Saturdays with Dr. Roffman

Each Saturday, Dr. Joel Roffman, MD, a prominent Dallas cardiologist and author will share meaningful experiences he has had with patients who are dealing with a variety of physical and emotional issues. You will find the manner in which they deal with life’s problems to be practical, inspirational and uplifting.

When We See Only Warts

“Judge everyone favorably.” So teaches the Talmud. I was reminded of this verse when Neil came to the office for his annual visit. Although this middle-aged man’s heart condition was stable, he seemed quite tense. It turned out that he had issues with some coworkers – personality clashes everywhere. In fact, as I looked at my notes from prior visits, this seemed to be a recurring theme with Neil.

Now some psychiatrists would have a diagnosis for Neil’s personality. I certainly can’t judge that. But we all know people who always seem to gripe about others. No one can please them, and they have an utter lack of insight into the issues that others might be contending with. It’s always only about them, and their own specific needs.

A similar teaching in the Talmud is its instruction to “greet everyone with a cheerful countenance.” Not always easy to do, but it seems intuitive that if we are cheerful to others and give them the benefit of the doubt when conflict arises, there is a good chance that we will be treated well in return. Amazing how that works – if we are pleasant and try to see the good in others, they in turn will treat us better.

So I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell Neil, “You know, when all you see are warts, everyone is ugly.” Some of my own words to live by.

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.

Dr. Joel Roffman has spoken to many church, synagogue and support groups. His book, Coping with Adversity: Judaism’s response to illness and other life struggles is enjoyable, uplifting and informative. It is meant for people of all faiths and can be viewed at www.copingwithadversity.com. It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Internet Magic Friday

Jane Booras is the Editor of numerous newsletters including our Campus Times. She will be sharing how you can find whatever you need - photos, clipart, information, maps, phone numbers - on the Internet.



The thick, lean, boneless pork ribs are in the oven. I’m using my sister’s recipe for ribs, and my mouth is literally watering! She says to start with the ribs in a hot oven (400 degrees) for about 45 minutes. Then turn the oven down to 250 to 300 degrees, pour off the grease (I don’t think there will be much), and bake another hour at the lower temperature. Finally, cover the ribs with barbeque (BBQ) sauce and cook (covered) for the last half hour. Yum. Yum. Oops!

BBQ sauce?

Run to the fridge, then to the pantry. Just as I suspected. No BBQ sauce. OK. Remain calm. There must be an answer. First thing that comes to mind is, go to the store and buy some. First excuse is it’s raining outside. Second, I don’t have any makeup on. Third excuse: I really don’t like bottled BBQ sauce anyway. So what to do?

The answer must lie on the Internet. Surely I can find a recipe for BBQ sauce that can be made with the ingredients we have on hand. Google “BBQ sauce recipes” and a whole new world opens, of course. But I really get lucky, because one of the first ones I find intrigues me with an unexpected ingredient: maple syrup! Click below for the recipe:

http://bbq.about.com/od/barbecuesaucerecipes/r/ble40603g.htm

Don’t really know why I don’t like bottled BBQ sauce. Sometimes it is too sweet, sometimes too smoky. But this recipe looks good. It caught my eye because of the maple syrup. My sister and her husband live on a 50-acre farm in Wisconsin. They call it a “hobby” farm, but it looks like a real farm to me. They have a barn, anyway. This is it!

In the spring, my brother-in-law taps maple trees in his woods. He has the whole sugar shack setup and makes gallons and gallons of delicious maple syrup. Of course we become beneficiaries of this unique delicacy each year and for city folks, that’s a real treat. So I will make BBQ sauce with Gary’s homemade maple syrup!

We whip up the recipe.

OMG, it is delicious! Not too sweet, not smoky, not too thick, not too thin – it’s great. I invite you to try it too. Of course you’ll probably have to buy your maple syrup. Too bad. I sent the recipe to Mary and Gary in Wisconsin. Perhaps they should start a maple syrup recipe cook book to go along with all the many wonderful gifts of homemade maple syrup they so lovingly bottle and give away each year.

See? A few maple trees, a trip to the Internet and a major kitchen disaster is averted. Life is good.

Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Lifelong Learning Thursday

Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author of Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret of Making the Most of Your After 50 Years will share the benefits of Lifelong Learning on Thursdays.

LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER:

The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years.

Lifelong Learning in Your Later Years…

A Health Club for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!

Over the past weeks we’ve taken a look at the new brain research showing how lifelong learning is key to keeping your brain cells thriving. We’ve also explored the Mind/Body connection and the role later-life learning plays in that delicate balance. Now, let’s discuss the special aspects of lifelong learning in the “After-50” years.

Everyone is, to some extent, a lifelong learner. There really is no such thing as a non-learner. The neighbor next door and the person down the street are lifelong learners. After all, lifelong learning is much more than the acquisition of knowledge. It really is the daily absorption of all that goes on around us.

Informal lifelong learning begins at birth and continues throughout a person's life. It broadly encompasses learning to live within society and how to navigate our way through the intricacies of life. Informal learning often arises as we pass through different stages in our lives such as starting a career or business, becoming a parent or dealing with a death in the family. Informal lifelong learning can be planned or unplanned, stemming from needs that arise out of our everyday life and experiences.

For the purposes of this blog, however, which is focused on more formal ways of lifelong learning for older adults, we can say the following. “After-50” lifelong learners are enthusiastic, ready, willing and able, and empowered when it comes to their own learning. They are inquisitive about anything new or puzzling; they ask questions, ponder, discuss with friends and family, and often go off and read and write about it.

They are also not afraid to make mistakes. Lifelong learners are willing to go outside their comfort zone, taking calculated risks in their quest for knowledge. They deliberately seek out new opportunities for learning in any setting. They view everything that happens - both the good and the bad - as chances for learning.

Lifelong learners take full responsibility for their learning, doing whatever is necessary to create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. They are not content to sit back and wait for the learning to come to them. They go out and do what has to be done to make it happen. They are self-starters.

Lifelong learners understand that there is no one right way to learn and they want to expose themselves to every variance and nuance of learning. They often encourage others to join them. They are always spreading the word about their programs. They see later-life learning, not only as an altruistic act, but also as a way to engage in reciprocal learning by developing a learning community of like-minded individuals.

