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Cuckoo Clock Memory

Jan 14th, 2011
by Marilyn.
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I found this cuckoo clock online and decided to add it to my sidebar, at least for a little while. It reminds me of my dad. He was always an entrepreneur. Together with mom, they owned a mom and pop grocery store when they were newlyweds. Then, a hydraulics manufacturing factory with 3 other men. And years later, a motel in Miami, Florida. Their last venture together was an antique shop just north of Miami. Dad was fascinated with clocks. He bought them, often not working, then repaired and restored them. The walls of the shop were lined with clocks of every size and shape, most with their pendulums swinging. You could hear ticking clocks throughout the shop. One of my favorites was the cuckoo clock. Some were rather plain wood and stained a shade of brown. Others were very ornate, with leaves, birds and people. The weights always looked like pine cones and dangled from long chains. To wind the clock, you raised the weights.

Stick around for the hour or any quarter hour and you’ll hear this cuckoo clock chime.

If you’d like to add a clock to your website or blog, there are many clocks, including this cuckoo clock at Free clocks for all

Cultivate the Skill That Will Set You Apart: Charisma

Jan 5th, 2011
by Marilyn.
2 comments

(ARA) – You speak well, dress professionally, have impressive experience and can clearly communicate complex information in speech and writing.  But thousands of other professionals and job-seekers possess the same qualities.  So what sets the movers and shakers apart from the masses?  Could it be charisma?

Many people can’t quite put their finger on that exact quality that makes certain professionals more desirable to prospective employers and many people believe charisma simply can’t be taught.

Not so, says Kurt Mortensen, a leading authority on persuasion, motivation and influence.  It is possible for virtually anyone to develop a compelling presence.  “Charisma is the ability to empower and persuade others to believe in you, trust in you and want to be influenced by you.  If there is just one skill to master out of all the tools of persuasion and influence, it is charisma,” Mortensen explains.  “It gives you the quickest return on your time and dramatically increases your success and income.”

It is possible to cultivate charisma, adding charm and the power to persuade to your repertoire of professional skills.  Mortensen says that in order to develop charisma, you must hone 30 specific skills, traits and attributes.  In his new book, “The Laws of Charisma,” Mortensen offers some advice for developing your personal charisma.  Here is his insight into seven charismatic qualities and how you can develop them:

Find your passion
“Passion is critical to influencing others and transmitting charisma,” Mortensen says.  “Charismatic people radiate heartfelt passion.”  Exploring new tasks, topics and social or professional interactions will help you discover what you’re passionate about – and what doesn’t move you.  Educating yourself about a particular topic, task or issue is a great way to increase your passion for it.

Know your purpose
When you find your purpose, your life will be easier and more enjoyable, Mortensen says.  Ask yourself: “What is my destiny?  Where do my interests, gifts and talents lie?  What is my mission in life?”  People with a purpose ooze charisma and naturally draw others to them.  Their purpose inspires others.

Live with integrity
Integrity is consistency between your professed values and your actions.  To enhance your charisma and influence others, you must radiate integrity.  What do you really believe in?  And what are you willing to stand up for?

Tap your creativity
Creativity is the ability to solve a problem by combining old ideas, new ideas and imagination.  Tapping your creativity, or inspiring those around you to feel more creative, opens the door to new solutions – and enhances your charisma.

Establish focus
The ability to control impulses, resist distraction and stay focused on the task at hand is an integral element of success.  You cannot influence others if you can’t stay focused.  Ask yourself: What is the best use of my time right now?  Am I wasting time on unimportant things?  Do I confuse being busy with getting things done?  Am I clear about exactly what I need to achieve?

Listen
“Listening and understanding enhance charisma,” Mortensen writes in “The Laws of Charisma.” When you listen well, you discover everything you need to know to help, change or influence, inspire, motivate and gain trust.  “People feel more respected and valued when you listen to what they have to say,” he writes.

Motivate
Charismatic people not only motivate others, they help others motivate themselves, aiding them in visualizing goals and inspiring them to feel they can achieve those goals.  Helping others self-motivate allows them to solve their own challenges and make their own decisions, while still feeling part of a larger team.


To nurture your personal charisma, you will need to practice every day, says Mortensen, whose new book is available now in bookstores and online.  “I was once stretching in preparation for running a half marathon when I saw a T-shirt that revealed a great truth.  It said, ‘The challenge is not finishing; the challenge is starting.’  Make up your mind to start the race, and you will know that you are moving toward your goal of finishing.”

Secrets of the Skinny

Nov 19th, 2010
by Marilyn.
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Doctor OzI’ve been very impressed with The Doctor Oz Show. I like his common sense approach to getting healthy and staying healthy. This morning’s show was no exception. Three women were guests on his show. They each lost over 100 pounds and kept it off. They found the “Secrets of the Skinny” that worked for them. And they’re willing to share those secrets with Doctor Oz and his audience. Here are the secrets . . .

Cravings Killers

  • Brown rice tortilla, lightly toasted (baked) with salsa or parmesan

Metabolism Boosters

  • Cayenne pepper, sprinkle on food or supplements
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon a day.

