Should America intervene in Syria?

Syria is presently in a state of civil war. President Bashar al-Assad is attempting to quash a rebellion by cruel attacks on his enemies. Many innocent victims, including innocent women and children, are being injured and killed. In western nations, pressure is mounting for America, with or without its allies, to intervene and halt the slaughter. This writer believes this would be a mistake for the following reasons:

* Intervention in Syria does not meet the criteria for a just war

Syria is involved in a civil war between two factions within its borders. The country is not a direct threat to the safety and security of the United States. In addition, in this day of modern weapons and advanced technology, many more innocent civilians will be needlessly slaughtered if an outside nation causes the intensity of the battle to escalate.

* The US cannot afford it.

The U.S. debt is presently over 15 trillion dollars and that amount is increasing every minute. The country is trying to dig its way out of a recession and it simply cannot afford to take on any other projects or responsibilities at this time.

* Each nation has the right to decide its own destiny.

From 1861 to 1865 America was involved in its own civil war. No other nation interfered, stepped in, or tried to dictate the outcome. In the end, justice prevailed and the United States endured to become the greatest democratic country on earth. American politicians, and their allies in NATO must allow the Syrians the freedom to work out their differences without interference.

* Intervention in another Arab conflict will further damage the American image.

America's foreign policy has already made it extremely unpopular in the Arab world. After the invasions of Iraq, Afghanistan, and the killing of Osama bin Laden, resentment against US and its leaders is at an all-time high.

* Charity begins at home.

Within the United States, there are 1.5 homeless people, Many children and adults don't know where their next meal will come from, and numerous citizens of all ages can't afford necessary health care. Returning veterans with emotional illnesses lack treatment to help them resume normal lives. State and local governments are cutting social programs because of large budget deficits. It seems only reasonable that the country should get its own house in order, before rushing off to help those in a distant land.

* Intervention is likely to be a useless endeavor.

America backed the pro-democratic Egyptian rebels as they deposed dictator Hosni Mubarek. What was gained? Following the first election, there are rival claims to victory between Mubarek's ex prime minister, and a member of the fundamental Islamist Brotherhood, neither of whom is likely to be friendly to the United States.

The U.S. military spent about 1 billion dollars backing Libya’s revolution against dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The Libyan Transitional National Council has been recognized by the United Nations as the legitimate governing authority for Libya. It announced that Transitional National Assembly elections will be held in June, 2012. Whether or not that will actually occur remains to be seen.

Syria's revolution is indeed an tragedy, but the Syrians must be allowed to settle their own problems. There are American citizens who exist in dire need each and every day,  and that is where its priorities must lie.

Strangeness in the night- on radio

Sunday evenings were special at our house when I was a kid. Then, several eerie radio shows, originating from a Buffalo radio station, were beamed into a darkened bedroom in Ontario, Canada. My sister and I, crouched on a quilt on the floor, wedged in between the wall and the side of a bed, listened with rapt attention to tales of "Boston Blackie," "The Shadow," and "Inner Sanctum".

Wintertime was best for this activity because the early darkness added to the atmosphere of mystery engendered by the programs. It enabled us to enter more fully into the dastardly plots unfolding into our eager young ears. With no visual images to act as distractions, our imaginations were free to run rampant, and mine usually did.

Were we frightened? A little, perhaps, but there was always a comforting corner of the mind which knew that the stories were only make-believe. We were never too scared to munch on cookies or slurp a Popsicle. We knew that we would be able to hear "The Fred Allen Show" later in the evening, when the sound wafted in from our parents' radio in the living room. The comical characters inhabiting "Allen's Alley" had the ability to dispel from our consciousness any troublesome, lingering images.

Years have passed since those days. Now, in the retirement phase of my life, I wonder if I have entered that notorious stage known as "second childhood". Once again, I find myself curled up in the darkness, listening, enthralled to an eerie program beamed into the bedroom from a radio station in St. Catharines, currently CKTB.

Now, my program of choice is "Coast to Coast A.M." The presiding host this evening is George Noory. This program airs from 10:00 P.M.- 5:00 A.M. in our area, admittedly a difficult time to tune in, but an ideal time to let the imagination wander through the convoluted corridors of the paranormal.

In the blackness of night, I have considered topics such the possibility of extraterrestrials visiting earth, the existence of the abominable snowman, the reality of demonic possession, the accuracy of end-time prophecies, and hair-raising accounts of conspiracies threatening every aspect of life as we know it in the Western World. My comfort factor now is the proximity of the warm body of my husband sleeping beside me.

