Most Jobs Don't Require A College Education

This is for all of us who are women, struggling to survive.  This information is important.  Gone are the days....

How do they get up again and move on?

17 November 2012

This blog started as an attempt to encourage others and myself who find themselves in the same shoes as my feet are nestled in.  That is, how to get up from the muck, hold your head tall, put that smile on your face and get up every morning when nothing seems to be going right.

This blog morphed into a "search for my identity" as the time flickers forward.  I have watched, observed and hear about women who found that new "niche" after feeling left stranded in the middle of a blowing desert staring at the wind blowing the dust around their feet.

I ask myself every day (since I started this blog about three years ago) how do they do it?
I decided on a few things:

1. They remain strong.  It seems that they plow through whatever obstacle that is before them and keeps their eyes looking forward.  
2. They keep their determination to push through that new road.  It is almost as though they do not look left or right.
3. They put all of their energy into one thing.  That thing of focus, that goal and the "thing" that is the most important to them.
4. They seem to never give up.

And whollah!  They have obtained their goal, at least of survival...paying the rent, buying food, keeping the car in good shape.  Are they happy?  I don't know, some seem to be.

Now I don't know if anyone really reads this blog.  If anyone actually reads all the stuff I put in here, links, health, and more health.  So I decided to taint things on the more personal side of life.  Sometimes, I have found that if I feel a certain way others feel the same way.  It helps us not to feel so alone while struggling.  My struggles are mostly of the mind, that sense of failure and isolation that most single women feel although we cannot admit this due to social pressures.

I have been focusing on health because it is a big part of life when your world seems to be falling apart.  Imagine if your health were to deteriorate while trying to maintain some type of existence.  What a pain that would be.  I have been lucky in that respect of this new and what seems to be a very long road for me.  A road that seems to never end.  This is said not to be a downer, but to expose a reality that is rarely spoken of...the elephant in the room.  

The important part is to remain strong.  I remember when I was a war photojournalist (another long story of why did I do that?) I was covering a story in Bethlehem after a 40 day incursion of the Israeli's Defense Force (IDF).  This was a time in history where the IDF surrounded almost all of the West Bank towns and imposed curfews, turned off water, shut down the electricity and buzzed the streets with bulldozers, tanks, jeeps and guns.  They also would talk over peoples homes on the high ground and created lookout posts as places to shoot from if they saw any movement in the streets.

The time was horrible and it was dangerous for journalists as well.  So, I waited until they were pulling out and I went in to see the damage.  I interviewed a woman who was what I would call "held hostage" for 40 days.  Her home was right across from the Nativity Church, where they say that Jesus was born.  She lived on the top floor. Her humble abode was taken over for that 40 days by Israeli soldiers while they shot bullets from their window.  Her husband was ill and they were allowed to remain in a corner of their room on the bed during their stay.  They were provided with random food and her husband was allowed to continue with his medication.  They could not enter into the rest of the home except to use the restroom and were not allowed outside of the tiny square of their bed.  While talking with her I realized that she was lucky and that the soldiers who used her home were decent...or shall I say more decent than others in the same situation had experienced.

It was only a few hours after the IDF left when I spoke with her. With a smile, she pulled out a packaged cake that soldier gave her before they left as a good-bye.  She felt that he was a "nice boy". She had not realized the reality of her situation that is called the Stockholm syndrome where a hostages gain positive feelings towards their captors.    Instead of breaking down emotionally, she was more concerned about offering a piece of cake, some tea and showing me her panoramic view from the roof.

In politeness, I had some cake and tea then went to see the panoramic view.  We walked outside onto her veranda and she pointed to a frail ladder and pointed then looked up.  I quickly realized that she wanted me to climb that ladder to see the view.  I became nervous for my own safety, not of bullets but from falling down that ladder.

She looked at me and shook her head and started climbing waving her hand at me to start following.  This woman was about 70 years old remind you.  I stood at the bottom and watched her climb right up that ladder without any pauses, no fretting and without fear but firmly placed her feet on the rungs with determination.  I quietly said under my breath, "Well, if she can do it, then I can...umm do it!"

It was at that moment that I saw her strength which seemed boundless and fearless. She was solid like a deeply planted stone into the earth.  She had suffered in a conflict under horrible conditions and remained very strong with a smile vigor and was hospitable.  In my eyes, she became wonder woman and respect for her flowed into my soul like a river.  I shook my head and said to myself "Amazing" 

It was that moment that I decided that I too needed to be strong and then remain strong.  To look at the enemy in the eye and keep going.  When times seem tough and I don't want to put one foot in front of the other, I remember her.  This woman of war taught me something very valuable, that we too can be like her. We too can climb that ladder.

