Adventure Travel

The History of Tattoos

admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:20:37 +0000

The word, Tattoo, comes from the Polynesian word, “tatao” which means “to tap” or “to mark something.”

Captain James Cook introduced this word to the English during his voyage around the world in 1769. Captain Cook and his crew of the ship, The Endeavour, were welcomed with open arms by the friendly and uninhibited Tahitians (yeah, that means many of them were naked.) Since the weather was very warm on the island, clothing was optional.

The Tahitians tried to look their best by decorating their bodies. But the fact of the matter was the application of tattoos, which was painful. It was done by dipping a sharp-pointed comb into lampblack and then hammering it into the skin. Nonetheless, everybody did it.

As word of tattooing in Tahiti and other Polynesian islands spread, the European sailors began to get tattooed themselves. This probably illustrated why tattoos were looked upon with such a lack of credibility in the early days and were considered as a kind of thing suitable for drunkards, sailors and criminals.

Modern archeology has uncovered the practice of tattoos in many ancient cultures all over the world.

In 1992, in the Alps between the border of Austria and Italy, a perfectly preserved body of a man was found. He was estimated to have lived 5,000 years ago! And he had 58 tattoos all over his body.

? Mummies from the ancient Egyptians had tattoos.

? Clay figurines found in Japan dated 3,000 years ago were engraved with tattoo marks.

? The ancient Greeks and Romans used tattoos to identify slaves and criminals.

But tattooing has only become acceptable in the mainstream society recently. Tattoo shops and parlors were nothing more than wretched hives of scum and villainy, located in the seediest parts of most towns have undergone significant changes.

Tattooing has really become popular with sports athletes. No one can forget the now-retired flamboyant NBA forward, Dennis Rodman, whose body was a tattooing canvas. A more current example is Allen Iverson of the Philly 76′ers. The tattooing trend is getting really popular in college basketball. And the trickle-down effect is appearing on high school athletes. Some old-fashion coaches forbidden any display of tattoos which meant some basketball players has to play with a t-shirt under their game jersey. Football fans can’t miss the barbed wire tattoos on the well-developed arms of football players.

The popular show, “Miami Ink,” from TLC is a reality-based show. The show’s popularity demonstrates just how mainstream the art of body art or “inking” has become. And it gives the viewers a look into the skill and history of both the artists and their customers.
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Alaskan Adventure Trivia Questions And Answers

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:03:43 +0000

1. Which state is the largest in the union?

A. Alaska

B. Texas

C. California

D. Hawaii

A. Alaska

TOPICS: That’s with a land area of 570,374 square miles!

2. What is Alaska’s position relative to the United States?

A. It lies along the northern boundary of the 50 contiguous states

B. It is separated from the other mainland states by British Columbia, Canada

C. It is an island like Hawaii

D. It lies in the exact center of mainland United States

B. It is separated from the other mainland states by British Columbia, Canada

TOPICS: Gosh, I certainly hope no North Americans guessed it lies in the exact center of the U.S.!

3. In 1959, Alaska was admitted to the Union. What state was it?

A. 50th

B. 49th

C. 40th

D. 1st

B. 49th

TOPICS: It was admitted as the 49th state in 1959

4. Who did the United States buy Alaska from in 1867?

A. Spain

B. Britain

C. France

D. Russia

TOPICS: The territory was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7,200,000. At different times, the Russians, the Spanish, the British, and the French all tried to lay claim to part or all of Alaska.

5. What is the capital of Alaska?

A. Anchorage

B. Sitka

C. Juneau

D. Nome

C. Juneau

TOPICS: Juneau is the capital and Anchorage the largest city. There are plans to move the capital to Willow, near Anchorage.

6. When the Alaskan territory was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7,200,000 it was known as Seward’s Folly (after Secretary of State William H. Seward, who negotiated the purchase). What changed that perception?

A. Gold

B. Fur

C. World War II

D. Free land

A. Gold

TOPICS: The territory was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7,200,000 and was known as Seward’s Folly (after Secretary of State William H. Seward, who negotiated the purchase) until gold was discovered in the late 1800′s.

7. Who originally discovered Alaska?

A. Russians

B. Danes

C. Siberians

D. English

C. Siberians

TOPICS: Experts agree that America was discovered by Siberian hunters, ancestors of most of the present-day Native Americans, who were following Ice Age mammals into Alaska.

8. The name Alaska is believed to be derived from an Aleut word meaning…

A. Cold

B. Light

C. Dark

D. Mainland

TOPICS: The name Alaska is probably derived from an Aleut word meaning “mainland.”

9. Of the major volcanoes active during the 20th century in North America, how many were located in Alaska?

A. 0

B. 7

C. 27

D. 100

B. 7

TOPICS: That’s right, there are volcanoes in Alaska! It seems the Alaska Range is full of them.

10. What is a bidarka?

A. A kayak

B. A sled

C. A dog

D. An alcoholic drink

A. A kayak

TOPICS: A one- or two-hole kayak used by the Aleut and various Alaskan Eskimo groups.

