Car manufacturers are not yet meeting European Union targets on fuel efficiency and lower carbon dioxide emission on the majority of their new models, according to environmental campaigners. A pan-European lobby group, Transport and Environment (T and E), has called the industry out for fighting against current EU legislation and, even more worryingly, proposed future limits. Car travel contributes a large chuck of Europe’s C02 limits, with individual car journeys being one of the most straight forward areas that people can address if they wish to reduce their carbon footprint. Carbon emissions, despite increased public awareness on the issue of climate change, have continued to rise across the EU. Britain looks likely to meet its Kyoto targets, however emissions from aviation and shipping, as well as other forms of transport, are not including in this carbon balance sheet, a fact which leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of many environmental campaigners. In fact, transport in the EU was responsible for just under 30% of all emissions in 2006, an increase of 35% on 1990’s level. The assumption that car manufacturers, consumers and politicians, in being well informed about climate change, will naturally act to reduce emissions is clearly wayward. Transport and the Environment highlight the fact that the 14 biggest car manufacturers in the EU still have to reduce engine emissions by 17% to reach the EU’s 2012 targets. Transport and Environment’s report does not place responsibility solely at the door of the giant motor industry. It also found that car buyers were unwilling, as yet, to take the effort into leaving behind their penchant for gas guzzling past models in favour of low-emission, more environmentally friendly vehicles. A change in consumer culture would surely drive a response from the manufactures, who are, after all, as eager to meet the most up-to-date aspirations of their target demographic. With motor magazines and television programmes still dominated by an outmoded, puerile appetence for speedy and sex y cars, it seems unlikely that this change in culture is anywhere close to arriving. The fact that many car adverts now tout their emissions levels gives some cause for hope, as it suggests that, at the very least, people are aware of the environmental issues that are so inherent with driving. Whilst consumers are currently left to their own free will when considering their next car purchase, the manufactures are, in theory, being forced to alter the carbon emissions of their current models thanks to EU legislation, legislation that is expected to become more stringent in the immediate future. The German manufacturer BMW was identified by the report as having made an effective step toward the goal of reducing the negative impacts that their cars have. In 2007 the manufacturer managed to cut the emissions of its entire fleet by just over 7%, through an engineering process designed to reduce carbon emissions. Overall though the German car industry has been one of the most vocally opposed groups to influence its domestic politicians.

Are you thinking of buying an Apple iPod? Or have you bought one?

Almost everyone and anyone that I know seems to have bought an
iPod or at least is thinking of getting an ipod for themselves
or their loved ones. The iPod is just so alluring! However, do
you know what you should do after buying the iPod?

Most people don’t. Yet, market analysts estimate that the
average iPod owner spend as much as 30% of the original iPod
price on additional accessories! That’s a whopping US$60-US$90
on iPod accessories that each iPod owner will spend!

Many people are simply spending their money on the wrong
accessories! In fact, many are going for fancy accessories such
as car transceiver kit, wireless remote kit, speaker kit even
without realizing what are the first accessories they should get.

Get the Basic iPod Accessory before getting the Fancy
Stuff!

Do you, as a iPod user, faces these problems on a daily basis
too?

* iPod Screen scratches

* Click wheel scratches

* Mirrored back scratches

* Messy iPod earphone cables

* iPod overheating when being charged while in a silicone or
leather case

Despite the technical and cosmetic superiority of the Apple
iPod, there remain some teething issues. Weak batteries is one.
Being easily scratched is another. These problems immediately
lower the resale or trade-in value of the iPod, if any? This may
not seem important but if you are trading in your older iPod for
a new one, this does matter. It also sucks to see scratches and
marks on the beautiful iPod. In fact, microscopic scratches
takes place everytime you take the iPod in and out of pocket!

Get a good-quality iPod case before ANYTHING ELSE!

There are numerous iPod accessories out there. Many accessories
are fanciful, some are good but most do not fulfil the basic
need of the iPod. You need to protect the iPod from getting
scratches and accidental marks before anything else.

Before the iPod can serve you well, it must be able to take care
of itself. So, before you even look further into getting your
first iPod accessory or even if you have gotten numerous other
accessories, make sure you first equip your iPod with either a
good quality case or sleeve.

The most common iPod cases in use are:

Handphone sleeves converted to iPod sleeves

This is the most common as handphone sleeves are cheap and
easily available. However, the mirrored back of the 3G and 4G
ipod are easily scratched by theses sleeves as they run against
the iPod. It is not recommended unless you have a budget problem.

iPod screen and wheel sticky protectors

There are transparent iPod screen and wheel sticky protector
that are cut of the right size and stucked directly onto the
iPod screen and wheel. However, there are various models in the
market and some of the cheaper ones tend to curl and peel off
after some use. If you are on a budget, a good quality screen
and wheel protector is the minimum you should have.

iPod silicone skin

This is the most common iPod case around. It looks like a good
casing choice but it is in fact one of the worst, especially if
you have bought a cheap one.

