The Enlightened Life: A community blog

Can Today's Society Produce Quality Leaders?

2012-08-13T00:14:02Z

Can today's society produce quality leaders? This question initially jolted my mind while skimming over the required reading for my summer Health course. The chapter covered various techniques that could be used to avoid a potentially risky situation. Sounds good, right? That's what I thought too, until I started studying the list of suggested options. To give you a brief insight I will list a few: pretend not to hear, make up an excuse, entirely change the subject, and my personal favorite which I am quoting directly from the text, "blame someone else." Blame someone else? Someone trying to put your safety on the line and the best advice we can offer is to blame someone else? Something isn't fitting together.

Now don't get me wrong, I understand using any of the above suggestions is better than using none at all, but what happened to firmly addressing a situation and saying flat-out 'no?' We are teaching our kids the easy way out and we are not showing them the more beneficial route--the one which builds character and strengthens values. We are teaching kids that it is alright not to take a stand and highlight the wrong. In a nut shell, we are telling kids to merely get by. Don't risk being laughed at for standing up in what you believe. Unfortunately, that seems to be one of today's leading mottoes.

The bigger problem is that in all avenues of life kids are receiving the message that hurt feelings are totally unacceptable. Look at today's school system where no child is left behind. Kids have multiple chances to turn in a late assignment and fewer and fewer kids are being held back despite their plummeting GPA's. On the sports field, parents are furious when they detect their child sitting on the bench for a few minutes longer than the other teammates. Wherever you looks, parents from all walks of life are desperately trying to shelter their kids from all forms of hurt and neglect in hopes of steering clear of pain and bruised feelings. This very attitude is seeping into basic life scenarios.

No one can argue that standing alone and confronting a situation is not easy. No one will readily volunteer to do it either. Yes, it feels awkward and yes, people often taunt the effort. But what does that really mean in the long run? Taking a stand means that you can someday look back on the situation and know that you stayed true to yourself and did not crumble under the pressure. You fought through it. Absolutely it was hard, but that is what makes the courage so commendable. Children and teens everywhere are being deprived of these feelings simply because it is gradually, but extremely effectively, becoming ingrained in their minds that if it is difficult to achieve, then something must be wrong with the system.

I sum up my point by encouraging everyone to get on board. Search for the road which holds truest to you and your values. Be prepared to sometimes stand alone. Be prepared to take a stand.

Sweet Frog: The Sweetest Sensation

2012-07-27T04:54:38Z

After hearing nothing but endless talk about the newest ice cream sensation, Sweet Frog, I finally caved and went to discover what all the hype was about. Let me pause for a moment and say I finally understand all the madness.

Sweet Frog is a frozen yogurt buffet offering both quality food and a wide variety of flavors and toppings. Prices are determined by weight (39 cents per ounce), which ends up being quite reasonable. (An average bill for a family of four is approximately twelve to fourteen dollars.) As soon as you walk in the door, you choose the size of your container and then proceed to decide on the flavor of frozen yogurt. Flavors range from the typical chocolate and vanilla to more unusual ones such as red velvet, cake batter and various fruit flavors. Note that you can choose as many flavors as you want. Since the flavors such as the red velvet and cake batter are extremely sweet, it might be best to get a small serving on the side.

After choosing your flavor (or multiple flavors), it is time to choose the toppings. Once again there is a wide selection ranging from fruits and sauces to candies and cookies and nuts. Word to all peanut butter fans, my ultimate recommendation is to mix the peanut butter frozen yogurt with the Reese product toppings. Peanut butter all the way!

Having such a diverse selection of flavors and topping, Sweet Frog promises to offer something exceptionally tasty for everyone. A must for everyone with the single understanding that one bite is bound to make you part of the hype:)

Simple Calorie Slashers

2012-07-17T20:49:07Z

A few months back, I wrote an article naming easy food substitutions for ingredients typically found in desserts. And although slashing calories in desserts is a great start, similar substitutions can be made in your diet, which will provide daily benefits and add up to lifetime results. Once again, all five of these alterations are easy, so long as you maintain a health conscious mindset.