11. When was the first Idiatrod Trail Sled Race run?

A. 1888

B. 1901

C. 1956

D. 1973

TOPICS: The inaugural Idiatrod Trail Sled Race was won by Alaskan Dick Wilmarth, who covered the 1,158 mile course from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska in 20 days 49 min 41 sec.

12. The Malaspina Glacier, at the foot of Mount Saint Elias, in Alaska covers an area larger than what state?

A. Rhode Island

B. New York

C. Kentucky

D. Texas

A. Rhode Island

TOPICS: The Malaspina Glacier, at the foot of Mount Saint Elias, covers an area larger than Rhode Island.

13. After the United States acquired Alaska how was it governed?

A. The law of the wild

B. Frontier law

C. Military rule

D. Civil law

C. Military rule

TOPICS: General Jefferson C. Davis, the U.S. Army commander in Alaska, became the virtual ruler of the new acquisition. Congress extended the laws governing commerce and navigation to Alaska and prohibited the importation, manufacture, and sale of liquor. Nothing was done to establish a civil government, and for 17 years, until 1884, Alaska remained under military rule.

14. Alaska was organized as a territory on Aug. 24, 1912, but when did it enter the union?

A. Aug. 25, 1912

B. Jan. 1, 1913

C. Aug. 24, 1913

D. Jan. 3, 1959

TOPICS: This might be a hard question unless you knew Alaska was one of the last states admitted to the union-49th in fact!
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Japan’s History – A Book Review

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:53:56 +0000

Are you looking for a very good book, one which will help you learn about the history of Japan? If so, there is a very good book I would like to recommend to you, one which is in my personal library, and one that I believe will give you with the overview you need to understand modern Japan. If you don’t understand the history – you probably won’t understand the culture, people, or even how Japan came to be what it is today – the name of the book is;

“A History of Japan – From Stone Age to Superpower” by Kenneth G. Henshall, professor of Japanese studies at the University of Waikato, New Zealand; Published by St. Martin’s Press, New York, New York, 1999. ISBN: 0-312-21986-5.

This is a complete history book of Japan from ancient times, including all of their ancient myths to the present, or the year 2000. It takes us from the very earliest of inhabitants, which are thought to be circa 13,000 BC and all the way through this Stone Age of hunter gatherers. This book is broken into six parts in all. Part two takes us through 700 to 1600 BC where the reader will learn about the Nara, Heian, the warrior state or the Kamakura Period, and the Muromachi Period, as well as the Azuchi-Momoyama Period.

In part three we learn about a closed country, drawn inwardly between 1600 and 1868, and in part four we watch as the nation of Japan is building into a modern country. We watch the economic development as well as the war and the politics. In part five we watch the preparation for war and the lead up to the war; and finally the war itself, which changed the Japanese Empire forever.

Lastly, in this six part we see the incredible resurgence of a strong people who rebuilt their country into the second largest economic power house on the planet, something incredible for an island nation. You will understand why the Japanese are so proud, and how Japan came to be. I would recommend reading this book prior to reading any history in the last decade in Japan. This way you will have an overview, you can understand that context better. Indeed, hope you will please consider all this.

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Antediluvians – A World Submerged

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:21:15 +0000

From dictionary.com, antediluvian has two definitions that are widely used: the first refers to anything occurring pre-biblical Flood, the other simply refers to anything antiquated; really, really old. This article will only refer to antiquity.

There is a great amount of growing evidence that there were thriving civilizations during and possibly before the last ice age; over 10,000 yrs ago. The vast majority unfortunately lies approximately fifty miles off the continental coastlines all around the world, submerged from the melt-off from the last ice age.

Archeology has a problem with this. Human civilization was only supposed to have begun about 6,000yrs ago. The last ice age officially ended about 10,000yrs ago. Any realized civilization submerged below the glacial melt-off of that period must then be at least 10,000yrs old, not to mention the time it took for that civilization to emerge before being engulfed by the big melt. It’s not a serious issue at all really; someone just has to adjust some dates on charts. In spite of the simplicity of the fix, mainstream science does not seem to be taking the evidence seriously; instead, leaving the studies to fringe speculators.

A lack of scientific interest is understandable though. Undersea archeology is astronomically expensive. And what would be the over-all benefit to science in such endeavors? An official change of dates and redrawing of charts just doesn’t invoke healthy funding unfortunately. However, local governments and private enterprises are funding studies in this area; not all is lost. But it will be slow. There are already disagreements whether or not some sites are man-made or natural formations.

Regardless of the politics involved or that some people believe conspiracies are rampant in Antediluvian research, it’s an exciting field to study. The over-all picture that has been painted is one of advanced civilizations thriving before or during the last ice age; perhaps one global empire or several nations. As the waters rose and the cities fell to the tides, the people went inland. As the climate changed, so did the landscape, and these advanced cultures fell into a dark age and diminished. From the disparity of their descent, they eventually rose again to become the recorded history that we currently accept.

