The Way to Happiness - A Pretty Place

This weekend Kris and I stumbled upon a place that he hasn't visited since high school. Once he realized how close we were he wanted to share with me this beautiful place... It is called "A Pretty Place" a chapel at Camp Greenville. It was absolutely beautiful and we could not have picked a better day or time of day to go. One one of the plaques in the front was a poem... The Way to Happiness.... I loved it and would like to share it with my readers.

The Way to Happiness
Keep your heart free from hate,
your mind from worry.
Live simple, accept little, give much.
Fill your life with love.
Scatter sunchine, forget self, think of others
Do as you would be done

Take these words with you and share them with others. Do your best & Enjoy life! Have a wonderful week! Be Blessed!

Day 4: Course Completion, Bay Cruise, & Slide, Inc.

Hello everyone… today was my last full day in San Francisco.

Fundraising School
Fundraising School was a blast! I met great people and learned A LOT. I will not be able to go and start a planned giving program from scratch BUT I don’t have to…one already exists at my institution. With a little more reading I will feel even more confident. The instructors were great, they kept the class interesting and held my attention 97% of the time without even thinking of being sleepy. Today I received my certificate, which will be framed when I get home. Not only was the class great but I met some great people too.

Site Seeing 101
Well if you haven’t noticed from my previous blogs I have been trying to get in as many “activities” daily as possible after classes, and today was no exception. I am one who can get a lot done in a short amount of time and feel accomplished. As soon as I was handed my certificate of completion from the course I shook one of my instructor’s hands and ran to the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise the last one of the day, and the last one that I would have been able to even try to get on. I hopped right in line and I am sooo glad I made it. It was a 90 minute tour that wasn’t too crowded. I met a nice lady from Costa Rica who insisted her cousin translate to tell me things. They were so sweet… we went toured the Bay… saw both bridges and went under the Golden Gate bridge, which I might add is ORANGE…even San Francisco sports the Clemson Spirit! (That is for you Newell). .. the tour also sailed close to Alcatraz. After finishing with the tour I walked around Pier 39 for souvenirs and just looking.

When I returned to my room I called Adora to see if she wanted to still have dinner and so I can take a picture of her AT WORK. She is so awesome! I will certainly be back to visit her! We went to the Thirsty Bear Brewery a few blocks from her job. We had a fabulous talk about the minority experience at Clemson.
She then took me back to Slide, Inc. to show me around their office. It was soooo cool to see a start up business that is so well known in action.

Tomorrow…
I will probably write the day after tomorrow and if not the weekend. I hope to get up early enough to ride the cable cars (which I have not done) and possibly walk to Ghirardelli Square but we will have to see. To all my classmates, instructors, and random people I met on this trip it was a pleasure meeting you . To my baby… I miss & love you too!!! Until next time…

Today's Pictures...
The Overachievers...lol

Today's Lunch at Neptune....

Alcatraz a little closer

The Golden Gate Bride up close and personal

Adora posing with the Slide Sign... because I asked her to :)

Vote for THE TIGER for the cover of NCAA Football '09 for the Wii

EA Sports is going to put a mascot on the cover of NCAA Football '09 for the Wii. They are letting the fans vote. Let's see if Tigernet can do any damage and maybe get the Tiger on the front. Let's get Clemson on the cover!

Here's the website to vote. You can vote once per day until March 14.

Click Here to Vote !

Day 3: Fundrasing School, Lucus Films, Aquarium, Union Square, & Top of the Mark

Again up at 7/8AM EST… so I get up working… emailing and doing a little research… sad I know. Nevertheless, today in fundraising school I learned more tax law. I could contribute on a knowledgeable basis because our last topic covered before lunch was, endowments, which is something I have asked enough questions about & could even share my library endowment page.

Then off to catch a cab to visit two Clemson Alumni here in California that work for Lucas Films, James & Chris (hence the picture in front of the Yoda fountain).
Hopefully you will see this picture in the Clemson World and or on the Alumni Page. They were AWESOME hospitalble, cool, wonderful, hosts, and I took me to see a lot of very cool things on the LucasFilms Presidio campus. (Sorry my adoring readers, I couldn’t take pictures in the facility). It was a very unique experience that I felt honored and previledged to be shown. Of course they could not let me see things that are in current production but it was just awesome. I am going to have to watch some movies again to see some of the stuff I got to see. I cannot express what wonderful hosts James and Chris were. They help to serve as proof to the value of a great Clemson education and networking. I truly believe that they would be great mentors for students in our Computer Science and Digital Programs. I caught the bus back to the hotel and was then off to my next adventure.