These cheap silicone cases are being mass-produced in China with
doubtful materials and design elements. Many of the cheap
silicone skins in the market tear easily and pick up lint and
dirt easily. They are also difficult to wash and maintain. I
will not advise a silicone case unless they are made by some of
the better and branded products from USA or Japan. A good model
is found at: http://www.smart-ipod-ideas.com

iPod Leather case

The iPod leather case is one of the most popular case. However,
do not get the Apple branded one if possible as it tears to
scratched the mirror back and it does not have a covering flap.
Get one of the leather cases from the many in the market. Check
the stitching on the leather case before buying one as some of
the mass-manufactured ones may have poor workmanship.

Water and shock resistant cases

There is an increasing demand for such cases as more and more
people bring their iPod for hiking, cycling, trekking, fishing
and beach trips. There are various good brands in the market.
However, note that whatever the advertisement may say, at best,
the case can only be water resistant and not water proof which
is two different things all together. A water resistant case can
only take splashes and short immersion in water and certainly
not something you can bring for swimming or diving trips!

For recommeded iPod cases and more useful iPod advice, please
visit tha author’s website.

You can combine your love of the Italian language with an unforgettable experience in the country where the language is spoken by studying Italian in Italy! Hands-down, the best way to learn a foreign language is to live, work, or study in a native speaking environment. Studying Italian in Italy is the best possible experience you can have to learn the language.

Would you like to study and live in Florence, Rome or Venice? Or how about in a smaller, quaint town such as Pisa, Siena or Otranto? You will find a comprehensive guide to top rate Italian language schools in Italy at www.studyabroaditaly.org. Wherever you decide to study and live, the experience is incomparable to learning Italian in any other way.

When living in a foreign country you have the wonderful opportunity to both learn the local language and also use it every day, all day long. Living in Italy is much different than visiting as a tourist. Tourists can easily manage getting around by knowing a few Italian phrases and by using English. In fact, tourists frequently will have trouble trying to use or improve their Italian language skills because Italians in most tourist locations can speak English very well and are eager to do so. On the other hand, as a resident of Italy, you would have NO trouble trying to use or improve your Italian language skills because you would be continuously interacting with the native population at the supermarket, the post office, the bus stop, the small “bar” where you get your morning cappuccino, and other places that tourists don’t usually visit.

If you open yourself to learning the language as well as experiencing the culture, you will be amazed with the progress you make from day to day. There is a big difference between learning Italian in Italy and learning it in your home country. While in Italy, you will only hear the Italian language spoken around you. This will encourage you to master the language quickly, because instinctively you will not want to miss out on the conversations taking place around you. You may also want to consider the fact that even though most Italians will manage to make themselves understood in English, they will have a hard time sharing deeper thoughts and feelings in any other language than Italian. Other positive aspects of learning Italian in Italy include developing a good Italian accent (eliminating the somtimes artificial sound of Italian learned in your home country), and getting faster access to regional slang and humor. The latter is particularly important when you become friends with Italian locals, as you will have a better chance of integrating in a group if you understand the subtle nuances of the language.

Finally, the greatest advantage to learning Italian in Italy is the opportunity you will have to make new friends that will certainly last you a lifetime. By learning Italian in Italy you will enjoy a unique life experiene in a place that is much different than anywhere else, and is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see. Buon divertimento!

Mindy Prian is the Site Administrator of http://www.impariamo.com - a warm, welcoming community of people from all over the world who interact with one another to improve their Italian language skills.

Family Tales Translate into Children’s Classic Author Interview
with Steven E. Jones and Steven E. Jones, Jr., The Ballad of
Blue Eagle By Lisa M. Hendey

Some of my most precious childhood memories come from hours
spent listening to my daddy tell us stories as we drove across
the country in our motorhome on various family road trips. In
these days before mobile DVD players and satellite radio, Daddy
could spin a tale that would keep us swept up for hours and
begging for more. While I don’t have my father’s storytelling
creativity, I love to share wonderful books with my own children.

One of my new favorites is The Ballad of Blue Eagle (Synergy
Books, October 2004, hardcover, 48 pages). This first in a
planned series is a father-son team project created by Steven E.
Jones and his son, illustrator Steven E. Jones, Jr. A lifelong
Texan, Jones grew up listening to his father tell tales of Blue
Eagle and his life safeguarding the various creatures of
Peaceful Valley. After his father’s death, Steven wisely wrote
these stories down for posterity. The Ballad of Blue Eagle is a
beautiful collaboration between Jones and his son Steven Jr.,
who has artfully illustrated this classic children’s hardcover.
Steven Jones Jr. brings the characters of Peaceful Valley to
life with his bold and sweeping watercolor scenes. The themes
present in The Ballad of Blue Eagle emphasize virtues you will
want to share with your own children: peaceful coexistence,
community, friendship and not judging others.

