Spring will soon be sprung!

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Emotional Intensity and Gifted Children
(by Linda Kreger Silverman, Ph.D., Gifted Development Center, Denver, Colorado)

Creatively gifted children and adults are emotionally intense and have rich inner lives (Piechowski, 1991). An enhanced capacity for feeling is essential to the production of great art, moving music, high drama, memorable prose and poetry, exquisite performances. We love to watch the ecstatic absorption of a conductor, the passionate portrayal of Othello, and the dedicated delicacy of a ballerina. To be passionately in love with one’s work provides a sense of meaning to one’s existence; it is truly one of Life’s great blessings.

Why, then, do we become so disturbed when we see the precursors to this passionate involvement in young children? Emotional intensity is one of the personality concomitants of giftedness. It is natural for the gifted to feel deeply and to experience a broad range of emotions. Dabrowski and Piechowski (1977) called this heightened capacity for feeling "emotional overexcitability," and found that it is strongly correlated with high intelligence. Piechowski (1991) defines emotional over-excitability as "the great depth and intensity of emotional life expressed through a wide range of feelings, attachments, compassion, heightened sense of responsibility, and scrupulous self-examination" (p. 287). Dabrowski saw the sensitivity and emotional extremes of the creative individual as positive potential for higher level development.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture that does not view heightened emotionality in a very positive way. The first message an infant often hears is, "Hush, now, don’t cry." And this message is reiterated throughout childhood – particularly to boys. The main lesson students learn in school is how to control, repress, deny their emotions, as part of the socialization process. But repressing one’s emotions also represses one’s vitality, which may be one of the reasons students have difficulty staying motivated to learn. Motivation is emotional, not intellectual.

Guidance in dealing with intensity and emotional sensitivity in gifted children is provided by Piechowski (1991): The intensity of emotional reactions…in [gifted] children may sometimes be difficult to understand, especially when the child is strongly upset over "nothing." It requires considerable patience and knowledge of the child to see that this "overreaction" comes from the child’s sensitivity and the need for his or her own emotions, departure from something routinely expected, for example, the way a story is told, may be extremely upsetting simply because the need for support is all the greater. The strongest support, without doubt, is the parent’s loving patience and acceptance. (pp. 287,289) Our responsibility as parents and teachers of the gifted is not to teach them to curb their emotions, nor is it to tolerate their feelings. Our task is to be emotionally alive ourselves, as good role models, and to honor these children’s sensitivity as a positive trait. Otherwise, we risk contributing to societal corrosion of healthy emotional development. We are in greater danger of emotional mediocrity than of intellectual mediocrity – and this rampant lack of sensitivity is life-threatening to our planet. Emotional intensity in children should be supported, not squelched.

REFERENCES

Dabrowski, K., & Piechowski, M.M. (1977). Theory of levels of emotional development (2 vols.). Oceanside, NY: Dabor Science.

Piechowski, M.M. (1991). Emotional development and emotional giftedness. In N. Colangelo & G.A. Davis (Eds.), Handbook of gifted education (pp. 285-306). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

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The death of the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Columbia caused many people to think about the value of the NASA space program. The experts have insights that many of the rest of us don’t. Names of the people interviewed are not available, but here are some of the ideas they presented:

• We always look to the sky in awe and wonder. Our desire and need to study space will always be there. Our passion to explore is great.
• We have religious and spiritual links to the sky that will always be there.
• High places are always considered safer.
• Insatiable curiosity will never be satisfied. We are driven to explore.
• We want to eventually establish on other planets or use the resources there.
• We put physics, mathematics, chemistry, and many other sciences to the test.

• There have been lots of small, relatively unimportant, experiments since 1992 (frogs eggs, pregnant rats, etc.) and they were not done in the best environment - a very small space and limited movement.
• Experiments aren’t valuable enough to mankind to warrant the expenditures on continued orbital travel.
• Other than the Hubble Space Telescope, there is little astronomy hardware up there to do anything else.
• Space shuttles and orbiters are ok for human behaviour studies for extended space flight but little else.
• Everything to do with NASA seems to be at a very slow, but expensive pace. There are too few flights and experiments and very little useable data.
• It is very expensive, dangerous and environmentally disturbing to send shuttles into space ($15 Billion each year) with so little in return.