It’s a fantastic vision with little evidence to support it, but not beyond the realm of belief. All modern nations came from a dark age. We generally call this period the medieval ages. With the fall of the Roman Empire; the entire world descended into bouts of anarchy. War, plague, and famine devastated the populations. Education was set aside in favor of survival. Much knowledge was lost in this dark time. With the emergence of the Renaissance, the dark ages arguably came to an end.

The breadth of time required for such a cycle to complete itself is an issue, of course. Some speculators suggest that humanity has gone through many such cycles; however anthropology simply has no evidence for this assertion. Conceivably, from here on, we could easily endure many more cycles.

Regardless, for now, evidence of a lost past is at hand, submerged below the oceans and seas. Everyday day new information can be found of an undersea city or road and even pyramids. In the years to come, in depth research should prove to be quite illuminating.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

admin — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:38:51 +0000

This is a book that will live for ever. In it Khaled Hosseini has accomplished what many writers, most unsuccessfully, try to achieve. It’s the big stories, those turning points in history, which often attract us. They automatically have something to say, we might believe, something that needs to be aired, perhaps explained. So wars, revolutions, social upheavals, periods of turmoil, internecine struggles, ideological conflicts, all of these are the natural territory for the story teller. They are the backdrop that adds potentially unlimited drama, the context that can involve, inform and enlighten.

But often writers are not up to the task. The attraction of that big issue is greater than the powers of judgment needed to create the right balance when the smallness of the story’s detail is pitched against the vast potential dominance of its setting. The balance, therefore, is often a fine one and, because of the power of the setting, the story is often belittled or, more usually, appears merely trite against the overbearing importance and significance of the backdrop. In recent times I have read several books which have revealed the limitations of the writer’s concept by falling into one or other trap. Not so with The Kite Runner.

The plot is important, so suffice it to say that Amir and his family are in Afghanistan before the Russian invasion. Their life is described. The Kite Runner of the title is the label for the role of the kite handler’s friend, who runs to retrieve the kites that have been cut from the sky in combat. Finders are keepers and it is this booty that is mutually fought over.

With the arrival of the Russians, part of Amir’s family flees to the United States, Amir among them. He grows up there and we rejoin him years later, by which time he is well on the way to becoming a creative writer and is about to marry. But his life in the US has its imperfections, some of which are sourced in the guilt of memory. And so Amir returns to his homeland to rediscover some of those he left behind. But now it’s an Afghanistan destroyed by war and dominated by the Taliban. Amir desperately tries to uncover his past, to trace those he seeks, and he succeeds, but sometimes in ways that he least expected, ways that further complicate an already tangled tale.

As Amir’s country descends into chaos and then into new war, with the only hope apparently continued uncertainty, his personal experience becomes both painful, taxing and trying. He stumbles upon much that is unexpected, some of it perhaps not so surprising, but some of it terrifying in its threat. But, despite the suffering, there is hope, even if eventually it might arise out of the spoils of renewed conflict, perhaps just another severed kite to retrieve.

Where Khaled Hosseini succeeds in a simultaneously engaging and informative way is the blending of his drama with its context. His narrative takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, where actions, memories, guilt are experienced at first hand, but also a journey where history unfolds in a way that includes, never merely instructs.

The Kite Runner is not a work of politics, and neither is it a history. It’s a novel, so any thought of criticism on the grounds that it lacks analysis or completeness would be misplaced. The novel does give a keen insight into the horrid and horrifying consequences of war without ever really trying to confront why it arose, or the motives of those who perpetrated the conflict. But this, again, is not in any way a criticism of what the novel achieves, merely a criticism in the literary sense, an attempt at description and contextualization of the work. If there is still anyone out there who thinks that conflict is about winning or losing, about one side fighting another until victory, then I would recommend The Kite Runner as a both essential and essentially moving experience that would both inform and educate.
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Interview with Tami Brady, "Strategies – A Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Journey"

admin — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:43:46 +0000

Tami Brady earned a BA and MA in Archeology before turning her interests to alternative medicine, largely due to her own issues with infertility and being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Today she provides whole health therapy sessions to help people with Fibromyalgia and infertility issues. She is the author of seven books, the latest of which is “Strategies: A Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Journey.”

Tyler: Thank you for joining me today, Tami. I’m intrigued that you’ve written “Strategies” as a memoir. To begin, will you tell us a little bit about your own journey dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia?

Tami: Great to meet you, Tyler.

In 1996, I was readying myself for a new phase of my life. My children were all now in school and I was planning to study for my archaeology degree. That winter, I had more than the usual number of the flu and colds, which I attributed to stress: my job, readying to go to back to school, and my father-in-law’s impending open-heart surgery.

That spring, I got another bout of what I thought was the flu. This one knocked me completely off my feet. I could hardly get out of bed each morning.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the flu. I spent the next year being shuffled around from one specialist to another trying to figure out what was wrong with me. By the time, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia my health had deteriorated. I hardly slept, I was in constant pain, and my legs collapsed on a regular basis.

