugar

Why I prefer Redpath brand icing sugar

It is a fine brand…very reliable. I think that you always get a good product with this company.

Whipped non- dairy topping

“Whipped topping is a non-dairy, or synthetic product made in an attempt to resemble the taste, texture, and look of whipped cream, but at a lower cost. Whipped topping normally contains some mixture of partially hydrogenated oil, sweeteners, and other ingredients, similar to margarine instead of the butter fat in the cream used in whipped cream.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whipped_topping

Why I prefer Dream Whip brand

I agree with the statement about this brand: “Dream Whip is a whipped, non-dairy topping sold in North America for desserts that is made at home by the consumer from a white powder.” (Source: http://www.practicallyedible.com/edible.nsf/pages/dreamwhip#ixzz16QDDbyRB
http://www.practicallyedible.com/edible.nsf/pages/dreamwhipIt

It is sold everywhere. I find it is easy to use and I am pleased with the results.

Cherry pie filling

“A homemade cherry pie with a lattice top. Cherry pie is a pie baked with a cherry filling. Traditionally, cherry pie is made with tart rather than sweet cherries as it is easier to control how sweet the pie eventually becomes and also eventually translates to a sharper taste. Morello cherries are one of the most common kinds of cherry used, but others, like the native black cherry, are also occasionally utilized.

Although generally eaten in North America, cherry pie is also known in other parts of the world. It is a very popular treat in North America and prior to the advent of refrigeration it was most commonly eaten in midsummer (harvest of cherries in North America coincides with Canada Day on July 1 and America’s Independence Day on July 4.) Cherry pie is also often eaten with whipped cream or ice-cream. A common preparation tradition in the United States is to decorate the crust with fancy pastry patterns.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_pie

Why I prefer E.D. SMITH brand

It’s a well- known brand. This cherry pie filling has lots of cherries in it. It is very rich.

Shortening

“Shortening is a semisolid fat used in food preparation, especially baked goods, and is so called because it promotes a “short” or crumbly texture (as in shortbread). Shortening is fat or lard from an animal or vegetable. The term “shortening” can be used more broadly to apply to any fat that is used for baking and which is solid at room temperature, such as butter, lard, and margarine. Shortening often has a higher smoke point than butter and margarine, and it has 100% fat content, compared to about 80% for butter and margarine.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortening

Why I prefer Crisco brand

“Crisco is a brand of shortening produced by the J. M. Smucker Co. popular in the United States. Introduced in June 1911[1] by Procter & Gamble, it was the first shortening to be made entirely of vegetable oil. While the term Crisco is commonly used as a synonym for all shortening, Proctor and Gamble markets olive, cooking, and baking oil and a cooking spray under that trademark.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisco

I do not use shortening often – pretty much only for baking.  I think Crisco brand is the best. It has a smooth taste.

Eggs

“Eggs laid by females of many different species, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, have been eaten by mankind for millennia. Bird and reptile eggs consist of a protective eggshell, albumen (egg white), and vitellus (egg yolk), contained within various thin membranes.

Egg yolks and whole eggs store a lot of protein and choline.[1][2] For this reason, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) categorizes eggs as Meats within the Food Guide Pyramid[1]

Popular choices for egg consumption are chicken, duck, roe, and caviar. The egg most often humanly consumed by far is the produce of the chicken.” (Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_(food)

Why do I prefer large size/brand

I prefer large size because it is perfect size – it makes the right amount. I like PRESTIGE CLUB PACK from Burnbrae Farms because these eggs are good quality and fresh.

HANDY APPLIANCES, UTENSILS, GADGETS, ETC.*

To make this ricotta cheesecake, you need a cake mixer, a measuring tablespoon, teaspoon and measuring cups. This recipe also calls for one 10-inch springform pan.

Mixer (cooking)

“A mixer is a kitchen appliance intended for mixing, folding, beating, and whipping food ingredients. Mixers come in two major variations, hand- mixers and stand mixers.

A hand mixer, as the name implies, is a hand-held mixing device. The modern electrically powered type consists of a handle mounted over a large enclosure containing the motor, which drives one or two beaters. The beaters are immersed in the food to be mixed. A simpler manually-operated type, which preceded electric mixers and is still used today, consists of a handle with a hand-operated crank on the side, geared to two beaters. The handle is held with one hand and the crank is turned with the other, turning the beaters.”
(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixer_(cooking)

Why I prefer a hand- mixer

With a cooking device, I need something that is easy to use and easy to clean. I like a hand-held device since it allows for movement around the bowl. I currently use a Toastmaster brand 6-speed unit.

10-inch springform pan

To give you a specific reference of my no-name pan, I have checked on-line and I found  something near equivalent: it is a Kaiser Tinplate Springform Pan – 6100SKU #: KSR1001
http://www.cookware.com/Kaiser-Bakeware-6100-KSR1001.html
http://www.kitchenco.net/nordicware-naturals-non-stick-commercial-aluminum–
9×13-bakers-quarter-pan.html

Why I prefer a 10-inch springform pan

I prefer the 10-inch springform pan because once the cheesecake is ready it makes it easier to cut when serving.

Antonietta’s Recipe of the Month: “ANTONIETTA’S FAMOUS “RICOTTA CHEESECAKE DI CILIEGIE””

Specifications – Ingredients

Crust:

• ½ pound shortening (Crisco brand)
• 1 tbsp. sugar (Redpath brand)
• 1 cup flour (Robin Hood Five Roses brand)
• 1 egg yolk
• Salt
• ½ tbsp. water

Filling:

• 2 containers of ricotta (Saputo brand – 475 grams)
• 2 tbsps. milk
• 2 cups icing sugar (Redpath brand)
• 4 envelopes (170 grams – Dream Whip brand (Kraft))
• 1 can (54o ml.)  cherry pie filling (E.D. Smith brand)

Directions

Crust:

1. ADD in a large bowl:
– ½ lb shortening (Crisco brand)
– 1 tbsp. sugar (Redpath brand)
– 1 cup of flour (Robin Hood Five Roses brand)
– 1 egg yolk
– a little salt to taste
– ½ tbsp.water
2. MIX well
3. LAY evenly in 10-inch springform pan

4. COOK at 350º for ½ hour

Filling:

1. ADD the 2 containers of ricotta in a big bowl with 2 tbsps. milk
2. WHIP at medium speed for 2 minutes with a cake mixer
3. ADD gradually, while mixing, 2 cups icing sugar (Redpath brand)
4. MIX at high speed for 5 minutes
5. MIX, in a separate bowl, whipped non- dairy topping (Dream Whip brand) with 2 tsps. vanilla extract and ½ cup milk (do not follow the directions on the Dream Whip package).
6. WHIP for 5 minutes
7. ADD  to the ricotta bowl, whipped non-dairy topping (Dream Whip brand)
8. MIX for 5 minutes at high speed
9. POUR it in the 10-inch springform pan

10. REFRIGERATE it for at least 4 hours before adding the cherry pie filling on top of the cheesecake

“Viola” – you can now serve this delicious ricotta cheesecake.

