Happy 4th of July weekend everyone!

For everyone that love back to back overcrowded places and lots of fun-loving adventures there is only one place that comes to mind. Las Vegas, Nevada. 24-hour non-stop entertainment. Anyone that has ever been to Vegas, knows what I'm telling. Personally I do not like loud people and a bunch of fireworks, however, there are quite a few folks that do.

I love the all-you-can-eat buffets with chefs around the world serving their best entrees. I love the themed hotel casinos theaters, shopping and 24 hour comedy, concert singing, zoological and botanical gardens, soon to be open water park that was running full time a few years  back and the unbeatable street entertainment. It is a city that is still hard on the homeless because of the tourism, however, it is a place for them also and they do sometimes offer their trade to a willing audience.

All that being said I find the quietness and peacefulness of Mount Charleston quite satisfactory for me as well as Lake Tahoe. I just have to watch out for those Dick Cheyney's out there with firearms. Don't want to be a hunting accident. Here is an itemized list of things to make note of: (1.) Have adult supervision when detonating fireworks, (2.) release fireworks in designated areas and away from any known veteran abode, (3.) attend free fireworks day celebration events where professionals will be in charge of fireworks displays and (4.) Stay indoors and watch from your patio-balcony with your astronomers telescope. Number 4 is for those of us that do not like loud noises. It is that time once again where I say as they always say in Hollywood after a successful film shoot; "And cut!" "That's a wrap!"

Alcohol

If you ever thought about what alcohol does to the body, brain and heart all I can say is that it does take its toll. Then there are folks that says there is nothing wrong with it. Well, I see folks that drink and folks that don't and there is a huge difference in physical looks and physical health.

Just one sip of alcohol can stay in your system for 2 hours. The liver bears the brunt of the damage and although some people appear not to suffer from those effects I add "don't judge a book by the cover", best get an x-ray and then judge for yourself. Due to water retention alcohol bloats your skin. Giving that puffy look.  A mild drinker heart can be a few beats off normal.

Needless to say the damaging effects are cumulative and though you are fine now there is no guarantee that you will be later. As for you folks that love to party, I know that this little tidbit of information will not stop you from killing yourself slowly, however, it is my hope that you would seriously consider making healthier choices. Well, as they always say in Hollywood after a film production; "And cut." "That's a wrap."

Aldi supermarkets

Move over Wal-Mart, move over Trader Joes, there is a new kid on the block that is more efficient, cheaper than you both and is more likely to take the country by storm. The store name is Aldi and is a German held company with over 8,000 outlets and is still growing.

There is not a lot of brand names at this store because it is private label stocked. 90% of its stock to be more exact is private label. The middleman is out of the picture and that helps keep prices on items low. With less items sales go up, prices go down and discounts become more frequent than at Wal-Mart or Trader Joes. That is something to cheer about, don't you agree? Of course you do.

Please bring you own bags from home, because this helps bring prices down. Expect to pay a quarter deposit for shopping cart, this also brings prices down. Now, let me ask you, wouldn't you rather shop where you get real savings on your purchases or would you rather shop at Wal-Mart or Trader Joes and be told you saved and didn't?

If there is not an Aldi's in your neighborhood, look to have one soon, because they are coming on strong and taking no prisoners. It is that time again to quip as they say in Hollywood. "And cut." "That's a wrap."

Feel good gene

I would love to feel good all of the time, all day and night, every day and night, however, that is not the case. I imagine everyone would love to feel good all the time, isn't that right? Of course it is. The flip side of the coin is when there is a distinct sense of unease/foreboding otherwise known as anxiety finds nearly everyone at some time or another.

The good news is that scientists uncovered a genetic variation in the brain that makes some people less anxious and more able to forget fearful and unpleasant experiences. High levels of anandamide,  the bliss molecule is the text-book term for that ability.

20% of adult Americans have this gene. Talk about luck of the draw, this is the one folks. The rest of us have to find some other conventional way of getting to nirvana. Other than taking non-prescription drugs. Talking it out with a trusted therapist, music, gardening, reading a good book, movies and the list goes on.  It is always easy to say, "don't worry, be happy!". The truth of the matter, most of us have to work at it, don't you agree? Of course you do. Now as they always say in Hollywood after another successful film shoot, "And cut." "That's a wrap!"
 