Winters coming! Boost your immune system

Susan Brannon American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is known to help boost your immune system, and has been used for centuries. It helps to prevent upper respiratory infection when taken for several months. However! When you buy the traditional Chinese ginseng, do not take it when you have a cold because the products vary in potency. “Indian echinacea,” can help to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, and it also might help prevent upper respiratory infections, It also appears to help boost your immune system. The average dosage is 400mg per day. Echinacea many studies support the fact that echinacea is an effective aid for preventing and treating colds, flu and other infections. It can help to fight infections by stimulating your immune cells. It works best when taken frequently at the first sign of infection: 30 to 60 drops of liquid extract or 1 to 2 capsules (300 to 400 mg each) every two hours for the first 24 to 48 hours, followed by the same dosage four times daily for three days after symptoms disappear. Don't forget vitamin C! about500 mg per day. Have a nice winter

Prop 37 GMO Labeling: Right to Know Videos

Prop 37 is coming up in California asking to label GMO food products if you are in California, Please vote yes. It is your life. Share these videos all over America...to educate and prepare for "war"

Agent Orange is Harmless: Prop 37 California VOTE

Agent Orange is harmless just like cigarettes and DDT are harmless, and...so are GMO foods harmless...so, why is Monsanto fighting so hard with 35 million in advertising to get voters to vote NO on Prop 37 in California?  Watch and share this video with the people in our country.

California Prop 37 GMO Labeling: Right to Know

Okay, I understand that not everyone lives in California BUT, it also involves ALL of America.  If we can get everyone in California to VOTE YES on Prop 37, then the other states will hopefully follow..???  This video is full of famous folks who decided to stand against GMO food products and stand for the labeling of GMO products.  Please watch and share

After The War: Petition: Tell Major grocery stores NO GMO APPLES

After The War: Petition: Tell Major grocery stores NO GMO APPLES

Study: Are Organic Foods Better than Conventional Foods?

Italian Green Beans Photo by Susan Brannon

According to an Annals of Internal Medicine study/report, "The published literature lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventional foods. Consumption of organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria."  With its primary funding source listed as "none"  

The study seems to lack considerations such as, organic munchers tend to eat healthier such as more vegetables and fruits, legumes, whole grains and less meat than conventional munchers. 

"Two studies reported significantly lower urinary pesticide levels among children consuming organic versus conventional diets, but studies of biomarker and nutrient levels in serum, urine, breast milk, and semen in adults did not identify clinically meaningful differences."  If the urinary pesticide level is less among children for organic intake, then that is a positive result as far as pesticide consumption is concerned.  Is that not the reason for eating organic in the first place?  In the end, it is a good result for as we know pesticides are not a good thing to put into our blood streams and they may never flush out of our bodies.  We all know about GMO products and the farmers who have had serious side effects.

I recommend, go organic and stay organic for the entire family!

crossing borders project: Crossing Borders Book in Digital!

Finally, the book is in digital format!  All about the West Bank
crossing borders project: Crossing Borders Book in Digital!

You want to promote a business? This is how:

I just had to put this video on this blog.

So You Want to Get a PhD in the Humanities: Nine Years Later

So you Want to Get a PhD in the Humanities

Tortilla strips

Stack 16 to 18 corn tortillas (6-inch diameter) and cut into 1/4-inch wide strips. Pour salad oil to a depth of 1 inch into a 3- to 4-quart pan and heat to 375 degrees F. on a deep-frying thermometer. Add strips, a handful at a time, and cook, stirring often, until crisp and lightly browned (about 1 min.). Lift out; drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt.

Huvos con queso

HUEVOS CON QUESO
(Mexican Eggs with Cheese)

Reminiscent of chile con queso (melted cheese with chiles), cheese sauce is blended with eggs and spooned over tortillas. Serve with sliced tomatoes and beer or iced tea.


Tortilla Strips (see below)
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 small onion, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sour cream
6 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 large tomatillo, husked, rinsed and chopped (optional)
1 large Anaheim or other mild green chile, stemmed, seeded and chopped
Prepare Tortilla Strips. Distribute evenly among 6 dinner plates and keep warm in an 150 degree oven.

In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan, melt butter over low heat. Add onion and cumin; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft (about 5 minutes). Mix in flour; cook, stirring, until bubbly. Remove from heat and blend in sour cream. Return to heat and cook, stirring, over low heat until smooth and bubbly. Add jack and cheddar cheeses and continue to cook, stirring, until melted. Stir in eggs; cook until eggs are lightly set and mixture looks like soft scrambled eggs (about 10 more minutes).

Dividing equally, spoon egg mixture over tortilla strips and sprinkle with tomatoes, tomatillo (if desired) and chile. Makes 6 servings.

Chili Con Queso Soup

CHILI CON QUESO SOUP (TORTILLA)

1/2 Large onion -- finely chopped
3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
1 1/2 cans (4 oz each) mild green -- chiles, drained, see
finely chopped
2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) plum -- tomatoes, drained, s
finely chopped
2 packages (3 oz each) cream cheese -- cut into bits
1 can (14 1/2 oz) chicken broth
1 1/2 cups Half-and-half
4 teaspoons Fresh lemon juice -- or to

Garlic powder to taste
Cayenne to taste
Salt to taste
Julienned tortilla chips -- fried crisp
Green onions -- chopped
Monterey jack cheese -- grated

Cook onion in butter over moderately low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until onion is softened. Add chilies and tomatoes. Cook mixture 8 to 10 minutes over moderate heat until liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally. Stir in cream cheese. Maintain moderate-to-low heat until cheese melts. Stir in chicken broth, half-and-half, lemon juice, cayenne, and salt. Heat soup over moderate heat until hot, but do not boil. Sprinkle tortilla strips, green onions, and Monterey jack cheese over individual servings.

