Wednesday, July 13, 2016

LEARN THESE LITTLE KNOWN DISNEY SECRETS

Hello all,

Many tourists flock to Disney parks every year for vacation. I've uncovered some little known Disney facts to share with you:

Of the Presidential Seals in this country, one is located in the Hall of Presidents at Disney World. The other two are in the Oval Office and the hall where the liberty Bell is housed.


Strategically placed devices called smellitizers are dispersed throughout the park and emit certain scents like the smell of cookies and vanilla on Main st. 

 Inside Cinderella Castle is a luxurious suite that can’t be booked and you can only stay there if you win a contest.

Utilidors is the name given to a secret tunnel system under the Magic Kingdom which is used by cast members and other employees to navigate the park unnoticed

 If you look, you’ll notice thousands of hidden Mickey’s through the parks.

 Gum isn’t sold in any of the park to minimize the risk of people disposing their gum on rides and dropping it on the ground.

 When Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed, a tombstone for Mr. Toad was placed in the graveyard at The Haunted Mansion.

The same dog is used in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Carousel of Progress.

When Pirates of the Caribbean was being built in 1967, Disney Imagineers didn’t like the look of the false skeletons placed around the ride. So, with the help of UCLA medical school, they were able to place actual human skeletons around the ride. Most have been removed, though the skull and crossbones on the headboard are still human.

There are no bathrooms located in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. This is done to keep with the time period of that area.

Look down when in line at The Haunted Mansion, and you might spot a wedding ring embedded into the concrete. It’s believed to belong to the hanging bride who you see on the ride.

 Epcot’s American Pavilion is home to an American flag taken from the rubble of 9/11/2001.

 Guests in Walt Disney World are never more than 30 steps away from a trash can.

Visit The hat shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and you'll see an old pay phone on the wall. Pick up the receiver and you can eavesdrop on an interesting conversation.

 An imagineer named George was killed during the building of Pirates of the Caribbean.  It is said his ghost haunts the ride to this day. Workers say goodnight George before they shut down the ride each night as a superstition to prevent the attraction from breaking down the next day.

 The lake used for Fantasmic is only about 1 foot deep.

 You never have to pay for water in Disney World. Just go to any quick service restaurant in the park and ask for a cup.

When aboard the Mark Twain River Boat ride ask the pilots if you can visit the captains room. This is a secret code that will grant you access to the room the ship is piloted from.

Main Street USA is a little slice of Americana. Above this idyllic small town setting you’ll find about a dozen American flags. One thing though, none of them have 50 stars.

Columbia Harbor restaurant has two entrances. From the one in Fantasyland, the decor is British. From the one in Liberty Square, the decor is early American. The restaurant symbolizes crossing the Atlantic from Europe to America, from a land of castles and fairy tales to new, thriving colonies.

So enjoy yourself next time visiting Disney and be on the lookout for more secrets to uncover!

















Monday, July 11, 2016

THE SENSATION THATS SWEEPING THE COUNTRY

Hello all,

Gotta Catch-em All! That's right, Pokemon Go is sweeping the country. You see people everywhere. Walking in the parks, down the street, in the store, all with one thing in common. They all have their phones out and are catching Pokemon. To tell us all about it is my video game pro Chris Hauser.

Pokemon has been around for 26 years. As a child I remember watching Pokemon on TV and thinking how cool it would be if they were in the real world. That is exactly what Pokemon Go does... sort of. While the basic idea is there, walk around, see Pokemon, catch Pokemon. It lacks certain nuances of the earlier Pokemon titles.  It lets you see Pokemon in the real world and capture them, and then what? This is where the game limits your options. You can improve your Pokemon's overall CP or combat power, and challenge to take over gyms. But the combat system lacks any real depth and quickly devolves to randomly clicking on the screen as fast as possible. There is no way to trade or battle with your friends, though both these things have been promised to happen in future updates.

As I walk through the park you can see hordes of people with their phones out trying to catch'em all. Trying to become a Pokemon master. It has a level of social interaction that the game is responsible for, but doesn't necessarily support. It could evoke would be trainers meeting up with other like minded individuals sharing stories of favorite Pokemon and tips like where to catch them. The game lacks social features, that if added would greatly improve the user trend. People want to meet up, chat, and share the experience.

 Right now the game gives you a reason to go outside, take a walk, and see the Pokemon you remember from your childhood. And that's not such a bad thing. If supported properly in the future with updated game mechanics one day we may fully realize the joy of living in a Pokemon world!



