• One of every eight Americans has a significant problem with alcohol or drugs, with 40 percent of the group having a "dual diagnosis," or concurrent mental/nervous disorder.
• Approximately 27 million Americans either use illicit drugs regularly or are "heavy drinkers." Of these almost 16 million are estimated to need immediate treatment.
• By age eighteen, almost 12 percent of all young people are illicit drug users.
  An untreated alcoholic's medical costs are approximately 300 percent higher than non-alcoholic's medical costs.
• Approximately 70 percent of illegal drug users are employed and contribute significantly to workplace absenteeism, accidents and injuries, decreased productivity, increased insurance expenses, employee turnover costs and on-the-job violence.
• The estimated annual direct cost to our society resulting from substance abuse is more than 250 billion dollars.
• It is generally accepted that chemical dependency, along with associated mental health disorders, has become one of the most severe health and social problems facing the United States.*

Despite the dire statistics and the failure of "the war on drugs," there is reason for hope and optimism. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of treatment. Chemically dependent people who participate in treatment decrease their alcohol and drug use, decrease their criminal activity, obtain and maintain employment, improve their social and interpersonal functioning and improve their physical health.

Source: SAMHSA (U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

FYI~

Trans Ocean Products Recalls "Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon" LOT No 54933-2 Because of Possible Health Risks

Contact:(800) 290-2722 Monday – Friday 6AM to 5PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON – August 29, 2008 – Trans-Ocean Products, Inc. of Bellingham, Washington is recalling its 4 ounce Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon Lot No 54933-2 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon, 4 ounce packages were distributed to three supermarket chains in seven states: Brookshire Brothers in Texas and Louisiana; Price Choppers in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Vermont; and Giant Eagle in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The product is sliced cold-smoked salmon with black pepper. It is vacuum packaged in a resealable purple plastic pouch and bears the brand name Trans Ocean Products.The lot number is ink jetted on the back panel of the package, just right of center.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by Trans-Ocean Products revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in one 4 ounce package of Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon.

Distribution of the product has been suspended while the FDA and Trans-Ocean Products investigate the source of the problem.

Consumers that have purchased Trans Ocean ProductsCracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Trans-Ocean Products. Call (800) 290-2722 Monday – Friday 6AM to 5PM. Over the Labor Day weekend call (360) 739-4181.

*******

We spent our Labor Day at the beach with family and friends. I am sunburned and I ate way too much food :) How was your weekend?

Labels: misc

N Posted by Rain at 9/02/2008 10:14:00 AM

1 comments from:  tomshideaway,

Friday, August 22, 2008

Being Grateful

Today I am grateful for;

• Knowing that most of the things I am grateful for cannot be purchased. They are experienced.
• The life and path I chose for myself at a young age.
• I am grateful for my belief in a higher power and creator.
• My legs because I love walking and riding my bike for the pure pleasure it brings.
• Knowing the sun will come up tomorrow, no matter how grey today is.
• Having the strength to do things that scare me
• Learning to meditate and understanding how significant it is to still my mind so that I can touch my emotions
• Being able to distant myself from the actions of others so that everything they do doesn’t directly affect me
• My freedom to walk this earth as I please – this is a privilage many women around the world do not have
• Counseling, without which I would have caved long ago to the dark side.

*******

After seeing this video, I really want one of these. Warning this is NOT worksafe!

*******

Okay everyone, have a great weekend!

Labels: Being Grateful, misc

N Posted by Rain at 8/22/2008 12:16:00 PM

3 comments from:  Anonymous,  jedimerc,  Mahmudur Rahman,

Friday, August 15, 2008

Telling Secrets...

My Secrets Survey
What's in your wallet? - Ten dollars and various club shopping cards
What's under your bed? - A treasure box full of items from my past
What's on that way top shelf or in the very far back of your closet? - My mothers wedding gown
What's in your underwear drawer? - Lots of lace and silk
What's in the trunk of your car? - An emergency roadside kit
What's in your desk or locker? - pens, paper clips...the usual stuff
Do you have a super-secret hiding place and what's in it? - I can't tell you that, it would no longer be a super secret :0)
Do you feel guilty about something right now, if yes what? - nope
What is the most embarassing thing in your room right now? - My plastic grass and jelly bean stash
Have you done something recently you hope no one finds out about? - Hmm, I am not telling
What is your last thought before you fall asleep? - Tomorrow is a new day
How long have those leftovers been in the fridge? - Leftovers?? What is that? I have teenagers in my house :)
If I confiscated your computer and took a look around....what would I find? - Lots of top secret stuff
Do you sleep with anything? - nope
What is your midnight snack weakness? - Toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Have you ever you shop lifted? - no
Have you ever vandalized anything? - no
Ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight? - Yes on many occasions
What do you wait until no one is looking to do? - Dip my finger in the frosting on a cake
Have you told the truth in this survey? - Yes
Take This My Secrets Survey and other http://www.quizopolis.com/">Fun Surveys at Quizopolis.com

This is what I'll be doing this weekend....

