Get ready to rock it in 2011, Scorpio! You've got so much going for you in nearly every life arena you won't know where to focus first. For starters, you'll have more work opportunities than you'll know what to do with. In fact, with so many alluring offers crossing your desk, the whole picking and choosing fiasco could easily lead to typical Scorpio overkill. Extreme by nature, the idea of having too much to handle sounds like a total joyride until the reality of having zero time for anything (like eating and sleeping) kicks into your stubborn consciousness.
You thrive under intensity, so that aspect of your ridiculously busy life won't be a problem. It's just that Saturn bearing down in your sector of sleep, dreams and retreat will feel like an ongoing thorn in your side should you neglect taking enough time out for yourself to re-balance and shut out the demands of the big bad world.
Balance is never easy for a Scorpio. You're like a moth to a flame when it comes to amping up the drama in your life. By the time your half-birthday arrives in May, you'll be under the extreme influence of six planets lining up in your work sector in the Cardinal sign of new beginnings: Aries. And yes, that could literally mean you'll be working on at least six different projects simultaneously. Just watch that your health doesn't suffer as a result. Double up on the supplements and be sure to get enough rest to see you through this exciting but demanding time.
Check out yours at:http://shine.yahoo.com/page/2011-horoscope
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
What I Got For Christmas
For the Holiday, I got everything I asked for and more.
I needed an external hard drive to backup the contents on my laptop and got one. Last year my 5 year old laptop just stopped working one day and I could not retrieve the contents on it. I was pretty bummed for a while but got over it. I HIGHLY suggest everyone to use an external hard drive or jump drives to back up important or desired information.
I also needed and received new dress shoes for work. On rotations we have to dress like professionals which includes business casual. I have a few shoes to wear but was in need of some more comfortable shoes for all day use. HIGHLY recommend getting comfortable shoes for any job, internship or rotation that is all day on your feet otherwise you are compromising foot health for fashion.
I also received some vacuum style packing bags. I need them for when I travel from rotation to rotation in order to minimize the luggage I am taking. As we know, transportation is getting more expensive due to luggage fees. I have not tried the bags out yet but from what they advertise they should be some miracle workers.
I also received a gift card to Starbucks. I am not always in the mood for coffee but I enjoy meeting up with people for coffee or tea at Starbucks to talk or study.
I got some highly desired cash. As a student, cash has always been on any gift list. School costs (especially when you are working for free or actually paying to work), transportation costs, living costs, etc.
I got to spend over 4 days with my whole family including my niece which is above all the most desired thing on my gift list. It was a great time since my family is very close and we really do enjoy spending time together.
Finally, I got my last present this morning, the stomach flu. I have been sick all morning and just now am feeling slightly better. I am not sure where I got it but my mom also has it. It is no fun and I feel extremely lazy. I have done practically nothing today because every time I move from my bed I feel nauseated and my head kills due to my dehydration.
Overall Christmas was WONDERFUL except for the the "extra present" that I got this morning that was not on my list!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Why do college students get such long winter vacations?
By Noreen Malone
Many college students have already landed at home for a long winter's nap, taking back their old bedrooms and vying for control of the remote. In 2009, the Explainer answered why college students get such long breaks. The column is reprinted below.
Why do students get so much time off?Most working adults don't get much official time off during the holidays—the Explainer, for instance, is only released into the wild on Christmas and New Year's Day. But students get tons of vacation time—some college breaks last as long as six weeks. How'd these kids get so lucky?
They can thank the stagflation and energy crisis of the Carter era, mostly. American colleges originally based their academic calendars around the agricultural cycle, commencing the semester after the harvest—much later than the August start that's typical today. They also once hewed to a standard two-week break around Christmas, with exams scheduled for after the holiday.
But in the 1970s, when many academic institutions found themselves in dire fiscal straits (one national task force predicted that more than one-quarter might be forced to close their doors), administrators realized that if they altered the calendar, they could reduce spending. By starting the term during late summer and by shutting their doors for a month or more over the winter holidays, they saved significantly on heating costs at a time when oil prices where cripplingly high. Serendipitously, this cost-cutting measure coincided with a broader movement inside academia toward experimental pedagogy, like study abroad, mini-classes, and internship programs that could be completed over a slightly longer break.
The shift toward a longer winter break actually represents a move back to an earlier tradition. Britain's Oxford and Cambridge Universities, upon which many of the oldest American colleges modeled themselves, settled into standardized terms in the mid-13th century. Students enjoyed a winter break of nearly a month between the Michelmas and Hilary terms at Oxford, and between Michelmas and Lent at Cambridge. As the term names suggest, the demands of the Christian religious calendar helped dictate the timing and length of the break. The difficulty of travel in the pre-internal-combustion era and the cost of heat and light during coldest days of the year may also have played a part.