I had the opportunity to speak with the author and illustrator
and am pleased to share their comments on the book and the
importance of sharing stories in our families.

Q: Thank you for your time and for participating in this Book
Spotlight interview. Please tell our readers how you decided to
take on the project of writing The Ballad of Blue Eagle from
your collection of family stories.

A: This is an interesting question, you see, I actually wrote
this story as a tribute to my father shortly after he died. That
was in 1980, when my son was only 8 years old. I wanted to have
it for our family as a piece of memorabilia that we could share,
there was no serious thought of it being published, - we needed
an illustrator. Finally, my son grew up to be an artist/graphic
designer, and wanted to illustrate the story. This is when the
publishing decision was made.

Q: What was it like to work collaboratively as a team on this
project?

A: It was a lot of fun. There was some frustration involved for
both of us because it was new territory, and both of us could
only work on it part time. The main thing I experienced though,
was gaining a new respect for my son. I knew he was talented,
but I didn’t realize just how capable he really is.

Q: Steve, how did it feel to see the characters of your stories
come to life through the artwork created by Steven?

A: Wow! This was amazing. I never talked to Steven about how I
thought it should look, and yet he created images that were
almost identical to the visions I had when writing it. I think I
got a little emotional.

Q: I am always looking for wonderful stories to share with my
children and find it a bonus when these stories include a moral
or teaching component. I loved Blue Eagle for its emphasis on a
peaceful community. What do you feel is the moral of The Ballad
of Blue Eagle and why was it important to you to include this
theme in your book?

A: There are a number of messages and moral lessons in this and
future stories. Some more subtle than others, some examples are:

Stop and smell the roses! Toby’s “see the wonders that be!”
Don’t be in such a hurry that you miss life’s beauty, natures
grandeur. (God’s creation)

Friendship, friends helping friends - Toby and Pete did their
best for Sammy.

Don’t underestimate others - Toby, the slowest and least likely,
turns out to be a hero!

Q: Steven, how did you conceptualize the illustrations for the
book and what were your goals with the artwork?

A: I wanted to achieve a more traditional, classic look and feel
with the artwork. Initially I was using a computer to color the
illustrations, but felt that the look did not match the story,
so I decided on watercolor, which has a softer, more natural
look. The character illustrations themselves maintain a bit of
realism without sacrificing character and emotion. I was also
used Texas Hill Country, where many of the original stories were
told, as an inspiration for the setting. Q: Will we hear again
from the creatures of Peaceful Valley? Do you have plans to make
the book a series?

A: Yes, the second story is nearly finished. I’ll be sending the
manuscript to Steven for illustration in a few days.

Q: How can parents share the art of storytelling with their
children and why do you feel this is important?

A: Reading to children is the best way to get started. The
stories may be other’s, but they can serve to stimulate our
imagination to build on the story or create our own. Taking time
regularly to read to them, ingrains the reading habit, which
will serve them well for a lifetime.

Q: Are there any additional thoughts or comments you’d like to
share with our readers?

A: When I was a child, we didn’t have computers or TV sets. It
was not uncommon for families to tell stories, read together, or
play games for entertainment. Today, it is far too easy to turn
on the TV or computer and leave it to others to provide the
entertainment. We lose the growth that comes from interacting
together as parent/child or as a larger family group. My father
was able to impart a lot of wisdom through his stories, things I
may never have learned without them.

For more information on The Ballad of Blue Eagle visit
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0974764442/catholicmomcom

Lisa M. Hendey, wife, mother and webmaster of
http://www.CatholicMom.com and http://www.ChristianColoring.com
is an avid reader and writes from Fresno, California. Visit her
at http://www.lisahendey.com for more information.

Schools and the like are one way you can make money from
airbrushing. Why they are a good market is that there are plenty
of students to begin with. Therefore, you are starting with a
big customer base. Generally, look for any large groups when you
want to make money from airbrushing. The cost of advertising
will be low, and you will get to concentrate all your energies
on one group.

You could arrange to sell your products and services at
different school events. You could set up a booth at the school
fair, paint at concerts, sell at dances, or any other big event
or day they may have. Sell face painting, t-shirts, temporary
tattoos, anything really.

One particularly good event that you can sell your product or
service is graduation day. Call the organising committee and see
if they would like a particular product airbrushed for the
Graduating Class. One product that would be a good money earner,
that students would love to get their hands on are “Class of
2005″ t-shirts. Paint something that will remind them of the
school or the year that past. Ask the organisers what they would
like to see on them, and give them a few FREE SAMPLES to model
for you around the school. You never know, a school with 200
graduates could be a good weekends work, not to mention the
extra money you could make.