Tortillia Soup

Recipe By : Legends Rancho Deluxe by chef Michael Hanrahan

1 tablespoon canola oil
8 whole corn tortillas -- cut into 1" strips
1 cup onion -- diced
1 1/2 tablespoons jalapeno peppers -- seeded
-- minced
5 cloves garlic -- minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
42 ounces canned tomatoes -- undrained
1 tablespoon ground cumin
63 ounces chicken broth, fat free
4 whole corn tortillas -- cut into 1/4" strips
2 cups boneless skinless chicken breasts -- cooked
-- shredded
1 cup avocado -- diced
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese -- shredded
1/2 cup fresh cilantro -- chopped

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1" tortilla pieces - cook 2 minutes or until crisp - stirring occasionally.

Add the onion, jalapeno and garlic - saute 3 minutes.

Add tomato paste and tomatoes - bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes.

Stir in cumn and broth - bring to a boil. reduce heat to medium and simmer - uncovered - 40 minutes or until reduced to 8 cups.

Place half of soup in a blender - process until smooth - pour into a bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining soup. Return pureed soup to pan. Cook over medium-low heat until thoroughly heated.

Arrange tortilla strips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 for 7 minutes or until crisp - set aside.

Divide chicken and avocado evenly amoung 8 soup bowls. Pour soup into each bowl and top with cheddar cheese, cilantro and tortilla strips.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 can (14 oz.) beef broth
1 can (14 oz.) chicken broth
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) cream of chicken soup
1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles
2 cups chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1-1/2 cups water
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. pepper
6 flour tortillas
3 cups grated Cheddar cheese

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil. Add the next 10 ingredients;
bring to a boil. Cover, simmer for one hour. Cut tortillas into
1/2" strips; add with the cheese to the soup. Simmer
(uncovered) for 10 minutes. Serve.

The Ulitimate Enchilada

from Chile Pepper Magazine

FILLING:
4 cups shredded Carne Seca (dried beef) or the following recipe for Carne Machaca:

2 to 2-1/2 lbs. boneless beef roast, cut in large pieces
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
1-2 Tbsp. ground hot chile
water

Place ingredients in pan and cover with water and simmer for an hour and a half or until the meat starts to fall apart. Remove the beef, strain the broth, and save for the sauce. Allow the meat to cool and shred the meat by using 2 forks or your fingers.

SAUCE:

3 Tbsp. flour
4 Tbsp. oil
1 cup onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
6 chopped green New Mexican chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded or 2(4 oz.)cans
1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
3 cups reserved beef broth

Combine flour and 3 Tbsp. oil to make a roux. Saute the mixture, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes. Set aside. Saute the onions and garlic in remaining oil. Stir in chiles, cumin, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the roux and simmer fir a few minutes to thicken. NOTE: I add 2 Tbsp. hot chili powder

THE ENCHILADAS:

24 corn or blue corn tortillas
oil
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup chopped onions
shredded lettuce
chopped tomatoes

Fry tortillas briefly in hot oil to soften. Drain on paper towels.

To assemble: For each enchilada stack, place a little sauce on bottom of casserole dish, place a tortilla on top, then the beef, some cheese and onion, then some sauce. Repeat the procedure for 3 more layers and finish with a tortilla. Pour the sauce over the top. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Serve with lettuce and chopped tomatoes. May be topped with a fried egg if desired.

Red Chili Enchilada Cassrole

1 1/2 large onions, chopped
Butter
3 14-ounce cans Old El Paso Red Enchilada Sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt
2 dozen corn tortillas
3 cups shredded pasteurized process cheese spread
1 pint heavy cream
3 eggs, beaten
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook onions in butter; add red enchilada sauce. Bring to a boil; add sugar and pinch of salt.

Arrange tortillas, cheese, heavy cream and sauce in layers in 3-quart casserole. Repeat several times. Pour eggs over last layer and bake 1 hour. Serve immediately.

This recipe is from "Seasoned With Sun" by the Junior League of El Paso, TX

Green Chili Chicken Enchladas

GREEN CHILE CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

12 - 18 corn tortillas
1/2 c. oil
8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1/4 c. flour
2 c. chicken broth
4 oz. chopped green chiles
1 c. sour cream
1 chicken or 3 breast halves, boiled and shredded
Cook tortillas in hot oil until softened (5 seconds).

Place some chicken, cheese, and onion on each tortilla and roll up. Place seam side down in greased baking pan.

Melt butter, add flour, stir well. Add broth; cook till thick. Stir in sour cream and chilies. Stir until heated. Pour over enchiladas.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until heated through. Put remaining cheese on top and return to oven for 5 more minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprig of fresh cilantro, if desired.
These are the best chicken enchiladas you have ever tasted!