It took me a long time to deal with my conditions. I was angry and frustrated but probably my biggest hurdle was all the denial and self judgments. I saw my health issues as a sign that I was weak and a failure. So instead of listening to what my body was screaming to tell me, I just kept pushing myself hoping that the pain and fatigue would dissipate on its own.

Perhaps that’s the most important lesson for those of us who live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. We spend so much time and energy berating ourselves for what we can’t do and the lives we were forced to leave behind that we forget about the gifts that we are given through this experience. Our fatigue and pain makes us choose what’s really important in our lives. These symptoms force us to be more loving and kind to ourselves. If we allow them to, they can even show us a better, more content, fulfilling existence.

Tyler: Tami, is there a relation between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia? Can a person have one without the other-does one cause the other?

Tami: The general definition of Fibromyalgia is chronic pain. One of the diagnostic tests for Fibromyalgia is the presence of pain in a majority of particular trigger points throughout the body. Actual symptoms vary from person to person including localized pain; heaviness or weakness causing mobility issues, swelling of the joints; memory and thinking impairment (fibrofog); and a myriad of other problems. Between four to eight million individuals suffer with Fibromyalgia in the United States alone. Some estimates suggest that 5% of the population actually has Fibromyalgia.

Another million people have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A large portion of individuals who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also have Fibromyalgia. The most common symptom with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is intense fatigue, often coupled with unrecuperative sleep and chronic insomnia.

In my case, my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms often exasperate my Fibromyalgia issues and vice versa. Far too many times a string of sleepless nights has heralded a wave of back pain or intense pain in my hip that has made it impossible to get any sleep.

Tyler: Tami, why do you think it took so long for the doctors to diagnose you with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia, and how did you know they were correct when you were finally diagnosed with it?

Tami: At present, there are no definitive tests for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia. Moreover, since many of the symptoms are shared with other conditions such as accidental poisoning, problems with the thyroid glands, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and the like, it is extremely difficult to determine that someone has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia. Essentially, a doctor has to discount every other possible physical solution. Then, after psychological evaluations are complete, they can finally look to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, for now at least, it’s just a long frustrating process.

To be honest, when I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, I didn’t believe it was a real condition. I thought that it was a made up nonsense that the doctors told people so they could ready themselves for having Multiple Sclerosis. The reason I thought this was because my aunt had recently been diagnosed with MS and her symptoms seemed a lot like mine.

It wasn’t until many years later that I came to accept that I did indeed have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. This change of heart came mostly from reading books about these conditions and interacting with others who have the same issues. Even though some of the actual symptoms that we experienced were slightly different, the locations of pain nodules, the type of pain and fatigue, the progression and duration, and the triggering mechanisms of these experiences were fascinatingly similar.

Tyler: Why did you decide to write “Strategies”?

Tami: Strategies gradually evolved into what it is today. It started out with lists and notes that I took with me to all my doctor appointments in those early years. Later, as I started writing a personal journal, my writing became more about expressing my feelings in a safe way. Finally, I formally began to analyze my symptoms and try to find strategies to deal with them.

It was at this point that I started working on the actual text for this book. At first, I had no intention of publishing my words. I simply needed to understand my own story. I had a lot of deeply hidden emotions and insecurities that I needed to acknowledge so that they could be released.

Being so very open and honest was a pretty scary prospect. In truth, I think I was afraid of who I might find hidden underneath all the overachieving bravado that I had built up over the years. Still, each time I sat down to write, I felt another piece of a huge burden lifted from me. I began feeling content, more peaceful, and even a little joyful.

Eventually, I knew that I had to share my story with others. Not because I was in any way special but to validate the journeys of everyone who has been touched by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Our symptoms and our personal paths might not be exactly the same but having these conditions impacts our lives in a way that we couldn’t have imagined in our wildest dreams (or nightmares as the case might be).

Tyler: Tami, you actually are very involved in the alternative health field. Do you credit your own medical issues with your interest in alternative medicine?

Tami: Yes, very much so. I believe that the universe sometimes gently nudges us in just the right direction. I’m a little (okay a lot) stubborn, so I needed a pretty big push.

I loved being an archaeologist. I really enjoyed traveling around the countryside and hiking in the back country looking for artifacts and remnants of archaeological sites. I also liked the fact that everyone knew what an archaeologist did for a living. I never had to dread the “What do you do for a living?” question. It never failed, the moment I said I was an archaeologist, the person I was talking to would begin telling me about their favorite Discovery episode. It was a great icebreaker!

The major problem with archaeology (apart from the physical strain) was that I had to pretend a lot. I had an image to uphold which was extremely limiting. Not only did I have to fane that I was in perfect physical and mental health, I felt obligated to adhere to a specific range of beliefs and ways of behaving.

