A Week in the Woods by Andrew Clements (A Book Review)

Every spring at Hardy Elementary School, the fifth graders, for the last big event before they go to middle school, spend one week in the woods. This is the sixteenth year of the program, and Mr. Maxwell, the science teacher, directs it. But a new kid in town, with super-rich parents, looks like he's going to be trouble. They have to deal with each other in A Week in the Woods by Andrew Clements.

Mark Chelmsley didn't want to move to a small town in New Hampshire. But his father knew that business was business, and a promise is a promise, and Mark would only be at this new school for less than half the school year anyway. So he might as well just get through it.

His parents bought the old Fawcett farm for more than two million dollars, then spent another couple million having it renovated in a huge way. And in this small town, big money was big news.

Mr. Maxwell knew a slacker when he saw one in his class. And Mark was definitely a slacker. He dressed nicely, sat at the back of the room, and didn't pay attention. He didn't even try to.

When Mr. Maxwell found out his parents were the rich people, he wasn't surprised. He can't stand "environmentally insensitive, buy-the-whole-world rich folks." But the only people he can't stand more are their lazy, spoiled kids.

But Mark isn't trying to have a bad attitude. He's bored. All his life, he's been sent to the best private schools, with few students, and he's learned a lot. In fact, most of what he hears in school is stuff he's learned already.

But when he realizes he's acting like a stuck-up jerk, he decides to try to make friends and be a better student in his classes.

Mr. Maxwell isn't buying it, though. Mark has already been a show-off, know-it-all who ruined one of his classroom activities. So Mr. Maxwell is going to show Mark that his life can be pretty miserable from now on.

By the time the week in the woods happens, Mark has made a few friends, but Mr. Maxwell is still not being nice to him. Soon after they arrive at the campsight, a mistake causes Mark to run away, into the woods. Things soon get out of hand, and Mark and Mr. Maxwell end up relating to each other in a very unexpected way.

Kids who like nature, hiking, camping, or feel like they don't fit in at school will enjoy this book. Andrew Clements does an excellent job of presenting both Mark's and Mr. Maxwell's points of view. A Week in the Woods by Andrew Clements is an easy read that will keep you wanting to find out what happens.

What Should Be Taught to Forth Graders - A Book Review

It is amazing the on-going debate on how to make sure our kids learn to read, and have the education they need. If they hit junior high without a good working knowledge, it can spell disaster to their integration into teen-hood and their academic years in high school. Luckily, there are resources to insure our students are on the right track prior to this.

So, let's start in the fourth grade. In fact, let me recommend a very good book to you on this very topic, one which I actually own in my own library. The book is;

"What Your 4 TH Grader Needs to Know - Fundamentals of a Good Fourth-Grade Education" (part of The Core Knowledge Series), Edited by E.D. Hirsh Jr., published by Delta Trade Paperbacks a division of Double Day Dell and Bantam Books, (1992), pp. 395, ISBN: 0-385-31260-1.

The editor is well-known in education circles and previously wrote "Cultural Literacy" which has been widely used. This book is so very easy to use and starts out with a section; "How to Use This Book - for Parents and Teachers. This completely helps for anyone who is a Homeschooling Parent, or any new teacher at the fourth grade level. I read through the entire book and felt right at home and even learned some interesting things myself, probably re-learned it from back in the fourth grade.

Okay so, what sorts of topics are in this book anyway, well, I am certainly glad you asked me. This book has chapters on Poetry, Short Stories, Language, and Speech in the first section. In the second section are Geography, Civilizations, History.

The third section is about Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Sketching, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, and Digital Arts. The Fourth section is about Mathematics - addition, subtraction, division, linear charts, shapes, Roman numerals, decimals, multiplication, fractions, and points on a grid.

The fifth section is all about natural sciences, life sciences, earth sciences, continental drift, volcanoes, earthquakes, forests, and the ocean. If you have this book and are teaching a fourth grade level student you will never be lost. But perhaps more importantly your student won't be either, and you will be giving them the knowledge they need to move forward. It's truly amazing how we've fallen down in the USA with our education.

It is truly books like this which guarantee our next generation's progress and education - and we are only as good as our educational system and work in teaching 20-years the prior. Please consider all this.

FRS Radio - 3 Characteristics Your Unit Must Have

There are so many FRS radios out there. It's gotten to the point where it can be really difficult to choose. You've got different designs, different colors, different brands, different models and different features. It can be pretty daunting to pick one out of the pack.

That said, when you're out browsing and shopping for an FRS radio, try to make sure that the product you get has at least these 3 significant features.

