11/30/9
The big change to 3D is happening this week at StormCenter 17. Today during the 5 o'clock news you will notice a new look to our weathercasts. The change doesn't start at 5 this morning, but rather 5 this afternoon. Typically big changes like this are saved for the evening crew.
With all of the change comes a little anxiety for us weather folk. First of all…any change can be unsettling, whether it is good or bad. Second of all…the great changes we are about to do take a lot of work. With the new graphics we will be changing our routines and the way we do just about everything. These changes will even require us to do things at the weather wall a bit differently. And at StormCenter 17 we realize that we have a better reputation than some of the other people that try to do weather…so even with change there is pressure to do well.
On my way to work this morning I was thinking about all of this change. I was going over in my head what it will take to come into work tomorrow morning and get into the changes. It was pretty preoccupying, if that is even a word. I was driving south down Route 51 in Decatur just kind of drifting off into thought. At some point I look up and see the Target store on my right…and the intersection I was in the middle of at the time. I look up at the stop light as I was blowing right through…and it was red.
Yep. I blew completely through the red light simply because I was in a daze and wasn't paying attention. Ordinarily I am a good driver. I have not had any incidents in quite a while, and I am as safe as I can be at any given time, at least I like to think I am. But this morning I blew it. I realize, also, that I was lucky there was no cross-traffic at 3:30-ish in the morning. And fortunately there were also no squad cars happening by at the moment, either. But it is something that I did and I wanted to tell you about it. Honesty is just how we roll here on "Weather…or Not".
I am excited to watch the 5 o'clock news later today. I believe it will be Lee Davis breaking out the new look. I am curious to see what Lee uses and how he adapts to the new look. This stuff is really going to make us stand out from the pack around here…and that is very exciting! Please let me know what you think about the new stuff when you get the chance. If you don't want to send feedback to the blog…you can just email me at my work account. I likely won't post your opinions on the blog…I would just like to know what you think!
11/27/9
I had to stop and get gas this morning on my way to work. It got me to thinking…gas has not gone over $3 a gallon since President Obama took office. I wonder why that is.
Is it because the economy is in the tank? Maybe the price of oil tanked with the economy and that is why gas is still relatively cheap, compared to the previous four or five years. That is certainly plausible. Maybe gas would be this price no matter who was in charge.
Or…is it possible that the fix actually was in with the last administration when it comes to oil prices? I have no evidence. But…the Bush's are oil people. The Chaney's are oil people. Right? I'm not saying…I'm just saying. But again…I have no evidence.
I should think it is likely the economy that is helping keep gas prices down. But it certainly gives those of us that like to think about conspiracies something to think about, doesn't it??
Okay. "Feedback Friday"!
From Judy in Findlay (11/25/9):
LOL! Thanks for the "insight" on the weather department and what happens when we aren't paying close attention.
Hi, Judy! It is great to hear from someone in Findlay. And of course…we love to hear from people that don't send feedback often!
The fly being down thing actually happens more than I should admit. I have a routine when getting ready for the news…and part of that routine is to straighten my shirt. I do that by going through the fly and sometimes I just forget to zip it back up.
Crap. That might have been FAR too much information! Heh. Sorry…
From Phil in Cissna Park (11/25/9):
Glad to have you back safe and sound, Greg. Now...remember......S M I L E!!!
Thanks, Phil! I'm glad to see you back safe from your recent travels, too. And yes…I am still trying to smile more! Man…it is more of a struggle than I thought it would be, tho. I guess old habits really do die hard!
And Phil…thank you for what you do. Driving all around the country helping people that need help is something all of us should aspire to do.
This next piece of feedback is from a friend of mine through this blog. I want to share the email…but won't share the name, just in case this friend wouldn't want me to!
Happy Thanksgiving Greg, Glad you're doing well and hope you have a great holiday. Mom said to eat a lot of food today and put on a little weight. She still loves the suit you wore today, so I told her you wore it just for her. LOL We loved the JC turkey you had on the news this morning, it was so funny. Hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving.
First of all…I am very happy that at least some of you got a kick out of "JC the Weather Turkey". The turkey was put together by some kids a few years ago…and I like to bring him out when I work Thanksgiving.
JC is the weather guy that does the 6 and 10 news every weeknight around here. He also happens to be a person that I consider a pretty good friend. He is very good at what he does, and thankfully JC has a great sense of humor. I like people that can laugh at themselves…and JC can. He worked last night, and I left the Weather Turkey out for him to see. Instead of throwing the thing away JC just put the turkey back in the same spot it has been for a few years. See…that's a cool, confident guy right there.
Secondly…tell your Mom that it doesn't matter how much or what I eat. I still can't seem to gain much weight. It's okay, tho! I am still pretty healthy. And I do have to admit…women have been trying to feed me for 36 years now and I really love food. So it ain't a bad thing to be told to eat more!! :-)
From Mike in Downs (11/26/9):
Hey Greg, I'm a long time watcher first time blogger. I live in Bloomington area but I love to watch the Decatur news. Everyone laughs when they see me watching you and not something local. I'm not a big fan of the other weather people. They don't smather me with information like you do. Speaking of smather, the day you used that word on air made me want to open the urban dictionary and look it up. Good word...loved it. I didn't notice your fly yesterday but, thanks for being honest.
Good to hear from first-timers, Mike! Thanks for chiming in to the old blog!
Did I actually say "smather" during the weather? Honestly…I don't know what I am about to say half the time, and don't remember what I say the rest of the time! I am glad something I said stuck with you, tho, Mike! And it is also a good idea to have that dictionary around. I have quite a few younger friends…and they keep me up on what the kids are saying these days!
