some survival tips

Some survival tips

If caught in a home invasion, and the captors are using tie wraps as they are putting them on or tell you to keep hands in a fist fingers down toward floor, puff out chest, this will make the wraps looser and you may have enough room to slip them off.

If they use duct tape, remove a shoelace and make a loop at each end, slip each loop over each toe and putting the string between you arms. Peddle like on a bike and the friction will cut through the duct tape or electrical tape.
If no string or shoe lace is available find a tooth pick, razor blade or nail and slip it between the teeth of the tie wrap in the hold slot, it will allow space to slip off the wrap.

When faced with jumping from a second or third story window, hang from the deck and form your body like a banana keeping your knees and feet together drop and roll keeping your head down and hands in front of face to protect it.

If in a trunk, pull out wires to the tail lights. Use the trunk latch when the car stops or knock out the tail light and wave your hand frantically out the hole to gain attention.

Veterans report

Print & Post: Week of August 31, 2009


New Initiatives for Women Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) embarked on new initiatives to meet the unique needs of women veterans including (1) comprehensive primary care and specialized medical care at every VA medical center; (2) enhanced mental health care specifically for women veterans; (3) staffing every VA medical center with a women veterans program manager; (4) improving communication and outreach to women veterans; and (5) continuing the operation of organizations such as VA's Center for Women Veterans and the Women Veterans Health Strategic Healthcare Group. For more information about VA programs and services for women veterans, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs (http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/) Center for Women Veterans webpage and (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth) Women Veterans Health Care.

Educational Program in North Carolina
North Carolina universities are offering military veterans who are state residents guaranteed admission into a state university through a program offered by Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST). The Elite to Elite program offers qualified servicemembers an opportunity to obtain one of the North Carolina Universities' slots specifically allocated for military veterans. This allows them to gain entrance into a prestigious school without competing against those seeking general admittance. The program currently has seven campuses participating and hopes to increase to 16 this year. For more information on the application process, call the Life Long Learning center at (910) 451-5575.

Get more than $49,000 a year for school. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//edu.military.com/gibill/&code=News_Education_MGIB_Form) Request info about GI Bill approved programs from military and veteran-friendly schools and start earning your degree today.

Health Care Expansion in Albany
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced a plan to expand health care in Albany, N.Y., by leasing 2.4 acres to a private-sector medical facility in exchange for construction of a 30,000 square-foot building for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at its Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center. The new building, to be used by VA for administrative functions and training, will free up space for veterans' clinical services elsewhere on the campus. The medical center serves Veterans in 22 counties of upstate New York, western Massachusetts and Vermont. For more information on VA health care and services, visit the (http://www.va.gov/) VA website. Visit the (http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=1) Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center's webpage.

To learn more about your state's benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.

Featured Job: Transitioning?
Serve under another symbol of national security at the CIA. Opportunities available in the U.S. and abroad. The (http://www.cia.gov/careers) Central Intelligence Agency. The work of a nation. The center of intelligence.

New VA Cemetery for Washington State
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the award of $8.8 million to establish the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. Interment areas and facilities will include 1,280 standard burial plots; 2,000 pre-placed crypts; 1,370 in-ground cremain sites and 2,240 columbarium niches. For more information about the Washington state Veterans cemetery at Medical Lake, visit the (http://www.dva.wa.gov/eastern_wa_vet_cemetery.html) cemetery's website or call (509) 496-0796. Information about VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from (http://www.cem.va.gov/) VA's Burial and Memorials webpage or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000.

Who's to Blame for New GI Bill Benefit Delays?
This week the backlog grew nearly 11 percent to over 234,000. To their credit, the VA has processed over 140,000 "work items" overall. In addition, it appears that at least 13,000 veterans will soon begin receiving benefits, if they have not already. To learn more, (http://military-education.military.com/2009/08/va-blames-gi-bill-delays-on-schools.html) read the full article on Military.com.

Be sure to learn all you can about the new Post-9/11 before you apply. Use the (http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calculator/?esrc=vr.nl) Military.com GI Bill Calculator to compare the benefits of the old and new GI Bills.

7 Reasons to Go to School Online
Schooling online isn't just more convenient, studies show online graduates perform as well or better than those from traditional programs. Read more about the (http://www.military.com/education/uop/seven-reasons-to-go-online.html?esrc=vr.nl) top 7 reason you should go to school online.

Deal of the Week: Huge Military Deals
There are more than 1,000 coupons and discounts exclusively for veterans listed on Military.com -- gear, hotels, games, movies, sports, theme parks, tools, groceries, and more. (http://www.military.com/DC/DealIndex.jsp?esrc=mr.nl) Browse deals now.