What are your plans?

Labels: misc

N Posted by Rain at 8/15/2008 12:59:00 PM

3 comments from:  Anonymous,  tomshideaway,  Mahmudur Rahman,

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

California Collectibles

As most of you already know I collect vintage fruit labels. Here are five of my favorites, all advertising California fruits and vegetables.

Golden Girls Brand Apples
Ghiselli Bros. San Francisco, California Distributors


Plenti Grand
Selected California and Arizona Vegetables in season
Grown, packed and shipped by
J. (Bud) Vukasovich Co.
Watsonville, California



Kreme de Koke Brand
Selected Vegetables
Salinas Growers Exchange
Salinas California









Bikini Brand
Crown Packed and shipped by
Phelan & Taylor Produce Co., INC
Oceano, California




Glamour Girl Brand
"Top Quality"
California Vegetables
Growers and Shippers
Half-Moon Bay Growers Assn., San Francisco, California

Want to know more about the history of Fruit Crate Labels? Please visit here

Have a great week everyone!

Labels: misc

N Posted by Rain at 8/12/2008 11:25:00 AM

1 comments from:  SBB,

Friday, August 08, 2008

Happy Weekend

These were sent to me in an email and I thought you might enjoy them :0)

When a panel of doctors was asked to vote on adding a new wing to their hospital, the Allergists voted to scratch it and the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.

The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve, and the Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.

The Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted; the Pathologists yelled, 'Over my dead body, while the Pediatricians said, 'Oh, Grow up!'

The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, the Radiologists could see right through it, and the Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.

The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, 'This puts a whole new face on the matter.'

The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists felt the scheme wouldn't hold water.

The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.

In the end, the Proctologists left the decision up to some asshole in administration.

*****
The love story of Ralph and Edna.

Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. Ralph and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool. Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end.He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there.Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out.

When the Head Nurse Director became aware of Edna's heroic act she immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she now considered her to be mentally stable.

When she went to tell Edna the news she said, 'Edna, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged, since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love. I have concluded that your act displays sound mindedness.

The bad news is, Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead.'Edna replied, 'He didn't hang himself, I put him there to dry. How soon can I go home?'

Psychiatrists vs. Bartenders

EVER SINCE I WAS A CHILD, I'VE ALWAYS HAD A FEAR OF SOMEONE UNDER MY BED AT NIGHT. SO I WENT TO A SHRINK AND TOLD HIM . . . 'I've gotproblems. Every time I go to bed I think there's somebody under it.I'm scared. I think I'm going crazy.''

Just put yourself in my hands for one year,' said the shrink. 'Come talk to me three times a week and we should be able to get rid of those fears..''How much do you charge?' 'Eighty dollars per visit,' replied the doctor. 'I'll sleep on it,' I said.

Six months later the doctor met me on the street. 'Why didn't you ever come to see me about those fears you were having?' he asked.'Well, Eighty bucks a visit three times a week for a year is an awful lot of money! A bartender cured me for $10.

I was so happy to have saved all that money that I went and bought me a new pickup!''Is that so!' With a bit of an attitude he said, 'and how, may I ask,did a bartender cure you?

''He told me to cut the legs off the bed! - Ain't nobody under there now ! ! ! '

*****

As most of you know I love all things cute...Twin baby moose playing in a sprinkler...check it out ;o)

Take care everyone and have a safe weekend!

Labels: misc

N Posted by Rain at 8/08/2008 11:57:00 PM

1 comments from:  Anonymous,

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Surfs Up!

Good grief...

It is 90 degrees in the shade in my backyard!

Rainman and I are off to La Jolla Shores for

some fun in the sun.

Stay cool everyone ;0)

Labels: misc

N Posted by Rain at 6/19/2008 12:17:00 PM

2 comments from:  Anonymous,  tomshideaway,

Monday, April 07, 2008

Hunky Mondays & The IRS

One night, after the couple had retired for the night, the woman became aware that her husband was touching her in a most unusual manner.
He started by running his hand across her shoulders and the small of her back. He ran his hand over her breasts, touching them very lightly. Then, he proceeded to run his hand gently down her side, sliding his hand over her stomach, and then down the other side to a point below her waist. He continued on, gently feeling her hips, first one side and the other. His hand ran further down the outside of her thighs. His gentle probing then started up the inside of her left thigh, stopped and the returned to do the same to her right thigh.
By this time the woman was becoming aroused and she squirmed a little to better position herself. The man stopped abruptly and rolled over to his side of the bed.
Why are you stopping darling?" she whispered.
He whispered back, " I found the remote."