From Jennifer in Decatur (11/26/9):
Greg, We are thankful for you too! Thanks for doing your blog. I know that I check it everyday. :) I can't remember exactly why I started reading your blog, but I do know that I always thought you had a great sense of humor. I enjoyed seeing JC the weather turkey this am. I like how someone even took the time to "stuff" him and make him 3D. Hope that you had a good Thanksgiving or are going to. We are having one tomorrow and one Sunday. My brother also works for a newstation and he had to work today also. As you know the news/weather never stops! Keep up the good work and I always enjoy when you talk about your pups/animals. :)
Awww…thanks, Jennifer. It means a lot to know that you appreciate me as much as I appreciate you. And it really is one of the better parts of my job to do this blog. (Even though technically it is not part of my job to do this blog. I mean…I don't get paid extra to do it. They just asked me to start one almost two years ago…and I said "sure".)
For which station does your brother work? Send me a private email and let me know! Broadcasting can be a small world…maybe we know some of the same people.
Thanks again for the feedback, all. If you would like to chime in again, or for the first time, you can find the feedback form just above the picture of my dog. And of course you should sign up for email alerts, too, so you never miss an update. And don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of this page and vote by clicking on a star. Yep…you can rate this blog! Too much power…
Have a great weekend. Tomorrow is going to be FANTASTIC…
11/26/9
Happy Thanksgiving! Hope the blog finds you well this morning. I don't usually get into Holidays all that much. But on Thanksgiving I do like to think about things for which to be thankful. Here are some of those things.
I love my dogs. You already know that. This past year has been difficult in many ways…and those little dudes have been there with love, and without judgment, all the way.
I love my family, and am thankful for such a great group of people that I did not choose to have to be around so much. But because they are so cool it is a pleasure to be around them.
This year has brought my family a new member. I am thankful that the timing worked out so that I could be there when Alexa Grace joined our ranks. And I am thankful that my sister found such a wonderful man.
I have the greatest group of friends, both old and new, a person could hope to have.
I am thankful to have a job that allows me to have fun, enjoy some tremendous people, and live a reasonably comfortable lifestyle.
I am thankful to be in decent health, aside from an ear hair situation that seems to be getting worse as I get older. While we are on the subject…are we supposed to have hair on our shoulders and nape, as well???
I am thankful to live in this country. Our (We the People) backs are occasionally against the wall, but this is still the greatest country the world has ever known. And I appreciate the fact that we can complain about it when we feel we have room for improvement. You can't do that everywhere in this world of ours.
I am thankful to have this blog. It may sound odd…but having this blog might just have kept me around here for a while. I love the interaction with you that this blog provides. It has given me the chance to share with you parts of me that you don't get to see on TV. And I really feel that many of you have become friends of mine, just from our interaction on this blog.
I don't want to be predictable…but I really am thankful that you read this blog. It is still the most visited regular non-weather feature on our website, and that is because you are so loyal. And believe it or not...you and I have done this without literally ANY promotional support from the station. Look around this website since I have been doing this blog and you will see banners for Lee and JC's Twitter accounts, banners to other baby blogs and Biggest Loser blogs...and never once a banner taking you here. There have been promos on TV for other features and blogs on this website...and never once one for this blog, other than the mentions I give it in the morning. And if you have been paying attention...we don't even talk about it during the morning news much anymore. And yet it is still...BY FAR...the most viewed regular non-weather feature on the website. Thanks!
Here's something someone sent me that was interesting and maybe helpful:
Looking for fast, free ways to save on energy around the home this winter? According to Tom Kraeutler, host of the nationally-syndicated home improvement radio show, The Money Pit, there are many common-sense things you can do everyday in your home to lower energy bills.
Tip #1 - Lock your windows. Don't just close them, but lock them to create an airtight seal that keeps out air leaks and drafts.
Tip #2 – Plug power-draining computers and electronic equipment into a power strip with a switch, so they can all be easily turned off when not in use.
Tip #3 - Turn off lights when leaving a room.
Tip #4 - Get free solar heat by opening the blinds and shades on your windows during the day.
Tip #5 - Chill out and do your laundry in cold water.
Tip #6 – Add a sweater and lower the thermostat. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you may be able to save 5 percent on heating costs.
Tip #7 – Run only full loads in your dishwasher.
Tip #8 – Remove lint often from your clothes dryer and its outside vent. And, run your dryer in the evening, when the extra heat helps warm your house.
Tip #9 – Close the doors (and the heating vents) in rooms with minimal use, like walk-in closets, laundry rooms and guest bedrooms, to reduce heat use in those areas.
Tip #10 – Snuggle up under more blankets at night and turn your heat down lower to reduce energy costs.
I actually already do many of those things at my house...and they really do make a difference!
Have a great holiday, all. Again…I will be here tomorrow, too. We will still do "Feedback Friday" tomorrow. Get your feedback in now! The form is above…
****BREAKING NEWS UPDATE***
11/25/9 6:15 A.M.
You know how I like to keep things honest. And you know how I love to give you a behind the scenes look into what we do here at StormCenter 17. Well...I just went to the little boys room to...um...tinkle. I stepped up to the plate and noticed that my fly was already down. So...I have been doing the weather all morning long with the barn door open, as they say.
I thought you should know. Welcome to my world.
11/25/9
Thanks for the concern about being gone yesterday and Monday. It was an unplanned absence…but everything is alright. Had some stuff to do up North, and now it is done! I will be here through the rest of the week. So if you get bored with your relatives tomorrow and Friday rest assured the blog will be updated! Now if only I can figure out the formatting problems around here!