VA Move to PTSD Simplify Rules
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking steps to assist veterans seeking compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The VA published a proposed regulation in the Federal Register to make it easier for a veteran to claim service connection for PTSD by reducing the evidence needed if the veteranf stressor claimed by a is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted over the next 60 days. The text of the proposed rule is available on the (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-20339.htm) Federal Register website. Find, review, and submit comments on Federal rules that are open for comment and published in the Federal Register using (http://www.regulations.gov/) Regulations.gov. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/news/article/va-simplifies-compensation-rules-for-ptsd.html) read the full article on Military.com.

Delaware Cemetery to Expand
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding $1.8 million to the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sussex to expand its facility. The grant will fund the construction of a columbarium, pre-placed crypts and full-casket burial sites. For more information about the Delaware state Veterans cemeteries, visit the (http://veteransaffairs.delaware.gov/dvmc.shtml) Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery website or call (302) 739-2792. Information about VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from (http://www.cem.va.gov/) VA's Burial and Memorials webpage or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000.

Retiree Cola Buried In Oil
It was higher oil prices last year that led to the largest annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to federal entitlements since 1982. Good thing, too. Lowered oil prices since then is almost certain to block any COLA this year for military retirees, federal civilian retirees, social security recipients, survivor benefit annuitants or disabled veterans. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,199178,00.html) read the full article on Military.com.

VA Cancels Medical Center Contract
Citing persistent noncompliance and numerous performance deficiencies, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will not exercise the third year of a five-year, $75 million contract with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSWMC) to perform research into Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (GWVI). The Office of Inspector General documented severe performance deficiencies in a July 15 report and recommended that no further task orders be issued under the contract. A summary of the report and the full report are available on the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (http://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=3452) Office of Inspector General's website.

Featured Job: Health Care
Working in the health care industry provides a career that is stable and well rewarded. Military.com has (http://www.military.com/healthcare?esrc=vr.nl) thousands of jobs listed right now -- nursing, EMT, dental practitioner, medical imaging, pharmacy, social services, sports medicine and more.

Servicemembers Save with ASMBA
The Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association (ASMBA), established in 1963, provides comprehensive, (http://finance.military.com/insurance/asmba/) affordable life insurance coverage to military personnel and their families. For example, you can get an extra $100,000 worth of coverage for only $19 a month. It's an inexpensive way to have half a million dollars worth of coverage.

Military Benefits: Up to $49,000
It is easy to get a degree faster and have it paid for by the military. Your GI Bill is worth up to $49,000 and many schools offer up to a full semester of college credits. Your hard work and dedication earned you the right to a free education. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?esrc=vr.nl) Find Military Friendly Schools Now.

mood ring color meaning chart

Mood Ring Colors Chart:

=Midnight Black (Black~Ebony~Onyx)- Serious, Intense, Aloof, Mysterious, Stormy, Excited, Energetic, Stressed, Overworked, Tensed, Angry, Mad, Mood Ring Is Inactive, Nothing, Not Working

=Brown (Tan/Beige~Amber-Brown~Bronze/Copper)- Anticipation, Heated Emotions, Reactive, Rising Energies, Unexplored, Adaptive, Random Thinking, Restless, Jitters, Puzzled, Troubled, Worried, Fear

=Red-Brown (Red~Rose~Ruby)- Allured, Aroused, In Love, Excited, Passionate, Awe-Struck, Active, Adventurous, Anxious, Insecure, Angered, Harassed, Stressed, Tensed, Alarmed, Fearful

=Amber-Red (Coral~Orange~Sunstone)- Busy, Searching/Seeking, Stimulating Ideas, Daring Wants, Hyper, Excited, On Edge, Impatient, Nervous, Worried, Stressed, Aggressive, Exasperated

=Amber (Yellow-Orange~Saffron~Brass/Gold)- Mixed Emotions, Lovable, Emotional, Passionate, Concerned, Sincere, Challenged, Cool, Uncertain, Aloof, Confused, Sad, A Little Nervous, Upset

=Yellow (Olive~Golden~Topaz)- Ok Feeling, Moderate Mood, Vague, Bored, Emotions Mixed, Ambitious, Cautious, Imaginative, Distracted, Wondering Thoughts, Unsettled, Insecure, Anxious, Strained

=Amber-Green (Green-Yellow~Lime~Peridot)- Mixed Emotions, Hopeful, Excitable, Expectant, Romantic, Restless, Edgy, Irritated, Ill At Ease, Worried, Troubled, Uneasy, Distressed, Fear

