A story worth sharing :) it begins like this..
4 years ago, an accident took my beloved away and very often I wonder, how does my wife, who is now in the heavenly realm, feel right now? She must be feeling extremely sad for leaving a husband who is incapable to taking care of the house and the kid. 'cos that is the exact feeling that I have, as I feel that I have failed to provide for the physical and emotional needs of my child, and failed to be the dad and mum for my child.
There was one particular day, when I had an emergency at work. Hence, I had to leave home whilst my child was still sleeping. So thinking that there was still rice leftovers, I hastily cooked an egg and left after informing my sleepy child.
With the double roles, I am often exhausted at work as well as when I am home. So after a long day, I came home, totally drained of all energy. So with just a brief hug and kiss for my child, I went straight into the room, skipping dinner. However, when I jumped into my bed with intention of just having a well-deserved sleep, all i heard and felt was broken porcelain and warm liquid! I flipped open my blanket, and there lies the source of the 'problem'.... a broken bowl with instant noodles and a mess on the bedsheet and blanket!
Boy, was I mad! I was so furious that I took a clothes hanger, charged straight at my child who was happily playing with his toy, and give him a good spanking! He merely cried but not asking for mercy, except a short explanation:
"Dad, I was hungry and there wasn't anymore leftover rice. But you were not back yet, hence I wanted to cook some instant noodles. But I remembered you reminding me not to touch or use the gas stove without any adults around, hence I turned on the shower and used the hot water from the bathroom to cook the noodles. One is for you and the other is for me. However, I was afraid that the noodles will turn cold, so I hid it under the blanket to keep it warm till you return. But I forgot to remind you 'cos I was playing with my toys...I am sorry Dad..."
At that moment, tears were starting to run down my cheeks...but I didn't want my son to see his dad crying so I dashed into the bathroom and cried with the shower head on to mask my cries. After that episode, I went towards my son to give him a tight hug and applied medication on him, while coaxing him to sleep. Then, it was time to clear up the mess on the bed. When everything was done and well past midnight, I passed my son's room, and saw that he was still crying, not from the pain on his little buttock, but from looking at the photograph of his beloved mummy.
A year has passed since the episode, I have tried, in this period, to focus on giving him both the love of his dad and mum, and to attend to most of his needs. And soon, he is turning seven, and will be graduating from kindergarten. Fortunately, the incident did not leave a lasting impression on his childhood memories and he is still happily growing up.
However, not so long ago, I hit my boy again, with much regret. This time, his kindergarten teacher called, informing me of my son's absence from school. I took off early from work and went home, expecting him to explain. But he wasn't to be found, so I went around our house, calling out his name and eventually found him outside a stationery shop, happily playing computer games. I was fuming, brought him home and whack the hell out of him. He did not retaliate, except to say, 'I am sorry, Dad'. But after much probing, I realized that it was a 'Talent Show' organized by his school and the invite is for every student's mummy. And that was the reason for his absence as he has no mummy.....
Few days after the caning, my son came home to tell me, the kindergarten has recently taught him how to read and write. Since then, he has kept to himself and stayed in his room to practise his writing, which I am sure, would make my wife proud, if she was still around. 'cos he makes me proud too!
Time passes by very quickly, and soon another year has passed. It's winter, and its Christmas time. Everywhere the christmas spirit is in every passer-by... Christmas carols and frantic shoppers.... but alas, my son got into another trouble. When I was about to knock off from the day's work, the post office called. Due to the peak season, the post master was also on an edgy mood. He called to tell me that my son has attempted to post several letters with no addressee. Although I did make a promise never to hit my son again, I couldn't help but to hit him as I feel that this child of mine is really beyond control. Once again, as before, he apologized, ' I'm sorry, Dad' and no additional reason to explain. I pushed him towards a corner, went to the post office to collect the letters with no addressee and came home, and angrily questioned my son on his prank, during this time of the year.
His answer, amidst his sobbing, was : The letters were for Mummy.
My eyes grew teary, but I tried to control my emotions and continued to ask him: " But why did u post so many letters, at one time?" My son's reply was: " I have been writing to mummy for a long time, but each time I reach out for the post box, it was too high for me, hence I was not able to post the letters. But recently, when I went back to the postbox, I could reach it and I sent it all at once..."
After hearing this, I was lost. Lost at not knowing what to do, what to say....
I told my son, " Son, mummy is in the heavenly kingdom, so in future, if you have anything to tell her, just burn the letter and it will reach mummy. My son, on hearing this, was much pacified and calm, and soon after, he was sleeping soundly. On promising that I will burn the letters on his behalf, I brought the letters outside, but couldnt help opening the letter before they turn to ash.
And one of the letters broke my heart....
Dear Mummy,
I miss you so much! Today, there was a 'Talent Show' in school, and the school invited all mothers for the show. But you are not around, so I did not want to participate as well.. I did not tell Dad about it as I was afraid that Dad would start to cry and miss you all over again. Dad went around looking for me, but in order to hide my sadness, I sat in front of the computer and started playing games at one of the shops. Dad was furious, and he couldnt help it but scolded and hit me, but I did not tell him the real reason. Mummy, everyday I see Dad missing you and whenever he think of you, he is so sad and often hide and cry in his room. I think we both miss you very very much. Too much for our own good I think. But Mummy, I am starting to forget your face. Can you please appear in my dreams so that I can see your face and remember you? I heard that if you fall asleep with the photograph of the person whom you miss, you will see the person in your dreams. But mummy, why havent you appear?
After reading the letter, I cant stop sobbing. 'cos I can never replace the irreplaceable gap left behind by my wife....