Were you watching the news yesterday morning? Did you see what we will be using at StormCenter 17 very soon?? Something about 3D radar and it is very cool. If you watch us for any length of time over the next few weeks you won't be able to miss it. If things go well I may even do a little demo during the news this morning. Hope I don't mess it up!
Honestly…that's about all I have for now. It has been a busy morning, and the news hasn't even started yet! Like I said…I will be here through the holiday. So sign up for the email alerts and you won't miss an update on the blog!
11/24/9
For some reason something has changed on the ole blog. Now the apcing is all messed up. I think the company that handles our website did another update. Figures. Anyway...I am trying to figure it out.
So I haven't been at work yet this week. I had to shoot up to Chicago on Sunday to take care of something. Things are good...and everyone is fine. But my attendance was required up North for a bit. I will be back to work tomorrow.
Just wanted to give you an update!
11/20/9
Good to be back on the blog for Friday. I missed it last week.
Did you happen to catch StormCenter17 Today yesterday morning at the very end? There was
a moment between Tara Barrett and I that I thought was pretty funny. Sometime during the middle of the newscast Tara turns to me during a commercial and says, "You know, Greg…I actually watched you a little bit this morning…and I noticed something." Astonished that Tara was actually awake during the weather I couldn't wait to hear her observation.
She continued, "You never smile". And she was right. When I am doing the weather I don't smile. Sure…I horse around a lot, and like to think I am funny. But I just don't smile. It started when I first started doing the weather, because I didn't really like my teeth. A few years ago, tho, I did the Invisalign braces. Now I am quite happy with my teeth…but I am still not a huge smiler.
So at the end of the newscast when the 3 of us are sitting at the anchor desk I stopped, looked at the camera, and gave a big smile. I don't know that I have ever done that before. I think I will try to do it more often, though. Thanks for the heads up, Tara!
Now…on to more pressing matter…
"Feedback Friday"!
From Lisa in Myrtle Beach (11/17/9):
Hi G. Here is a link to a site that has some info about what Pat has done with the coding issue. Remember that this is just a code to submit to insurance companies and does not mean that insurance will pay for any doula services. It is a huge step in that direction though. The doula service not only includes the labor portion but also breastfeeding information, post-partum visits, and 24-hour availability for questions. We had a great birth experience and I don't think I would be able to say that if it were not for Pat. She really taught us that birth can be a natural, peaceful, and spiritual process instead of a scary 'health problem'. (I realize that I was able to do natural because I am pretty healthy and don't have any underlying health issues. Not everyone is so fortunate and can't have a natural birth.) Anywho, there it is. Hope it helps.
Thanks for the info, Little Sister. Pat the Doula is a hugely busy doula, and a tremendous person. Since Pat literally works 24/7 Lisa sent me the information from Pat…and I pass it along to you.
And…well said, Lisa. You are also a tremendous person. (Just my opinion…)
From Andrew in Clinton (11/17/9):
Greg, It is good to see that power has been restored to the flux capacitor and the blog is up and going again...but I have a question. Since it is a well known fact that it takes 1.21 jigawatts to power a flux capacitor, how did you manage to harness that much power? I do not recall any recent lightning strikes in the area...hmm...plutonium perhaps?? Great Scott!
That settles it! This is the greatest piece of feedback in the history of our sport!!
Thanks, Andrew. There is a very logical answer to your question, but I am afraid that I am not allowed to answer it. I can tell you this much…the power is generated at the station. It involves the O'Brien Auto Park-Urbana StormRunner, JC Fultz, and a tube of toothpaste. That's about all I can say without getting into serious trouble.
From Jennifer in Decatur (11/18/9):
Whoa! Did that person that wrote the letter wake up on the wrong side of the bed that morning? All of the rain must be making them cranky. As for MY opinion I enjoy the job you do Greg, both on air and in your blog. Keep up the good work. I know it is frustrating at times. :) Hope the pooches are doing well and thanks for sharing the baby elephant video. Even though it was gross seeing all of that red stuff come out and how they kept replaying it. It was interesting to see the mother's instincts to awaken her little one to the world. Have a great day!
Hi, Jennifer! When I get stuff like that without a return address I usually just chalk it up to someone having a bad day. There were a couple of people here at work that were concerned that the note upset me. But really…that kind of stuff doesn't bother me that much at all. I usually get a good laugh…give it a little thought, and then forget about it. Made for a good blog the other morning, tho!
The elephant video was something I enjoyed, too. It is pretty incredible, this nature of ours…
From Sue in Decatur (11/18/9):
Hi Greg:
So you received a handwritten letter telling you that you are an idiot. Hmmmm...seems to me the person that bothered to write it, stamp it and mail it is more of an idiot. Just saying.
Oh, and this morning Scott was saying that he hadn't personally seen the Playgirl photos of Levi Johnston, but that a friend had. Please tell me you aren't that 'friend'. I'd hate to have to write you a letter...
Have a nice day.
Ha! Thanks for having my back, Sue!
No, Sue…I have not seen the Playgirl photo shoot. While I consider Scot to be a friend…I am not the friend of which he speaks. Or maybe I should type that "I am not the ‘friend' of which he speaks." Heh. Read that one between the lines to see who has really seen the "spread"!
One of our loyal readers sent me a link about yesterday's margarine versus butter issue. I mentioned on the blog that it seemed like the email was sent from someone on the Butter Council. You have to remember with these forwarded emails that they often start with a purpose. And there are companies that get paid to put this stuff out there. Here is the link:
Have a great weekend! Enjoy the little bit of sun we should catch before things get cloudy again next week!
--Someone sent me a link to a story that might have some major implications in this country in the coming years. It has to do with algae…and oil.