The first substitution is swapping mayonnaise with mustard. This replacement alone can save about one hundred calories and a significant 11.8 grams of fat. Plain yellow mustard can be purchased which contains zero regular and fat calories, further decreasing your total consumed calories. All types of mustard also aid in speeding up a person's metabolism.

An ingredient exchange not commonly thought of is switching sour cream for regular yogurt. This not only saves calories, but the two ingredients taste surprisingly similar. Substituting two tablespoons of yogurt saves forty calories and five grams of fat.

Everybody knows that cheese is one of the most fattening types of food, but there are healthy alternatives for dairy products as well. One ounce of grated cheddar cheese contains about one hundred and fifteen calories and nine fat calories. But substituting two teaspoons of grated Parmesan cheese saves approximately seventy five calories and six fat calories.

Salad dressing is also one of those ingredients that turn a typically healthy food into a not so healthy dish. Typically one tablespoon of Italian salad dressing contains fifty calories, but depending on the brand, this number can increase to one hundred. The total fat is about eleven grams. But salads can get even healthier by substituting the dressing for lemon juice, which has nine calories and 0.08 grams of fat.

The last replacement is to exchange cream cheese for jelly. One ounce of plain cream cheese has approximately one hundred calories, eighty of which are fat calories. One tablespoon of grape jelly can save sixty calories and eliminate the fat calories all together.

All of the food substitutions previously listed are not only calorie slashers, but also extremely easy to follow! Being conscious to these alternations can save you countless calories and steer you in the proper direction for a healthier lifestyle.

Scrumptious Homemade Pizza

2012-07-06T04:35:24Z

I love cooking. That is after I have searched and searched for the right recipe in hundreds of cook books and have already purchased all the needed ingredients. But for the first time today, I stepped outside the box and did something a little different—I made my first meal with no recipe and no stop at the local grocery store. In this article, I share my recipe for a pepper and ham pizza, which turned out to be not only easy, but also scrumptious.

The first step of this recipe involves making the crust. For this step, I used the box of Pillsbury Pie Crusts, which were lying forgotten in the far corner of the refrigerator. I cut the crust in a rectangular shape, then outline the edge of the rectangle with the excess crust. Using a fork, I poked holes in the crust before setting in on a regular baking pan and putting it into the oven at 450 degree. I left the crust in the oven for approximately 7 minutes, which is about how long it takes for it to take on a light brown color.

While waiting for the crust, I took a medium pepper and finely chopped it. I also found two pieces of honey flavored ham (the kind you use for lunch meat) and tore it into small pieces. Turning the stove on medium heat and drizzling the bottom of a large skillet in olive oil, I sautéed the peppers and ham for approximately ten minutes.

After taking the crust out of the oven, I let it cool, before generously coating it with spaghetti sauce. I cut about three slices of provolone cheese (the kind you use for sandwiches) into small pieces and layered them over the sauce. Then, I sprinkled a handful of feta cheese, along with the peppers, ham and a hint of salt and pepper over top. I finished by putting the entire pizza back in the oven for approximately seven minutes.

Being nothing more then an experiment, I didn't plan on this recipe tasting "blog worthy," but after the first bite I discovered I was wrong. My entire family liked it and we ended up ditching the idea about going out to eat and instead had this pizza for dinner. I hope you continue to experiment and build off this recipe and in turn, like it as much as my family does!

The Ol', All American Drive-In

2012-07-04T17:37:11Z

Last night my family celebrated the forth of July holiday with a trip to the never changing Haar's Drive-In theatre, which is located in Dillsburg, PA. Even after the pass of several decades, the theatre has retained that back-in-the-day air and still drawls hundreds of viewers to each show. The last time I visited a drive-in theatre was before my tenth birthday, so the whole experience was received with a new appreciation.