LAST BITE*

I love my yummy “RICOTTA CHEESECAKE DI CILIEGIE””. Although it is a heavy dessert, the taste is light.  There is no-baking involved and it doesn’t take long to make. The problem is that my guests, when invited, always expect it; and if I bake something else, they’re disappointed.  Without fail, I make it during the Christmas holidays. Finally, I give this recipe my personal seal of approval. I am certain that you will  impress your guests with it.

Take this dish out for a spin – especially this Christmas, and tell me if you agree.
And that’s my food favorite for the week, what’s yours? *
ALP
CREDITS
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com
The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.
*TM/© 2010 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

S & R* NEWS* Vol. 1, No.12 November 21st, 2010

SAVE & READ* S & R* NEWS* – YWCA CANADA SPECIAL EDITION

THIS WEEK, WHY CERTAIN NEWS STORY(-IES) ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU*

S & R* News flash* #1: ” Homeless women in Canada”

“Homelessness in Canada has grown in size and complexity in recent years.^[1] While historically known as a crisis only of urban centres such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, the increasing incidence of homelessness in the suburbs is necessitating new services and resources.^[2]

The demographic profile of Canada’s homeless population is also changing. While in the past men used to comprise the vast majority of homeless persons, now women and children represent the fastest growing subgroup of the homeless population, followed by youth.^[3] In recent years homelessness has become a major political issue in Canada.”

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_Canada

This is IMPORTANT to you because you are a person intent on doing good and being a part of a society that is civilized, looking to those less fortunate than ourselves, much more vulnerable; and a major segment at present comprises WOMEN and CHILDREN. This is increasing in North America: Canada and the United States.

You are not a mere bystander watching the parade going by. You don’t depend on others to shoulder the load.  You need to know; and once advised, I am sure that you will do something good and right. If you ask, “How?” or “What?”, I have an answer… please standby.

S & R* News flash* #1.1:  “Homeless women in the United States”

“The fastest-growing group of homeless people in the United States is composed of single women with two or three children. Before the 1980s the homeless population was mostly composed of men.

Within the last two decades, US society has begun to acknowledge the growing numbers of homeless women and children. Homeless women are rarely seen because they often find shelter with relatives, friends, or other homeless women. The majority of homeless women are on the streets because of divorce or escaping domestic abuse. Abandonment is also a key contributor to homelessness in women.”

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeless_women_in_the_United_States

This is IMPORTANT to you because – kindly see the comment above.

In response to your questions, I say: “For me, I am giving $5 plus 5*  minutes to YWCA CANADA.  (For more information, see below.) Won’t you help?

S & R* News flash*#3: Montreal Massacre (mostly women) – 21st anniversary

“The École Polytechnique Massacre, also known as the Montreal Massacre, occurred on December 6, 1989 at the École Polytechniquein Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Twenty-five-year-old Marc Lépine, armed with a legally obtained Mini-14 rifle and a hunting knife, shot twenty-eight people before killing himself. He began his attack by entering a classroom at the university, where he separated the male and female students. After claiming that he was “fighting feminism“, he shot all nine women in the room, killing six. He then moved through corridors, the cafeteria, and another classroom, specifically targeting women to shoot. Overall, he killed fourteen women and injured ten other women and four men in just under twenty minutes before turning the gun on himself.^[1][2] Lépine was the child of a French-Canadian mother and an Algerian father, and had been physically abused by his father. His suicide note claimed political motives and blamed feminists for ruining his life. The note included a list of nineteen Quebec women whom Lépine considered to be feminists and apparently wished to kill.^[3]“

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89cole_Polytechnique_massacre

This is IMPORTANT to you because it calls attention to discrimination against women as a group in the professions, business and the general society plus the violence suffered upon them due to gender. Such bias still exists and assaults do happen. In the name of the fallen, it is up to us who follow to honor them by doing something to eradicate this prejudice and harm.

If you ask, “How?” or “What?”, I have a ready answer. For me, I am giving $5 plus 5* minutes to YWCA CANADA.  (For more information, see below.) Won’t you help?

S & R* DAY IN HISTORY*

November 21st

1877 – Thomas Edison announces his invention of the phonograph, a machine that can record and play sound.

1835 – Birth – Hetty Green, American businesswoman (d. 1916)
1937 – Birth – Marlo Thomas, American actress
1941 – Birth – Juliet Mills, British actress
1916 – Death – Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria (b. 1830)
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/November_21

SAVE & READ*  S & R* FUNNIES*
Nostalgia is fun*: TV
1. Who was the actor that played Beaver’s older brother in the show, “Leave it to Beaver”?
2. Who was the male lead star of “My mother the Car”?
3.Puzzle:  (What does YWCA stand for? )
_________________________________________________________________________
(N.B. The answers can be found just before the credits.)
ANTOINETTE’S LETTER*
Dear Readers,
Greetings from Cyberspace.

I have something to say and I need your help. Can I count on you?

“GIVE ME $5 PLUS 5*”

I am on a mission. I want to make the world a better place. I had a simple idea. My producers at VALENTE took it and developped it into the donation program adopted by  my publisher, PRACTITIONERS’ PRESS INC. Hence, I am gratified to announce the establishment of the “Give me 5 plus 5*” program ($5 plus 5 minutes), where I am encouraging my readers to donate $5 DIRECTLY to a worthy good works orgnanization plus give 5 minutes of their time for the furtherance of this group.