1. Make sure it has an automatic power off feature.

FRS radios are really useful as long as they have power. That much is pretty obvious. So you want to make sure that while you're surfing the FRS radio frequencies, your unit is smart enough to tell when you stop using it later, so that it can turn itself off and thereby save on its available power.

It can be a pain to do this manually, especially when you simply want to focus on talking and communicating. So do yourself a feature by making sure that the unit you get is working with you to ensure longer battery life.

2. Get something that's lightweight enough for your needs.

Keep this in mind, especially if you think you'll be using these radios heavily. After all, if you don't get yourself an FRS radio headset, then you'll probably have to hold on to the radio while using it. At first, it isn't a big deal. But if the situation requires you to use it for hours at a time, then a two way radio may get annoyingly heavy.

So make sure that given your needs, and given how you plan to use the radio, you get something that isn't too heavy. To be sure, you'll probably want to visit a store in order to see the unit in person and try out its weight and heft with your own hands. Don't overlook this particular characteristic because it can make the difference between the radio being a joy to use and an annoyance.

3. Get something with a strong enough speaker.

Again, this is one of those small things which can mean so much over the long run. Whether what you buy are FRS radios or even GMRS radios, having a radio with a weak speaker isn't really a viable option. After all, the whole point to getting it in the first place, is to increase your capacity for communication.

If the quality of the product is so bad that you're always struggling to hear what the other person has to say, then that's just going to make for a terrible user experience. Again, try before you buy. It's something you won't notice if you get it right, but that you'll always notice if you get it wrong.

Business Mentoring - 4 Priceless Secrets to Excel at Mentoring

Remember when you first learned how to tie your shoe? Most likely, your mom or dad showed you how to do that. But, if it was somebody else, that's okay, too. The point is that you had a coach, a mentor who took the time to show you how to tie your shoes. And look at you now. You've mastered it many times over. That's the value of hiring a business mentor. They show you the basic keys to business success. Keep reading to learn 4 priceless secrets to excel at business mentoring.

1. Evaluate trends in your niche market. What is important for the client to learn? To successfully teach your client, you need to understand the trends occurring in your niche market.

2. Set goals and objectives. Establish realistic goals and objectives as you develop curriculum strategies and content. This is going to be revealed to you as the both of you complete your first interview. Keep a record of important information your customer desires to learn.

3. Sit down with your customer and create a plan. As you review the lesson information with your client, create a detailed delivery plan. Incorporate multiple media methods such as audio and visual in your delivery.

4. Ask your students to develop a personal motivation program. They can do this by focusing on the benefits of achieving their goals. When they get in the habit of focusing on their talents and skills, they can tell themselves uplifting ideas. We all need to feel like we make a difference in our work.

What You Need to Know About HIV

HIV is an abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS as it is generally called, is the result of this virus. When a person has AIDS, the immune system gradually break downs. The patient then becomes highly susceptible to infections and illnesses, which could even, be fatal. History dates its origin to June 5th 1981 in Los Angeles where the virus was found in five homosexual men. It was then called GRID or Gay-Related Immune Deficiency because people thought it only affected homosexual people. This theory was soon blown to pieces when cases were reported from all over. Today, AIDS has reached epidemic proportions. It has plagued most countries around the world and is considered a highly dangerous disease.

To gain a better understanding of HIV, we must first explore how it is transmitted.

a. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. What does this mean? The mucous membrane lines different parts of the body such as the lips, genital areas, nostrils etc. When the mucous membrane comes in contact with sexual secretions of an infected HIV patient, the virus transfers from one to another. This is why the main cause for the spread of AIDS is unprotected sexual intercourse.

b. HIV is also transmitted through infected blood. Therefore, one has to take extreme precaution when undergoing blood transfusions. It is always advisable to go to a reputed hospital or clinic where infected syringes are not used. Intravenous drug users and hemophiliacs are at high risk to get HIV.

c. HIV can be transmitted from a mother to a child either in the womb, during childbirth or duing breast-feeding. The chances of this happening have been reduced with drugs and other procedures.

Some of the early symptoms include sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, pharyngitis, weight loss, dry cough, unexplained fatigue, unusual blemishes on the tongue, herpes zoster and oral ulcerations. During the more advanced stages patients may have chronic diarrhea, continuous fever, extreme weight loss, oral hairy leukoplakia and candidiasis and pulmonary tuberculosis.

It is extremely important for people to be tested for HIV. In some communities, partners are required to take the HIV test prior to marriage. This is because it not only affects the infected individual but also can spread to the spouse and the unborn child. It is difficult telling someone you love that you have AIDS. However, is very vital for their health and safety.