Must Have Meals

Weight Loss Secret Weapons

  • Learn to grade food.

          A = Fresh green beans out of the garden
          B = Frozen beans changed a little
          C = Canned green beans cooked – A little altered
          D = Processed
          F = Grandma’s green bean casserole

  • Use cans of food as weights. Lift weights while watching TV
  • Work out with a weighted vest. The more weight you have on your body, the more calories you burn.

The women had words of wisdom for the audience:

  • Becky’s advice: “I changed the way I looked at food. Food became nutrition.”
  • Cari’s advice: “Start slow and stick with it. Make plans and hold yourself accountable. Definitely have support … Have supportive people around you.”
  • When Doctor Oz asked what kept her motivated, Caroline answered, “There’s no such thing as the impossible.”

Becky’s Story on The Secrets of the Skinny
Cari’s Story on The Secrets of the Skinny
Caroline’s Story on The Secrets of the Skinny

What’s your Secret of the Skinny?

Marilyn Kvasnok

If I Had My Life to Live Over by Erma Bombeck

Oct 28th, 2010
by Marilyn.
3 comments

Erma BombeckI would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, ‘Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.’ There would have been more ‘I love you’s’ More ‘I’m sorry’s.’

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it … live it and never give it back.  STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what.

Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.



Erma Bombeck was an American humorist.  From the mid 1960′s to the late 1990′s, she wrote a very popular newspaper column describing home life in the suburbs.  She also published 15 books, most of which became best-sellers.

Marilyn Kvasnok

Seven Simple Steps to a Healthier You and a Healthier Planet

Sep 27th, 2010
by Marilyn.
No comments yet

Seven Simple Steps to a Healthier You and a Healthier Planet

(ARA) – Americans have traditionally considered the health of the planet and their personal health two distinct subjects.  Times have changed.  When we consider our personal health, many now see the connection to the environment.

“Most people want to be healthy and live on a clean and beautiful planet,” says Amy Lou Jenkins, a registered nurse who writes about nature and green living for Examiner.com, and who has authored the book, “Every Natural Fact: Five Seasons of Open-Air Parenting” “Now, it’s becoming important to enhance our own health, as we care for our Earth.  Fortunately, it’s easy to make green living choices that are good for you, your family and the planet.”

Jenkins offers these seven simple steps that can help you improve your own health, and care for the earth at the same time:

1. Replace car trips with a bike ride or a walk whenever possible.
Every day, Americans’ automobiles pour millions of pounds of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.  Any step that reduces that output is a step toward better health for the environment.  Walking and biking are also great low-impact ways to exercise your muscles, burn calories and deliver cardiovascular benefits.  Taking a bike instead of a car for just one 4-mile round trip prevents the release of about 15 pounds of pollutants, according to the WorldWatch Institute.

2. Buy local foods and eat less meat.
Locally grown food requires less fuel to transport and causes the emission of fewer pollutants to arrive at the market than produce grown far from where you live.  A meal of meat uses exponentially more water, land and petroleum products than a plant-based meal.  The greenhouse gas emission associated with animal feed and animal methane increase environmental damage further.  Add to that the water pollution from runoff and land degradation from grazing and you begin to see the enormous ecologic strain caused by a diet rich in meat.  Lowering your red meat intake and increasing your consumption of fresh vegetables is associated with improved health, lower incidences of cancer and heart disease and a longer life.  In addition, buying local produce will directly benefit your community.

3. Discover solar cooking.
Whether you cook on an electric stove, gas range, gas grill or charcoal grill, traditional cooking consumes fossil fuel.  Consider buying a solar cooker and swap out propane and charcoal grills for sustainable solar energy.  Solar energy is carbon neutral and ultra clean.

4. Take the stairs.
Elevators use energy all day long and two-thirds of that consumption is used to move people up and down.  Reducing the number of elevator trips cuts the amount of energy used.  Plus, taking the stairs is an easy lifestyle change that can net a big payoff over time in heart health and weight management.  Overall, it is a healthier way to travel.

5. Get into gardening – all year long.
Gardening offers many health benefits, from mental relaxation to light cardiovascular exercise.  Indoor gardening with easy hydroponic systems can ensure you’ll have plenty of fresh, nutritious produce – even in the winter.  And by traveling from windowsill to plate, instead of being flown across the country or planet, your homegrown produce reduces fuel consumption and pollution.

6. Switch to all-natural products for cleaning, rather than toxic chemicals.
The U.S. Geological Survey reports that it has found detergent in 69 percent of streams it has tested and disinfectants in 66 percent of tested waterways.  Fortunately, many manufacturers of household cleansers now offer all-natural lines.  By switching to natural products – including homemade cleaners made with simple pantry products like vinegar – you reduce your personal exposure to toxic chemicals and help keep them out of our groundwater.

7. Unplug.
American homes consume a staggering amount of electricity every year.  Switching off the computer, video games, TVs and cell phones not only reduces your home’s energy use, the electronic silence offers an invitation to family time to reconnect and spend time together.  Research shows that healthy relationships and social contacts are associated with long life and happiness.

You can find more green living news at www.examiner.com.

Marilyn Kvasnok

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