Facing huge cuts in state money, Broward’s public elementary schools next year could see major changes to their art, music, physical education and library programs.

Under a proposal the Broward School Board will discuss Tuesday, the district’s 140 elementary schools will have four options for how it handles those non-core classes.

Read more…

Every day, reporters and researchers from the Times and the Herald examine statements by Florida elected officials and candidates and anyone else who speaks up on matters of public importance. We research their statements and then rate the accuracy on our Truth-O-Meter – True, Mostly True, Half True, Barely True and False. The most ridiculous falsehoods get our lowest rating, Pants on Fire.

http://www.politifact.com/florida/

Photo By Jae C. Hong, AP

Virgin to test rocket-powered spaceship next year
By Adam Schreck, Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic plans to begin powered test flights of its rocket spaceship by 2011, a key milestone before launching regular service by mid-decade, the space tourism start-up’s president said Wednesday.

Read more…

The Chinese Medicine pharmacopeia has thousands of herbs for specific conditions.  Herbs are categorized according to function.  For example, in the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica by Bensky and Gamble, there are about 30 herbs in the “Herbs That Release the Exterior” Category.  Within this category are the sub categories of warm, acrid herbs and cool, acrid herbs.  All the exterior releasing herbs address disorders of a superficial nature, such as a wind cold invasion commonly known as a cold.  “They are mostly diaphoretic, i.e. they release or expel the external pathogenic influence through sweating.”

In the sub categories each herbs comparative functions are further defined.  This means that even though both cinnamon (gui zhi) and magnolia flower (xin yi hua) are in the warm, acrid, release exterior category, they are used differently.  Cinnamon has the ability to disperse wind or prevent the onset of a cold, while magnolia is used exclusively for nasal problems.

Herbs are rarely used alone.  Most of the time, they are combined in a synergistic formula.  The purpose of this is to increase the effect or function of the formula, address accompanying symptoms or alleviate any possible side effects.  Chinese herbs are combined in teas (decoctions), powders, liquid extracts, pills, capsules and even as plasters, patches or creams for external use.

Furthermore, each individual’s unique pattern is addressed.  Let’s say three people come in with a wind invasion (common cold),  they will be questioned about their symptoms, health history and any other information that may needed to prescribe the appropriate formula for their specific need.

The reason I bring this up is to illustrate the complexity of this 5000 year old herbal system.  It’s become common in western society to market a single herb as a cure or as beneficial in healing many illnesses.  This is, for the most part, misleading because while the herb may at times provide some measure of relief, it’s often used in a way that limits its full capacity to assist in the healing process.  So, when asked if we have an herb for? The answer is invariably always yes, but there’s more to understand.

Coming in April, May and June; three workshops on Chinese Herbs.  The April workshop will mainly deal with external remedies for such things as trauma & injury, burns, arthritic inflammation, cuts, bruises, eczema and more.  The focus in May will be on immunity and include herbal remedies for colds & flu, allergies, rhinitis, sinus problems, coughs, sore throats, etc. . In the June workshop we will introduce herbal remedies for many common discomforts and symptoms, such as digestive problems, gastritis, women’s & men’s problems, headaches, heartburn, sugar imbalances, food poisioning and much more.

Greetings students and friends!  In China’s 3000 year old self healing system, there are many treasures and valuable practices to be learned.  In future editions of this newsletter, we will be including some of that wisdom, along with information derived from our experience over the past forty years studying directly with masters of the Taoist traditions.     The very nature of Qi and Qigong will be topics of discussion and will include the many benefits and effectiveness of Qigong practices.

I will also respond to one or two questions in each edition.  Questions can relate to the practices themselves, the principles, personal health issues, self healing issues or anything else related.  Please take some time to consider what your personal goals are for studying Qigong.