Now just because a local TV station did a story on this does not mean it is true, or about ready to take over the world. But I figure at the very least it means that people are trying to find better ways to provide us with fuel.
--Here is another email someone sent me on butter versus margarine. It kind of reads like something from the butter council, and I did not Snopes it or do any research. But I am posting it because I thought it was interesting. Again…I report…you decide! Oops…sorry. I think that tagline is someone else's…
Pass The Butter Please.
This is interesting.
Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back.
It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you like it? They have come out with some clever new flavorings.
DO YOU KNOW: The difference between margarine and butter?
Read on to the end...gets very interesting!
Both have the same amount of calories.
Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams; compared to 5 grams for margarine.
Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.
Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.
Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few and only because they are added!
Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods.
Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years.
And now, for Margarine.
Very High in Trans fatty acids.
Triples risk of coronary heart disease.
Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)
Increases the risk of cancers up to five times...
Lowers quality of breast milk.
Decreases the immune response.
Decreases the insulin response.
And here's the most disturbing fact.... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING!
Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC... and shares 27 ingredients with PAINT
These facts alone were enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance).
You can try this yourself:
Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it open in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will notice a couple of things:
* no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something)
* it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value; nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny-weeny microorganisms will not a find a home to grow. Why? Because it is nearly plastic. Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast?
Share This With Your Friends. (If you want to butter them up')!
I think someone should try putting some margarine in their garage for a few, days and report back what happens to it.
--So you know how much I love feedback. This week once Shea the Internet Content Manager got my blog going again I was talking about how you can send me feedback with your thoughts on the blog, or anything else. Unbeknownst to me we forgot to put the feedback tab back on the blog! There also wasn't a tab to sign up for the email alerts. I apologize for that oversight. I guess I was still thrilled to have the blog back and just didn't notice! Things should be completely back to normal today…so find the feedback button and talk to me!
You can also rate the blog now at the very bottom of the screen. If you think this blog just flat out sucks…click on the first star to give me one out of five. If you think this is the best blog in the world and you just can't get through the day without it click on the fifth star…for five out of five stars. If you could take it or leave the blog…just click on the star in the middle. And a special thank you to those that will find it funny to give me a bunch of ones. You know who you are…and so do I!!
--Speaking of feedback…once in a great while I will get feedback in the form of an old school written letter or note. It is usually from an older person, over 70 years old. There is something special about actually getting a hand written letter these days, if you ask me. It means that someone actually took the time and effort to get some paper and a pen or pe, ncil, and sit down to write something out. Then they have to put that paper into an envelope, make the investment to buy a stamp, and take the letter to a box or post office to mail the thing. It is a substantial commitment in today's world of convenience.
One question I get a lot from people that I meet is what I love most about my job. There is a perception that my job would be very cool and lucrative. Well…spot on for the cool part. The lucrative part I am still trying to work out! Heh. My answer to the question usually deals with the people that I get to interact with because of my job. I really do love getting feedback, whether written, spoken, or electronic. It is very satisfying to say something on the air, like "WeatherBug" in a falsetto, and then have someone repeat it to me later. It means people are paying attention and might actually like me and what I do.
So yesterday I was walking through the newsroom. Everyone that works in the news department has a little mailbox. Once in a great while mine will have something in it, so I occasionally walk by it to see if it is empty. Yesterday morning I noticed that something was in my mailbox, so I walked over to get my mail. As it turns out it was a smaller letter-sized envelope that was hand-written.
As you get more and more mail from people in my job you start to be able to guess what kind of mail it will be based on how the envelope is done. If the writing is shaky chances are good it is from an older person, cause that's just the way it is as you get older. I love hearing from older people because MOST of the time they are so sweet and wise with what they write.
If the letter has your full name on the front, and also has a full name and address in the "from" section chances are good it will be a good letter. But if the letter only has part of your name and no return name or address…you better steel your nerves before you open it. That usually means someone is going to tear your ear off!
The letter in my box yesterday morning had the shaky hand writing. That is generally a good sign. However…here is what the "to" part of the letter looked like:
Trumbold-WANDTV
904 Southside Dr.
Decatur, IL 62521
Whoa. That is not a good sign. But at least he/she spelled my name correctly. Here is what the "from" section of the envelope looked like:
Yep. This one is going to be mean! So I open the letter and can tell before I unfold it that there are not many words on it. That generally means someone just vented. I unfold the letter…and here is what it says, in hard-pressed a, , , nd angry handwriting:
"You're an idiot
That's my opinion!"
And that was all he/she wrote. It was even underlined in the places I underlined. This brought about a couple of thoughts. First…it is great that this person understands the difference between "your" and "you're". Isn't it surprising how many people, especially my age and younger, can't seem to get that straight?!? That was my first thought when I read the letter.
The second thought is that I must have really aggravated this person a ton to take the time and financial investment to actually send me a letter to tell me he/she thinks I am an idiot.
There is a third thought that I always apply to feedback like this. If someone sends me a bit of feedback, either good or bad, I am much more likely to take it seriously if the person has the cajones to sign a name to it. This angry letter sender did not, so I will not spend much time thinking about it. But I wanted to share it with you because that is what I do here on "Weather…or Not"! This is where you can come to get just a little peak behind the scenes of this highly lucrative and glamorous job we call meteorology. (I was being "cheeky" just then…)
Over the last 3 days we have had over 4 inches of rain at StormCenter 17. Hang in there. The weekend looks good again…
With the blog being down last week for a while we missed "Feedback Friday". There is still feedback from last week that needs to be posted…so that is what we will do this morning.
From Tiffany in Woodland (11/6/9):
I know what you mean Greg about our country seeming to just be out for the dollar. That's why I love reading Reader's Digest Magazine. They always have stories in there about somebody who went out of their way to help someone else, or how so-and-so built a successful business out of nothing, etc. It reminds me that even though we just hear about the bad, there is still good in our country.