It’s been said that people who are lifelong learners are more tolerant, more stimulated in their lives and more upbeat. Along with that, having special interests really stretches a person. Their life takes on an added dimension and often brings a different perspective to a particular viewpoint. It’s been said that lifelong learning can save your life. Stories abound about how people have been able to get on with their lives after life-changing events because they are involved in later-life learning.

They understand that learning is a process, capable of improvement, and they are continually striving to raise the bar. They know that anything worthwhile takes time and effort. The end result however - one they fully understand - is that learning is a critically important undertaking. Doing so will lead to a life of fulfillment.

Lifelong learning can also help people strive to reach their goals and can open doors to new thoughts and social interactions. It can increase your sense of self-worth and fulfill the human desire to discover and understand. There is no doubt lifelong learning is a valuable tool in life-fulfillment.

Next week we’ll discuss the recognition and validation of later-life learning.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

Karl von Bonstetten, a Swiss writer has said, “To resist the frigidity of old age one must combine the body, the mind and the heart – and to keep them in parallel vigor one must exercise, study and love.” Perfect words that show how building lifelong learning into our later years can pay big dividends for us.

For more information on Learning Later, Living Greater visit www.learninglater.com

You can purchase Learning Later, Living Greater at www.amazon.com

Till Next Time…

Nancy Merz Nordstrom is Director of the Lifelong Learning Department at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Aging In Place Wednesday

Each Wednesday, Laurie Orlov, tech industry veteran, writer, speaker, elder care advocate and Faculty Advisor for the Aging in Place Technology Department at Computer School for Seniors will be sharing her insightful research on how seniors can safely and successfully live independent lives in the home of their choice.

Amazon, Kindle, boomers and seniors -- they get it

A few months ago, on his Post on this Blog, David Berry talked about his new Kindle and how happy he was with it.

So it's not the first time I have had the Kindle presented as a technology for seniors -- in a recent overview I did for a senior center, one of the attendees observed that I had left the product out. Two days ago as I walked past two elderly individuals seated on motorized scooters in the back of an ampitheater in Chautauqua NY, a family member poked me as we walked by -- they were listening to music side-by-side AND reading books on their Kindles -- which they might have learned about at the Amazon product forum for seniors. I think they were friends.

Kindle is a device for downloading books -- up to 1500 of them. It's not cheap -- at $299 -- or upwards of $359 and beyond for latest models. And you have to purchase the downloaded access to 300,000 books and newspapers from the Kindle store. You can search the web as well as the choices of books -- the book print can be enlarged and resized on the reader's screen and Amazon is experimenting with other features, including reading the book out loud and transferring MP3 files to serve as background music while you read.

Most books are $9.99 to download. From CNET: "While it's still short of perfection--and has a price tag that's too high--the Amazon Kindle 2 offers a range of improvements that makes it the best overall e-book reader we've seen to date." There are plenty of naysayers -- especially book publishing industry -- but also technology wonks who can't seem to understand Amazon's 24% year-over-year growth of Kindle sales in this horrendous retail economy. But maybe they're under 50 -- turns out buyers of the Kindle are over 50. And 27% of them are over 60.
So let's see. Ability to store 1500 books, surf the web, buy the book for less than the bookstore price, not have to carry around a bunch of books (library or otherwise), ability to resize the print size. And we're talking about the age segment with the greatest wealth and discretionary spending capability. And who knows -- call me crazy -- maybe that age segment even reads more books.

For more information, visit Laurie at http://www.ageinplacetech.com/ and at the Aging in Place Technology Department at http://www.cs4seniors.com/

Tuesday's Treasures

On Tuesdays we provide our Faculty an opportunity to feature the talented work of some of our students and friends. You may see a display of creative PhotoShop work, their beautiful photographs or an interesting story about an individual’s meaningful contribution to his or her community, country or the world.If you have memories, old or new, you would like to share, send them to me at mxw8110@yahoo.com.

Birdhouse Creations

Bud Roden is one of my very favorite students. He is a sweet, gentle soul who brings his teacher candy as all good students should! Thursday he also brought me an apple since he knew I was trying to lose weight to go on a trip, but he brought candy along for his fellow students.

While in class I saw some interesting pictures sitting on his desk and asked about them. He told me he loves woodworking and one of the things he makes is birdhouses.

Bud and his love of birds takes shape in his creations. This is a picture of a feeder he made, combined with some of his Photoshop work. These doves come in each afternoon (and morning) to feed.

This whimsical little number will be entered in the Creative Arts Project at the State Fair of Texas this year:



As a "projects in wood" entry for the State Fair Creative Arts contest he created this gem:



And in the volunteer spirit that I see in so many of my fellow seniors, Bud made over 50 of these bird houses for sale at the DAR house located at Fair Park. These were sold in their gift shop to help maintain upkeep on their house:



Thanks to Bud for sharing his creativity with us!!

Make It Happen Mondays

All over the USA, Seniors are using their years of experience and knowledge in a servant leadership capacity in their communities. They are volunteering their services when needed. On Mondays we are looking forward to sharing the stories of some of these "make it happen" senior volunteers along with interesting volunteering opportunities.

Local Museums

One of my most broadening and enjoyable experiences was becoming a docent at the Dallas Museum of Art. My time with them was brief because I went back to school to learn more about art history, learned how to use a computer for digital imaging instead, and then started teaching Photoshop to seniors! However, I wouldn't have wanted to miss this experience!

The DMA (http://www.dm-art.org/index.htm), like most large museums, has many ways to you can become involved and help out. As they say:

"Looking for a meaningful and rewarding way to make new friends and help the Museum at the same time? Become a Dallas Museum of Art volunteer!"

As with most volunteering opportunities, you do make interesting friends and learn a great deal as well!

Here are some of the options this particular museum has to offer:

The Visitor Services Desk

The Visitor Services Desk is the gateway to the Museum. Volunteers greet visitors, answer questions, give directions, and sell exhibition tickets. Opportunities also exist for those interested in assisting with membership sales.

Late Nights

The Dallas Museum of Art seeks volunteers with excellent people skills to assist with the award-winning Late Nights series. Late Nights occur the third Friday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to midnight and are free to the public with paid admission to the Museum. Visitors enjoy live music, tours of the collections, performances in the galleries, and more.