Talk to the committee and see if you are able to set up a work
area at their end of year function. That special night, could
also be a special night for you. Most times, students love to
remember the night. You could be the right person to give them
what they want!

For more information, visit www.makemoneyairbrushing.com

Do you eyes feel tired and sore by the end of the day? Modern life puts a lot of stress on our bodies and eyes are among the first things to suffer. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Learn simple things you can do for your eye health and your eyes will feel and look much better in only a few days.

Have your eyes checked every 12 month

Uncorrected vision problems can progress, and wearing corrective contact lenses or glasses that are no longer right for you can cause vision problems and severe headaches.

If your contacts don’t feel right in your eyes, it is probably time to visit an eye doctor, even if it hasn’t been a year since your last visit.

Go for the best quality contact lenses

Not all contact lenses are equal. Some are safe for you, while others put you at risk of damaging your eyes.

See reviews of quality contact lenses. Knowing what the modern contact lens industry has to offer will help you make an educated choice, not just blindly follow what your doctor says.

In summer, always wear sunglasses

It is proven that UV rays can seriously damage your eyes, but good sunglasses can prevent this damage. When buying sunglasses, make sure that they block at least 98% of UV radiation. Contrary to popular belief, light sunglasses can block UV as well as very dark ones, even though dark glasses usually offer more protection against bright sunlight.

By the way, did you know that you need sunglasses on cloudy days as well? Clouds might provide shade, but they are no barrier for UV light. Clouds are basically water, and water is UV-transparent.

Finally, remember that you would need sunglasses even if your contact lenses offer UV protection. Even a very high quality lens can only protect the area it covers, but the entire surface of your eye needs protection.

Eat what is good for you and your eyes

The good news is that there are no foods that would be harmful for your eyes. Most foods don’t affect your eyesight at all, although the right vitamins and minerals are helpful. Recent studies have shown that vitamins of the antioxidant group can prevent, or at least slow down, age-related conditions like macular degeneration and the development of cataracts. So a healthy diet won’t restore eyesight that is already lost, but it can definitely slow down the process of the disease, or prevent one from starting.

Vitamins C, A and E, folic acid, selenium and zinc are definitely beneficial for the health of your eyes. The effects of the other vitamins and minerals aren’t determined yet, but it seems likely that they affect your eyesight as well. Thousand-page books have been written on the topic of nutrition for eye health but, to summarize, it is known that whatever is good for your body is good for your eyes, too. So put a carrot and a bunch of grapes into your lunch box.

When you read or work on the computer make sure that the light is right

It is a common knowledge that working with poor light can cause eyestrain, but light that is too bright can do as much damage.

Keep your blinds down on sunny days and switch off half of the household lights, if possible. The best lighting for working on the computer is a soft desk light, coming from the side. Also, you can try decreasing the brightness of your monitor. The colors won’t be so vivid, but your eyes will feel much better by the end of the day

Give your eyes a health break

The great invention of the 20th century - computers - is not so great from the point of view of health. Almost everybody feels discomfort in their eyes after peering at a computer screen all day long. This is because people blink about 25% less often then usual, while working at the computer, which causes eye dryness.

I won’t advise you to blink more often - it is almost impossible to control natural reflexes. One thing you can do, though, is close your eyes and count to 5 before opening them, whenever your computer decides to take its sweet time doing something. Another thing is to look away from the screen and focus on some faraway object, as often as possible. If you train yourself into the habit, your eyes should feel much better at the end of your working day.

If you wear contact lenses, take proper care of them

Contact lenses don’t require a lot or fuss, but you can’t neglect their cleanliness. Every time you put your lenses in or take them out, rinse them. You should also take care to change the solution, when you are putting your lenses to rest for the night.

Wear your contact lenses to the recommended schedule

Daily disposable lenses should be replaced daily, two weeks replacement lenses should be replaced every two weeks, and so on. Some people try to save money by wearing their lenses for much longer than is intended. This isn’t a good idea. Even though the quality of the lens itself might not decline, protein build-up will make your vision less clear. Another thing to consider is that the longer you wear your lenses, the higher is your risk of eye infections.

There are other ways to save on your contacts without risking your eye health. See suggestions on how to get discount contact lenses.

Try not to wear your contact lenses from 6 in the morning until midnight. Most lenses aren’t designed to be worn for longer than 12 hours. If this doesn’t suit your life style, though, try using extended wear lenses. You can wear Acuvue contacts for a week without removing them, or Focus Night and Day lenses for up to 30 days.

If you want to change the color of your eyes, choose only top quality color contact lenses

Color contact lenses are great fun. If you didn’t try them yet, maybe you should. But only high quality color contacts, like Freshlook or Acuvue 2 Colors, are as safe and comfortable as they are beautiful. Many beauty salons, however, sell color contacts lenses of questionable quality, and these can do serious damage to your eyes.