• relaxation and stress reduction
• health, wellness & longevity
• joy of movement, entertainment and community/socialization
• Unifying body, mind & spirit – spiritual evolution
• increasing Qi (energy) in your practice and daily life
• Personal growth

In Chinese nutrition, the energy of food is considered along with the nutrients that the food provides.  Food quality is also determined by the environment and season it is grown in, color, taste, preparation and also by the person preparing the food.   In future newsletters I’ll feature a food, food group or some other relevant topic.  The purpose of this column will be to make the reader aware of their food choices so that he/she can begin to think more holistically about food and diet and how profoundly we are affected by those choices.  I’ll also address one or two questions a month related to personal situations.  Email me at:  miki@whitecranehalingarts.com.   Next edition I’ll talk about sour foods and what corresponds to sour foods energetically

The White Crane Healing Arts Center
7071 W. Commercial Blvd. Suite 2C
Tamarac, FL 33319
Phone (954) 721-7252

http://www.whitecranehealingarts.com/

Optimize your leadership strengths – Recognize your talent for leadership.

Leverage your strength and talents to obtain your desired results – every time.
All PeopleTek programs are satisfaction guaranteed!

Announcing PeopleTek’s MARCH and APRIL programs:

Leadership Journey I

• Kicks off March 24th
• 10:30am – noon EDT
• Conference call facilitated – attend from any location!
• The Journey consists of 12 sessions which are held every other week.
• The Journey helps you understand how to utilize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses to become a stronger leader.
• Increases individual and team accountability to grow business results
• Enables you to better handle difficult situations and conflict
• Provides new listening and communication skills
• Improves teamwork and enhances business relationships
• Earns project managers recertification credit hours upon graduation

……….. And our new WEBINARS: ($99 each!) …………

Master Your Stress – Boost Your Success Webinar

March 17, 11:30am – 1:00pm EST
From individual contributor to senior leaders we are all faced with stress.  Job related stress, as well personal stress, can seep into the workplace and negatively impact your results and relationships.  Join us on this webinar and learn to master stress and boost your success.

Mastering Difficult Conversations Webinar

April 22nd, 11:30am – 1:00pm EST

Whether you are a team member, team leader, manager or senior leader you are faced with conducting difficult conversations, such as performance reviews, feedback, or addressing conflict.  Effectively managing those interactions is a necessity for organizations and individuals to succeed.  Join this webinar to learn how to prepare for those difficult conversations to maximize results and on-time deliverables.

• Attend from any location!
• Use the webinars as a team building event and satisfy development goals.
• All PeopleTek programs earn you project management re-certification credits.

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Help your organization  increase and leverage their leadership abilities!

ENROLL TODAY!

For additional details contact:
Pat Pinera
Executive Coach & Vice President
ppinera@peopletekcoaching.com
888-565-9555 Ext.718
Direct: 954.916.4190
Cell: 954.520.0924

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has introduced legislation that would greatly aid in the expansion of rooftop solar-energy production in the United States. There is sufficient roof space in the United States to meet 20 percent of our electricity needs simply by installing solar panels.

Senator Sander’s “10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010″ would help fund the installation of solar panels on 10 million homes and businesses across the country as well as the installation of 200,000 solar water heaters. This would produce about 30,000 new megawatts of energy, the equivalent of about 30 nuclear power plants.

Unlike industrial-scale solar projects, which when poorly sited can have unacceptable negative impacts on wildlife and wild places and often require new long-distance transmission lines, rooftop solar by definition only occurs in already developed areas. It is the greenest of green energy.

Please take a minute to contact your senators and encourage them to support the rapid expansion of rooftop solar energy.

Click here to find out more and take action.

Sample letter:

Subject: Please Support Senator Sanders’ Solar Roofs Bill

I am writing to urge you to support and join as a cosponsor the “10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010″ introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders. Rooftop solar is fast to build, avoids the need for expensive new transmission lines, uses already developed land, enhances energy resilience and independence, and creates jobs. We should be doing everything possible to encourage this type of clean energy.

Thank you

Please take action today.
Donate now to support our work.

In response to widespread complaints, President Obama signed legislation last May that imposed broad new regulations on the industry. Some of the most significant provisions in the bill take effect today.