Agreed, Tiffany. "Reader's Digest" does go out of its way to bring good news. I keep hoping at some point humans will get over this desire to collect as much as possible. Maybe that is just who we are as a people, I don't know. But it seems that there could be a better way.
From WeatherBug (11/6/9):
I want you to quit making fun of me.
That falsetto voice makes me want to puke.
Okay…now this is hysterical. Someone actually took the time and trouble to create an email address for this feedback. Weatherbug6920@yahoo.com That is tremendous! There is only one person I know that has that much time on his hands. Thanks, Dude! Good stuff…
On Saturday I went to the Illinois-Northwestern football game. While sitting at a tailgate some drunken guy came over and starting talking to our group. As often happens at a good tailgate the dude just sat down and started chatting with us. As it turns out he and his wife live and work in Decatur. He watches us every morning, and was excited that we were meeting. It was pretty funny!
So he calls his wife over to join us…and the first words out of her mouth when she saw me were "weather bug", in a falsetto. It was fantastic! I only wish I could remember their names!
From Trish in Decatur (11/10/9):
Hi Greg, I wanted to know when you were going to talk about Doulas? Have a great weekend!!
Hi, Trish. I spoke to my sister over the weekend and she is going to get in touch with Pat the Doula again and have her send me some stuff. Pat is an extremely busy person, and has yet to really embrace email. But I will fulfill the promise of talking about doulas very, very soon! Thanks for paying attention, Trish!
From Mark in Decatur (11/11/9):
Dear Greg,
Tell Bruce thanks for the information about Mike Cheever. He seemed like a fun individual to work for. I would have loved to see the mistakes or "Bloopers", from the show.
Again Bruce thanks!
There you go, Bruce!
So it was only 4 pieces of feedback…but I did not want them to get too old! Remember…if there is something you want to say just use the feedback form at the top of the blog. Generally feedback gets posted on Friday, unless something weird is going on like this past week!
--Glad to see we finally got the Flux Capacitor fluxing again. It's funny how much I miss doing this blog when I actually can't do the blog. And I do appreciate the fact that you miss this blog when I can't do the blog. It is always great to hear that people dig what you are doing. Frankly…I need that kind of support around here!
We were able to keep in touch a bit through the email alerts. Even when the blog is down I can still send you updates to let you know what is happening. It feels kind of covert and subversive when I do that…and I gotta admit…I like it! It just illustrates the importance of signing up for the alerts if you are a fan of this blog.
Now it's time to try and get myself kicked off the website again! Read on…
--The other day someone sent me a link that is simply amazing to me. While I was in Myrtle Beach for my little niece's birth I blogged with updates on my sister's labor. It's kind of fitting that this link be posted with an actual birth. Now…don't worry…it is not a human birth. It is the birth of an elephant.
Naturally I need to warn you that the video is graphic. But it is completely natural. I'm not sure if I will get in trouble for posting this or not…but at least I am warning you that the video is of a natural, live birth…and it does not hold back. But it is something that I think the average person can easily handle.
In my opinion it is beautiful, and a little gross. But this particular video has an added element of suspense and surprise that starts around 3:30 into it. If you frequent this blog you know that most of the time I probably care about animals more than many people I know. Heh. Well…this video had me worried for a bit. The suspense is drawn out a bit, and exquisite…I think.
So watch the video if you like. If not…that's fine, too. And as with anything else around here you are more than welcome to send me feedback about anything you think/feel/question. The form is above.
Also…as I mentioned before…more people have been signing up for email alerts for the blog. You can do that above, also. That way you never miss an update…and it makes me look better with The Suits. When I get in trouble for something I can always point to how popular this blog has become! "See…you NEED me to work here…"
Enter at your own risk…
Hello! I think we are back in action around here. I need to thank Shea the Internet Content Manager for getting the blog back in business. I can't believe they put "manager" in his job title. But he is a good guy, and he single-handedly found a solution to a problem that "the other company" just did not think of trying. Nice, Shea!
For those of you that have bookmarked this blog...you will need to redo the bookmark. Apparently we had to start on another page...which has a slightly different address than the previous spot.
We will get back to normal on Monday, with maybe some feedback that should have been posted for today. Thanks for your patience this week!
--There is a company we use to administer this website. The company recently did an "upgrade" to the program we use to update this bad boy...and I think it sucks. As of yesterday updating this blog has been a real pain in the butt. The format is off quite a bit. I am just letting you know that sometimes the blog might look odd...and this is why. Sometimes what some call progress...others call junk.
--So apparently health care reform is starting its journey through, our legislative branch. I have heard a lot of back and forth about those who like and dislike the new bill. But I have not heard much about what the bill will actually do. As a matter of fact…since this debate even started I have not heard anyone break down what this reform is going to do to the average American. Has anyone heard the truth about this new reform?
The stories I have seen and heard in the past couple of days only talk about the drama of getting the bill passed. Apparently Nancy Pelosi did well to get the thing moving through her branch. There was apparently one Republican dude that helped get the thing passed. There were other Dems that were not excited that it passed. There were other Dems that say it is a true great moment in our nation's history. But no one is saying what the Hell this thing is going to do for/to We the People.
Here is an article that came out over the weekend on the Huffington Post that kind of clears up some of the things that this House bill will do. Although the article also talks about how this House bill won't stand a chance in the Senate.
I don't know much about the Huffington Post. Is it known to have a liberal or conservative slant? I don't know. But I decided to post the link anyway. As always take a look if you care to…and be the judge for yourself.