Go Van Gogh

Go van Gogh® brings art programs to Dallas-area elementary students. Programs consist of thirty-minute slide presentations followed by thirty-minute art activities.Training takes place every Friday in September (from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and once a month from October to April.

Volunteers are asked to give programs two mornings a month during the school year. They travel by van with a Museum staff person to area schools. The Go van Gogh® program also participates in area festivals such as ArtFest, Cinco de Mayo, and Imagination Celebration. No training is required for these events and the time commitment depends on the particular festival.

Docent

This program involves a large time commitment. If you don't have that time you can volunteer for something less strenuous and check it out from that perspective.

The website says, "The desire to communicate the power of art to others is the main requirement to become a docent. After completing a yearlong training program consisting of lectures, gallery talks, and workshops led by Museum staff and outside experts, docents conduct weekly tours for groups of visitors ranging from elementary school students to international dignitaries. All Dallas Museum of Art docents may train and conduct tours of the Nasher Sculpture Center in addition to their commitment to the Dallas Museum of Art program. We are not currently accepting applications for the docent program. Information will be posted when recruitment for a new class begins."

Wherever you are you almost certainly have access to a museum, large or small, and most of them would just love to have your help and support!

When asked about volunteering, Jimmy Carter said, "Throughout my life, I've seen the difference that volunteering efforts can make in people's lives. I know the personal value of service as a local volunteer."

Inspirational Sunday

Bill Witcher, co-founder of Computer School for Seniors will be sharing words of encouragement, inspiration and hope with you each Sunday.


The "Secret" is in the Beginning

Have you ever had a brilliant idea that never got off the ground? I have. I've had a lot of good ideas and a lot bad ideas. Some were successful. Some were not. Why do some good ideas become reality and others never see the light of day?

Zig Zigler has the answer. He says the "secret" is in the beginning.

In one of James Allen's lesser known books, Byways of Blessedness, he devotes the entire first chapter to beginnings. He writes, "Most beginnings are small, and appear trivial and insignificant, but in reality they are the most important things in life."

Without a beginning you could have the greatest idea and the greatest plan in the world and you would still fail. Whereas a modest idea and an incomplete plan often produces success when accompanied by even an "insignificant" beginning.

"Beginning" is just another way to describe the most powerful six-letter word in the vocabulary of achievers: A-C-T-I-O-N.

Hugely successful people, the kind who go from mediocre to millions almost overnight, know that the major key to their success was taking MASSIVE ACTION.

When Jeff Bezos decided to start Amazon.com, he left his job on the East Coast and headed to Washington State. He had his wife drive him and their belongings across the country so he could stay on the phone constantly, convincing potential investors and vendors why Amazon would be a success.

Even the smallest actions, the ones James Allen called trivial and insignificant, can lead to great success. Sir Isaac Newton's principle that a "body at rest tends to remain at rest and a body in motion tends to remain in motion," definitely applies to the action principle. Once you've taken the first step (even a baby step), the next steps seem easier to take.

The most practical, beautiful, workable philosophy won't work...if you won't.

I don't care how much power, brilliance, or energy you have, if you don't harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there, you're never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants.

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors (http://www.cs4seniors.com/)

Saturdays With Dr. Roffman

Each Saturday, Dr. Joel Roffman, a prominent Dallas cardiologist and author will share meaningful experiences he has had with patients who are dealing with a variety of physical and emotional issues. You will find the manner in which they deal with life’s problems to be practical, inspirational and uplifting.

The Blessings of the Elderly

Kelly is an absolute delight. A couple of years ago (when she was only 96 years old!!) she lamented that the days at her retirement home were often boring. I recounted with her some of the more interesting things she had been through in her life. After all, how many of us remember World War I and The Great Depression? I suggested that she take the time to write her memoirs – things she had seen and had been involved with during her life. Things that she wanted others to remember. Events that could be told only through her eyes and from her vantage point.

Well, guess what? To my astonishment, at her next visit Kelly presented me with a finished product! With the help of a friend, Kelly had her handwritten anecdotes and memories of events spiral-bound. One of the local print shops completed the job. How pleased I was to receive a special acknowledgement in the book!

The elderly certainly deserve our respect and care. In Leviticus 19:32, we read, “You shall rise before the aged and show deference for the old.” But it is not just a one-way street. Just because someone is old doesn’t mean they have less to give. Among potential gifts from the elderly:

· An entertaining and instructive message, similar to the one Kelly has written. Not to be too blunt about it, but how will these stories be remembered after she is no longer here to tell us?

· The love of a parent and grandparent. Bonds such as these are unique. As a grandparent, there is an opportunity to have an impact on a young life that no one else has.

· Setting an example of grace and handling the adversity of illness and aging. Who else can leave such a powerful and enduring memory?

Far from being of little use to society and to our loved ones, the elderly have unique opportunities to have an impact on others than perhaps they ever have before.

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.

Dr. Joel Roffman has spoken to many church, synagogue and support groups. His book, Coping with Adversity: Judaism’s response to illness and other life struggles is enjoyable, uplifting and informative. It is meant for people of all faiths and can be viewed at http://www.copingwithadversity.com/. It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Internet Magic Fridays

Jane Booras is the Editor of numerous newsletters including our Campus Times. She will be sharing how you can find whatever you need - photos, clipart, information, maps, phone numbers - on the Internet.

Kissing Cats

Some cats are “up for” kissing, and some aren’t. I know, because I have been a ‘cat person’ all my life. Of course as with everything else, they decide when and if they want to kiss you.

We always had a cat at home when I was a child. I don’t remember being particularly attached to them emotionally, but they were always there. From then on, it just seems they moseyed into my life one way or another until now, life without a cat seems unthinkable! But the days of “no emotional attachment” are certainly over. The cats we have loved in the last 30 years or so have been regular family members, and parting with them has been painful. You know how that goes!

Tiki

Early in our marriage, Alex came home one evening with a gray cat tucked into his jacket. Seems his former landlord had one too many cats, and this one was hiding under the bed all the time. So she wanted to find it a new home. Tiki was with us for 12 years until we got new carpet, and he didn’t like the smell of it, I guess. Retribution set in (if you get my drift). So we gave him to my Mother, and she and Tiki were great pals until he died.

