Caring for Someone With Special Needs

Disability according to Wikipedia is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these. It is something that we don't want to happen to us or any of our love ones. For most of us, disability is regarded as some sort of a curse while others believed that it is bad karma for something that we have done wrong against someone. Some would cringe at the thought of having a family member with special needs. But ponder upon this, according to SupaNova Slom, “the worst disability in life is a bad attitude.”

It is not easy having a family member, friend or a love one with special needs. It is emotionally challenging. There is nothing else that you could do for them but love them unconditionally and make sure that their needs are met. I know, because I have a cousin who has autism, a neural development disorder which symptoms are repetitive or restrictive behavior, lack of social skills and communication skills. I can still recall how my uncle who just came home from a business trip abroad reacted when he was told by my aunt that their child who was four years old then, has mild autism. He just shook his head and walked out. He came home drunk and crying. Fortunately, my cousin has mild autism which means that there is a huge chance that he can still lead a normal life.

My aunt and uncle made sure that my cousin's needs are met by first joining an autism support group. That helped the family especially my uncle understand and accept my cousin's condition. That also helped the family learn how to deal with him. They remodeled the house based on the standards set by the ADA which includes the bathing facilities, handrails, walk way lights and other architectural lighting, and other residential families. They also hired a highly trained therapist for my cousin's treatment. They have not missed a single appointment of their child's therapy and doctor's appointment. They also enrolled him to a school for special children. And after 10 years of hard work, dedication and patience, my cousin just graduated from normal high school as valedictorian.

Take Care Of Your Eyes

 

The eyes is said to be the window of the soul. You will know the type of person you are dealing with by just looking at them straight in the eyes which is why we should learn how to take care of them. Remember there are no spare parts for the human eye.

Some elders say that the blind are lucky that they are unable to see the bad things that is going on around them. Maybe they are right but maybe not. There is nothing lucky about being blind because they can still sense what's going on around them. They may not witness the crimes, corruption, and the evilness of the world but they can feel. Their sixth sense is much stronger that a normal person with a 20-20 vision. I know, because I have an uncle who lost his eyesight to cataract a few months after his retirement and he was only 61 years old back then. According to the doctor even if he undergoes a surgical procedure, it will only cost the family but he can never regain his vision. He is technically blind. He may not see us. He may not see his loving wife and children and grandchildren but he knows when we are having a problem. He even knows when you are crying or not. He also knows when there is misunderstanding among us even though we never let him hear us argue. He would often tell us he only lost his eyes but not his heart and he would give us his words of wisdom. He also keeps telling us to take care of our eyes because it is something he failed to do. Well, we don't need more encouragements. I don't need another encouragement to see my EENT(Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throad) Specialist.

According to my EENT and for sure you also know this, to avoid reading in a dim light or make sure that there is enough lighting in the room because this will cause eye strain. Make sure that you change the light bulbs in ceiling lights, lamps and other lighting fixtures regularly. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables which are rich in Vitamin A. It is also advisable to eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids such as tuna and halibut. Wear sunglasses on bright days since too much light can also hurt the eyes. Exercise your eyes.

McDonald's Serving Customers At Its Best

 

When someone mentions hamburger, cheeseburger, spaghetti, french fries or chicken what comes first in your mind? Right! McDonald's. McDonald's, known as the world's largest fast food chain here and abroad has been a household name since 1940. Any kid loves McDonald's not only because of the food but because of the playground or the playplace and the toy which comes with the kid's meal. I often look out for the toys when I was a kid and I still do. Parents also love McDonald's because of the homey ambiance. Moreover, while their kids are having fun in the playplace or playground they are able to enjoy a relaxing meal even for just a short period of time. 

McDonald's offers a great bonding place for the entire family. Its ambiance is not only pleasantly comfortable and cozy but welcoming as well. Perhaps it's because of the friendly and helpful crew or the perhaps its the mounted ceiling lights which gives it a relaxing ambiance. Going to McDonald's everyday feels like Christmas all the year 'round. 

 

McDonald's is also popular for its charity works. One of its famous charity works is the McHappy Day which is an annual event wherein a percentage of their daily earnings are given to charity. The other one is McDonald's Monopoly donation to St. Jude which is in fact a fraudulent scheme by one individual to defraud or perhaps defame the company. However, in spite of their charity works, they are not spared from criticisms by some individuals, health groups, and environmentalists. They are being questioned for the health benefits in their menu and business and environmental practices. It is for these reasons why they are committed to protecting and conserving the environment by means of recycling and reusing, reducing energy and water management. Because of these good efforts in protecting the environment that they are recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (kudos to a job well done!). They are also working hard to address the health issues across the globe by assessing the ingredients used in their products. But regardless of these criticisms and bad publicity, nothing can keep me away and other loyal McDonald's eaters from McDonald's. They are one of the best.