In order to save money I had purchased a City Pass which I would highly recommend to people visiting the city. It is good for 7 consecutive days. It had a 7day muni/cable car passport, one cruise on the blue & gold fleet, one general admission to the Aquarium of the Bay, one general admission to deYoung Museum/Legion of Honor, Exploratorium, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Asian Art museum PLUS a number of discounts. The hotel is in walking distance for a lot of these attractions.
Since I have been and will be in class for most of my stay I will not get to enjoy most of the attractions, but nevertheless if I need to get anywhere it is a GREAT deal. Today, as you can see form pictures... I toured the aquarium.

In the evening we(Newell, Courtney, Denise & I) caught a cab to Union Square and dined at Daily Grill San Francisco. We had a fabulous time (sorry there aren’t a lot of pictures from the evening). After he Grill we went on a hunt for a place to have a drink… first stop really nice hotel… but spooky 70s atmosphere and very few patrons… then Courtney recalled going to Top of the Mark on a pervious visit. .. so then we were off… now little did we realize we were on a 4 block 45 to 50 degree walk which was hilarious all by itself (man am I terribly out of shape). By the time we go to the Mark we had to take a break out front so that we would not be out of breath when we entered…however when we sat down at our seats the view of the nighttime city was absolutely beautiful (which we all recognized between our pants of air…lol) … Denise and I called it a night after that and took a taxi ride home… while Newell and Courtney are still exploring San Francisco as we speak.

I must let Kris & Ed know that we love and miss you (Kris, my boyfriend and Ed, Denise’s husband). We are having a spectacular time and cannot wait to see you. To my parents … I love you, miss you and thank you for raising me to be the lady I am today! To my sister, yes you… Love and miss you too… Friends and other family hope to hear from you soon… leave a message on the blog to let me know you stopped by.

PS To C... L may have been on to something :) hehehehehehe

Today's Shots of the Day...
Self Portrait on Pier 39


Saks Fifth Avenue Union Square... can you believe I didn't shop AT ALL
The ENTRANCE to Top of the Mark

Day 2: Fundrasing School, Pier 39, & Chinatown

The day started with a 8:00 registration for the fundraising school. We had a continental breakfast which was all the food they were/are providing. I learned alot today about tax and planned giving terminology, learned good things to share with my ambassadors and others interested in planned giving for the library. I learned a simple way to help discover a number of potentially unknown planned gifts, and much more. Honestly I am learning alot in this class and the instructors are awesome. I truthfully wasn't sleepy at all during the session. During Day 1 at my table was Courtney(Texas), Denise(Colorado), Leslie (San Luis Obispo, CA), & John (CA).

For our lunch break Courtney, Denise, Newell (IN), and I went to Swiss Louis Italian & Seafood Restaurant on Pier 39. It was good however our server was having serious issues separating our checks (bless her heart). You can see some of the pictures from our view at lunchtime of Alcatraz, seals, and the city...

Okay and so no nap, but hey... I called more Clemson Alumni...got to talk to a really nice mother and left a few messages... we will see what happens.

For dinner Denise suggested that we go to Chinatown... so we talked with the concierge, got ideas and were on our way. We first said we were going to take a taxi but it was so nice out that we simply walked. We had a glass of wine at IDEALe Ristorante Bar. Then were off to Chinatown to enjoy dinner at House of Nanking. At House of Nanking the waiter asked if it was our first time dining and when we responded no (however it was Denise's 2nd time) he took our menus and said... trust me... and walked off (which Denise warned us he would do). It was great we had a little of a lot of things and we enjoyed them thoroughly. Well that was it for day 2... come back tomorrow for Day 3...

Pictures below are taken from today...