Almost as fun as the actual movie itself is the downtime beforehand. My dad and brother tossed football in the empty parking rows, while I got my first official practice spin (or more go-brake-go) behind the wheel! Families socialized and every now and again (since the movie was The Amazing Spiderman) a little boy dressed in a complete Spiderman outfit came flashing by. Everything spelled out family and friends.

I am not going to describe the actual movie in great detail, but simply say that you can't really go wrong with watching a movie on a giant screen from the seat of your car, while the full moon and countless stars sparkle overhead. So instead of dwelling on the movie side of things, I am going to shift directions to the food, which is available for purchase during the entire duration of the evening. Surprisingly, Haar's serves a variety of food outside of the typical French fries, soft pretzels, hot dogs and popcorn and offers a complete menu of more "upscale" selections, such as pulled pork sandwiches. Everything is reasonably priced and looks nothing short of delicious.

Although I have only ever been to Haar's, every drive-in theatre offers unforgettable, summer memories. A list of the movies being shown at Haar's Drive-In can be found on their website. I hope everyone takes time to sit back and enjoy the show.

Equality: America's Biggest Nightmare

2012-06-29T05:25:30Z

Ask the founding fathers what they envisioned the definition of equality to be and they would tell you it means that each person, regardless of race or gender, is entitled to certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Ask today's everyday American and his answer is not as straight forward.

It doesn't take a history buff to know that the American Dream is drastically changing. Years ago, Fitzgerald emphasized this very point in his renowned book, The Great Gatsby. Change has never been, nor will it ever be, a bad thing. That is as long as it is triggered by the same unselfish desires portrayed by the founding fathers. I am afraid that might not always be the case today.

The founding fathers established this country with the belief in the value of hard work. They believed that all dreams are achievable if only one devotes his entire life to it and works his way towards his goal. The emphasis was on the individual—what the individual could do for himself. The very cornerstones of America were based on the key principle that everyone can put the past behind them and work to create a new future. The future belonged to those who dreamed.

Today's America is not as honorable. Equality no longer means that everyone is able to mold their own destiny, but rather that the outcome must be exactly the same as well. Nobody can be slighted and nobody can be ahead. An industrious work ethic is no longer one of the key components. Citizens all over the nation are being told that this is the new American Dream and that the government is the one responsible for fulfilling this. Equality means that everyone has health care, everyone has a home, everyone can immigrate to the U.S., everyone can receive government support.

But where does that leave the individual? Where does this compel the individual to dream and work and succeed? The problem is that this new belief leaves no wiggle room. And when there is no wiggle room, the nation as a whole suffers.

I admit that in a perfect world, yes, everyone would be at the same place financially. But notice I said perfect world. This is not a perfect world nor will it ever be. Trying to make it one stunts the growth of hardworking Americans, which in return tarnishes the beauty of the American Dream. The American Dream which tells you that if you fail the first time, work harder the next. By no means is it always going to be pretty. The beginning rarely is. But the American Dream does offer the opportunity for everyone to make a beautiful ending.

America is now in a position where this opportunity is slowly being taken away—the opportunity to make life what you want it to be and work your way up the social ladder. But as I said before, America allows its citizens to create a new tomorrow. To challenge current politicians and change the economical tides. The individual has the power. It is time we remind the world of that.

Mount Gretna: Scenic Summer Destination

2012-06-22T19:01:48Z

On Father's Day, my family and I were sitting under a huge oak tree in front of the Jigger Shop (located in Mount Gretna, PA), while we speedily licked our ice cream before the sun beat us to it. Couples walked their dogs and in the distance, the Mount Gretna Playhouse buzzed with excitement at the start of a play. The reason why Mount Gretna has always been a family favorite is not hard to find as more and more places are trading their quaint atmosphere for a more commercialized and "tourist friendly" setting. This blog highlights some of Mount Gretna's many attractions, which have remained popular in the central Pennsylvania area.