• in the late 1950’s and 1960’s, there was great motivation to get into space and to the moon. As soon as there were moon landings, the drive forward seemed to disappear. We should have kept going right away and pushed for Mars or doing more on the moon. Instead we settled on earth orbit and the shuttle program. Expectations were greatly lowered and we settled in to something that wasn’t taking us anywhere.
• Because there was great concern for the survival of humans, many space initiatives were reduced in complexity and vision. Robots were used but they are not the solution because they have lower reliability and can’t fix things the way humans can.
• A push to get humans on Mars should have been sustained. The risks may have been greater but the gains would also be far greater.
• How do we value astronauts? They dedicate their lives and know the risks. If they are to be noble and true heroes, why not let them choose to be on missions of great value. Let their lives be given, if necessary, in big adventures not small ones like the shuttle program.

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Canadian Voyageur Adventures

Canoe Ontario –Canoe Expo

Deep River Science Academ

***HTS Camps, Richmond Hill (IF YOU ARE REALLY GOOD IN SCIENCE AND IN A SENIOR GRADE AND YOU MIGHT LIKE A SUMMER JOB AS A TEACHERS ASSISTANT AT THIS CAMP, CONTACT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE)

McMichael Summer Art Camp

Moorelands Camp (apply to be a summer camp counsellor for disadvantaged kids)

Ontario Science Centre Science School (apply now for next year)

Summer Opportunity in Applied Research (SOAR)

Toronto Sportsmen’s Show (during March Break)

U. of Toronto Dept. of Computer Science Summer Coarse (apply now)

YMCA Young Leaders Course (apply now)

Encounters With Canada (one week in Ottawa. Until end of May)

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Many of you went to the Toronto Catholic District School Board Gifted Conference held at the University of Toronto on Feb. 18^th. Tell us what you learned and experienced. Did you notice the teachers visiting from England?

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March 8 – International Women’s Day (U.N.)

March 9 -15– March School Break (Ontario, Canada)

March 15 – International Women’s Day

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day

March 18 – Full moon tonight

March 20 – First day of Spring! Vernal Equinox

March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racism

This is also National Nutrition Month, National Kidney Month, Red Cross Month, Women’s History Month

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On the DT homepage, you will find the Feature Topic "Colleges/Universities." There is a wealth of information there that you should look at, especially if you are in high school and/or close to graduation.

The colleges and universities of several countries - specifically Canada, Great Britain, Australia, USA -are the main ones accessible. The links have almost everything you need in a nice compact package. There are, for instance, thousands of colleges and universities listed in one convenient location if you are interested in USA educational facilities. The same is true for the other links.

Almost all world colleges and universities are available to you.

Only Canadian universities are featured on one site link! Should you be interested in the campus life at these schools, links will let you read their campus newspapers or do virtual tours. The entrance requirements for all Canadian universities are also available. Something unusual that many people don’t think about when going to university -student rights - is also there. Have a look at the special document on this topic.

To round out the topic, you can find out about financial assistance, assistance with SAT’s and excellent scholarships.

There are, of course, many internet sites relating to colleges and universities but great efforts have been made to bring everything that you need into one easy-to-find, compact and useful package of valuable sites in the DT Feature Topic "Colleges/Universities."

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(by O.S.)

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Confusion
(written by Lisa Cancian, OAC Student at Loretto Abbey C.S.S., Toronto, ON)

"Where am I going after high school?" This may be the most common question asked by Ontario youth today. At the age of seventeen, eighteen and nineteen, the stress and worries for students graduating from high school are definitely overwhelming. Expectations are high and we students must work as hard as we can to get what we want. That is not exactly easy. Life isn't easy, yet it should be enjoyed. There are so many factors which add to the stress and confusion of a graduating student. It is said that "if you want something badly enough then you'll get it". That is very easy to say, yet not as simple to accomplish.

It is true that working hard and setting our minds to something may get us the marks we want. However, what if that's not good enough. This is definitely what many students think about. What happens once we get those marks? Deciding on what school to apply to and what programs to apply to becomes another, separate stress factor.

