HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!!!

Or HAPPY NEW YEAR!, depending on where you are. -SD

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Photo from www.money-forge.com

And let*s hope that everyone in the world, especially the children, will be safe from harm. *SDRoads

¤

Great wishes Taliesin!

HAPPY NEW YEAR*S EVE~EVE TO YOU AND YOURS. *Shh\SD

My Wish for 2009

A brand new year is starting soon. These are some of my wishes for the new year. I wish for our country to become strong again. I wish for everyone to have access to higher education. I wish for everyone to get the good jobs they are looking for. I wish for everyone in the country to have good affordable healthcare. I wish for family members to grow closer to eachother and relationships to grow stronger. A new year promises hope for better tomorrows. That is my wish for 2009.

posted by Taliesin, Administrative Assistant

Santa Is Pooped!

Yes, he is STILL tired from all of the hard work to make everyone happy on Christmas. He will need to rest, along with Mrs. Claus, his reindeer, and the Elves. Well, he has 2 additional days to rest with this next Holiday. New Year*s Eve will soon be here. Take the rest of today to reflect on the year you had so far. Good or bad, at least you were alive. I know it*s late, but there is still time. Why dontchya take tomorrow to spend time, not just creating New Year*s Resolutions, but to plan the brightest year ever. And think about how you can make this coming year better for someone else. Even if it is just one thing, it can make a world of difference. Would you do all of those things for me? And let us all work together to make a better world. Love to all, SDRoads

Santa Massacre Saga Continues

Among the continuous coverage and updates, I was so happy to see all of the community support for the victims of the massacre, along with the psychological help offered to said victims and the surrounding community. *SDRoads, reporting

For Anonymous

For the latest Anonymous: Hi. Whatever I do to help protect kids, anyone for that matter, if it is of a strong and influential nature, must be kept from the general public. This is because of the sensitivity and volatility of it all. The right thing may have already been done. Sometimes psychology must be used. In any given case or situation, certainly one wouldn*t want to potentionally set anyone off. After the right thing, all that was left to do was to report on it, as I am an amateur reporter here. My original point WAS that it was so much MORE THAN getting a good scoop and being the site to get the breaking story. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes here. I want to thank you for your kind words that I am better than this, better than what you had perceived me to be at that moment. That is appreciated. God Bless you, too. That letter in question was sent to all the higher ups and influential people. I did some checking to make sure. I ended up reading it near "two days late" from my inbox, at least, 1 and a quarter, as I recall, because I didn*t check it, my inbox, fast enough. It was Christmas Day. As a general rule, here I just report on events. But with JonBenet*s case, it seems to hit a little close to home. So, differing and various things happen here with respect to that case, verses any other thing I write about with respect to newsworthy events. At that point, everyone that needed to read the letter has read it, or, at least, had received it in their inboxes this holidaytime. It is out of my hands. Nothing more than what I ever have done, and what I may have done of late, can be done on my end. As I said, all that was left was to report it. It hurt me to have that kind of breaking news, on so many levels, so I declined. I did the right thing. The investigation will work it*s magic. God Bless this case. Again, thank you for the kind words, I did not take it as sarcasm or an insult. These kids, the potential victims you are concerned for, are being protected more than you can know. But, I completely understand and validify your point. My Assistant knows what is going on here. I made her aware.... Thank you for your time. Please pray about it with me. Meanwhile, I am still looking into things. *SDRoads

The More I Think About This: An Update

Without looking, as I recall, the email letter that was sent out was signed by "Daxis...". That one letter that has been slowly coming out on the internet. So, speaking evidence wise, what have they really got? Anybody could have easily opened up a free email account, in a made up name, mind you, and written a letter with a sign off such as what several people received. What I want to know is, can they track the ip? Did they... *SDRoads, reporting

In The Words

To put it in the words of John Walsh, ^It only takes one^ to help save a child. He and his wife wish you all a Happy and Safe New Year. *SDRoads

For Our Human Interest Section

Boston: Young man, Elliot Patrick, brought a dog in need a late Christmas present. He risked his own safety and paddled a canoe, ON ICE, to rescue this lucky man*s best friend from death by falling through the ice that cracked. Good for you Elliot. And a speedy and full recovery to you sweet pup. *SD

Warning

For local residents in and surrounding Covina (West), California: With regard to a previous news story mentioned here, obvious suspect Pardo may have boobie trapped a second vehicle that he rented and had not returned, before his death to suicide. This is what I got. 1999 grey Toyota. Still waiting for specifications. *SD

Ariana

Thank you Gink

I can*t post in my comment section from my phone, so I am posting it here. *SD

Let Freedom Ring

Let Freedom live. Let Truth live. Let Hope live. Let Happiness grow,
as children do. Let Goodness live. Let only to die in this world bad
thoughts, cruel and unusual actions, confusion, murderous intent, and
the actions of deprivation of all slayers. Two days late. ¤ *SDRoads