Here is Coit Tower which I thought it only appropriate to include since I am here at a planned giving conference...The following is from http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/casfmenu/a/coittower.htm

Built to fulfill the bequest of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who left funds to be used to beautify the city she loved, Coit Tower is an icon on the San Francisco skyline, a simple tower crowning Telegraph Hill overlooking the San Francisco waterfront.
Coit Tower visitors come here mostly for the views: sweeping waterfront vistas from the parking lot and observation deck, and for cityscapes best seen from the small park behind the tower.

Not to be missed are the murals decorating the lobby, considered to be one of California's best examples of depression-era public art. Part of a Public Works of Art Project, they were painted in 1934 by 25 artists. Done in Diego Rivera's social realism style, they are sympathetic portrayals of the daily life of working class Californians during the depression.

Because some people felt the murals were subversive and depicted "Communist" themes, the authorities delayed the opening of Coit Tower for several months. Already outraged by the shooting deaths of two strikers during the Longshoremen's Strike of 1934, the working community was upset even further by this delay, adding to the general distrust of authority.

The lobby murals continue behind a door next to the gift shop, up the stairs and around the second floor. This area is closed to the general public, except during free guided Coit Tower tours given by City Guides.

You'll often hear tour guides and others claiming that Coit Tower is supposed to look like the nozzle of a fire hose, but designers Arthur Brown Jr. and Henry Howard always denied it, and in fact, it looks more like the towers at London's Battersea Power Station, completed one year earlier.

Despite the fact that Coit Tower has an elevator, it is not wheelchair accessible because of the steps at its base and a short staircase between the elevator landing and the observation level.

Day 1: San Francisco: United Airlines, Fisherman's Wharf, Adora, & Alioto's

Hi Everyone! I have arrived safely in San Francisco. I am staying in Fisherman’s Wharf. I have been told by many locals that I have been placed in a high tourist area... and I need to venture out.

I must say, I slept 90% of the flight from CTL to SFO which is a good thing because I only got a “Snack Mix” and two juices the entire flight. I typically pack snacks… what is WRONG with me? Lolol… Nevertheless, I was starving when I got here and
since I am in a tourist spot…I walked out the door of my hotel and in less than a block I was stopping at Johnny Rockets…lol… I know...not branching out too much… but hey… we don’t have them at home :) After sleeping off my hunger headache I contacted my friend Adora, who is an absolute gem. She came got me out of the hotel room and treated me to dinner at Alioto’s where the food was delish. Before I leave I will have to add a picture of me and Adora on her job. For most of you facebook, myspacers, you will appreciate
that she works at SLIDE. Tomorrow is the first day of my conference…after class (and probably a nap) I will be trying to touch bases with more Clemson “folks”… Until tomorrow.

ATTENTION: High School Jr & Sr : Feb 29th Deadline

Do you have what it takes to be a Bank of America Student Leader?

If you are a junior or senior in high school with a passion for improving your community, we would like to help you turn that passion into action.

As a Student Leader, you will participate in:

An eight-week paid internship at a nonprofit/charitable organization
A week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC (July 13th - 18th, 2008) to gain valuable civic, social and business leadership skills
We are looking for the next generation of community leaders. If you want to make a difference in your community, apply today.

For More Information click on this website:

www.bankofamerica.com/neistudentleaders

CALL ME MISTER Documentary to air on South Carolina ETV

I know I have not written in my blog in a few weeks, however I will catch up shortly. I will be traveling next week and hopefully able to post things as time progresses...

TODAYS FEATURE..

Today's feature is close to my heart because I was the first graduate assistant for the CALL ME MISTER PROGRAM...and to see how far it has come and where it is going is a great thing...

Tomorrow : Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 9:30 p.m.

The Call Me MISTER program will be the subject of a documentary featuring several of its graduates to be aired Thursday, February 28th at 9:30 p.m. on the South Carolina ETV public broadcasting network.

The 30-minute documentary was produced, directed and narrated by Aretta Jenkins, founder of CornBread Chronicles, LLC. Jenkins, a Clemson University graduate and upstate oral historian tells the Call Me MISTER story by connecting the family and community roots of several graduates with their motivation to become successful teachers. Hayward Jean, Damon Qualls, Zebulun Dinkins and Justin Ballenger all have a powerful story to tell about survival, perseverance, inspiration and hope in the future. Jenkins states, “the context of their lives and their ability to transcend their sociological circumstances is both their motivation and secret for personal development and success.” Each of these young men can identify “key family members and mentors, who have protected and enriched their lives” stated Jenkins.
Dr. Roy Jones, Executive Director of the Clemson based Call Me MISTER program, agrees stating, “the nuclear and extended family, as well as the surrounding community is a significant reality in the lives of MISTERs and their potential effectiveness as teacher-leader advocates for education.”