Sunday, July 10, 2016

ONE OF A KIND TARPON SPRINGS SPONGE DOCKS

Hello all,

Florida has a lot to offer in things to do and enjoy.  With my family living within close proximity to Tarpon Springs we love going to the Sponge Docks.

Tarpon Springs is a leader in the worlds natural sponge market. Greek immigrants built the Tarpon Springs signature sponge industry. It has the highest percentage of Greek Americans than any other American city.

One of the main things we like to do is shop there. They have many one of a kind shops, over 125 to be exact. They have shops for unique Florida gifts and spices. They also have many stores where you can buy authentic sea sponges. One place the Spongeorama Sponge factory also houses a small museum with daily showings of a movie about the history of the Sponge Docks.

They also have many Greek bakeries and restaurants there. One bakery that stands out is the Hellas Bakery where the Greek pasties are delicious. Mr. Souvlaki and Rusty Bellies are good restaurants to try for seafood.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks boasts several cruises such as Spongeorama Cruise Line, Odyssey Dolphin Cruises, and the Viking Gulf Star Fishing Cruises. We went fishing on the Viking one year and had a blast!

They also have a nice, but small aquarium, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium. The admission is cheap. and they have a shark tank in there where they have a diver go in and do a show. You can also pet small stingrays in their petting tank (Of course the barbs have been removed), along with a few other small sea creatures you can pet and feed.

Tarpon Springs holds their Epiphany celebration every January. Its a 100 year old tradition highlighted by local boys diving into the Spring Bayou to retrieve a cross thrown into the water by an archbishop. The boy who surfaces with the cross is said to have good luck for the following year. Afterward they have a lively celebration with food, drink and live music.

With many things to do and see, this is surely a place to stop and see! The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks are located on Dodecanes Blvd. Tarpon springs, Florida 34689.






Saturday, July 9, 2016

WOW YOU CAN GET ALL OF THIS FOR FREE!

Hello all,

I am constantly on the lookout for freebies. I came across some good ones I want to share with you. So first up:

You can get a free Natural Calm Magnesium supplement. Just go to their site and fill in your shipping information.

https://naturalvitality.com/free-samples/

you can get a free Breathe Right nasal strip and coupon. Just go to their site, clik on the request button and fill in your shipping information.

https://www.breatheright.com/free-sample.html

You can get a free sample of Rachel Rays pet food. Just go to their site, click on the free sample, and scroll to the bottom and put in your shipping information.

http://nutrish.rachaelray.com/switchto

you can get a free generation Uth skin care products. just go to their site, and fill in your shipping information.

http://fundyourpurpose.org/skin-care/#contactform2

You can get a free Nutrition For Kids sample pack from Childlife. Just go to their site and fill in your shipping information.

http://childlife.net/free-sample-pack/

You can get a Free Love you to Moon and back crystal necklace from Tanga. Just pay shipping and handling.

https://www.tanga.com/deals/516c24a6547e/i-love-you-to-the-moon-and-back-crystal-necklace?utm_source=cj&utm_campaign=Nicholas+Salgado&affiliate=Nicholas+Salgado

You can get a free bottle of NaturaCel Anti-Aging Cream. This is a 30 day supply and you only need to pay shipping and handling.

https://www.naturacel.com/trial12/?affiliate_id=1022&aff_sub=205008&aff_sub2=&aff_sub3=&aff_sub4=&source=&transaction_id=102c7ae8a78a3818b71f27ab700911&offer_id=29

You can get a free Reaasure pad and underwear products. Just go to their site and submit your information.

http://www.reassure.com/free-samples








Tuesday, July 5, 2016

WHAT ARE 6 DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA

Hello all,

Florida is one of the hottest spots when it comes to vacation destinations. There is just so much to do here. But amidst all of that fun, we come into contact with wildlife we don't usually have encounters with. Here is a guide to some of those creatures.

1. In Florida, the Bobcat appears statewide. It makes its home in swamps and forests. It can be recognized by its triangular pointed  shaped ears and bobbed tail. They are much bigger than the ordinary house cat,(twice the size) but much smaller , for instance, than a panther. It feeds on small animals and birds. They usually hunt at night, and don't sleep much , about 2-3 hours a day. We saw  a mother and its cub running near us at a local park, and it was very scary how the mother kept her eyes on us. We left quickly. I have also saw a few lurking in my neighborhood. Though they're not known to attack people, still keep your eyes open when out in nature, they are very stealthy.



WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - THE BOBCAT


2. If you go out to enjoy nature, also be on the lookout for fire ants. They are small red ants that have a very painful bite that causes itching and swelling. The fire ant mound looks just like small piles of white sand. Sometimes they are so small you're not even aware you stepped in one till you feel the bites. If you do get bit, washing the affected area then applying ice helps. Beware, these things are everywhere. A fire ant mound is pictured below.



WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - FIRE ANTS


3. If going to the beach is on you're agenda, then I should mention stingrays and jellyfish. Stingrays have flat brown bodies, a long tail that has a spine, venom and a barbed end.  They can grow up to 7 feet in length. Stingray season runs from April to October. This is when they come into to warmer waters and bury themselves in the bottom sand to hide from predators. They are usually present 3-10 yards from shore.  So what do Floridians do to avoid getting stung? We do the stingray shuffle, of course. Instead of just running and sloshing through the water, shuffle your feet instead.  It sends vibrations through the sand that scares away the rays. If you do get stung go to the hospital immediately.  Its venom can cause a drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness and shock.  Do not remove the barb yourself, let a doctor do that!



WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - STINGRAYS




WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - JELLYFISH


4. Jellyfish are in all  Florida marine waters. They are usually more on the Atlantic side and in the Panhandle.  They can be up to 2 feet in diameter.  they have a mushroom shaped cream colored or translucent bell with long thin tentacles.  Florida has several species that do sting.  The stings leave red streaky welts that last for up to 2 weeks and causes severe  pain, nausea and headache. If stung    remove the tentacle by scraping with a credit card. rinse with vinegar or apply a baking soda  and saltwater paste. Then go home and take a hot shower then apply an ice pack  If an allergic reaction happens, go to the hospital immediately. Oh, there is an old wives tale that says you should urinate on it. Don't do it! That makes matters worse.




5. Finally, we should discuss alligators and crocodiles.  We've all read about recent attacks involving these animals They  mostly live in freshwater environments and brackish waters, but have been found in marine waters. Their mating season is from  April to May. Never feed them or swim near them, especially at dusk since that's their feeding time. When you feed them they become more aggressive because they no longer fear us. It is illegal to feed them in Florida. They can run fast, up to 9 mph,  but not very far. The running zigzag myth is just that, a myth. They are also good at climbing and can climb a chain link fence. They can grow to be very large, 10-12 feet in length.Their choice for prey is usually based on size, so please keep children and pets away from waters edge.



WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - ALLIGATORS




6. Crocodiles are usually found in the north end of south Florida. They live in saltwater and brackish areas, but have been sighted in freshwater areas also. They can grow up to 18 feet long. Their snout is more narrow than the alligators. They will eat anything that moves. There are a lot more alligators than crocodiles, and crocodiles are considered endangered. Conflicts between them and humans rarely occur because they are shy creatures. Recently we have run across Nile crocodiles which are not native to this country and are much more aggressive.



WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - CROCODILES




So please  be aware when you're out and about, and use caution. Enjoy the outdoors and all that Florida has to offer.








Sunday, July 3, 2016

MY RECIPE CORNER- DELICIOUS IRISH SODA BREAD

Hello all,

I ran across this recipe today . I've been looking for a recipe for Irish soda bread.  This one sounds delicious and look so easy. Since I am Irish I thought I would give it a try! Enjoy!

Irish Soda Fruit Bread

Ingredients-
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. butter
1/2 cup raisins or currants
3/4 cup buttermilk


Directions-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a small baking sheet.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in raisins and buttermilk until the dough is evenly moistened.
Turn dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Shape into a 6-inch ball, place on a cookie sheet. With a sharp knife, cut a 1/4-inch deep cross on top of the dough.
Bake 30-40 minutes, or until dough is just cooked through and the top is a light golden brown.