Let's not forget that marks aren't the only things that matter. Extra curricular activities and money are other factors that may determine where one is headed. Most students participate in extra curricular activities and take on a part time job. Why is it that we get that extra lecture when we take on these extra responsibilities? Spending 24 hours a day doing schoolwork isn't exactly preparing students to be independent and confident individuals.

A student needs time away from books to be able to build his or her social skills. There is definitely added stress once you take on a job and get involved in co-curricular activities, yet these are required when applying to universities. Students need money for school fees. They need extra curricular
activities to include in the resumes to be submitted after applications.

So, there we have it! A student who has just applied to University, still working hard to achieve good grades; working at a part-time job; participating in outside activities; spending time with family and friends may be exhausted, but still is not guaranteed a spot in a post secondary institute. On top of
that, the student must worry about what it is he or she wants as a career for the future and if they are going to get it. There is obvious stress, yet this is the reality of the situation.

Added pressure from others surrounding these students is not necessary. The double cohort has made the stress issue a lot more complicated. The number of students applying to multiple programs and post secondary institutes has doubled. Graduating students of 2003 have double the competition. Everything is being thrown at them all at once. Lately it has been reported that at least half the graduates
from the class of 2002 from the post secondary institutes have returned to school because they have not found jobs! What if that occurs again this year? Will the students of the double cohort even have more competition?

Negative comments by others add to the stress of students and make them feel worse about themselves. Once a student feels defeated, confidence and conviction is lost. The most a student can do is be positive, try their best and work hard with determination.

Graduating from high school is a big step towards the future but it is possible. Choices for the future are up to the individuals themselves. Observers of 2003 graduating high school students, guide, advise and listen. Please don't add to the confusion!

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1. A just war can only be waged as a last resort.
2. A war is just only if it is waged by a legitimate authority.
3. A just war can only be waged to redress a wrong suffered.
4. A war is just only if it is fought with a reasonable chance of success. Deaths and injuries incurred in a hopeless cause are not morally justifiable.
5. A war is just only if its goal is to re-establish peace. Moreover, the peace established as a result of the war must be an improvement over circumstances that would have prevailed had the war not been waged.
6. A war is just only if the violence used is proportional to the harm suffered.
7. Non-combatants are never permissible targets of war. Their deaths are justified only if they are unavoidable victims of a deliberate attack on a military target.

Please visit the site, read the information and join in the growing peace movement. It suggests we all send a packet of rice to both leaders to let them know we prefer food to bombs sent to Iraq.

**Put your own return address on as well.

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- the University of Toronto, Ontario, has, for the ninth consecutive year, been ranked the top Canadian university. It has 3,500 faculty, 32 libraries and PhD programs in 76 disciplines. It also houses the largest library collection of any medical/doctoral school in the country: 14,271 million holdings compared to second place University of Alberta which has 9.7 million.

- a recent study at the University of Toronto found a 353% increase in antidepressant prescriptions (from 3.2 million to 14.5 million) between 1981 and 2000. The population increased only 1% during that time. Total money spent on the drugs rose from $31.4 million to $543.4 million. Cost per prescription went from $9.85 to $37.44 over the study period.

- Go nuts! Nut and seed consumption reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. That means natural or dry-roasted, without added oils or salts only.

- men generally laugh more than women. Five minutes of belly laughing is worth about 20 minutes of exercise.

- 364,000 Canadians over 65 have Alzheimer Disease or related dementia out of a population of about 30 million people. Over 52% of Canadians know someone with it. The total cost is estimated at $5.5 billion to care for them.

- a very graphic Singapore sex booklet depicting the ravages of STD’s is shocking young people into protecting themselves more vigorously.

-Canadian Eskimos, prior to 1950, never had acne. When "modern foods" were brought in, acne became common.

- 96% of all candles are purchased by women. Special Test: cut off a small segment of candle wick and rub the end and the sides on a piece of paper. If there is a grey, pencil-like mark left then you have lead in it! Very dangerous. Do not use it. A thin thread of lead is used to enhance the flame but gives off toxic fumes.

