Gray Whale exhaling air from her two blowholes. Photo courtesy of http://www.wildlifenorthamerica.comHi again from the Bastion on the Puget. There’s no denying it’s been a real exciting week in terms of natural events making life entirely too interesting for the human species, including an Icelandic volcano whose name nobody wants to learn because we’re all secretly superstitious and it’s like taking in a wounded animal. If you name it, it becomes somehow a part of you. And it’s been awhile since I’ve spoken with anyone who wanted a volcano as a friend on Facebook.
But then there’s not a life form on this planet who is not affected, to one degree or another, by the same things so when one of those other species pulls off a survival “miracle” in the midst of these monsoons of rain, oil and ash, I’m inclined to pay some attention.
Gray whales have been thought to be extinct in the Atlantic for 200 years. So when one of them turned up off the coast of Israel, I’m right there with the rest of the amateur and professional whale watchers wondering how this big guy got there and why he made the trip in the first place.
I’m inclined to believe it’s to show it could be done and marine biologists have theorized that this leviathan is actually a Pacific gray whale who swam east through a now (thanks to global warming) ice-free-the-year-round Northwest Passage.
Among several things I can’t figure out is how, since Canada’s stepped up its military presence of the Passage, this 42-foot/13-metre creature escaped detection not only through that very narrow sea lane but the rest of the way. I mean, these are not aquatic wastelands. There’s a lot of ship and air traffic, not to mention all the satellite surveillance.
How come nobody saw “him” enroute? Does this creature have some kind of cloaking device we need to know about? How about mind control, like being able to just remove the memories of sightings or any other encounter stuff, from human memories? Was it, perhaps, on a secret mission? Does it represent a species about to show us now who really runs things on the planet?
Or is this simply a reminder from a friendly species we hunted and butchered nearly to extinction that in the midst of a human world where so much can go wrong so quickly with so many houses built of cards, there are other life forms on the planet who thrive and prosper quite happily with only what Gaia herself naturally provides?
Sometimes perspective is all, then, now, eh? And yep, for more on this one:
Gray Whale Sighted in Mediterranean Sea
Stray grey whale navigates the North-West Passage
We’re still holding our collective breaths, as well, for America’s Gulf Coast states as British Petroleum struggles to cap and clean up the mess they made. No one really needs an education on what a disaster like this can do and has done before. Our prayers continue to go out to all those impacted and involved.
Related links:
Underwater oil gusher a crisis no one imagined
BP Describes Race to Fix Well as Obama Warns of Oil Damage
Obama: BP responsible for costs of oil spill
Giant Container to Collect Leaking Gulf Oil - NYTimes.com
New Technology Generates Database on Spill Damage
Undersea box fails to stem oil gusher
New Ways to Drill, Old Methods for Cleanup
As if we needed another reason to clean up the environment, the President’s Cancer Panel last Thursday announced that Americans face "grievous harm" from toxic and/or carcinogenic chemicals in the air, food and water because the use of them has, for the most part, not been investigated or regulated. The panel found that federal handling of these is to blame; that tougher laws, a bigger budget and the centralization of enforcement are desperately needed now.
Last year, an estimated 1.5-million new cancer cases were reported in America and about 565,000 deaths. In Canada, the numbers were 171,000 and 75,300 respectively.
The President’s Cancer Panel joined public-health groups, environmental advocates, the chemical industry and the Obama administration in calling for tougher legislation and much stricter enforcement of existing laws. For more:
Related Links
American Cancer Statistics 2009
Canadian Cancer Statistics 2009
NORTHSTAR, THE DRAGON
Seattle recently witnessed an incident of police brutality and racism that has sent shock waves throughout the Puget Sound. Both officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. The city councilman in charge, who happens to be of the same ethnic group as the victim, said he’d be looking into it as well, and local citizens themselves are actualizing behind this one.
One of the Seattle Police patrolmen involved has since publicly apologized and said he understood the ramifications of his behavior. He urged the public not to assume that the way he acted was professionally typical. He also apologized to his fellow officers for doing something that he knows will only make his job harder. He was in tears when he did it and I have absolutely no issues with his sincerity.