As I gradually grew to love and accept myself, I realized that I didn’t have to act a certain way to be a good person. I didn’t have to impress anyone but myself. My opinions counted and my personal truths were just as valid as the next person’s.

This new line of thinking led to experimenting with alternative health methods such as Reiki and various traditional forms of spiritual healing, which eventually led me to whole health therapy. Right now, my practice focuses primarily on Energy Psychology (Reiki and various form of traditional spiritual healing) as relates to Fibromyalgia and infertility. My current Ph.D. research is looking to expand this therapy to include aspects of Jungian Theory (archetypes, shadow work, and dream therapy), Awareness Therapy (meditation and awareness), and Popular Self Help Psychology (journaling, self love, manifesting, and belief analysis).

Tyler: Will you tell us about the worksheets in the book, their purpose, and the best way to use them?

Tami: The worksheets at the back of the book are copies of those resources that I originally made for my own use. I have found them invaluable for keeping me organized, getting me through my worst days, and gaining some understanding about the progression of my symptoms. For ease of use, I have organized these pages into three types: strategy forms (to help keep track of various symptoms and strategies to alleviate these issues); keeping upbeat (to record inspiring quotes, affirmations, and anything else that will help on those tough days); and getting organized (to combat the effects of fibrofog and reduce the frustration of looking for important information such as types of medications, health care contacts, and doctor’s appointments).

There really isn’t a right or wrong way to use these forms. I have included copies of my own completed forms at the end of the book if anyone wishes to see the types of information that could be included in these charts. However, my best advice for readers, especially when using the strategy forms, is to fill out the sections as honestly as possible in order to gain some understanding of the various symptoms and what types of things work for them.

Tyler: What are some of the most prevalent symptoms a person will notice if they have Fibromyalgia?

Tami: Unfortunately, the symptoms of Fibromyalgia (such as localized pain, muscle weakness, and memory issues) are shared with a number of other conditions ranging from accidental poisoning and problems with the thyroid glands to Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. It really isn’t easy to determine if a person has Fibromyalgia. It is for this reason that most individuals with these kinds of symptoms have to endure a battery of tests and examinations before any sort of diagnosis is determined.

Tyler: Our reviewer, Paige Lovitt, mentioned that she also has Fibromyalgia, and that like yourself she was an overachiever, which seemed to exasperate the situation. Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia something people can create for themselves due to pushing themselves to do too much?

Tami: This is one of those things that no one seems to know about these conditions. It seems to me that the majority of individuals I talk to with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are extremely busy, overachievers. For a number of years, I actually believed that I had somehow caused myself to become ill.

Then, I came upon some material that looked at other conditions that are commonly associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. The ones that stuck out for me were Endometriosis, Renauld’s Syndrome, and allergies. I suffer from all three of these. Suddenly, I realized that I might have actually had a predisposition to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. It became clear to me that even though my overachiever attitude obviously made my symptoms worse, I hadn’t caused myself to become sick.

Tyler: Paige also mentioned that some people in the medical field still tell people that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are only in their heads. What response would you give to people skeptical about the existence of these disorders?

Tami: This is probably one of the worst parts of living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Often the symptoms of these conditions are invisible to the average person so most people don’t even realize that we are sick. Therefore, when we mention we have health issues most people are shocked. The first reaction for many people is disbelief, even within the medical community.

My advice to all individuals with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia is to talk to others facing the same issues and arm yourself with knowledge. Join a discussion group or a local support group, read whatever books or articles you can find. You will soon realize that you are not alone; remember there are millions of us out there. Make use of these resources to build yourself a solid support system and above all keep looking for health care options that will fulfill your needs.

Tyler: If a person thinks he or she does have Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia, how should they go about getting diagnosed with it? Should they start with their local doctor, or are there specialists or specific hospitals a person should visit for treatment and diagnosis? Where did you finally get diagnosed with it?

Tami: Most people do start with their family doctor and are then referred to various specialists as they go through the testing process. Afterwards, some individuals team up with medical professionals who specialize in Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia for their care and management. I personally started the process with my family doctor who referred me to a variety of different specialists. The final specialist, who gave me my diagnosis, was a Sports Medicine professional.

The sad truth is that at present going through the process of testing and getting to the heart of your health issues can be a very frustrating experience. So my best advice to people who think they may have these conditions is to find a health care professional with whom they feel comfortable. Having someone who will really listen to you, answer your questions, and work with you is invaluable. Don’t be afraid to look around for someone who fits you and your needs.

Tyler: What sorts of responses have you received so far for the book? I know you received an endorsement from Bob Rich.

Tami: I have been overwhelmed by the positive support from both the medical community and people living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. I have received numerous emails from people, who like myself, pursued medical or alternative medical careers because of their own Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia experiences.

I’ve also had the privilege of having others share their stories with me. Some lift my heart: those who found the courage to leave a loveless marriage, left a stressful career behind, started a business, let go of grief, and found the courage to face childhood abuse. Others make my heart ache: people feeling frustrated, completely alone, and unsupported by the medical system.