*******

FYI

Check out the IRS's Economic Stimulus Payment Calculator here

************

Have a good week everyone!

Labels: misc

N Posted by Rain at 4/07/2008 11:01:00 AM

10 comments from:  Hale McKay,  Marie,  tomshideaway,  Anonymous,  Alexandria Knox,  SBB,  Kilroy_60,  Chris,  Anonymous,  ~SheraGerl~,

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Tell Everyone You Know...

"I Love You"

Afrikaans : Ek is lief vir jou Ek het jou lief
Albanian : Te dua
Amharic : Afekrishalehou
Arabic : Ana Behibak (to a male) Ana Behibek (to a female)
Basc : Nere Maitea
Bavarian : I mog di narrisch gern
Bengali : Ami tomAy bhAlobAshi
Berber : Lakh tirikh
Bicol : Namumutan ta ka
Bulgarian : Obicham te
Cambodian : kh_nhaum soro_lahn nhee_ah Bon sro lanh oon
Cantonese : Ngo oi ney
Catalan : T'estim (mallorcan) T'estime (valencian) T'estimo (catalonian) T'estim molt (I love you a lot)
Chinese : Wo ie ni (Manderin, Cantonese)
Croatian : Volim te (most common), or Ja te volim (less common)
Czech : miluji te
Danish : Jeg elsker dig
Dutch : Ik hou van jou
Estonian : Mina armastan sind
Esperanto : Mi amas vin
Persian (Farsi) : Tora dust midaram
Flemish : Ik zie oe geerne
Finnish : Mina" rakastan sinua
French : Je t'aime
Friesian : Ik bin fereale op dy Ik ha^ld fan dy (Most commonly used phrase) (the ^ is above the a)
Gaelic : Ta gra agam ort
German : Ich liebe Dich I mog Di ganz arg! (Suebian: South German dialekt.)
Greek : S' ayapo
Gujarati (a dialect of India) "Tane Prem Karoo Choo"
Hausa : Ina sonki
Hebrew : aNEE oHEIVET oTKHA (female to male) aNEE oHEIV otAKH (male to female) Ani ohev at (man to woman) Ani ohevet atah (woman to man)
Hindi: Mein Tumse Pyar Karta Hoon
Hokkien : Wa ai lu
Hopi : Nu' umi unangwa'ta
Hungarian : Szeretlek te'ged
Icelandic : ?g elska ßig
Indonesian : Saya cinta padamu Saya Cinta Kamu Aku tjinta padamu Saja kasih saudari
Italian : Ti amo
Irish : taim i' ngra leat
Japanese : Kimi o ai shiteru
Kazakh : Men seny jaksy kuremyn
Kiswahili : Nakupenda
Korean : Tangsinul sarang ha yo
Kurdish : Ez te hezdikhem
Latin : Te amo Vos amo
Lao : Khoi huk chau
Latvian : Es Tev milu
Lingala : Nalingi yo
Lithuanian: Ash miliu tave
Luo : Aheri
Madrid lingo : Me molas, tronca
Malay/Indonesian : Saya cintakan awak(awak=kamu=you) Aku sayang engkau (engkau=kamu=you)
Malay : Saya cintamu Saya sayangmu
Maltese: Inhobbok! Mandarin : Wo ai ni
Mohawk : Konoronhkwa
Navajo : Ayor anosh'ni
Ndebele : Niyakutanda
Norwegian : Jeg elsker deg (Bokmaal) Eg elskar deg (Nynorsk)
Pakistani : Muje se mu habbat hai
Persian : Tora dost daram
Pilipino : Mahal Kita Iniibig Kita
Polish : Ja Cie Kocham or Kocham Cie (Pronounced Yacha kocham)
Portuguese : Eu te amo
Romanian : Te iu besc
Russian : Y a lyublyu tebya Ya vas lyublyu
Scot Gaelic : Tha gra\dh agam ort
Serbian : Volim te (most common), or Ja te volim" (less common)
Shona : Ndinokuda
Sioux : Techihhila
Slovak : lubim ta Slovene : ljubim te (??????)
Spanish : Te amo
Swahili : Nakupenda
Swedish : Jag a"lskar dig
Swiss-German : Ch'ha di ga"rn
Tagalog : Mahal kita
Taiwanese : Gwa ai lee Tamil Naan Unnai Kadhalikiren
Thai : Phom Rak Khun Ch'an Rak Khun
Tunisian : Ha eh bak
Turkish : Seni seviyorum!
Urdu : Mujhe tumse muhabbat hai
Vietnamese : Anh ye^u em (man to woman) Em ye^u anh (woman to man) Toi yeu em
Vlaams : Ik hou van jou
Welsh : 'Rwy'n dy garu di. Yr wyf i yn dy garu di (chwi)
Yiddish : Ikh hob dikh lib
Zazi : Ezhele hezdege (sp?)
Zuni : Tom ho' ichema

I love you...yes indeedy I do!