It has not been a real fun time for police officers in the Puget Sound. Hardly a week goes by, it seems, that we’re not burying another one and since we’re also a heavily vested military community, sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether taps is for a fallen soldier or a fallen warrior fighting here at home.
But then, for all its reputation for being a laid back place where hippies who love rain and working at home go to live, law enforcement has never been easy in Seattle or the several counties of the Greater Puget Sound.
During the Rodney King protests here, the police were on horseback, and behind shields and in full riot gear when the WTO Riots brought downtown Seattle to a standstill for several days.
Does any of this justify what this particular officer and one of his associates did to someone who, it also turns out, may have had nothing to do with the armed robbery they were investigating when they took him down, stepped on his hand, kicked him in the head and used racial epithets on him? No, not it my mind it doesn’t.
I have no doubt about whether these two law enforcement professionals are good at the ‘mechanics’ of their job. It’s their people skills which are in doubt with me. They are, in fact, civil servants. It’s bad enough when a clerk at the DMV or an assistant librarian flips an attitude.
It’s entirely something else when people trained in how to subdue people and have the firepower to back it up abuse that implied contract of civility and cooperation. We pay them to protect us from the abuse of power and authority, not to inflict it on us.
Whether these two Seattle police officers should be returned to “active duty,” as it were, I think should be decided by a citizen’s review board. I’ve lived in this town for twenty years so I wish them both luck in their new professions. For more on this one:
Related Links:
Video of SPD officer kicking prone man sparks internal investigation
Video shows some cops stuck in past
CROSSING OVER -- LENA HORNE
I’ve never been quite sure what makes a hero or a heroine. I have, however, met several and admired a few more from afar.
Before I became a journalist and writer, I was a musician and got to shake hands and chat briefly with Count Basie and Duke Ellington. There were two others I did not get to meet and both of them have died this spring. Lynn Redgrave is one of them and Lena Horne is the other. It’s Lena I’m thinking of now.
She was one of those incredibly rare creatures who was born with all her senses engaged and continued to grow after that. She cared about people and loved it that her songs, her acting and her offstage civil rights activism empowered others. She also had something else I personally appreciate in a heroine. She was modest about it and often dismissed what she considered an embarrassment of praise with a wave of an elegantly manicured hand.
“I’m just being Lena, baby. And mama didn’t raise a foolish child.”
Because she stood for those universals which transcend all demographics ~ things like compassion, dignity, equality, excellence in the arts and the importance of living a meaningful life ~ to me Lena Horne is not just an American legacy. She belongs to all of us.
Ms. Horne, a Native New Yorker, died in Manhattan last Sunday. She was 93.
For an absolutely moving requiem for this incredible individual:
To pay a tribute of your own:
For her biography:
GOOD NEWS
We are definitely proud to report that Seattle’s Garfield High School’s danceband won the national Essentially Ellington competition held at New York City’s Lincoln Center Monday night. What might be even more amazing is that this is the fourth straight year they’ve done that and it is unprecedented in the three-day festivals history. For more on this one:
Some 290,000 jobs were added to the American economy in April. The strongest single-month hiring surge in four years, it is being interpreted as another reason for guarded optimism that the Recession may be slowly coming to an end. For more:
The entire world witnessed a true miracle this week when a 10-year-old Dutch boy survived an airline crash in Libya which took the lives of the other 103 passengers and crew Wednesday. Experts theorize that his parents may have covered both him and his brother (who, tragically, did not survive), giving them extra protection. There have been several instances in the past where children were the lone survivors of something this horrific and it was learned, subsequently, that parents or other caring adults literally gave up their own lives. I’m also thinking that the Good Lord must have something very special in store for this new orphan from Holland. I’m currently researching what happens to “miracle children” like this and I’ll share with you folks what I find. For more on this one:
The Early Show: Boy Who Survived Libya Crash Smiles at Relatives
The Today Show Video: Plane Crash Miracle Child Identified
Well, according to the Social Security Administration, Isabella and Jacob were the top baby names of 2009. We’re not sure why the government keeps track of stuff like this but we found it interesting nonetheless. To see the other nine top names for each gender and more information in general:
The Northstar Journal unconditionally supports the work of both the American and Canadian Cancer Societies. We are also proud of the larger network of which they are a part. Our thanks to the AMC for this list. We hope it makes a difference for you and we believe that if you use it, it will.
www.cancer.org By registering for this site, you get access to your own personal planner, information customized to your needs, and more. Read more reasons to register, or register now.
