Development
When you think of development what comes to mind?
Development is a specified state of growth or advancement. Understanding that there is human development, as humans we HAVE to stop and THINK. Human Development involves the biological, physical, cognitive, and social aspects of growth throughout one’s life.
Now, I can confidently say that I am sure you all are aware of all of that. So let’s move on. We are informed, we have the knowledge, but are we applying it correctly?
Did you know that when you take that knowledge and apply it, it could make a HUGE difference in someone’s life? See, not everyone has the capability to think past the current experiences that they face in today’s society. When you have that capability, you are in a good position. Good position because more than likely you are pretty successful, and good position because you have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life which than makes you successful and significant. WOW!!
Learning about development increases your understanding of other situations outside of the ones that you experience personally. When you understand something, you are well informed on that topic. As the leader that you are, take that information and share it with someone who is not as fortunate as you.
As humans, people go through changes, they develop. They are developing as humans in a society that does not really cater to their development. THAT’S CRAZY; but it’s true.
So just ponder on that. Today’s youth is developing FAST and we have to understand that so that we are able to reach them and teach them.
Having so much knowledge is hard sometimes, understood, but don’t be stingy with what you know, lend a hand where a hand is needed. You never know how big of an impact you could have on someone by just sharing beneficial information that could shape their future.
Alcohol abuse and dementia
With St. Patrick’s Day and all of the talk about alcohol, it reminded of some valuable information that I could share.
I have been hearing a lot about alcohol abuse causing dementia through the years, but I am beginning to hear more about it nowadays. So let’s start here, what is alcohol abuse? Moderate drinking is one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. Anything above that is abuse, we will just say that.
Excessive alcohol consumption has a horrible effect on the central nervous system. Your central nervous system is vital and is responsible for some of the main functions of your body. Alcohol also affects the brain, your brain sends signals to different functions of your body, and these signals tell them what to do. When you consume large amounts of alcohol, your blood absorbs it and messes with the regular functions of it.
There is no guarantee that alcohol consumption causes dementia, but it is guaranteed that it could potentially have a perpetual effect on your health. It is now being said that even moderate drinking can lead to different forms of dementia. The need for more studies on this is high, so that there can be more accuracy in the findings. Of course if you drink heavy amounts of alcohol consistently for a long period of time, then your chances are higher. They previously conducted a lot of studies on the elderly and Alzheimer patients screening them for alcohol abuse. Recent studies on this have been controversial and have had different findings, either way the facts remain the same. Alcohol abuse is dangerous and can lead to long term health concerns, so during the holidays and summer months, take it easy and be careful.
Free Coffee Just $9.50
By Chuck Mai, AAA
We’ve all heard about the growing list of previously-free things for which some airlines now charge, such as legroom, luggage, snacks, blankets, etc. Who knew all those frills and extras cost so much? And although I have heard rumors that at least one airline is thinking about charging more for an actual seat, don’t believe it. It’s more likely they’ll give you a discount for agreeing to stand all the way from here to Timbuktu.
Now, it seems hotels have taken a page out of the airlines’ playbook.
Extra fees at hotels generated an estimated $1.95 billion in 2012, a record, according to the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management at New York University.
Fees for things like Wi-Fi, room safes and early check-in. And then there are the so-called resort fees for items such as use of the fitness center, newspapers and “free” coffee in your room.
The problem is, most of the time, travelers didn’t find out about these hidden fees until they checked in. No fair, said the Federal Trade Commission. Last fall the agency sent letters to 22 major hotel chains telling them to cut it out.
So, what may very well happen is hotels will raise their room rates to cover these kinds of things. But at least travelers will be able to compare apples to apples when shopping for accommodations.
In the meantime, choose hotels that incorporate amenities into their room rates. For example, Courtyard by Marriott and Hampton Hotels include Wi-Fi and fitness center usage in their standard prices. Hampton offers a free hot breakfast.