JonBenet*s Time Limit

Word in: A new player is set in place in the investigation of JonBenet*s demise. This time there is a 30 day time limit before the case is closed. *SDRoads

Christmas Massacre

Did y*all hear about our local Christmastime horror? It was pretty bad. It was way to gruesome to report here on Christmas Day, so I declined. I will touch on this story later. Besides, it*s still Christmas for us over here. If you want to look it up now, out of interest, Google ^Santa Christmas Eve shooting Sylmar Covina Pardo^. The story is pretty long, stemming from a dynamic backround, which includes a little girl getting shot in the face as she runs to Santa and the booby traps that were set for the horror and distruction, along with death, to continue on after the perpetrator\suspect was gone through death to suicide. It was sparked by a bitter divorce. And what may have sparked the divorce was tragic as well. The 911 call made during the attack will not be aired out of respect for the family. *SDRoads

Thanxx

As we open our presents from under the tree, with glee, I*d like to
say Happy Birthday to Jesus, Merry Christmas, and thank you. I*d also
like to thank and say Merry Christmas to Sparky and Newton at Gmail.
*SD and Family and Crew

Hi Gink

MERRY CHRISTMAS. Bye gink. Zzzz

Santa Sighting

Word in: He has been spotted in San Francisco. *SDRoads, reporting

Correction

"... and for" every "other good thing (he) may have (had) done..." ~
Corrections made for Anonymous. ¤SD

Well, I figured I*d be in bed by 2:30 a.m. by the time everything is done.

I guess I am not too far off. And I haveto get up at 5 o*clock for the
yule log lighting. Will explain later. Too pooped now. But everything
is done. The stockings are all hung at various places in the house
with care. The presents are all under the tree. Why, even Santa Claus
has come. Wink And, even though I have to get up at 5 for the yule log
lighting, I can still rest, even doze off, for a couple of hours
before it is time to get up again. I just hope my hair curlers stay in
place and one does not untwirl and fall out in my sleep, as they had
the last 2 special occassions that I curled my hair. Then, I*d haveto
smooth out all the curls to match the smooth section. For if I try to
recurl the one section with a curling iron as a quick fix, it never
looks the same. I know from experience, unfortunately. LoL Well, I*m
all snug as a bug in a rug. Time for sleep. Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a goodnight... morning. *SDRoads

Winter Storms

WORD IN: We are to be expecting some serious winter storms here.
Location: Van Nuys, California, all surrounding areas and their
neighboring towns. *SDRoads

And now, for some weather~ NewsFlash

It*s going to be a white Christmas for some Southern Californians. *SDRoads

In The Words Of

Shanathan is merrily watching Cayou together with me right now, as I do the dishes. And to put it in the words of the cartoon cutie, "Make each day special." *SD

And on our International NewsFront~ The World*s Longest Letter

And it*s to Santa! It comes from Romania (Oh my gosh! Spell check
please. Haha That*s o.k. Keeping it real. Wink) It*s like a mile long!
And what do the children ask for? Toys? Hmmm? No? Why, they ask for
the world to save our ecology and peace. Isn*t that just wonderful?
Alleluia! Beautiful. Beautiful. *SDRoads, reporting

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE EVERYONE!

Shanathan was so excited, he just had to open up one present already.
LoL It*s a Thomas (The Tank Engine) & Friends Take Along, called The
Great Race. The latest tradition I started was for him to open one
present on Christmas Eve, in the EVEning. Haha Oh well, pure joy beat
out tradition this time. Wink What are your wonderful Christmas
traditions. Write me at SDRoads@gmail.com.I look forward to hearing
from you all. *SD

I believe. *SD

ibelieveinzero.org

Merry Christmas Eve, Taliesin!

Oh my goodness!

The hustle and bustle of the day is finally gone. Time to rest. So much to do, especially at Christmastime. When I first attempted to write this post, which got interrupted by an important and special phone call hours ago, while Shanathan and I were on a bus en route to home, the original text read, "Oh my God!" Today, I found a wonderful surprise in my immediate family*s pile of Christmas gifts. It was a gift... for my JILLIANJON! My sweet angel. It took me completely by surprise, as I was not expecting it to be there. It was more than a gift to me, it was a sign... a sign of things to come. *SD

J.J.... Home is calling. ...*SD

Just believe. *S.

Please Pray for Micheal

As many of you know, Micheal Jackson is only rumored, at this point,
to have a rare and devastating lung issue. It is as though some don*t
believe. I know for a fact he does. I know he would drive around with
an oxygen tank, and this is going way back. Back before the so called
story seeped out he prefers pure filtered air everywhere he goes. God
Bless ya, Mike. *SD

...

And Doris and Paula, too! And Nedra and Don! And John Ramsey and all
of his other children... all, whether here or passed on. Peace to you
all. *SD

YOU JINGLE BELL ROCK JONBENET AND JILLIANJON!!