Cancer Survivors NetworkJoin this free support network, created by and for cancer survivors and loved ones, 24 hours a day. Get support from others like you via personal pages, discussions, talk shows, and more. Register for the Cancer Survivors Network
Relay For LifeRelay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event to celebrate survivorship and raise money to fight cancer. Depending on where you live, you may now be able to register and donate online. Go to our Relay Online page, and see the list of states where Relay online is available. If your state is on the list, look for a Relay online in your area.
Strides Against Breast Cancer is a non-competitive walk to raise awareness and funds to fight the disease. Depending on where you live, you may be able to register and donate online. Go to our Making Strides Online page, then click on your state for events in your area. A computer icon marks online events.
Cancer Profiler Treatment Decision Tool: NexCura’s cancer profilers enable cancer patients to make more informed treatment decisions. To use the cancer profilers, go to our Treatment Decision Tools page, and click on a profiler based on a type of cancer. Click on “Create Your Account” to register.
ACS Action Network: We’re fighting cancer in the political arena where lawmakers are making decisions that affect your health. Join the ACS Action Network, and we’ll keep you informed of upcoming issues and let you know when we need you to take action.
Health Messaging Assistant: What you decide to eat and drink, the lifestyle choices you make, and the health and safety risks you take, all impact your overall health and your risk for cancer. To help you make the best health decisions, the American Cancer Society offers the free Health Messaging Assistant program, a series of weekly email messages with useful information that can help you achieve and maintain good health and reduce your risk for cancer. Go to Your Health Messaging Assistant to sign up and manage your subscription.
Health Reminder Assistant: Prevention and early detection are two of the most powerful tools you have to achieve and maintain good health and reduce your risk for cancer. Sometimes we get busy and forget to get a screening or vaccination or make an appointment for a check-up. To keep you up to date, the Health Reminder Assistant will send you personalized email reminders, give you a call on your phone, or message you on your favorite Instant Messenger (IM) program. It’s free. All you need do is select the messages you want to receive and schedule them as you please. Go to Your Health Reminder Assistant and set up your personalized health reminder program.
SURVIVING HARD TIMES
A critical part of surviving hard times is staying healthy and, among other things, that means eating things that are not only good for you but actually help manage stress, make you feel better and give you more strength, stamina and vitality. Check out these ten best and worst foods for you tummy.
And if you’re one of those out there now looking for work, you’re likelier much busier than when you’re drawing a paycheck for a straight 40/5. When I’m that intensely engaged, I snack a lot. I am, however, rail slim and have been all my life. For those prone to gain weight and keep it on, those six or seven extra little meals a day can really add up. The really good news though is that if it’s the right snack, it can actually be a boon to not only your energy level but your overall health and well-being. And remember, it’s hard to be good to other people, much less as nice as you sometimes need to be to land a job, unless you’re first being good to yourself. So, if you’re a snack freak, find out how to oink out without pigging out. Yep, check it out here.
A critical part of surviving hard times is staying healthy and, among other things, that means eating things that are not only good for you but actually help manage stress, make you feel better and give you more strength, stamina and vitality. Check out these ten best and worst foods for you tummy.
And if you’re one of those out there now looking for work, you’re likelier much busier than when you’re drawing a paycheck for a straight 40/5. When I’m that intensely engaged, I snack a lot. I am, however, rail slim and have been all my life. For those prone to gain weight and keep it on, those six or seven extra little meals a day can really add up. The really good news though is that if it’s the right snack, it can actually be a boon to not only your energy level but your overall health and well-being. And remember, it’s hard to be good to other people, much less as nice as you sometimes need to be to land a job, unless you’re first being good to yourself. So, if you’re a snack freak, find out how to oink out without pigging out. Yep, check it out here.