Tyler: Will you explain a bit about whole health therapy? Are you an advocate of holistic health practices? I think some confusion exists about holistic medicine as being outside accepted medicine. What concerns if any, should people have about holistic medicine?

Tami: Whole health therapy is a methodology that works in conjunction with other forms of health care. In my practice, I focus on Energy Psychology (Reiki and various forms of spiritual healing) which is useful not only as relaxation and coping techniques but also as a means to enhance self healing.

I am an advocate for finding what works for each person. Some individuals will feel quite comfortable looking to complementary, alternative, and holistic health care options. Others may find it a little uncomfortable or ill suited to their personal beliefs. My best advice is to follow your intuition and do whatever works for your particular situation.

Tyler: Tami, I know this is not your first book. Will you tell us a little bit about some of the other books you have written?

Tami: “Strategies” is my seventh published book and my third title with Loving Healing Press. My first book was “The Complete Being: Finding and Loving the Real You.” “The Complete Being” is a guide to the healthy development of the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of the self. Readers are encouraged to use the included exercises to understand their genuine nature and move towards fulfilling their dreams.

My second and third titles, “Blame and Judgment” and “From Lost to Found” were books of poetry. As a way of sorting through my feelings, I write poetry. Sometimes dark, sometimes full of hope, these pieces illustrate my personal journey thus far.

My fourth book was “Regaining Control: When Love Becomes a Prison.” This resource was made specifically for those suffering from dependence issues. This issue is near and dear to my heart. Due to my health issues, I’ve often worried about keeping my independence while accepting appropriate help. Moreover, I come from a long line of strong women who found themselves in abusive situations due to unhealthy dependence.

My fifth and sixth books are training manuals for the first and second levels of Usui Reiki Ryoho, the traditional form of Reiki. These books include full instructions and the attunement needed to undertake Reiki sessions. The final two books in this series are set to be published by this summer.

Tyler: It sounds like you will be busy for a while, but once your two more books on Reiki are published, do you have plans to write more books, and what are your professional plans in terms of your medical practices?

Tami: I will most definitely keep on writing. Writing is one of the many gifts that I uncovered while on my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia journey. It allows me to be creative and share my life experiences with others. I actually start to feel like something’s missing in my life when I’m not writing for an extended period of time.

In the meantime, I will be completing my Ph.D. research and will look to integrate my findings into my current whole health therapy sessions. Likely, this will include meditations, journaling, awareness therapy exercise in association with my current Energy Psychology sessions and the use of techniques such as dream work, shadow work, belief analysis, and manifesting.

Tyler: Thank you for joining me today, Tami. Before you go, will you tell our readers about your website and what additional information they can find about “Strategies” and your other books?

Tami: Thanks so much, Tyler. You can find out more information about me, whole health therapy, and my books on my website at http://www.tami-brady.com. My books are available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and other fine retailers.

Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is pleased to be joined by Tami Brady, who is here to talk about her new book, “Strategies: A Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Journey,” Loving Healing Press (2008), ISBN 9781932690484.
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The Costa Rica Retirement Plan

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:08:36 +0000

Are you starting to plan your retirement and worrying about how the state of the economy will effect your life style after you turn 65?Are you watching your friends make plans to cash in their paper assets, move to a smaller home, and cut down on spending? This is what many people are doing in the face of a recession in the United States right now. But you imagined having a little money to travel, visit Paris maybe, or go on a cruise. Is all of that just a fantasy now?

Well some people have discovered out how to make the dream a reality and retire in style by living and investing in the heavenly paradise of Costa Rica! It all begins with the real estate market. Those who know say the real estate market in Costa Rica is one of the most stable in the world, and prices are easily comparable to US property or lower. You could easily find a beautiful beach house for $300,000 overlooking the ocean. Or buy a piece of land near the beach for $100,000 and build your dream home. Imagine spend your days walking on the beach, a drink on the terrace, watching the sunset, and socializing with new friends who share your enthusiasm for a good retirement!

You may think it sounds crazy, that people only go to Costa Rica on vacation, but that’s no longer true. More and more foreigners are retiring in Costa Rica, especially Americans but also Europeans and other foreigners. And they are all doing it the same way: investing in property which will only go up in value for years to come, while living their retirement in the sunshine. But how? you ask. The following are just a few examples of the things that make it so easy to live the dream and retire in Costa Rica:

ONLY 2 HOURS AWAY

Costa Rica is only 2 hours away from Florida and all the comforts of home. Take a log weekend in Miami and do some shopping, or grab a connector flight to visit your family, and have them come visit often! And be careful who you invite to come visit you, it is so easy to get to Costa Rica that they will certainly come!

ESPANGLISH

Maybe not everyone speaks English, but no matter where you are, there is probably someone around who will be able to translate. A large majority of the population can speak at least some English, and most of the private schools are English Immersion, so from a young age many of these kids are bilingual. And hey, why not take some Spanish lessons yourself? Stretch your brain a little and make some friends while you are at it.

