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For what reasons are people ridding themselves of land lines? They need to be plugged in day and night. Some feel they use more energy, but that is only true if you have backup batteries, or a cordless phone that needs recharging all the time. Land line phones are harder to recycle, but on the other hand, they do not wear out as fast, rarely break down, and you can keep them forever…unless you are looking for one that offers some new gimmick that your old phone hasn’t got.

For the most part, land line service, while it usually has a cheap base rate, charges extra for minutes used, long distance, call waiting, etc. and so forth. Most cell phone plans include more extras in the rates. While call for call they may be a bit cheaper, you have to factor in the original cost of the phone itself.

You will get a strong signal on a land line that is not affected by the weather, wind speeds, and the distance between towers. The number of users will not affect your ability to get through to your number. And reaching 911 in an emergency is far quicker and easier from your home phone.

While it makes sense, especially in these troubled economic times, to not pay for two telephone bills when you can make do with one mobile phone, there are other factors that are being ignored that most seriously need to be considered. What are cell phones doing to the environment, and how are they affecting your health?

Cell phones quickly become obsolete, and you are lucky if they last a couple of years. They are easily misplaced, lost, and stolen. Cell phone recycling centers may be fairly easy to find, but too few users bother to do so. Most cell phones become landfill.

These phones use toxic batteries that need frequent recharging. Most cell phone users leave their chargers plugged in all the time, draining our natural resources even when the phone itself is not on the charger. A land line uses no energy when it is not being used, making it a lot friendlier to the environment. Don’t forget that the cell phone provider is using energy all the time to route calls over the network and towers.

Coltan, which is a metal ore mined in Africa is used in cell phones capacitors. The competition for buying this product has led to civil wars, smuggling, and the destruction of national parks in the Congo and other parts of Africa. Forests are destroyed to enable mining of the ore, displacing both humans and the endangered gorillas by eliminating their food sources in their natural habitats. It also makes it easier for poachers to get to the gorillas, a major cause of the 90% drop in the gorilla population of the Congo.

There is a lot of worldwide debate going on regarding the possibility that cell phones are hazardous to your health. According to Mobile Telecommunications and Health, in a summary of the ECOLOG study for T-Mobile, 2000, it was found that the nervous systems of both humans and animals are affected by the magnetic fields emitted by cell phones.

In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, on August 24, 2009, Berenbaum noted that when cells removed from bees whose colonies and collapsed were studied, they were found to be full of fragments of ribosomal RNA. This indicated that genetic material was not being converted to functional proteins. It may be why the honey bee population is decreasing rapidly. The German research group, Verum, led by Franz Adlkofer offers cell phone usage as the reason for it.

Though cell phones are still too new to accurately determine the long lasting effects of radio frequencies beyond doubt, there is some evidence that it can alter brain activity, and cause cancer and reproductive disorders. According to the WebMD Health News, on October 23, 2006, a link was found between men who wore their cell phones on their belts or in a pants pocket and a weaker sperm quality and even infertility. There have even been suggestions that cell phone use is more dangerous than smoking.

Interestingly, there are many who uphold that cell phones impair reaction time and memory. They believe that laws prohibiting holding a cell phone while driving will not alleviate the problem, since the mobile phones that are hands free emit more than ten times the interference to your brain wave activity!

In a study that was reported by Dr. Mercola, on September 22, 2007, he stated that researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel found that changes in brain cells that led to cancer and cell division were triggered even by as few as five minutes on a cell phone.

As early as October 15, 1998, the BBC News reported that biologist Roger Coghill, believes that prolonged use of cell phones can cause fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, depression, and even arteriosclerosis. If calcium and serotonin levels are continuously disrupted by transmissions from a cell phone violence and even suicide can be the result.

Studies done all over the world showed a connection between increasing asthma related problems and deaths and heavy cell phone users. Heavy cell phone use triggers histamine production, which can cause bronchial spasms. Yes, more studies need to be done, but surely it is prudent to consider the implications.

Regarding land lines vs. cell phones, it would appear that, while cell phones are wonderfully convenient, and have all kinds of extra gadgets, bells and whistles, it would be prudent to only use them when you are out and to continue the practice of using your land line when you are home.

Sources:

“Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences”, August 24, 2009 (Berenbaum)
“Summary of the ECOLOG study for T-Mobile, 2000,” Mobile Telecommunications and Health
“WebMD Health News,” October 23, 2006
“Mercola.com,” September 22, 2007 (Dr. Mercola)
“BBC News,” October 15, 1998

Technorati Tags: cell phones, Coltan, endangered gorillas, environmentally safe, mobile phones, toxic batteries

 A couple years ago,  I was in a serious panic about my financial security, my retirement woes, and my seeming inability to do anything at all about them.  I was afraid to spend any money at all, and frankly, was so down in the dumps that it would have been a total waste if I had gone partying.  But my friends and I came up with a wonderful way to spend New Year’s Eve, that cost us very little, was amazingly entertaining, and is now a tradition that we look forward to doing for the rest of our lives.