Agricultural Advancements Through the Years

 

Land cultivation has been learned by our ancestors since immemorial. Farmers across the globe are not only experts in growing crops but in animal husbandry or taking care and breeding of domestic animals such as pigs, horses, ducks, chickens, cattle and goats, too. According to our history growing of food for man and beast has started in Fertile Crescent-a historical region in the Middle East wherein its land is irrigated by important rivers like Nile, Jordan, Euphrates and Tigris; East Africa; and in the Middle East. But there are also some theories which tells that it actually started in the first nations or the various Aboriginal peoples in Canada and America.

In growing crops there are a lot of things to consider such as the weather and the plants. These days, farmers usually choose plants which has nutritional value, those which don't easily wither, can withstand bad weather conditions, even drought, can withstand diseases and has a better taste. Farmers have also learned how to use some techniques such as adding fertilizers, fencing and weed removal in order to ensure that they have a good harvest. They have also learned how to improve their farming techniques by using chemical pest controls to ward off mice, and locusts and using agricultural machinery such as tractors, threshers, harvester and transplanters. However, in spite of their best efforts for a good harvest farmers still encounters losses because of flood, drought, soil erosion, and diseases. It is probably because of these losses where some farmers learned how cultivate land indoors or greenhouse or glasshouse wherein temperature, lighting shade, irrigation, fertilizer application and humidity are controlled to ensure proper growth of the plants.

It is important that we should learn how to save food for the rainy day. Some farmers learned how to store their crops inside the barn. Barns are also use to keep domesticated animals especially during bad weather conditions. Farmers use barn lights for proper heating and ventilation to protect livestock from getting sick especially during the winter season. It is because of these efforts why we still have food on our table. It is important that we should learn how to appreciate what they are doing for everyone.

Protect The Wildlife By Raising Environmental Awareness

 

Government and private sectors have been encouraging us to be Eco-friendly. In Biblical terms, we are the stewards of the flora and fauna which means that it is our responsibility to take care of both plants and animals. It is our duty to propagate them to ensure that they will not go into extinction. However because of man's greed and abusive nature, some plants and animals are now in the verge of extinction.

According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are 1237 species which are in the verge of extinction. These include China's peaceful giant panda, mountain gorilla, Florida panther, beluga sturgeon, blue whale, polar bear, elkhorn and staghorn coral and loggerhead turtle to name a few endangered wildlife. One of the main reasons of their near extinction is global warming, pollution, destruction of their natural habitat and over-hunting. In spite of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), an environmental law which is signed by President Nixon on December 28th, 1973 which main goals are to protect, recover and pursue their recovery of endangered animals and conserve candidate species and those which are at risk, there are still a some individuals who are indifferent to the laws. They disregard the fact that the extinction of this species and the destruction of their natural habitat will also not only them, but their children and their children's children as well. 

As the government and private sectors spread environmental awareness, more people are conscious and eager to protect and preserve nature by means of using energy efficient indoor and outdoor sconce lighting, practicing the 3 R's which are reduce, recycle and reuse, conserving energy by turning off and unplugging appliances which are not in use, using renewable energy by installing solar panels for their electrical system, using biogas or biofuels, and by participating in tree planting activities. If your yard is big enough, you can plant trees and even grow a vegetable garden.

Fight Hunger In Every Way

Hunger is one of the leading problems worldwide. Perhaps some of us do not understand what it means because we have not experienced being hungry. Some of us don't even finish our food before leaving the table. While some have the luxury to even leave their food untouched. True, it is not our fault why some people are hungry. I know that even if we finish our food that will not make them less hungry. But the lesson is we should learn how to appreciate what we have and instead of wasting it, we can always ask the maitre d' to have the food for take out. We can either bring the food home and keep the food in the fridge or leave it under the food warming light to keep it warm until our next meal or give it to the beggar on the street. Perhaps that means nothing to you but to those who have nothing, that small act of kindness means so much to them. 

But why are there hungry people? Isn't there enough food for everyone? If there is, they why is it that some people die because of hunger. According to reports, there are about 870 million who are victims of hunger. Surprisingly, even developed countries have hunger victims. Statistics say that about 19 million hunger victims are coming from these developed countries. While the rest of the hunger victims are coming from Asia and the Pacific, Sub-Sahara Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and near East and North Africa. 