The purpose of the Call Me MISTER (acronym for Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) initiative is to increase the pool of available teachers from a broader, more diverse background particularly among the State’s lowest performing elementary schools.

For More Information contact:
Aretta Jenkins: Telephone: 866-231-1264; email: 8662311264@gosolo.com or
Roy Jones: Telephone: 800-640-2657; email: royj@clemson.edu

Kayla Shadowing...

The day before yesterday my cousin Kayla shadowed me. Wow…that makes me feel older… I remember shadowing people when I was around her age. Nonetheless, I took her to Special Collections where she learned about a time when people thought it was a good idea to plant cudzu, some rare things that Clemson Libraries, and other things.
She also toured the Architecture Library and got to see some of the models that the students had done of the Anderson downtown. After turning Special Collections, the Architecture Library, and Cooper Library… some of the places for which I raise money…we then went to lunch at the Hendrix Center where believe it or not she found something she would actually eat for lunch… After lunch
we then went over to Development where she could see the stewarding and researching process of development… she helped me get that office a little more organized for potential donors. Thanks Kayla!

Political emails fly fast, but are readers validating content?

When reseraching what I wanted to say about this topic, I found a fellow blogger that said EXACTLY what I was thinking. I will cut and paste his content but, you can see where it was originally posted by clicking here I too received the email that is mentioned below...

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Validating the accuracy and reliability of information we read online, both on the web and via email, is an essential literacy skill in the 21st century for adults as well as young people. An email I received this evening from someone in my family provides a dramatic case in point.

The email which was forwarded begins:

This is fairly interesting…

Who is Barack Obama?
Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu , Hawaii , to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black MUSLIM from Nyangoma-Kogel , Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white ATHEIST from Wichita , Kansas .

The message goes one to assert that Senator Obama’s father is a “radical Muslim,” and Obama is a Muslim himself. The focus of the message is to create fear about a possible Obama presidency and generate opposition to his candidacy among voters.

These allegations are serious. I would like to think everyone who receives an email like this will take the 15 seconds required to do a quick Snopes.com check to verify the information. The fact that this particular email, and others like them, are regularly forwarded along every day by well-meaning but poorly informed Internet users is distressing. I had a conversation with someone in my office just last week about Senator Obama’s candidacy, and her comment was, “I’m pretty concerned over all that Muslim stuff.” I am pretty sure email messages like this one planted the false seed of uncertainty which was the root of her “concerns.”

A fast search on Snopes for “Who is Barack Obama” brings up a through explanation which reveals this email to be false and misleading. As usual, the Snopes.com authors go through the claims included in this email point by point and include an extensive list of referenced sources at the bottom of the article:


Why do many people persist in forwarding along emails like this one, which can be VERY quickly debunked? I do not know all the reasons, but I suspect there are several keys:

FEAR: Many people thrive on controversy and news which inspires or incites fear. Fear is a powerful motivator. When we allow ourselves to be directed by fear, rather than reason, we are naturally less able (physically) to make informed decisions and use logic. I think a primary reason people forward these types of messages rather than validating and debunking them is that they are AFRAID. Messages of FEAR often work. People get scared, and they are therefore malleable in the hands of the architects of the propaganda who wrote and disseminated the false, misleading, and fear-encouraging messages in the first place. Forwarding this message to other people is EXACTLY what the anti-Obama Presidency author of this fictitious email wants people to do. Those who allow themselves to directed by their fear play right into the hands of others who seek to manipulate and distort the truth to serve their own ends.

LAZINESS: It’s easier to click the forward button and the send button rather than think critically. Critical thinking takes brain power. It takes energy. Many times, I think people (both young and old) tend to be lazy. Should I check out that claim with a quick trip to Snopes? Should I do a Google search on that message before I forward it to my entire address book? Of course you should. To fail in that requirement is to fall short in our obligations to support the dissemination of accurate and valid information. Sadly, laziness in thinking (or NOT thinking) is common in our society. This is not just true in many schools, it’s true of lots of people who long ago left the classroom.