Freezing Meal Ideas

Susan Brannon
Freezing Meal Ideas

Lasagna
Spaghetti sauce
casserole's
Chili
Veggie Pasta Shells (large shells)
Pancakes
French Toast
Potato and Bacon Soup
Garlic Bread
Zucchini and Parmesan Soup
Meatloaf or mini meatloafs
Vegetable bake
Hamburger Patties
Salmon patties
mashed potatoes
vegy soup
Beef Stew
Shephard's Pie
anything chicken with sauce or no sauce
Chicken and rice soup

  
    * Ensure that food is in perfect condition before freezing.
    * Divide food into small portions. This ensures rapid freezing and better quality on defrosting.
    * Use the correct type of packaging or container.
    * Make sure that food is tightly wrapped or sealed and that no air or water can get in or out.
    * Check that the temperature of the freezer is at 0°F or below.
    * Do not freeze too many unfrozen items at once.
    * Leave space around newly introduced packages.
    * Defrost items in the refrigerator or in cold water.

it is very important to defrost food slowly and safely, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Recipes:
Homemade Maple Syrup
Healthy Jambalaya
Polenta
Easy Greens - 30 minutes
Fish and Spinach Rolls - 30 minutes
Butternut Squash Soup
Avocado and Potato Salad 10 minutes
Best Vegetarian Chili

Homemade Maple Syrup

HOMEMADE MAPLE SYRUP   

1 3/4 c. white sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 c. water
Combine and bring to a boil. Cover and cook 3 minutes. Cool slightly. Add:
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. maple flavoring
Cover saucepan for a few minutes as syrup cooks to melt down crystals.
More Money Saving Recipes:
Healthy Jambalaya
Polenta
Easy Greens - 30 minutes
Fish and Spinach Rolls - 30 minutes
Butternut Squash Soup
Avocado and Potato Salad 10 minutes
Best Vegetarian Chili

Healthy Jambalaya

Healthy Jambalaya Recipe (30 min)

1 cup long grain rice
14 ounces cooked kidney beans (rinse well if canned)
1 yellow onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 rib of celery, finely chopped
Kernels from 1 corn cob (about 1 cup)
2 cloves of garlic
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 to 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth
Extra virgin olive oil
Handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, roughly chopped
Sea salt

1. Drizzle enough olive oil into a large pan to lightly cover the bottom and set heat to between low and medium.

2. Add rice and saute for about 5 minutes, then add onion and cook for another 2 minutes - be sure to stir from time to time.

3. Add the rest of the vegetables plus garlic, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring regularly.

4. Now the relaxing part: add between 1.5 to 2 cups of broth. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. As soon as it reaches a boil, lower heat and allow to simmer for about 35 to 40 minutes. You don't want the ingredients to get dry and burned out, so check on it at the 15 to 20 minute mark and add a little extra broth if you don't see any liquid.

5. Once it's finished cooking, add kidney beans and give everything a good toss to allow the kidney beans to heat through. Season with sea salt, to taste.

6. Just before serving, sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley or cilantro on top.
More Recipes:
Polenta
Easy Greens - 30 minutes
Fish and Spinach Rolls - 30 minutes
Butternut Squash Soup
Avocado and Potato Salad 10 minutes
Best Vegetarian Chili

05 "No One Tells You You're Too Old" CUT BACK: facing ageism

03 "How are you feeling?" CUT BACK: facing ageism

This video helps you to see that you are not alone! It is not you, it is the system.

Freezing Vegetables and Fruits

Susan Brannon
Vegetables freeze well and have a life span of three months. Some people say vegetables can freeze longer, but I like using the three month rule for the best taste.
clean the vegetables
trim them
cut them into bite sized portions

How To Blanch your vegetables:
boil some water
prepare a bowl of ice water
Use a slotted spoon, and put a handful of vegetables into the boiling water Most vegetables will take about two-three minutes to blanch,
transfer the vegetable into the ice water. 
Pat the food dry
and put the vegetables into freezer bags

Vegetables that blanch for more than two-three minutes:
Cabbage wedges 3-4 minutes
Corn on the cob 8 minutes

Fruit:
It is best to freeze fruit when they are in season for the lowest price and best taste. 

Dry Pack: blueberries, cranberries, currants, gooseberries, etc.. Place them on trays to lay flat not stacking them, so they can freeze individually.  Once they are frozen, place them into freeze bags.  Then you will be able to remove only what you need.

Sugar Pack:  Sprinkle sugar over the fruit and mix. Allow the fruit to stand for about 15 minutes.  You can also place the pieces on trays, and sprinkle the sugar before freezing.  Then once frozen, place them in freezer bags.

Fruit can turn brown, and to prevent this, you can add ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) you can buy this for freezing at the grocery store.  For dry pack, dissolve 1/8 teaspoon with 2 tablespoons cold water for 2 cups of prepared fruit.  Sprinkle over the fruit and mix!
Related Articles:
How To Freeze Foods

Tips on How to Freeze Foods

Susan Brannon

It can save a ton of time to triple your normal recipe, eat one and freeze the other two portions of your meals. You don't have to triple or double your recipe but you can save your excess foods in the freezer. You will want your food to taste delicious when it thaws.  If you don't store the food correctly, things just may not turn out right and you have lost your meal.

There are some basic guidelines to make your life easier, and help you to get the best results when freezing your foods.

• First you need to make sure that you have the right containers, bags or wraps that are designed for the freezer.  They are made to keep the moisture in, and the odors out.  Using regular sandwich bags or plastic wrap are not thick enough to do the job.

• Divide the food into small portions, to ensure rapid freezing and better quality.