I certainly hope we find the right path on this one. Cause so far the road has seemed pretty murky to me!
11/9/9
There is a bit of housekeeping from last week to take care of this morning. Mark from Decatur asked last week about a show that we used to run back in the day. So I posed the question to our resident WAND historian…our morning director Bruce.
From Bruce in Decatur (11/6/9):
Hello Greg and Mark...the character that Mike Cheever created was "Dr. Terror". Every week Mike would write an open and close to our Friday Night horror movie. He would do some creative things with make-up and music. My job was to come up with some spooky visual effects. It was fun and a challenge to do something new and different every week. Thanks for asking Mark.
Really…if you need to know anything about WAND over the past 40 years…Bruce is the guy to ask.
Thanks, Bruce!
Maybe I am feeling sentimental this morning. But someone sent me an email over the weekend that I thought I would share. Like a lot of things I post on this blog…I do not know if this is a true story or not. I did not research this one. But for this story I suppose it doesn't really matter. It's kind of long, but depending on your mood it might make you cry!
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection."
Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.
Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.
As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!
Run to first!'
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!
Shay, run to third!
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'..
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!"
11/6/9
I've received a few interesting links this week. Instead of commenting on all of them, I will just post them and let you view or not view!
And now..."Feedback Friday"!
From Mark in Decatur (10/31/9):
Hi Greg!
Just wanted to wish you a Happy Halloween. I remember years ago when WAND played horror movies late Friday nights and Mike Cheevers dressed up and scared the heck out of you during the commercial breaks. I forgot what his character was called, if you can find out that would be great! Fangs for the memories (ha ha).
Thanks, Mark! My Halloween was a good one, and I hope yours was too.
As to your query...I will defer to our morning director, Bruce, who has worked here for a long, long time. Bruce is a smart kid, and remembers the old days...he is also a loyal reader of this here blog. So...Bruce...what was Mike Cheevers' character named for the Halloween night shows??
From Amanda in Blue Mound (10/31/9):
Good Morning, Greg! It's been a long time since I've commented on your blog, but I still read it everyday. How's the wife? Dogs? I see how work is going...and if we're gonna be honest, I'd have to say I feel the same as you! I don't like to think of myself as unsociable, but there are those days where I just want to be left alone. Well..Hope you enjoy your day...looks like it might turn out to be enjoyable, weatherwise.
Also from Amanda (11/5/9):
P.S. I LOVE the way you say Weatherbug :) You should keep saying it that way!
Good to hear from you again, Amanda! I will tackle your issues one at a time!
The dogs are doing very well. They are still coming down from the trip to see Barkley and Bentley Thorpe last weekend. Every day around those little pooches is a good day in my mind.
Eh. Work is alright. I think I was just having one of those mornings. I am still not a fan of group training, though!
We are in for many good weather days into the weekend, in my opinion!
And thank you for your support of the way I occasionally say "WeatherBug"! I just try to shake things up and make things memorable. I don't like watching "cookie cutter" anything...and I don't want to be "cookie cutter" anything!
From Teri in Decatur (11/4/9):
Greg:
I like the way you say weatherbug. Now I know you are saying hi to your , mom when you say Mattoon wrong so I forgive you for that. But there are so many people that just don't know how to pronounce it.
Have a great day!
Teri
Thanks, Teri! See...this "WeatherBug" issue is building support! I will keep saying it the way I want to say it until someone in charge tells me not to! And oddly enough...I was spoken to yesterday by someone in charge. I can still do it the way I do...but I was asked not to go overboard. See...once in a great while my sarcasm gets the best of me and I over-react to someone complaining about something. I know...it is tough to imagine, isn't it?? Heh.
From Michelle in Decatur (11/5/9):
Greg, I wanted to pass on a story that my cousin in Michigan sent to me, hopefully Central Illininoisians can help this young man in Michigan...A friend has a 5 yr old little boy named Noah who is in the last stages of Nueroblastoma cancer (2 1/2 yr battle). The family is celebrating Christmas next week, and Noah's request is to get a lot of Christmas cards. Let's send the little guy some:
Noah Biorkman, 1141 Fountain View Circle, South Lyon, MI&, lt;, strong> , 48178.
Let's see how many cards we can get him!
Thanks! Michelle
And P.S. Your "weatherbug" comments make me smile in the mornings! Don't stop!
Thanks for the heads up, Michelle. I did something like this for a kid in South Carolina when I was doing radio in Mattoon years ago. It went over pretty well and the kid was happy. I also checked this one out on Snopes...and they say it is legit.
So...Gregorians...heh...let's send this friggin kid some friggin cards!
From Angie in Charleston (11/5/9):
Greg....I often wonder the same thing. Have we traded all of the passion, the idealism, the dreams... for a society where money and power become the bottom line for everything? Our justice system, our health system, our very government are machines that run on those concepts...forget life and liberty unless you are wealthy. We are so inundated with information, the average person can't keep up, can't distinguish between what is real and what is spin. My question is: have the problems become too big and confusing to overcome?
I certainly hope we are not beyond the point of "correction", Angie. I think what we have to do is just remember that this is in fact our country. We control our country every single time we buy something in a store, or vote, or send a letter to a public official. But the "machine" is very good at making us feel like we have no control. It is when the problem seems too big to the disadvantaged that we stop trying. We can't stop trying, right?
It figures you and I would be on the same page on this one, my friend!
From Wendi in Champaign (11/5/9):
Hi Greg,
It's a big issue, and being the owner of a green store, I am asked about this on occasion... Do trash companies actually recycle what they say they are recycling? It's deflating to think that despite our efforts to recycle every little thing in our lives, they aren't holding up their end of the bargain. The plain fact is that the recycling market fluctuates and most haulers lose money on recycling... if done the wrong way.