If you follow these simple rules, your eyes should feel much better. They will look better too - you might notice that your eyes shine and their whites are actually white, again.

For more information about eye health visit http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/eye-health.htm

THE HEART BOND

There’s an Indian myth. When the world was created and all the
people and animals were present, suddenly there was an
earthquake. It started to rend the world in half, splitting the
people from the animals. Just before the split became too great
to navigate, the dog jumped over to be with man.

We feel intuitively that we have a special bond with dogs, cats
and other mammals. There’s a scientific basis for this as well,
and it’s called a “limbic connection.” Read more about this in
“A General Theory of Love,” by Amini et al -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0375709223/susandunnmome-2
0 ).

HOW THIS WORKS

Our brain is really three brains: the reptilian brain, the
limbic brain, and the neocortex. Automatic instinctive processes
are controlled by the reptilian brain, also known as the brain
stem, such as breathing, and heart beat. We think, as only
human’s can, with our neocortex.

The limbic brain is the seat of our emotions and we share this
with mammals. We share a limbic connection with them - we send
emotional signals back and forth. We need this connection to
thrive.

Our intuition that life is better with a dog or cat, ferret or
rabbit in the house is backed by scientific study after
scientific study. People heal more quickly from heart attacks if
there is a dog in the home, moreso than if there’s another human
in the home. Being with a pet lowers our blood pressure, and
pets are egalitarian: The mere presence of a dog will lower the
blood pressure of an ailing senior, a healthy college student,
or a child reading a book alone in a room.

THE HEALING CONNECTION

We’re recognizing this bond and its mutual healing power through
the growing fields of Animal-assisted Therapy, and Animal
Communicators.

The Pacific Animal Therapy Society (
http://www.island.net/~patspets/ ) offers an active animal
therapy program, bringing pets to hospitals, retirement homes
and other facilities where residents benefit from interaction
with animal companions.

http://www.dog-play.com herapy.html also offers animal assisted
therapy. An animal visit offers entertainment, distraction from
pains and infirmity, and comfort.

“People often talk to dogs, and share with them their thoughts
and feelings and memories,” they say. A visiting animal
companion provides something to look forward to, and makes
conversation easier between two strangers, giving a common
interest and a focus for conversation.

The Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta offers the “PAWS in
the Classroom” program, an animal-facilitated learning
experience for special junior high students, where students
learn about human and animal relationships, including intra and
inter-species attachments and bonding, the benefits and
responsibilities of involvement with pets, and behavior
development principals.

THE HEART-TO-HEART CONNECTION: ANIMAL COMMUNICATORS

Mammals are equipped to communicate with us, though the means
are non-verbal. How does this work?

We communicate with each other all the time by intuitive and
nonverbal means. We sense how someone else is feeling, or ‘know’
our boss is sick, or detect a sad tone beneath the cheerful
words of our spouse, or get a chill down our spine when someone
enters the room. Extending this more intentionally to our animal
companions can be joyful and healing for all concerned, and this
is what Animal Communicators do. This growing field helps pet
owners make a stronger connection with their animal companions.

Valentine’s day is a celebration of love, and who gives us the
most steady and unconditional love in our lives?

Here are some suggestions if you want to celebrate your love for
your animal companion. Great ideas to give to the animal-lovers
on your list, too. Remember the old saying, “Love me love my
dog”?

GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

1.Gift your special someone with a deeper connection with their
beloved animal companion. Animal communicators such as Georgina
Cyr, http://www.geocities.com/healing_all/, and Jacquelin Smith,
http://www.jacquelinsmith.com , offer consultations in pet
communication and healing. 2.How about a great heart-shaped dog
or cat bed? http://www.petsmart.com/products/product_22205.shtml
3.This gifts packs a double wollop. - a Valentine toile and
chenille dog bed by Companion Road. A portion from the sale of
all Companion Road items is donated to charities to assist local
animal shelters. Go here:
http://www.petsmart.com/products/product_33522.shtml 4.How about
a sharp red doggy or ferret t-shirt with Xs and Os all over it?
http://www.petsmart.com/products/product_33769.shtml 5.PetCo
offers a whole Valentine’s store for pets - heart-shaped catnip,
bone buddies and more!
http://www.petco.com/ProductListing_SpecialtyStores.asp?webt=0&ta
b=8&c1=4461&ct1=Valentine+Store&Dept_ID=4461&cmLink_ID=hppb000401
0703 6.Give them a gift membership to the Divine Prayer Line for
Animals. http://www.jacquelinsmith.com/prayer.html. 7.All
Natural Dogs http://www.allnaturaldogs.com/ offers vitamins,
supplements, holistic products, homeopathic remedies, and
natural food for dogs. 8.Need something for a ferret or rabbit?
Try here: http://www.ferretstore.com/ 9.Try the high-flying
Crackler Moth for the cat-lover,
http://www.bluepet.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=83, from Blue Pet Co.,
UK. 10.Get a carrier pet-pocket for their small cat, dog, ferret
or rabbit here: http://store.yahoo.com/pet-gifts/carpetpoc2.html
11.Love Bites! http://www.petcelebrations.com/ipage/31020.htm
Heart-shaped doggy biscuits. 12.Valentine’s scarves for dogs or
cats: http://www.pet-bandanas.com/valentines-bandanas.htm
13.Bake some homemade dog biscuits. Recipes here:
http://www.gurney.co.uk/pads/bone.htm 14.Canine Sweet Hearts
available here - red-colored, heart-shaped corn and wheat-free
vanilla or Carob flavored treats.
http://www.pet-treats-online.com/index.cfm?&User_ID=71254&St=1189
&St2=-69205122&St3=70971565&DS_ID=2?&DID=6&User_ID=71254&st=1189&
st2=-69205122&st3=70971565&page=detail&ObjectGroup_Id=3&Product_I
d=158 15.Make a donation to the Humane Society in the name of
your loved-one or their animal companion or yours:
http://www.hsus.org/ace/15982

This Valentine’s Day, extend your concept of love! We need all
we can get.

There are many different ways to transfer images onto paper.
Many of these methods would require you to purchase some
supplies from the craft stores. For example, you can easily buy
Inkjet Transfer Paper from most stationery shops. These come in
a pack of 10 sheets and cost about a dollar a sheet. You will
need a computer with a printer to print your images onto them.
Another image transfer method would require certain transfer
liquid or solvent.

But if you want to transfer images easily with no fuss and mess,
just get some clear cellophane tapes and follow the step by step
instructions below.

Supplies Needed:

1. cardstock or paper 2. broadest roll of clear cellophane tape
3. photocopied images 4. water

Instructions:

1. Have your desired images black and white or color
photocopied. 2. Trim the photocopied images. 3. Place it face up
on a flat working surface. 4. Cut out a piece of clear
cellophane tape about the size of the image. 5. Cover the image
with the clear cellophane tape. 6. Use your thumb to rub over
the clear tape. 7. Soak the tape in water for a minute. 8.
Remove the paper from the tape by gently rubbing on it. The
soaked paper will come off easily leaving the image on the tape.
9. Dry the tape and attach to your card or paper. If the tape is
not sticky enough, just add some glue.

If it’s a black and white image and you want to add some color,
just add glitter glue to the image on the tape.

Actually, you can use this same technique to make your own
stickers for scrapbooking. Beside using photocopied images, you
can also use images that you cut out from magazines.

Do this with children. They will love it.

-

By Dr. Rosie Milligan

I believe that we must revisit history as we examine the family
structure of Blacks in America. An absentee father was the norm
for the African-American family. Families were separated by
force! Slavery severely impacted the lives of the Black family.
Considering the fact that our physical exodus from slavery has
only been 140 years, that’s not a long time, and we are still
experiencing its effects.

Blacks were forced to produce offsprings, not for themselves,
but for their master’s economic gain. Today, Blacks are not
forced to produce babies; however, because of the residual
effect of slavery on the Black family, their offsprings continue
to be an economic product for the modern-day master called
“PRISON.” Today, in 2005, Black males in prison are paid less
for their labor than they were paid 140 years ago.

Black men were not socialized as other men, that is, to be
accountable or responsible for his family. In order to
understand why the Black man and Black woman are having such
challenges in their relationships, you must understand how their
experience and living conditions in America have impacted their
lives and the lives of their family.

When a Black family needed assistance from Social Services’
programs, the father had to remove himself from the family in
order for his wife and children to get assistance. Black men
have a long way to go to get back to their African roots of
being a provider and protector. Black men have come a long way,
and they will get back to their God-Created-Nature, with the
help of God, Almighty, and with the understanding of their past.

The Black man, his wife, and his children all had to look to the
white man for food, clothing, and shelter. In essence, the wife
and children provided for themselves, they worked side by side
with the Black man in the field from sun up to sun down. The
Black man could not protect his family. The white man pregnated
his wife and daughters and there was nothing that the Black man
could do about it, if he wanted a place to live and if he wanted
to live.

The white man positioned himself as the surrogate parents for
Blacks giving them the illusion that he was their caretaker,
while he abused them, molested their children and raped their
women. He, the white man, was in charge. If the Black man did
something to his wife and she felt he was out of order or which
she considered was not proper treatment, she would tell the
white man on her husband and he would talk to, punish or beat
the Black man. As you can see the Black man could neither
provide for nor protect his family.