For the females with children:
Don't do so much overtime. If you cannot finish the work, it must be some kind of problems within the company, and it is not your sole problem. Feedback to your boss. Endless overtime may not necessary be the answer to the problem. Take care of your health so that you can treasure and take care of your little precious.
For the married men:
Drink less, smoke less, cos nothing can replace your good health, not even business nor clients.
Try thinking this way, are you able to work till your clients are totally dependent on you? or your boss is totally dependent on you? In this society, no one is indispensable.
Take care of your health, so that you can take care of your little precious and your loved ones.
For those singles out there:
Beauty lies in loving yourself first.
With confidence and loving yourself, you will see the beauty in other things around you. You will be able to work better and happier. Don't let your health be affected by your work or your boss, so nothing matters more than your well being.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Story worth sharing
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Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Heaven Is So Real Book!!
Choo Thomas tells a remarkable story of her encounters with Jesus Christ, where she visited heaven many times and saw hell twice.
Her book, "Heaven is so Real" is more than just a book - it is Christ's loving message to a generation that has largely forgotten, misunderstood or is indifferent about Him.
This book will touch your heart and soul and will challenge you to live a life of obedience and purity like you have never done before.
About Choo Thomas
Choo Thomas is a simple, down-to-earth Korean American. She is married and has two children and four grandchildren.In 1992, she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and since then, has strived to please the Lord with all her heart. Two years later, she saw Jesus' visible presence at a Neighborhood Assembly of God in Tacoma, Washington and in 1995, she began having physical manifestations from the Holy Spirit.
In 1996, the Lord Jesus escorted Choo into heaven and told her to record what she has seen and heard, bringing forth the book, "Heaven is so Real".
This book was published in October, 2003.
A Message From Choo Thomas Regarding "Heaven is so Real"
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus,Heaven is so Real is our Lord Jesus’ end time book. He only used my body to write this book. He wants all believers and unbelievers to read it and prepare for His coming. He said, He is letting people know what it takes to enter His Kingdom, through this book.
Remember, none of our salvations are secure until the end. We work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). The Lord himself took me to heaven 17 different times, in my transformed spirit body, at an age of about 15 to 16 years old and showed me countless things in heaven that He has prepared for His people, and showed me hell twice. He also showed me things during the time of the tribulation, after He took His people to heaven. After the end of all these visions, He showed me the rapture. The preface clearly explains how the Lord took me to heaven. When you read this book you will see how the Lord took care of this book from the beginning to end of publishing.
This book is a great tool for the salvation of souls. Those who read this book and convicted by it, are sharing it with others. Some get dozens, hundreds, and thousands to give away.The book is our Lord Jesus’ end time book and He wants all Christians to read it and witness with it to others so they can prepare for His coming. It is changing thousands of lives. This book is for two kinds of people, those who want to go to heaven and those who love the world. So, not everyone will be interested in His book. The devil hates this book.
Currently over 60 countries are translating and re-printing this book and most of the translations are being done by pastors who were transformed by the book after reading it. Dr. David Yonggi Cho translated the book after reading it three times and it was the #1 bestseller in Korea. All these things are happening because it is our Lord’s book. It is truly an end time book. The book is an International best seller and is on the charismatic best seller list in the US.
Sept. 2007 I wanted to give all the readers an update on “Heaven is so Real”
It has been almost four years since it was published. I would like to let all the readers of the book know what our awesome God is doing for His people. Praise the Lord!!
He has moved some reader’s hearts to make donations toward His book. He brought in close to $300,000 in offerings and the money has been donated to overseas pastors who translated the book but don’t have enough funds to print the book and give it away. With this money they are able to print the book and give them away. Over 100,000 books have been printed in China and Muslim countries. Pakistan has printed 50,000 books. India, Africa, and many other countries in Europe have printed and given the book away freely to prisoners and some poor countries. All these awesome things are happening because it is His book. Hallelujah!!
Some readers are curious how much money we make from the sales of the book and what we do with it. The royalties that are received from Creation House are spending on our ministry. We are donating money to many poor countries for the books and sending out DVDs/CDs all over the world for about three years now. We are sending out at least 30 packages weekly. We decided never to spend any money from the royalties or offerings for ourselves.
Whoever judges “Heaven is so Real” and other prophetic books should read Matthew 7:1-6, repent and stay ready for the rapture before it's too late. Christians should never judge other Christian's work of God. Remember any kind of message from God that doesn’t bear fruit is not from God. “Heaven is so Real” is bearing more fruit than most prophetic books around the world. The Lord has been saying that because of this book, at least 1,000,000 people will see His face. I am praying for those who will be left behind after the rapture, to read this book, so they can be saved also.
Please go to: www.choothomas.com. This site has some awesome testimonies in English and Korean and also links to some CD samples of the book. My video is on the internet. The link to the video is on my homepage. The DVD is about forty minutes. Please witness with it. Praise the Lord!!!
The Lord Jesus loves us all.
Choo Thomas
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Take this case to the Lord in prayer..Let's us pray together....
Rebel outlines ‘invasion’ plan
By PHILIP GOLINGAI
Maintaining that it has valid reasons to ganyang Malaysia, Bendera’s leader reveals details of its planned invasion on Oct 8. Should we be worried?
JAKARTA’s forestry department was the most unlikely place to meet an Indonesian man who was six days away from waging a war against Malaysia.
But that was where my Indonesian journalist friend Samiaji Bintang brought me for a face-to-face interview with Adian Napitupulu, a 38-year-old Batak man spearheading a vigilante group that has vowed to ganyang (crush) Malaysia.