Charlie

Charlie showed up outside our bedroom window one morning and just stayed there day after day until we took him in. He was a quiet character, and loving. A couple years later, we were visiting Alex’ aunt in Austin and she had a pile of new kittens in her back yard. I picked up a yellow tabby kitten and said, “Oh, isn’t she sweet! Let’s take her home and call her Ginger.” So we decided Charlie needed a companion.

Tugger

Ginger, it turned out, was not a sister, but a brother. How stupid can you get? So we named him Tugger, after Rum Tum Tugger in “Cats”, the musical which we had just seen. Tugger and Charlie got along fine. They largely ignored each other. After many blissful years, Charlie developed diabetes, and we gave him insulin shots twice a day for four years before he died. Now that’s cat-love.

Buster and Dahli

Tugger didn’t seem to miss Charlie at all. But one day Alex took Tugger in for his checkup at the vet’s office and came home and said, “There’s a litter of kittens at the vet’s. They’re so cute, why don’t we go look at them.” So we did. And they were (cute). Then we came home. About 2 hours later, we looked at each other, silently reached for the car keys and headed back to rescue a cat. Buster was all black and hanging on the side of the cage meowing like crazy, as if to say, “Here I am – I want to go home!” But there was also another little female that stole my heart (with two boys, I wanted another girl in the house), so we came home with two cats. Tugger was totally unimpressed.

The kittens ruled the roost. They ran and fought and climbed the curtains. They played and ate and pooped. I’d forgotten what a handful kittens can be. We were self-employed and working from home at the time, so they “helped” us in our offices while Tugger tried to make himself invisible. I remember one time when my Mother came over and said, “Do you still have Tugger? I haven’t seen him in a long time.” He pretty much lived under the bed until the kittens were a year old.

Buster has a big mouth. He talks and talks. Dahli had a magnificent fluffy tail that she wrapped around her like a boa. She was tiny and gentle and, as it turns out, sick. She had kidney disease and after trying valiantly to save her, we had to have her put down at age 8. It broke our hearts. We both stood beside her at the vet’s office while the injections were administered, and petted her to sleep. We cried like babies. Not long after that, poor old Tugger died.

Max and Rocky

Can you believe it? We decided Buster must be lonely (he wasn’t!) So when the next litter of rescued kittens showed up at the vet’s office, guess what? Yup, we brought two more kittens home (will we ever learn?). They are brothers - littermates. We were fascinated by Max, who doesn’t have a tail (Manx). Rocky was just a little ball of gray fur. Buster hated them. He hissed and hid. He tried to “talk” them out of the house.

About that time, we downsized from our house to an apartment, and the apartments would only allow two pets. So we “gifted” Buster to our son and his wife (who had three cats already, God bless them). We still visit Buster there, but he has totally adopted his new parents. When he hears our voices, he still comes to greet us, but lets it be known that he has a new home that he likes just fine, thank you.

Max and Rocky are like our children. We talk to them, and they talk to us. Max sleeps between us with his head on Alex’ pillow and his arm over his shoulder. He’s the funniest and cuddliest cat we have ever known. He’s an in-your-face friend who can tell time too (treats at 9:00 PM). Rocky is just the opposite - laid back - a big ole’ teddy bear. They love each other and they love us. You can’t tell me cats don’t love people!

Cats on the Internet

Our youngest son and his wife just bought a cat for several hundred dollars from a breeder. His name is Pepper, and he’s some sort of exotic breed. That’s OK for them, but what about all the cats, and dogs too, who are in shelters just waiting for loving homes?

We have dealt with our local animal shelter several times since moving to an apartment. We’ve helped rescue several feral cats. These people are so caring and helpful. During the feral cat rescues, I made several trips to the shelter to pick up and return traps. Each time, I visited all the animals. It’s so hard not to bring all of them home!

If you are thinking about getting a pet, please check out your local animal shelter. You can find a wonderful friend (or two) there. Check out this site, or go to your own local shelter website. Better yet, get into your car and just go look at the animals. I’ll bet you can’t come home with just one!

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX01.html

Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (http://www.cs4seniors.com/)

Lifelong Learning Thursday

Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author of Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret of Making the Most of Your After 50 Years will share the benefits of Lifelong Learning on Thursdays.

LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER:

The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years.

Lifelong Learning in Your Later Years…

A Health Club for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!

Let’s finish our discussion of the last several weeks on the Mind/Body connection and Lifelong Learning.

Recent neuroscience and behavioral studies indicate that the mental, physical and emotional habits of older adults play a significant role in cognitive functioning and a sense of general well-being. The coming years will bring even more new and exciting discoveries in these fields as more and more researchers delve into the complexities of this incredible connection.

For now, there’s no doubt that lifelong learning makes it convenient and easy to use any of the Mind/Body tools to help maintain your body’s delicate balance. And in so doing, lifelong learning becomes perhaps, the most valuable tool of all.

In the words of John Dewey, the noted philosopher - “The very problem of mind and body suggests division. I do not know of anything so disastrously affected by the habit of division as this particular theme. In its discussion are reflected the splitting off from each other of religion, morals, and science; the divorce of philosophy from science and of both from the arts of conduct. The evils which we suffer in education, in religion, in the materialism of business and the aloofness of intellectuals from life, in the whole separation of knowledge and practice – all testify to the necessity of seeing mind-body as an integral whole.”

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…
There isn’t a day that goes by that someone doesn’t tell me that Lifelong Learning has made their lives better. I hope you will see Lifelong Learning as a tool that can help you maintain life balance and that all-important Mind/Body Connection. It really can make a huge difference in your After-50 years.

For more information on Learning Later, Living Greater visit www.learninglater.com

You can purchase Learning Later, Living Greater at www.amazon.com

Till Next Time…

Nancy Merz Nordstrom is Director of the Lifelong Learning Department at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Tuesday's Treasures

On Tuesdays we provide our Faculty an opportunity to feature the talented work of some of our students and friends. You may see a display of creative PhotoShop work, their beautiful photographs or an interesting story about an individual’s meaningful contribution to his or her community, country or the world.If you have memories, old or new, you would like to share, send them to me at mxw8110@yahoo.com.

Award Winner

My kids and I often participated in the State Fair of California when they were growing up. They both rode ponies in the 4-H Horse Show where they won much appreciated ribbons for their efforts. Also, one year we did a rather disastrous garden that was great fun but didn’t win anything.