When Blacks were so-called freed from slavery, there was no
economical provisions made for him to provide for his family.
Therefore, many of them had to continue to be beholding to their
masters under the same harsh conditions. Some families were able
to leave the plantations and move up North with family members
to start a new life.

Many men left their families behind; they left to secure a job
and then sent back for their families. Men who resisted the
abusive treatment or who refused to be treated as less than a
man, he had to flee, find work and send back for his wife and
children. The pain, the heartache and the financial struggle was
so much to bear; therefore some of them never looked back, went
back nor sent back for their family.

The Black man had to always pretend about something, he was not
free to express his true emotions. He had to grin and pretend
that he was happy in the presence of his master, because being
unhappy was disturbing to the master. Being unhappy equated to
one possibly thinking for himself or just thinking of running
away. The Black man could not show his feelings towards a woman
for fear that the master would ship him or her to another
plantation.

You see, the white man knows the value, power and strength of
being or having a sense of family unity; therefore, he did not
want to see Blacks socialized to be an intact family unit. After
all, being an ideal family for Blacks was not good for the white
man’s economy. The Black man was not brought here to start a
family; he was brought here for economic profit, to work for
free and to produce as many babies by as many women as possible,
so that he could deliver more workers for his master.

Feelings and emotions were almost beaten out of the Black man.
In fact, it was detrimental for him to express feelings and show
emotions. He was safer when he was a man of few words, for he
knew the consequences if he was misunderstood when
communicating. Black fathers passed their behaviors and
experiences down to their sons as a safety precaution. Black men
could only show emotions and feelings at church or at a funeral
service, and during the time of intimacy with his woman or wife.

During slavery, sex and family was the only enjoyment that was
within economic reach for the Black man. Even today, 2005, sex
is the only form of gratification for the average economically
challenged Black man. He cannot get on his yacht, or take a
cruise on weekends, etc. He cannot buy expensive toys to play
with; he does not have a get-away home.

Therefore, sex becomes the only reachable pleasure for him. Sex
becomes his pleasure, his tranquilizer, his drug, etc. As an
escape from the pain, racism, and injustice, sex is like a safe
haven. It’s like returning to your mother’s womb where there is
comfort–where you are free of the cares of the world and no one
can hurt you there.

Black men’s emotions, feeling and dialogue are still guarded
even in his relationship with his wife, because if either is
misinterpreted, he is placed in the “dog house” and the one
thing that he cherishes the most, “sex,” is taken away from him;
and he does not function well without it.

Most Black men really want to be with their families and
children. What they need is someone to be a father-like figure
for them. A Black man needs guidance. Most of them are trying to
be something or somebody that they have never seen or
experienced, and must be taught that. The woman’s ideal of what
a man is supposed to be is distorted because she too has not
experience a father in her life.

You see, a father is a role model for his son and a father gives
definition to his daughter as to what a man is. A mother is a
role model for her daughter and she gives definition to her son
as to what a woman is. 70% of Black households are headed and
ran by a female with the father most times being totally out of
the picture. The sons and daughters are both confused about
male/female responsibility.

The son sees the mother as a nurturer and the provider. All of
his life he has been provided for by a female–his mother,
grandmother, both females. Being cared for all one’s life by a
female is a familiar comfort, and this familiar comfort is what
makes it easy for a male to allow and to feel comfortable having
his woman/wife to take care of him, because that has been his
experience.

The daughter of the broken-home-experience her mother as the
sole-provider; therefore, she takes on the role of her mother
and she will accept a man into her life who does not have the
means to provide for himself and she will have a baby with him.
When the responsibility of providing becomes overwhelming, she
lashes out at the one who she perceives as the blame–her
man/husband.

The male is now frustrated, insecure, and unsure of what to do.
He now feels that she got what she wanted from him–a baby–and
now that is the only person who matters to her. He now begins to
feel like the outsider, the insignificant intruder. When he can
no longer take the pressure, he leaves or she leaves him or puts
him out since she has the baby.

The drama is on. He could not provide the help needed, when they
were together and now he has to provide for himself shelter and
she now expects more monetary support from him, than he could
give while living with you. In the first place, you knew his
financial status, and secondly, she made the decision to have
the baby without his consent or permission.

He is no longer allowed to have any relationship with his child.
If he is allowed to participate in his child’s life, it must be
on her terms only. When it becomes unbearable, he leaves the
woman and the child behind. The real victim is the child.

I am not casting blame on the Black woman. I am only pointing
out the facts that are hindering the progress of the Black
family. I believe that if we could get a perspective of the
Black man, as related to who is who he was before coming to
America and what America has made him become, then we would have
a better understanding of our family dynamics and we can embrace
each other and begin to value ourselves and our children again.