The Jigger Shop is probably the most popular 'icon' of Mount Gretna. This outdoor ice cream parlor/eatery has been established since 1895. Their food menu consists mostly of hamburgers, salads and fries, but they are most known for their sundaes. The most ordered sundaes include the Banana Split, Strawberry Shortcake, Banana Fudge Royal and Baked Alaska. Note that the prices fall in the more expensive category, so be prepared to bring extra money.

Since 1927, the Mount Gretna Playhouse has been hosting summer plays that cover all genres. Spanning from June to July, the shows include a mixture of comedies and Broadway hits, along with ones geared more towards a children audience. Upcoming events include Grease (my all-time favorite), which is showing from June 28-July 8th. Burt and Me is July 12-15th and Goldilocks and the Fair Bears is July 28th. The summer performances end with Meet Me in Saint Louis, which will be performed from July 19-29th.

Mount Gretna also offers a lake and beach recreational area, which is open from 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. every day until September 3rd. A daily admission pass costs $16.00 with the youth (ages four through eleven) being $8.00. Canoes, kayaks, tubes and beach chairs are available for an additional cost.

Finally, Mount Gretna hosts an annual outdoor art festival the third weekend in August. Over two hundred and fifty artists will be in attendance and approximately 20,000 visitors are expected to arrive. Live music, usually a mixture of jazz, bluegrass, folk and pop will be performed throughout the festival. A kids' art show will also be in progress on Saturday morning, featuring paper making, face painting and many other art activities. Admission for anyone twelve and older is eight dollars.

Mount Gretna serves as just another example that scenic, summer destinations are really only a short car drive away.

Armstrong's Accomplishments Prove Strong

2012-06-15T22:23:56Z

Just the other day, I was paging through a 'fun fact' book and came across an article questioning whether Armstrong really landed on the moon. The 'evidence' they gave to support their belief was that in all the photographs there are no stars, the flag is flapping in the wind and there are footprints in the ground. Because I learned ever since third grade that Armstrong was indeed the first man to step foot on the moon, these claims sounded completely outlandish. But what is even more outlandish is that a good percentage of Americans actually buy into it. A survey conducted by Gallup revealed that approximately six percent of Americans believe that Armstrong never landed on the moon. Another five percent express doubt. After quite a bit of research, however, I have found the flaws and loopholes in these conspiracies. My goal is for all people to see the errors in such claims, so that Armstrong and all of America are not slighted from the bountiful pride and recognition they deserve.

The first part of this conspiracy to be proven wrong is the reasoning behind why the flag was seen waving in the wind—a feat which is claimed to be impossible in the vacuum like atmosphere of the moon. To prove this theory wrong, a research team placed a replica flag into a chamber that housed the same atmospheric conditions as the moon. After placing the flag inside the chamber and slightly manipulating it, the team discovered that it waved vigorously and appeared to be 'flying in the breeze.' This test, which was conducted at the Marshall Space Flight Center, demonstrated that it is possible for a flag to appear like it is waving in the wind, even in a vacuum like atmosphere.

The lack of stars in the photographs has also been used as proof against Armstrong, although this claim in not supported by any scientific reasoning. Because of the way in which the moon reflects sunlight, the glare makes in near to impossible to see the stars. Furthermore, the cameras that the astronauts used were operating on a setting which greatly limited the amount of background light. This means that whenever pictures were being taken in fast increments, the minimal light being reflected from the stars did not have enough time to appear on the film.

If you have ever read an article about the Armstrong myth, you are well aware that the conspiracies unfortunately do not stop here. Some people profess that because the moon is so dry, footprints should not have appeared in the pictures. Yet just like before, this statement is also scientifically wrong. Regolith, which is more commonly known as 'moon dust,' has a powdery consistency. Therefore footprints should be imprinted on the moon's surface after someone has walked upon it.

