ANCIENT CELTIC HISTORY
K. M. Andrews
Impact Writing
508-746-1061
www.impactwriting.net
It is near impossible to discern the origin of the Celts. There are two major thoughts. One thought many archaeologists share is that the Celtic forebearers were the Beaker Folk of Central Europe and Iberia in the third millennium BC. The other major train of thought is that the Celts were Indo-Europeans who expanded into both Britain and India in the sixth millennium BC. Sanskrit documents show an undeniable similarity between Irish Celtic rituals and those ancient rituals found in India. One can also draw parallels between Hindu deities and Celtic gods. Rituals and sacredness of the Druids are strikingly similar to the Indo-European. Both shared a sanctity for water, sacrifices, the number 3, observance of an astrological calendar, and the use of circles and spirals.
Evidence of the calendrical system exists in the Druid Coligny Calendar. The names of the months, on this calendar, shows the Druids attunement to nature.
Seed-Fall October-November
Darkest Depths November-December
Cold Time December-January
Stay-Home-Time January-February
Time of Ice February-March
Time of Winds March-April
Shoots-Show April-May
Time of Brightness May-June
Horse-Time June-July
Claim-Time July-August
Arbitration Time August-September
Song-Time September-October
The explanation of the last four months is as follows: Horse –Time was the time to travel. Claim-Time was when marriages were held, and disputes heard before the Judges. This was also the month during which the celebration Lughnasadh was held. This festival celebrates the gathering of the harvest and reminds one to be satisfied with one’s accomplishments. Arbitration Time was when disputes and claims were resolved and judgments given. Song -Time the Bards complete their traveling circuits and have selected where they will spend the winter months.
It was the Druids task to determine this calendar. They determined festivals, planting and harvesting as well as the times of eclipses and phases of the moon.
Our information regarding the Druids is at best sparse. We know how they lived, what they believed in, and at least some of what they did. Beyond that it becomes pure speculation based on interpretations of archeological findings.
We know for example that a Druid is a very learned member of society, and his role is to be the moral philosopher. He studies 19 years to be a Druid and so our visual picture is that he is an old man. The Vates were also a well educated group known for their divining abilities. Water was a sacred item at this time and their role one of extreme importance. There was no written history at that time and so there were the Bards. Also a learned group who during the spring and summer months roamed the countryside telling the history of the people, sometimes in story form, other times in poetry and song. They also often danced and were a welcome addition to a family’s home as they traveled about the country entertaining a crowd wherever they would rest.
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VINEGAR
It’s not just for salads any more! We all know about the wonderful taste of balsamic vinegar on a salad, or the fruitiness Cider vinegar adds to cooking Bratwursts, but have you used it to help with chores around the house? It’s got great capabilities to make your kitchen sparkling clean and all without the use of chemicals!
Vinegar is the second fermentation of wine, fruit, or sugar molasses. It was discovered when a batch of wine went sour, which is exactly what its name means, ‘sour wine’. It has great preservative powers, and itself is a preservative, with an indefinite shelf life. You’ll also find that it has a myriad of uses—from health, to beauty, to cleaning, to eating. But today I’m going to focus on its cleaning ability in the kitchen and bath.
Did you know that you can kill germs AND clean at the same time without using harsh chemicals? Use straight white vinegar on a cloth to wipe down your counters—follow by a soft cloth to polish any stone countertops. What a shine! While we’re at your counters let’s move over to your stainless sink. Straight white vinegar on the stainless will clean and sanitize it then follow up with another cloth with olive oil to bring that ‘just bought it today’ shine back. Have a porcelain sink instead? No problem, just skip the olive oil. And don’t worry if some of the vinegar goes down the drain—heck, it’s a deodorizer too! But the best way to keep that garbage disposal smelling sweet is to freeze cider vinegar into ice cubes and grind them through the disposal. Not only will it freshen the smell but also clean the blades. And while we’re at the sink, take a look at that particularly greasy pan. A tablespoon of vinegar will cut right through that grease making it a cinch to clean.
Likewise a sponge soaked with vinegar will cut through grease splatters on your stove and backsplash. And will ‘unglue’ any baked on goodies. Using vinegar in your oven will help spills from adhering and will clean them up easily. This is a great alternative to those harsh, strong smelling oven cleaners with all the warnings on them!
Do you have hard water that leaves a stain from mineral deposits? Just clean your sinks, showers, and tubs with straight vinegar. It will clean all that soap scum PLUS prevent hard water build up. And does your shower head get clogged with mineral deposits from the hard water? Then remove the shower head, take out the rubber gasket if there is one, and soak the shower head overnight in vinegar. It will run clean in the morning. Is your drain running slowly? First put a half of a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow it by a cup of vinegar. Let it sit awhile then rinse with cold water. And does that hard water also leave a ring in your toilet that no matter how hard, or often, you brush, it won’t disappear? Then add 3 cups of vinegar to your toilet—scrub with the brush, and let it sit overnight. Presto! You’ve now created a clean, germ free environment without chemicals.