• Make sure that the food is tightly wrapped or sealed and make sure that you have removed all the air from the container because if you don't it can "dry" things out and "burn" your food.  If you use a plastic container, make sure that you fill the entire container leaving room for expansion.

• Freeze the food as quickly as possible to minimize ice crystals. Wait for hot foods to cool down before freezing.

• When placing the food into the freezer, make sure that you leave room around the container, so the food will freeze evenly.  Once it is frozen, then you can stack it up.

• Label your food and date them using a sharpie marker so you know how long the food has been in there and if it is still good or not.

Liquids:  Freeze sauces and broths in freezer bags, laying them flat.  This will save space and will thaw faster.
Breads:  Make sure that the breads are sliced before freezing so you can take out the amount that you need at a time. 
Casseroles: You can line a casserole dish with foil, and freeze it in the container, then once it is frozen you can lift up the foil and re-use your casserole dish.  You can freeze already cooked casseroles, or uncooked.
To do pancakes you can separate them with wax paper before putting them in the freezer to prevent them from sticking.  It is great to cook more than you need and freeze them!

Thyroid cancer, fracking and nuclear power

An Activist Post Special Report
By Rady Ananda
Thyroid cancer cases have more than doubled since 1997 in the U.S., while deadly industrial practices that contaminate groundwater with radiation and other carcinogens are also rising.
New information released by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that 56,460 people will develop thyroid cancer in 2012 and 1,780 will die from it.
That’s up from 16,000 thyroid cancer cases in 1997 – a whopping 253% increase in fifteen years, while the US population went up only 18%.
From 1980 to 1996, thyroid cancer increased nearly 300%, while the population increased by (again) 18%.
Most thyroid cancers don’t develop for 10-30 years after radiation exposure, but the monstrous spike in thyroid cancer from 1980-2012 is only partly the result of Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island nuclear accident in 1979 (TMI).
Pennsylvania, with its nine nuclear reactors, does have the highest incidence of thyroid cancer across nearly all demographics among 45* states, reports epidemiologist Joseph Mangano, MPH MBA, of the Radiation and Public Health Project.  In 2009, he analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control’s national survey of thyroid cancer incidence for the years 2001-2005 and compared it with proximity to nuclear power stations, finding:

“[M]ost U.S. counties with the highest thyroid cancer incidence are in a contiguous area of eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and southern New York.  Exposure to radioactive iodine emissions from 16 nuclear power reactors within a 90 mile radius in this area … are likely a cause of rising incidence rates.”

TMI also can’t explain why the thyroid cancer rate for the four counties flanking Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in New York was 66% above the national rate in 2001-2005.
Other, more subtle sources may also be contributing to hiked thyroid cancer rates, like leaking nuclear power plants and hydraulic fracturing, both of which contaminate air, soil and groundwater with radiation and other nasty chemicals.

This Menace Killed 50% of Rats Tested – But It’s Hiding in Your Water, Air and Food

I believe that displaced homemakers need to remain informed and educated regarding food health concerns.  I preach that a life balance of mental, physical and health are important factors in healing, moving forward and keeping the train on the track as our lives change.  This article and a few more that I will post are in regards to food safety, food security, and our health.  I am keenly aware that it costs more to chose and eat foods that are "healthy", i.e., those without GMO's (Genetically Modified Ingredients).  However, it is well worth the 1 dollar to 2 dollar difference in costs in the long run.  For yourself and your children.  Our bodies are delicate and it is a must that we take care of them, some of us know that as we grow older, how we age and feel reflects directly on how we took care of ourselves when we were younger.  For this reason, I include articles like these.

By Dr Mercola

Monsanto, the world leader in the production of genetically engineered (GE) staple crops, has long claimed that its broad-spectrum herbicide Roundup is safe.  In fact, they have even used the following slogans to describe it:

“It’s Safer than Mowing”
“Biodegradable”
“Environmentally Friendly”

What we are now finding out — unfortunately long after hundreds of millions of pounds of the chemical have already been applied to U.S. soil — is that Roundup is proving to be a pervasive environmental threat, one that may already be poisoning a good portion of the world’s remaining natural water supply.

Roundup is Contaminating Groundwater Supplies

The quantity of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, in the environment has been difficult to analyze due to its physicochemical properties, such as its relatively low molecular weight and low organic solvent solubility.

However, a recent study used a magnetic particle immunoassay to test for the presence of glyphosate in roughly 140 samples of groundwater from Catalonia, Spain.

The analysis found that glyphosate was present above the limit of quantification in 41 percent of the samples.  As noted on GreenMedInfo.com, this indicates “that, despite manufacturer’s claims, it does not break down rapidly in the environment, and is accumulating there in concerning quantities.”

Groundwater, which is water from rain, lakes, streams or other bodies of water that soaks into soil and bedrock, can easily become contaminated when chemicals in the soil with low biodegradability and high mobility empty into it.

When groundwater is used as a drinking water source, this contamination poses a risk to animals, plants and humans alike. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains further:

“Contaminated groundwater can hurt animals, plants, or humans only if it is first removed from the ground by manmade or natural processes. In many parts of the world, groundwater is pumped out of the ground so it can be used as a source of water for drinking, bathing, other household uses, agriculture, and industry. In addition, groundwater can reach the surface through natural pathways such as springs.