=Green (Jade Green~Light Green~Emerald)- Basic Neutral, Average Reading; Normal, No Great Stress, Calm, Easily Amused, Alert, Intent, Involved, Sensitive, Touchy, Ambivalent, Inner Disquiet, Envy, Jealousy

=Blue-Green (Teal~Cyan~Aquamarine)- Easy-Going, Inner Reading; Normal, Emotional, Inner Emotions Charged, Somewhat Relaxed, Flirtatious, Stimulated, Upbeat, Surprised, Puzzled

=Blue (Dark Blue~Bright Blue~Sapphire)- Happy, At Ease, Relaxed, Near Bliss, Contented, Tranquil, Peaceful, Pleasant, Warm, Lovable, Passionate, Romantic, In Love

=Violet-Blue (Purple/Blue~Indigo~Iolite)- Contented, Deeply Relaxed, Very Happy, Intensely Passionate, In Love, Very Romantic, Feeling Great, The Ultimate - At Your Best

=Violet (Purple~Lavender~Sugulite)- Moody, Mischievous, Mystical, Sensual, Emotionally Excited, Physically Charged, Blissful, Happy, Passionate, Romantic, Intrigued, Desire, In Love

=Red-Violet (Red/Purple~Mauve~Amethyst)- Romantic, Violent Love, Moody Passions, Over The Edge, Emotionally Peaking, Overexcited, Hyper, Infuriated, Surging Energies, Ballistic, Despair, Unhappy

=Fuschia (Magenta~Pink~Rose Quartz)- All Right, At Rest, Mellow, Happy, Warm, Affectionate, Love Glow, Resonant, Cool, Tipping Point, Curious, Unanswered Questions, Mystified, Fear, Wonder, Entranced

=Gray (Smoke Gray~Stone Gray~Titanium/Silver)- Neutral, At Rest, Cool, Aloof, Inhibited, Little Emotion, Unconcerned, Tired, Depressed, Sad, Uneasy, Afraid, Very Anxious, Worried

=White (Moonstone~Ice Mist~Ivory)- Meditative, Restrained Mood, Philosophical, Temperate, Not Much Enthusiasm, Indifferent, Bored, Confused, Frustrated, Pensive, Strained, Astounded, Intense Fear

=Clear (Ice Blue~Crystal~Diamond)- Psychic Perceptions, Pure Visions, Surreal Quality, Elusive, Fear, Unreal Moods, Mental Void, Completely Emotionless, Mood Ring Is Not Real, Faux, Fraud

=Mist Blue (Silvered Gray-Blue~Cat Eye Blue~Sillimanite)- Cool, Wistful, Wondering, Somewhat Odd Feelings, Suspicious Of, Questioning, Forlorn, Wanderlust, Bittersweet, Sorrowful, Despair

=Green Sky (Golden Yellow-Green~Cat Eye Green~Chrysolite)- Calm, Relaxed, Nonchalant Emotions, Pondering, Discerning, Searching For, Desiring, Envy, Bemused, Surprised

=Cobalt Blue (Blue Fire~Lucid Blue~Blue Amber)- Mellow, Collected, Desirable, Enamored, In Love, Radiant, Reminiscent Passions, Warm, Lambent Glow, Genuine Concerns, Intuitive, Suspended Disbelief

=Green/Violet (Deep Teal~Indigo Green~Chrysocolla)- Upbeat Motivation, Emotional, Intuitive, Slightly Unpredictable, Mostly Relaxed Mood, Contented/Delighted, Rejuvenated, Having A Sense Of Ease

=Brown/Violet (Purple Taupe~Gray-Indigo~Axinite)- Distant Hope, Lost, Disenchanted, Lurking Emotions, Nervous, Mystical Depths Of Feeling, Retrospective, Moody, Mysterious Notions

=Brown/Green (Umber~Green/Red~Chrysoberyl)- Muted, So-So, Cooler, Pressured, Stressed, Antagonized, Tedious Emotions, Tiresome, Misguided Thoughts, Weird Moods, Off-Set

from a friend

Subject: Rare Bear Quintruplets







Black bears typically have two cubs; rarely, one or three. In 2007, in northern New Hampshire, a black bear Sow gave birth to five healthy young. There were two or three reports of sows with as many as 4 cubs, but five was, and is, very extraordinary. I learned of them shortly after they emerged from their den and set myself a goal of photographing all five cubs with their mom - no matter how much time and effort was involved. I knew the trail they followed on a fairly regular basis, usually shortly before dark. After spending nearly four hours a day, seven days a week, for more than six weeks, I had that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and photographed them. I used the equivalent of a very fast film speed on my digital camera. The print is properly focused and well exposed, with all six bears posing as if they were in a studio for a family portrait.