Consider using the hotel’s business center computers. Wi-Fi is often free.
Finally, tie a caution flag onto your room’s mini-bar handle. Some unscrupulous hoteliers charge restocking fees even if you just open the mini-bar’s door or move things around in there.
Breakdown Basics
By Chuck Mai, AAA
With more than 125 million vehicles on the roadway and Americans relying on their cars for nearly every part of their life, one of the most stressful things a motorist can encounter is a sudden breakdown. In 2012, AAA received more than 28 million roadside assistance calls. While 58 percent of those breakdowns could be resolved at the roadside by AAA technicians, nearly 12 million vehicles needed to be towed to a local repair shop for further help.
What to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down on a Roadway
If the car is clearly experiencing a problem but can still be driven a short distance, drive to a safe location such as a parking lot. If the vehicle stops running but still has coasting momentum, guide it to the far right shoulder as far off the road as possible while remaining on level ground. Turn on the emergency flashers to alert other motorists.
If the car cannot get completely off the roadway, switch on the safety/emergency flashers and consider leaving the vehicle and moving to a safer location. Occupants should not remain in a vehicle if there is a possibility it may be struck by other traffic. For the same reason, it is generally not a good idea to attempt to push a disabled car off the road.
Drivers and passengers should exit a broken down car on the side away from traffic if at all possible. Use extreme caution and watch for oncoming vehicles, especially at night or in bad weather when visibility is limited. While waiting for help, never stand directly behind or in front of the disabled vehicle.
In addition to turning on a vehicle’s emergency flashers, drivers can signal other motorists that they have a problem by raising the car hood, tying a brightly colored handkerchief or scarf to the antenna or door handle, or setting out flares, warning triangles or emergency beacons. These signals can help other drivers recognize there is a problem and hopefully prompt them to slow down, move over to allow more room and proceed with caution as they pass.
Once the driver and passengers are in a safe location, request assistance from a roadside assistance provider. Make note of surroundings, landmarks, buildings or road signs to help relay your location. This is why as you are traveling Interstates, always keep track of where you are by paying attention to mile marker numbers.
Still Cruising?
I have been following the story about the Carnival Ship.
For all who do not know about it, there was a cruise going on and the Carnival that hosted it had an engine fire break out. As a result of this fire, the main power source was crippled along with the water and plumbing systems which left no electricity on the ship and NO PLUMBING SYSTEM. There were over 3500 passengers aboard on this cruise.
That is just the beginning of it.
Imagine being on a cruise. When I think of cruise, I think of luxury, beauty, relaxation……PURE HARMONY. Opposite of my imagination, this cruise on the Carnival Triumph was HORRIBLE.
Here is an idea of just how horrible conditions were: there was no electricity, toilets would not flush, only FIVE bathrooms were working (mind you there were over 3500 passengers), and there was no air conditioning; they underwent these conditions for a whole week.
So the passengers…….. Their harmonious cruise turned into a nightmare. They were forced to sleep outside due to the temperature. There were ridiculously long lines for food and for the restroom. The toilets began to overflow so the carpet reeked of urine and although there were lines for food, there wasn’t much food available. No electricity means they couldn’t cook and were surviving off of onion and cucumber sandwiches.
I COULD NOT IMAGINE……… my mouth dropped and stayed open from the first day I heard about it up until…………….well I’m still in utter shock about this so let’s just say, this is a Jaw Dropping story.
How would you react if this were to happen to you? What would you want to happen as a result of it?
The cruise line, Carnival, is giving all passengers 100% refund for the cruise expenses as well as gratuities. AND passengers that were boarded on the Carnival Triumph receive a DISCOUNT on future cruise trips.
I would really be interested in knowing how many of those passengers take advantage of that discount.