HEALTH NEWS
The birth control pill is apparently now fifty years old and there’s been a lot written about that anniversary. Insofar as contraception goes, as far as Northstar’s concerned, it’s the responsibility of both (all?) parties engaged. We found this article by New York Times Op-Ed columnist Gail Collins, entitled “What Every Girl Should Know” to be a very interesting look at birth control down through the ages. So yep, for more on this one:
Researchers have established air quality as another determinate of one’s risk of a heart attack, stroke or other cardiac incidents. According to Seattle NBC affiliate KING 5 environmental reporter Gary Chittim:
“A new study involving researchers from the University of Washington is changing the way doctors advise heart patients.
“They have drawn substantial links between heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, not just to what we eat, but to what we breathe.”
And for the rest of this one, yep:
Researchers have established air quality as another determinate of one’s risk of a heart attack, stroke or other cardiac incidents. According to Seattle NBC affiliate KING 5 environmental reporter Gary Chittim:
“A new study involving researchers from the University of Washington is changing the way doctors advise heart patients.
“They have drawn substantial links between heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, not just to what we eat, but to what we breathe.”
And for the rest of this one, yep:
SEATTLE SCENES
IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO VISIT, YOU JUST MIGHT WANT TO CHECK THIS ONE OUT:
IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO VISIT, YOU JUST MIGHT WANT TO CHECK THIS ONE OUT:
The 520 bridge expansion crosses an Indian burial ground, and the Viaduct replacement in SoDo has dug up artifacts from early boom-town Seattle. Here's a two-part preview of what we could learn from our two transportation mega-projects, and some of the cultural challenges they face.
The Pioneer Square Underground Tour tells most of us all we know about what lies underneath Seattle. It's a touristy exploration of the city's oldest basements, a jokey excursion through an urban underbelly filled with commentary about the foibles, and drinking habits, of the city's lusty pioneers. It's the closest many of us come to seeing firsthand the archaeology of the city. Yep, for more on this one:
SEATTLE FACTS AND FIGURES
Seattle Rainfall in Comparison To Other US Cities
For more information about Seattle
For live cameras on Seattle, the Puget Sound and Washington State
THE CAPITOL HILL BEAT
We applaud President Obama for nominating American Solicitor General Elena Kagan to fill the Supreme Court bench being vacated by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. The Solicitor General argues the government’s case before the Supreme Court so she’s familiar with the turf, so to speak. She was also the first woman dean of Harvard Law School, where she began bringing conservatives and liberals alike to the faculty of that institution. She has a reputation among both parties for honesty, fairness and integrity so unless this turns into another bi-partisan dog and pony show, her confirmation is not expected to be a major battle. Yep, for more on this one:
Related Links:
A Climb Marked by Confidence and Canniness
At present, there are still an estimated 45-million Americans out of work and benefits will begin expiring in June for thousands of them each week. Before Congress now is the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act, which would extend unemployment benefits for all of us until the end of this year. Even though things are starting to slowly improve, in Washington, unemployment still stands at around 10.5 percent. We need more time and those additional six months will make the difference for hundreds of us here. Since we’re one of fifty states, I suspect we are not alone in these regards. Please email your Congressional delegation, urging swift enactment of the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act. Here’s a quick link to your elected officials. If you’re not sure, just type in your zip code.
CRITTER STUFF
Well, for the last two weeks or so, Vancouver, British Columbia’s been playing host to a rather large tourist but not a totally unfamiliar one. At about 40 feet (12 meters) in length, it’s not likely to be seen strolling Robson Street but it’s certainly given the folks at the Granville Public Market and on both sides of False Creek quite a bit to write home about. There’s been some speculation as to why this lone gray whale has been contentedly feeding on an unusually large spawn of herring but anyone who has ever visited this Maple Leaf jewel of a city can well appreciate why its beauty might appeal to a creature such as this. For some delightful video and more information on this one:
From the largest of all creatures to among the smallest, this one involves the kind of traditional inter-state cooperation that typifies the Pacific Northwest. Butterflies raised by gardeners at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, are being released near Olympia, the Washington state capital. We know this is being done other places and we’d love to hear about those too. For more on this one:
YOU GUYS THINK I MAKE THIS STUFF UP.