The final question conspirators often ask is where the flag is today and why no telescopes can locate it. Simply stated, the answer is the limit of technology. Current telescopes used on space missions do not possess the power to zoom in on small objects. They can locate something the size of an average house and that is all.

With all that proof, it is extremely difficult to still believe the hoax, but then again I would be foolish to not assume that some people still will. My hope is that this article is "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" in giving Armstrong and the American space department the respect and pride they deserve after fulfilling such an out-of-this-world accomplishment.

Skin Growing Fungus?

2012-06-12T17:58:23Z

Most people are unaware that the human body creates one of the best breeding grounds for fungus. An even greater majority is surprised to discover that this type of skin infection is not as rare as it may sound.Skin fungus can look like a small patch of acne, while other times it turns bright red and resembles ringworm. Differing appearances are often spotted on the same body. To further complicate problems, the rash can be bright red one day and totally disappear the next. Because fungus can take on a wide variety of shapes and shades, this condition is often misdiagnosed, resulting in a never ending search for the right lotion, pill or other antibiotic. Yet despite the appearance or regularity, all types of skin fungus is one hundred percent curable through easy, safe measures, leaving you with instant, life long results.

The first step needed to combat this skin infection is to go to either your family doctor or dermatologist and ask for Ketoconazole 2% shampoo. This product serves as both a shampoo and skin lotion. Before entering the shower, generously apply the shampoo onto the skin infected and surrounding areas. Leave it on for five minutes and then use the product like a regular shampoo. It is recommended you use this product every time you take a shower or at a minimum of two to three times per week. Once the product runs out, you do not need a refill and your skin infection is most likely entirely cleared up. That being said, it is important to follow these following steps to ensure that the condition does not return.

Fungus colonies are most successful in dark, moist areas, which is why this skin infection is most prevalent on the upper back and neck. When exerting sweat or taking a shower, the water is trapped behind either the hair or shirt, creating ideal breeding grounds. The best way to counteract this problem is to thoroughly dry your hair after taking a shower and wear it in a high bun when ever you are in the blazing heat or taking part in any physical activity. It is also important to change into a fresh T-shirt when ever the one you are currently wearing is even the slightest bit damp, so that the moisture is not in contact with your skin.

Although everyone hates to hear this, the truth of the matter is that fungus also thrives off of sugars. This means all the ice cream cones, candy bars and Slushies you are consuming are providing nutrients for the fungus. By limiting the amounts of sugar your body consumes, the fungus has less of a chance to survive. The easiest way to accomplish this task is by taming your sweet tooth with fruits, such as strawberries and cantaloupe—that is without sprinkled sugar, of course!

Many people are frustrated because they have experimented with countless antibiotics, only to find that the skin infection has reappeared a few months later. Yet in reality, this infection can be cured by altering a few daily health habits. Not only is this approach not exposing your body to any harmful side affects, which is always at risk when using antibiotics, but it also promises life long results. Real answers, real results. The solutions have been this easy all along.

Reading Reflections: A book review on June Bug

2012-06-09T18:29:15Z

In his compelling masterpiece, June Bug, Chris Fabry wonderfully combines love, suspense, humor, and compassion all within the same story. Charles Martin, author of Where the River Ends, praises this book by saying, "Masterful. An honest story that lingered long after I turned the last page." Lisa Samson, writer of Quaker Summer, also endorsed June Bug. Her comment is, "Well written and bursting with life." Critics from all over the writing world agree that June Bug is a one of a kind story, offering a unique outlook on life which has never been analyzed in literature before. Readers enthusiastically agreed.

From the moment I turned the first page, I knew June Bug was something special. The story revolves around a young girl, named June Bug, who travels around the nation with her father in their dilapidated RV. All is going well until the RV decides not to run and they are stranded in a Wal-Mart parking lot for several days. June Bug uses this delay as an opportunity to inspect Wal-Mart's merchandise. It is during one of these excursions that she comes across her picture hanging in the missing bulletin. Underneath her picture is her real name-Natalie. As she stares at her own image behind the glass case, she starts to question her biological connection with her 'father.' A spark is ignited, sending June Bug on a quest for truth.