 Of course, we are in the last third of our lives, so we had no concerns about kiddies at home, or teenagers out at wild drinking parties, or even on the roads with drunks driving around. What we decided to do is have a pajama party. 

 Now, don’t get nasty, or laugh at us.  Think about it.  What are the disadvantages of going out on New Year’s Eve?  Number one would be the huge expense, since all prices for dinners, shows, or hotel packages are usually greatly inflated for the holiday. And if you choose this form of entertainment you also need dressy clothing, accessories, a trip to the beauty shop, etc. 

 The second concern is drinking.  At all of these events, it seems that drinking to excess is the major goal, which mean you will feel lousy, both during and after it is over.  Driving in that condition is stupid and can be lethal, especially if you live in a cold climate where snow, sleet, and slush will further complicate things.  And even if you aren’t drunk, there are plenty of them on the road.  Of course, you can always have a designated driver, who has a really terrific time pretending it was worth the money to watch you get stinking drunk.

 Even if you made it through a really nice evening, where both the food and the entertainment were good, you weren’t seated at a table with crashing boors, and you managed to sip your wine in moderation, you still have to take your aching feet and exhausted bodies home. This could include waiting in long lines to get a costly taxi, or,  finding your car, warming it up, and possibly having to dig it out of the snow…and then facing the long drive home.

 Actually, the hotel packages are a really good thing in this respect.  It is far better to limp up to your room and snuggle into a warm bed at your hotel, sleep as late as you like, and have them serve your breakfast in your room.  Pricey, but better than that long, cold drive home.

 So quit snickering and listen up.  What my friends and I do is simply this.  In the late afternoon, they show up at my house with pillows, blankets, jammies, a change of clothes, snacks and games. Nobody is on the streets yet, so it is an easy drive.  Everything gets dumped in the guest bedroom for the time being, food gets stored, and off we go for an inexpensive dinner BEFORE the streets are packed and they hike up the prices.  Jeans and sweats are worn…this is all about comfort and convenience.

 Upon arriving home, we figure out our nesting arrangements, which are somewhat simple in my home, since I have a guest bedroom, two sofa beds, another couch, and a cot.  But if the party got bigger, I would simply tell them to bring sleeping bags.  The champagne goes in the frig, snacks are laid out, and then we chat, play cards, dominos, catch phrase, trivial pursuit, or whatever we feel like doing, including television.

 One of the most interesting aspects of this, is that we have, for years, joked about having trouble staying up until midnight to toast the new year.  But last year, we were having such a comfortable, wonderful time that we were up until almost 4:00 am. 

 Once everyone is awake and hungry, we then make breakfast…usually pancakes or omelets, fruit, and whatever side meat someone contributes.  By mid-afternoon we are usually ready to resume our daily lives.  All of us agree that we wouldn’t change a thing for next year’s sleepover.

 When I think of the ways I used to spend New Year’s Eve, I realize how empty and sad those parties were.  People get drunk and loud, and spend most of their time pretending they are having fun. We have no “morning after”  blues, hangovers, or fear of having spent too much.  Bonding with old friends is far easier in small, more intimate surroundings.  And if you don’t wake up in the morning with a headache and guilty feelings over your behavior or wasting money, it is truly a nice start to a better year.

Technorati Tags: designated driver, drinking, hotel package, New Year's Eve, partying, sleepover

Turkey soup is made by lots of folks, though, I , for one don’t care for it.  Still, it is fairly easy to make and really stretches your turkey dollar.  Throw the carcass, skin, and leftover gravy into a pot of water, add salt and pepper, and cook it until the broth has soaked up most of the taste,  Then strain it, because small turkey bones can ruin a pleasant bowl of soup! 

Now add carrots, celery, onion, turkey meat,  and some noodles to the broth and cook till tender.  If it tastes a bit weak, add some chicken broth.  You now have a meal that costs almost nothing.    But maybe you don’t want anything to do with turkey for a while.  Well, the holidays are here, and you will be doing some kind of entertaining for Christmas and New Years.  So I suggest you take the turkey bits and pieces that are left over, and freeze them. 

Someone invites you over for a pre-Christmas party.  You need to bring an hor d’oeurve…oh my! Pull that turkey out of the freezer and throw it into the food processer with some onion.  When it is finely chopped (but not a paste), put it in a bowl, and add a roux.  You know, 3 tablespoons of butter and 5 of flour, sauteed until just starting to turn and then add a cup of milk.  Heat till it thickens, and then add it to the turkey. Add a handful of bread or cornflake crumbs and season it with salt, pepper and garlic to taste.  Refrigerate till cool.

Once it has set a bit, roll small balls of it and then coat them with more of your crumbs.  Refrigerate another fifteen minutes, and then dip them in egg and reroll them in crumbs.  Now you have two choices.  Either deep fry them…they only take a couple minutes…or put them on a greased cookie sheet spray them with Pam, and bake them at 375 until golden brown.  All you have to add is a dipping sauce or two!