YOU, TOO, PATSY AND PAM!! *SD

I*ll be home for the holidays. *SD

Our Topp News Story

Taliesin, our Administrative Assistant, to be one of Santa*s Helpers
this Christmas Eve! Thanxx Taliesin *SD

NEWSFLASH

Trouble for air line travelers during holiday travel at our LAX. *SDRoads

The Call

NEWSFLASH Yesterday afternoon Shanathan received a call from Santa! Word was left for Santa that Shanathan needed to talk to beloved Santa Claus in order to change something on his list. A very important call. And you know how all of us parents have the direct line to good ole St. Nick. Wink Well, SANTA CALLED BACK, with a jolly Ho ho ho and a fullfilled change request! Double Wink *SDRoads, reporting

We Made Snow Angels

... on our kitchen floor. "How?", you ask? We will show you later. Wink *SD

Christmas Cookie Baking Time

The sweet smells of Gingerbread Men and Tree Top Stars will soon be
filling our home. *SD

An Honor

I am so happy, and honored. Today, I have been asked to be a Teacher*s Assistant at my son Shanathan*s school. Though it is only for a day, to work with the Substitute Teacher, I have been informed by the Assistant Principle that I now qualify to be invited to the end of the year Tea Party. I am so excited about tomorrow, I may find it hard to sleep. Though I know adequate rest is needed, especially for a job such as this. I had a related story to post earlier, but chose not to. Now I almost wish I had posted it, for this is one heck of a follow up story, given what had happened earlier in the day. AND, it turns out to be an incredible Christmastime story. The original post was going to be entitled ~ The Substitute Scrooge. LoL Wink The full Christmas short story to come. *SDRoads ...

A Boulder Christmas

Let's say you find yourself somewhere one night; you've never seen the place before. It's dark, and you're lost, and you see a sign. It reads Boulder, Colorado, and it's Christmastime. Not necessarily Christmas Eve or Day, just the holidays, the season, the time of year, and you find yourself there one night. You don't know how you got there, where you're going to stay, or what you're going to do. As long as you're there, you'd like to enjoy yourself, really experience the city and the holidays. You don't have a car. You have to get a room somewhere. What do you do? How do you make the most of it?

There will most likely be snow on the ground throughout most of December, which is good. The air will be frosty. Smoke from the chimneys. And there is plenty to do. First you need a place to stay. Stay at the Pearl Street Inn.

1. The Pearl Street Inn is a bed and breakfast in a century-old brick building, right in the heart of the city, walking distance to Pearl Street Mall, just blocks from the Rocky Mountains and Boulder Creek. You won't need a car if you stay there. And you won't need a fireplace; each room has one. But you might need the fire.

So you get a nice sleep, possibly even as snow falls outside. You wake and look out the window—possibly fresh snow on the ground. Probably blue skies and cold air, some trees, and the mountains. You need something to eat. The Pearl Street Inn specializes in baked goods, potato-crust quiche, buttermilk-berry pancakes, or shirred eggs. You'll sit by the fire. You'll have hot chocolate or eggnog. You'll finish eating. Then what?

2. The Pearl Street Mall is the place to start. There are many unique and specialty shops, and there are brand name stores as well. There are cafes and restaurants and trees and rocks. It is all outside. It is very quaint, brick pathways, arching trees that will be decorated with tinsel and lights, the Rocky Mountains standing grandly in the short distance. You can get all of your Christmas shopping done here, or you can look for a one-of-a-kind gift. The shop-owners are friendly and play Christmas music. The cafes are warm and cozy and good. And, after you shop and pick a place for lunch, you will need to stop by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

3. Christmas would not be complete without some good sweets, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory certainly has plenty of that. Specializing in boxed chocolates and fudge, you'll enter the store from Pearl Street and find chocolate in abundance, display cases, tables, cauldrons of it. There's even a table full of caramel apples. It's a sugar lover's dream, but they also have sugar-free confections and other non-chocolate items. They have homemade hot cocoa mixes. When it comes to Christmas there's sugar, and when it comes to sugar there's Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

After that, you might want to go back to the room for a nap. If not, you can venture beyond Pearl Street, over to serene Boulder Creek and/or a mile or two past that, over a bridge and up to The Hill (more shops and cafes next to University of Colorado, a stone's throw from the Rocky Mountains). If you find yourself up there the rest of the day, the sun will go down and the moon will come up, and the lights will come on, and you'll be happy to be there. And if you're not still full from the chocolate, there are plenty of places to eat, maybe a hot slice of Abo's pizza.

4. The Hill is a great place to look for decorations. People go all out and the homes are beautiful. You can look over the entire city, and you might even see a deer in someone's backyard. The air and mountains will be very cold and you will feel a certain chill, the mystery of the mountains, the eternal quiet, the long presence of them, the dark mystique that looms over you as you stand beneath them. It is breathtaking, almost literally, to be near the mountains at night. It is lonely. But not during Christmas. There are pretty lights and singing, happy people all around. It is a wonderful feeling. One that must be experienced.