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(from an Eye Magazine ad for toronto.com)

Here is what to remember if you have been hibernating all winter and just coming out of your "cave":

1. Keep a breath mint handy.
2. That pain in your lower back is probably just a pinecone.
3. First words usually have something to do with coffee.
4. Squirrel doesn’t taste even remotely like chicken.
5. Burn those pajamas. Fast.
6. While you’re at it, throw whatever you used for sheets into the fire too.
7. Light. Hurts. Eyes.
8. Nobody needs to know about your little drooling problem.
9. It’s not technically bed-head, but it looks pretty much the same.
10. Sleepwalking is no substitute for a valid passport and a cold Pina Colada.
11. That wasn’t a nightmare; bugs really did nest in your armpit.
12. Do not, repeat, do not drink the milk in your fridge.
13. Silence is golden, but three months of it can drive you insane.
14. Those "learning a new language while you sleep" tapes don’t really work.
15. Try not to wake Yogi on the way to the bathroom.
16. You’ve seen one cave, you’ve seen ‘em all.

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U.S. = 9/11, Iraq = 24/7

Darkness cannot put out darkness, only light can do that.

Dismantle the mentality as well as the weaponry.

Drop the moron not the bombs.

War: God’s way of teaching Americans geography.

How did our oil get under their sand?

How many lives per gallon?

If your enemies are hungry, feed them.

It takes a moron to put a war on.

Pretzels: They do a country good!

Sacrifice our SUV’s not our children.

Send bread not bombs.

Son of a Bush.

War is always lost.

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Love Pets? Try This Great Writing Opportunity!

Pet Talk is a relatively new magazine for pet owners. It is available for free at many grocery stores and other similar outlets. There are many interesting pet related stories and they want more. That means you can submit yours. Go on, get published!

They are looking for articles and stories about:

exotic pets, aquatics, reptiles, birds, small mammals, horses, animal heroes, rescue stories, funny animal stories, pet-related adventures, books and movie reviews concerning animals.

There is also a series of regular sections: Senior Talk, Junior Talk, cartoons, jokes, story ideas and teacher pet projects, pet food recipes, crafts, hobbies and personal projects.

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(views –O.S.)

How friendly and close should we get with our American neighbours? How much influence should we allow them to have on us as Canadians? These questions crop up out of necessity as we are drawn deeper into the American "war on terrorism."

Canada is, believe it or not, one of the largest military spenders on Earth already. In 2003, Canada will spend about $12.318 billion on national defense. That makes us the 6^th largest military spender in NATO and 16^th in the world. In a remarkable statement made by Paul Cellucci, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, he admitted a criticism of our military spending which he stated is inadequate (to American standards) and that his main job is to get Canada to increase it.

Should we be accommodating to this? What does America want us to spend our money on? We should buy US military hardware and fighter planes. We should increase our border defenses to protect the USA. We should have the same immigration policies so that we can prevent undesirables getting into the USA. We should allow American army personnel to control our troops in time of conflict, and allow soldiers freer movement between the two countries so that we will be protected in case of attack (by whom?). We need to spend more on our own counter-terrorist measures (how serious of a target are we?). These things, to protect the US, all cost huge amounts of money that come from Canadian taxpayers’ pockets. We benefit very little from them.

Taking a bit of a breather from all the US requests, let’s consider Canada’s position at this time. First of all, some people are afraid and others seem to take some kind of perverse pride in thinking that Canada could be a major target for terrorists? Do we need all kinds of protection against biological terrorism? Canada, at this time, does not really have anything strategically important enough worth destroying. Sorry, but we are not much of a target or enemy of any other country or peoples. On the other hand, if we keep getting involved more and more, like England, we may eventually be gradually seen as a real enemy and then we will have brought major problems on ourselves.

Canada’s role has always been to set an example in the world that multiculturalism can work. Canada also has the reputation as a tolerant, safe haven and as a peacekeeper - not bully or belligerent interventionist. We should be very proud of that. The countries targeted by terrorists seem to be very different from Canada. America is afraid of being that target. They are obviously taking steps to protect themselves. We must be careful not to take on and fuel the fear so evident in our neighbour to the south?