In addition, I am pleased to announce the “Give me 5 plus 5*”campaign now to benefit YWCA. The current edition will end January 31, 2011. To date, it is limited to YWCA CANADA. (Please speak to your local association and have them contact me so that we can add their chapter to our effort.) If you ask Why YWCA CANADA?, I have a good answer.

YWCA CANADA

Who they are:

“YWCA Canada is the country’s oldest largest women’s multi-service organization. With 33 Member Associations operating in more than 400 districts and communities across the country, our Turning Point Programs for Women™ – which address personal safety, economic security and well-being – reach out to 1 million women and girls in nine provinces and one territory. YWCA is the largest national provider of shelter to women, serving 25,000 women, children and teen girls including 6,000 fleeing domestic violence each year. We are the largest provider of literacy, life skills, employment and counselling programs in the country, and the second largest provider of childcare services. YWCA Canada is a member association of theWorld YWCA which unites 25 million women and girls worldwide and spans 125 countries.”

(Source: YWCA NATIONAL) http://ywcacanada.ca/en/pages/national/who

Mission

Its mission is as follows: “Advance gender equity through research, advocacy and sustainable Member Associations. We focus on:
1. Ending violence against women and girls
2. Securing universal childcare
3. Achieving women’s economic security
4. Advancing the leadership of women and girls.”
(Source: YWCA CANADA) http://ywcacanada.ca/en/pages/national/mission

Rose Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Girls

Here’s some more info on the campaign.

“Send a Rose to your MP for a National Housing Strategy Our Rose Campaign message this year is that to be safe from violence, every woman in Canada needs a roof over her head. Every year, violence and abuse drive over 100,000 women and children out of their homes and into emergency shelters. And many more – often young women and women struggling with mental health and addictions – never make it to shelter at all. They live on the streets of our cities, in poverty and at high risk of more violence, including rape. As the nation slowly acknowledges the loss of nearly 600 missing and murdered Aboriginal women, we need to recognize that our failure to ensure no woman has to live on the street has left women vulnerable to murder. The time for action is now. Parliament needs to immediately adopt a National Housing Strategy with a women’s component.” To send your MP a message go to rosecampaign.ca/send

(For more, visit: www.rosecampaign.ca )

National Action Day on VAW – December 3, 2010

“Join National Action Day on VAW on December 3, 2010  – mark your calendar and contact your MP! National Action Day, when we talk to MPs in their constituency offices about violence against women, is now an annual part of the Rose Campaign, on the last Friday before December 6. This year that’s Friday, December 3. YWCAs and White Ribbon Campaign groups across the country will visit their local MPs and press for change. We welcome your participation – the greater the numbers the bigger the impact. The lobby kit draws links between violence and women’s homelessness and explains the need for gender equality to end violence against women. To find out more or to sign up and receive a lobby kit, contact Ann Decter, YWCA Canada Director
of Advocacy and Public Policy at adecter@ywcacanada.ca or 416-962-8881 ext 224″

DECEMBER 6TH, 2010 COMMEMORATION DAY

“Commemorate December 6 and Raise Awareness Rose buttons commemorating December 6, 1989 are available at $1 each  (minimum order of 50). Rose buttons and a variety of other awareness and action materials – postcards, posters, magnets, brochures,  bookmarks and copies of our advocacy video by survivors of violence, Living Beyond Shelter: Videos for Change – can be ordered at http://store.ywcacanada.ca. You can also “scatter petals” online by downloading our embedded Rose logo to your Facebook, Twitter, blog or email signature from www.rosecampaign.ca

ANTOINETTE’S PAGE*

My book of the week is “Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way” by Tosca Reno. Hence my topic is health and fitness.

CUCINA D’ANTOINETTA /ANTOINETTE’S KITCHEN*

I am so excited about my recipe of the week. It is “Ricotta Cheesecake di ciliegie””. It is a family favorite originating with my Mom. In her day, she was a great cook. I will upload it at the end of the week. It’s delicious!

Last, please keep reader communications coming.1 I work better with feedback. Thanks.
That’s all for now.
Have a great week.
Yours truly,
Antoinette
1. N.B. It is understood that by this sending, you agree that Save And Read
(S&R*) acquires such content and consent to Save And Read* (S&R*) publishing
the same in any and all mediaformats.
Answers

1. Tony Dow

2. Gerry Van Dyke

3. Young Women’s Christian Association

CREDITS
-Web Tech  richmediasound.com
The above is a new media production of Valente under its United Author*
program.
*TM/© 2010 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 1,  No. 23, November 21st, 2010

TITLE: “Health and fitness: I say that there is no shortcut  – it takes better choices and work!*”

INTRODUCTION

My book of the week is “Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way” by Tosca Reno. Hence my topic is health and fitness.

IT WORDS FOR ME!*

For today, my words/phrases are” healthy diet”, “physical exercise”,” quality of life”,
“longevity”, “circuit training” ,”pilates” and “endorphin rush”.

Healthy diet

“Fresh vegetables are important components of a healthy diet. A healthy diet is one that helps maintain or improve health. It is important for the prevention of many chronic health risks such as: obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.[1] A healthy diet involves consuming appropriate amounts of all nutrients, and an adequate amount of water. Nutrients can be obtained from many different foods, so there are a wide variety of diets that may be considered healthy diets. A healthy diet needs to have a balance of macronutrients / energy ( fats, proteins, and carbohydrates ) and micronutrients to meet the needs for human nutrition without inducing toxicity from excessive amounts.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healthy_diet

Physical exercise

“Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health or wellness. It is performed for various reasons. These include strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance and for enjoyment. Frequent and regular physical exercise boosts the immune system, and helps prevent the “diseases of affluence” such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity.[1][2] It also improves mental health, helps prevent depression, helps to promote or maintain positive self-esteem, and can even augment an individual’s sex appeal or body image, which again is also linked with higher levels of self-esteem.[3] Childhood obesity is a growing global concern[4] and physical exercise may help decrease the effects of childhood obesity in developed countries.” (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_exercise