Then you can stroll down the hill, cross the bridge over Boulder Creek again, and return to your room and fireplace. You can look out one more time at Pearl Street, the Christmas lights, a big tree in the center of town, and know it is Christmas in the mountains, and that you were lucky enough to find yourself there.


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text content of post from www.associatedcontent.com
photos from www.flickr.com and www.ilankelman.org

The backround scenery of Boulder Colorado's Daily Camera building is so beautiful. It reminds me so much of what I had posted a few posts down about the bus trip I was on and all the beautiful scenery I had seen that day. I am also posting a picture of Boulder Colorado's Pearl Street Mall, hopefully at Christmastime, if I can find it. Side note: Please keep in mind that there are probably about 12 pages of work here, at this site. In order to see all of the posts and pictures, you must click on "older posts" in the middle of each page, located just above the hit counter. Thank you so much for stopping by. Have a great day. -SDRoads



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photo of the Daily Camera from www.coopertea.com
photos of the Boulder's picturesque Pearl Street Mall from www.inmagine.com and i15.photobucket.com

The Little Drummer Boy May Just Have A Gift To Bring Now -SD

Gold rose for a second day on the New York Spot Market following the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates to historic lows. At the time of this email, gold is trading at $869.80, up 11.50. Silver is up $0.18 at $11.42. Platinum is up $3. You can see the most current spot prices at www.goldline.com.

According to Reuters, "Gold could once again surge above $1,000 an ounce as the dollar plummets and investors seek alternatives to stocks, bonds and bank deposits as well as protection from inflation. The buzzword at the moment is deflation. But fund managers are convinced this will be short-lived and followed by a period of inflation that will erode the value of paper assets." (Reuters, "Gold could surge as investors seek alternatives" 12/17/08).

The managing director for Oystercatcher Management, an independent financial research house, told CNBC today that if gold breaks its all time high($1,030 per ounce), it was likely to continue "well over $1,040, up towards $2,000 level probably within the next 12 months."* (CNBC, "Charts Predict: S&P to 1,050; Gold to $2,000 in a Year" 12/17/08).

*Goldline recommends that precious metals be held for a minimum of three to five years.

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Source: Goldline International, Inc., from one of my e-mail accounts
Photos from www.bainite.wordpress.com and www.funisinstyle.blogspot.com

From Our House To Yours

This Christmas Card I find beautiful. So much so, in fact, I am using the inside to write down my plans and schedule. Here it is, a cyber Christmas card to you and yours.

We hope your holiday is the most joyous ever, full of blessings and love, with the spirit of sharing. May your New Year be marvelous. Love, SDRoads and Family


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Scanned photo from the SDR Files

Visions of a Sugar Plum

Here is the set, of which one picture I was looking for, that I said I would share with you all. I was needing to find a picture for a lay out I was working on. As I mentioned before, the site I had them saved on has been loosing my pictures left and right. And my floppies are having issues, along with the drive. The flops are even giving me problems on other computers, at times. So, here is a trip down Memory Lane for Shanathan, entitled, Waiting For Santa While Visions of Sugar Plums Danced In His Head. Some memories and moments are just to precious to lose. Save all you can of your special, special, most special life, of you and yours. -SDRoads

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Photos from the SDR Files

The Rainy Times of Christmas Past

This was an angelic shot of Shanathan I captured in the rain, while at the beach last Christmastime. Everytime I see it in the small beautiful frame my friend bought for me, I think of those pictures of models that come with the frame when purchased. LoL -SD

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Photo from the SDR Files

Winter Is Soon Upon Us

Though it feels like Winter already. Especially with all of this snow California is having these days. The first official day of Winter 2008 is December 21, 2008 at about 7 am EST. (Answer from WikiAnswers.) Here is a shot of me, while in the warmth of my cozy little kitchen and breakfast nook I created, taken by Shanathan. I call it Goodbye To The Colors and Coziness of Fall. My nose was getting ready for winter. It was a bit red, in honor of Rudolph. Haha -SD

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Photo of SDRoads from the SDR Files
Photo of Rudolph from www.funisinstyle.blogspot.com

Our Goodbye to The Golden Warmth of Summer

The Boys and SummerTime Fun -To Reminisce
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Photos from the SDR Files

"Happy Holidays from Simon & Schuster!"

"A new Christmas classic!
Reindeer Christmas
By Mark Kimball Moulton
Illustrated by Karen Hillard Good

Late one snowy winter evening, two young children and their grandmother happen upon a weak and weary deer while feeding the animals in the forest. Together the children care for the deer and warm him by the fire until he is back to health, completely unaware of the surprise that awaits them on Christmas morning!"

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Photo and text from one of my e-mail accounts in a message from Simon & Schuster

THIS JUST IN!