What really causes hunger? According to the experts, there are several factors why hunger exists. They are war, natural calamities such as drought and flood, poverty, lack or poor agricultural infrastructures, and over-exploitation of the environment such as deforestation and poor farming practices. Can we put a stop to hunger? Yes, we can. There are several ways where we can help fight hunger. We can help by donating our money to the poor, fund raising, raise awareness through social media and news, or adopt one hungry child if not the entire family.

National Basketball Association - A Sport Most Wanted To Watch

Who loves basketball? Perhaps majority of us will raise our hands. Basketball, is known to be one of the favorite sports worldwide. Seldom you can find someone who is not familiar with NBA or National Basketball Association and the teams who are playing under this basketball league. NBA is in fact one of the major sports league in North America. Other major professional sports league includes Major League Baseball(MLB), National Football League(NFL) and National Hockey League(NHL). These major professional sports league are popularly know as the Big Four because aside from being the most watched sports league, the best players are revered and become a popular favorite figure not only across North America but all over the world. These sports league are also known to be richest professional club competition here and abroad. 

Who is not familiar with the Chicago Bulls' jersey number 23? Michael Jordan who is also known as MJ is notable for his contributions in the NBA. In his career as professional basketball player, he had won numerous Most Valuable Player or MVP awards which includes five MVP awards, six NBA Finals MVP awards and three All-Star Game MVP awards. Other notable and legendary players of their times are Scottie Pippen, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, Dennis Rodman, Charles Barkley, Tim Duncan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Yao Ming, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Famous players of this generation are Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili, Jason Kidd, Jeremy Lin and Kawhi Leonard. 

As the 2013 NBA Finals is coming to a close, basketball fans across the globe are excited to know who will emerge as the victor. Is it going to be Miami Heat or San Antonio Spurs? Is it going to be the flood and spot lights of the AT&T Center that will herald the winners or the American Airlines Arena. So which team is your bet?

One-way Trip to Mars

The sun is known to be the main source of heat and energy. All life force here on earth are dependent on the the sun. Without it, plants will not be able to produce its own food and without plants man and beast will not have a chance of survival. The absence of the sun will mean there will be no more days for us, just endless nights. Moreover, its absence also means the death of all living things on earth considering that it affects our climate. We will all freeze to death. The earth will be just another lifeless planet in the solar system.

However, the brilliance and needs of man have paved the way to great inventions. There have been some news that the government is pushing the flight to Mars, in hopes of creating a new life in the alien planet. According to news, the first people who will live in Mars, the red planet, will be astronauts turned farmers because they will learn how to grow food in that inhabitable planet. How can this be achieved? Experts are proposing a pressure-inflated greenhouses which will serve as the home for all vegetation. LED(light emitting diode) lights which is known to be less energy consuming compared to other grow lights will serve as the artificial sunlight of the indoor plants. Energy saving LED lights will be also use in all their lighting fixtures including the foyer lighting.

The trip to Mars does not mean that the planet earth is coming to its end. It is similar to our other explorations outside the solar system but with the purpose of living in the alien planet permanently. There are risk involved of course, why is why Mars One, a non-profit organization who is pushing the permanent settlement in Mars, are conducting a global search for the best candidate to be called the first Martians. Some of us will frown upon this dream because it is like we are playing god but then again to each his own.

Wise Spending With CFL Pendant Lighting

We all dream of becoming rich. Who doesn't? Majority of us dream of buying our dream house, buy luxury cars, travel the world and buy anything that money can buy without any financial worries. However, gaining wealth is not easy. Wealthy people did not just grow money in the garden except for a few lucky individuals who are either born with a gold spoon. The rest of us have to work really hard in order to enjoy life's luxuries. But regardless of our financial status, it is important that we know how to take care of our money. There have been some reports of famous basketball superstars, and other celebrities who have declared bankruptcy because they do not know how to take care of their hard earned money. They are too busy spending it away that they forgot to save for the rainy day.

Who has enough money in the bank to last them a lifetime? Who among us can just sit back, relax and enjoy their money? Who among us is financially free? Who among us is debt free? It is important that we practice wise spending. Ask yourself first before buying anything if it is important. Do not consider everything as needs. I used to do that but I learned my lesson. You should also learn how to budget your money and make sure that you follow your budget. Do not forget to pay your bills on time. It is one way to establish a good credit standing. Do not buy everything just because they are on sale. Some of these goods might only go into waste. Do not waste electricity. You can start by turning off electric appliances which are not in use. Unplug the appliances after using it. Also use CFL pendant lighting and other energy saving or Eco-friendly luminaries. Do not forget to have fun when you are done managing all your expenses. You should enjoy your hard-earned money too.