Probably the most influential question June Bug proposes to the reader is 'What does it mean to be a person's real father or mother?' Near the middle of the story, June Bug ponders the same question and recollects listening to a talk radio station, which was discussing the same idea. The radio host concluded that a true parent does not necessarily share biological ties with the child, but cares for and nurtures him like he is their own. But if that is the case then why does June Bug strive to find her true birth parents? A few answers have been offered, including that June Bug senses the lack of a motherly figure and wants to settle down to a normal life outside of what the RV can offer. Although I believe these answers are correct, I believe the true underlying reason comes from the unseverable feelings associated with biological parents. Nobody can ever imagine that the reasons for separation are not always honorable. As a result, a person goes through unspeakable measures in hopes of restoring that broken relationship. But as June Bug later discovers in a tear jerking and thought provoking conclusion, biology is not what makes someone a true parent. And perhaps this realization is what makes the story so bitter-sweet.

June Bug proposes many more great discussion questions and is a very worthwhile read. For these couple hundred of pages, the reader can see life through a totally different perspective then ever before—through the eyes of a girl, who discovers that truth will always set you free, but never promises a fairy tale ending.

Hair Hype Gone Hazardous

2012-06-09T17:53:23Z

With summer on our heels and the humidity index constantly on a rise, all women are looking for easy ways to prevent their hair from frizzing, while maintaining a healthy appearance. This desire has inspired the use of many hair straightening treatments, including the Brazilian Blowout and Keratin Treatment. The allure of permanently straight hair presents the products as being totally beneficial, saving you both primping time and bad-hair-day frustration. Unfortunately, these treatments do not offer a win-win situation and recent studies have highlighted the health related risks associated with such products. In this article, I address the negative aspects of the Brazilian Blowout, while offering safer solutions.

As you have most likely noticed, the recent hair hype has been all about the Brazilian Blowout. This product totally transforms wavy, frizzy hair into a shiny, straight and healthier look. The results are almost magical, causing the customers to continue coming back for more. That is until the Food and Drug Administration stepped in. Thanks to their work, the dangerous amounts of carcinogenic formaldehyde contained in this product have been revealed. Upon further research, the Brazilian Blowout has also been found to contain methylene glycol (a substance used to produce formaldehyde) in quantities exceeding the legal safety limit by ten times. These chemicals make the procedure hazardous for both customers and stylists alike. Side effects linked directly to the Brazilian Blowout include chest aches, headaches, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and skin rashes.

While these reports prove shocking, there are still options. One of safer alternatives is the Keratin solution, which now offers formaldehyde free products that manage to retain the same, remarkable results. No product proves this statement more true then the Keratin Shot. The Keratin Shot contains Formuleen, which is produced when formaldehyde is broken down, causing the toxins to be eliminated. This treatment lasts for approximately three months and can be applied to all types of hair.

Before deciding on any brand of hair straightening treatments, remember to thoroughly research all the negative side affects, so that you are one hundred percent aware of what you are getting into. Your hair stylist would also serve as a good source of recommendations. That being said once you have decided on a safe treatment, be prepared to be amazed! The results are incredible, leaving you with the fresh, summer look you have always been craving.

Tae Kwon Do: Pursuing Excellence

2012-05-28T23:01:58Z

Saturday afternoon, I proudly watched as my brother achieved his four year goal of graduating to the rank of a Tae Kwon Do black belt. For two hours, he went through countless kicks and punches, broke boards, and completed approximately two hundred pushups, mountain climbers and other physical workouts. While watching this test, I realized that the ultimate goal of Tae Kwon Do is not to solely climb the belt ladder and then be done. Rather Tae Kwon Do is designed to equip each student with valuable lessons to help them achieve excellence in all avenues of life. Whether it is physical fitness, martial art techniques or moral character, the tenets of Tae Kwon Do make it much more then a sport. It's a way of life. Tae Kwon Do is one of the few sports, if not the only one, to make such a serious impact on a person's life both inside and outside of athletics. If Tae Kwon Do is a big part of your life, then it will impact your life in a big way as well.