I stayed in touch with other people who saw the bears during the summer and into the fall hunting season. All six bears continued to thrive. As time for hibernation approached, I found still more folks who had seen them, and everything remained OK. I stayed away from the bears as I was concerned that they might become habituated to me, or to people in general, and treat them as `approachable friends'. This could easily become dangerous for both man and animal.
After Halloween, I received no further reports and could only hope the bears survived until they hibernated.

This spring, just before the snow disappeared, all six bears came out of their den and wandered all over the same familiar territory they trekked in the spring of 2007.

I saw them before mid-April and dreamed nightly of taking another family portrait, a highly improbable second once-in-a-lifetime photograph.

On 25 April 2008, I achieved my dream.


When something as magical as this happens between man and animal, Native Americans say, "We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow". And so it is with humility and great pleasure that I share these exhilarating photos with you. Do pass them on!
Sincerely, / Tom Sears.

Plans for Sept. 11

Subject: Plans for Sept. 11



pass it on......


We have a less than one month to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the United States of America .



THE PROGRAM:


On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.



Action Plan:

So, here's what we need you to do.


Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11

Thank you for your participation.. God Bless You and God Bless America !

12 signs of a Batterer

Twelve Signs Of A Batterer
Author Unknown

1. Jealousy

2. They blame others, including you, for their faults. "You made
me lose my temper".

3. The blame circumstance for their problems. "If only I had a job I wouldn't be so upset."

4. Their behavior is unpredictable.

5. They belittle you verbally.

6. They cannot control their anger.

7. They always ask for a second chance.

8. They say they'll change, they won't do it again.

9. Their family resolves their problems with violence.

10. They are close minded. Their way is the only way.

11. They play on your guilt. "If you loved me you would------."

12. Their behavior often worsens if they use alcohol or drugs.

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

Excerpt From Ann Landers' Column on Batterers:

1. He comes on as a real charmer and loves you instantly.
2. He has problems with authority figures.
3. He embarrasses you in the presence of others.
4. He is nasty on the road--feels other drivers are competing with him.
5. He wants your undivided attention at all times.
6. You feel controlled because he must always be "in charge."
7. He has a dual personality--sometimes adult, other times childish.
8. He is very competitive--and he must always win.
9. His promises and apologies are meaningless.
10. He displays jealousy toward your close friends and family members.
11. He can't tolerate criticism and is always defending himself and trying to justify
unacceptable behavior.
12. He has extreme highs and low--both unpredictable.
13. He is rough at times--love pats become more and more painful. Suddenly, you realize
he is a serious abuser and you are a victim.

profile of an abuser

Profile of Physical and Emotional Abusers


1. JEALOUSY - In the initial stages of a relationship, abusers say jealousy is a sign of love. Jealousy has nothing to do with love; it is a sign of insecurity and possessiveness. Abusers question their victims about who they talk to, accuse them of flirting and are jealous over time spent with family, friends, or children. As the jealousy progresses and escalates, abusers may phone frequently or drop by unexpectedly. Abusers usually refuse to let their significant others have jobs for fear they might meet someone else or develop a support system. Behavior like checking car mileage or asking friends to spy are other signs of pathological jealousy.

2. CONTROLLING BEHAVIOR - In the initial stages of a relationship, abusers explain that controlling behavior is concern for the significant other's safety, the need to use time well, or the need to make "good" decisions. Abusers are angry if the other person is "late" coming back from the store, from a meeting or appointment, and they ask extensive questions about where their partners went and who they talked to. As controlling behavior worsens, abusers tend to interfere more and more in their victims' personal decisions, like choice of clothing, church attendance, or money. Abusers may even make victims ask permission to leave the room or the house.

3. QUICK INVOLVEMENT - Many victims dated or knew their abusers for less than six months before they were engaged or living together. Abusers come on like a whirlwind, claiming "love at first sight." Abusers flatter their victims with statements like "You're the only person I have ever been able to talk to," "I've never felt loved like this by anyone," or "I'd kill myself if you ever left me." The abuser needs someone desperately and will pressure a victim to make a quick and total commitment.

4. UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS - Abusers are dependent on victims to meet all their needs. Abusers expect their partners to be perfect mates, parents, lovers, or friends. Abusers might say things like "If you love me, I'm all you need and you're all I need." Victims are supposed to take care of everything for abusers emotionally and usually take care of everything else in the home, too.