Quality of life

“The term quality of life is used to evaluate the general well-being of individuals and societies. The term is used in a wide range of contexts, including the fields of international development, healthcare, and politics. Quality of life should not be confused with the concept of standard of living, which is based primarily on income. Instead, standard indicators of the quality of life include not only wealth and employment, but also the built environment, physical and mental health, education, recreation and leisure time, and social belonging.[1] According to ecological economist Robert Costanza:While Quality of Life (QOL) has long been an explicit or implicit policy goal, adequate definition and measurement have been elusive. Diverse “objective” and “subjective” indicators across a range of disciplines and scales, and recent work on subjective well-being (SWB) surveys and the psychology of happiness have spurred renewed interest.[2]Also frequently related are concepts such as freedom, human rights, and happiness. However, since happiness is subjective and hard to measure, other measures are generally given priority. It has also been shown that happiness, as much as it can be measured, does not necessarily increase correspondingly with the comfort that results from increasing income. As a result, standard of living should not be taken to be a measure of happiness.[1][3] Contents [hide]”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality_of_life

Longevity

“The word “longevity” is sometimes used as a synonym for “life expectancy” in demography or to connote “long life”, especially when it concerns someone or something lasting longer than expected (an ancient tree, for example).Reflections on longevity have usually gone beyond acknowledging the brevity of human life and have included thinking about methods to extend life. Longevity has been a topic not only for the scientific community but also for writers of travel, science fiction, and utopian novels.There are many difficulties in authenticating the longest human life span ever by modern verification standards, owing to inaccurate or incomplete birth statistics. Fiction, legend, and folklore have proposed or claimed life spans in the past or future vastly longer than those verified by modern standards, and longevity narratives and unverified longevity claims frequently speak of their existence in the present. A life annuity is a form of longevity insurance.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longevity

Circuit Training

“Circuit training is a form of high-intensity aerobics and resistance training designed to be easy to follow and target fat loss, muscle building and heart fitness. An exercise “circuit” is one completion of all prescribed exercises in the program. When one circuit is complete, one begins the first exercise again for another circuit. Traditionally, the time between exercises in circuit training is short, often with rapid movement to the next exercise.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_training

Pilates

“Pilates … is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates in Germany,[1] the UK and the USA. As of 2005, there were 11 million people who practice the discipline regularly and 14,000 instructors in the United States.[2]Pilates called his method Contrology (from control and Greek … -logia), because he believed his method uses the mind to control the muscles.[1] The Pilates method seeks to increase the strength, flexibility and control of the body.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.)   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates

Endorphin rush

“The term endorphin rush has been adopted in popular speech to refer to feelings of exhilaration brought on by pain, danger, or other forms of stress,[2] supposedly due to the influence of endorphins. When a nerve impulse reaches the spinal cord, endorphins are released which prevent nerve cells from releasing more pain signals. Immediately after injury, endorphins allow animals to feel a sense of power and control over themselves that allows them to persist with activity for an extended time.”

(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphin

STUDY/STATISTICS
Research
“According to the NIH:
* Globally, more than 1 billion adults are overweight, at least 300 million of them obese.
* An estimated 22 million children under five are overweight.
* Obesity and overweight pose a major risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure (hypertension) and stroke, and certain forms of cancer.
* Key causes: increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in saturated fats and sugars, and reduced physical activity.
In an extensive report on overweight and obesity in America, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that average adult Americans are 25 pounds heavier than they were in 1960.”
(Source: NIH Medline Plus)  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/sprsum10/articles/sprsum10pg26-27.html

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1: “Lose weight, gain rewards”

“Overweight girls who lose weight before adulthood can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. That’s the most common form of the disease. NIH researchers analyzed information provided by nearly 110,000 women. Those who were overweight children but lean adults did not have an increased risk of diabetes. But women who said they were overweight as children and into their adult years were 15 times more likely to develop the disease.” Researchers at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development conducted the study.”
(Source: NIH Medline Plus) http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/index.html

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2: “Physical activity improves health and well-being”

“Physical activity improves health and well-being. It reduces stress, strengthens the heart and lungs, increases energy levels, helps you maintain and achieve a healthy body weight and it improves your outlook on life.

Research shows that physical inactivity can cause premature death, chronic disease and disability. Health Canada encourages Canadians to integrate physical activity into their every day life; at home, at school, at work, at play and on the way … that’s active living!”
(Source: Health Canada) http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/physactiv/index-eng.php

MY LIFE & TIMES*

Early in my life, I recognized: (a) That weight was a huge issue for many people, particularly girls and women; (b) That many females have concerns over body shape and size and self image; and (c) That the media lend credence to an unrealistic standard and bring misery to many who feel themselves far from the optimum weight, shape and size. (I think that this constitutes knowing and intentional misinformation; and I vigorously object!)   As a girl, a young woman and now middle-aged, I was/am just as concerned over my body as the next female. While I never had real weight issues, I knew women who did – my mom for one.  She struggled with her weight all of her life. This is a VERY serious topic of great concern to many. I have thought about this a lot.

THE AUTHOR: Reno Tosca

Reno Tosca was born May 22, 1959 in Lachine, Quebec. Unhappily married, overweight and miserable, she decided to change things around in her life at the age of 40.  By the age of 50 she had accomplished what she had set out to do.  She has 3 children and 2 stepchildren.  She has appeared on numerous national television and radio programs and now travels across North America appearing at book signings and seminars  to convey her  message of health, wellness and inspiration.She is now a successful author, motivational speaker and wellness consultant, media personality and model.  She has earned a B. Sc. from Queen’s University and B.Ed. from York University in Toronto.  Her husband, Robert Kennedy, is a publisher and author of several bodybuilding books.  He is also the publisher of Eat-Clean Diet and hundreds of magazine and healthy eating, fitness, and bodybuilding books.
(Source/Fact source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tosca_Reno

SERIESCOLLECTION
Her published works are:
• The Butt Book (2007)
• The Eat-Clean Diet Book (2007)
• The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook (2007)
• The Eat-Clean Diet Workout (2008)
• The Eat-Clean Diet Workout Journal (2008)
• The Eat-Clean Diet for Family and Kids (2008)
• The Eat-Clean Diet for Men (2009)
• The Eat-Clean Diet Companion (2009)
• Tosca Reno’s Eat Clean Cookbook (2009)
• The Eat-Clean Diet Recharged (2009)
• Your Best Body Now (2009
(Source/Fact source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tosca_Reno)

THE BOOK:  “The Eat-Clean Diet “Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way” by Tosca Reno

First, I look at the messenger. I found the author believable. Reno understands how you feel because she was once over 200+ pounds and is now a slim and sexy fitness expert.  She has earned my respect from the fact that she turned her life around.  I also look at the results achieved.