The article goes over what has been changed and what hasn’t

Read more…

The EPA asked for feedback on proposed water pollution regulations — and it got an earful from utilities, farmers and critics who call the rules flawed and costly.

Citrus growers, cattle ranchers, sugar farmers and utility operators told federal environmental regulators Thursday that they are all for keeping rivers and lakes clean, but they don’t want to go broke doing it.

Ephraim King, director of EPA’s office of science and technology in Washington, “I think they create the impression in the minds of many Floridians that you have to make a choice between the economy and clean water. You don’t.”

Read more…

By Kathy Bushouse, Sun Sentinel
February 9, 2010

Broward’s public schools face deep budget cuts in the upcoming school year, which could mean anything from more job losses to less money for elective classes and classroom supplies.

“Schools budget director Jane Turner told board members on Tuesday that the district is facing an $80 million to $100 million cut in state money and will have to make up for $60 million in one-time money spent in last year’s budget”

Read more…

Some Broward schools go without toilet paper and soap in bathrooms
Teachers stock bathrooms at some schools
By Akilah Johnson, Sun Sentinel
February 9, 2010

From classroom walls to bathroom stalls, posters in Broward County schools urge good hygiene to stop the spread of germs. But when students and teachers try to practice what the posters preach, they sometimes find there’s no toilet paper or soap.

Read more…

After reading the transcript of last week’s courtroom folly that led to a first-degree murder case getting tossed by Broward Circuit Judge Susan Lebow, two things seem clear:

1) There were some heated exchanges between Lebow and homicide prosecutor Gregg Rossman.

2) Justice wasn’t served.

Read more…

Official Court Transcript – courtesy of Sun Sentinel

KEY LARGO - At French Reef, 30 feet below the ocean’s surface, Sea Dwellers dive instructor Dave Jefferiss was on a mission to find and capture one of the gorgeous but dreaded new invaders of the Florida Keys: a lionfish.

The lionfish is native to the Pacific and Indian oceans, is a menace to humans and marine life. It has venomous fins, and no known marine predators in the territory it is invading.

“It was mentioned in the article that lionfish are  can be eaten, but special care is required to remove the venomous spines before doing so”

Read more…

Lionfish are spreading
Another Good Article explaining where Lionfish are ….

Emergency Treatment:
A lionfish sting causes intense pain and should be immersed in hot water for 15-20 minutes.  Seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible

Aquatic Toxins Hotline: 888-232-8635

Florida Poison Information Center in Miami

This is a newer version of CPR – No Mouth to Mouth

This new approach for cardiac arrest can improve rates of neurologically intact survival by 250%–300%

ANYONE CAN DO AFTER SEEING THIS ONCE!

Now is the time to donate – Whether it is for the relief for Haiti or another disaster.  The Red Cross seems to find itself in the midsts of every disaster.

• Basic essentials
• Blood
• Food
• Clothing

Donate today!

http://www.redcross.org/

If you’ve been an avid reader of Eat This, Not That, you should know by now that not all healthy-sounding foods are actually healthy. Case in point: Quaker Natural Granola Oats Honey and Raisins. This cereal may sound idyllic, but the combination of honey, brown sugar, and raisins teams up to give these oat clusters more sugar than you’ll find in three Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnuts. Watch the video “Which Breakfast is Best?” to see how one bowl compares to other breakfast items—such as an Egg McMuffin and a Starbucks’ smoothie. And read The 24 Best and Worst Cereals to see where Quaker Natural Oats falls on our great cereal spectrum—you might be surprised to learn which boxed breakfasts pass inspection and which ones you should leave on the supermarket shelf.

Scott Rothstein admitted Wednesday morning that his empire was built on a lie — the biggest financial fraud in South Florida history.

He pleaded guilty to five federal charges, accepting responsibility for a massive Ponzi scheme, and faces a lengthy prison term at his sentencing in May.

Watch and Read more…

Sun Sentinel has a great compilation of videos about the recent events about Scott Rothstein.