If we give away more and more of our rights to do things the Canadian way, we will lose Canada. Right at this moment, the USA could take over Canada militarily with zero problems. Who could stop them? It would be done instantly and there would probably be no bloodshed. Many Canadians may not be aware that this has been happening very slowly already. How? Economically. Many of our big profitable Canadian companies (which Americans can buy at discount prices) have been bought up. Sale of our country’s raw materials (we don’t process much to add value) are largely under American control because they are our biggest market – buyers of about 90% of our production. Often in the news we hear of America putting pressure on our elected representatives to do things their way and the changes they want usually make us more dependent on them. In summary, if we allow America to dictate to and control our economy, our leaders and our dependency on them, then our country is virtually lost and we should consider it as theirs now. Just give it up. Why pretend we are our own nation.

Nobody will deny that America is THE greatest power in the world, but let’s face it, there are disturbing problems in its relationships with many countries in the world. The demands, to the point of bullying, are growing stronger.

Canada is a very special country with a unique approach and position in the world. We need to believe that it is worth saving. There are many people quite prepared to have Canada unite with the USA (talk is already on about having the US currency as the North American standard), but if we love our country and what we stand for then we must be very careful. The biggest challenge will be deciding how to stay Canadian while doing enough to appease and satisfy our neighbour, the giant, living beside us.

Manifest Destiny (document about American rights to expand all over the world.)

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(from a book by Wayne Dyer)

The First Secret
Have a Mind That Is Open to Everything and Attached to Nothing

The Second Secret
Don't Die with Your Music Still in You

The Third Secret
You Can't Give Away What You Don't Have

The Fourth Secret
Embrace Silence

The Fifth Secret
Give Up Your Personal History

The Sixth Secret
You Can't Solve a Problem with the Same Mind That Created It

The Seventh Secret
There Are No Justified Resentments

The Eighth Secret
Treat Yourself As If You Already Are What You'd Like to Be

The Ninth Secret
Treasure Your Divinity

The Tenth Secret
Wisdom Is Avoiding All Thoughts That Weaken You

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(from an article by Jim Morrison, Smithsonian magazine)

All over the world, people scale every kind of tree you could imagine as part of their job or for other reasons. These other reasons are starting to go way beyond chopping off a limb that threatens a roof.

"Tree surfing" is becoming an exciting new way to add life to birthday parties, and zip to weekend jaunts in the woods. Enthusiasts claim that a tree becomes a wind-powered amusement ride on a blustery day and they want to get on for some fun and excitement.

Many climbers refuse to wear leg spikes so that the tree is not injured. Climbing ropes are tossed over sturdy branches and climbers slowly pull themselves up the tallest trees. Great care is taken not to damage the tree.

Ok, what do they do up there? How about "tree dancing." While dangling from a long rope, you push off from the trunk and spin. During the scaling of gigantic trees such as sequoia (some 250 feet), there may be several hours of slow, methodical climbing. Climbers say that time seems to stand still and they refer to the phenomenon as "tree time." Some people hook up a bag and sleep in the treetops over night. Rappelling down the tree is the most dangerous part of the adventure.

Tree Climbers International boasts over 800 members already and the "sport" is getting more and more world-wide attention.

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(from an article by Anne Dimon in the Toronto Star)

Just when you thought there was nothing new in the electronic computing world, a revolutionary new technology comes along.

Wi-Fi means "wired fidelity," and is spreading around the world very quickly. Speed, security and quality transmission are featured as this new way of computing is launched. It is based on radio frequency and anybody who works on the 802.11 frequency will have access to the presently free service.

Over 41,000 access points (transmission and receiving hotspots) around the world now let you use your laptop almost anywhere – park bench, local coffee shop, airport, train station, etc. without a plug-in. Do anything you can now do on your computer but have almost unlimited mobility.

Even home computers can get in on it. For about $100, a Wi-Fi PC card can be purchased at a local computer shop.

Here is how to find out more about it:

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(from www.askmen.com)

1. Daytona Beach, Florida
2. Cancun, Mexico
3. Panama City, Florida
4. South Padre, Texas
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
6. New York City, New York
7. South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
8. New England
9. Dominican Republic
10. Key West, Florida

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(partially based on an article by Danylo Hawaleshka in Maclean’s Magazine)

Most people don’t think twice about going to a hospital when injured or sick, for volunteering or to visit loved ones. We generally think of them as safe, caring places. But things can go wrong.