Well, one of my Photoshop students at the junior college where I teach in Dallas won several much deserved ribbons at the Texas State Fair.

Janice and Monroe Roden have attended Photoshop classes with me over the years and I’ve always admired Janice’s talent. She is especially good at creating artistic, interesting collages.

One day in class she opened up the following picture. My reaction was, “Wow, where did you get that!” Turns out she created it for competition in the Texas State Fair and won second place with it!

In this image you see her grandfather in the upper left corner. The watch in the middle of the collage, the brass knuckles and the spurs were his when he was a ranch hand on the Lazy S Ranch in Paducah, Texas in early 1900s. The doll was handmade by his wife who was also cooked for the ranch hands over an open fire.

This gem is an image of Janice's parents at the State Fair in 1930. When they were married she was 15 and he was 25 (he said he was 22 though)! The button and the pin came from the 1934 fair. The cup came from the 1940 fair.



Here are some familiar faces from the Texas State Fair and they won an honorable mention as well.



Here is the collage she won second place with in the 2005 Daughter’s of the American Revolution contest.



What a fun, wholesome way to share pictures about days gone by, our country, or the county fair itself! Of course, it helps to be a great hand at working with images the way Janice is!

Thanks Janice for sharing with us. These collages are as big a treat as county fair corn dogs, roasted corn on the cob and cotton candy!

Make it Happen Mondays

All over the USA, Seniors are using their years of experience and knowledge in a servant leadership capacity in their communities. They are volunteering their services when needed. On Mondays we are looking forward to sharing the stories of some of these "make it happen" senior volunteers along with interesting volunteering opportunities.

How do I volunteer?

In the AARP Bulletin for July/August they have a brief section called In the Know-Ask the Experts. One of the questions this month was:

"I'm getting ready to retire. I would like to volunteer in my community but I don't know where to begin. Any ideas?"

The answer:

"You're in great company. A whooping 61 million people are currently volunteering around the country, according to government statistics. To begin you need to decide what interests you--working with children or with an animal welfare group or for a particular cause.

To find a volunteer opportunity near you, go to the government's website, http://www.serve.gov/, and plug in your ZIP code.

AARP also lists hundreds of volunteer jobs at www.aarp.org/makeadifference. The site matches individual interests with opportunities and enables volunteers to share their exeriences."

Another interesting site, http://www.volunteermatch.org/, says this about themselves:

"VolunteerMatch strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect."

And of course you can always search on Google. When I searched for Volunteer in Dallas Tx this is what appeared:

I love the idea of volunteering! With all we are blessed with in this great country of ours, it seems a shame when people are only willing to make an effort for others if they are paid.

Two of my favorite quotations about volunteers are from two exceptional people:

Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give."

And Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Inspirational Sunday

Bill Witcher, co-founder of Computer School for Seniors will be sharing words of encouragement, inspiration and hope with you each Sunday.


Make an Obstacle
an Opportunity

Right now Lance Armstrong is riding in the Tour de France after a three year retirement. Can he win an unprecedented eight Tour de France? We'll know this time next week. What we do know today is that Lance Armstrong has overcome every obstacle, including cancer, to become a symbol of hope and inspiration for millions of people all over the world.

He continues to be a leader and activist on behalf of cancer survivors around the world. The Lance Armstrong Foundation has become among the most influential organizations of its kind and today provides practical information and tools people need to battle cancer and live strong through education, advocacy, public health programs, and research grants.

But none of this would have happened if Lance hadn't made the decision not to quit after he finished dead last in his first professional race in Europe.

Here's the story about how he almost used a plane ticket from Madrid back to the United States. It illustrates in a big way how we should never quit on a dream.

Over time, Armstrong began to focus entirely on cycling. He experienced success in the United States, but he wanted to ride in Europe, where the best athletes competed. HIs first professional race, the Clasica San Sebastian, was memorable. It was a bitterly cold day with pouring rain. He finished dead last, a full twenty-seven minutes behind the winner--a terrible finish. The Spanish crowd lining the course jeered him. He recalled his humiliation:

"A few hours later, I sat in the Madrid airport, slumped in a chair. I wanted to quit the entire sport. It was the most sobering race of my life; on my way to San Sebastian, I had actually thought I had a chance of winning, and now I wondered if I could compete at all. They had laughed at me . . . I pulled a sheaf of unused plane tickets out of my pocket. Among them, I had a return portion to the States. I considered using it. Maybe I should just go home, I thought, and find something else to do, something I was good at."

What carried him through was natural ability, a fiery competitive nature, and an incredibly positive attitude. The words of his mother were constantly in the back of his mind: "Make an obstacle an opportunity. Make a negative a positive. If you can't give 100 percent, you won't make it. Never quit!"

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors (http://www.cs4seniors.com/)

Saturday's with Dr. Roffman

Each Saturday, Dr. Joel Roffman, a prominent Dallas cardiologist and author, will share meaningful experiences he has had with patients who are dealing with a variety of physical and emotional issues. You will find the manner in which they deal with life’s problems to be practical, inspirational and uplifting.

Reconcile. Now!

The story just didn’t fit. The aches and pains, the shortness of breath, and yet the normal physical exam and heart studies.

I sat across from Tom, a 68-year-old long-time patient of mine. His daughter joined us in the exam room. I began to suspect that there might be factors beyond the physical involved here. Was it work? Tom was still working and maybe he was being “forced out” by his company because of his age and economic factors. Should I even explore these issues? Should I just be content to tell Tom the good news – his heart was fine – and leave it at that?

Part of being a doctor is, of course, helping people feel better. My job would certainly be simpler if psychological factors were never involved, but that’s just not how the body works. I felt compelled to explore this side of Tom’s life. “So tell me,” I began, “How are things at work and at home?” I was rather startled that within a short time, both Tom and his daughter were in tears. What issue did I uncover?

It seems that Tom had become estranged from his other daughter. And when the issue would come up at home, so also would various somatic symptoms – headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, a generalized nervous feeling, etc.

I certainly didn’t know what caused the rift between Tom and his daughter. We spent some chatting about it, though, and I hope with the connection between this strife and Tom’s feelings, his family will be able to help Tom and his daughter put the fragmented pieces of their relationship back together.