As we headed for our lunchtime appointment with Adian, the leader of Bendera (Benteng Demokrasi Rakyat or People’s Democratic Defence), I asked Samiaji how far the meeting place was from where Adian’s vigilante group conducted their “sweeping” of Malaysians.
“It is about 10km to 15km away,” said the 32-year-old journalist.
Far enough, I thought.
On Sept 8, a dozen Bendera vigilantes clad in red and white (the colour of the Indonesian flag) and armed with sharpened bamboo sticks set up roadblocks at Menteng in central Jakarta and checked ID card of passers-by to screen for Malaysians.
They failed to net any Malaysian.
On Friday afternoon, when most Indonesians were focused on the double earth quakes that devastated Sumatra, Samiaji and I entered one of the government buildings in the forestry department to locate Adian, who was in Regina Putera Cafe.
I did not know what to expect – a man carrying a sharpened bamboo stick, perhaps?
Outside the café at a Starbucks-like table sat three Indonesian men. I gave my business card to all of them, not knowing who was who. Adian turned out to be a skinny dark-skinned man wearing a white shirt and jeans.
“When was Bendera founded and what is its purpose?” were my first two questions as I wanted to gauge the hostility of the leader of the group that plans to invade Malaysia on Oct 8.
Speaking in Bahasa Indonesia, Adian, a member of PDI-P (Megawati Sukarnoputri’s Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle), said he founded Bendera two and a half months ago during the Indonesian presidential election as he found that political parties did not fight for the people’s rights.
“What has your fight for the people’s right got to do with Bendera’s ‘sweeping’ of Malaysians on Oct 8?” I asked.
“We were ‘sweeping’ Malaysians because (the Malaysian government) is ‘sweeping’ Indonesians in Malaysia,” said the man who was not involved in the Menteng ‘sweeping’ as he had other nationalistic duties on that day.
“We only managed to ‘sweep’ for 30 minutes because the police stopped us,” he added.
“What would you have done if you had managed to find a Malaysian that day?” I asked.
“Suruh pulang (tell them to go home),” he said as he smoked Djarum Super, a kretek (clove-flavoured) cigarette.
“Why did your men carry sharpened bamboo sticks?” I asked.
“It is the symbol of Indonesia’s independence struggle (from their Dutch coloniser),” he said.
When I asked if he had planned to use the bamboo stick on any Malaysian citizen that day, he replied: “We would only use it in Malaysia.”
He was referring to Bendera’s announcement – which was widely reported in the Indonesian and Malaysian media – that Oct 8 is their D-day to avenge all the wrongs committed by Malaysia against Indonesia.
Adian then gave me Bendera’s four-page war declaration with the bold headline “GANYANG MALAYSIA!”
The declaration stated that the Rentcong Aceh, panah Papua, Pedang Pattimura, mandau Kalimantan, keris Jawa, kujang Sunda, golok Betawi, badik Palembang and pedang Sisingamagaraja (Indonesian traditional weapons) had “bloodily” vowed to crush Malaysia’s arrogance.
It also listed several reportedly recalcitrant actions by Malaysians that have exhausted the patience of the people of Indonesia. The list included claiming Indonesian islands (Sipadan, Ligitan and Jemur); stealing Indonesian cultural heritage (food like rendang, songs like Rasa Sayang Sayange, Injit Injit Semut, Burung Kakak Tua, and Anak Kambing Saya, and the Pendet dance); and abusing Indonesian workers (it named 34 people including Nirmala Bonat who was abused with a hot iron, hot water and a metal cup by her employer in 2004).
“How’s your plan to attack Malaysia?” I asked.
Six weeks ago, according to Adian, 10 Bendera spies slipped into Malaysia to build a network among Indonesian workers. He claimed these Indonesian James Bonds managed to convince 1.45 million Indonesians – maids, construction and plantation workers – to burn their workplace when Bendera launches its confrontation on Malaysia.
When I pointed out that it would cost Bendera about RM145,000 just to text message the 1.45 million Indonesian workers (assuming the spies have all their phone numbers and an SMS costs 10 sen), Adian flashed his crooked teeth. “We’ve got our ways to communicate,” he stated.
“On paper, we have already won,” Adian said, again flashing his crooked teeth.
In World War II, according to him, the allies required two months to prepare for their attack on Germany. But Bendera does not need two months as it already has 1.45 million conspirators in Malaysia.
“That is why we have a different view from President SBY (pronounced as ‘ess-bay-yay’, the initials of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono). SBY said Indonesia cannot attack Malaysia as there are 1.8 million Indonesian workers in Malaysia. But for us the 1.8 million people are our strength to attack Malaysia.”
And then Adian started attacking Malaysia by showing the photographs (in the four-page declaration) of Indonesian maids being abused here.
“Look at this,” he said, pointing at the photograph of Nirmala.
“If Malaysia says that Malaysians and Indonesians are satu rumpun (the same stock), then why do they abuse their own rumpun?”
Pointing at a photograph of a man being caned, he asked angrily: “Why does your police, soldier and what do you call… Rela… abuse Indonesians?
“Do you know that once in three days an Indonesian is abused in Malaysia?”
On Oct 8, Adian claimed, about 300 Indonesians – trained in ilmu kebal (black magic) which makes them invincible to sharp objects and bullets – would invade Malaysia by attacking Malaysian towns in the island of Borneo (where Indonesia’s Kalimantan and Malaysia’s Sabah and Sarawak are located).
“From Pontianak (in Kalimantan) we will cross to Kuching (in Sarawak) and capture it. And then we will go to the next town. And from Nunukan (in Kalimantan) we will cross to the next town,” he said.