It is alright to spend your money. Just make sure that you are spending it wisely. Also learn how to make your money grow buy means of investing in the stock market and other business ventures. It is a risk to take but you won't become wealthy unless you take risks.

Landscape Light And Pathway Step Lighting

They say that gardening is not for everyone and I say, I agree. It is not because that I am too lazy to pull out the weeds from my garden patch or to just even remove the dead leaves of the plants. I love plants. I used to grow a garden of vegetable when I was a kid but for some reason they just wither before my eyes. They say talking to the plants help. I also tried that but nothing happens. I did my research about the plants such as when is the best time to plant them, which plant is the best for any season, which plant loves the rain etc. They still wither away as if my words meant nothing. I later found our that I am one of those unlucky individuals who are called brown thumbs. We are the opposite of the green thumbs, whose hands bring life to every plant they touches. Moreover, their hands do not only bring life but to the plants, but all plants they touch seems to be rejoicing.

I am a liar if I say that I am not a bit jealous about this wonderful gift they have. But as I grow older, I began to accept that my hands are not for gardening. I did not resort to buying artificial plants to accept my defeat. But instead I asked one of my cousins who is a gardening enthusiasts to help me out with my issues. I showed her how I would want my front yard to look like and voila I have a lovely patch of flowering garden. I added a Round Open Face Step Light 20 Watt 12 Volt JC, a landscape light and a pathway step lighting which will highlight the beauty of the flowering garden at night.

 

Perhaps not everyone of us are given the gift which grows and nurtures plants. But I know that there is always a solution to every problem. I may not be able to grow and nurture a single plant but I know there is always someone who is willing to lend their hand which does all these.

Architectural Lighting For A Better Life

We live in the age where almost everything we buy and use is disposable. The result? A mountain of trash everywhere and some floating island of plastics. It is quite depressing to imagine where these things will lead us. We are on our way to destruction. But when there are villains, there are heroes too who are willing to save the world from being destroyed. Different organizations from across the globe are united in promoting environmental awareness that will save this earth from total destruction. There are organizations which protect and preserve endangers species from total extinction, rain forests, and wildlife. There are organizations which promote aims to promote and protect the natural resources which most of us has taken for granted. There have been some events and competitions which encourages our youth to be vigilant in protecting what remains of this ailing planet and help in the healing process.

Last March 23, 2013, millions of people turned off their non-essential lights for an hour in participation to Earth Hour. This coming October 3-13, 2013, 20 teams here and abroad, will showcase their solar-powered homes in Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California. The United States Department of Energy have been encouraging teams from colleges and universities here and abroad for the third Solar Decathlon, a biennial event which started in 2005 to build homes which are not only stylish but it should also be environmentally friendly and affordable. The houses should run in solar energy including the heating and cooling system, architectural lighting, and laundry system to name a few. The previous event's overall champs are University of Maryland(2011), Technische Universität Darmstadt(2009)-a team from Germany, and University of Colorado(2005).

The success of these future engineers, architects, businessmen shows that there is hope for us all. Their success will end the pollution coming from coal power plants which powers our homes by promoting the use of solar energy energy instead. Surely, this breakthrough will also end the soaring electric bills too.

Life With Well-lit Decorative Light Poles Is Easier And Happier

According to Thomas Jefferson, a strong body makes the mind strong which is why exercise is beneficial to the body. It is not only good for the heart but it also keeps us mentally and physically fit. It also improves our mood and lessens our anxiety Unfortunately, only some of us has the time to work out. We are too busy earning our keep that oftentimes we neglect to take care of our mind and body. However, it is not too late to start. But first you need to check with your doctor if a particular exercise program is good for you because some may do you more harm than good.

The safest exercise is brisk walking. The best time to brisk walk in the park is early in the morning. You will not only enjoy the sunrise but you will have a doze of your vitamin D as well. However if you are having problems waking up in the morning, you can always enjoy an evening brisk walk in the park with its well-lit decorative light poles lighting your way.

Experts say that the best exercise is swimming because you move your entire body. It is also the best way to relax and enjoy with your family and friends. It is also the most recommended exercise for burning calories fast. It does not only improve one's posture but t can also do wonders for people who have back problems. However, if you do not have the proper technique in swimming it can result to more injuries. It is wise to take swimming lessons to ensure your safety in the water. If you are living in Carlsbad you can visit Monroe Street Pool for aquatic classes. They are teaching kids as young as 6 months old. You can also enjoy a leisurely lap swim from 6AM to 7:30PM. They also hold emergency drills anytime of the day to improve and train the lifeguards on duty.