I discovered this program several years ago, while coping with a period of sleeplessness. My spouse found that the light from the reading lamp on my side of the bed woke him up. Reluctant to get up and wander the house alone again, after several nights of wakefulness, I grabbed my walkman radio, hoping to find some soothing music which might lull me back to "The Land of Nod."

Hardly! I encountered Art Bell and one of his more gruesome guests. Nights have never been the same since that time. Insomnia is no longer a problem!

They say you can never go back and recapture your childhood, but I believe I've succeeded in recovering one of the pleasures from that long ago period of my life. I will lie in bed tonight again and let my imagination run wild. The host tonight is inviting any time -travellers to call in and share their stories with listeners.That should prove interesting.

You know, day-to-day life in retirement is good, but the nights are full of fanciful adventures. There's no harm done. After all, it's only make-believe, staged for entertainment value, isn't it? Well, isn't it? Anyway, you'll have to excuse me now. I'm overdue for a prolonged afternoon nap.

How to simplify your life

Have you ever felt like mouse on a treadmill, running in endless circles, longing for a chance to rest and recharge your batteries? For many people, the stress of modern living gradually depletes their resources until a physical or emotional breakdown forces them to stop, alter their habits, and adopt a simpler lifestyle.

Living a simple life means eliminating everything except what is essential, trading stress for serenity, and spending your time doing only those things which are important and enjoyable to you. Here are five practical steps for accomplishing this goal.

1. List your priorities

On a piece of paper or a file card, write down the five things in your life which are most important to you. They may be family, career, friends, hobbies, or creative activities. In any case, the five items on your list are your core values. Anything which does not contribute in a positive way to these priorities should be eliminated.

2. Review your commitments

Most of us do things which we feel we should, but which in no way contribute to the quality of our lives. In fact, they add to our stress levels. To simplify life, it is necessary to resign, drop out, and leave every one of these irrelevant activities. Devote the time saved to things which make you happy. Resolve to say a firm "No" to future requests which will mean unwelcome incursions into your precious time and energy reserves.

3. Get rid of excess "stuff"

It's easy to accumulate extra things which simply clutter up your living space and complicate your life. Take one room in your home at a time, perhaps on weekends, and purge every item, large and small, which you haven't found useful in the past year. Donate it to a worthy cause, give it to a friend or trash it;  just get rid of it.

Trim your wardrobe to basic, coordinating pieces with a few complementary accessories. Minimize the number of items stored in drawers and closets. This exercise will give you a tremendous feeling of satisfaction, and as a bonus, your home will be easier to clean.

4. Simplify your financial affairs

Cut up your credit cards and pay cash for all purchases. Establish a checking account and a savings account at a local bank. Eliminate impulse buying and concentrate on the necessities.. Make up a menu of nutritious meals each week in advance, and only shop for what you need at the grocery store. If you can discipline yourself to follow this plan, you'll be amazed at how much you can save.

5. Be your own best friend

Limit communication devices and technology. Check your e-mail twice a day and restrict yourself to fifteen minutes each time. Plan your computer and television use so that they contribute to the well-being and promotion of your core values. Take advantage of the silencer feature on the telephone, and place practical limits on the length of those calls you choose to return. Learn to be perfectly comfortable in your own company, and take advantage of the welcome calmness and peace in your life to develop your spiritual capabilities.

You can't totally simplify your life in a week or even a month. It will be an ongoing process during which you take one step at a time. However, as your stress level steadily declines and new blocks of free time open up, you will be eager to do ever more to banish extraneous distractions, and enjoy your peaceful and serene newly-discovered existence. In addition, there will be other unexpected rewards.

"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life."                                                                                             John Burroughs

Twelve steps to achieve your dreams

Most of us have many dreams. It's unwise to tackle them all at once. It's easier, less stressful and more effective to work on one dream at a time. Here are twelve suggested steps to success:

 1. Mentally define your dream. Choose the one goal you deem most important to your health and happiness at present. The others will wait until a later time.

2.. Write your dream down in detail. When, where, and why will it be achieved? How will your life be different and better if you succeed? How will it affect family members and close friends? If there are negative repercussions for others, you may need to make some adjustments.

3. Research to find out if the dream is achievable and if it is likely to be all you hope it will be. Talk to people who have already achieved it. Are they content? Is there any additional objectives they wish they had accomplished along the way?

4. Make an action plan. Outline a series of small steps which will lead to the ultimate fulfillment of your dream.

 5. Set tentative a time limit for each step, as well as when you hope to achieve your final goal. Be kind to yourself. You don't want time constraints to add needless pressure to your efforts.

 6. List the equipment and resources you will need. Assemble everything possible before you begin. You won't want to be delayed later by having to hunt up necessary information or equipment.