NewsFlash The person responsible for the death and decapitation of child advocate John Walsh has been discovered and revealed some 26 years later. *SDRoads

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Photos from www.mj-upbeat.com and www.mylifeofcrime.wordpress.com

The Snow Capped Mountains Of Warm And Sunny Southern California

I am at Mount Gleason and Foothill. There is a feeling of Christmas in the air. The view of the mountains is phenomenal. So many different kinds of mountains, each in various forms of dress, from angel wing white snow to green flourishing bushes to yellow green farm grass to the golden sandy scapes. *SDRoads

The Scenery

Howdy y*all. I am on a bus trip right now. Just soaking in some local color, local Fall color. The view from the window is wonderful. Country Club Drive looks stunning. The local parks are spectacular. The streets hold the traditional glorious decorations of which I have almost forgotten. I*ve just left Glendale and entered Montrose. There is a warm chill in the crisp air. I write "warm" because the invigorating chill makes one think of warm hot chocolate with snow white marshmallows. The kind of cocoa one may find at their local towne skating arena. Moments ago, we were at Honolulu and Orangedale. The names make me think of my son*s Christmas recital, with a Hawaiian theme, he performed in yesterday. The looks remind me of Boulder, Colorado, Pearl Street. Colorado, the state I hope to one day call home. *SDRoads

NewsFlash

Oh my goodness! Linus and Lucy have a younger brother! That*s right, Linus, of Charles Shulz* fame, has a younger look~a~like brother, whom apparently talks as much as his older counterpart. Which, by the way can be quite "annoying", according to one 6 year Shanathan Roads. *SDRoads, reporting Haha LoL I just found out. Oh my gosh! Now Snoopy has a brother... Lots of them. LoL LoL -SD


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photo from www.zimbio.com

Heard it through the Grapevine

And on our Local News Front: Breath taking winter storm in the Cajon Pass, full of blistery snow. ~ Floods! Floods! Everywhere I look are floods. ~ Be careful when traveling through the Grapevine. *SDRoads

Rescue Teams On Standby In Sylmar, California

This, due to the flashflooding in the area. *SDRoads

O No!

Currently, voluntary evacuations happening in some parts of Orange County. It*s raining pretty heavily here now. I hope it stops soon for Shanathan and I have to walk to his school. And we will be all dressed up because of his Christmas performance. First showing will be at 8.25 this morning. It will be on a total of 3 times today. I may have to call a cab. *SD

FlashFlood Warnings

For western Los Angeles county and all other neighboring burn areas. Areas burned by the recent flood of fires. *SDRoads

Warning for Mariners

Some Southern California Coastline in jeopardy due to current hurricanes causing distress for residents and visitors alike. *SDRoads

The Hour of Power Struggle

Robert Schuller*s Pastor son no longer on the show due to deep and disheartening disagreements. The son did not want to rotate with other pastors on a proposed rotating schedule. *SDRoads

Paula Abdul donates ringside ducats to Lupus charity eve, fetches $3k for cause
By Tom Wright




Paula donates Idol
finale tiks to Lupus
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 5/9/07 – Paula Abdul auctioned off her own front-row house seats for the “American Idol” finale for Lupus LA in what surely is a major bargain, compared to what they might have fetched on Ebay. The lucky winner paid $3,000 for the ringside ducats.


Yet Paula still has a seat onstage and Lupus sufferers are the beneficiaries as the silent auction took place at Lupus LA’s Loop Award ceremony, which honored “The Shield” producer Shawn Ryan and actress CCH Pounder for creating and portraying an ongoing character with the disease.


Paula was a surprise guest at the “Evening of Love, Light and Laughter” at the Beverly Hills Hotel last night. She showed up after the Idol taping to show support for the cause and longtime friend Pietra Thornton, sufferer and activist, and former Billy Bob spouse and playboy model.


“I’m here to support my good friend Pietra and Lupus LA projects, to give hope and help in raising the awareness of this disease that affects millions of women worldwide,” Abdul said. “I would like to donate to the Lupus LA for auction, two of my personnel house seats for the “American Idol” Show.


Also on hand were Michael Chiklis, John Salley, Shawn Ryan, Suzanne Whang and chairs Michelle and Alan Kaye.


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photo and article from www.hollywoodtoday.net

Update for Abdul and Goodspeed

Paula Abdul is tellin' it like it is. To read about the latest news on this story we have covered in the recent past, here, as well as view video, log on to http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/31144051. -SD and Crew