Contaminated groundwater can affect the quality of drinking and other types of water supplies when it reaches the surface. Contaminated groundwater can affect the health of animals and humans when they drink or bathe in water contaminated by the groundwater or when they eat organisms that have themselves been affected by groundwater contamination.”

That glyphosate has been detected beyond the limit of quantification in 41 percent of groundwater samples tested reveals yet another concerning “side effect” of its rampant use: namely, that it is not biodegrading in the soil, as previously assumed by many scientists, rather, is trickling down below the soil to the groundwater, where processes of biodegradation are much slower, and the opportunity for it to accumulate to toxic levels is much greater. These findings have devastating environmental and human health implications, as glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world and is being found virtually everywhere it has been tested…

Glyphosate is Also Found in Air and Rain Samples

The results of the first report on the ambient levels of glyphosate and its major degradation product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in air and rain water were published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in March 2011. The samples were collected during two growing seasons in Mississippi and Iowa. Glyphosate was detected in 60 to 100 percent of all air and rain samples, which lends further credence to the fact that Roundup does not readily break down in the environment, but rather is lingering all around us.

Unfortunately, thus far the United States has chosen to ignore the warning signs and allows the deceitful marketing and unabated use of glyphosate herbicides like Roundup. On a brighter note, the EPA is finally looking into the damaging effects of glyphosate on humans and the environment and plans to make a decision regarding its future by 2015. At that time, Roundup could either continue to be used as it is now, be required to have some modifications to its use or be banned entirely from use within the United States.

Read the full post at Mercola.com.

Related Articles:

The Story About GM Seeds

Our Food System and GM Seed Studies

Brands that Have GMO Ingredients

Reading the Ingredients

Required Labeling for Organic Foods

Crime Against Humanity: GM Foods

The Very Real Danger of GMO

The Very Real Danger of Genetically Modified Foods

I believe that displaced homemakers need to remain informed and educated regarding food health concerns.  I preach that a life balance of mental, physical and health are important factors in healing, moving forward and keeping the train on the track as our lives change.  This article and a few more that I will post are in regards to food safety, food security, and our health.  I am keenly aware that it costs more to chose and eat foods that are "healthy", i.e., those without GMO's (Genetically Modified Ingredients).  However, it is well worth the 1 dollar to 2 dollar difference in costs in the long run.  For yourself and your children.  Our bodies are delicate and it is a must that we take care of them, some of us know that as we grow older, how we age and feel reflects directly on how we took care of ourselves when we were younger.  For this reason, I include articles like these.

By Ari LeVaux
The Atlantic

A Chinese RNA study threatens to blast a major hole in Monsanto’s claim that “substantial equivalence” means no safety testing is needed. But researchers found that DNA can code for microRNA, which can, in fact, be hazardous. [Image]

Chinese researchers have found small pieces of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the blood and organs of humans who eat rice. The Nanjing University-based team showed that this genetic material will bind to proteins in human liver cells and influence the uptake of cholesterol from the blood.

The type of RNA in question is called microRNA, due to its small size. MicroRNAs have been studied extensively since their discovery ten years ago, and have been linked to human diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. The Chinese research provides the first example of ingested plant microRNA surviving digestion and influencing human cell function.

Should the research survive scientific scrutiny, it could prove a game changer in many fields. It would mean that we’re eating not just vitamins, protein, and fuel, but information as well.

The Chinese RNA study threatens to blast a major hole in Monsanto’s claim. It means that DNA can code for microRNA, which can, in fact, be hazardous.

That knowledge could deepen our understanding of cross-species communication, co-evolution, and predator-prey relationships. It could illuminate new mechanisms for some metabolic disorders and perhaps explain how some herbal medicines function. And it reveals a pathway by which genetically modified (GM) foods might influence human health.

Monsanto’s website states, “There is no need for, or value in testing the safety of GM foods in humans.” This viewpoint, while good for business, is built on an understanding of genetics circa 1950. It follows what’s called the “Central Dogma” (PDF) of genetics, which postulates a one-way chain of command between DNA and the cells DNA governs.

Read the full post at The Atlantic

From microRNAs: A brief history of small molecules:

Despite the central function that microRNAs appear to play in biological and disease processes, the first microRNA, lin-4, was only discovered in 1993. This was believed to be an anomaly until 2000 when a second microRNA, let-7, was described. Both microRNAs, identified from C. elegans [a worm], were highly unusual as their active transcripts were extremely small (~22nt) and were derived from hairpin structured RNA precursors. Unlike lin-4 however, the sequence of let-7 was found to be highly conserved in a wide range of organisms.

It was soon realised that similar sequences, first termed microRNAs by Ambros in 2001, were widespread in the genomes of eukaryotes. Since this time, thousands of microRNAs have been cloned and characterised from a diverse range of organisms including arthropods, nematodes, platyhelminthes, vertebrates, plants and viruses. There are currently over 500 human microRNAs listed in the miRBase database (http://microrna.sanger.ac.uk/sequences/), accounting for about 1% of the human transcriptome, although it is predicted that the true figure is likely to be closer to one thousand.