 7. Solicit help and support from friends and family. Communication skills are keys to success, and everyone can relate to working toward a goal until success is achieved. Listen to their stories, and make a commitment to them to do your best as you seek to achieve your dream.

8. Chart your progress. Keeping a journal or charting each day's events can be encouraging, or these tactics may point out strategies which need adjustment.

9. Reward yourself in an appropriate manner. For example, if you're trying to lose weight, a chocolate bar is not a suitable reward. Treat yourself to a good book, or a new outfit.

10. Revise your action plan as necessary. Robert Burns observed that the best laid of mice and men often go awry. As you strive to complete your action plan, life sometimes has a way of inserting obstacles and delays into your schedule. Don't give way to discouragement. The important thing is not that you stumble, but that you pick yourself up and keep going.

11. Practice patience and perseverance. Keep a positive attitude. Others have succeeded in this endeavor, you can too. If needed, call on the support team you solicited in #7. They will give you the help and encouragement you need to achieve your dream.

 12. Help others who are pursuing their dream. When you succeed, others will notice. Take the time and effort to support them as you were helped.

Remember, this is only one dream of many, and as you proceed to work on others you have tucked away in heart, you will need all the help you can get.

"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality."                     Yoko Ono

How to deal with the office know-it-all

Every workplace has one or more: the know-it-all. There is no topic under the sun with which this individual will admit to being unfamiliar. Moreover, the know-it-all's mission in life is to impart his superior wisdom to all those intellectually-inferior beings in his environment.

A know-it-all can be recognized by his or her arrogant, opinionated, condescending manner, his lack of humility, and his poor listening skills. His determination to come out on top of every discussion is a form of verbal bullying. He is greedy for attention and affirmation.

When challenged, he may become sarcastic, vitriolic or even start yelling. Since such behavior is not conductive to a peaceful and productive office routine, it is well to think up options for avoiding or discouraging these annoying performances. If all or even several of his colleagues agree to use similar tactics when he starts his tirades, he may begin to understand that this type of interaction with his co-workers is unacceptable.

Here are several strategies to employ:

* Avoidance. When you see him coming, turn and go in another direction. If you are cornered, quickly excuse yourself for an urgent washroom break. If he comes to your desk, explain that you're too busy to talk at present, then return to work and ignore him.

* The know-it-all feeds on conflict. Refuse to rise to the bait. At the first sign of opposition, give in. Reply casually, "Whatever you say," and return to whatever you were doing. This promptly stops him in his tracks, and robs him of the satisfaction of an argument.

* When he butts into, and tries to dominate a conversation in the staff room or at the water cooler, try to pin him down to specific details about his supposedly superior knowledge. Know-it-alls are adept at using generalities to bolster their arguments, such as "Everybody says...", and "It happens all the time...".

Challenge him to name one or two persons who actually said that, or to relate one specific occasion when the incident under discussion occurred. When he becomes flustered, leave before he turns nasty.

What's the worst that can happen? He'll avoid your company in the future. Lucky you!

* The know-it-all often manufactures details as he goes along, in order to impress those present with his knowledge. If the subject about which he is emoting is based of provable facts or technological issues, ask him to cite his sources. If he can't, ask him to look them up and get back to you, because you'd like to do further research. At least he'll be kept busy for a while.

* As a last resort, wait until the know-it-all runs out of steam and there is a brief pause in his tirade. Then, stare fixedly into his eyes for ten seconds. At the end of that time, let out a snicker, which will quickly turn into a full-blown belly laugh. In the midst of your mirth, turn on your heel and walk quickly away.

It's the ultimate insult; not only did you not appreciate his wisdom, you had the audacity to laugh at him! You may lose his companionship for the foreseeable future, but as we said before: lucky you!

Know-it-alls are tiresome, boring and annoying anywhere, but they are particularly troublesome in an office setting. Everyone has work do, and it is best accomplished in a calm, relaxed atmosphere. These characters do not contribute at all to that type of beneficial environment. They may have a negative effect on vulnerable employees' self-esteem and they will definitely waste every one's valuable time with their long-winded raving.

For the benefit of the business, the employees and even the know-it-all himself, his dreadful and detrimental behavior, especially at the office, needs to be stopped.

Biography: Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale, the inspiration and guiding force behind the nursing profession of today, was born in Italy on May 12th., 1820. She was the daughter of a wealthy English landowner, William Nightingale. She spent most of her early years in Derbyshire, England. Having no sons, Florence's father treated her as his friend and companion and gave her an excellent, thorough classical education.

From 1837 to 1839, Florence and her parents travelled in Europe, where she witnessed many incidences of poverty, sickness and suffering. During this period, she became interested in nursing and insisted on visiting hospitals whenever she could, as the family continued its travels.