“What is that town?” I asked Adian, Bendera’s war strategist.
“I don’t know the name. But it is the town that we are going to capture,” he declared.
(Just for the record, the closest Malaysian town to Nunukan is Tawau in Sabah.)
In six to eight months, he confidentally predicted, Bendera would conquer Kuala Lumpur.
“Why don’t you just go straight for the jugular and attack Kuala Lumpur?” I asked.
“Uncle Mao’s military tactic was to first capture villages and then the city. We will capture your villages, your towns and eventually your capital,” he explained.
“What is your image of Malaysians?” I asked Adian who has never visited Malaysia.
“Jahat (evil),” he said.
“All 26 million Malaysians?” I asked.
“If 26 million Malaysians keep silent about other Malaysians abusing Indonesians, then they are all jahat,” he explained.
“How do you feel now that you are face to face with a Malaysian?” I asked.
“Mukanya baik. Mukanya lucu. Mukanya tak ada niat jahat (Your face looks nice. Your face looks humorous. Your face doesn’t show any evil intention),” he said, smiling while the handful of Indonesians who were intensely listening in to the interview burst out laughing.
“Are you Malaysian?” asked Poltak Sitanggang, 42, who owns a news website and had just finished interviewing Adian.
“Yes,” I said.
“Why don’t we ‘sweep’ him?” Poltak suggested to Adian.
“No, he is a funny guy,” Adian said.
I continued to smile.
And Adian continued his verbal tirade against on Malaysia.
“Malaysia has exported two terrorists (Noordin Mat Top and Dr Azahari Husin) to Indonesia. And yet the international community think that Indonesia is full of terrorists,” he said.
“Is it correct to say that the Indonesian government has not arrested you because it thinks your invasion plan is just omong omong kosong (empty talk)?” I ventured.
His face turning angry, he said the police had occupied Bendera’s headquarters (which was formerly used by Megawati’s PDI-P as their base).
He said he had received intimidating phone calls from people who have the power to intimidate. Others called to warn that attacking Malaysia was suicidal.
But he just switched off his phone when he received such calls, he said.
When told that an Indonesian Embassy official in Kuala Lumpur had said Bendera’s plan to invade Malaysia was “too ludicrous to respond to officially”, Adian said that was what the embassy thought.
“But they don’t know as it is not the Indonesian government which will invade Malaysia but Bendera.”
“So what are the chances of your group succeeding in its invasion plan?” I asked.
“In 1998, Suharto (the former Indonesian president) did not believe the students could make him step down. But it happened,” said Adian, one of the student leaders who had organised mass street protests against Suharto.
Poltak, a Batak, said he interviewed Adian because he was curious about the nationalistic views of the former student activist who had made a name for himself during the fall of Suharto.
“I’m not gila (crazy),” said Adian. “We have good reasons to attack Malaysia. Only crazy people attack (another country) without any reason.”
(Adian: ‘If 26 million Malaysians keep silent about other Malaysians abusing Indonesians, then they are all jahat’)
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Monday, October 5, 2009
Does Your House Smell Like A Doghouse?
Ahhh...that infamous doggy odor! A smell most of us know all too well. And the smell just seems to spread all throughout the house, doesn't it? You approach your home, open the front door, a wind blows and...POW! You've officially entered The Doghouse; fully equipped with doggy odor!
I know it's tough. So anytime we come across simple tips to help keep doggy odor to a minimum we just have to share it with you.
Here are few tips to help keep your home from becoming "The Doghouse":
1. Open the window! Circulate fresh air from the outside to diminish strong doggy odors.
2. Keep the rugs clean. Vacuuming alone won't do; it doesn't get all of the smelly dog hair and bacteria deep down in your rug, so it's best to wash them once a week. If you can't pull up your rug, spray it with an odor removal solution. It is also helpful to have your carpets professionally cleaned every year to help eliminate those deep rooted stains and odors.
3. Keep your dog's bedding clean. It holds tons of hairs and bacteria that can cause odor.
4. Keep your dog clean. I know this is a no brainer, but dirty dogs not only smell bad, they spread bacteria throughout your house.
5. Keep your vents clean. Try using a handheld vacuum cleaner or vacuum attachment. We cannot see them, but lots of hairs get trapped inside our vents.
6. Use air freshener, particularly those that really attack odor molecules.
7. Mop the floor. It may not look like it, but even hardwood collects dirt, hairs and bacteria. Be sure to get corners, because this is usually where lots of hair hides and builds up.
8. Keep your house fresh with Zero Odor. Zero Odor is a top-notch pet odor removal system that attacks odor molecules rather than masking them...and we all know that doggy odor is way too strong of an odor to mask! The great thing about Zero Odor is that it's safe on all surface: rugs, bedding, furniture, hardwood floors...it's even safe when sprayed through the air as a freshener. It can help keep your house fresh in so many ways. No more Doghouse! Check it out: http://www.petproductadvisor.com/store/mc/zero-odor-dog.aspx
I hope these tips help your house smelling fresh and clean!