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photo from Yahoo Homepage

I am glad to see Britney looking so healthy. -SD

photo from Shine from Yahoo

Taking care of yourself can be the greatest gift. -SD

Secrets of Super-Healthy People
Some people never seem to get sick. What are they doing that the rest of us aren't to keep illness at bay?
By Jennifer Soong
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Are you secretly envious of your co-workers and friends who, like superheroes, never seem to get sick? You know, the ones glowing with good health while everyone around them is sneezing, sniffling, and coughing like villains.
Don't hate the healthy people. Instead, steal the secrets of people who manage to stay above the sickroom fray and take steps to boost your body's immunity.
Training for the Body
Jennifer Cassetta, a martial arts instructor in New York City, claims she never gets sick, and neither do her father and grandmother, who also teach martial arts. "I believe it is the holistic approach to exercise that calms the mind and relieves stress," she says. "And the cardio, strengthening, and conditioning help boost the immune system."
Cassetta says her health has changed dramatically after she picked up martial arts eight years ago. Before then, she was a smoking, take-out-every-night, espresso-drinking girl in her 20s.
"As I started to train, I started to change my habits drastically," she says. "I cleaned up my diet, trained more, and quit smoking. Now in my 30s, I have more energy, I look better, and am stronger than I ever have been."
One bout of vigorous exercise can increase circulation, says Christiane Northrup, MD, author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom. "Whenever circulation is increased, you get far more white blood cells," she says, "so they check for foreign germs and are far more apt to be able to gobble them up."
Pay Attention to Your Mouth
Chicago public relations consultant Joanna Broussard says gargling regularly with an antiseptic mouthwash has helped improve her dental health and may have helped fend off other illnesses.
Twelve years ago, Broussard's dental hygienist convinced her to gargle consistently after brushing her teeth. "So I made the effort and got into the habit every morning," she says, "Since then I have not had colds. When people all around me have colds or the flu, I seem to be immune."
Another reason to bone up on your brushing and gargling is that poor oral hygiene and gum disease have been linked to more serious illnesses, including diabetes.
An Apple a Day Really Works
Your mom may have been right when she said, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." A natural antioxidant called quercetin, found in red apples as well as broccoli and green tea, may give an immunity boost to individuals under stress.
In a study conducted by David Nieman, PhD, professor at Appalachian State University, results showed that only 5% of cyclists who took 1,000 milligrams of quercetin every day for five weeks reported upper respiratory illness during a two-week period following extreme exercise, whereas 45% of the cyclists who took a placebo reported illness following extreme exercise. However, there were no significant differences in measures of immune system function in the two groups.
Additionally, researchers found that athletes taking the quercetin supplement maintained better mental alertness and reaction time over the placebo group. So go ahead, stock up on those red apples and you may be thanking Mom later.
Don't Worry, Conquer Stress
Stop worrying about getting sick. The fear and expectation of having something adverse happen actually lowers immunity, says Northrup. "When people are worried about it all the time," she says, "they literally scare themselves to death."
Constant worrying causes cortisol and epinephrine levels to rise - and these stress hormones can weaken the body's overall immunity. "The immune system plummets when cortisol levels are chronically high," she says. "Your own body produces high levels of steroids when you're under constant stress."
Up Your Vitamin Intake
We have a worldwide epidemic of vitamin D deficiency, says Northrup. Everybody needs vitamin D, which can be found in foods like sockeye salmon, eggs, and milk.
Hyla Cass, MD, an integrative medical practitioner and author of 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health, adds that certain prescription drugs like acid blockers can deprive the body of nutrients like vitamin D.
Surveys show that Americans don't get enough vitamin C, says Elisabetta Politi, RD, MPH, CDE, nutrition director at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center.
Citrus fruits are a good source of vitamin C. "It's a myth that vitamin C prevents the cold," she says. "But having an appropriate amount of vitamin C from fruits and vegetables can boost immunity."
Mind Over Body
Atlanta interior designer Melissa Galt believes in a "mind over medicine" attitude. "I don't have time for sickness in my life," says Galt, who travels frequently and doesn't take anything to fight germs. "I don't believe in it and don't acknowledge it."
Every thought is accompanied by a chain of biochemical reactions in your body, says Northrup. So a positive attitude can increase levels of nitric oxide, which help to balance neurotransmitters, improve immunity, and increase circulation, she says.
"Whenever nitric oxide levels are high -- from anything ranging from positive thought to exercise -- you're actually improving your resistance to disease," she says.
Just Say Om
Santa Monica, Calif., yoga therapist Felice Rhiannon credits her meditation and breathing practices for improving her physical and emotional health. "Meditation practice helps to calm my nervous system and allows the immune system to function with less interference," she says. For Rhiannon, "A calmer mind means a calmer body."
"The greatest change is in my peace of mind and sense of ease," she says. "I don't get colds as often as I did when I was younger. My sleep is better and my ability to cope with life's inevitable stresses has improved."
In a study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine in 2003, researchers at the University of Wisconsin and Harvard University found that volunteers who participated in eight weeks of mediation training produced significantly more flu-fighting antibodies than those who didn't meditate.
Increase Your Social Ties
There are personality factors associated with individuals who are resistant to getting colds when they're exposed to a virus, says Sheldon Cohen, PhD, professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University whose research examines the effects of stress and social support on immunity and health.
Increase Your Social Ties continued...
For example, extroverts are less likely than introverts to get colds when exposed to a virus. "We actually control for their immunity," he says. "The explanation isn't that extroverts interact with more people, and therefore have immunity to that virus. There's something about being extroverted that seems to protect people."
Having a diverse social network is equally important, says Cohen. Individuals who belong to multiple social groups are less likely to develop colds when exposed to a virus. There's convincing literature in epidemiology that people who have more diverse social networks are also less likely to get heart disease and live longer, he adds.
Accentuate the Positive
Cohen's research suggests that people who have a positive emotional style -- described as happy, enthusiastic, and calm -- are less likely to catch colds.
Cohen and researchers at Carnegie Mellon University interviewed 193 healthy adults daily for two weeks and recorded the positive and negative emotions they experienced each day, and then exposed the volunteers to a cold or flu virus. Those with positive outlooks reported fewer cold symptoms and were more resistant to developing an upper respiratory illness.
"It's a stable characteristic of individuals," he says. "It's not driven by how happy they are on the day they get exposed to the virus."
Wash Your Hands - Over and Over
Hand washing may sound like obvious advice for combating germs, but surveys suggest that most of us are not vigilant about washing our hands after using the restroom.
"In order to prevent illness, it's important to wash your hands frequently," Cass says. "During cold and flu season, wash your hands with soap many times during the day because you're in contact with all kinds of pathogens -- door knobs, stair railings, other people. You really want to have clean hands."
According to the CDC, proper hand washing for 20 seconds is the most effective way to avoid the 1 billion colds that Americans catch each year, not to mention other infectious diseases.
Get Your ZZZs
Sleep is one of the best ways to stay healthy, Northrup says. "People who get a solid eight hours per night absolutely do better."
Sleep efficiency is the key, Cohen says. People who get into bed and fall asleep right away and stay asleep are more protected against colds than those who wake up repeatedly through the night.
A good night's sleep will restore the immune system, Northrup says, because when you get a good night's sleep, melatonin levels rise and that improves immunity.
And best of all, there are no side effects.