After returning home, Florence refused the attentions of several suitors. At age 25, she informed her parents she wanted to become a nurse. They were completely opposed to her plan because, at that time, nursing was considered an unattractive, menial occupation, performed by untrained, lower-class personnel.

However, her resolve to be a nurse was strengthened by Elizabeth Blackwell, whom she met at a hospital in London. Miss Blackwell, having overcome a great deal of prejudice, was the first woman to be qualified as a doctor in the United States. She encouraged Florence to pursue her dream.

In 1851, Florence's father finally gave his permission for her to train as a nurse. Now 31, she studied for two years at the Institute of Protestant Deaconesses in Kaiserwerth, Germany. When her training was finished, she was appointed resident lady superintendent of a hospital for invalid women in Harley Street, London.

In 1853, Britain became involved in the Crimean War. Nightingale volunteered her services and was eventually given permission to take a group of 38 nurses to Turkey. Arriving at the army hospital in Scutari, she found the conditions appalling.

The staff lacked supplies, the wounded soldiers were filthy, and diseases such as typhus, cholera and dysentery ran rampant. Actual war wounds accounted for only one death in six. Under Florence's direction, efficient nursing procedures were established, and strict standards for cleanliness were imposed. The death rate dropped significantly. Florence worked in her hospital until the war ended.

In 1856, she returned to England and was greeted as a national heroine. She was dubbed "the angel of the Crimea". In honour of the many, long nights she had patrolled dark hospital aisles, lamp in hand, to check on her patients, she became known as "the lady with the lamp".

Florence immediately began to reorganize the army medical service in England. She helped hospitals arrange for better ventilation and drainage systems. She oversaw the hiring of competent, trained orderlies.

She introduced a system of precise record keeping, and published two books to publicize her reforms: "Notes on Hospitals" (1859) and "Notes on Nursing" (1860). The latter was the first known textbook for nurses and was translated into many languages.

In honour of her service in the Crimea, money was raised to build the Nightingale School and Home for Nurses at St. Thomas' Hospital. The graduates from her school soon opened nursing schools in other hospitals, and thus, Florence's effective new method of training nurses spread rapidly. Thanks to her influence, nursing became recognized as the respected medical profession it is today.

During her later years, Florence's advice was continually sought on matters concerning everything from designs for hospital construction to policies of public health. Besides receiving many honours from foreign governments, she became the first woman to receive the British Order of Merit in 1907.

Florence suffered poor health in her later years. In 1895, she became blind. Soon after, she lost the use of other faculties and needed full-time nursing care. She lived as a complete invalid in London until her death in 1910.

Florence expressed her deep conviction about the wide scope of responsibilities a nurse should properly assume:

" I use the word nursing for want of a better. It has been limited to signify little more than the administration of medicines and the application of poultices. It ought to signify the proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet, and the proper selection and administration of diet all at the least expense of vital power to the patient." Notes on Nursing (1860)

Miss Nightingale was a great lady who practiced what she preached. Hospital patients since her time have reason to remember her with gratitude.

How to make teeth whitener at home

Everyone wants a Hollywood smile with teeth that are dazzling white. Unfortunately, day-to-day living often results in stained dental surfaces. Consumption of coffee, tea, cola, wine, smoking or just plain aging can make teeth appear yellowish and dull.

Drugstore preparations, such as whitening strips, pastes, mouthwashes and paints are expensive and by no means foolproof. They work better for some people than others. If a dentist whitens your teeth, it will be even harder on your pocket book.

Before opting for costlier remedies, why not try one of several homemade whitening agents which others have found to be safe and effective? There are a number of cheap and easy to obtain preparations which can be used at home which will give very satisfactory results. Among them are the following:

1. Once or twice weekly, swish a capful of 3% hydrogen peroxide all around your mouth. Immediately after, swish with water, then brush with your regular toothpaste. The hydrogen peroxide will disinfect any small abrasions in your mouth, whiten your teeth and freshen your breath. Caution: do not use hydrogen peroxide stronger than 3%. It can be poisonous.

2. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with 3 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Mix and brush as you would with toothpaste. Rinse mouth well. Repeat only once a week. Baking soda is abrasive and can damage the enamel on your teeth.

3. Crush a large strawberry and mix with a tablespoon of baking soda to make a paste. Using a soft toothbrush spread the mixture on your teeth and leave for 5 minutes. Brush with your regular toothpaste and rinse well. Use once a week.

4. Mix a teaspoon of white apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and use as a mouthwash. It's important to dilute the vinegar because it is acidic and may damage tooth enamel with extended use.