IGNORANCE: People don’t know how to validate information properly. Issues of fear and laziness aside, this reason is possibly one of the most pressing that we, as educators, should take seriously. Are we teaching our students (and learning with our students) how to validate information properly and thoroughly? Have we considered ourselves instruments of a dishonest propaganda machine, if we thoughtlessly forward on emails like this one to others?

Keep an Open Mind...Politics

Senator John Edwards visited the campus of Clemson University today, and an office mate sent out an email to many in the office inviting them to come here him speak. I do not profess support of any candidate but I do have an open mind, therefore I thought it would be a good idea to go and see what he had to say. However, I was slightly disturbed when I heard someone’s response to my coworker when he orally invited her. Her response was simply, I’m Republican. That raised all kinds of red flags to me. Immediately the following questions popped in my mind...

•So if one am a professed Republican, Democrat, or Independent… Does that mean that one listens only to politicians or causes supported by that party?
•How many registered voters out there have this mentality?

Senator McCain also spoke at Clemson, however I did not get the opportunity to hear him speak because I had appointments that morning, however I would have went to hear him had I had the time and opportunity.

To those out there that may have had the same thought process of the young lady who responded, I’m Republican, I pose these thoughts and questions

•If by chance this person or someone with similar ideas wins the election wouldn’t you want to know what they believe and are talking about
•What if by chance you agree with something you hear, wouldn’t you want to see where the candidate or party you support stands on this subject
•Do you fear that exposure to new or different ideas or beliefs than you are typically exposed to may harm your thinking?

Food for thought, not bashing or criticizing anyone. I just want all registered voters to have an open mind.

2007 Resolution Results

On January 10, 2007 I made New Year's Resolution for 2007. What better time than New Year's Eve to revisit those that I made public....

Next to share some of my resolutions for 2007 and yes I am one of those people who make resolutions :) . Keeping it simple this year...

1-go to the gym at least once a month (hey a girl has to start somewhere
2-do a minimum of 100 sit-ups per week
3-learn to swim

loose 10 lbs (and not gain them back :) )
4-improve my financial situation by positive measures
5-be a positive source of inspiration for all that I encounter

Private Resolutions made with a close friend
1 - DB & LCG agree to pay off all our debit by 12.31.07
2 - DB is going to loose 30 lbs
3 - LCG is going to loose 10 lbs
4 - LCG will get a XXX Salary increase
5 - LCG is going to get an Office

Results...
PUBLIC
1-2...I did not succeed with either of these and I do not believe it is a good idea for anyone to make resolutions that are exercise related

3... SUCCEEDED! - My boyfriend took the time to teach me how to swim, I am no olympian but I can survive! YEAH
4... SUCCEEDED! - I still have a long way to go but am thankful for my many blessings
5... Hope I succeeded! - This is something I cannot really tell a result I have to have feedback from those I met and have known and how I have impacted them this year. If you care to leave a response to this... please do

PRIVATE
1... Neither of us succeeded completely with this but did in some areas
2-3 again restating.... no resolutions related to weight
4... SUCCEEDED!...THANK YOU GOD!
5... SUCCEEDED!...THANK YOU GOD!

In the next month I hope to list a new set of resolutions 5 public and 5 private. To each of you I pray for a happy and prosperous 2008. How cool will my birthday be in the coming year 08.08.08!

Year End Donations

With the Calendar year quickly coming to an end, and many of you out there still undecided on what organizations to support for your annual tax deduction, please consider the Clemson University Libraries. Take a few minutes, click on the link, check out our new website, and see what wonderful opportunities we have for you to sponsor.

Support Clemson University Libraries!
A special thanks goes out to Dr. Tharon Howard's : Fall 2007: English 851 class for taking on the project of redesigning the library giving website.

Happy Holidays to all!
Have a safe and joyous season!

Liza Corrine

Softening Rough Dry Elbows

I do not know how many of you struggle with dry skin, but I DO! This tip came from a makeover solutions website:

Don't go further than your pantry for a solution to those rough leathery elbows. First, cut the toes off a clean pair of cotton tube socks; then smooth a layer of Crisco (or other brand of vegetable shortening) over elbows and pull the socks up to cover. Leave the shortening on for an hour or overnight. This treatment can also be effective on knees, hands, or feet.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Have a safe and joyous holiday season!