COST OF LIVING

The cost of living is comparable to the US if not slightly lower. There are some items which are shockingly inexpensive, while others are what you are used to at home. Groceries, restaurants and shopping tend to be about what as you are used to, however workers such as a live in maid or gardener are much less expensive than in the US. During retirement, it can often be a great blessing to have people around to help you with the daily chores.

HEALTH CARE

Health Care in Costa Rica is known for its quality and inexpensive price tag. Many of the doctors are trained in the US or Europe, and hospitals are very modern with all the latest equipment and technologies. Not to gossip but Costa Rica is known for its movie star plastic surgery!

MEDICARE

Both the Costa Rican government and Medicare and are making it extremely easy for ex-patriots to receive their Medicare checks in Costa Rica through a network of banks in now offering direct deposit to your Costa Rican bank account.

VISAS & LEGAL ISSUES

Do I need a visa, or how does it work? If you are 45 years or older you can apply to be part of a retirement program set up by the Costa Rican government to encourage foreigners to come to Costa Rica. Benefits include tax exemptions and incentives, but the greatest thing is that you don’t have to pay tax on your retirement income in Costa Rica!

CAN I OWN PROPERTY IN COSTA RICA?

In Costa Rica foreigners are in no way penalized when purchasing property. Foreigners have the same rights as a Costa Rican and the law will treat them as an equal. You can also incorporate your own company and purchase the property through your company for additional tax breaks.

OF COURSE THE BEAUTY …

The words Cost Rica actually mean Rich Coast, a name Christopher Columbus bestowed on this country overflowing with natural beauty, lush rain forests, mountains, cloud forests, and sandy beaches. Costa Rica is world famous for its diverse natural habitat and beautiful sunsets.

So there you have it, not a bad list of reasons to rent out your house, cash in your paper assets, and retire to a beach house in Costa Rica! There may be a coming recession, but you don’t have to live in it, or let it spoil your long awaited liberation from the rat race.

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Homes For Sale and Rent in Costa Rica

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:10:48 +0000

If your looking for a new home a good suggestion would be Costa Rica! Who wouldn’t love waking up to white sandy beaches, blue skies, clear blue water, and perfect weather every single day?!? Even if you don’t want to live there full time and you’re like many other people that have one home in a state where the weather is rather mild (all 4 seasons) and one home in a warmer climate such as Costa Rica, you can still rent! This really is a great idea for people that want two homes but don’t want two mortgages. You can find several different villas, bungalows, cottages, homes, and other rental properties online, to buy or rent. These properties are absolutely incredible. Plus you can have the option of living on the beach, by the beach, or in a residential type area.

Personally If I’m moving to CR or anywhere far away from where I am right now, and I’m buying or renting a house, you had better believe it’s going to be right on the beach! If you’re interested in looking for some of these homes for rent or for sale simply try your looking for things like Homes For Rent In Costa Rica, Properties For Sale In Costa Rica, beach Properties for Sale In Costa Rica. Or you could be a little more specific and look for the location you want to rent or buy in. For example Buy Homes In Santa Ana Costa Rica or Rent Homes In Santa Ana Costa Rica. Either will work for you. Here are a few places online that will either sell you a property, or let you rent/lease from them.

Tulin
VillasCostaRica
Jaco-Bay
HaciendaMatapalo
Viviun
Vdsolnet

On some of the sites listed above as well as other ones you find online, you might have to look for CR as the country or origin of the location your wanting to rent or buy in. This simply means that the site specializes in properties around the world, rather than just in CR or just in one specific location. Don’t worry about this, you can still find exactly what your looking for. The sites listed above are all homes that are built. But if you want a brand new home built you can look for that online as well.

Good luck in finding the home of your dreams! And remember to give Consultants the benefit of the doubt. I know its hard. But if you trust in them, they will find you the best house in the best location for the best price! Don’t give up!

Sir Petrie the Original Indiana Jones?

admin — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:06:31 +0000

The exhibit of “Excavating Egypt” will be presented at the Flint Institute in Flint, Michigan through January, 2007. The show will display over 200 of the most important finds of archaeologist Sir William Petrie. The significance of the show is in more than just the objects on display but is rather a testament to the man behind the findings and the new approaches he brought to his chosen field.

Ancient Egyptian art and antiquities has long since been the subject of many non-fiction books, novels, movies, and museum exhibits. When Sir William Petrie began his first excavation, would he have ever imagined that decades later, his findings would be known worldwide? Nor would he have ever imagined that his life would be the basis of the “Indiana Jones” adventure movies? Making an impact on the art world and the movie industry is no small feat. Yet, this serious and determined British archaeologist and Egyptologist accomplished more than even he might have thought possible.

William Matthew Flinders Petrie was born in Charlton, Kent in 1853. His father was a surveyor and civil engineer, and his mother was interested in fossils and other scientific topics. Both parents encouraged young William to pursue interests that would eventually flourish into a successful career. It is interesting that due to ill health he was educated at home and did not receive any formal schooling.