Doctors, nurses and Medicare professionals are also exposed to this virus as they deal with syringes and needles on a daily basis. If you have AIDS and if you are looking for a doctor, then do some preliminary research on the doctor before you meet him or her. The doctor should be reliable and must be aware of the nuances of the field. You should choose a doctor who you are comfortable with.

A Guide to Purchasing Real Estate in Mexico for Americans

For Americans buying their dream property in Mexico, it's important to understand the differences between Mexico's real estate system and that of the United States. It's never safe to assume that any law or process is the same between the two systems, and oftentimes they are completely different. There are a few key differences to be aware of between purchasing properties in the U.S. verses Mexico to ensure a seamless transaction.

Real Estate Agents

There is no real estate license required to buy or sell property in Mexico. Unlike in the U.S. where a person must be a trained and licensed agent to sell property, a person with no knowledge of real estate whatsoever can sell a piece of property in Mexico. Foreigners with little knowledge of the local laws and area can be an easy target for fraud.

Even sellers with the best intentions of conducting an honest transaction may not be fully aware of all of the legalities when it comes to zoning, title transfer, foreign ownership, etc. Consider finding a Mexican real estate agency with a solid reputation for foreign client satisfaction.

Property Ownership

As part of a law passed in 1917, citizens of countries other than Mexico cannot directly own property in the "restricted zone." The restricted zone encompasses a 50km perimeter along the coastline and 100km perimeter along the country's natural borders.

However, the Mexican government welcomes and encourages foreign investment and has developed ways for non-residents to safely own and enjoy property along Mexico's picturesque coastline. Foreign investors must first set up a corporation in Mexico that technically owns the property. Under the law, foreigners have full ownership of their Mexican corporation, thus allowing non-nationals complete ownership of property within the restricted zone.

Financing

Mexican banks don't offer the same types of attractive home loan packages that make it simple to finance a home in the United States. In Mexico, the majority of people tend to build their own homes starting with a small foundation and expanding slowly as income allows. For many years, Americans who wished to buy property had no choice but to pay in cash for the full amount.

Thanks to real estate reform, some American banks now offer loans for property in Mexico. Construction loans are available through U.S. banks as well. Some banks only write loans for second or third homes in Mexico while others offer loans for primary residences and investment properties.

While there are numerous differences between purchasing a home in the U.S. and purchasing a home in Mexico, the process today is easier than ever before. It's important to find a real estate agency with a solid track record for success in helping Americans to obtain property in Mexico.

There are always numerous factors to consider and steps to take when buying property in another country. By working with trusted advisors, talking with others who have experienced the process, and doing your own independent research online, buying property can be a seamless and fulfilling experience.

Vegetarian and Vegan Meal Planning Ideas PLUS ... Dairy Free Muffin Recipe

In a vegan or vegetarian diet, it may take time to explore new foods and develop some form of routine to it. There are many different products on the market today for vegans and vegetarians to choose from - keep experimenting to find your or your families personal preferences and tastes.

You should be-able to find quite a good amount of vegetarian and vegan products at supermarkets, natural health food stores and co-ops.

When baking, you can use substitutes like egg replacers, cornstarch or bananas to replace eggs.

Soy, rice and nut milks are great replacements for cow's milk. Plus there are many other dairy alternatives around like: vegan cheese, yoghurts, frozen non-dairy ice creams, and cream cheeses. These are all easily sourced through health stores or supermarkets worldwide.

If you are stuck for ideas on some quick easy menu ideas, here are some sample meal menu items for you to consider:

** Breakfast

- Pancakes

- Soy Yoghurts

- Fruit Smoothies

- Wholemeal Toast or Cereals

** Lunch/Dinner

- Veggie Mock Meat and salad sandwich

- Veggie Sausages or hot dogs

- Veggie or Soy Burger

- Simple Prepared Salads

- Tofu Kebabs or Wraps

- Veggie Fried Rice

- Tomato & Pasta Bake

- Soup or Curry Vegetables

- Veggie Stir fry with Tofu, tempeh, or seitan

- Baked Vegetables with Rosemary & Garlic Herbs

** Snacks /Dessert

- Cookies

- Cake

- Non-Dairy Ice Cream

- Dried Fruits & Nuts

- Fresh Fruits

- Chickpeas

- Popcorn

- Pretzels

- Soy or Veggie Crisps or Chips

- Vegan Pies

So as you can see there are an abundance of tasty foods on offer for vegetarians of all kinds, the tastes and wonders of one's food choices is only limited by one's own imagination.