The Heads-Up Driving Quiz
So, you think you’re up on the risks of distracted driving? Take this quiz from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
1. Which of the following is NOT a distraction risk when driving?
a. Texting or reading email
b. Eating a hamburger
c. Programming a GPS device
d. Checking rear-view mirrors
2. Distracted driving is a factor in what percentage of fatal crashes annually?
a. 80%
b. 75%
c. 1%
d. 16%
3. Using a cell phone (handheld or hands-free) increases your crash risk by how much?
a. 10%
b. 50%
c. 100%
d. 400%
4. During the four seconds it takes to read a text message, how far will a car travel at 55 mph?
a. 50 feet
b. 10 miles
c. Four car lengths
d. Just over the length of a football field
5. What is the best way to manage your distracted driving risk?
a. Practice multi-tasking more
b. Roll down the window and play the radio loud
c. Buy a cell phone with more features
d. Put the devices away and zero-in on driving
Did you answer “D” for all the questions above? If so, you’re paying attention! Driving is a complex task that requires undivided attention and focus.
And if you really want to reduce your risk on the road, contact your state legislator and ask him or her to support legislation banning texting while driving in Oklahoma. House Bill 1503 by Rep. Curtis McDaniel will do just that, if it makes it through the legislature this session. Your help is needed right now. Thank you.
Insanity
So there is this workout video that has been the talk of a lot of people lately. The Insanity Workout is an insane workout that last only 30 minutes and is filled with hardcore aerobics, plyometric drills, nonstop intervals of strength, power and resistance, ab training moves, and core training moves.
OUCH!! Sounds pretty insane right?
So after hearing the stories and looking at the videos on YouTube of the workout, I think it really is kind of insane.
I heard a story of a lady’s body giving out on her after she participated in this workout, the dental assistant at my son’s dentist was having a horrible morning after a night of insanity, and my little sister is ready to back up on her goal to lose weight. LOL
I personally think that this is a pretty good workout, and it fits into all of the excuses that people give as to why they can’t work out.
• “I don’t have the time” — Well you don’t really need much time, these workouts last 30 minutes. If delegating 30 minutes of your time is not worth it to get in shape and lose weight, then … you probably aren’t really dedicated to the cause.
• “I’m too big, plus I am not fit nor am I in shape” — You can never be too big to work out, you just gradually do it and eventually you will be able to pick up the pace along the way. The more you work out, your body will began to get used to it and that begins the whole getting fit process.
• “I work out enough at work” — This has to be the funniest, just because you may be tired or exhausted … Doesn’t mean that you have necessarily worked out.
I am going to take a whack at the Insanity Workout and see how I do and if you are looking for alternative ways to tone and/or lose weight, then you should try it and share your experience. It’s like you’re insane if you do it and you’re insane if you don’t.
Are you insane?
Front Bench Seats Taking a Back Seat
By Chuck Mai, AAA
Steering column mounted gear shifters disappeared a long time ago, except on some pickups, and now front bench seats in passenger cars are about to also pass into automotive oblivion. Yes, they’re getting kicked by the bucket.
The 2014 Chevy Impala carries the distinction of being the last production car since the days of the horseless carriage to offer a front bench seat. Until recently, bench seats were also standard equipment on the Ford Crown Victoria and the Lincoln Town Car until those vehicles were both discontinued in 2011.
Will we miss the bench? Apparently not. During 2011/2012, only one in 10 Impala buyers chose the $195 option on the LS and LT models. General Motors says they expect the preference for front bucket seats to continue.
“A lot of people prefer bucket seats because they’re sporty, even in models that aren’t sports cars,” said Clay Dean, GM’s director of design. “Our customers also appreciate having the center console as a convenient place to store their phone and other personal use items.” Plus, it appears we’ve become used to those center console cup holders.
The first Chevrolet ever manufactured, the Series C Classic Six of 1911, featured a front seat bench and for decades, American cars were typically equipped with benches. In the days of larger families and one car families, they made sense because they allowed three passengers to sit comfortably albeit cozily in the front seat.