Related Articles:

The Story About GM Seeds

Our Food System and GM Seed Studies

Brands that Have GMO Ingredients

Reading the Ingredients

Required Labeling for Organic Foods

Crime Against Humanity: GM Foods

How to Get a Job: Age Discrimination

Age Discrimination, Employers, Jobs

Too Old to Work | Age Discrimination | Channel 4

This is in the UK and Europe, but it remains the same in the U.S.

Too Soon Old: Age Discrimination Realities

40% of Single Mothers Living in Poverty

Displaced Homemakers: Divorce, Alimony and Rights

Susan Brannon

10 January 2012

There are important items to know and understand before heading off to divorce court.  It is suggested to make sure that your lawyer understands your states laws and to ask them questions regarding your award possibilities.  Do not let this slip during the trauma that you are going through, for you may regret this later.

Alimony is a type of spousal support and the award depends on several factors:  

• Duration of the marriage 
• Your age 
• Your health

Types of Support
Permanent support can be awarded if a displaced homemaker was never able to achieve a standard of living without the support of her husband.  For example, the housewife did not pursue a career or education in order to take care of a home and family.  There is also reimbursement alimony, which is given to the homemaker to go to school in preparation for a professional career.  Rehabilitative awards can be possible for two to three years to allow the displaced homemaker to acquire job skills to renenter the workforce.

Factors involved:
Each state has different laws for awarding spousal support.  Some considerations are the duration of the marriage.  There is a consideration when ruling for alimony called the "ten-year rule".  This is used when assessing a displaced homemaker's chances of receiving some type of spousal support award.  This does vary from state to state.  Permanent alimony may be awarded after 10 years of marriage and others require 20 years.

Some states have a "standard of living" factor, that requires the court to ensure that a displaced homemaker maintains the same lifestyle to which she/he has become accustomed to during the marriage.

Most states do not consider factors such as adultery or willful abandonment from the marriage.  Most courts do not want to hear all the "reasons" for separation and the judges just want to move through the court secession and get on with things. 

Some states have a public policy and will award spousal support to prevent a displaced homemaker from become a "ward of the state"

My advice: 

• Make sure that you find a good lawyer who will and can act as your advocate.  
• If you do not have any money, then try to talk the lawyer into receiving payment once the case is settled and ask him to ask the payment for the lawyer in the settlement.  This way, you will not have a bill by the time you are finished.  
• It is important that you clearly tell him/her that you feel that you are not able to reenter the workforce and give yourself plenty of time to reeducate and train in order to do so.  Find out what your states laws are and the resources available. 
• Again, make sure that your lawyer understands that you need lots of time to get on your feet.  Know that you deserve a good start, a decent career and a decent living.    Lawyers are busy and handle cases all of the time.  Unfortunately, you may get the impression that they do not really care and that they are trying to  push you through the door.  Keep your head up and look forward, forget your emotions for the moment and put your feet forward.

Finding Grants for Displaced Homemakers

Susan Brannon
9 January 2012

One of the things that you should do if you find that you become a displace homemaker, is to search for programs that help to provide assistance.  Assistance comes in many forms: job training, funding for education, assistance for day care, house payments, utilities, or food.  The money that is funneled into the programs is called grant money, provided specifically to help displaced homemakers or women who are unemployed and can use some training.
 
These grants are different in each state and it will be important for you to find what may be available in your state.  I have listed some programs by state at the end of this article, if your state is not listed, I advise you to contact the Labor Department in your state, Unemployment department, Commission for Women, or search in Google, "Your state assistance for displaced homemakers"  You will have read through the introductions in Google, to know which links to click on, so you may find programs and contacts.  This is very time consuming, but well worth your time and it is important to get moving on these steps right away!

Searching and applying for grants can be time consuming, but be persistent and patient if you succeed in finding the funding that you need to help you to move forward in your life, these steps will be very important.

Here are some steps to help in finding that grant:

First, you must decide what type of help you need.  You may need education, help with your monthly bills while in school, assistance to help pay for day care. Once you figure that out, then you will have a better idea, where to look and what exactly to ask for. (Note: Read the section on Development, Career, Testing it provides helpful suggestions to help you walk through this process) 

Second, give a call to the unemployment office in your area ask this specific question, "Do you know of any programs that help displaced homemakers to get back on their feet?" and make an appointment.  I understand that the times are difficult and jobs are scarce, but they should have resources available and the knowledge of paid internships and training for people who need to develop job skills.

Third, decide what type of career (look at the career page) you would want to venture into, think about your current skills, your past employment and your talents.  At the bottom of this entry, are some links for more guidance in this step.

Fourth, Your area should have a family center, call them and make an appointment.  They will have tons of resources as to colleges and vocational schools that have programs for assistance to attend school and day care.

Fifth, There are different federal grants that you may qualify for in order to return to college.  Pell Grant offers students between $400 and $5,350 per semester, depending on eligibility.  To apply you must file a application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA.  There is a Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant designed to assist students with great financial need.  It awards up to $4,000 per grant each semester.  If you decide to go to college, your financial aid department can assist you with this before filling out your financial aid form.  You must ask to apply for a Pell Grant.  Remember that!