If have you ever wondered how vegetarians, vegans or people just wishing to avoid dairy products make delicious tasting and looking cakes and sweets without much effort at all?

Unless you are a vegetarian or 100% animal free cooker, chances are that you have never cooked without animal ingredients like eggs and dairy. In fact, if you don't know any vegetarians personally you might not even be aware that you can cook without any animal by-products like, eggs and dairy.

Vegetarians are able to maintain a very healthy diet eating any number of traditional meals or sweets minus animal by-products.

And you don't have to be a vegetarian to benefit from such things, even if you'd just like to cut down on animal by-products for the many health benefits involved or if you are lactose intolerant, have vegetarian friends you'd like to cook for or are trying to avoid cholesterol . . . you don't have to feel you will miss out on all those wonderful sweets and treats you feel you can't live without. Because cooking minus animal by-products is so simple and easy you won't believe it until you experience it for yourself.

So I urge you to try the below recipe for yourself and then decide if vegetarians just eat rabbit food or not. You might be surprised. And you might even be shocked that you won't even notice these muffins are not cooked using any eggs or diary.

** Dairy Free Choc Muffins

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 tsp vanilla

1 Tbsp vinegar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/3 cup coconut

1 and 1/2 cups flour

3 Tbsp cocoa or carob powder

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 190C.

2. Mix first 6 ingredients in a bowl until blended through.

3. Sift the remaining ingredients and blend in bowl until just combined.

4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Servings: 6 large muffins or 12 smaller muffins

If you are not a vegetarian but are considering becoming one don't let the fear of eating egg or diary free stop you. If you already are a vegetarian or don't eat dairy or eggs for other reasons, and have not tried cooking sweets, you might want to try it. It's so simple and easy if you know how and have access to proven recipes.

Advanced Surface Ablation

In patients with corneal thickness below a certain minimum, performing LASIK would be unwise, because the "foundation" may not go back to its original stability. Our colleagues from around the world, agree on when not to do LASIK, like when the cornea is very steep or very flat. In those cases we feel strongly that advanced surface ablation or (PRK) would be the preferred procedure.

This information has been shared at seminars, meetings and now, even on webmail. This procedure involves sculpting the cornea at the surface. This is done by removing the epithelium, (the film-like protective outer layer of the cornea) using a special instrument called Amoils epithelial scrubber. The underlying Bowman's membrane (the micro-thin second tissue layer of the cornea that lies just below the epithelium, or outer layer) is exposed.

Laser pulses with variable spot size and variable repetition rate are applied in a blended large zone. Mitomycin C may be applied if indicated. Chilled BSS is used to cool the cornea. A bandage soft contact lens, is placed afterwards to maintain comfort in the eye. Oral vitamin C along with steroidal and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed. Patients are asked to wear dark U.V. protective glasses.

Although recovery is usually longer than with LASIK, patients are very happy with their vision. In the early days, PRK was very painful and vision was not good. With dvanced surface ablation there is minimal pain and most patients resume work in 3-4 days.

Couch Surf America

As a professional road-tripper, I usually try to find someone willing to take me in and let me crash on their couch for a couple nights to a couple months at a time. Let me tell you, I've slept on plenty of couches and it's a heck of a lot comfier than sleeping in the backseat of my car. Sure I've had to share some couches with pets and have even had to deal with lumpy metal springs from sofa beds, but I deal. Beggars can't be choosers right? But the best couch I've ever had the privilege to sleep on was this late 1980s plump sofa with the most psychedelic upholstery. The dude told me that it was his mom's old sofa that she donated to him when he first moved out, and that had to be like at least 15 years ago.

Granted it wasn't the prettiest looking thing, but it was just so comfy! The crowned cushions were well padded and plushy, and from what he explained to me, included s-shaped springs that provided the tried and true long-lasting support system. The chair arms were also slightly padded, sturdy and high enough to support my head. Man, what wouldn't have I done to buy that couch off of him!

Seeing that I had overstayed my welcome with this guy, I eventually moved on to greener pastures. While in St. Francis, Arkansas, I came across this nice lil' old lady who offered her living room sofa bed in exchange for my dishwashing services at her roadside diner. Her sofa bed was pretty nifty; instead of taking out the seat cushions and pulling the bed frame out, all I had to do was push the back cushion support down, kind of like a futon couch except plumper. And get this, there was an extra storage compartment underneath the sofa where she kept the extra blankets and pillows.

Eventually the diner got bought out by some big-chain coffee shop and my services were no longer needed by the nice old lady. Nomadic and homeless once again, I'm hoping that the next couch I get to crash on isn't made of leather because summer is coming up.