But here's an article that dug a little deeper...deeper than I have. In the past, I have called the hauling companies and the lan, dfills and transfer stations in the area but I'm always at a dead end. Most often I end up hearing "I don't really know where they take it" from the employees.
Watch for her part two on the story.
The answer in the end actually comes down to the first part of the 3 R's: Reduce!
Thanks --- have a great day, Greg! See you soon!
Wendi
I am very happy that you sent me this information, Wendi. Often I have wondered what happens to my recycling once the garbage people take it from the curb. How DO we know that it is actually recycled? After all...money is involved, and that will make people do messed up stuff. (See previous feedback!)
Of course Wendi owns B. Lime, The Green Store, in Champaign. I'm actually about to start working there again to help them through the Holiday season. It is a tremendous place to get on the road to sustainability, whether you already know your stuff or want to learn how to have a smaller impact on our environment.
And of course...the three R's to which Wendi refers: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It is a lot easier than some people think.
The weekend will be fantastic, weather wise. We won't have too many more of these for a while...so do what you can to enjoy it!
11/5/9
--It is true that lately I have devoted a lot of space on this blog talking about my sister and her growing family. This morning I am giving some space to my bro-in-law. While I was at their house last month I was blogging a lot, and mentioned that Steve is a chef. Well...I may not have done him justice. He is a TREMENDOUS chef.
Right now he is the head chef at The Sea Captain's House in Myrtle Beach. Recently M.B. had the 26th annual Taste of the Town event, which puts over 50 restaurants in a civic center. It is a competition that is pretty big for that area. My bro-in-law won best entrée out of about 80 chefs...and Myrtle Beach has a plethora of good chefs, being a tourist Mecca.
--I was thinking about health care in our country on my way to work again this morning. I generally try to stay positive about most things in my life, believe it or not. But for some reason I can't help but think that Big Insurance is going to win this one.
Yesterday I was messing around with my "flex spending" medical account, or whatever it is called. It's that thing where some company takes a set amount out of every pay check and puts it into an account, pre tax. And then when I do something medical I send them a form and they send me some money. I believe it is administered by basically another insurance company. A few weeks ago I submitted a form that showed I paid for something medical. Yesterday I got a form back saying that I submitted the wrong form, and I have to send them the right form to get my money. This is the third time I have apparently sent them the wrong form...and I think it changes every time. I am still not sure what freaking form they need. But I think this next year I will just forgo this type of account...because the tax savings just doesn't appear to be worth the headache to me.
So this little episode got me to thinking about what would be ideal health care for our country. When I say ideal I mean ideal...for We the People. This is what I want: get sick or hurt...go to the hospital and get medical care...and walk out of the hospital. End of story. The government that takes money from me whenever I get money takes care of the rest because that is why they take my money. Is that too simple?
Yes. Yes it is too simple. You know why? Because you have a HUGE friggin industry built up around us being sick or hurt. If my ideal scenario were to happen then you would have too many people not getting paid. And that HUGE friggin industry right now, I assume, is leaning hard on their lawmaking peeps to mess up this health care reform process to make sure they still get their cut.
So in the end the health care industry might change on the surface. But you know what? It will still be you and me spending the same amount of money. The part that will change is how the money is spread around. And even that will be a game of "which nut is the ball under". The same people will get our money, they will just creatively change the way it gets there.
That's just my opinion, and I have no evidence that right now in Washington some insurance or pharmaceutical or hospital exec is putting the clamps down on some congressmen. But come on...are we stupid?
--That conversation leads me into this next piece of positive convo. I would love to hear from some people that were around and coherent in the 60's. Here is my question: Did the concept of the United States die in the 60's with JFK, RFK, MLK, and Brother Malcolm? I'm sure there have been books written on this subject, and if they ever make those books into a movie I might actually see them. But it just seems that there was beautiful idealism actually coming forward back then...until someone got rid of the leaders that were actually putting those ideals into motion.
When I look at our country today I just see one big dollar sign. When I look at what I presume our country was back then I see at least the possibility that our country might not end up just being all about the money. But then I see the people that were trying to fulfill that dream getting snuffed out one by one, year by year. And I just wonder if that is what our country was really like back then. It seems that way from what I have read, seen, and heard...but I wasn't there.
Maybe I am just starting to feel disillusioned again from buying into the dream of Hope, and only seeing the same old same old since we voted for Hope.
11/4/9
Did you happen to catch yesterday's blog? Ha! I woke up kind of crabby...and I took it out on the blog. It's alright, tho. We allow everyone to come here and vent...and yesterday morning was my turn again!
I did get a nice bit of feedback from it.
From Tricia in Sullivan (11/3/9):
I love "Office Space!!" Thanks for the laugh!
Dom Portwood: Hi, Peter. What's happening? We need to talk about your TPS reports.
Peter Gibbons: Yeah. The coversheet. I know, I know. Uh, Bill talked to me about it.
Dom Portwood: Yeah. Did you get that memo?
Peter Gibbons: Yeah. I got the memo. And I understand the policy. And the problem is just that I forgot the one time. And I've already taken care of it so it's not even really a problem anymore.
Dom Portwood: Ah! Yeah. It's just we're putting new coversheets on all the TPS reports before they go out now. So if you could go ahead and try to remember to do that from now on, that'd be great. All right!
Now here is the problem with the written/typed/texted/IM'd word. It is so easy to misread what is intended. Some of you yesterday read what I typed and thought I was really freaking out. Some of you, like Tricia, took it the way I meant it. Now...neither is wrong, because you read into things what you read into things. I am just saying it is funny that you can type something that is read in completely different ways depending on who is doing the reading.