5. Eating fruit daily is an effective way to whiten teeth. Chewing apples, strawberries, and orange peels will gently scrub teeth, massage gums, reduce plaque and promote production of saliva which protects oral health. In addition, all fruit contains malic acid, a gentle, natural tooth whitener.

Don't expect immediate results; improvement in the appearance of teeth will be gradual, probably occurring over a number of weeks. This is good, because too sudden a change would be noticeable and everyone would know that your dazzling smile is not natural. Also, it will be necessary to repeat whatever procedure you choose to keep teeth sparkling indefinitely.

Entertainers and indeed anyone in the public eye know that white teeth are importance. They testify to good health and good oral hygiene and contribute to a youthful appearance.

Movie stars spend thousands to ensure that their dazzling smiles are always ready for photographers' cameras and the fans' adoring gazes. With a few minutes, little know-how and some common household materials, anyone can obtain the same effect at home. Why not give it a try?

Why do dogs chade their tails?

Most dogs, at some time in their lives, will chase their tails. A puppy may be lying quietly, with nothing particular to do, nothing claiming his attention at the moment, when suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he sees something move. He tries to grab it. It springs away. He tries to catch it. The chase is on!

Tail-chasing is normal with puppies. It is especially noticeable when they've first been separated from their litter mates. They don't realize that the tail they're chasing now, can only belong to themselves.

The problem arises when the behaviour persists into adulthood and becomes excessive. There are several possible causes, some of which the owner can correct, others which will require a veterinarian's attention.

Dogs are social animals and they crave attention from their owners. Of course, positive attention is best, but negative attention is better than none at all. What happens when your dog chases his tail? Do you laugh? Do you call others' attention to him? Do you offer another activity to distract him? Even if you scold him, he's getting attention.

The remedy in this case is to completely ignore the chasing behaviour. Instead, praise him and give him treats when he's quiet, or behaving in an acceptable manner. Alert family members to do the same.

Sometimes sheer boredom can cause a dog to chase its tail. Is your pet getting enough exercise? Is he spending too much time confined in a small space? Some dogs have so many restrictions placed on their behaviour that there's few opportunities for normal canine activities. Some of these unfortunate dogs will chase their tails until they're tired enough to fall asleep.

Anxiety can be another cause of tail-chasing. Humans may bite their finger nails, or twist a lock of hair. Dogs may chase their tails. Is anything different in your pet's routine or environment? Has a favourite person gone away? Is there a new baby in the family? Try to pinpoint when the excessive tail-chasing began. What happened around that time? What changed in the dog's life?

There may be an underlying medical condition which is irritating the tail, the hind quarters or the anal area. The dog may be attempting to address the origin of his discomfort. There may be fleas or ticks on his tail. He may need to be de-wormed. Check for a rash, which could be related to an allergy, on his hind quarters.

Some dogs may have neurological conditions, such as seizures related to psychomotor epilepsy, or compulsive disorders. These can usually be controlled with medication, but it must be prescribed by a veterinarian. Make an appointment and be ready to give the following information about your pet.

The vet will ask about the frequency and duration of the chasing episodes, and the intensity of the behaviour. If your dog is a new patient, s/he will want to know its medical history. He will also inquire whether you know of similar behaviour in closely related dogs. The more information he has, the more accurate the diagnosis will be, and the more effective the treatment.

Dogs are good friends and valued family members. Like humans, they sometimes have bad habits, illnesses, or psychological problems which need to be addressed. They can't tell what's troubling them or where it hurts like human friends and other family members can. They are completely dependent on their owners to care for them and preserve their health and well-being.

Anyone who owns a dog but who is unwilling to accept responsibility for its health and well-being, is unworthy of the privilege of owning a pet.

Changes affect friendships

It is said that nothing in life is permanent except change. Those changes that most reflect the different stages of our lives are the friendships that come and go over the years. They are like jewels in a precious chain of memory. We can grasp each in turn, almost like a rosary, and remember the person, the the circumstances, the good times and the not-so-good times that we shared with them. Each was different, each was of great value, each had things to teach us.

My earliest memories are of the nineteen forties. My friends were all girls. We lived in the same neighborhood, and went to the same school, a Roman Catholic day school taught by the Sisters. Those were happy, innocent days. The biggest problems were who didn't get invited to who's birthday party and usually it turned out to be only a lost invitation.

After high school, our group was splintered. Some went to university, some to business school, others began nurses' training. I, with several others, went to Teachers' College in a neighboring city. My closest friend had gone another route, but we remained in touch in summer and on holidays.

There were new friends at college and we had lots in common. We helped each other prepare lesson plans and went out practice teaching. Afterward, we'd commiserate with each other's successes and failures in the classroom. In June, we returned to our home towns and another set of friends soon faded into the background of our lives.