Bucket seats first came into vogue after World War II on small European imports. Not only did they do a better job of keeping passengers in place when making sharp or quick turns, they were necessary to accommodate floor-mounted shifters and parking brake levers in small cars.
By 1962, more than one million U.S.-built cars were factory equipped with bucket seats. Buckets really took off with the “pony cars” of the mid-sixties, cars such as the Ford Mustang and the Chevy Camaro.
Today, the need for six-passenger sedans is largely being met by SUVs or crossovers, which offer seating for up to eight. Chevy, for one, will continue to offer bench seats on pickup trucks and sport utilities.
But who knows? There’s a certain nostalgia for bench seats. Hard to snuggle up with your sweetie at the drive-in movie while sitting in bucket seats. Some experts say we may see bench seats re-emerge someday, possibly in very small cars like the EN-V urban mobility concept vehicle, in which the feeling of open space may be very desirable.
Oil Changes Have Changed
By Chuck Mai, AAA
Here in Oklahoma, we love our oil. So do our cars – especially fresh, clean oil. But knowing when to change your oil can be slippery business.
To get an idea, consult your owner’s manual, probably one of the least-read books ever printed. (Hint: it’s in your glove compartment.) The OM will tell you what’s best for your particular model vehicle. Bear in mind, those recommendations are for normal driving conditions. If you regularly drive in stop-and-go traffic, at prolonged higher speeds, in extreme temperatures or in dusty or muddy conditions, you may need to change your oil more frequently.
The motor oil lubricates the moving parts in your vehicle. Without it, these parts would rub together and eventually melt due to the friction. The oil also helps clean off the buildup that commonly occurs in a combustion engine and suspends contaminates and residue.
Oil viscosity is the extent to which oil resists the tendency to flow at different temperature ranges. This varies from vehicle to vehicle, so it’s important to use the correct oil viscosity to operate your engine at optimum efficiency.
Premium conventional motor oil is the industry standard with the typical recommendation for oil changes ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Synthetic blended oils are designed for vehicles driven in extreme conditions because it holds its viscosity better. While used most often in high-tech engines, synthetic oil can actually be used in any vehicle. It provides superior protection and contains additives that prevent the buildup of the sludge that accumulates after lots of severe driving.
Without a doubt, changing your oil is the single most important thing you can do for your engine.
Racing was in their blood, families and friends in their hearts
John Saucier, of Midwest City, was a legend at the Ponca City Grand Prix, among the best to ever compete there in its more than 25 years.
Bill Stengle, of Enid, didn’t run at Ponca, but he did make build and drive midget racers, and he enjoyed motorcycles. He raised a son, however, who DID race at Ponca City.
I saw John race many times while growing up in Ponca. But it wasn’t until years later, when I returned to The Oklahoman, that we became friends, all because of one column I wrote recalling the PC Grand Prix. He thanked me “for the memories” and gave me an update on some of the drivers I had mentioned.
I never met Bill, but I saw his son, Jim, race a few times in Ponca City. Jim and I became close friends while I was living in Enid. We met through my association with others in the Sports Car Club of America and we both were members of the Enid A.M. Ambucs.
Jim was the only guy I ever knew who had a Corvette … in his attic. Disassembled, of course. I wouldn’t have believed it if his wife, Dixie, hadn’t gotten him to show me when my wife, Becky, and I visited them one night. Dang if it wasn’t true.
John died Jan. 25 at age 74, I’m sad to say. Scott Munn of The Oklahoman noted that John won 28 SCCA championships and was a member of the organization for 55 years. Scott said John was the only person to race in each of the 26 Ponca City Grand Prix events.
Jim’s dad, Bill, died Jan. 11 at age 95. His obituary included points about his innovative, mechanical abilities, such as this: “For extra income, he began drilling water wells with a rig he built himself.” That takes some skill, for sure.
Both men had served in the military, both men had loving families, both men were well respected and both were extremely talented.
I’m proud to say I knew John and I know Bill’s family. All because of shared interested in racing that has circled the track for many years.