Holiday Communication Tips

This was taken from a BlackAmericaWeb.com Newsletter I receive. I thought it would be good to share.

According to a recent Nationwide survey, one in four people will bring up a tough topic this holiday season. As families gather to break bread, we want to help ensure that those family conversations don't cause bad feelings instead of spreading that holiday love.

Top Have The Talk Holiday Communication Tips

From Harvard communication expert and coauthor of the best-selling book Difficult Conversations Sheila Heen

Share Your Conversation’s Purpose. The holidays provide the perfect time to share your stories, but let your friends and family know when you just need someone to listen. On the other hand, clearly tell them if an issue needs resolution or if you would like their input.

Pick a New Part. When families gather, members often line up in their pre-assigned positions – bystander, opposer, initiator, peacemaker. While it’s natural that people fall into a role during family conversation, make sure that you don't get pigeonholed in one role.

Realize the Issue Isn’t Always the Issue. Whatever the argument is about – where you’ll spend the holidays, who is buying what gift, what you’re having for the festive dinner – chances are this isn’t the real issue driving the dispute. If the conversation becomes difficult, you really are fighting about how you feel you are being treated by the other.

Stop the ‘Hit and Run’ with Humor. You pass the gravy and a family member hands back a sarcastic remark. Next time that happens, don’t ignore the hurtful comment, but respond – with a bit of humor. However, don’t leave it at that, because you’ve simply returned a funny quip for their sarcastic comment. Ask them to expand on what they’ve said and why they made the original comment.

Ask Questions, Don’t Assume. Never assume you know someone else’s intentions. Be an active listener and ask questions. Be curious about why someone feels the way they do or interpreted a situation the way they did.

Best Ways to Bump Up Your 'Good' Cholesterol

taken from MSN's Ask the Experts Section

HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) helps to prevent our arteries from becoming blocked due to LDL (the bad cholesterol). It does this by "hauling" away the excess cholesterol lining the walls of our blood vessels, then bringing it back to the liver for reprocessing. This in turn helps to keep our arteries clear from a sticky build-up. And, if your levels of HDL are high enough (a level of 40 and above in males, 50 and above in females), it can also decrease your risk for a heart attack.

Raising HDL levels is important and I'll tell you why: For every one-point increase in HDL, there is a 3 percent decrease in a person's risk of suffering a fatal heart attack. There are two main ways to increase these levels: lifestyle modifications and medication therapy.

Lifestyle Modifications

Exercise. Just 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days of the week can jump-start your HDL in the right direction.

Break the tobacco habit. Quitting smoking can raise your HDL levels by about four points.

Lose weight. Losing 10 pounds can increase your HDL by one and a half points. Aim for a weight loss goal to achieve a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or below.

Choose the better fat. Minimize the saturated and trans fats in your diet. These substances increase the bad cholesterol while decreasing your good cholesterol. Instead, switch to products containing unsaturated fats (olive, canola, flaxseed, etc.). These may raise your HDL levels. However, this is not a free fatty-pass, because we still have to watch the calories!

Cut back on simple carbohydrates. Cakes, cookies and highly processed cereals and breads are high-glycemic foods that can lower your HDL and raise the levels of another fat in your bloodstream, triglycerides.

Drink alcohol in moderation, with a caveat! Alcohol should not be considered medicine—if you don't drink, don't start—but some studies have found mild alcohol consumption (one drink per day for women, two for men) can raise HDL by up to four points. Important caveat: Alcohol may be harmful to those with liver or addiction problems. In these cases, the risks certainly outweigh the benefits.

Feast on cold-water fish. Eating salmon, mackerel or other fish from icy waters several times a week can have a very positive effect on your HDL levels. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help to explain their health benefits.

Add fiber. The soluble fiber found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains might boost your HDL.

Avoid anabolic steroids. These decrease your HDL levels, in addition to all their other potential health dangers.

