2009 New Years Resolution: To Live a Long Life?

Todays Headline: Americas Oldest Man Dies at 112
Wow! Can you imagine living that long? What's your new years resolution for 2009?

George Francis lived through WWI and WWII and was 112 years old plus 204 days. He was an African-American who was born on June 6, 1896, in New Orleans. He lived and experienced the racial tensions in the South. Was married and had 3 children, one of which is shown in the photo. His daughter who is 81 is holding a newspaper with President-elect Barack Obama on the front page, whom George voted for on the last elections.

I can't help but ask myself, would I want to live that long? Would you want to be around for that many years? I guess if it depended on our wishes and not purely on our health, if you love life, like most of us do, the answer would be YES! I think about this quite often because it so happens, I have a grandmother that is going to be 105 this coming February. It looks like she is going to be around for 2009!

I think about how she has lived her life. I've asked her what she normally eats, drinks, etc. I do know one thing, she is a non-smoker and doesn't drink alcohol. She has seen everybody that she knew during her youth, pass away, including her husband. It not only takes good health, it also takes emotional strength. My grandmother always had and still has a lot of determination and was disciplinary many a times with me, while I was growing up. She had and still has a very strong personality. She used to ride a horse as a young woman and was around when the first cars came out, which of course, she drove. She lived most of her young adult life on a farm with my grandfather and 5 children. Every night before bedtime she would grab their rifle and fire it up in the air, "to let other people and critters know, not to mess with her property or family" she stated. I attribute her longevity to the healthy lifestyle of being out in the country. Especially since back then, there were no pesticides.

With the new year coming, we all think about the life we have had in the past and what the new year will bring us. I hope all your wishes for 2009 come true and that you LIVE A LONG & HAPPY LIFE!

Sex offender Rickey Robbins on the loose

Ladies beware of this sex offender that had served time back in 1983 for raping a woman in Oregon. He served time for that offense and was arrested again in 2007 when he fled from his parole supervision. During that time, he managed to break into two other women's homes in upstate New York. But his record did not stop there. Rickey Robbins served time again for those crimes and in 2008 he was apprehended when authorities found him viewing child pornography in a university library in New Orleans!

As you can see, this guy gets around too. He has committed crimes in 3 different states! He is not only interested in women, but also in children!

Scott Berkowitz who is president and founder of RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), mentioned that he was discouraged. He mentioned that there are hundreds of thousands of missing sex offenders in the U.S. and that all of these offenders should have received longer prison sentences. He also stated that rapists are usually repeat offenders and that they should be kept behind bars for a longer period of time.

A reminder, previously mentioned on a blog post; rapists attack more during the holidays due to the fact that there are more intoxicated and less careful people walking around. This gives them the upper hand on raping women and men and they know it!

Workplace Helps w/Domestic Violence

There has been some branching out from some domestic violence organizations to include information of this problem to Corporate America. Organizations such as Safe Horizon have members of their organization, teaching companies about the impact of domestic violence in their workplaces. Not only does it increase health care expenses, but it also adds to employee absenteeism and productivity. Corporate America is learning how to distinguish between employees that are victims of domestic violence and employees that are not. They are taught to be aware of signs such as employees wearing long sleeves on hot days, sunglasses indoors, etc. They also are suggesting companies post domestic violence hotline phone numbers on signs everywhere in their offices. The signs around the office literally make victims stop and think when they see it written on a wall.

Presently there are 21 states with laws that require employers to assist victims of domestic violence by allowing them to take extra days off. The law also bans discrimination against employees that are in domestic violence situations.

This is very important now, especially with the financial crisis in our country. Victims have reported more violence from their partners due to painful economic conditions.

Below are links and phone numbers for more information:
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Safe Horizon's Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-621-HOPE (4673)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence

Safety Tips for The Holidays

Shopping Safety Tips

• Even though you are rushing and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. If possible, park your car in an area of high pedestrian activity. Avoid remote areas.
• Lock your car and close the windows, even if you are only gone for a few minutes.
• Lock your packages out-of-sight in the trunk. Place your valuables in the trunk before you get to your destination, not after, a thief may be watching.
• Be sure and lock your car, many opportunists simply look for unlocked cars.
• Always report a theft to the police.
• Teach your children to go to the store clerk and ask for help if you become separated while shopping. They should never go to the parking lot or the car alone.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible; and if the credit card receipt has carbons, ask for these too. Notify issuers immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen, or misused.
• Be extra careful with purses and wallets. They may become targets for crime in crowded shopping areas, at bus stops, and on public transportation.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

Home Safety Tips

• At home, be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes. Leave lights and a radio or television on so the house looks occupied. Do not put large displays of holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.
• If you go away for the holidays, try to keep your home appearing "lived in": Get an automatic timer for your lights. Have a neighbor watch your home and pick-up your newspapers and mail.
• If you use lights on your tree, make sure that they are in good working order.
• And lastly, when hosting a party, find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests; and when going out drinking, please remember: Don't Drink and Drive!

Party Safety Tips

• Always get your own drink. Watch it being poured.
• Don't leave it unattended.
• Don't drink or taste anybody else's drink.
• Don't accept drinks from anyone else.
• When in bars or clubs always get your drink directly from the bartender and do not take your eyes off the bartender or your order; don't use the waitress or let somebody go to the bar for you.
• At parties, only accept drinks in closed containers: bottles, cans or tetra packs.
• Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back on your table.
• Do not drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs.
• Drugs used to spike drinks can be colorless and tasteless so you might not realize that anything has been added.
• Keep your eyes and ears open; if there is talk of date rape drugs or if friends seem "too intoxicated" for what they have taken, leave the party or club immediately and don't go back.
• Be aware of the behavior of your friends. Is their behavior out of character? Do they seem too "out of it" for what they've had? See the section on Drink Spiking to find out what to do.
• Watch out for your friends. Are they binge drinking or taking drugs? Are they making safe decisions? Are they OK?
• If your friend needs to sober up or straighten out, check to see that they are OK. Are they alone? Who is with them? Are they safe?
• Encourage people who are drunk to drink water or eat something. Keep an eye on them, if you can.
• Do you really trust whom you are going home with? Are you sure they won't make you do anything you don't want to do? Will they take "NO" for an answer?
• If you are going home with someone different, let someone know. Introduce them to your friends.
• If you still want to be even more cautious, consider purchasing drink testing strips. Test your drink by simply dipping it in your glass. These strips will change color if any drug is detected

No Stampede Here!

Retailers seek customers during the holidays, but not necessarily unruly shoppers that break down doors to get in and trample an employee to death, like they did at Walmart! Was this necessary? What ever happened to being civilized and curtious towards others? Holidays are for caring about others but this incident certainly did not reflect that. Fortunately this type of thing does not happen often.

This leads me to Internet shopping. One good thing about shopping on the Internet, you don't have to deal with people pushing you around! Just sit back in your comfy chair next to your computer with a warm cup of coffee or tea and shop away... Ahhh, the pleasure of calmly selecting what you want to shop for and taking your time about it. Why make this pleasant giving to others opportunity an unpleasant one? The Internet is the ultimate shoppers paradise. You stay at home, no need to spend gas money or deal with the crowds or lines and no need to take a chill pill.

I hope you enjoy your holiday shopping and I wish you have a wonderful and safe holiday season!