Soon the high school group started getting married. There were lots of weddings to attend, but afterward our contacts became less frequent. Everyone was working and looking after a house or apartment and that kept us busy. Also, now there were two sets of parents who deserved some attention. Time for socializing with the girls was scarce.

It was unrealistic to expect our husbands to bond as we had over the years. Gradually, the congenial couples became fewer. Then the babies started to arrive. I had four within seven years.

I continued to teach, we needed the money, but I was constantly exhausted. It wasn't an easy time. My husband, who, I see now, really wasn't mature enough to handle a large family, couldn't take the messy house, the demands of the children, the late meals, and the other inconveniences of having a working wife and four young children. He left to start a new life.

I no longer fit in with my former friends. They were in couples, I was single with four children. Fortunately, I found a new group of friends, people in my situation who gathered for support and fun. They held activities for single parents and their children. The group was called "Parents without Partners". I'm not sure whether the organization is still in existence today, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in that position. It saved my sanity, and I actually started to have some fun times, and so did my children.

After eight years, I met a very special man who was willing, and yes, even anxious to take on a new wife and help with the raising of four young teenagers. We were married. He became my new best friend, and I believe you can understand why. He still holds that position today.

As a recycled family, we maintained a small circle of friends, mostly from our workplaces, but life again was busy with the young people, their schooling, dates, and finally weddings. Now there were ailing parents to add to the bundle of responsibilities. As always, time relentlessly marched along.

At present, I feel as if I had come almost full circle. My husband is still my best friend. My children and grandchildren hold the next dearest places in my heart. I have one close friend from the original school group. Strangely, cousins who seemed to be merely acquaintances in former years, have become quite close. Maybe that old saying about blood being thicker than water has some merit. And, of course our chocolate lab, Phoenix is now my constant companion.

I feel I have been very blessed with friends: those who are presently in my life and those whom I have known through the years. Changes in your life will affect your friendships, it cannot be otherwise.

However, I believe that someday, we'll all meet again in God's kingdom, where there'll be one, grand, everlasting reunion, with no tears, no hurt feelings, no bitterness, no sadness and no curfew. Boy, will we ever have a lot to talk about!

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an invaluable test which enables a physician to detect disorders of the colon such as colitis, polyps and colon cancer. Though colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, it is 90% curable if discovered early. For this reason alone, all those over 50 years of age, statistically the most vulnerable age group, should have a colonoscopy every five to ten years.

During the examination, a flexible tube is inserted through the patient's anus, into the rectum, and through the length of the colon (4-6 feet). This instrument is called a colonoscope. Its tip is fitted with a light and a video camera. The doctor is able to watch its progress through the entire bowel on a monitor beside the patient's bed. If he sees a suspicious polyp, it can be snipped off by the colonoscope for later biopsy. He will also check for actual tumors or any suspicious-looking tissue. During the test, the patient may be lightly sedated or under total anaesthetic, depending on the preference of the doctor.

Many patients feel the preparations for a colonoscopy are the worst part of the test. To assure clear and accurate images, the colon must be free of solid waste. Only drinks of clear fluids are allowed for two to three days ahead of time. On the day or evening before, the patient must take a laxative preparation and drink large quantities of water. It is necessary to spend these hours at home, close to toilet facilities. By bedtime, you will be quite certain that your intestines are completely clean.

Truthfully, the test is not pleasant, but neither is it very painful. Your doctor may even agree to let you sleep through it. If you are fifty or older, or if your have any the risk factors for colorectal cancer, you would be well-advised to have this examination. Risk factors include: having a family history of this cancer, having inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, being obese, or eating a high-fat, low-fiber diet.

When the test is over, and you've been assured your colon is healthy, the satisfaction you'll feel will be worth any discomfort you may have experienced. Be ready to accept hugs of relief from the family and loved ones. Most enjoyable of all will be the expressions of admiration from friends and acquaintances who should undergo a colonoscopy, and are trying to work up the courage.

The father of the atomic bomb

"Science is not everything, but science is very beautiful." J. Robert Oppenheimer

Robert Oppenheimer, often called "the father of the atomic bomb", was born in New York City on April 22, 1904. He grew up in a comfortable Manhattan apartment with one younger brother, Frank, who also became a physicist in later life.

Their father, Julius, was a German immigrant who made his fortune in the family textile importing business. His mother, Ella Friedman, was a painter whose family had lived in New York for generations.

Robert received an excellent education in the elementary grades and high school at the Ethical Culture School of New York. He graduated in 1921 at the top of his class. Besides Mathematics and Science, he studied Latin, Greek. French and German. He was recognized as having a special flair for languages.