Medication Therapy

Niacin, which is also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3. This is by far our best therapy for raising HDL levels. Studies have shown increases of 20 percent to 35 percent. Unfortunately, every rose has its thorn, and niacin has a big one called side effects (flushing, racing heart, etc). We often prescribe low doses in the beginning to minimize these effects. (There is also a non-prescription form of niacin called hexanicotinate, which may be better tolerated but is nowhere near as effective).

Fibrates, including fenofibrate and gemfibrozil. This category of medication has the potential to boost your HDL by up to 20 percent. Side effects may include upset stomach and diarrhea.

Statins. These are better known for their remarkable ability to lower the harmful LDL cholesterol. However, certain drugs within this class (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin) can raise HDL by up to 15 percent.

I am a big believer in taking charge of your health. Please know your HDL level and remember that simple changes can dramatically improve your health.

Vote Stephanie for WWHO TV's CW Star!

As many of you know I am all about supporting people who I know, or have known during my lifetime that are trying to do good for themselves. Please take a moment and vote for this young lady. I grew up knowing her in my county Youth Church Organization.


Click here and support Stephanie

NAME: Stephanie

AGE: 24

HOMETOWN: Pickerington

WHAT IS YOUR TV EXPERIENCE? None.

DO YOU HAVE SPOKESPERSON OR MODELING EXPERIENCE? Yes, I have a degree in theater with emphasis in acting. I have been a spokesperson and have also had runway and print modeling experience.

WHAT THREE ADJECTIVES BEST DESCRIBE YOU? Energetic, Intelligent & Sassy.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Graduating from a 4-year college with my son! It took me 4 years exactly! I was a full time mother and student! We are doing great!

WHAT WOULD YOU BRING TO THE ROLE OF THE CW STAR? I live and breathe acting! Out of 24 years I have known for 22 years that I would be famous one day! This is my craft and I am ready to show anyone who will give me the opportunity to show what I've got!

Attention: All 55 & Older: Shop Belk November 6th !

I am quite the bargin shopper and saw this message in my inbox that I would like to share with all 55 and older and all those who have relatives 55 and older. If you fit this demographic you may wish to do a little Holiday Shopping early. Here are the terms as I copied from the email:


If you're 55 or older, save an extra 15%, 20% in fine jewelry or 10% in our home department, on your regular, sale & clearance priced purchase for the day. Just show proof of age to any Sales Associate. Normal exclusions apply.

EXCLUDES cosmetics & fragrances, Brighton, small electrics, Earlybirds, Night Owls, Doorbusters, Special Buys, Bonus Buys, Chairman's Choice, non-merchandise departments, maternity, lease departments and Belk gift cards. In fine jewelry excludes watches, Lladro, Lampe Berger, fine jewelry closeouts and special events. Not valid on prior purchases, mail, phone or special orders

Happy Shopping!

Job Application- Air Traffic Controller (AGES 18-31)

This email was sent to me from a friend.

You have or know kids between the ages of 18-31 with a high school diploma.

The Federal Aviation Association is taking applications for air traffic controller school. We all have kids and know kids in the right age group (under 31) and with some effort they could reach a salary of over $100,000 with benefits in about 3 years. You need only a high school diploma to apply and credit is given for college on the exam.

They need to go to faa.gov for details and to fill out the application immediately - even if they do not know if they'd want to attend immediately - it's the federal government and it may take them months to call. The key is to apply NOW. There will be a lot of retirements coming up rather quickly and they need to line up training to accommodate these openings. It it my understanding that the FAA rarely has an open application such as this and that the jobs are coveted.


This is a great opportunity and it should be noted that choosing a site like Anchorage or Indianapolis to train is a likely acceptance into the training program -after-which you can transfer anywhere in the country that has a tower.

ATTENTION: Minorities Seeking Degree in Architecture

If you know anyone that could use this, please pass this along. Mark Robbins, Dean of Syracuse University's School of Architecture is desperately seeking young men and women of color interested in pursuing a five year professional degree in Architecture. He says he's deeply committed to bringing diversity to his field and has scholarship money set aside to fully cover education costs for 10 students. He says that Hispanic enrollment in the school has increased substantially, but! it's harder to attract African Americans.. Syracuse University 's School of Architecture has a great reputation and this seems like a terrific opportunity, so please pass this on to everyone you know. Contact: Mark Robbins, Dean School of Architecture, 315 443- 2255, robbinsm@syr.edu.