Second, I look at the message. This book is about eating healthy. As for example,  Reno encourages eating natural foods without preservatives. She also urges exercise. Reno emphasizes the importance of doing both. In this book, Reno divulges her secrets on the following:

• Boost your metabolism to burn fat fast
• Turn back the clock and age-proof your body
• Look and feel younger than you have in years
• Create your best body—now!

The provided information and suggestions appear to me to be sound  I think that this is a worthwhile read. It will grow your knowledge about diet and physical training. Depending if you act upon her material, it should help you achieve some of your goals, health- wise.  (Source/Fact source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tosca_Reno)

CONCLUSION

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you healthy eating and exercise. I say that they contribute to a quality of life. Together, they are the natural  fountain of youth; and if you desire longevity, this is the way to go. And once you embrace this healthy tandem, … after a while, such becomes a way of life and a GOOD part of your everyday!  It is a positive in every aspect. And don’t forget the Endorphin rush.

Nobody can guarantee anyone excellent health, but doing this, is a  step in the right direction.

My personal comments

My theory is that there there are three issues here.

1) First, there is the issue of healthy eating. Eating right is beneficial in so many different ways – with good food and diet,  (a) you have energy; (b) you are helping your gastro system to work better; (c) you cut down on those items doing you no good; (d) you reduce your fat intake; etc. I support the proposition of healthy eating. In the past, while I had little time after having worked all day, I made it a priority to prepare a healthy dinner meal. It wasn’t easy, but I did my best.

2) Second, there is an issue of physical activity in general and exercise in particular.I support the proposition of getting “physical” and doing exercise.  After bearing two children, I realized that if I wanted to be as fit and firm as I used to be, I had to exercise. I tried many types of exercise, jazzercise, step classes, different aerobics classes, pilates, yoga, weight training, etc.  Finally, I found my favorite exercises – weights, circuit training and sometimes Pilates. I do it at lunchtime several times a week with a small group of female colleagues at work.

3) Third, there is the matter of attitude. How you view healthy eating and exercise will directly impact upon whether you actually do it, whether you continue with it regularly and also if you make any real progress. Honestly, I agree that it is work-like, … taking effort. But, I have made this time somewhat social, the thing I do with a few workplace women friends. I have found the exercises which I prefer, creating a routine, bordering on…wait for it – fun.  I have inserted my exercise slots at noon. (I do not exercise every day – so I still have free time other days.)  I admit that I  sacrifice some do-nothing time at lunch break. But I feel productive; and my exercise day still works with my busy life.

As an add-on to attitude, I say: “Don’t worry about the “d” word: discipline.” Just start. At the beginning, it will be harder. Focus on the fun side and reward yourself with a treat. Once you have done it awhile, it will become commonplace, with your mind and body half expecting the exercise activity. It will be like a wheel, turned hard, spinning on and on. In the end, surprise … surprise,  you will be exercising on a regular basis; and such shows that you indeed have discipline.

As a further add-on to attitude, I say that we all should make it our business to fight the misinformation rampant out there. I say that females everywhere, regardless of age, should: (a) Object to and argue against the drivel, spewing from media about the “perfect 10” body; (b) Set the record straight, in contrast, about body mass being in proportion to sex, height, etc.

The point

You should decide to do better when it comes to health and fitness. Yes, I know that it is hard.  But, I believe in you; and I know that you can do it. You should create your very own self- improvement program. Here are my seven steps:
Eating right
1. Read up about eating right; in particular, (a) Inquire into: (i). Food groups; (ii). Calorie appropriate portions; (b) Good habits like: (i). Cutting out between meal treats; (ii). Eating more often in smaller amounts every day; (iii). Eating slower; (c) Drinking water;  etc.
2. Plan your meals one week in advance; and in this regard, (a) Make a list ONLY of healthy foods before going grocery shopping; (b) Allow yourself a food treat, desired but not healthy, only once a week AFTER you complete your program requirements; etc.
Physical Fitness
3. Make physical fitness a big part of your life; and with this in mind,
(a) Inquire into the gyms in your community; and check them out and take advantage of free day or weekly trials; (b) Figure out the preferred exercise routine; (c) Set a goal to exercise 3 or 4 times a week, at minimum 30 minutes each time; and (d) Find out what you enjoy doing:  exercise, sports or walking, etc., make the time for it and stick to it!
4. Find a sport that you really enjoy and participate regularly.
Attitude
5. Decide that you are beautiful, both inside and outside, regardless how you compare to the fantasy image in the fashion mags or on TV;
6. Recognize that it is in your control to better yourself, in and by breaking down the steps into little goals, and take the first step and accomplish the first goal and then the next, etc.
7. Surprise yourself, discipline-wise – you do have this very important quality!

Now please pass me a towel….my oatmeal is ready!

Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?
ALP
Books are life; and they make life better!*
CREDITS
-Web Tech  richmediasound.com

The above is a new media production of Valente under its United Author* program.

*TM/© 2010 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 1,  No. 22, November 14th 2010

TITLE: “If working beyond age 65 is admirable, I say Betty White working and succeeding at 88 is a MARVEL!*”

INTRODUCTION

My book of the week is: “Here We Go Again: My Life In Television” by Betty White.  Hence my topic is working beyond age 65 and being active and productive well into your 80s.
IT WORDS FOR ME!*

For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “career”, “encore career”and  “old age”.