He began studies at Harvard, where he excelled in Physics and Chemistry. He continued to study languages and developed an interest in the classics and Oriental philosophy which would continue throughout his life. He graduated summa cum laude in 1925.

In 1927, Oppenheimer received a PhD in Quantum Physics from the University of Gottingen in Germany. There, he met and worked with some of the most brilliant physicists of the day. With Max Born, he was engaged in exploring the structure of molecules.

In 1929, he accepted teaching jobs from both Caltech and the University of California. He divided his time between Berkeley and Pasedena and attracted a following of brilliant young Physics students.

When his father, Julius, died in 1937, Robert became a wealthy man. He had a romantic affair with Jean Tatlock, a graduate student from Stamford University in the 1930s, but married Kitty Harrison in 1940, and the couple subsequently had 2 children, Peter and Katherine.

Because he was usually absorbed in his studies and the theoretical world of Physics, Oppenheimer did not pay much attention to the politics of the times. However, he did take a strong stand against the fascism when it arose in the 1930s.

In 1939, the U.S. Government learned that the Nazis had split the atom, and were preparing to make extremely powerful weapons with their new knowledge. President Roosevelt established the Manhattan Project and appointed Robert Oppenheimer as its director.

Oppenheimer set up a research station at Los Alamos, New Mexico. He brought in the best minds in Physics to work on the creation of the first atom bomb. At the station he managed more than 3,000 people and also grappled withtheoretical and mechanical problems that arose.

On July 16, 1945, Oppenheimer witnessed the first explosion of an atomic bomb at a site dubbed "Trinity" in the New Mexico desert.

"We knew the world would not be the same", he observed. He went on to reflect further, "I remembered the line from Hindu scripture.."Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

Later that month, two atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The horrific events resulted in the surrender of Japan on August 10, 1945.

After the war, Oppenheimer chaired the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. In 1949, he strongly opposed the development of the hydrogen bomb, because he was now fully aware of the dangers of radioactivity caused by nuclear explosions. However, he was overruled by President Harry Truman.

In 1953, Oppenheimer became a victim of McCarthyism. He was accused of being closely associated with Communists in the 1930s. A security hearing found that, while he was not guilty of treason, he could no longer be trusted with military secrets. He lost his position with the Atomic Energy Commission.

In 1963, he was forgiven for his former far-left leanings and was awarded the Enrico Fermi medal by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This award honors scientists of international stature for their lifetime achievements in the development, use, or production of energy.

In his later years, Oppenheimer thought and wrote much about the concepts of ethics and morality. He attempted to address the dilemma facing scientists when the dictates of their own conscience and the apparent security of their country or the decisions of their leaders are in conflict. His conclusions, if indeed he came to any, are unknown.

Robert Oppenheimer died of throat cancer in 1967.

The youth of Albert Einstein

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school." Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, to a Jewish family living in Ulm, Germany. He was the only son of Hermann Einstein and his wife, Pauline (nee Koch). Hermann worked as a tradesman and small business owner.

In 1880, the family moved to Munich, where Albert's father and uncle founded a small electrical equipment plant. In 1881, a daughter Maria, called Maja, was born to the family.

The Einsteins did not observe Jewish religious practices and Albert attended a Catholic elementary school, from 1884 to 1889. Although he suffered from speech difficulties in early childhood, he was a top student in the elementary grades.

When he was five, Albert's father showed him a pocket compass. The child realized that there must be something in the seemingly empty space that was moving the compass needle. Einstein later stated that this experience made "a deep and lasting impression" on him. As he grew older, Albert built models and mechanical devices for fun. He also began to show a talent for mathematics.

At age six, his mother insisted that Albert take violin lessons, but he disliked them and eventually quit. Later in life, however, he enjoying playing for relaxation, and he took great pleasure in Mozart's violin sonatas.

When he was ten, Einstein entered the Luitpold Gymnasium. His father intended that he become an electrical engineer, but Albert disliked the rigorous regimen and clashed with school authorities. He later wrote that the spirit of learning and creative thought were lost in strict rote learning.

At age twelve, he learned Euclidian Geometry from a textbook a friend had loaned him. Some after, he began to investigate Calculus.

In 1894, Hermann Einstein's business failed. The family moved to Pavia, Italy. Albert was left behind in Munich to finish school, but he only lasted at the Gymnasium six more months.

Einstein's biographer relates that the young man devised a scheme whereby he was given a medical certificate to leave, on the basis of a potential nervous breakdown. He then convinced a mathematics teacher to certify that he was adequately prepared to begin his college studies without a high school diploma.

In 1895, Einstein tried the entrance exam for Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and failed. He subsequently enrolled in a Swiss high school at Aarau which he found to be much more to his liking than the Gymnasium in Munich. Here, he made rapid progress.