Dr. Rosie Milligan, Counselor/Author: Author of Negroes,
Colored People, Black, African-Americans in America–Nigger,
Please–Satisfying The Black Man Sexually–Satisfying The Black
Woman Sexually and Why Black Men Choose White Women.

Time for Change

The United States Congress is once again contemplating several
issues regarding our currency and coins. These include the
Dollar, Quarter, and Cent. Many in congress wish to stay with
the current designs, and pass laws so that they cannot be
changed.

The first law governing coin designs dates back to 1792. Many
during this time wanted our nation’s coins to bear the image of
George Washington. Washington was very adamant against this
idea, referring to a coin bearing the image of a person to being
monarchical. In September of 1792 the Morris bill proposed our
coins bear the emblematic image of Liberty. Rep. John Page, who
served under Washington during the French and Indian wars not
only echoed the presidential objection, but pointed out that
however pleased they might be with the incumbent, there was no
reason to believe that their descendants would be pleased with
some of his successors. Other members of Congress insisted that
it was no real compliment to place an image of Washington on a
coin. The basic principles of coinage design were not for
honoring people. It was hoped by the founding fathers that our
coinage would represent and honor all of America. Lady Liberty
was chosen as the design because she represented one of our
foremost rights. A symbol that every American could understand
and embrace. This bill was signed into law on April 2, 1792.
This act is the basis for subsequent American coinage laws; it
is known as “Statute One”.

The law of September 26, 1890 stated that changes in the designs
of United States coins cannot be made more often than every
twenty-five years without congressional approval. Any design
circulating twenty-five years or more could be changed without
their approval. Since that date, all denominations have changed,
many times without the need of congressional action. Today,
congress is infringing upon this law. The Jefferson five cent
coin by the new law will revert back to an image of Jefferson
and Monticello in 2006. Congress is also considering a bill that
would require the image of Washington to become permanent on the
Quarter, along with Lincoln on the Cent. They are following the
early logic of Henry Ford. Mr. Ford thought that one car in one
color was good enough for the masses. American’s did not accept
this logic then, and we should not be forced to accept it now.

We as Americans love and embrace change. We expect this in our
fashions, cars, televisions, and in our everyday lives. Would
any of us be happy if the manufacturers of America decided that
the current design were the best for us, and never again created
anything new or different? Are we so arrogant to believe that
our choices today are suitable and acceptable for future
generations?

The first design change of the Washington quarter took place in
1999. This was the first major change since 1932. The United
States Mint estimates that more than 100 million American’s
collect the State Quarters. That equates to 1 in 3 of American’s
collecting coins. The proof is plain for all to see. What will
happen to the 100 million plus American’s that are currently
collecting these coins when the designs revert back to the same
as they have been? What will be the reason to continue collect
coins? The United States Mint and the Bureau of Engraving earn
much of their profits by reissuing currency that is no longer in
circulation. If our coins and currency are never again changed,
why would anyone want to pull it out of circulation? This will
require the government to wait for them to wear out. While
currency has an average circulation of 18 to 24 months, coinage
can circulate up to 38 years.

Most Americans today have only witnessed a few minor design
changes in our currency. The last major change before the State
Quarter program, was replacing Franklin on the half dollar with
Kennedy. Now we have five of six coins bearing the likeness of a
president. A new bill is currently being heard on capital hill
regarding a new dollar design. This will make our sixth and
final coin bearing a presidential design. The bill would create
a new circulating commemorative coin honoring each president in
their order of holding office. Most American’s would agree that
all of these men do not need to be honored in this fashion. Our
founding fathers knew this.

Our current elected leaders have still not figured this out.
They haven’t learned that change equals a good thing. They
insist that we maintain our lackluster currency and coinage in a
mundane attempt at keeping the political peace. Proponents for
the current designs have only one good argument for keeping the
images present forever. That wish is to continue honoring these
great men. That none should be lost to history. Our founding
fathers knew that this was no honor. How can we honor these men
while we are choosing not to honor their wish of not allowing a
person to be placed on a coin?

Every coin collector is aware at just how stagnant our coinage
has been. The designs are stale and mediocre at best. It does
not take much effort to find coins dating back 30 years or more
in our pocket change. This is directly related to a lack of
interest. Many studies have been made on circulating quarters.
More eagle reverse Washington quarters are found in change than
the new state quarters. Collectors across the country tell the
tale of how difficult it is to find the newest quarter in
circulation. All of the new designs have helped to spark school
curriculums, and a revitalized interest in our nation’s history.
I would think that this would be a lesson to all involved. We
need change. Even if the decision is made that the current
images are to be retained, they should be updated on a regular
basis. If congress wishes to update the coinage law, it should
be that all designs are required to be changed every 25 years,
not etched into “forever”.

It is time to inform congress, that it is time for change.