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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND MEDICINAL MARIJUANA
September 2006
Multiple Sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, is a neurological problem that is not only difficult to diagnose but also to treat because it’s a very ‘individual’ disease. Diagnosis is very often a prolonged procedure and may take years. Factors that neurologists look for would be lesions found through an MRI that would be on the patient’s spinal cord or brain. The location of the lesion, and more often lesions, determines how an individual is affected. Also there are tell tale signs in spinal fluid. But symptoms of individuals are as varied as the individual themselves. But there are usually SOME common denominators:
Tingling sensation
Pain that ranges from moderate to severe
Tremors-which usually happen as the disease progresses
Spasticity
Loss of strength
Loss of energy
Limb impairment that may deteriorate to use of canes, walker, or wheel chair
The type of drugs that neurologists may prescribe run a gamut from monthly injections, to daily injections, cortisone shots for pain and even chemo therapy. All of these have toxic side effects. There have been many instances of those with MS who left their employment prematurely due to the discomfort that they experienced from side effects of the drugs. On the other hand, a number of people with MS would not be able to stave off the progression of the disease without the medication. As a consequence, the drugs may allow them to continue working longer than without the medical intervention. A catch 22. But for those who suffer with side affects, either from the disease, or from medication, have their lives turned upside down. Pain may be the determining factor as to whether they are able to do grocery shopping, go out with their spouse, have friends in for dinner, or, even as basic, as dress themselves that day.
Pain management is something that has been a hit or miss, trial and error experience for physicians.
“Let’s first try this medication and see how you respond.” This is a typical attempt at pain management by a neurologist trying to treat any neurological problem. And what happens to the patient is that more often than not they are overly medicated, and remain in a stupor state, with their brain functioning at drastically reduced ability. Studies done by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences has concluded that one can control pain by the use of marijuana and can minimize the effect of the marijuana with a limited intake. It is a drug that works within a few minutes—literally within two according to several interviewees—so the patient can then stop smoking it once the pain, or tremors, have abated. This is not as easily controlled in other forms of marijuana-such as pill or suppository.
“Within two minutes of smoking a joint I’ve had a dramatic decrease in muscular pain and spasticity. It’s amazing! And I feel relaxed which is such a difficult thing to achieve when your whole body is in pain.” Claims Jim L. of Wisconsin.
He goes on to say, “Pain and tremors stopped me from doing many of the activities that I enjoyed doing. Other medications that my neurologist had given me kept me in such a fog that I found it difficult to get going in the morning and function during the daytime.”
Other medications presently being prescribed for pain management are known to be addictive.
The National MS Society was initially non-supportive but has admitted that up to 15% of people with MS are using marijuana for medicinal purposes. The society has recently opted to fund further studies, which will not be concluded until 2008. This is a study that has been taking place at University of California, The Davis School of Medicine,but recently lost its funding. The study is specific to spasticity. Reactions from several MS users on the National MS web page were the same, “They are finally listening to us!”
PREVENTING CHILDHOOD OBESITY
TIPS AND IDEAS
By
K. M. Andrews
Impact Writing
508-746-1061
Childhood obesity has become one of the most common medical problems that we see in United States today. We have become so attached to our electronic gadgets that sometimes we forget that our bodies were meant to MOVE. This wasn’t a problem when generations worked in the fields or even when people walked several miles to school each day. Kids used to be outside playing from sun up till supper time—but all of that has changed. Now in urban communities it seems as those there’s a fast food restaurant on every corner and it’s become part of our lives.
The first thing we need to look at is our children’s weight is primarily our responsibility as parents. Yes, there’s a genetic factor that comes into play but a tendency to put on pounds can be overcome with good eating habits and regular exercise. So as parents you need to be in charge of their nutrition too.
It all begins with meal planning. Sit down once a week and make out a list of healthy meals that your family can enjoy together. Cut back on processed food, white flour products, sugary products, or anything with high fat. Do look for foods that are low in fat and high in fiber. Starting your child at a young age will be much easier than if you start them later on.
Once you have your weekly menu done, plan your grocery list. Do not vary from what you need. That’s usually the hard part when you get into the grocery store and something looks good or is on sale or your child is screaming that they MUST have this! If you find the temptation of grocery shopping too difficult for you then see if your area has one of the food delivery programs, such as PeaPod. For a nominal fee they will do your shopping and deliver it right to your door. You don’t even have to walk by that cookie aisle!
Make certain you have a variety of fruit in your home. The sweetness will satisfy a child’s ‘sweet tooth’ and nourish the body at the same time. Add fruit into your cooking such as chicken with apricots and raisins. Cut up celery sticks and carrot sticks in the refrigerator make a quick and good snack.