Saturday, July 2, 2016

SPOTLIGHT STORY- JENNIFER VOSBURGH AND HER INCREDIBLE STORY

Hello all,

Today my Spotlight Story is about Jennifer Vosburgh and her incredible story:

My name is Jennifer Vosburgh.  I grew up in Rhinebeck, New York on a family farm.  I am married with two children-Madison (12) and Ryan(9).  I went to school at Marist College for my bachelor degree in Business Communication and Leadership when I was pregnant with my daughter.  Soon after, I got my Master degree in Counseling Psychology for Capella University.  My goal was to help children in any aspect that I could. 
During my pregnancy with my daughter, I was very sick.  Of course, everyone told me it was just a bad pregnancy and that is what I thought as well.  I continued to be sick after she was born.  I soon got to a point where I couldn’t really leave the house.  I had a rash on my face, my body was weak, severe fatigue, and trouble breathing.  I saw many doctors and specialists and was tested for everything in a medical textbook.  I soon became pregnant with my son and still had all of these symptoms. At my first OBGYN appointment, the nurse told me that I should really have my thyroid checked because it was very large.  Hmmm…not one other doctor had ever noticed this?  I went to my first Endocrinologist appointment and was told that I had Grave’s disease-hyperthyroidism.  I spent seven years on medication to control the hyperthyroidism and symptoms.  Every month, I had to go for blood work and then my doctor would call me and change my dosage.  Fast forward seven years, I had an ultrasound that showed 6 nodules on my thyroid.  My current Endocrinologist and the specialist I went to see for a second opinion explained  to me that I had two options.  I could either take a radiation pill that would kill my thyroid or surgery to completely remove my thyroid.  I was told I would need to have one of these done within two weeks.  I did not feel right about taking a radiation pill. My knowledge of radiation told me that it causes cancer and so I was not going to put that in my body. I chose surgery. Within 4 months after surgery, I was the worst I had ever been. After the surgery, we had packed up and left New York and moved to Florida to be close to my family.  Needless to say, I have been very ill for most of my time in Florida. To the point, that for months, I lived in my bed most of the day. I could barely walk, think, or even organize a complete sentence. I truly believe I was slowly dying. Yes, I went to doctors, specialists, and emergency rooms. I was tested for Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and many more diseases.  I had Cat Scans and MRI’s. All of my blood work came back negative expect one test showed I was positive for Lyme disease.

This is when the true nightmare started!  I would soon find out that most doctors do not believe in Chronic Lyme.  I found out that health insurance companies do not pay for treatment of Chronic Lyme.  I found out that hundreds of thousands of people are suffering with Chronic Lyme and can’t afford treatment.  The rest were paying thousands of dollars out of pocket to  see Lyme Literate Medical Doctor’s to receive treatment.  I could not afford this and spent months in bed until I decided I was not going to lie down and die.  I researched while lying in bed.  Desperate times called for desperate measures.  I tried many things that did not work and then I found essential oils!  I now take one supplement from the local health food store and the rest are essential oils.  I am getting better and can work part-time, take care of my family, and get out of bed!

My journey with Young Living started by being desperate to try anything that would save my life but soon it turned into a passion.  I wanted to help others see what these oils that God has provided for us could help. I wanted others to have a chance at life. I began using these oils for help with other things such as bug bites, weight loss, cuts on my children, to go to sleep, my digestive system, my daughters Hashimoto’s disease, my lack of thyroid, and so much more.  What happened was incredible!  These little bottles of oils helped in every situation that I tried them for.  I have thrown all my chemical cleaners out and use one natural cleaner call Thieves from Young Living.  The best part is that it smells great.  I use lemon, grapefruit, lime, and orange in my water.  It is absolutely delicious and so many health benefits.  I had signed up to get the discount but now I want to share and educate with anyone I come in contact  with.  Young Living is the best oil company out there in my opinion.  I did my research before I decided which company I would buy from.  After all, I was going to be ingesting these oils.  Now I use these oils topically, internally, and I diffuse them.  Of course, do your own research!  However, I know if you try them that you will be hooked!  If you have any questions or would like a sample to try, just send me an email.
Who is Young Living?  Young Living Started in 1993 by D. Gary Young and Mary Young.  Due to the lack of quality oils, they began their own company and developed their own farmland.  Young Living designed and built the largest, most technologically advanced essential oil distillery in North America.  Young Living developed its groundbreaking Seed to Seal process, which preserves the integrity and potency of essential oils through every step of the production process.  Young Living has a steadfast commitment to essential oil purity and has inspired millions of people everywhere to experience nature’s gifts of wellness and lifelong transformations.  Young Living’s mission is to honor their stewardship to champion nature’s living energy, essential oils, by fostering a community of healing and discovery while inspiring individuals to wellness, purpose, and abundance.  Young Living promises you powerful oils just as nature intended them.-
Jennifer Vosburgh

Thank you Jennifer for your incredible story. Her contact info for more information about these products is jenniferlvosburgh@gmail.com
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