Until next time,
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Saturday, October 3, 2009
In the arms of an angel..(Abused case)
This is my story, life as a victim. I was born February 14, 2002, Valentine’s day and I was premature. I was curious about the outside world and had no idea what it had in store for me. Where do I start to begin my story? In my brief five months here on earth, it was filled with so much pain. I have been told by angels that childhood is suppose to be full of joy. I did not know any of this. Not once did I have a friendly face to reach out to or a hand to hold onto. Instead, no one answered my cries. Not crying from being hungry or tired but crying from my ribs being broken. I was beaten and bitten by the only family I knew. One night my parents were drinking beer again with my uncle. My mother passes out and leaves me with my dad and his brother. They continue to drink while playing games by throwing me into the air, and not always catching me. Where is my mother? Where is anyone to help me? What more do I have to endure? Then my uncle rapes me, I am only five months old. My injuries are severe and my anus is torn. I lay here crying while my dad and his brother fall asleep. The following day, they awake and realize that I am not well. They rush me to the hospital but it is too late for me. I have a broken skull and several broken bones. I also have bite marks and internal injures from being raped by my uncle. My injuries are documented by my autopsy photos. This is the only picture available of me because during my brief life my family never took a single picture of me. I am not sad now and I am smiling down from above, smiling at mommy, the only mom I have come to know. Susana Martinez, District Attorney that worked so hard to pass my bill, Brianna’s Bill. What happened to me should happen to no child. Remember me always, Love, Fly high baby girl,even though we do not know you hold a special place in so many hearts.
The short life and brutal death of Baby Brianna
The short life and brutal death of Baby Brianna
- Reporter: Kim Vallez
- Web Producer: Bill Diven
Correction appended
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) - Brianna Lopez would be 6 years old now had her death at 6 months not revealed perhaps the most brutal child-abuse case in state history and prompted a major change in New Mexico law.
But as the July 19 anniversary of her death nears, some say the changes have not gone far enough.
The story of Baby Brianna is a hard one, but it is the ugly reality of child abuse. Violent family members caused her death while others hid what they knew was going on.
"They raped her; they beat her," said District Attorney Susana Martinez who prosecuted the case. "She had bite marks on her face, cheek, head, arms, legs, chest, torso, everywhere.
"Literally bruised from head to toe, from the top of her head all throughout her body all the way to the big toe on her right foot."
She was beaten and raped by her own family.
"Massive bruising on the head, and then her little fingers were lacerated, toes," said Detective Lindell Wright who was the first officer on the scene.
Brianna died on July 19, 2002. When Wright saw her body at a hospital, he remembers one thought going through his mind: "I've got a lot to do."
Later, when he had time to look back, "I cried my eyes out. It will stay with me for the rest of my life."
Investigators said Brianna's mother and father,Stephanie Lopez and& Andy Walters,and her uncle Steven Lopez were responsible.
The night before, Steven and Andy threw Brianna to the ceiling, then let her slam to the ground. And they had raped her time and time again.
Brianna's mother had bitten her child. The source of the other bruises remains a mystery.
"Bite marks throughout her body; there were old and new," Wright said. "She had skull fractures that were old and new.
"She had bleeding on the brain both old and new which means she had been abused physically her entire life."
And while all the abuse was going on another uncle and a grandmother knew but never reported it or tried to stop it.
Martinez won convictions and maximum sentences for the three abusers.
"It tests you to the point you're not sure you can speak," Martinez said."You're afraid that the emotion will take over."
For some Martinez's successful prosecution only highlighted shortcomings in the law.
When Baby Brianna was killed a person who committed intentional child abuse resulting in death faced a maximum of 18 years in prison. Her case brought on a major change.
"Eighteen years for the life of a child?" State Sen. Mary Jane Garcia Ana said. "I thought it was absurd."
It took Garcia three years of trying, but she changed the law to make the crime punishable by a life sentence.
"If the judges continue to sentence to the maximum under the new law, the law is sufficient," Martinez said. "But if a judge doesn't sentence them to the maximum to try to give some sort of deterrent effect to the rest of the community we've lost."
Both Martinez and Garcia said more needs to be done to punish people like Brianna's grandmother and uncle who fail to report abuse.
"Those two individuals knew she was being abused," Martinez said. "She was full of bruises that were old: green, brown, yellow-colored.
"Had they reported it early, had they and insisted on that child not being abused maybe we would have never had her death take place."
For failing to report the abuse the three were sentenced to 30 days in jail. The maximum is one year.
"I think perhaps we ought to try to make it five years at least," Garcia said. "I would go for something like that, and I would certainly try it."
However Wright said it's not just the law that needs to change.
"I think a lot of proactive still needs to happen as far as young parents need to have proper education, proper support systems," Wright said. "I feel a lot of young parents are struggling by themselves.
"They don't have anywhere to turn, and it is the chemistry of child abuse."
Brianna's story still brings much pain to the people in Doña Ana County who came together after her death, paid for her casket and burial and claimed her body when no one else would.
"The community felt that Baby Brianna could be their child, their granddaughter, their daughter, their niece," Las Cruces resident Edgar Lopez said.
Baby Brianna is now locked up in a cage built around her grave by her family to keep the community who loved her so much out. It is a mess, unkept and full of trash.
"They were asked, and they said they just wanted to be left alone and they wanted Brianna to be left alone," Martinez said.
Inside is a cherub with a finger raised to her lips. Some believe it's a message.
"My first thought was, 'Let's not talk about what's occurred here,'" Lopez said.
Yet the community vows to not let that happen. People still leave flowers here and have built another marker.
The people of this community will never forget Brianna and neither will the detectives, social workers and prosecutors who worked on her case.
Wright said they never found pictures of Brianna in her..


Kelsey was born on December 28, 2002 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to divorced parents. She lived with her mother, and maintained contact with her paternal family. The first two years of her life were uneventful. Before January 2005, no signs of abuse were reported to authorities, nor noticed by family members nor Kelsey's day care staff.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) - Brianna Lopez would be 6 years old now had her death at 6 months not revealed perhaps the most brutal child-abuse case in state history and prompted a major change in New Mexico law.
But as the July 19 anniversary of her death nears, some say the changes have not gone far enough.