Career

“Career is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as an individual’s “course or progress through life (or a distinct portion of life)”. It is usually considered to pertain to remunerative work (and sometimes also formal education).The etymology of the term comes from the Latin word carrera, which means race (as in “rat race”, see Chttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Careerareerism).(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Career

Encore career

Encore career is a term used to describe work in the second half of life that combines continued income, greater meaning and social impact. These are paid positions often in public interest fields such as education, the environment, health, government sector, social services and other nonprofits. The recent introduction of encore fellowships seeks to open up access to such encore career opportunities to both mid-life careerists and social purpose organizations.This term was first made popular by Marc Freedman, the CEO of Civic Ventures in his book Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life.[1] Popular use of the term:Nicholas Kristof, writing in the New York Times, notes that Bill Gates’ switch to working full-time for his foundation “is part of a booming trend: the ‘encore career’ as a substitute for retirement. Definitions are still in flux, but an encore career typically aims to provide a dose of personal satisfaction by ‘giving back.’” [2] Writes Kristof: “If more people take on encore careers…the boomers who arrived on the scene by igniting a sexual revolution could leave by staging a give-back revolution. Boomers may just be remembered more for what they did in their 60s than for what they did in the Sixties.” Syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman cites Al Gore as a “poster child, the model for what Marc Freedman calls the ‘encore career.’ The head of Civic Ventures, a think tank promoting civic engagement as the second act for boomers, Freedman says, ‘Gore found himself by losing himself – literally losing – and being liberated from ambition, the idea that there’s a particular ladder you have to scurry up and if you don’t make it to the top it’s all over. Essentially he found a different ladder.’” [3](Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encore_career

Old Age

Old age (also referred to as one’s eld) consists of ages nearing or surpassing the average life span of human beings, and thus the end of the human life cycle. Euphemisms and terms for old people include seniors (American usage), senior citizens (British and American usage) and the elderly. As occurs with almost any definable group of humanity, some people will hold a prejudice against others — in this case, against old people. This is one form of ageism.
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_age

Bonus fact #1: Historical changes

By the late 20th century a plethora of choices (especially in the range of potential professions) and more widespread education had allowed it to become possible to plan (or design) a career: in this respect the careers of the career counselor and of the career advisor have grown up. It is also not uncommon for adults in the late 20th/early 21st centuries to have dual or multiple careers, either sequentially or concurrently. Thus, professional identities have become hyphenated or hybridized to reflect this shift in work ethic. Economist Richard Florida notes this trend generally and more specifically among the “creative class”.

Bonus fact #2: Different concepts of career

The traditional concept of career has been concerned with progression up an ordered hierarchy within an organisation or profession.[1]

Career refers to an individual’s work and life roles over their lifespan. This version of a career makes it clear that people can progress through their career horizontally as well as vertically.[1]

Bonus fact #3: Supporting careers

Career Assessments are tests that come in a variety of forms and rely on both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Career Assessments can help individuals identify and better articulate their unique interests, values, and skills. Career counselors, executive coaches, career development centers, and outplacement companies often administer career assessments to help individuals focus their search on careers that closely match their unique personal profile.

Career counseling advisors assess people’s interests, personality, values and skills, and also help them explore career options and research graduate and professional schools. Career counseling provides one-on-one or group professional assistance in exploration and decision making tasks related to choosing a major/occupation, transitioning into the world of work or further professional training. The field is vast and includes career placement, career planning, learning strategies and student development.(Source:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Career)

STUDY/STATISTICS

Research

In 2008, Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc., conducted a survey of 3,500 Americans ages 44 – 70 (commissioned by Civic Ventures and MetLife Foundation) about their interest in encore careers. The Encore Career Survey [4] found that 5.3 to 8.4 million of those surveyed are now in encore careers. “The survey results suggest that the number of people choosing encore careers could grow rapidly. Of those not already in encore careers, half say they are interested in moving into jobs in such fields as education, health care, government, and the nonprofit sector. A companion survey [5] found that half of nonprofit employers find hiring encore workers “highly appealing.” Those with experience hiring older adults are most enthusiastic about doing it again.
“What if, over time, 100,000 people interested in encore careers were persuaded to launch 10-year encore careers? That would mean one million years of service dedicated to areas like education, poverty, and the environment,” writes Marc Freedman in an essay written for the Encore Career Survey. “What if we could persuade a million more to do so? Applying this human talent and experience to the big challenges of our time could be as profound a contribution as those made possible by new technologies or even massive infusions of philanthropic dollars.” (Source: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encore_career

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1: 2010 pension reform strikes in France

The 2010 pension reform strikes in France are a series of ongoing general strikes and demonstrations in France which have occurred during September, October and November 2010.

They have involved union members from both the private and public sectors protesting in cities, including Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Paris, Toulouse and Strasbourg, against a proposal by the French government to raise the normal retirement age for public pensions from 65 to 67 and early reduced pensions from age 60 to 62, which the Assemblée nationalehas approved,^[1] while temporary pre-crisis taxes cuts are maintained for the benefit of the richest individuals and companies, and top government officials are subject to an ongoing corruption inquiry.^[2] Those who object to the changes say the poorest will be most affected by them.^[3]

^{(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)}

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_French_pension_reform_strikes

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2: Saturday Night Live

In May 2010, White became the oldest person to guest-host Saturday Night Live, for which she received a Primetime Emmy Award.
(Source: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_White

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #3: Honorary forest ranger

“WASHINGTON, November 9, 2010 — Betty White’s lifelong dedication to protecting wilderness and wildlife was recognized today when the U.S. Forest Service proclaimed her an honorary forest ranger.” (Source: USDA Forest Service) http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/11/betty-white.shtml

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #4:  Betty White plays football on candy bar ad

An extract of the dilaogue is:

“[Football Player Man – Two] …You(‘re) playing like Betty White, out there!

[Football Player Betty White]…That’s not what your girlfriend says.”

(Source: http://lybio.net/snickers-football-player-betty-white-game-2010/commercials/)

MY LIFE & TIMES*

One of my all-time favorite sitcom shows was “The Golden Girls”.  Along with Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, and Rue McClanahan, the show was immensely successful and it ran for a long stretch from 1985 through 1992. I watched the show religiously.  Even with my busy schedule, I always found time to enjoy the great comedy. Without fail, I found it hilarious and entertaining.

I have always worked full-time. Sometimes I wish I had furthered my education. I always wanted to improve my career. But I had another important job: I raised a family too. My daughters were my priority.  I had to be there for them.  I was the soccer-mom – running after work to drive them to their activities, piano lessons, Italian school, swimming lessons, etc. Some people called me super-mom.  I was so busy- it was hard. Once my kids had grown, the focus was for me to excel at work. I started to analyze my career. At this point, I was promoted to a better position.  After a few years and having come to a point where I could retire from my workplace, I was itching for my next challenge. I knew that I still wanted to work and be productive. I believed that a second career was in the cards for me. Alas, an opportunity to become a blogger came my way; and I must say: ” I’m enjoying it immensely.”