A key aspect of this sport is endurance, which was displayed in the rigorous exercises performed during the test. While beads of sweat dripped down my brother's face as he counted off another rep of pushups, the master reminded him of one of the tenets of Tae Kwon Do: indomitable spirit. Indomitable spirit, when used in terms of Tae Kwon Do, is defined as, I can always do better then I think I can.' It was while the master was saying this that I realized the test was not designed to solely evaluate the perfection of the techniques. If that was the case, they could have ditched the hundreds of pushups and mountain climbers and moved on to the next activity. But instead it was a test of endurance. An evaluation of how much it truly meant to earn the black belt degree. At the same time that the Tae Kwon Do techniques were being judged, the core character of each person was also being evaluated.

After the testing had been completed, the master read over a document, reiterating the moral expectations of all Tae Kwon Do students. This included respecting all peers and adults, restraining from the use of martial art techniques outside of the studio, and assisting during the younger belt classes. It concluded with a reminder of how each person's actions serve as a public representation of the institution. The students then received their hard earned belts and were told to thank their parents for the money and hours invested in their Tae Kwon Do education.

Proof that all this talk was being taken to heart came shortly after the last pictures were snapped and countless students approached my brother to personally offer him their congratulations. Never before had I seen athletes so supportive of one another. A mutual bond, stronger then any I have ever witnessed, closely linked all of its members together. Perhaps this connection is made possible through the fact that, although an individual sport, Tae Kwon Do is not about oneself. It is about each other. In continual pursuit of excellence, Tae Kwon Do teaches the importance of character, which not only results in harder working athletes, but also a stronger and more united community.

Maintaining Healthy Food Proportions

2012-05-26T04:49:10Z

Everything in our society revolves around the misconstrued belief that bigger always leads to better. The prime example of this erroneous conviction can be seen in the surplus food proportions. Hamburgers are sold not only with extra toppings, like tomatoes and lettuce, but also with additional meat patties. Milkshakes recently expanded the typical small, medium and large amount classification and are now being offered in extra large sizes. Realizing the trend, restaurants quickly jumped on board and began endorsing the 'value' meals, which, for an extra dollar or so, include your choice of sides. The result is that very few people understand just how much our daily food consumption differs from a healthy median. The longer people remain unaware to these facts, the greater this margin becomes.

While researching for this article, I was flabbergasted to discover how 'small' an average serving truly is. Compared to the jumbo sized meals promoted by today's leading food distributers, the recommended food proportions seemed no more then taste testers or samples. It was through my research that I came to the conclusion that the majority of our hunger is psychological, meaning our brain is accustomed to set food sizes. As a result until the established food criteria is met, the brain continues to send a false signal to the stomach saying that additional food is needed. Awareness is the first step needed in reversing this psychological habit. No changes can be made before then.

When it comes to pasta and ice cream, the expected serving size greatly exceeds a normal proportion. Pasta dishes are served on giant platters and ice cream scoops are stacked to the ceiling, even though the recommended proportion for both food products is one-half of a cup. A half of a cup is about the size of a woman's fist. Vegetables, fruits, cooked rice and snacks are all suggested to stay within this category.

Meat is another area of high consummation, especially among the male population. A recommended serving of meat (the same is true for fish and poultry) is approximately three ounces. Visualize a deck of cards the next time you are about to choose the size of your meat slice.

The last major food product consumed on a daily basis is cereal. When dry, it has a serving size of one cup. This is about the size of a baseball.