The story of Baby Brianna is a hard one, but it is the ugly reality of child abuse. Violent family members caused her death while others hid what they knew was going on.
"They raped her; they beat her," said District Attorney Susana Martinez who prosecuted the case. "She had bite marks on her face, cheek, head, arms, legs, chest, torso, everywhere.
"Literally bruised from head to toe, from the top of her head all throughout her body all the way to the big toe on her right foot."
She was beaten and raped by her own family.
"Massive bruising on the head, and then her little fingers were lacerated, toes," said Detective Lindell Wright who was the first officer on the scene.
Brianna died on July 19, 2002. When Wright saw her body at a hospital, he remembers one thought going through his mind: "I've got a lot to do."
Later, when he had time to look back, "I cried my eyes out. It will stay with me for the rest of my life."
Investigators said Brianna's mother and father,Stephanie Lopez and& Andy Walters,and her uncle Steven Lopez were responsible.
The night before, Steven and Andy threw Brianna to the ceiling, then let her slam to the ground. And they had raped her time and time again.
Brianna's mother had bitten her child. The source of the other bruises remains a mystery.
"Bite marks throughout her body; there were old and new," Wright said. "She had skull fractures that were old and new.
"She had bleeding on the brain both old and new which means she had been abused physically her entire life."
And while all the abuse was going on another uncle and a grandmother knew but never reported it or tried to stop it.
Martinez won convictions and maximum sentences for the three abusers.
"It tests you to the point you're not sure you can speak," Martinez said."You're afraid that the emotion will take over."
For some Martinez's successful prosecution only highlighted shortcomings in the law.
When Baby Brianna was killed a person who committed intentional child abuse resulting in death faced a maximum of 18 years in prison. Her case brought on a major change.
"Eighteen years for the life of a child?" State Sen. Mary Jane Garcia Ana said. "I thought it was absurd."
It took Garcia three years of trying, but she changed the law to make the crime punishable by a life sentence.
"If the judges continue to sentence to the maximum under the new law, the law is sufficient," Martinez said. "But if a judge doesn't sentence them to the maximum to try to give some sort of deterrent effect to the rest of the community we've lost."
Both Martinez and Garcia said more needs to be done to punish people like Brianna's grandmother and uncle who fail to report abuse.
"Those two individuals knew she was being abused," Martinez said. "She was full of bruises that were old: green, brown, yellow-colored.
"Had they reported it early, had they and insisted on that child not being abused maybe we would have never had her death take place."
For failing to report the abuse the three were sentenced to 30 days in jail. The maximum is one year.
"I think perhaps we ought to try to make it five years at least," Garcia said. "I would go for something like that, and I would certainly try it."
However Wright said it's not just the law that needs to change.
"I think a lot of proactive still needs to happen as far as young parents need to have proper education, proper support systems," Wright said. "I feel a lot of young parents are struggling by themselves.
"They don't have anywhere to turn, and it is the chemistry of child abuse."
Brianna's story still brings much pain to the people in Doña Ana County who came together after her death, paid for her casket and burial and claimed her body when no one else would.
"The community felt that Baby Brianna could be their child, their granddaughter, their daughter, their niece," Las Cruces resident Edgar Lopez said.
Baby Brianna is now locked up in a cage built around her grave by her family to keep the community who loved her so much out. It is a mess, unkept and full of trash.
"They were asked, and they said they just wanted to be left alone and they wanted Brianna to be left alone," Martinez said.
Inside is a cherub with a finger raised to her lips. Some believe it's a message.
"My first thought was, 'Let's not talk about what's occurred here,'" Lopez said.
Yet the community vows to not let that happen. People still leave flowers here and have built another marker.
The people of this community will never forget Brianna and neither will the detectives, social workers and prosecutors who worked on her case.
Wright said they never found pictures of Brianna in her..
Case 2
The story of Baby Kelsey..

On January 17, 2005, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) first confirmed abuse against Kelsey's mother after Kelsey was taken to a local emergency room with a broken collarbone, multiple bruises and abrasions to Kelsey's lower back, buttocks, and thighs.
In April 2005, both of Kelsey's legs were broken. Medical examiners determined these were spiral fractures in different stages of healing and were caused by child abuse. After this incident, Kelsey was taken into OKDHS (State's) custody.
On June 15, 2005, Kelsey was placed into the home of biological mother Raye Dawn Smith and stepfather Michael Lee Porter by Associate District Judge Craig Key, against an OKDHS recommendation. The judge stated that the abuser was "unknown"
Kelsey Shelton Smith-Briggs died on October 11, 2005 at the home of her mother, Raye Dawn Smith, and her stepfather, Michael Lee Porter in Meeker, Oklahoma. Her death was ruled a homicide from blunt force trauma to the abdomen
From the moment I knew about these babies..they have been in my mind since then..May God keep them ..They are too precious for a human being to keep..they belong to JESUS and I am glad Jesus took them with Him..

I sang this song for you..and dedicated to u..;)
Posted by "When Words R Not Enuf" 0 comments
7 Benefit of Vinegar ??
1) Cleaning
White distilled vinegar is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity. Cleaning with white distilled vinegar is a smart way to avoid using harsh chemicals. You’ll also be glad to know that it is environmentally friendly and very economical.
To shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup, use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.
Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so, then run hot water down the drain.
Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the disposal.
Deodorize and clean the garbage disposal with white distilled vinegar ice cubes. Make them by freezing full-strength white distilled vinegar in an ice cube tray. Run several cubes down the disposal while flushing with cold water.
Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.
Clean the shelves and walls of the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white distilled vinegar.