When I type/text/IM/write most anything it is usually done with a smile on my face. I have a pretty dry sense of humor, and am taken wrong even when I am speaking a lot of the time. So when I am using the written word it gets even worse!
So for the record...I was having a bad morning yesterday morning. But when I typed the blog I did so with humor in my heart. It is actually very cathartic to have this blog on mornings like yesterday!
And Tricia...thank you for picking up on the "Office Space" reference. I love that movie, too!
Unfortunately not all of the feedback was positive. Some of you, or at least one of you, used this opportunity to bash me and make me feel inferior. Sure...I might someday recover from this written bashing of my very fabric. But for now...I weep...
From Lisa in Myrtle Beach (11/3/9):
Greg, you are whining more than my 4 week old baby. Geesh. Suck it up and hand in your TPS reports. The Bobs will thank you.
Yikes, Little Sister. It is quite clear to me that the sweetest part of you climbed out of you 4 weeks ago!
HEY-OOOOOO. Yeah...that one will probably get me in trouble with more than just my little sister. That's okay, though. You can send me feedback using the form above! Yesterday I had a complaint email because of the way I say "WeatherBug" sometimes during the news in the morning. I'm used to being yelled at in emails at this point.
And Little Sister...the sweetness hasn't completely left you. Sure...little Alexa took most of it with her into, the world. But you still cool...
11/3/9
--You know how much I love honesty on this blog. And honestly...I think I am getting a little grumpy this week. We are doing some training at work for some stuff and it has me here until around 3:30 each afternoon most of this week. A 12 or 13 hour day is not a big deal...and I know there are many people that do them every week. But when the day starts at 2 it just seems like a lot longer than 12 or 13 hours! Add the fact that I drive 2 hours a day just to get to and from work...gross. Yeah...poor me.
Anyhoo...I am also not much for "training seminars". I wou, ld rather someone just hand, me a manual and let me figure it out on my own. The way things are put together these days no one has to ask anyone a question about anything. Between, help screens for individual programs and Google for everything else anyone wants to know...you can get whatever answer you seek without speaking to a soul!
I don't know. Maybe I am just not a friendly person sometimes. I'd rather do things alone than in groups for stuff like this. And maybe this is just a work thing. I'm pretty social when I am hanging out. But I would rather just be left alone at work. I know what I am supposed to do, and I have been doing it for a while now. I know how to fill out my TPS reports, and would rather not have five people coming by to tell me how to do them, if you know what I mean!
It's not as bad as I might be making it sound right now, though. Any job is a good job right now, isn't it? I do work with some great people. I just don't want to be around them sometimes! Heh. (Sorry...if no one else laughs at that...at least I am cracking myself up!)
--Wireless "hot spots" are everywhere these days. I think most of us that use these, either all the time or occasionally, know that these are not really secure locations. One of our currencies these days is information...and if you are not taking precautions you could be putting your information out there for anyone to peruse.
Here is a link to show you how to better secure your stuff when you are using unsecure wireless connections. Again...most of us should know this...but just in case...
Maybe I take this information for granted, because I think most people are aware by now. But again...just in case...it's a good little video to watch!
11/2/9
--I had a fantastic weekend. Friday afternoon I packed up The Wu's and headed to see my friends Marcus and Mikaela in Columbus, Ohio. It's about a five hour trip, and I was curious to see how my boys handled the travel. They had never been out of Illinois before, and this day they were going to be in three states. This won't be a long story...we stopped West of Indianapolis for gas and a potty break...and that was it. The rest of the time Dusty slept in the passenger seat, and Paden slept in his spot in the back seat. They were terrific traveling companions.
Friday night we went to a great Mexican restaurant and just caught up. Saturday morning Marcus and I went to a breakfast place that served breakfast all day long, but we both had lunch. Saturday afternoon the three of us went to the theater to see "Young Frankenstein" starring Roger Bart. It was a tremendous show. Then we went to the Mongolian Barbeque. Marcus and I finished off the night by going to Dave and Busters for hours of video gaming. For some reason...Mikaela passed on that action.
Yesterday the boys and I got up early and made it home in four hours, and I will not tell you how we did that! I had a great fantasy football weekend, regardless of what happens in tonight's game. That always makes me happy. And the Dallas Cowboys had another strong showing this weekend. All in all...it really was a fantastic weekend. M and M did say to tell Central Illinois hello!
--Someone sent me an email over the weekend about cancer, and a reported new study on cancer. I have vaguely checked this out to see if it is legit, and found nothing that said it was not. But like anything I post here...check it out for yourself if you like. But just know that I have not 100 percent verified the following. As a matter of fact...I really didn't even proofread it. Although...it seems to give pretty good advice, anyway...
AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY AND ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHN HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY .
Cancer Update from John Hopkins
1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just mea ns the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.
2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime
3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying, and forming tumors.
4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.
5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.
6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.
7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.
8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will ! often re duce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.
9 When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.
10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.
11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.
CANCER CELLS FEED ON:
a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or , molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.
B. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being starved.
C. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.
D. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provi! de live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw veg, etables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).
E. Avoid coffee, tea , and chocolate , which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals i, n tap water. &, nbsp;Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.
12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become purified and leads to more toxic buildup.
13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.
14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxid ants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.
15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, un forgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.
16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.
CANCER UPDATE FROM JOHN HOPKINS HOSPITAL , U S - PLEASE READ
1. No plastic containers in micro.
2. No water bottles in freezer.
3. No plastic wrap in microwave.
Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well.
Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer.
Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies.
Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.
Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us.. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers.
This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else.
Paper isn't bad! but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.
Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.
