Friday, October 31, 2008

Did You Know About Pumpkins?

Did you know about pumpkins?

I found lots of good "pumpkin facts" at The Pumpkin Patch . Did you know a pumpkin is a squash? It is filled with lots of good enzymes, potassium and vitamin A. I just read this week how to make a great facial scrub using pumpkin! In colonial times, pumpkins were apparently used for "removing" freckles and "curing" snake bites! Pumpkins are abundant in the U.S. Eighty percent of the American pumpkin crop is available in October. Immigrant Irish brought the custom of pumpkin carving with them to the States. Go to the Pumpkin Patch to learn more about pumpkins!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Did You Know About Fractal Geometry?

Did you know about fractal geometry?

I watched a very interesting show on it today. I first heard about fractals about four years ago. They fascinated me then and today's program really intrigued me again. Fractals are all about self-similarity in design. Seeing fractals in nature in objects from broccoli and trees to coast lines and the human systems is fascinating. The scientists in the show talk about "evolution hitting upon a design that works". But to me, fractals really point to a Creator. I mean, how can you have a design without a designer? And the fractals are such simple patterns. They look intricate upon first sight, but when looked at closely, you can see how the same design is just repeated upon itself multiple times. It is a very interesting new math/science/art that I hope will be taught more in our schools.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Did You Know You Can Get a Free Taco Today?

Did you know you can get a FREE taco today?

Between 2pm and 6pm, Taco Bell will give a free taco to folks because of the stolen base in last night's World Series Game. This offer is good for one crunchy taco per person and is good in the US. This offer is good for the day following any World Series game in which there is a stolen base!

Did You Know About the Play Blitzen?

Did you know about the play Blitzen?

I have not seen it before, but my friend was telling about it. Her girls performed in it a couple of years ago, and it sounds like something that is happening to our area this year. The play is about life in South Carolina after a hurricane has hit. It is Christmas and damage is still prevalent in the area. This is exactly how our area seems to be faring this year.

There are still many people waiting for repairs to be done to their homes damaged by Ike. It looks like they may still be waiting at Christmas. When there is so much to be done, that is a really likely scenario. From new roofs, sheet rock, paint, home lighting and flooring, the damage repair is really extensive for some, making their holiday wish list one of a list of home repairs.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Did You Know I Swam With the Coast Guard Today?

Did you know I swam with the Coast Guard today?

Well, ok, it was actually Coast Guard trainees undergoing a PT test.

As I swam my laps at 24 Hour Fitness this morning, a whole group of guys came in. There were maybe ten in all. I was kind of surprised and knew they had to be some kind of class or group training or something. There is just not that much room in the pool.

They began to pair up in the lanes (thankfully the instructor left me a whole lane to myself!) They were having to do certain timed swimming. I don't know what all was required but I do know it had to be done in a certain time limit.

When I was done I got into the hot tub for a few minutes. I asked one of the guys what they were doing and he told me they were there taking there PT test for the Coast Guard!

Did You Know How Wedding Rings Reflect a Relationship?

Did you know how wedding rings reflect a relationship?

In many marriage ceremonies, you will hear the minister talk about the ring being a symbol of never ending love. I like this analogy and believe in it too. But my engagement and wedding ring really reflect the true relationship of my marriage.

My rings are no longer exactly round in shape. After wearing them for over twenty years, they are a little bent and the engagement ring and wedding band are not even shaped the same as each other anymore! I think this represents the real relationship in which we live. Our marriages do indeed go through changes, they even take a few beatings. But like the rings, they can remain in tact. They can still represent the idea of unending love and devotion, through both the good and the bad times. When I see my rings, it gives me a new idea of how wedding and engagement rings really do reflect the true nature of a relationship that lasts "til death do us part".

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Did You Know How to Dispose of Electronic Waste?

Did you know how to dispose of electronic waste?

I guess right now there is a lot of electronic waste in our area due to damage caused by hurricane Ike. So Nasa is hosting an "e-waste" event. Most people don't know how to properly dispose of e-waste or realize its importance. Here is the email I received about the event:

"On November 15th, 2008 there will be a large electronics waste (e-waste) collection event in the parking lot at Space Center Houston. This is part of a larger event sponsored by Sony Electronics; put on by Waste Management and Recycle America as well as CompuCycle. These companies will be participating in four simultaneous e-waste collection events happening around the Houston area. The one I am organizing is serving the greater Clear Lake Area and is by far, going to be the biggest of the four events.

The greatest thing about this event is that it is open to the public and it is free, free, free!!

Usually there is a fee attached to the recycling of electronics, which subsequently defers people from properly disposing of their electronics. This is an incredible opportunity to educate people about not only how to properly dispose of their electronic material, but why it is so important to recycle through an ethical recycling
company; including both environmentally and protection for human rights. Many times e-waste ends up in developing nations where workers, often times children, are exposed to harsh chemicals and heavy pollution.

Our main sponsor, Sony Electronics, is an EPA recognized "e-cycle" partner, ensuring proper ethical treatment of all materials and people involved. It is truly a unique experience to be part of an event like this."