An old story is told of a rabbi who instructs his pupils to reconcile with others, “On the day before you die.” “But Rabbi", the confused students said, “We can’t know the exact day on which we are going to die!” The rabbi looked at his students and responded, “Precisely!”

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.

Dr. Joel Roffman has spoken to many church, synagogue and support groups. His book, Coping with Adversity: Judaism’s response to illness and other life struggles is enjoyable, uplifting and informative. It is meant for people of all faiths and can be viewed at http://www.copingwithadversity.com/. It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Internet Magic Fridays

Jane Booras is the Editor of numerous newsletters including our Campus Times. She will be sharing how you can find whatever you need - photos, clipart, information, maps, phone numbers - on the Internet.

Forever and Ever, Amen

Last week when I blogged about downsizing, I was in a bit of a hurry. Still feel as though I have a few more thoughts to share with you this week.

There was a time when Alex and I thought we would stay in the home we built – “forever and ever, Amen.” But we changed our minds and downsized after 31 years. This is often the case. We come to a crossroads as we mature, and realize that it’s OK to do an about face and take another road. It brings to mind the many options seniors have today for their “forever and evers.” As I see it, there are definite advantages to each option. It’s a matter of what you decide is right for you!

Aging in Place

The first option, of course, is to stay put and “age in place” (a phrase that’s been coined in just the past few years). Our own Laurie Orlov (see yesterday’s post), provides wonderful information and resources on her website Aging in Place Technology. Here are three sites (including Laurie’s) that are useful. Of course you have but to Google “aging in place” for more sites.

http://www.ageinplacetech.com/
http://www.naipc.org/
http://www.aginginplace.com/

You'll see lots of pictures like this:

Downsizing to
Independent Living

If you choose, as Alex and I did, to downsize, there are many options. One is to simply buy a smaller home or townhome, or rent an apartment. This is a good decision for seniors who are healthy, financially independent and eager to give up the upkeep and maintenance of their larger home. If you choose an apartment, you often lose some amenities (things like hardwood floors, granite countertops, plantation shutters, walk-in closets etc.). It’s just a tradeoff for no yard work, less house to clean, and maintenance at the touch of the dial.

Retirement Communities

Oh, my gosh! They are everywhere! Since we’re now an “aging population” in the United States, developers and entrepreneurs are surging to meet the senior housing need. Again, here are some websites to explore:

http://www.retirementcommunities.com/

http://www.retirenet.com/

http://www.pulte.com/delwebb/predefined/NationalCampaign21.aspx?lsc=AARF_Search_G&CMP=KNC-PPC

Del Webb is one of the pioneers of the retirement community concept, and one of the largest.
If you Google “retirement communities” and add the name of your city, you’ll get local options. My guess is there will be plenty. These cater to active adults 55 and over. They usually have different housing options (configurations), organized recreation programs, health care available, and many are part of a larger complex that includes additional assisted and health care for later life.

You'll see lots of pictures like this:

Retirement Homes/
Assisted Living

For seniors requiring added assistance, meals, limited nursing care etc., a retirement home with these services is certainly the answer. You can go to the website below to get an idea of the concept, then add your city for local options.

http://wwwretirementhomes.com/

As you’ll see while “Googling” various retirement or senior housing options, the world is at your fingertips. Best to have a plan in mind to narrow these options before you start! There’s no way we can cover the entire spectrum of options open to you through the World Wide Web.
You’ll see lots of pictures like this:

Point is, here is just another way the Internet can take you to worlds of information and places that would have been impossible to learn about so quickly just a few short years ago. Through lists, pictures, articles, blogs, reviews, and even virtual video tours, you can see for yourself. It is a great benefit in making a decision as to what to do and where to go, and which type of environment is perfect for your lifestyle, health and hobbies. And it’s free. You don’t even have to wait for the brochure to come in the mail!

One Last Thought

We had wonderful neighbors through the years in our home, but we only knew a few of them. Most of us had 6-foot fences on the back and sides of our houses. You usually knew your next door neighbor, the across-the-alley neighbor, and the across-the-street neighbor. But walk a few houses down the street and you didn’t know anyone! When you live in a house, you see your neighbor outside now and then bringing in groceries, mowing the lawn or getting into his car. So you wave and smile.

Apartment living totally changed that. When you live in an apartment, you go out the door and the neighbor is right there across the hall or getting into his car right next to you, or walking his dog! We found that we came to know people much faster here, and it has given us a sense of “community” that we never had in our “old” home. It’s very nice. We socialize more, we even feel more secure and protected in the knowledge that our neighbor is looking out for us and our property.

Wherever you are, or go,
have fun. Enjoy life!

If you have a story to share, email me at jane@cs4seniors.com.

Lifelong Learning Thursday

Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author of Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret of Making the Most of Your After 50 Years will share the benefits of Lifelong Learning on Thursdays.

LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER:

The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years.

Lifelong Learning in Your Later Years…

A Health Club for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!

Last week we touched briefly on a few ways to keep your Mind/Body balanced. Now it’s time to look at another very important tool, Lifelong Learning, and how it fits into the Mind/Body concept.

Actually, Lifelong learning fits beautifully with the Mind/Body way of thinking. As you learn more about this topic, the strength of the Mind/Body connection to lifelong learning will become very apparent. In the meantime, here’s a short synopsis of some of the ways they are connected.

Epidemiological studies that were mentioned previously have shown that people with few social ties are significantly more likely to become ill than those who have more social connections. In the study, men who reported more social relationships–movies, church, classes or trips with friends or relatives–were significantly less likely to die during the study period.

Lifelong learning programs promote that needed social interaction. In fact, people join lifelong learning programs as much for the social aspects as for the learning. The wealth of social activities offered at a lifelong learning program is amazing. We’ll talk more about this in future columns.

Lifelong learners enjoy another valuable Mind/Body tool: laughter. “He who laughs, lasts!” Did you know that most adults only laugh about 40 times a day while children laugh 400-500 times in that same time period. Walk down a hall past lifelong learning classes or gatherings, however, and you’ll hear laughter, and lots of it. Lifelong learners have a positive outlook on life; they are funny, gregarious and not afraid to laugh - with others and at themselves.