Most likely, you are at least a little surprised after comparing an average proportion size to the massive platters our brains convince us we need. As I stated before, the battle of establishing a healthier lifestyle begins with a mental fight. My hope is that this article highlights the problems with society's consumption habits and gives each person the inspiration to take the first steps in achieving a healthier lifestyle.

PSAT Summer Studying Strategies

2012-05-23T22:47:45Z

Many incoming sophomores and juniors will be taking the PSAT test in the fall. The PSAT not only serves as a practice test for the SAT, but also an opportunity for academically advanced juniors to quality for the National Merit Scholarship. Despite the circumstances, all students, myself included, are looking for ways to improve their scores. That is why I have compiled a list of summer preparation steps, which I have personally found useful. Following these steps can drastically boost your exam score, while potentially ranking you among the top of the PSAT test takers from across the nation.

Anyone who has already taken the PSAT knows that math counts. Big time. Geometry in particular makes up a considerable percentage of the math related problems. These questions can be a breeze if you are familiar with the formulas, but a real killer if not. If you want to be on the clear side, make formula flashcards for the equations, like the area of a pyramid and the circumpherence of a circle, and review them for a minimum of ten minutes each day.

Reading comprehension is also a significant portion of the test. For some reason, many students shy away from this section even though ample preparation can turn it into one of the easier portions. The simplest and most effective acing strategy is to read on a regular basis. Fortunately, the genre is not important so long as it is a more challenging literary work. This way there are plenty of unfamiliar words. When you come to a word whose definition you are unsure about, try to first derive its meaning from the context of the sentence. Then look it up in the dictionary. By doing this, you are expounding your vocabulary as well as practicing comprehension skills.

Aim to learn the definitions of three new words a day. As stated above, this can most easily be done through reading. You can intermittingly substitute vocabulary studying for prefix memorization. When it comes time to take the test, prefixes can give you clues to the meaning of the word if you are unsure about its definition.

The most common studying approach is to purchase a PSAT prep books from a local book store. These books usually include studying strategies, test taking tips, and practice problems. Some even include a complete practice exam. Although these books are undeniably helpful, they can't stand alone. Implement the previously mentioned strategies for the best results.

Happy studying and good luck to all of you come fall.

Jell-O Dessert

2012-05-23T05:41:44Z

Last weekend, I attended an end-of-the-season volleyball picnic for my travel team. The sun was scorching hot, fierce volleyball competitions raged on the grass court, hot dogs sizzled on the grill, the pool cover was removed, and all in attendance were getting a little pre-season tan. Summer was undeniably in the air. The whole day served as a much needed reminder that camping trips, picnics, and outdoor excursions are right around the corner. And what's a party without a little "icing on the cake?" This summer sweet takes the typical picnic treats, like brownies and Rice-Krispies, to the next level. Needing minimal preparation time and not requiring the use of the oven, Jell-O Dessert' captures the light, refreshing flavors of summer, while bursting with wonderful tastes and textures.

'Jell-O Dessert' is my personal all-time favorite. It was named by my great aunt, who can be credited with creating the recipe. The directions are as follows:

1. Prepare one large box of strawberry Jell-O and pour it into a cake pan. Let the Jell-O set before adding one can of crushed pineapple (without the juice), three sliced bananas, and one bag of mini mashmellows. This mixture will not be used until step number four.

2. In a large sauce pan, mix two tablespoons of flour, one-half cup of sugar, the leftover pineapple juice, and one egg. Stir the ingredients together then cook till boiling.

3. After removing the pan from the stove, add a small package of cream cheese. Allow the mixture to cool before mixing in a large container of cool whip.

4. After thoroughly stirring, spread the icing on top of the Jell-O.

5. Refrigerate for one hour before serving.

Many alterations can be made to this recipe. In the past, I substituted the strawberry Jell-O with orange Jell-O and the pineapple and bananas for mandarin oranges. If you experiment with other combinations, please let me know. I hope you enjoy this delicious summertime sweet!