THE AUTHOR: Betty White

“Betty Marion White was born on January 17, 1922 in Illinois.  She is a woman of many talents – actress, comedian, author and former game-show host.  Her parents later moved to Los Angeles, California during the Great Depression and she attended high school in Beverly Hills.  Betty White was best known for her roles in the Mary Tyler Moore show as sue Ann Nivens and of course the popular show The Golden Girls as Rose Nylund.  She began her television career 3 months after high school but when the World War II broke out she joined the American Women’s Voluntary Services.  Her roles as Sue-Ann Nivins on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls were her  most recognized and popular roles. She began her television career 1939 till present.  White had three husbands:  Dick Barker (1945); Lane Allen (1947–1949) and Allen Ludden (1963–1981) (his death).” (Source/Fact source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia)

SERIES/COLLECTION

Books

Some books authored by Betty White are:

• Betty White’s Pet-Love: How Pets Take Care of Us (1983) (With Thomas J. Watson)
• Betty White In Person (1987)
• The Leading Lady: Dinah’s Story (1991) (With Tom Sullivan)
• Here We Go Again: My Life In Television (1995)

THE BOOK: “Here We Go Again: My Life In Television” by Betty White

Betty’s career and life and the progression of TV are intertwined. She got her start in Hollywood on television in 1949 and for 46 years has been a recognizable actress and star of the medium. The shows, on which she appeared were hugely successful. Her quirky roles made her memorable. There was flakey Sue Ann on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the quaint, well-grounded Rose on The Golden Girls. She has also been on four, count them, Betty White Shows. Her personal life also included TV. Her late husband, Allen Ludden, was a successful game show host. Her sugar and spice and sheer plunk made her a hero of many. Her book takes us behind the camera. She has made us all TV insiders. More, she has made us all good friends sharing her experiences: the good with the not so good. The book can be described as like hanging out with Betty. Thank you mate. Quick pass the clicker!

CONCLUSION

I see Betty White as the little engine that became a locomotive. I also see her as the entertainer regardless of age, who has stayed fresh and relevant. She is the poster person for those 60 something, with the credo, YOU CAN! Here’s a woman who has maintained a full-time successful career, finding new audiences, even after all of these years; and this 88 years young wiz-kid is still going strong.

I was told about the Keep Going® Award.” The web site asks: “Are you proud of someone who always does a good job? Did someone you know reach a milestone or achievement? Does someone in your life need encouragement and support?  Show them you care by printing or emailing a Keep Going® Award.” (Source: http://www.energizer.com/energizer-bunny/Pages/keep-going-award.aspx)

Accordingly, I recognize BETTY WHITE, 88, with her ‘never quit’ spirit*; and in behalf of all of her fans everywhere, I give her this award. It is well deserved and very appropriate.

My personal comments

I am spiritual.   I believe:

• That life is a gift. It is NOT more valuable when you are younger. It is equally precious as we age.  It is NOT something to waste.
• That we were each put on this world with a destiny. It is up to each person to fulfill it.
• That there is joy out there for each of us.  It is up to each person to find it.
• That we each have one or more purposes in life. It is up to each person to discover what it is and then to make it happen.
• That we each must NOT be idle; instead, we must look to the needs and well- being, not only of ourselves, but also, of our family, community, nation and our fellow man worldwide. It is up to each person to figure out what that is and to do it!
• That as we get older, perhaps we have health issues, are slower and tend to be more sedentary. However, we are also wiser and we know that the glass is half full!
• That work is good for everyone, regardless, whether as a volunteer or paid, whether as an employee or a consultant, whether full time or part time, whether done at home or at a workplace, etc.
• That being productive makes us feel good, gives us a sense of satisfaction and self-worth; and I want that for each one of you.

The point

We each have a contribution to make in our interest and also for others. Betty White is my inspiration. She spurs me on. In turn, I hope to spur you all out there in Internetland to accomplish your personal best.  Here are some suggestions:

1. Try your hardest at work … always;

2. Believe in yourself – you are uniquely you!

3. Take advantage of training and re-training opportunities, this in order to work better and open doors; indeed, doing your job more efficiently is a door opener!

4.  Make the move to climb the ladder at the right time in your life;

5. Make a change in career, when and if the time is right – you can do it!

6. Make retirement your personal rennaissance;  with this in mind,

• Re-career if paid work is still for you.
• Make fitness and good diet a priority: learn about it and participate!
• Take interest courses to better yourself.
• Volunteer at a local hospital, church or religious facility, etc.
• Join a charitable association and help make things happen!
• Discover your home town, state/province , country, etc.:  its special sites, history and most of all,  its future!
• Be a regular at your local library.
• Travel to the extent possible, taking into account your health and pocketbook.
• Find time to play – all work and no play makes for a dull person.

Let’s go!

P.S. If you can, please tell me about your new adventures.  I am truly interested.

Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
CREDITS
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com

The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.

*TM/© 2010 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 1,  No. 22, November 8th, 2010

TITLE: “On Remembrance Day, Veterans’ Day & Armistice Day, I DO remember*”

On the occasion of Remembrance Day (in Canada, U.K.,Australia, N.Z., etc.), Veterans’ Day (in the U.S.) & Armistice Day (in Europe, etc.), my book of the week is: “Patton, Montgomery, Rommel: Masters of War” by Terry Brighton. Hence my topic is war and remembrance.

“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”

For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “war”, “remembrance”, “soldier” and “general”.

War

“It is a phenomenon of organized violent conflict,[1][2] typified by extreme aggression, societal disruption and adaptation, and high mortality.[1] The objective of warfare differs in accord with a group’s role in a conflict: The goals of offensive warfare are typically the submission, assimilation or destruction of another group, while the goals of defensive warfare are simply the repulsion of the offensive force and, often, survival itself. Relative to each other, combatants in warfare are called enemies. The terms military, militant, and militarism each refer to fundamental aspects of war, i.e. the organized group, the combative individual, and the supportive ethos (respectively).”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War

Remembrance

“It is the act of remembering, the ability to remember or a memorial.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance

Soldier

“A soldier is a member of the land component of national armed forces; whereas a soldier hired for service in a foreign army would be termed a mercenary.[1] In most languages, “soldier” includes commissioned and non-commissioned officers in national land forces.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soldier

General

“A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force.[1] The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_officer

Bonus fact #1: Remembrance Day

“Remembrance Day (in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom) is a day to
remember people who fought and died in wars. It is on November 11th to
remember the end of World War I on that day in 1918. Remembrance Day was
started in 1919 by King George V from the United Kingdom. On the same day,
other countries also have days to remember war and soldiers. There is
Veteran’s Day in the United States, and Armistice Day in France, Belgium,
New Zealand and other countries.” (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia)’
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day

Bonus Fact #1A: Why is it on November 11th?