Being engaged in lifelong learning activities is also a wonderful de-stressor. Recent studies at the National Institute on Aging show individuals who keep their minds actively engaged in new learning report themselves as happier and more fulfilled than older adults who are less active. If you are happy you are not being overly stressed. It’s that simple.

We all have stress in our lives. The secret to handling it is to use tools to bring that stress level into balance. The sheer joy of learning something new and interesting–of interacting with others equally interested–of being able to share life’s ups and downs with like-minded folks, is today’s medicine for decreasing stress.

And then there is love. Not only have people who are involved in lifelong learning made new, lasting and deep friendships, some have even found romance. There have been many marriages between lifelong learners.

Lifelong learning programs also offer a vast array of courses, many that make it easy to incorporate the Mind/Body balancing tools into your daily life. For instance, classes on spirituality, meditation, yoga, exercise of all types, the creative arts, journaling and nature are all part of these programs. There are even courses on the Mind/Body connection itself.

Finally, it can be said that lifelong learners embrace three distinct Mind/Body attributes:
• They have pledged to make their Third Age the best it can be by experiencing lifelong learning.
• They are responsible for their own destinies and make the decisions and choices that will ensure their Third Age is the best it can be.
• They enjoy the demands of learning and the subsequent stimulation.

More on this topic next week.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…
“In the province of the mind, what one believes to be true either is true or becomes true” – John Lilly. Think about that for a minute. It’s a very powerful statement. It also speaks to our ability to directly affect the type of lives we have, especially as we grow older. Wow!

For more information on Learning Later, Living Greater visit www.learninglater.com

You can purchase Learning Later, Living Greater at www.amazon.com

Till Next Time…

Nancy Merz Nordstrom is Director of the Lifelong Learning Department at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Aging in Place Wednesday

Each Wednesday we will be sharing research and ideas on how seniors can safely and successfully live independent lives in the home of their choice.

Staying Social May Keep Seniors' Motor Skills Sharp

Socializing may help elderly people to ward off some of the physical damage of aging, a new study suggests.

A recent report in Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers reported that among people aged 60 to 90, each point decrease in a five-point scale measuring frequency of social activity was associated with about 33 per cent faster rate of decline in motor function.

"These data raise the possibility that social engagement can slow motor function decline and possibly delay adverse health outcomes from such decline," Dr. Aron Buchman and colleagues at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago concluded, noting more research is needed to confirm if there is a cause-and-effect relationship.

The study looked at the social activities and decline in motor function of 906 older adults who were followed for about five years.
None of the participants had a history of Parkinson's disease, stroke, or dementia when the study began.

Researchers evaluated motor function by testing:

• Grip and pinch strength.
• Ability to balance on one leg.
• Skill at placing pegs on a board in 30 seconds.
• Ability to walk in a line, heel to toe.
• Ability to tap index fingers for 10 seconds on each side.

Participants also filled out a survey to gauge their level of social activity, such as going to restaurants, visiting relatives or friends, volunteering, or attending religious services.
The link between social activity and motor decline did not vary after taking into account factors such as body composition and chronic medical conditions.

A single point decrease in social activity score was the same as being about five years older at baseline, the researchers said.

This translates to about a 40 per cent higher risk of death and 65 per cent higher risk of disability, they added.

Previous studies have suggested that people who socialize may be less likely to develop dementia.

The research was funded by the National Institute on Aging, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Robert C. Borwell Endowment Fund.

For more information, visit Laurie at http://www.ageinplacetech.com/ and at the Aging in Place Technology Department at http://www.cs4seniors.com/

Tuesday's Treasures

On Tuesdays we provide our Faculty an opportunity to feature the talented work of some of our students and friends. You may see a display of creative PhotoShop work, their beautiful photographs or an interesting story about an individual’s meaningful contribution to his or her community, country or the world.If you have memories, old or new, you would like to share, send them to me at mxw8110@yahoo.com.

Patrick and Mavis

Patrick Roden spent the first years of his life crawling around the floors of a nursing home where his grandmother was head nurse. He feels this experience imprinted him and influenced his life's work. Patrick’s nursing career has spanned over two decades and includes acute coronary care, trauma care, surgical intensive care, inner-city public health and ambulatory surgery care.

It was his "chance meeting" with 85 year old marathon participant, Mavis Lindgren in 1992 that set Patrick on his current academic and professional path.

The following is quoted from http://www.2young2retire.com/:

"A critical care nurse, Patrick Roden, was a medical volunteer at the Portland Marathon of 1992 when he came to the aid of the celebrated 85-year-old marathoner, Mavis Lindgren. They became fast friends and he has escorted her for other marathons until her last at age 90. 'Mavis changed the way I viewed aging,' Patrick said, 'The medical model tends to focus on what goes wrong in aging--and neglects to inform us about what goes right. She inspired me to begin working on a Ph.D. in aging and human development.' Here is their story:

Night’s chill lingered in the air and the silence was broken by the sounds of songbirds. The sun was just beginning to rise on a crisp October morning in 1992. Suddenly the squeaking brakes of a rental truck and the clanging of folding chairs shattered the serenity. With military precision, the volunteers began to set up the first aid station at the 18-mile marker. I was one of those volunteers and this was the annual running of the Portland Marathon.

It took an hour to set up and go through my checklist. The first aid kit was in order and the communications were working. We were ready. Soon the elite runners would be flying through, followed by a seemingly endless sea of participants. The conditions were perfect: a bright clear indigo sky, golden fall leaves. All of us were anticipating an inspiring day.

The morning had been uneventful at our station. The usual blisters, Vaseline applied to chaffed skin, hydration to the dehydrated, and lots of moral support. One pregnant woman reached the 18-mile point and could go no further so we loaded her in the ambulance. They taxied her to the finish line and her anxiously awaiting husband.

It was now late afternoon and the sea of runners had dwindled to a trickle of determined souls. The frequent and now familiar static that preceded a message from the EMS broke the airwaves. An elderly woman was reported down near the 18-mile mark, in our territory. I waited for a person fitting the description to pass, and no one did. Strapping on my first aid kit, I set out to investigate.

Running upstream, I began to think, how elderly could they mean? Whoever it was, he or she had gone 18 miles, and this was a marathon after all…….50, maybe 60, I thought. As I rounded the bend I saw a young woman attending the injured runner who looked like Mother Theresa in running shorts! The young woman explained that another runner had cut in front of the injured woman and knocked her down as she stepped towards the curb. As I listened, I assessed the situation. The injuries included an obviously fractured wrist as well as a small bump on the head. 'Her name is Mavis,' the young woman said.