Perhaps the girls are coming over to play bridge.  Make a wonderful spread that doesn’t have either sour cream or cheese, for a change of pace.  Take that turkey out of the freezer and put it in the food processer, this time with both onion and celery to taste. Add a dollop of Miracle Whip, salt, and pepper  to it and process until spreadable.  Serve it with crackers, melba toast, or party rye. This snack is particularly delicious with green grapes, so why  not garnish your tray with a few bunches?

Have a truly happy and loving holiday season this year.  You don’t need oodles of money to enjoy family and friends!

Electric space heaters do a fine job of warming the entire area of a small closed room. The greatest warmth will be near the ceiling. These convection units come in all prices, shapes and sizes. They might have only a heating element, or they may also include a fan with several settings. They turn off automatically when the room reaches the temperature set by the unit or by you. They will go on again as the room cools.

The infrared radiant heaters do not heat the air in a room. They are composed of thin, flat plates, designed to cover a large area.. Wide, tall infrared heaters will generally do the best job. The long wave infrared radiation is not absorbed by the air. Rather, it hits something solid in the room (object or person) and changes the radiation into heat. So it stands to reason that radiant heaters are more efficient at quickly warming a person. The heater hasn’t got any moving parts, is silent, and cannot be affected by air movement. That makes it excellent for warming you in an outdoor situation. The infrared heater uses less energy and requires less repair.

Both types of heaters are safe to use, as long as you follow the directions of the manufacturer. Almost all of them have automatic shut-off in case of overheating or if the unit gets knocked over. No portable heater should ever be left on when nobody is home and using it. It is wise to check for the Underwriters Laboratories seal of approval when shopping for your heater. In fact, you should always do some research before you purchase, and read some of the comments made by people who own them, to find out the operating cost and dependability of each model you are considering.

Technorati Tags: convection heaters, economical portable heaters, infrared heaters, infrared radiant heaters, space heaters

If you have invested in a summer home, there are several different cottage styles you might choose to decorate with. If you are on a body of water, Beach Cottage style would be appropriate. If the house is located in the country, you might try Country Cottage, Rustic Cottage, English Cottage, Garden Cottage, or French Country. If it is in a mountain setting, or a colder climate, Swedish Cottage would be perfect.

Perhaps you are going to live in your cottage all year round. You can still use any of the above themes, though you would probably spend a bit more and pay better attention to the fine details if this is going to be your permanent home. So now let’s consider the differences between these styles.

Beach cottage décor can mean different things, depending on which coast you live on. On the Atlantic side, you will find a more traditional look, with more rustic looking wood furniture. The wood can be left natural, or painted in the natural beach colors of blue, green, and sand. Wicker and bamboo, with highly colored and comfortable cushions would be appropriate. Nautical themes would include, navy, white, and seascape accessories.

On the Pacific side, you will find a much more casual and outdoors look. Dark wood and glass top tables, nothing formal, and chairs and sofas will be overstuffed and comfy in pale pastels or white. Modern accessories, outdoor dining, large patios, and huge windows are what you’ll need.

Country cottage begs for worn, recycled, and overstuffed furnishings. Colors can be anything you’d find in nature, with the addition of those soft, dusty blues. Fabrics are casual…plaids, stripes and checks. Vintage area rugs on hardwood floors, window shades and lacey curtains for the windows, and lots of snuggly throws will work here. Complete this homey picture with whimsical and sentimental memorabilia, dried flower arrangements and family photos.

Rustic cottage floors will be of stone or wood and covered with handcrafted rugs for color. Your color scheme should reflect the natural greens, browns and grays of the forest, with accents of gold, orange, and autumn reds. Concentrate those accents on fabrics and accessories. Pine furniture with rough finishes and cushions covered with country scenery will be comfortable and simple. A kitchen table with bench seating, rockers, and ladderback chairs are appropriate. Accessorize with pine cones, acorns, and dried flowers in big baskets. Don’t forget some needlework and a hurricane lamp or two.

The English country cottage look will stick with a fall color scheme. Greens, browns, rusts, yellows and oranges, a large fireplace, and a few antiques will add that cozy old-fashioned look. You want lots of baskets, dried flowers, wall shelves covered with knick knacks, and short café curtains on your windows.

French country cottage uses red, blue, green and yellow, with black accents. The walls should be finished in a rough stucco. Furniture can be natural dark wood or painted in a light color, often with hand painted details. Fabrics can be of chintz, toile, or a nice calico, with overall patterns. Mix them with some stripes or checks. Roosters are a popular accessory, as well as formal flower arrangements.

Swedish Cottage is wonderful for that cabin in a cold climate. Think light and airy in all you do here. The idea is to brighten up those dark, long, Scandinavian winters, so your colors will be whites and pale blues, with pastel accents in greens, yellows, and lavenders. Fabrics will be tiny prints on natural fabrics with white backgrounds. Floors can be whitewashed, pickled or stenciled, and adorned with loosely woven floral or striped throw rugs. Furniture is painted white or off white and made from white pine, birch or alder. This will be the least cluttered of the cottage looks.

Hopefully, this will help you decide which cottage look is best suited to your home, your needs and your tastes. Happy decorating!

Technorati Tags: beach cottage, country cottage, Country French cottage, English cottage, rustic cottage, summer home, Swedish cottage