Sixth, there are some states that provide assistance with various guidelines that you must fall in.  This assistance is becoming harder to come by because of our current economical crisis and will take some work to locate what they are and how to apply for them. I have provided as many links to resources in different states that I could find:

State resource links and information:

Illinois: 
Illinois Department of Labor
160 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 793-3644
Fax: (312) 793-5257
The displaced homemakers program listed was for 2007, please call or write to see if there is anything available anylonger.
link for programs by city with contact information:
ISTEP for displaced homemakers
Pennsylvania: 
Phone: 412-281-9270
1-866-PAWOMEN (toll free)
1-866-729-6636 (toll free)
Fax: 412-281-9279
info@pawomenwork.org
New York
Brooklyn:  Good Shepard Services:  A job career program for displaced homemakers
Department of Labor
New Jersey:  Displaced Homemakers Network
Minnesota:  Services for Homemakers
Montana: Program
Michigan: Program: Lansing, Michigan 48913
Telephone: (517) 335-5858
Utah:  legal code and publication
Florida: Program
New Mexico:  Women's Commission
Career One Stop
Oklahoma: Tulsa Tec
Maryland: Programs 
Delware: Code
North Dakota: Program
Washington:  government site
Texas: Labor Code
Connecticut:  Labor Law
North Carolina: Labor Management, Emergency


Financial Aid for Students:  Program descriptions for Older Students
Scholarship Advice:

Career Research:
Career Mapping Free career mapping on monster.com showing you the "normal" pathways to get where you want to go, with links to current jobs, and stats on the job trend. 
Personality Page - Excellent site for matching your personality with careers and it is Free!
BLS Gov Occupational Outlook Handbook A government site where you can search for careers and read on the lifestyles, earnings, education and experience needs for the job. Highly recommended for discovering your career.
OOH Search Occupational Outlook Handbook search bar
Discovering your Vocation:  This is the first of several step by step articles

Displaced Homemakers: Forgotten Women

Susan Brannon
8 January 2012

Searching on Google.com the term "Displaced Homemakers" seems to be a forgotten class in society.  Sure you can find what the term means, but most of the entries are based on programs to assist the displaced homemakers in various states around the country.  Most of the enteries are from the 1980's. Yet they still exist.  We still exist.
Good ole fashioned motherhood has not stopped from our American existence, and when there are stay at home mom's there are bound to be displaced homemakers.  Some of us have young children and some of us are older with our children all grown. 

Why has this segment in our society been forgotten and ignored ? Is it because anymore it is not an honor to be a stay at home mother?  I remember for me it was always frowned upon during the peak and rise of the women's lib movement.  People would ask, "What do you do?" and I would reply, I stay at home with my five children.  The conversation would then just go dead and the silence would seem to have lasted a lifetime.  Now, many women chose to stay at home with their children if at all possible and I do not blame them.  There is nothing wrong with wanting to be the person to oversea the health and well being of your child.  I say, more power to you and if you can do this, please do!

However, it always breaks my heart to have to offer the unsolicited advice of, at the same time that you run the home and take care of your family do NOT forget yourself.  You never know what can happen in the future.  I hate to take away the dream of being at home and having your family provided for with all the love and excitement in such a beautiful time in one's life.  Okay, so what shall we do about this forgotten segment and the desire to raise your own children? 

If you are a mother at home with young children I say this:

• Save money and put it aside for your future.  Take something from the food budget, gas or whatever.  Save and save some more.  If you don't need it later, then you and your husband will have a wonderful holiday when your children are all out of the home!  If something happens, you will have something to fall back on to sustain you until you can get on your feet.
• Even if you volunteer in the schools, this will not bring enough career experience to help you to land a job.  Unfortunately, you will find that most people sort of draw back from you when you find yourself in need, divorce, or in troubles.  Don't expect any assistance from anyone that you became close to in your circle of volunteer colleagues.  This is sad to say, but true.  I have heard too many stories of confused mom's who volunteered hours and hours with school, PTA, and sports who noticed that no-one really wanted to "become involved" and help.  Again I say, don't count on that experience, but make sure that you work on an education once your children are in school when you have more time for building your interests.  Then find some part-time work, even if it is only a few hours a week to build professional experience and references.  
• If it is important for you to build credit, I normally do not advise credit cards at all to anyone however, acquire a credit card in your name only.  Use it once in a while and this will help you to build your own personal credit.  This is important.  It is also important to pay off what you purchase on a monthly basis, do NOT let your credit amount get higher than you can pay off each month!

If you are an older and mature women who has suddenly found yourself alone with your children already from the home...well you will have a long and somewhat difficult road to walk on.  Hopefully, you have found a really really good divorce lawyer who has bargained on your behalf for alimony and retirement.  If not, then you will have more work to do than normal.  If you are in the process of divorce, then by all means, borrow what money you will need to acquire a very good lawyer it will be worth it in the long run.

This blog has many different options to consider with links and references to consider.  Because this part of society is forgotten, it is important that we stand together to support one another through the process to get on our own feet.  Displaced homemakers are more likely to live in poverty, sometimes shunned by society, and job interviewers, and during this economy it will be even harder to get and stay on your own feet.
Just know that we are out there and you are not alone.

Criminal Rothschilds

US streets full of formerly middle class