We should never allow this to happen again!

Warning: very graphical images at this page:

Shame to Humanity....!!!!

Why Aren't My Abs Toned?

Excellent, short article on how to have more toned abs: Why Aren't My Abs Toned? - Specialist Q&A - Fitness Team - Fitness Basics

Speed Reading Techniques

I have been, lately, very interested in improving my reading efficiency (not just speed, but also comprehension). Here is a nice clip that summarizes many accepted speed-reading techniques:

Enjoy!

Clear Out the Clutter

The following is from Denise Austin's newsletter:

Keeping your home clean and free of clutter is a key component to healthy living. Clutter builds up quickly; most people don't even realize that they're pack rats until they start going through closets and realize they have shoes they haven't worn in a decade or piles of newspapers dating back to 2000!

If this is you, it's time to declutter your home. Remember the old adage "Cluttered home, cluttered mind"? Rejuvenate your peace and well-being by vowing to clear up the clutter. To decide whether something is worth keeping or not:

• Go room by room, tidying each room completely before moving on.
• Establish zones or boxes for trash, recycling, charity, sentimental or monetary value, and undecided items.
• If an item is going into the sentimental box, ask yourself what you plan to do with it. Will you give it to your children or a friend? Is it really worth keeping? For example, do you think your child will want your fifth-grade report card?
• If you think an item has monetary value, consider having it appraised. You may learn it has none, or you might decide to sell it for some extra green!
• For items in the undecided box, give yourself a deadline. If you do nothing with the items by your next decluttering session (say, in three to six months), consider tossing or donating them to charity.

Remember, coming home to a clean and clutter-free space will leave you feeling calm and relaxed. Embrace the concept — you'll be glad you did.

This will be our project for this weekend: clear lots of clutter from our house!

World Record Worth Striving For

One of the nicest, craziest persons I have met online is Andy Dooley. Actually, he is quite an inspirational person. He recently went after the world record for giving hugs. Watch his video:

Free hugs -- what an awesome idea!

Solid suggestions to help kids stay healthy

Here is a great, short, article on what we all can do to help prevent childhood obesity:

The Growing Problem of Childhood Obesity - Weight Center - Everyday Health

I know it is a difficult thing to do. Society bombards us (especially kids) with all types of junk-food temptation. I battle this with my kids and, most of the time, I steer them in the direction of healthier choices.

But diet is not the only problem -- lack of exercise is a huge factor in childhood obesity.

Enjoy the article!

Interesting video on aging

Reverse Aging Explained… Fact or Fiction?

Going Green

We have all heard the "going green" campaigns to save our planet. Here is a "going green" idea to save your body:

I have used "green smoothies" on and off for the last several months. Unfortunately, it has been more off than on. I will start a daily routine of them. They are so yummy that even the kids love them!

Natural Awakenings - Worth Reading

For some time now I have been hooked on reading the "Natural Awakenings" magazines. I began by picking up the issues at my chiropractor and other places around town, but then I have been getting the electronic version and I want to share the latest issue with you:

Natural Awakenings: Columbia Edition Cola1209

It has some excellent articles that are not specific to Columbia. Actually, most of them are very global in nature and are as applicable in South Carolina as they are in any other part of the world.

Their main website (which includes many previous issues) is at http://www.healthylivingcolumbia.com/.

Enjoy!

A great guide to Ubuntu 9.10

As some of you may have read, I have finally moved all of our home computers to Linux. I chose Ubuntu 9.10 as the distro for our home.

Here is an excellent guide to Ubuntu 9.10:

Eva's Useful Guide to Ubuntu 9.10

Enjoy!

The many benefits of Yoga

Relax Your Mind and Body with Yoga

Yoga is a great addition to a well-rounded fitness program. Yoga can help increase flexibility, reduce stress, and build endurance.