Well, here’s one I’m still having a hard time wrapping myself around. How does a typo send Wall Street on the mother of all rollercoaster rides? Is this Financial Bastion that vulnerable? Could someone do that deliberately, as an act of terrorism? This, to me, is spooky. And frankly, it makes me want to keep it real simple. I’m not in favor of taking apart a big machine when it’s working well. But when a machine’s ability to destroy equals or exceeds it’s capacity/ability/potential to serve, that’s a wake up call to me. I’ve been a strong proponent of regional self-sufficiency but equally appreciative of a government supported by fifty states rather than just the several which comprise the American Northwest. I’m forced now to make a choice I don’t feel real comfortable with but until Wall Street can explain to me how this happened and what they’re doing to make sure it never does again, I’d sooner figuratively trust my financial investments to a bag of magic beans and a good hard rain.
Well, that’s it for this week. Before you take off, you might check out Northstar Recommends, below. We’ve got a mix of resources, online escapes, free stuff and some unique shopping opportunities, including a General Store consisting of products recommended to us by our readership.
Until next time, then, take care, stay well, thanks again for the ear and we’ll see you next week.
Rusty
NORTHSTAR RECOMMENDS
RESOURCES
Maker Culture: Taking Things Into Our Own Hands - For 12 weeks in the fall of 2009, 45 online journalism students at Ryerson University and the University of Western Ontario worked together to document the evolving Maker Culture community.
Maker Culture? That's coders, fabricators, foodies, artists, educators, activists, citizen and even scientists grabbing the Do-It-Yourself ethic with both hands and changing our world in the process.
These are people who aren't just making things, they're making a point of sharing what they've learned, what they've made, and why. Often, for free.
Makers are responding directly, locally to globalization, commercialization, copyright and central command and control.
This is the introduction to a fascinating series on how to become more self-reliant, live a lot more economically and enjoy the company of others doing the same. If you’re looking for ideas, inspiration and resources to get through hard times or just to simplify you life, we highly recommend this one.
PC World – This is the best source we’ve found yet for totally free, useful, reliable and secure (no viruses) downloads ranging from games through utilities and with a nice selection of screen savers, etc. What I particularly appreciate about it is how easy the site is to navigate. They also have a daily letter featuring two “daily downloads.”
Free People Search – This is an American online White Pages that I found really simple, quick and user friendly. I looked for myself under the several versions of my name and it found them all. It’s also free and doesn’t involve anything to download.
Know Thy Elected Officials - Just type in your zip code and this site will supply you with the names and contact information for your legislators from the state level up. This is a two click site with a host of other relevant features.
Stalking Resource Center division of the National Center for Victims of Crime – Internet harassment, stalking and abuse in general is now against the law. If you’re being victimized or if you know of someone who is, this is an excellent resource.
FUN STUFF
If you share my passion for American History, you’re going to love AmericanWest.com This is historical society stuff that is also extremely interesting to read. So yep, just in case you didn’t get it the first time, check it out here.
Houston At Night and other totally cool images are available at the Earth Observatory, along with an incredible array of other outer space images. This is one of NASA’s more engaging websites and it’s here, as well, that you can subscribe to their online newsletter. Whether you’re an aerospace/astronomy buff or simply enjoy stargazing, this is an excellent site.
Ever been told you look like someone famous? Ever not been told that but would like to have been? Find a photo of yourself, go to this site, MyHeritage.com, upload it and get a gallery of celebrities you resemble, to one degree or another. Yep, it’s a total waste of time and an unabashed indulgence of ego. Probably two reasons why I totally loved it, even though a couple of my own pix didn’t turn up any results. It’s fun to play with so enjoy.
If you’re into a real interesting and visual escape, we certainly recommend The Art In LA website. It’s a virtual art gallery created by a real gentle, occasionally obnoxious but totally good-hearted soul with standards as fine as those of any engineer I’ve ever met. It’s also a good place for healthy meditation. If you’re lucky, you might just run into the artist herself. Her name is Colleen and she’s a trip, trust me. Yep, she was born under the fourth flag on our masthead.
HEALTH
Ten foods that really do help prevent cancer.
Grub you libido will love.
If you’d like to know whether your eating habits are either adding years to your life or taking them off, take this RealAge quiz. It will not only score your real age against your health age but give you a program for improvement. I’ve been working this one for about a month now and yep, I feel a lot better.