XOXO

Rain

Labels: misc

N Posted by Rain at 3/16/2008 01:44:00 PM

7 comments from:  Anonymous,  SBB,  Anonymous,  Anonymous,  Unknown,  Anonymous,  Hale McKay,

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Hello, I am back!

Wow, it has been a long time in between posts!

Thank you for the emails and comments, I appreciate all of them.

I have missed all of you :0)

Labels: misc

N Posted by Rain at 2/13/2008 11:21:00 AM

8 comments from:  Anonymous,  laine,  Lyndon,  SBB,  Damiel,  Wally Banners,  tomshideaway,  Anonymous,

Monday, January 07, 2008

National Diet Month

'Twas The Day After Christmas

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).
I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt---
I said to myself, as I only can "You can't spend a winter
disguised as a man!"
So--away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie--not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore---
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

[Thanks to Rose Vos]

*******

Have a good week everyone!

Labels: Hoildays, misc

N Posted by Rain at 1/07/2008 09:49:00 PM

9 comments from:  choochoo,  SBB,  Anonymous,  Leia,  Anonymous,  tomshideaway,  Politically Homeless,  jules,  SBB,

Friday, December 21, 2007

Christmas Bells & FYI Recalls

Christmas Bells

by

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."

************

FYI...

Top Line Specialty Produce of Los Angeles Ca, is voluntary recalling its 12 x 1 pound boxes of "Green Paradise label" Fresh Italian basil, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with this organism often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with "Salmonella" can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), Endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled "Green Paradise Basil" was distributed to Food Service Distributors through direct shipping on 12/06/2007 in Southern California, Illinois and Texas.

The product comes in a 12 x 1 lb box marked with lot # 1219 on the side of the box.
Consumers who have purchased the affected boxes of "Green Paradise Italian Basil" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-213-747-9200.

Trader Joe's Company of Monrovia, California is voluntarily recalling 1,000 cases of 12 oz jars of Trader Joe's Pinjur (a traditional Macedonian condiment made with roasted peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes), UPC 00529068, Best By 10/2009. The Best By date can be found printed on the top of the lid. The product is being recalled because customers reported finding small pieces of glass in the product.

Trader Joe's Pinjur was potentially sold from Trader Joe's retail stores in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
Upon discovery of the problem, the product was removed from sale in all Trader Joe's stores and put on hold in all Trader Joe's distribution centers.

The product should not be consumed. Customers should discard it, or return it to any Trader Joe's store for a full refund. Customers with questions may call Trader Joe's Customer Relations at 626-599-3817, or write Trader Joe's through their website at traderjoes.com.

********

Have a safe weekend everyone! :)

Labels: FYI, Hoildays, misc, Poetry

N Posted by Rain at 12/21/2007 01:12:00 AM

6 comments from:  Hale McKay,  Damiel,  RR Johnson Jr.,  Politically Homeless,  SBB,  Politically Homeless,

Friday, December 14, 2007

Sherbet Snicker Doodle

Thanks for the image Benita!

Someone sent me this Meme a while ago and for the life of me I can't remember who it was or what its official name is...sorry. If you sent it to me please let me know so I can link back to you.

1. MY ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car),
Borjon Fusion

2. MY GANGSTA NAME: (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie),
Sherbet Snicker Doodle :)

3. MY DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal),
Blue Dog

4. MY SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born),
Raen Pocatello

5. MY SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink),
The Green Tea

6. MY NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),
Charles Ross

7. MY WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names),
Blanche Wayne

8. MY TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter),
Whitrock Wichita (No I did not make this up!)

9. MY SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower),"
Christmas Sweet Pea... Hmm, I like it!

10. MY CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Orange Bootie

11. MY HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree),
Banana Willow (you really have no idea how much this name "fits" me ;0)

12. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),
The Sexual Rain Tour...What? It says my favorite hobby!

I must admit this was fun! I am not going to tag anyone with it, please feel free to use it on your own site. :)

****
FYI...

YOU can recycle CELL PHONES! Your old cell phone can be harmful to the environment if thrown into the trash. Cell phones contain materials such as lead, arsenic, nickel, cadmium other materials which can pollute the ground and water. One cell phone, tossed into a landfill, can pollute up to 40,000 gallons of groundwater! Now there's a new way for you to recycle your unwanted cell phone and protect California's environment...Recycle That Phone! Click here to learn more.

*****
The 3 Stages Of Life

1) You believe in Santa Claus
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus
3) You are Santa Claus

*****
Have a safe weekend everyone!

Labels: Hoildays, meme, misc

N Posted by Rain at 12/14/2007 11:06:00 PM

5 comments from:  choochoo,  jules,  Rain,  Anonymous,  Damiel,