As a child, he was fascinated by and interested in measuring things. He measured buildings, churches, and even ruins such as Stonehenge. Because his father was a surveyor, William learned about the importance of accuracy in measurements. When he was thirteen years old, he declared that he would one day visit the pyramids. He was, at the time, inspired from reading, Our Inheritance in the Great Pyramids by Piazzi Smyth.

As a young adult William began a career as a surveyor and continued his study of Stonehenge. This resulted in his book, Stonehenge: Plans, Description, and Theories that was published in 1880.

At only 24 years of age Petrie began his forty-year career of exploration and excavation of Egypt and the Middle East. He became enamored with Egyptian culture, art, language and archaeology. Sir Petrie built up a reputation as an innovator in excavation because of the scientific methods that he used. He examined every bit of soil and developed a very meticulous method for sorting and labeling findings.

During his forty years in the Middle East he was involved in the study and excavation of over 30 sites. It was not uncommon to spend two or three years at one site. It was his thoroughness that led to the development of a dating method from studying pottery fragments found at the sites. The historical chronology was developed from studying the different styles of pottery through the ages. Petrie was quoted as saying, “I believe the true line of research lies in the noting and comparison of the smallest details.” This simple approach became the foundation of his methodology.

During his years of fieldwork he became a prolific writer. He authored more than 100 books and 900 articles. Sir Petrie became the first Professor of Egyptian Archaeology at London’s University College, but he continued to do fieldwork in Egypt and even in Palestine for a brief period. In 1904 he published “Methods and Aims of Archaeology” which became one of his most important endeavors. He came to be referred to as the “Father of Egyptian Archaeology,” and he was responsible for training some of the up and coming archaeologists of his day.

In 1913 Sir Petrie’s unique collection of Egyptian antiquities were sold to University College. It is one of the largest collections other than the ones in Egypt, and it is one of the most unusual because the contents were mostly ordinary daily life objects. In 1923 Petrie was knighted for his services in his chosen field. Later in life he moved to Palestine where he continued to excavate even in his senior years. He lived in Jerusalem until he died in 1942. As a part of his final request Petrie donated his head to the College of Surgeons of London. However, due to the war going on, his head was lost in transport to London. Eventually his body, sans head, was laid to rest in the Protestant Cemetery on Mt. Zion.

Sir Petrie’s life was an adventure to the end and beyond. It is no wonder that his accomplishments inspired the Hollywood writers to develop the Indian Jones hero. Of course, they romanticized the toil and labors that filled the life of Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie, but they also captured the excitement that must have motivated him to follow his dreams with the ambition and dedication that was the essence of his being.

Copyright usage: No permission is needed to reproduce this story. The About the Author statement must remain in tact. email:barb@sbmag.org

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Vacation Planning For Pros

admin — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 23:14:20 +0000

While everyone likes to go on vacation, nobody really likes the “grunt work” of making reservations. Luckily, the internet has removed a lot of the hassle in travel planning. Here are some tips to make your plans go smoothly.

Use your search engine and type in your destination or the type of trip you want, such as a cruise. Sort through all the information and choose which locations best suit your tastes and your budget. This will of course take some time so be sure to start doing this well before your departure date. For example, if you want to play golf in La Manga, Spain, you may not have the funds or the time to get there.

Once you have a destination in mind, you have a choice: You can either make all the reservations yourself or you can work through a travel agency or a travel website, such as Expedia.com or Travelocity.com. Doing the work yourself gives you some independence in your choices and you may find some great deals. However, you may find it quicker to work through an agent or a website.

If you don’t know which companies to use, ask around. Your friends and family members may have some advice. Learn from their mistakes and their good experiences when planning your own trip.

Whenever you use a website to make reservations, make sure it is a secure site before you provide any sensitive information, such as contact information or credit card numbers. You will probably have to provide a user name and a password, so be sure to use those that are easy for you to remember. Be sure to write these down in a secure but convenient location. Once the company has your information stored, you may find it easier in planning future trips, because your information will already be on file.

Before you agree to any reservations, you must take the time to read all the fine print. Yes, it is time consuming and dull, but if you don’t read it carefully, you may find some unpleasant surprises like extra fees. The fine print is especially important if you are responding to a discount offer. While hotels, airlines and car rental companies offer many discounts, there are often restrictions and other special requirements that can keep you from using them. It may be impossible to get a discount on major holidays. Be sure to read all the information carefully.

Be sure to ask about cancellation information. If an emergency happens and you must cancel your vacation, you don’t want to lose out on the money you paid.

Also be sure to print all confirmation information and save it in a secure place. If you wish, call the business within a day or two to confirm everything. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Be sure to bring all these printouts with you on your trip. It sometimes helps to have the written information with you.

If you follow these tips, you will find the online reservation process to be smooth and hassle-free.

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