Ever get so stressed you feel like you’re really jammed up against it? Take a deep breath and check out you’re surroundings is the advice of Dr. Roberta Lee in her book The Superstress Solution. We have and what I’ve generally found is that the outside reflects the inside. If I’m real busy, jackets get tossed over chairs, used coffee cups appear magically on window ledges and desk top clutter takes on a total biosphere all its own. Perhaps not surprising, dealing with the outside can really help you relax. And although we don’t recommend you try this at home, if you wait long enough, it can be also be real good exercise. This is a mental health must so check it out here. We’re reading Dr. Lee’s book now and we bought it here.
Want to know how to live to be 100? Try this one.
Take this test to see how your memory compares with the average.
Click here for fun games to improve your memory.
There’s a new book out now which could make a dramatic difference in the way toward the way women experience the passing of years. Despite major industries involved ~ cosmetic, fitness, elective surgery, to name three ~ the idea that women become less attractive as they grow older has also very likely contributed to more anxiety, high blood pressure, depression, etc. than any other single factor in a woman’s life except cancer and childbearing.
We also suspect that it has probably cost men just as much, if not more, than it has cost women, even in a nation historically known for its tolerance of a double standard. The book is entitled Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change. Read about it here and if you decide you’d like to purchase it online, you can buy it here. I especially recommend this to men. It’s time our gender took more responsibility for this.
RESOURCES
Maker Culture: Taking Things Into Our Own Hands - For 12 weeks in the fall of 2009, 45 online journalism students at Ryerson University and the University of Western Ontario worked together to document the evolving Maker Culture community.
Maker Culture? That's coders, fabricators, foodies, artists, educators, activists, citizen and even scientists grabbing the Do-It-Yourself ethic with both hands and changing our world in the process.
These are people who aren't just making things, they're making a point of sharing what they've learned, what they've made, and why. Often, for free.
Makers are responding directly, locally to globalization, commercialization, copyright and central command and control.
This is the introduction to a fascinating series on how to become more self-reliant, live a lot more economically and enjoy the company of others doing the same. If you’re looking for ideas, inspiration and resources to get through hard times or just to simplify you life, we highly recommend this one.
PC World – This is the best source we’ve found yet for totally free, useful, reliable and secure (no viruses) downloads ranging from games through utilities and with a nice selection of screen savers, etc. What I particularly appreciate about it is how easy the site is to navigate. They also have a daily letter featuring two “daily downloads.”
Free People Search – This is an American online White Pages that I found really simple, quick and user friendly. I looked for myself under the several versions of my name and it found them all. It’s also free and doesn’t involve anything to download.
Know Thy Elected Officials - Just type in your zip code and this site will supply you with the names and contact information for your legislators from the state level up. This is a two click site with a host of other relevant features.
Stalking Resource Center division of the National Center for Victims of Crime – Internet harassment, stalking and abuse in general is now against the law. If you’re being victimized or if you know of someone who is, this is an excellent resource.
FUN STUFF
If you share my passion for American History, you’re going to love AmericanWest.com This is historical society stuff that is also extremely interesting to read. So yep, just in case you didn’t get it the first time, check it out here.
Houston At Night and other totally cool images are available at the Earth Observatory, along with an incredible array of other outer space images. This is one of NASA’s more engaging websites and it’s here, as well, that you can subscribe to their online newsletter. Whether you’re an aerospace/astronomy buff or simply enjoy stargazing, this is an excellent site.
Ever been told you look like someone famous? Ever not been told that but would like to have been? Find a photo of yourself, go to this site, MyHeritage.com, upload it and get a gallery of celebrities you resemble, to one degree or another. Yep, it’s a total waste of time and an unabashed indulgence of ego. Probably two reasons why I totally loved it, even though a couple of my own pix didn’t turn up any results. It’s fun to play with so enjoy.
If you’re into a real interesting and visual escape, we certainly recommend The Art In LA website. It’s a virtual art gallery created by a real gentle, occasionally obnoxious but totally good-hearted soul with standards as fine as those of any engineer I’ve ever met. It’s also a good place for healthy meditation. If you’re lucky, you might just run into the artist herself. Her name is Colleen and she’s a trip, trust me. Yep, she was born under the fourth flag on our masthead.
HEALTH
Ten foods that really do help prevent cancer.
Grub you libido will love.