Doctors and nurses are very hard working, competent and caring professionals but they do make mistakes. Remember too that hospitals are places where there are lots of sick people so you are in an environment full of many and diverse diseases, germs, viruses and bacteria. Hospitals are places where you have an increased chance of contracting new illness, even while being treated for an illness.

The most common causes of deaths and complications in hospitals are: warning signs are missed, just plain wrong judgments regarding type and/or dosage of medications, allergic reactions, incorrect diagnosis, short-staffing leading to inability to attend to patients in great need.

Here are some of the results of studies done in several countries:

• in Canada an estimated 10,000 people die due to staff error. Another 10,000 die from non-preventable events such as hospital infections and unexpected drug complications. A further estimated 20,000 people die of unforeseen or preventable causes while under care outside hospitals.
• In the USA an estimated 98,000 people die in hospitals due to medical errors and another million are injured.
• In Britain about 10% of hospital admissions are involved in adverse events that cause personal harm. That is about 850,000 people.

What is being done about it? In most countries quality-assurance programs are in effect with an emphasis on patient safety. Professionals are constantly upgraded and re-educated. Medical associations, lawyers and medical watchdog agencies also hold hospital personnel accountable.

When going to a hospital, be alert to your needs and convey them clearly, make sure people who know you well are there for you often and who can sometimes help you when the hospital may be short staffed. Be cautious in dealing with other sick people who may be there.

A stay at a hospital can be positive and rewarding if caution is used.

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Nothing to do with cosmetics, honest!!

If you are fascinated by the wonders and mysteries of the universe and the age-old questions of where we came from and when, you might be interested in becoming a cosmologist.

Cosmology is the study and exploration of how the universe we see today evolved from the primordial fireball of the Big Bang estimated to have happened 14 million years ago. Working with astronomers and physicists, cosmologists are busy trying to find the age of the universe, its density, its expansion rate and the total energy it holds.

Cosmologists study electromagnetic "fuzz" in the universe, radiation glows, microwave "echos" of the Big Bang. Through the use of telescopes on earth and in earth orbit and highly sensitive balloon-borne instruments they measure "ripples" of energy between vast regions of seemly nothing in deep outer space.

Some of their findings and studies are leading to the piecing together of the picture of the early universe, the determination that "normal" matter makes up only about 5% of the universe with the rest - about 30% - "dark matter"(non-luminescent objects) and about 65% being "dark energy" which is of unknown origin but fills the entire universe.

This is a very unusual but exciting way of treating people. After training, which usually involves Brain-Gym and various other advanced level courses, a Kinesiologist will begin to treat people.

The principle on which educational kinesiology is based is that problems may be caused by an imbalance in the brain. Using various physical movements and positions, and through the use of muscle testing and/or various hands-on techniques, a person is brought back into balance.

If you would like information from a practitioner, contact:

Jill Hewlett, Educational Kinesiologist, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

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(taken from his essay "Politics and the English Language")

Here is how to write clear prose according to the "Brave New World" author:

1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
4. Never use the passive where you can use the active (direct vs. indirect statement).
5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of any everyday English equivalent.
6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

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(from Consumer Reports, May 2002)

To stop theft, one must know what a thief is all about. Here are some facts that everybody should know that will help steer you in the right direction to protect what you own:

• Most burglaries are committed by amateurs and are drug related, not slick cat burglars. Proper locking devices for windows and doors keep them out.
• About 90% of break-in crimes can be prevented relatively inexpensively. Some of these devices are: deadbolts, remote detectors, window bars, warning signs, eliminating climbing devices around the house, engraving expensive items, proper outdoor lighting, hiding cash and jewellery in the basement, use a rolling-access-code remote garage door opener, get patio-door pins/locks, get solid core doors, replacing some glass with shatter-resistant polycarbonate, use of alarm systems.
• Most burglaries happen on the first floor of a building.
• Kicking down a door and breaking in glass are the most common ways that thieves enter a home.
• Most burglaries take place in the daytime during working hours. Many happen while people are at home.
• Unlocked doors, garages and windows are often prime entry points.
• Thieves look for money and jewellery in bedrooms. Get them out of there!
• Thieves are deterred by anything visible that suggests your home is occupied or protected. i.e protection stickers, chain & dog dish & warning sign, radio & lights on in the rooms, driveway cleared and cars parked there, mail and newspapers picked up each day, outdoor lights going on and off.