Public elementary and secondary schools usually have a holiday break of just a week, as they must comply with state-mandated hour requirements for in-school instruction. Private schools historically have slightly longer breaks. Students at the boarding school Phillips Exeter Academy, for instance, had a two-week break at the holidays in 1850 and will get 18 days off this year.
With many academic institutions once again under financial duress, and with ever-growing attention paid to sustainability, colleges are seeking to make the most of their resources over the winter break. Some have begun renting out facilities for conferences over the holidays or furloughing some of their maintenance and support staff.
Many college students have already landed at home for a long winter's nap, taking back their old bedrooms and vying for control of the remote. In 2009, the Explainer answered why college students get such long breaks. The column is reprinted below.
Why do students get so much time off?Most working adults don't get much official time off during the holidays—the Explainer, for instance, is only released into the wild on Christmas and New Year's Day. But students get tons of vacation time—some college breaks last as long as six weeks. How'd these kids get so lucky?
They can thank the stagflation and energy crisis of the Carter era, mostly. American colleges originally based their academic calendars around the agricultural cycle, commencing the semester after the harvest—much later than the August start that's typical today. They also once hewed to a standard two-week break around Christmas, with exams scheduled for after the holiday.
But in the 1970s, when many academic institutions found themselves in dire fiscal straits (one national task force predicted that more than one-quarter might be forced to close their doors), administrators realized that if they altered the calendar, they could reduce spending. By starting the term during late summer and by shutting their doors for a month or more over the winter holidays, they saved significantly on heating costs at a time when oil prices where cripplingly high. Serendipitously, this cost-cutting measure coincided with a broader movement inside academia toward experimental pedagogy, like study abroad, mini-classes, and internship programs that could be completed over a slightly longer break.
The shift toward a longer winter break actually represents a move back to an earlier tradition. Britain's Oxford and Cambridge Universities, upon which many of the oldest American colleges modeled themselves, settled into standardized terms in the mid-13th century. Students enjoyed a winter break of nearly a month between the Michelmas and Hilary terms at Oxford, and between Michelmas and Lent at Cambridge. As the term names suggest, the demands of the Christian religious calendar helped dictate the timing and length of the break. The difficulty of travel in the pre-internal-combustion era and the cost of heat and light during coldest days of the year may also have played a part.
Public elementary and secondary schools usually have a holiday break of just a week, as they must comply with state-mandated hour requirements for in-school instruction. Private schools historically have slightly longer breaks. Students at the boarding school Phillips Exeter Academy, for instance, had a two-week break at the holidays in 1850 and will get 18 days off this year.
With many academic institutions once again under financial duress, and with ever-growing attention paid to sustainability, colleges are seeking to make the most of their resources over the winter break. Some have begun renting out facilities for conferences over the holidays or furloughing some of their maintenance and support staff.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Makes Sense to Some People
Calvin Hoover of Salem, Oregon, who last year repeatedly called 911 to report that someone had stolen an ounce of marijuana from his truck, an act of foolishness that turned him from victim to criminal in a matter of hours.
Sterling F. Wolfname, a murder suspect on the run from police in Billings, Montana, who was caught by police when they spotted a man who had "Wolfname" tattooed on the side of his head.
Douglas Gardner of Vermont, who picked up his eighth DUI just days after spending 20 years in prison for killing a man in the course of committing his seventh DUI.
Frank Singleton, 21, was released from jail. However, when he realized that he didn't have a ride home, he walked straight into the prison parking lot and attempted to carjack a woman. He was foiled when he realized that he couldn't drive a car with a stick shift.
Demetrius Robinson, 28, wanted to rob a Golden Pantry store late one night, but he needed to pass the time as naturally as possible until he and the clerk were alone, so he decided to fill out a job application. Not a bad idea, except he left his real name on the application, along with his uncle's phone number. After he robbed the store, it didn't take long for police to track him down. He didn't get the job.
Sterling F. Wolfname, a murder suspect on the run from police in Billings, Montana, who was caught by police when they spotted a man who had "Wolfname" tattooed on the side of his head.
Douglas Gardner of Vermont, who picked up his eighth DUI just days after spending 20 years in prison for killing a man in the course of committing his seventh DUI.
Frank Singleton, 21, was released from jail. However, when he realized that he didn't have a ride home, he walked straight into the prison parking lot and attempted to carjack a woman. He was foiled when he realized that he couldn't drive a car with a stick shift.
Demetrius Robinson, 28, wanted to rob a Golden Pantry store late one night, but he needed to pass the time as naturally as possible until he and the clerk were alone, so he decided to fill out a job application. Not a bad idea, except he left his real name on the application, along with his uncle's phone number. After he robbed the store, it didn't take long for police to track him down. He didn't get the job.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Spent the Day Downtown
My aunt, my mother and I braved the blustery cold Chicago weather today and spent the day downtown.