For breakfast oatmeal is a great choice with skim milk and topped with blueberries. Mini shredded wheat is a good choice with banana. Corn bran cereal is another good option. If you’d like to have pancakes use whole-grain flour.
You can always add shaved vegetables into foods as you cook or bake such as, Zucchini bread, carrot bread (skip the cream cheese icing!), bran muffins. These make a healthy addition to your meal or a great mid- morning or after school snack. They do not need butter or cream cheese to taste good!
Do you pack your child’s lunch? Skip the regular bread and try a whole grain pita wrap. Use mustard instead of mayonnaise or ketchup. Or try the sugar free jams.
Sample from program for Symphony Hall written for a classical novice to appreciate the music they'll be listening to that evening.
Symphony Brochure description
We invite you to revisit the enchantment of childhood as the Sorcerer's Apprentice casts a magic spell on you. Goethe's poem set to music by Dukas in 1897 will take you on a remarkable journey back to yesteryear. This is followed by Concerto for Orchestra, which will evoke the melodies of composer Burtok's rich Hungarian Folk Music heritage. Listen also as he embraces the intermingling of diverse cultures in a celebration of life. And finally we bring you, Symphony No. 5, one of the most recognizable symphonies of all time. Beethoven described the first four notes as "Fate knocking at the door." You will hear 'fate knocking' throughout, tying each movement rhythmically together, sometimes with trepidation, other times with joy, and always with passion! This evening's magical performance will be under the allure of our own spellbinding Conductor, Julius P. Williams.
KIDS FITNESS TIPS
By
K. M. Andrews
Impact Writing
508-746-1061
Keeping children fit in today’s world of electronic entertainment can be quite a challenge. You are competing with computers, Game Boys, IPods, and a myriad of other ‘couch potato’ options. In addition, emphasis on academics has also changed ‘play time’ in to study time. To combat those changes in our educational expectations along with the outside electronic influences, you have a real challenge.
Encourage children to join in on team sports. Not only do they offer exercise, but they also give an opportunity to interact with their peers. It teaches them how to be a part of a team, how to win, and maybe more importantly, how to lose.
There are many things you can do to encourage that your child be more physically active. LIMIT TELEVISION. If you live in a neighborhood with other children in the same age group you might want to speak with the other parents and see if you can organize after school play time. One parent may have a yard large enough for softball or dodge ball, another have a swimming pool, another a jungle gym, another a basket ball hoop, and one neighbor may have a ping pong table. Kids can rotate during the week with each parent taking responsibility to be home during ‘their day’.
Neighborhood activities can be skateboarding, inline skating, tennis if there is a court nearby, hopscotch, jump rope and biking,
If you don’t have other children in the neighborhood then your child can take your dog for a walk—or earn money by taking other neighbors’ dogs for walks. A paper route also will help get them exercise as well as teach responsibility and help with their math skills. Other ways that kids can earn money and get exercise at the same time include mowing lawns, weeding gardens, taking young children for a walk in the stroller, and shoveling snow.
Solitary activities that can be played in the back yard include jump rope, hula hoop, hop scotch, basket ball,
Other activities that kids can become involved with can be gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, martial arts. Find out what activity appeals to them and get them signed up and moving!
THERAPY DOGS
K. M. Andrews
Impact Writing
508-746-1061
Spoon rises with a little less spring in his step but with no less enthusiasm than he has for the last eight years. He may take a little longer to stretch and linger next to my bed for an extended ear rub but he’s every bit as excited to greet the world each morning as he was as a curious pup. He sighs heavily when I haven’t reached for his big head as quickly as he’d like me to do. We have a great communication, he and I. His language is every bit as understandable as if he were speaking English. And today, is our day to visit the Pediatric Nursing Home. Three days each week this is Spoon’s job. He loves to go to work.
As a trained and certified Therapy Dog, Spoon acts as an ‘Ambassador of Love.’ He sits next to a hospital bed, sometimes even gets up on it and gives his love through big snuggles, resting his huge snout across the chest of a little one. He needs to always be mindful of the frail body and IV’s that constrain the child. Squeals, cheers and giggles fill the room as each child shares their special bond with Spoon. Tiny heads burrow into his thick coat of golden fur as he administers the very best medicine.
The majority of the children here have both mental and physical challenges. All those obstacles disappear when Spoon enters the room. He helps with physical therapy as they toss a ball to him and he catches it on the fly with the skill of the most adept right fielder. Quickly he returns it and the exercise is reenacted again and again amid gales of laughter. Another skill he helps with is with brushing. The child with motor skill problems needs to grasp the brush and gently glide the brush through his coat. Neither child nor dog tiring of the process. He walks slowly right beside the child who is trying to maneuver their walker, acting as a spotter in case they lean too far in one direction. And he always manages to encourage them to take a few extra steps than they ordinarily would.