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This article is from WebMD.
photo from www.shapeshifterspilatesandhealth.com

The Ride

The Little Rascal that caused the disturbing sonic boom recently got a piggy back ride today. Some found it astonishing. *SD

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photo from www.nasa.gov

The Chilley Factor

And it*s cold over here, too. It*s been cold, every night. But not snowing, of course. But, it did in Nevada, Vegas, when I lived there. It*s so funny. A woman at the dinner party the other night told me that I don*t sound like I*m from California, I sound like I*m from where you*re from. And to think, you and I were just talkin about Key*s accent the other night. LoL And that*s our weather segment for the night. Haha I have some ideas for a weather segment here. I think you and I could really pull it off, Taliesin. Put that story up here of O.J.*s co-defendants, if you want. I didn*t get to read the link, in the email you sent me, yet. It looks interesting. Too hard for me to post that from the cell now. Oh, it*s possible. I*m just too tired to do all it would take to get that up at my site right now. And, I am in too much pain. I have to call my dad and I*m using a heating pad now. My left kidney has started to hurt again. I am trying hard to keep the levels up of antibiotic. Yeah, let*s do the weather thing here. T2UL *SD

The Chile Factor

Taliesin, we ended up having chile, too, with chicken. *SD

Well, it's back to work for me.

There is so much work to do. And I'd like to get it all done before my 4 week holiday vacation begins. But, before I go, I'd like to post a Christmas picture or two of Jonbenét, one of the angels this site is dedicated to. -SD

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photos from www.acandyrose.com and www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgtyxm0e5hs

I was looking for a photo from Christmastime On Main Street...

and found this. This is gorgeous, straight out of a dream, literally. I loved my Christmastime in Las Vegas, Nevada, when I had lived there before. I recall how beautiful Main Street Station looked, at Christmas, and every other time of year. -SDRoads

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photo from www.city-data.com

This picture reminds me of a split cross between two homes I had lived in. Beautiful.

What wonderful memories. -SD

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photo from www.downloadatoz.com

The Family Resemblance

Shanathan and Mommy
And Father and Son
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photos from the SDR Files

Me, Just Bein' Silly

Here is the series of photos that landed me in hot water with my friend, with the same title, plus more. He said it was a bit 'racy'. LoL "Just Bein' Silly, is a subtitle, good for one photo. Other subtitles include "HAPPEEEEEE". Range of Emotions, by Chatta (Chatta/SD) -SD

The Artist, The ArtWork

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photos from the SDR Files

The Resurrection

Bottoms Up~
From bottom to top:
1. Not Too Well
2. On My DeathBed
3. Slippin'
4. Gone
5. R.I.P. As The Soul Travels
6. Rigamortis
7. A Visit To Hell
8. Ahh, To Fly~ It's Great Bein' A Ghost