'Mavis, I would like to escort you to the first aid station,' I began… 'Young man, I’m going to finish this race,' she politely interrupted. After a few seconds of negotiating, I held up her injured arm and we briskly took off for the station (or so I thought).

Amazed, I blurted out 'How old are you?'

'I’m 85.' She pointed to her number pinned to the front of her T-shirt. 'Every year, they give me the number of my age. This year I’m number 85. '

'What do you mean each year?' I asked.

Mavis Lindgren had run all over the world. She had appeared many times on TV, radio, and magazines such as Runner’s World, Sports Illustrated, and The New York Times, and been mentioned in books such as Age Wave (Ken Dychtwald) and Grandma Wears Running Shoes (Patricia Horning Benton). She was no stranger to Portland, either. All along the course there were signs encouraging her and the cheers followed her every step! Two middle-aged women ran up and hugged her exclaiming that they wanted to be just like her when they grew up.

Mavis and I reached the finish line arm-in-arm, right into interviews for the 6’oclock news (I have the video). I was asked to escort her for the entire race the next year in 1993, and it became a tradition.

She retired from running at age 90 after the 1997 marathon. It was her 75th and final 26.2-mile outing. Phil Knight of Nike, had a custom pair of "Air Mavis" running shoes made especially for her final marathon. Her two daughters and grandchildren accompanied us and it was an emotional finale to an illustrious running career.

What makes her story all the more exceptional to me is that at age 62, Mavis was leading a sedentary life, spending most of time reading, writing and knitting. She had suffered four bouts of pneumonia in five years and, as a retired nurse, she knew the antibiotics weren’t the long-term solution. Something had to change. A doctor urged her to join an early bird walking group. At age 70, encouraged by her son, she ran her first marathon! Two years later, she established a record of 4:33.05, and for the next eight years, held world’s best time for women 70 and over. And at 84 she finished the Los Angeles marathon in 6 hours 45 minutes-the fastest woman in her age category. 'After I started running, I never had another cold,' she said.

Asked what his message was, Ghandi replied: 'My life is my message.' This could well be said about Mavis Lindgren."

Patrick went on to complete his Master of Arts degree in Education: Policy, Foundations and Administration. Two years later he completed a graduate certificate in gerontology and began delivering adult education programs to business and civic groups on issues of aging and human development.

Following his academic and professional goals, he completed a second Master of Arts degree and PhD in Human Development and Aging. Patrick has spoken to organizations such as; Hewlett-Packard, Nike, The State of Oregon Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers Association, The YMCA, Kaiser Permanente's Silver Sneakers groups, Oasis, and many others. He enjoys speaking to groups on the topic of "possibility aging" emphasizing the health aspects of aging, the aging brain, creativity and aging, and his passion aging in place. Patrick’s volunteer service has included; The YMCA Cardiac Therapy Program, Meals-on-Wheels, The Portland Marathon, The Race For The Cure, and Habitat for Humanity, as well as helping out seniors in his community.

He lives with his best friend/wife Julie in the green state of Oregon, is an everyday athlete, artist, and human potential advocate. He will be forever grateful to the “grandmother in running shoes” who remains an inspiration, and to all those creative older adults who continue to see anew.

You can learn more about Patrick by visiting his fascinating website at http://www.aginginplace.com/.

Make it Happen Mondays

All over the USA, Seniors are using their years of experience and knowledge in a servant leadership capacity in their communities. They are volunteering their services when needed. On Mondays we are looking forward to sharing the stories of some of these "make it happen" senior volunteers along with interesting volunteering opportunities.

Do Volunteers
Make A Difference?

Senior Adult Services in Carrollton, Texas says:

"Our mission is to improve the lives of seniors and caregivers when they face the challenges of aging. We believe that we can have the greatest impact by giving seniors more choices and enhancing their independence, by supporting family caregivers and by involving the community in the delivery of services."

I was interested in the web page on the SAS site where I found the image you see above. Here is what they say:

Last year volunteers donated 15,699 hours of service to SAS. They delivered over 10,741 home delivered meals and made over 560 repairs to 205 seniors’ homes. In addition they provided office support, transportation, friendly visits, case management assistance, and information and referral services and served on boards and committees.

Senior Adult Services offers opportunities for student groups, businesses, families and individuals. On their webiste they say, "Whether you are interested volunteering only seasonally, occasionally or on a regular basis, we have a place for you!"

To learn more: attend a volunteer orientation on the first Tuesday or fourth Thursday at 4 p.m. or contact Tammy Payton by email: tammy.payton@senioradultservices.org.

A VOLUNTEER is a person who remembers to do the thing to make other people happy, who takes the loneliness out of the alone by talking to them, who is concerned when others are unconcerned, who has the courage to be a prophet and to say the things that have to be said for the good of all.

Inspirational Sunday

Bill Witcher, co-founder of Computer School for Seniors will be sharing words of encouragement, inspiration and hope with you each Sunday.

Last week on the Fourth of July, I shared some patriotic quotes built on “In God We Trust”. During the week a friend of mine sent me a “Did You Know” feature that was presented by Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes that emphasizes that this great country of ours was founded as “One Nation Under God”

DID YOU KNOW?

As you walk up the steps to the building which houses the U.S Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world's law givers and each one is facing one in the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view . it is Moses and he is holding the Ten Commandments!

As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door.

As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see on the wall, right above where the Supreme Court judges sit, a display of the Ten Commandments!

Bible verses are etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington , D.C.

DID YOU KNOW?

James Madison, the fourth president, known as 'The Father of Our Constitution' made the following statement: 'We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.'

DID YOU KNOW?

Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said:'It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ'.

DID YOU KNOW?

Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the Constitution were members of the established orthodox churches in the colonies. How, then, have we gotten to the point that everything we have done for 220 years in this country is now suddenly wrong and unconstitutional?

It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore, it is very hard to understand why there is such a mess about having the Ten Commandments on display or 'In God We Trust' on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why don't we just tell the other 14% to Sit Down and SHUT UP!!! – Andy Rooney

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors (http://www.cs4seniors.com/)