We shopped at the Germany Christmas market, 
we saw the gigantic Christmas tree, 
we walked around Macy's,
we toured the "Marshall Field's" Christmas windows,
we had afternoon tea at the Walnut Room,
we did some downtown shopping,
we had afternoon tea at the Walnut Room,
we did some downtown shopping, we saw the Art Institute's wreathed lions
and we saw a group of firemen singing Christmas carols.
All in all it was a very fun day but I would not expect anything less from Chicago style Holidays.
Thanks Ladies!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Facts About December
December comes from the Latin word decem which means ten. It was originally the tenth month of the year in the Roman calendar which began with March. When January and February were added to the Roman calendar, December became the twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar. It is one of the seven months that has thirty one days.
Until 46 B.C., December only had 29 days. But the Roman statesman Julius Caesar added two days to December, which made it 31 days.
Illinois admitted to the Union, December 3,1818.
Amendment 21 to the United States Constitution, repealing prohibition, proclaimed, December 5, 1933.
People in several European countries celebrate December 6 as the Feast of Saint Nicholas.
Mississippi admitted to the Union, December 10, 1817.
The first Ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution (The Bill of Rights) were ratified on December 15, 1791.
Boston Tea Party, December 16, 1773.
Amendment 13 to the U.S. Constitution, ending slavery, proclaimed, December 18, 1865.
In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice or shortest day of the year occurs and winter begins. This takes place on December 21 or 22.
The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Mass., December 21, 1620.
December 28th is regarded by many superstitious people as the most unlucky day of the year.
Texas admitted to the Union, December 29, 1845.
Until 46 B.C., December only had 29 days. But the Roman statesman Julius Caesar added two days to December, which made it 31 days.
Illinois admitted to the Union, December 3,1818.
Amendment 21 to the United States Constitution, repealing prohibition, proclaimed, December 5, 1933.
People in several European countries celebrate December 6 as the Feast of Saint Nicholas.
Mississippi admitted to the Union, December 10, 1817.
The first Ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution (The Bill of Rights) were ratified on December 15, 1791.
Boston Tea Party, December 16, 1773.
Amendment 13 to the U.S. Constitution, ending slavery, proclaimed, December 18, 1865.
In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice or shortest day of the year occurs and winter begins. This takes place on December 21 or 22.
The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Mass., December 21, 1620.
December 28th is regarded by many superstitious people as the most unlucky day of the year.
Texas admitted to the Union, December 29, 1845.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Meth Use...What is going on?
Meth use is become a more prevalent problem as people have found easier ways of obtaining the materials and methods of making the drug at home. It is scary to know how these people 'cook' the meth because it is extremely dangerous. The meth labs include:
◦Cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine
◦Lithium batteries
◦Rock salt
◦Lye
◦Iodine
◦Paint thinner
◦Drain cleaner
◦Heet gasoline additives
◦Aluminum foil
◦Matchbooks (red phosphorus)
Through my previous rotation at a psych ward, it is devastating to see how meth use can ruin a person's life and relationships. Since meth is a stimulant drug, it stimulates the body with a euphoric high. People feel happy during that high. But the high does not last forever and coming down is pretty rough. A person detoxing on meth has to just crash because there is no antidote or treatment. So they will crash and then go through withdrawal because the body wants that high but is no longer getting it. Meth addictions are one of the hardest drug addictions to overcome and sadly many never recover. The seeking behavior that addicts use to find their next high turns into a lot of time and money spent which starts to affect the addicts ability to keep relationships with family, friends, etc.
◦Cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine
◦Lithium batteries
◦Rock salt
◦Lye
◦Iodine
◦Paint thinner
◦Drain cleaner
◦Heet gasoline additives
◦Aluminum foil
◦Matchbooks (red phosphorus)
Through my previous rotation at a psych ward, it is devastating to see how meth use can ruin a person's life and relationships. Since meth is a stimulant drug, it stimulates the body with a euphoric high. People feel happy during that high. But the high does not last forever and coming down is pretty rough. A person detoxing on meth has to just crash because there is no antidote or treatment. So they will crash and then go through withdrawal because the body wants that high but is no longer getting it. Meth addictions are one of the hardest drug addictions to overcome and sadly many never recover. The seeking behavior that addicts use to find their next high turns into a lot of time and money spent which starts to affect the addicts ability to keep relationships with family, friends, etc.