He took the entrance exam for the Institute of Technology again the following year and passed. Once accepted. He found the school held little appeal for him. He rarely attended classes and hated studying for exams. However, he did graduate with a secondary teaching degree in 1900, at the age of twenty-one.

"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education." Albert Einstein

History mystery: Biography of Kaspar Hauser

On May 26, 1828, a strange young man appeared on the streets of Nuremberg, Germany. He was dressed in peasant garb and walked with the unsteady gait of a toddler. His helpless and bewildered manner soon attracted the attention of the townsfolk. When they began to question him, they discovered that the youth could hardly talk.

The only clues to his identity were two letters found on his person. One purported to be from his mother. She wrote that he had been born on April 30, 1812, that he had been baptized, and that his name was Kaspar. She alleged that his father had been a cavalry officer in the 6th. regiment at Nuremberg, and was deceased.

The second was purported to have been written by a poor laborer. He stated that he had been given custody of the boy on October 7, 1812, and that he had taught him reading, writing and the Christian religion as he had agreed to do. He further related that he had kept the boy in close confinement.

When the handwriting on both notes were analysed, they were found to have been written by the same person.

Initially, Kasper was regarded as a vagrant and spent the next two months in Vestner Gate Tower under the care of a jailer. He could only eat bread and water and he was just able to write his name: "Kaspar Hauser".

Although he was judged to be about 16, the boy seemed to have the mental development of a six-year-old. The only words he spoke were, "Horse! Horse!", which he called out excitedly when he saw any animal, and "I want to be a knight as my father was." Further inquiries elicited only tears and frustrated repetitions of "Don't know! Don't know!"

On July 18, 1828, the town authorities delivered Kaspar into the care of a schoolmaster, Professor Daumer, who undertook to educate the boy. He quickly grew stronger physically and mentally. In time, Kaspar was able to tell his life story.

Ever since he could remember, he had been kept in a small, windowless cell, about 7' by 4'. There was a dirt floor, and the ceiling had been too low to allow him to stand. He slept on a pile of straw in the corner. His only toy had been a carved wooden horse. Each morning he found bread and water near the door of his cell. This was all he was given to eat.

Periodically, the water he was given would taste extremely bitter and cause him to fall into a deep sleep. He would awaken to find that his hair and nails had been cut, and fresh straw had been put in the cell.

The details of Kaspar's early life drew international attention. He became known as "The Child of Europe". Rumours began to circulate that he might be related to the Grand Duke of Baden, to whom he bore a startling resemblance.

Speculation began to grow that he was indeed the son of Karl, Grand Duke of Baden, and Stephanie de Beauharnais, adopted daughter of Napoleon I of France. The couple had had a male child who was believed to have died. Karl's uncle, Leopold I of Baden was his successor.

It was suspected that Leopold's mother, the Countess von Hochberg, had taken the healthy infant prince and put a dead baby in his place. If this theory were true, she was the culprit responsible for Kaspar's years of captivity.

Kaspar began to write his autobiography and he proudly showed it to his numerous visitors. This, perhaps. was considered too dangerous an activity by his enemies. On October 17, 1829, a hooded man tried to kill him with a large knife. He only succeeded in giving the young man a long gash in the forehead.

The apparent assassination attempt further fuelled rumours of Kaspar's possible close connection to the House of Baden.

Shortly after, an British nobleman, Lord Stanhope, attempted to win Kaspar's trust with gifts and in time, gained custody of him. He moved the lad to Ansbach, a Bavarian village, and entrusted him to the care of one Johan Meyer. Some historians believe that Stanhope himself had connections to the House of Baden.

On December 14, 1833, Kaspar was lured to a park on the promise of receiving information about his background. He was stabbed in the chest by a stranger. He managed to get home, but died three days later at the age of twenty-one.

In 2002, the Institute for Forensic Medicine of the University of Munster analysed hair and body cells as well as clothing said to have belonged to Kaspar Hauser. They were compared to DNA samples from Astrid von Medinger, a descendant of Stephanie Beauharnais, who would have been Kaspar's mother, if he were indeed the true prince of Baden. There was a 95% match.

The House of Baden refuses to comment on the Hauser matter and refuses to allow tests on the remains of the stillborn baby boy purported to be the son of Stephanie de Beauharnais and Karl, Grand Duke of Baden.

Kaspar Hauser lies buried in a country graveyard in Ansbach. A monument to him was erected which reads: "Hic occultus occulto occisus est". "Here a mysterious one was killed in a mysterious manner."

Many books, articles and two films have been devoted to recounting the story of Kaspar Hauser, but a definite answer to the riddle of the lad's family and background may ever be proven beyond doubt.