“It is observed on 11 November to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918 (major hostilities of World War I were formally ended “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice). The day was specifically dedicated by King George V, on 7 November 1919, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during war; this was possibly done upon the suggestion of Edward George Honey to Wellesley Tudor Pole, who established two ceremonial periods of remembrance based on events in 1917.[1]”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia)’
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day

Bonus fact #1-A: What is the significance of poppies on Remembrance Day?

“…This poppy is a common weed in Europe and is found in many locations, including Flanders Fields, the setting for the famous poem by Canadian surgeon and soldier, John McCrae, “In Flanders Fields”. (N.B. This poem speaks of war fatalities during WW I.)  In the United States,[3][4] Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand artificial poppies (plastic in Canada, paper in the US[citation needed], UK, Australia and New Zealand) are worn to commemorate those who died in War. In the United States this is in conjunction with Veterans’ Day, in Canada this is part of the Remembrance Day ceremonies, both falling on November 11, though generally poppies are worn from the beginning of November until that day. In New Zealand and Australia commemoration of the brave soldiers is celebrated on ANZAC day, April 25.[5]”

(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poppy

STUDY/STATISTICS:

WW I casualties

“The total number of casualties in World War I, both military and civilian, were about 37 million: 16 million deaths and 21 million wounded. The total number of deaths includes 9.7 million military personnel and about 6.8 million civilians. The Entente Powers (also known as the Allies) lost about 5.7 million soldiers while the Central Powers lost about 4 million.:

(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I_casualties

WW II casualties

“World War II casualty statistics vary greatly. Estimates of total dead range from 50 million to over 70 million.[1] The sources cited on this page document an estimated death toll in World War II of 62 to 78 million, making it the deadliest war ever. When scholarly sources differ on the number of deaths in a country, a range of war losses is given, in order to inform readers that the death toll is disputed. Civilians killed totaled from 40 to 52 million, including 13 to 20 million from war-related disease and famine. Total military dead: from 22 to 25 million, including deaths in captivity of about 5 million prisoners of war.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_casualties

ANECDOTES ARE FUN*

Veteran Persuasion

A retired Roman commander once pleaded with Augustus to testify in court on his behalf. When the emperor instead proposed having an agent appear in his stead, the soldier rolled back his sleeves to reveal several scars. “When you were in danger at Actium,” the man cried, “I didn’t choose a substitute, but fought for you in person.” Augustus appeared on the man’s behalf.

Augustus Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, (63 BC-AD 14) Roman Emperor (31 BC-AD 14) [noted for his defeat of Mark Antony at the battle of Actium (31 BC)]

[Sources: Macrobius, Saturnalia; http://www.anecdotage.com/)

MY LIFE & TIMES*

My uncle served in World War II. My parents suffered immensely during this conflict. My dad’s neighbor’s were killed. I often heard about the war. My mother told stories about hiding in the mountains and when they returned home, their house was bombarded. My Dad often spoke about the horrors of war.
THE AUTHOR: Terry Brighton

Brighton grew up in the U.K. during the sixties. He was anti-war. He studied theology and became an Anglican priest. He left the Church and became a curator in the 17th/21st Lancers Regimental Museum.  Brighton evolved into a historian. He was quoted as saying: ” I soon discovered that the truth about war was not reaching the history books.”

SERIES/COLLECTION

Books

His works include: (a) “Hell Riders”; (b)  “Masters of Battle”; (c) “Patton, Montgomery, Rommel: Masters of War” ; etc.

THE BOOK: “Patton, Montgomery, Rommel: Masters of War” by Terry Brighton

World War II was a VERY big war. It was a worldwide event involving many countries, impactng upon the global population, causing millions of fatalities. In this book, the war was recounted through the individual careeers of three remarkable combatant generals: George S. Patton of the United States, Bernatd (Monty) Montgomery of the U.K. and Erwin Rommel of Germany. This is quite the war story!

CONCLUSION

Generals are leaders. Their knowledge, skill and achievements are noteworthy. However, the officer corps and under them, the rank and file, are equally heroes. They are all the best of us.

My personal comments

In past wars, (e.g., W.W.  I, W.W. II, Korea, etc.), our soldiers fought bravely out of a sense of duty, in service of their country and countrymen and for freedom.  In  harm’s way, much too many were either seriously injured or killed. We, the baby boomers, born following W.W. II, owe an immense gratitude to these people. I consider myself lucky to be able to live in a great country where we have freedom.  I remember them, I thank them and acknowledging their character,  courage, ideals and great sacrifice,  I honor them. And for those fighting today, I also remember them, I thank them and acknowledging their character,  courage, ideals and great sacrifice,  I honor them.

The point

November 11th is the day to take pause and do it.  It is really quite simple and easy:

1. Buy a poppy and wear it;

2. Stop everything you are doing on 11/11 at 11:00 a.m.

3. Stand up and be silent for 2 minutes.

4. Say a prayer for the fallen, our veterans from past wars and also our current servicemen and women.

5. Never forget what they did in the past and what they are doing at present.

6. Make a donation in care of your local legion or veterans group, to benefit these combatants and/or their families.

This is really important. Please do not miss this opportunity. I am sure that you will not let your country men and women down!

Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
CREDITS
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com

The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.

*TM/© 2010 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia)

Vol. 1,  No. 21, November 1st 2010

TITLE: “SORRY JACKIE COLLINS, I DON’T BELIEVE THAT ALL DIVORCED WOMEN ARE SLUTS!*” (DIVORCE: Part #2)

My book of the week is: “The World is Full of Divorced Women” by Jackie Collins. Hence my topic is Divorce.

“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”

Divorce (or the dissolution of marriage) is the final termination of a marital union, cancelling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties. In most countries divorce requires the sanction of a court or other authority in a legal process. The legal process for divorce may also involve issues of spousal support, child custody, child support, distribution of property and division of debt.

SERIES/COLLECTION

CONCLUSION

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
CREDIT
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com

The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.