Some people argue that requiring prescriptions for any medication that has pseudoephedrine in it, as the state of Oregon does, would decrease the meth use. I think that pseudoephedrine products should be available for people to use correctly as they work very well for flu and allergy relief. I believe that it is not the psuedoephedrine that is killing people but people are sadly killing themselves.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Rumor Vs. Truth
I would like to start a section on my blog called "Rumor Vs. Truth." This column is from a pharmacy newsletter I read called the "Pharmacist's Letter." In each issue, the authors expose about a dozen rumors facing a variety of medications. I will share just a few that I think pertain to over the counter drugs for a broader set of patients.
RUMOR: Colon cleansing and other "detoxification" methods leads to better general health.
TRUTH: This is based on a theory that over time the body accumulates harmful toxins such as metals and pesticides. Proponents believe special treatments including herbals or supplements given orally or as enemas, or special diets are needed to remove these toxins from the body.
But there is NO proof to support any of these theories...or that any special product or method will rid the body of toxins. The kidneys and liver are very efficient at filtering and eliminating toxins from the body.
Detoxification programs often include laxatives. These can cause significant diarrhea resulting in fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. Some laxatives can even worsen heart failure or cause kidney failure in people at high risk. Enemas or colonics can also cause electrolyte imbalances or a perforated rectum. Extreme changes in the diet can lead to fatigue, diarrhea, or constipation. Long-term fasting can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies and protein deficiency.
Advise patients to stick to standard measures...a good diet, regular exercise, using bulking agents (psyllium, etc) to stay regular if needed, etc.
RUMOR: Alka-Seltzer can cure a urinary tract infection (UTI).
TRUTH: One very popular home remedy is to use Alka-Seltzer tabs. It's proposed that by alkalinizing the urine, the sodium bicarbonate in Alka-Seltzer will inhibit some types of bacteria from growing in the bladder. But there is no good evidence that alkalinizing the urine helps to relieve symptoms of dysuria...whether due to infection or not. Studies have failed to show any benefit of sodium bicarbonate for treatment of UTIs.
Patients should see a doctor if they are experiencing any symptoms suggestive of a UTI...urgency, frequency, or pain when urinating. An improperly treated UTI can progress to a more serious kidney infection.
RUMOR: Vicks Vaporub applied to the feet can stop a cough.
TRUTH: This has been perpetuated by websites claiming a Canadian study proves that this works. But that’s where the trail turns cold. The group that supposedly published the study denies any knowledge of its existence.
The web is filled with glowing testimonials that this works. And many parents welcome it as an alternative to drugs in children. There’s no proof that this home remedy works. If you still want to try it, wear socks so the oils won’t stain the sheets. Do not dab Vicks in the nose hoping this will work better. The petrolatum in the product can cause a form of pneumonia if aspirated into the lungs.
RUMOR: Colon cleansing and other "detoxification" methods leads to better general health.
TRUTH: This is based on a theory that over time the body accumulates harmful toxins such as metals and pesticides. Proponents believe special treatments including herbals or supplements given orally or as enemas, or special diets are needed to remove these toxins from the body.
But there is NO proof to support any of these theories...or that any special product or method will rid the body of toxins. The kidneys and liver are very efficient at filtering and eliminating toxins from the body.
Detoxification programs often include laxatives. These can cause significant diarrhea resulting in fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. Some laxatives can even worsen heart failure or cause kidney failure in people at high risk. Enemas or colonics can also cause electrolyte imbalances or a perforated rectum. Extreme changes in the diet can lead to fatigue, diarrhea, or constipation. Long-term fasting can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies and protein deficiency.
Advise patients to stick to standard measures...a good diet, regular exercise, using bulking agents (psyllium, etc) to stay regular if needed, etc.
RUMOR: Alka-Seltzer can cure a urinary tract infection (UTI).
TRUTH: One very popular home remedy is to use Alka-Seltzer tabs. It's proposed that by alkalinizing the urine, the sodium bicarbonate in Alka-Seltzer will inhibit some types of bacteria from growing in the bladder. But there is no good evidence that alkalinizing the urine helps to relieve symptoms of dysuria...whether due to infection or not. Studies have failed to show any benefit of sodium bicarbonate for treatment of UTIs.
Patients should see a doctor if they are experiencing any symptoms suggestive of a UTI...urgency, frequency, or pain when urinating. An improperly treated UTI can progress to a more serious kidney infection.
RUMOR: Vicks Vaporub applied to the feet can stop a cough.
TRUTH: This has been perpetuated by websites claiming a Canadian study proves that this works. But that’s where the trail turns cold. The group that supposedly published the study denies any knowledge of its existence.
The web is filled with glowing testimonials that this works. And many parents welcome it as an alternative to drugs in children. There’s no proof that this home remedy works. If you still want to try it, wear socks so the oils won’t stain the sheets. Do not dab Vicks in the nose hoping this will work better. The petrolatum in the product can cause a form of pneumonia if aspirated into the lungs.
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