If you’d like to know whether your eating habits are either adding years to your life or taking them off, take this RealAge quiz. It will not only score your real age against your health age but give you a program for improvement. I’ve been working this one for about a month now and yep, I feel a lot better.
Ever get so stressed you feel like you’re really jammed up against it? Take a deep breath and check out you’re surroundings is the advice of Dr. Roberta Lee in her book The Superstress Solution. We have and what I’ve generally found is that the outside reflects the inside. If I’m real busy, jackets get tossed over chairs, used coffee cups appear magically on window ledges and desk top clutter takes on a total biosphere all its own. Perhaps not surprising, dealing with the outside can really help you relax. And although we don’t recommend you try this at home, if you wait long enough, it can be also be real good exercise. This is a mental health must so check it out here. We’re reading Dr. Lee’s book now and we bought it here.
Want to know how to live to be 100? Try this one.
Take this test to see how your memory compares with the average.
Click here for fun games to improve your memory.
There’s a new book out now which could make a dramatic difference in the way toward the way women experience the passing of years. Despite major industries involved ~ cosmetic, fitness, elective surgery, to name three ~ the idea that women become less attractive as they grow older has also very likely contributed to more anxiety, high blood pressure, depression, etc. than any other single factor in a woman’s life except cancer and childbearing.
We also suspect that it has probably cost men just as much, if not more, than it has cost women, even in a nation historically known for its tolerance of a double standard. The book is entitled Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change. Read about it here and if you decide you’d like to purchase it online, you can buy it here. I especially recommend this to men. It’s time our gender took more responsibility for this.
FOR YOUR SHOPPING CONVENIENCE
And for a truly unique shopping experience, drop by and browse THE NORTHSTAR GENERAL STORE.
Press Releases, Product Reviews, Promotional Copy, Digital Photography, Online Research and Investigation, Ghost Writing, Special Projects. Seattle-based and wired into the International Community. For more information, email to minstrel312@aol.com or go here -> Rusty Miller, Freelance Photojournalist.
GOOD “READS”
Books
If you’d like to read something which combines the best elements of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and a neo-eco Mickey Spillane detective thriller, you’ll love this one.
“In the brave new world of the Internet, FedEx and an international taste for the exotic, wildlife poachers steal everything from elk horns to geoducks, the world's largest clam. In the waters of Puget Sound in Washington state, state wildlife agents stalk these thieves on land and at sea. In "Shell Games: Rogues, Smugglers, and the Hunt for Nature's Bounty," Seattle Times environmental reporter Craig Welch joins these detectives on the trail of one of the region's most notorious geoduck thieves.”
Welch, a Seattle Times environmental reporter is a compelling writer and this excerpt from the book would be worth the experience even if we were not also fascinated by the subject. If, after reading this extract, you’d like to buy the book, you’ll find it for sale here.
News
BBC – Best source of international news.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (multi-media), the Toronto Globe & Mail and the Vancouver Sun -- outstanding sources for Canadian national, provincial, and world news.
KING 5 News – Best source of video news of Seattle and the Greater Puget Sound.
New York Times – Best source of American news.
Reuters – Best source of an international perspective on American headlines.
Seattle Times – Best source for news of the city and the Puget Sound. Its reportage is unbiased but their columns and other opinion pieces do reflect the predominant values of the Pacific Northwest.
Sightline Daily (formerly Tidepool) – Best source of Pacific Northwest regional news. Delivered daily by email, it covers Alaska, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. They also put out an excellent weekly environmental edition.
Entertainment
BBC Knowledge Magazine – designed to give the American magazine National Geographic the proverbial run for its money,
TomatoMan Times -- For those who love good writing, there are fewer finer contemporary craftsmen out there now than professionally known as Tomatoman Mike. He’s as Northern Californian as John Steinbeck is, albeit with a dash of Sam Clemmons, Bret Harte and Robert W. Service in him. He’s a romp to read, trust me.
U Got Style is a monthly ezine dedicated to independent films. Fully illustrated, it features hard news, interviews, reviews and a wide variety of other information. It’s also fun to read.
Vinyl Cafe with Stuart McLean – Live from the smallest record store in North America. Canadian humor, entertainment and commentary at its maple leaf best. Popular on National Public Radio in the States.
See you next week, eh?