Here are some other tips:

• Keep quiet about travel plans and absence periods when talking to strangers i.e. the cab/limo driver taking you to the airport, mail carrier, airport parking attendants.
• Imaginary pets help keep people out. Show signs of them outside your house. (bowl, chain, doggy toy, etc.)
• Check out high-tech, low-cost spy devices in specialized security stores.
• Discuss with trusted neighbours about keeping an eye out for each other.
• Watch out for, take down details and report to police any unusual people in the neighbourhood. i. e. gangs of kids, lone strangers, people in parked cars for long periods.

problem in all sectors of our lives. Protecting oneself has become more and more important. Remember, studies show that once a home has been burglarized, many owners move out within two years. The violation is too much. So if you like where you are living and enjoy what you own, protect it with the ideas above. Ask the experts for advice too.

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(from an article in the Toronto Star)

Ever wonder why people don’t seem to take you as seriously as you might like them to? Perhaps it is because of your name.

A name can sometimes spell success or failure in our world. Studies by baby name experts have shown that having a name ending in an "e" sound (Kelly, Mandy, Katie, etc.) can make it harder for these women to be taken seriously.

Bruce Lansky, who wrote the book "Baby Names Around the World," says a girl’s name should project an image of strength and intelligence. Avoid "i," "ie," and "y" endings. An "a" ending is fine. (Alexandra, Lana, etc.) No vowel ending is fine too. (Helen, Rachel, etc.) Names that are also boy’s names are considered to be positive for a girl to use. (‘Casey, Pat, etc.)

Imagine yourself as head of a major business. Which name says, "Choose me; I’m going to be successful?"

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(from various sources – O.S.)

Yamaha Karaoke Keyboard – The PSRK1 Portable Keyboard is the first of its kind to incorporate a karoake system with a regular. A microphone is integrated to allow people to sing along. Hit keys to start it. Words are on an attached screen. Play along if you like.

Phillips Key007 Camera Key Ring – super small and portable. Works just like a regular camera but attached to a key ring chain. Plugs directly into a USB port on your computer for easy downloading of photos.

– purchase a factory headrest replacement to match the rest of your car but this one is equipped with a small TV built right into it. No cutting or assembly necessary. Only people in the back seats can watch.

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Nothing worthwhile or long lasting can be achieved without hard work. When you are not out practicing, someone else is. When you meet that person, he’s going to beat you. –Gary Franks.

I always imagined when I was a kid that adults had some inner toolbox full of shiny tools: the hammer of wisdom, the saw of discernment, the sandpaper of patience. But when I grew up, I found that life handed you these rusty, bent old tools – friendships, prayer, conscience, honesty – and said, "Do the best you can with these. They’ll have to do." Mostly, against all odds, they’re enough. – Anne Lamott.

When you give yourself the permission to do anything you want at any time, you will ultimately end up alone.

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I saw a woman wearing a sweatshirt with 'Guess' on it. I said, "Implants?"

I don't do drugs anymore 'cause I find I get the same effect just standing up really fast.

I got a sweater for Christmas... I wanted a screamer or a moaner.

I don't approve of political jokes...I've seen too many of them get elected.

If life deals you lemons, make lemonade; if it deals you tomatoes, make Bloody Marys. But if it deals you a truckload of hand grenades...now THAT'S a message!!

I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.

Shopping tip: You can get shoes for $1.50 at the bowling alley.

I married my wife for her looks ... but not the ones she's been giving me lately!

Two peanuts were walking down the street. One was a salted.

If carrots are so good for the eyes, how come I see so many dead rabbits on the highway?

How come they choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?

Isn't having a smoking section in a restaurant like having a peeing section in a swimming pool?

Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled.

Every time I walk into a singles bar I can hear Mom's wise words: "Don't pick that up, you don't know where it's been!"

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What with all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person which almost went unnoticed last week. Larry La Prise, the man who wrote "The Hokey Pokey" died peacefully at age 93. The most traumatic part for his family was getting him
into the coffin. They put his left leg in..... and then the trouble started....

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