3 year old accidentally wounds both parents

This may be a humorous tale to tell later in life however, it could turn out to be an omen of worse things to come, like for example Michael Myers in the Halloween sequels. This is the short of what has occurred.

A 3 year old boy was looking for his ipod in his mothers purse when he pulled out her loaded handgun instead and he accidentally discharged it hitting his father in the buttocks and grazing the right shoulder of his 8 month pregnant mother. Both are nonthreatening life injuries and they are expected to have a full recovery minus their dignity. This appeared to have taken place in a motel in New Mexico. No details of whether they were traveling on vacation, having a day off from being at home or anything else for that matter.

So, what is the moral of this story? Do not carry a loaded weapon around children underestimating their ability to find things they should not and become a victim of circumstance. Don't you agree? Of course you do. I cannot resist this pun. I know the father would love to put this all behind him now. Oh, I am so bad. Forgive me. I am sorry.

Well, as they always say in Hollywood after a successful film shoot, "And cut!" "That's a wrap.

8 mistakes that married women make and you too

This is going to be a very touchy subject that is controversial and need to be said for all the males out there so here goes: 1.) you're a grump   Is your voice full of negativity or criticism or downright contempt? Are you defensively angry when he states a concern and play the blame game instead of hearing him out?

2.) You're a nag
      If your man has free time do you leap at the chance to order him to do something or fix something around the house?

3.) You are emotionally cold in bed
      If he pass you a knowing wink do you roll your eyes? If he makes a move for you do you turn your back on him in bed? When you do have sex do you stare at the ceiling or watch the clock destroying the excitement?

4.) You're a frump
      Have you stopped exercising and started wearing sweat pants and gained a few pounds and energy and enthusiasm for life has faded away? Do you feel unattractive and have withdrawn physically and emotionally?

5.) You're a mommy and that is all
      Are you an overtime daycare mom and don't have any romantic evenings with your man anymore?

6.) You are an alpha parent
      Do you snap at your man every time he tries to be a dad and guide his child the way he sees fit? Stop robbing your child of a dad's care and discipline and placing a wedge between the both of you.

7.) You are thankless
      Do you not show gratitude for his overtime hours at work, patio deck and balcony he added or that cabinet that you wanted?

8.) You are boring
      Have you no interests or hobbies that would make a more well rounded person? Do you have anything new to bring to conversations when you do have them?

Well like it or not there it is. If what I know is true of females is correct I know that once things are pointed out to them, they know just what to do to correct them and is not afraid to ask for help, unlike the male species. It is that time again so as they say in Hollywood after an exhausting successful shoot, "And cut." "That's a wrap."

12 days to Christmas

Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas day is fast approaching. Other than my birthday which is in the spring, the  best time of the year for me is November1 to Jan 1, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. I love Turkey and all the trimmings, pies, cakes, ice cream and more. I love gifts at Christmas and New Years celebrations and resolutions. Yes, it is the time of the year, when semester finals are taken and everyone is planning to spend the holiday at home, wherever that is with family, friends and relatives, watch collegiate football games, as your favorite college team give it that old college try to win the all important game, give gifts and promise rings to that significant other. Take those vacations to be able to do all that, using your sick days and paid days vacation, just to have time to do those things that are most important to you and with whomever you choose to make time for.

It is at this time of Christmas that I love decorations, community Christmas carolers, the reminder that Christmas is about what Jesus Christ has done for us by making the ultimate sacrifice to save people of all races, color, creed and national origin. It is a time to really give thanks for all the things that we take for granted every day. It is a time for prayers of peace, good will towards men and God and heavenly angels and hosts of heaven, prayers of prosperity, prayers for nations, prayers for all of humankind, prayers for healing of the earth and all people and animals, fishes, birds of the air, trees and plants.

"The point of power is in the present moment." Let's use this time to bring love in all the abundance that the universe possess. Let's speak encouraging words to one another, instead of hate, let's see value in people and not judgment and peace instead of fear. Let each of us take this time to make it the best possible time of all times. Well, as they always say in Hollywood after a successful shoot, "And cut."  "That's a wrap."