Spoon seems to love all the children but he also has shown extreme sensitivity toward those who have withdrawn from life seeking no stimulation. With those children he is at his best. He rests beside them waiting for a hand to be offered. If it isn’t then he forces the issue lifting their arm with his big muzzle. Always there is a response. Perhaps a grunt, a loud squeal, perhaps a look in his direction but usually a smile and an acknowledgement of love. And it is a very special love indeed.
Do you have a dog that would make a good Therapy Dog? A Therapy Dog visits hospitals, nursing homes, Assisted Living facilities, schools and many other places where they may be needed. Any breed is welcome—it’s the dog’s personality that is most important. Does he genuinely, and unequivocally, like people? Will he walk on a lead without straining? Does he stay to your left? Does he listen to commands? The dog must sit, lie down, and stay on command. Not frightened by loud noises? Must be familiar with elevators and the noise that some medical equipment may emit. Not the least bit aggressive, even if surprised by another dog? Can he be around food without taking it? Most facilities will have accessible food. Then perhaps you want to consider becoming certified so you can become a team.
The dog must be clean for every visit and his vaccinations kept up to date. Most facilities will require that you bring proof on each visit. Spoon wears a bandana signifying his graduation from Therapy School.
Certification is done through several national organizations. They handle the testing, certification and insurance. But you probably will also be working with a local training club. Initially, there is a screening process to make sure that your dog’s temperament is appropriate and that they have basic training such as the Canine Good Citizen test. The dog will be further screened to acknowledge that they can be in stressful environment with various noises and equipment.
You, as the handler, must also be able to demonstrate that you can work both effectively with your dog as well as with the patient. Know yourself! Can you interact with a mentally ill patient? Or with an Alzheimer’s patient who will repeatedly ask you the same question, over and over? Or with a child who is terminally ill? Can you interact with a belligerent patient who may be wielding a cane? Your first responsibility is to protect your dog. You also need to recognize that not everyone wants a canine visitor.
Some handlers realize that hospitals are a good place for them, while others look at nursing homes, or perhaps prisons. Know who you are and know your dog. Where will your dog do the most good? And are you also comfortable in the same setting? Any place you are considering visiting you should first visit without your dog. Meet the staff and learn about their expectations. Meet the patients and learn about their limitations. Carefully assess if this will be a good match for both you and your four legged friend.
Not only will it provide a great service, but I can guarantee that your dog will love working and your own life will be changed forever.
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CHARITIES WHERE YOU GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME
Kristin Andrews
At the Holiday Season many of us consider how we can make a difference in the lives of others. There are a lot of charities out there and everyone needs our help. But are there ways that we can give and not just write out a check? The Boomer generation is one that has been more actively involved in trying to make a difference in the world and the charities that are now attracting them prove that is true. Rather than just give a monetary gift for a favorite charity that promises to deliver grain to feed a family, consider taking your family on a ‘working vacation’ that helps others or the planet. As that old adage says, “Give a man a fish and he eats today. Teach a man to fish and he eats for his lifetime.” Charities are now realizing that you cannot end the vicious cycle of poverty by just giving supplies. Education needs to be a big component—hence was born the Peace Corps. But there are other charities that allow you to participate that don’t require long term commitments of your time.
Heifer International is one such organization. They breed animals to pass on to those in need all over the globe. There are volunteers in the US who raise and breed the animals and those who go ahead and help those recipients to prepare the ground to feed the animals, house the animals, and teach them basic care. It doesn’t take long before eggs, meat, and milk have improved their nutrition as well as their income! Bees are raised for their honey, fruit trees for their crops, and beasts of burden provide power for farming. The premise is that once the animal is received it is bred and the ‘gift keeps on giving’ throughout the village. People across the globe have benefited from this concept. www.heifer.org
Earth Watch is another non-profit organization that allows you to participate in the process. Its focus is on the environment around us. You might participate as part of a research team collecting field data for wildlife conservation, marine biology, rainforest ecology, archeology to name a few. As a volunteer you will be selecting from a number of research projects and will be working hand in hand with scientists collecting needed information. If you want to save the planet, this is the group for you! www.earthwatch.org
Habitat for Humanity also lets you get your hands dirty. Friends, neighbors and strangers come together to help build a home for a family in need. The family member is expected to put in 300 hours of work in their own house and then help someone else. It teaches a skill, gives a valuable lesson, and like Heifer International allows one to maintain their dignity. www.habitat.org
Contact these charities and find out how you can participate. When you write a check to a charity you can feel good that you’ve given something that may help and you’ll help your taxes with charitable giving. But when you give of yourself, when you become involved, not only will you make a difference in the world, but your own life will never be the same.