Cut the grime on the top of the refrigerator with a paper towel or cloth and full-strength white distilled vinegar.
Avoid the bad smell when you heat up a newly cleaned oven by using a sponge soaked in diluted white distilled vinegar for the final rinse.
To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.
Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher by pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.
To prevent good glassware from getting etched by minerals, wash then spray with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Give the glasses a hot water rinse before letting them dry or drying them with a towel.
For cloudy glassware, soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit awhile before rinsing clean.
Get rid of lime deposits in a tea kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water.
Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners’ manual first.)
Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean.
For stained and smelly plastic food containers, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar.
Remove odors from a lunch box by placing inside a slice of bread that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave overnight.
Remove ugly film in narrow-necked glass jars, flower vases, and bottles by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar sit in them for a few hours. Add a little rice or sand and shake vigorously to loosen stubborn stains. Repeat if necessary.
To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter, use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.
Make a metal cleanser by adding enough white distilled vinegar to 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar to make a paste. Rub it on and let it dry on the surface. Wash it off and dry with a soft cloth.
Polish brass and copper with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar. Rub it on with a clean cloth until dry and shiny.
Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.
Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.
Get rid of fruit flies by setting out a small dish of undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Clean the wheel of a can opener using white distilled vinegar and an old toothbrush.
Remove the smell of spoiled food from a refrigerator by first rinsing the area with soap and water. Spray surfaces with full-strength white distilled vinegar and wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Fill some containers with baking soda and place inside. Close the door and leave for a few days.
Wipe grease off exhaust fan grids, the inside of your oven, or anywhere grease gathers with a sponge soaked in white distilled vinegar.
To make cleaning the grill easier, spray a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar on the cooking surface.
To remove a label, decal, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.
Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.
Get rid of calcium deposits on faucets by soaking a cloth or paper towel in white distilled vinegar and wrapping the area tightly. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight.
Remove soap buildup from faucets by scrubbing them with a solution of 1 part salt to 4 parts white distilled vinegar.
Rid a faucet of lime deposits by tying a plastic bag containing 1/2 to 1/3 cup of white distilled vinegar around it and leaving it there for two or three hours. If mineral deposits don’t wipe off, scrubbing with an old toothbrush should complete the job.
Shine colored porcelain sinks by scouring them with undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Rinse away soapy film on countertops with a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.
Clean grout by letting full-strength white distilled vinegar sit on it for a few minutes and scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.
Kill germs all around the bathroom with a spray of full-strength white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
To remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door, wipe with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse with water.
Spray shower doors with full-strength white distilled vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.
Mix up an inexpensive tile cleaner by adding 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water.
Get rid of stubborn bathtub film by wiping it with white distilled vinegar and then scouring with baking soda.
Soak a sponge or loofah overnight in a strong white distilled vinegar and water solution to remove dirt and slime. Rinse several times with cold water and let air dry (in the sun if possible).
Clean shower door tracks by filling them with white distilled vinegar and letting it sit for a few hours. Pour hot water into the tracks and wash and scrub away the scum with a toothbrush.
To clean a scummy showerhead, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the showerhead. Let this set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.
Deodorize the toilet bowl by allowing 3 cups white distilled vinegar to sit in it for about a half hour before flushing.
To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.
Freshen air in the bathroom by spraying into the air a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup water.
Get a shining finish on a no-wax vinyl or linoleum floor by cleaning it with a solution of one cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water.
Apply full-strength white distilled vinegar directly to tough linoleum stains. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it up. If that doesn’t work, apply white distilled vinegar again and then sprinkle some baking soda over the white distilled vinegar. Scrub the area with a brush or sponge. Rinse clean with water.
For an economical and environmentally friendly floor cleaner, mix a solution of 3 drops dishwashing liquid to 1/3 part white distilled vinegar, 1/3 part alcohol, and 1/3 part water. Spray sparingly and mop for a fast clean-up.
Some carpet stains can be removed with a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the carpet stain and let dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet first).
Bring out the color in carpet by brushing it with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet beforehand).
To reduce soap bubbles in a steam cleaner add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Use the same amount in the rinse water to remove detergent residue and make carpets stay fresh longer.
Wash indoor/outdoor carpet with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar in 1 bucket of warm water. Scrub using a brush or a broom and then hose off.
Clean up pet accidents by first blotting up the area and then adding a white distilled vinegar-and-water solution. Blot until it is almost dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day.
Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1/2 cup non-sudsy ammonia, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a gallon of water.
Remove the wax residue left by commercial window cleaners with a solution of 2 cups water, 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent.
To remove paint from windows try using undiluted, hot white distilled vinegar. Give the solution time to soften the paint before removing with a razor edge tool.
To remove paint splatters from windows apply full-strength white distilled vinegar with a clean paintbrush.
Get rid of mildew, dust, and stale odors by wiping down walls with undiluted white distilled vinegar on a cloth or a sponge mop.
Clean woodwork and walls with a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 gallon warm water. Wipe on with a sponge or damp—not wet—towel.
Clean wood paneling with a solution of 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 cups warm water. Wipe on with a soft cloth.
Remove wallpaper easily by using a paint roller to wet the surface very thoroughly with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and hot water. Or spray on until saturated.
Get decals off walls or doors by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar soak into them for several minutes before trying to peel them off. Repeat if necessary.
Remove white water rings from wood with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.
Remove fireplace soot and grime with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Use a brush to scrub and a towel to blot up the wetness and dirt.
Clean fireplace glass doors with a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 2 parts water. Spray or wipe on, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.