5. ISOLATION - Abusers try to cut their partners off completely from all resources. If the victim is a woman and has male friends, she is a "whore." If she has women friends, she is a lesbian. If the victim is a man who is close to his family, he is "tied to his mother's apron strings." Both male and female abusers accuse those who are supportive of their partners of "causing trouble" and being a primary source of the couple's problems. Abusers may want to live in the country (sometimes without a telephone) and may not want victims to use a vehicle, or they may try to keep them from working or going to school.

6. PROJECTING BLAME ONTO OTHERS FOR PERSONAL PROBLEMS - If abusers are chronically unemployed, it is always someone else who is doing them wrong or is out to get them. Abusers may make mistakes and blame the victim for upsetting them, keeping them from concentrating, or from doing their job. Abusers tell victims they are at fault for almost anything and everything that goes wrong.

7. BLAMING OTHERS FOR THEIR FEELINGS - Abusers tell their victims "You make me mad," "You're hurting me by not doing what I ask," or "I can't help being angry," In fact, abusers make decisions about what they think and feel, then use these feelings to manipulate victims. More subtle are claims like "You make me happy" or "You control how I feel."

8. HYPERSENSITIVITY - Abusers are easily insulted and may claim their feelings are hurt when they are really very angry. Abusers may take the slightest setback as a personal attack. They rant and rave about injustices that have happened to them-- things that are really just a common part of living, like being asked to work overtime, running into bad traffic, or being asked to help with children or housework.

9. CRUELTY TO CHILDREN OR ANIMALS - Abusers may punish animals brutally or be insensitive to their pain and suffering. They may expect children to be capable of doing things far beyond their ability (e.g., whipping a 2-year old for wetting the bed) or may tease children until they cry. Abusers who beat their partners commonly beat their children. Abusers may not want children to eat at the table or may expect children to stay in their rooms all evening.

10. "PLAYFUL" USE OF FORCE DURING SEX - Abusers often like to throw their victims down and hold them during sex, or act out fantasies in which their partners are helpless. Abusers let the victims know the idea of rape is exciting to them and may show little concern about whether victims want to have sex. They will use sulking, intimidation, or anger to manipulate the victim into compliance. Abusers may start having sex with victims while the victim is asleep, or demand sex while victims are ill or tired.

11. VERBAL ABUSE - In addition to saying things that are meant to be cruel and hurtful, this behavior is used by abusers to degrade the victim. Verbal degradation may include running down victims or their accomplishments. Abusers will tell victims they are stupid and unable to function alone. This may involve waking victims up in order to verbally abuse them and not letting them go back to sleep.

12. RIGID ROLES (MASTER/SERVANT BEHAVIOR) - Abusers expect victims to be subservient to them and often insist that victims stay at home and obey them in all things-- even criminal behavior. Abusers see their victims as inferior, stupid, and unable to be a whole person outside of the relationship.

13. THE QUICK CHANGE SYNDROME - Many victims are confused by their abuser's sudden changes in mood. Victims describe that one minute abusers seem nice, and the next minute they explode; one minute they are happy and the next, they are sad. This does not always indicate some sort of mental problem or that abusers are "crazy." Explosiveness and mood swings are typical of abusers who beat their partners, and these behaviors are related to other characteristics like hypersensitivity.

14. PAST BATTERING AND A HISTORY OF PHYSICAL ABUSE - Abusers may admit that they have hit someone in the past, but frequently claim that the victim "made them do it." Victims may hear from relatives or ex-spouses that the person has been physically abusive. Batterers will beat any partner they are with; situations or circumstances do not cause them to batter.

15. THREATS OF VIOLENCE - These include threats of physical force to control the victim. "I'll slap your mouth off," "I'll kick you," or "I'll break your neck." Most partners do not threaten their mates, but batterers will often claim that "Everybody talks like that" or "I didn't really mean it."

16. BREAKING OR STRIKING OBJECTS - Breaking valued possessions is used as punishment, but its primary objective is to terrorize victims into submission. Abusers may beat on tables or walls with their fists, or throw objects around or near their victims.

17. ANY FORCE USED DURING AN ARGUMENT - Abusers may hold victims down, physically restrain them from leaving, push or shove them. Abusers may hold their victims against a wall with statements such as "You're going to listen to me!"

In short, abusive relationships leave victims feeling hopeless -- believing they don't have the right to say no, that they are to blame for the abuse, and that it will stop if they change their behavior.

If you feel you are being physically or emotionally abused, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE and you will be referred to a resource in your area that can help you.