I had done a series of self portraits. My friend would chalk the photography. I am going to post them here, for, at the other site I store them at, the host is loosing them left and right. It would be a shame for me to loose some of that work. I have lost so much so far. And, I would like for my girl to see these some day. My boys already have the chance. I am also planning on posting some regular photos for family memories. I might as well here, since this is also a family newscenter, eh? The next set, above, is The Artist, The ArtWork. And after that will be a series of funny shots of me, being silly, that got me into a whole world of trouble with Key. More on that later. I am in the process of saving all from the other site, all that is left, onto my USB Drive. I will share all of those in time, along with the local and international news that strikes me. Thanxx for visiting. -SDRoads

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photos from the SDR Files

The Catt

When I was in the hospital this weekend, because of a doctor's bothch up, I might add, there was a time when I had to get a cat scan. The trip to the machine is a story in itself. I'll tell that later. I had to put my arms up above my head as I lay there on the retractable bed that slides in and out of the "donut" cat scan machine with ease. I also had to hold my breath for a time, twice. My arms were not perfectly parallel. I had the thought of JonBenet, laying there in full rigamortis, arms over her head. This reminds me of a series of pictures I did, called The Resurection. I will post that next, above. -SD

My Shanathan's First Grade Picture

1st Grade, 2008
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, BABY BOY!!!
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photo from the SDR files

For Thankful

Hi Thankful Paul. I am working from my cell phone right now. So, I can*t find an e~mail address for you straight away, if there is one. I also can*t comment on my own blog from my cell, to say hi to ya there. So, I just wanted to take the time to say "hi" right back atchya, here. I saw part of your blog. It*s cool. Well, It`s A Wonderful Life, write with ya later. *SD

EarthQuake Watch

5 earthquakes in a 36 hour period in Southern California. *SDRoads, reporting

SDRoads On The Road Way To Recovery

Actually, I could have a law suit against the guy for negligence. My primary care physician has not exactly giving primary care. But, the hospital E.R. helped, thank God. -SD

EarthQuake Watch

5.1 today in Southern California near Ludlow. *SD

De La Hoya Wants To Revolutionize Boxing *SD

Another O

Oscar De La Hoya still going strong out there in Nevada. *SD

O and C

O and C.J. UPDATE max:33;min:9 years. *SD

There Was No But

I kept waiting for the "but". But it never came out of the judge*s mouth. So O.J. and C.J. got the same sentence. The judge, The Glass, a term I just coined, told C.J. that he fell into something without even realizing. He shook his head "yes". Near the end of the proceeding, as O.J. put his pen in his jail house shirt pocket, he nodded and motioned to C.J. what appeared to be, `We are in this together. You got my heart, friend!`. Key told me that O.J. is in the worst place in the system right now, the holding tank under the court. I guess my wish was granted. He, they, got 15, verses the Life they could have gotten. Thank you God. They*ll be out in 7 to 10 I reckon. ... Back to business, so it goes. They and their families will be in my prayers. It*s not so easy for me as the pros. My heart is in my reporting. I am grateful I was able to finish my final early, as well as get my final grades for Fall `08. That way I was afforded the opportunity to view the sentencing live. *SDRoads :(

She even went to the room!

She does make good points. Oh God! *SD

Oh my Go#! She already knows the sentence... sentences!

OH GOD. OH JESUS! *SD

Somebody wrote that for him, Mr. Stewart.

BUT IT*S TRUE!! Maybe he wrote part of it. His attorneys believe in him. The Wait begins soon. *SD

Mercy Mercy Mercy

And please help Mr. Stewart, too, God.

In the name of Jesus. I hope he speaks. *SDRoads

It was more like a citizen*s arrest.

In the name of Jesus, God please help O.J. I believe him. *SDRoads

The Criminality

THE INTENT Go easy on him Nevada... and the rest of the nation too. Then we can worry about the world. *SDRoads He*s about to speak.

The Predicaments Of O.J.

O.J. Simpson Sentencing on now! *SD

Christmas Is Almost Upon Us

We will be starting to prepare for the holiday season today. Here are some of last year's memories. Unfortunately, the site I was storing them at lost half of my pictures, again. And my floppy disk drive is not working at home, and some of my floppies are not working right anyway. So, I lost some good ones of Shanathan, etc. However, I had saved some things to my e-mail accounts as backup. But, that will take a while to find them all. So, in the meantime, here is what I got. I have got to salvage what I can, here, at our family news center. I have got to find the glorious ones of Shanathan. One is a permanent fixture at the bottom of this site. There was a set of them. I want to post these to kick off the season. It graciously reminds me of all the fun and excitement we all had. Christmastime, along with Santa, will soon be here. Wink Happy Birthday to Jesus in advance. Many good things coming here soon. If I don't write again here today, or post any news stories here today, I'd like to wish you all a nice and safe and warm night. Don't forget to drink your hot cocoa... with whipped cream on top. LoL -SD

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Photos from the SDR Files


*UPDATE* I have found one since then, and added it plus a couple more. -SD December 17th, 2008