Sunday, November 27, 2011

Natural Cures

In a new and modern world, there are so many different types of medicine. However, are all of these medicines the best option when you or a loved one is feeling under the weather? Fortunately, you do not have to worry anymore. Possibly the most forgotten natural cure is honey. Honey can help a nighttime cough better than any cough syrup that you might get over the counter, and it only takes a spoonful. Honey is even been mentioned in the Bible 62 times! Most well-known perhaps is the verse, Proverbs 24:13 - "My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste..."
Although honey is not the only cure that you might find in your home, did you know that if your skin comes into contact with poison ivy or poison oak, you can just use liquid dish soap? However, if you put this off for more than two hours, you may still get that rash.
Hey, do you have a crusty eye-lids? Well, you might just be in luck. It turns out that if you rub a little baby shampoo on them, it reduces the irritation and crustiness of the eye-lid  Why is this? The baby shampoo will get rid of any bacteria or oil on the lid of your eye, plus it won't sting your eye. But be warned; do not use directly on your eye!

On occasions when you might experience motion sickness and nausea just try a little ginger! Who knew ginger was this useful? Even one gram of ginger taken an hour before surgery was shown to reduce the amount of nausea in a 24-hour period.
Cranberries, already delicious and flavorful, also help with bladder infections. It may not cure a bladder infection but experts say that they can prevent them. Unlike antibiotics, which kill bacteria, cranberries keep bacteria from attaching to the bladder walls.

So, before running to your local pharmacist for the answer, just take a look around outside and you'll find that much of what you need has been provided!

Monday, March 28, 2011

The Year Of The Hangman

 Recently I read The Year Of The Hangman by Gary Blackwood, this historical fiction by Blackwood takes historical events and makes you think of what would have happened if George Washington never was General, and the question of what would have happened if Colonies never gained independence from the British. He takes these questions and turns them into a very well written book with many twists and turns. Throughtout the book I watched as the main character Creighton takes the journey from his homeland of England to a foreign place at the time Florida. Once Creighton reaches Florida we learn that the great Benedict Arnold is awaiting him there along with many other historical characters including Benjamin Franklin. As we read further and further into the book we get a glimpse into Creightons mind and we see how his loyalty shifts from England to the Colonies. So, If you are  looking for good historical fiction, give the book, The Year Of The Hangman, a try. You might find yourself surprised at how much you enjoy it!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Orson Scott Card

After completing one of Orson Scott Cards most famous books, Enders Game, I found myself wanting to read more of Card's writings. So, when I found out that he had recently published two more books, Pathfinder and The Lost Gate, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them.

As I started to read The Lost Gate, I found myself immediately hooked and I couldn't put it down at all. Although I enjoyed the story, I found myself skimming some pages that didn't have to go into as much detail as they did, there was an interesting twist in the book that made it a worthwhile read. I think Orson Scott Card did a pretty good job overall in this recent novel.

When I finally got ahold of Pathfinder, it was a completely different story. There were times when I just didn't feel like reading it mostly because the story developed so slowly but as the story progressed I realized that without the slow start helped contribute to the setup of an exciting middle and conclusion. I think Card really accomplished what he set out to do. I also think he nailed what the reader wanted. After the first section, you just didn't want to put the book down.

So, in conclusion, this year was a good one for Card who put out some books that I think kids and adults alike, will want to read for years to come. So, even if you aren't a huge fan of science fiction type books I think that you will enjoy reading it.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

SHIPWRECKED by Rhoda Blumberg

When a Japanese boy's father dies that child by law becomes the head of the family, This is where Manjiro's journey begins. Growing up Manjiro always watched his dad go to the docks and fish until one day his father did not return and they never found him now by law Manjiro was forced not only to become head of the family but also to become a fisherman.

After five years of child labor we learn that Manjiro wants to go to sea and go on adventures like the people he has heard about in stories from his poor village. When he became of age he applied for a job as a ship hand but in his first week him and his crew got shipwrecked and were stranded there for many month's, after being shipwrecked on a tiny island him and his new friends learn to survive.

After many months of little food and little water they think they see a ship in the distance as it came closer the captain William H. Whitfield signals to them and later rescues them. After getting settled they learn they cannot go back to Japan or face execution! So Manjiro and his friends travel to Hawaii where they eventually settle down.

But the sea still beckoned Manjiro until he could resist no longer and applied aboard another ship with a fair and kind captain. Many months into their voyage the captain grew to be a total lunatic and the crew mutinied chaining him up and showing him like the wild beast that he was.

This story really spoke to me I felt I could relate to Manjiro in so many ways. I thought the book was well written and includes a lot of history most kids never study in school. If a teacher is looking for a book to give to her class this one would rank right up there!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Groundhogs Day 2011



It has been many hours since Phil has fled,

Phil's wife hopes and prays he's not dead.

Wait, what is that way up yonder?

It's Phil and he's running from his shadow!