The Horror

When i stepped out this morning i thought it was The Day The Earth Stood Still, there was a strange Supernatural feeling, vampires were no longer hiding in the Dark Shadows,werewolves did not wait for the full moon, people did not look right, they were shapeshifters, Transformers, i saw a man of steel, another of iron, a Spiderman, Batman and yes even hobbits, there were no Birds overhead, i just knew we were on the Fringe, then there was a Big Bang, it was Captain America, but he was not hear to save the day but to sign autographs beause everybody was just Being Human, this was...
Comic-Con!

A Small Business

Have you ever seen a business that was called a Small Business when you thought it was more on the big business side? Well, in the US the "Small Business Administration" decides what makes a business a Small Business. This is on an industry-by-industry basis as well as sales assets on net profits and the number of employees. So a Small Business is a business that has less than 500 employees and less than $7 million in annual receipts.
That sounds like a Big Business when it comes to other countries like Austrailia who says a Small Business has less than 15 employees and in the European Union 50 employees are less. So you want to start a Small Business?

Z Coil, Sketcher's Shape Ups, and Gravity Defyer

As noted previously I have had a number of back surgeries,but I also take a number of pain meds, although not always helping. Despite the upcoming Spinal Cord Stimulator procedure that I am going to have, I was wondering if anyone would be interested in sharing their views on the items listed in the title. I know there are many others out there that have similar experiences, and personally I am always seeking alternative ways to find relief. I tried the Z Coil, and for those of you who haven't they are expensive,but got no relief, in fact found them rather uncomfortable. I continue to wear a man's shoe variation to the Shape Ups, and although they don't hurt me, I am not sure if they are doing any good; so why do I continue to wear them-honestly not sure. Now I found a sneaker called the Gravity Defyer, says; defy pain, defy aging, defy fatigue(defy my wallet of $129.95). Does anyone know anything about them?
Trimstep White Rylin Fitness Shoe - 6

Spinal Cord Stimulator-F/U

Took a couple of days to get this blog out, since we took our seven hour drive, which requires us to stay overnight, to see the pain management doctor for the first time who is to do the procedure, and he said based on a questionaire, data provided by me and by my recent back surgeon that I was a candidate.  He took the time to go into the particulars of the procedure and answered my questions, and gave me the percentages of benefits, then asked me if I was interested in pursuing it; I said after five years of pain without relief from surgery and being at the highest dose of  Neurontin, after others failed, yes.  I was given a physchological test on a mechanical box, which he said all candidates are required to take; so for those of you considering it keep this in mind.  I was told that if for some reason I was found to require additional physchological follow up, it could be arranged; that's reassuring.  I was provided a CD from the company that provides the equipment for the trial; which again requires an outpatient procedure where they cut an entry area to the spine, place the electrodes; one on the right side of the spinal cord, the other on the left, then the wires attached to the electrodes come out of the body, are taped securely(he reassured me with lots of tape) and connected to a control box.  The device representative sets five different channels, each affecting different areas of the body; ie:  the lower back, the left leg, the right leg, etc.  The purpose is so that depending of the situation you can change the channel to provide the relief required.  The device is implanted on a Monday, taking about 45 mins, and then removed on a Fri.  A permanent will be placed by my surgeon if I experience 50% or more reduction in pain or in need of pain medicine, of course they say the benefits can be alot higher;  that, too, would be my desire.  You can not shower during the five days, only sponge baths.  There are of course complications that need to be considered before this or any procedure.  He told me about the possibility of infection, electrode slipage and even paralysis.  He said that he has had only one patient with an infection and that was due to being a diabetic and having to keep the device in for eight days instead of the five.  I am not sure that I am assisting anyone with this information, but I hope so and will continue to keep you aprised of the developments, unfortunately the earliest that the trial can be done is Aug 1.  
North American Healthcare JB4866 Arched Back Stretcher

Fireworks: enjoy and be safe with them, but did you know?

That fireworks were known to have been used in China, during the Han Dynasty 200 B.C.; even before gunpowder was invented.

Although used previously, as noted above, it was the Italians, during the Renaissance Period in Europe (1400-1500) who began to develop fireworks into a tru art form.   Kings saw no better way to show their wealth and power than by having fireworks at festivals and other ceremonies/victories. By the 1600's settlers brought fireworks over to America to velebrate special occassions, and around the 1730's firework shows in  England became huge public displays.  Unfortunately, for nearly 1000's of years the only colors that could be produces was the orange from black powder and white from metal powders, but in the 1830's scientific advancements in chemistry enabled people to create res, geens, blues and yellows.

I hope you found this information fun.  Please remember that there are so many areas already plagued by wild fires consuming thousands of acres and homes lost, so be safe. Happy 4th of July. 
40 Super Bright Finger Flashlights - LED Finger Lamps - Rave Finger Lights

4th of July History

It's funny as Americans that we get lazy about things, like holidays.  What do I mean by that?  I don't think that there are to many Americans who know why we celebrate the 4th of July, I mean really understand why, nor do we know how it all came to pass. I think that most Americans would tell you that we celebrate our independence from England, but don't know much beyond that.  I, too, had to get on the internet to refresh my memory about the particulars of the holiday.  What I found was that during the time of the revolution a (5) man committee was tasked with the awesome responsibility of formulating the foundation of laws for this new world.  What a huge responsibility, and liability they were undertaking.  If the British ever found out, or discovered the document that established the laws of this great country those men willing to sign their names would have been arrested and treated as traitors.  I can't even imagine putting myself out there like that, but not only me but my family as well.  I am very grateful that there were and are those who put their lives on the line everyday to ensure that we enjoy the liberties our founding fathers and soldiers established.  I was in the military, but feel my role was greatly drawfed in comparison to what they accomplished. 

In further pursuit of the holiday information, I discovered that the first "4th" of July celebration actually took place on the 8th of July.  What I found extermely erie and incredible was that on the 50th anniversary two of the original writers of the constitution, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died.  How weird.

Finally, I learned that it became a recognized legal holiday in 1938.

When we celebrate our holidays, especially one such as this, have fun but I hope everyone of us takes a moment to think about and thank those who made it possible, and appreciate those who even now put their lives on the line for this country.    
Freedom: A History of Us