To kill germs, spray full-strength white distilled vinegar on doorknobs and then wipe them dry.
Remove the smell of a dead mouse or other rodent (after removing all animal remnants) by wiping down the area with either white distilled vinegar or bleach. Then place a fabric softener sheet in the area to remove any lingering odors.
Never use white distilled vinegar on marble. The acid can damage the surface.
Before painting old concrete, clean with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Let it air dry.
Clean hardened paint brushes by simmering them in a pot with white distilled vinegar. Soak them first for an hour before bringing the white distilled vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.
Remove mud and stains from plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum sports equipment by applying a paste of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts baking soda. Wipe off with soapy water and rinse with clear water.
Clean your grill by spritzing white distilled vinegar over wadded up aluminum foil and scrubbing the grill vigorously with it.
To remove film in glass baby bottles, fill with equal parts hot water and white distilled vinegar. Let sit for at least an hour. Scrub with a bottle brush.
To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.
Clean vinyl baby books or board books by wiping with white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth.
Clean scissors that have become sticky (after cutting tape, for instance) with a cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Clean and deodorize urine on a mattress with a white distilled vinegar and water solution. Then sprinkle the area with baking soda and let dry. Brush or vacuum the residue after it is dry to the touch.
Shine pennies by soaking them for a couple of hours or overnight in a glass or bowl of undiluted white distilled vinegar.
2) Pets
Humans aren't the only ones that can enjoy the many uses for white distilled vinegar-even our four-legged friends can benefit.
Give your dog a gleaming coat by spraying or rubbing with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar to 1 quart water. As a bonus, you save the cost of an expensive shine product used on show animals. (Works even on a horse!)
Keep a dog from scratching its ears by wiping them out regularly with a soft cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Remove skunk odors by wiping down the animal with a 50-50 solution of white distilled vinegar and water, followed by a plain-water rinse. Repeat if necessary.
Discourage a cat from sitting on a certain windowsill or other surface, or from scratching upholstery, by spraying white distilled vinegar on the item. Test first on an unnoticeable area to be sure there won’t be a discoloration.
Keep a cat out of a garden area by placing paper, a cloth, or sponge there that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar.
Get rid of the deposits and water lines that form in aquariums and fish bowls by wiping them down with white distilled vinegar and following with a good rinse. For stubborn deposits, soak for several hours or overnight.
Keep the birdbath clean by scrubbing it often with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse well.
Keep flies away from horses or other outdoor pets by spraying a mixture of water and white distilled vinegar around the area where the animals are.
Remove cat litter odor by pouring ½ inch of white distilled vinegar in the empty litter box. Let it stand for 20 minutes, swish it around, then rinse with cold water.
Kill fleas by adding a little white distilled vinegar to your dog or cat’s drinking water.
Stop a dog from barking with a spray bottle filled with equal amounts of water and white distilled vinegar. When the dog barks, spray the vinegar water in its direction but not in the face.
Remove pet odors. After cleaning, cover the area with baking soda. Let it stand overnight. The next day vacuum up the baking soda and wash the area with white distilled vinegar. Rinse and let dry.
Cats hate the smell of vinegar. If you have a cat that is marking its territory around your house, spray the area with white distilled vinegar then rinse with a hose.
Stop cats from fighting with each other with a spritz of a white distilled vinegar and water solution.
Prevent cats from eating your plants by spraying the leaves with a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.
Keep a dog from scratching its ears by wiping them out regularly with a soft cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Remove skunk odors by wiping down the animal with a 50-50 solution of white distilled vinegar and water, followed by a plain-water rinse. Repeat if necessary.
Discourage a cat from sitting on a certain windowsill or other surface, or from scratching upholstery, by spraying white distilled vinegar on the item. Test first on an unnoticeable area to be sure there won’t be a discoloration.
Keep a cat out of a garden area by placing paper, a cloth, or sponge there that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar.
Get rid of the deposits and water lines that form in aquariums and fish bowls by wiping them down with white distilled vinegar and following with a good rinse. For stubborn deposits, soak for several hours or overnight.
Keep the birdbath clean by scrubbing it often with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse well.
Keep flies away from horses or other outdoor pets by spraying a mixture of water and white distilled vinegar around the area where the animals are.
Remove cat litter odor by pouring ½ inch of white distilled vinegar in the empty litter box. Let it stand for 20 minutes, swish it around, then rinse with cold water.
Kill fleas by adding a little white distilled vinegar to your dog or cat’s drinking water.
Stop a dog from barking with a spray bottle filled with equal amounts of water and white distilled vinegar. When the dog barks, spray the vinegar water in its direction but not in the face.
Remove pet odors. After cleaning, cover the area with baking soda. Let it stand overnight. The next day vacuum up the baking soda and wash the area with white distilled vinegar. Rinse and let dry.
Cats hate the smell of vinegar. If you have a cat that is marking its territory around your house, spray the area with white distilled vinegar then rinse with a hose.
Stop cats from fighting with each other with a spritz of a white distilled vinegar and water solution.
Prevent cats from eating your plants by spraying the leaves with a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.
3) Cooking
Enjoying a salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing is one of the most popular ways to use vinegar in the kitchen. But that’s just the beginning! Regular and flavored vinegars are versatile recipe ingredients that add flavor and distinction, and can also contribute to good health!
To make basic vinaigrette salad dressing use 1 part white distilled vinegar to 4 parts oil.
Make creamy vinaigrette by adding some plain or whipped cream to a mixture of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts oil.
Tenderize meat with white distilled vinegar. Use it in marinades or when slow cooking any tough, inexpensive cuts of meat.
When poaching eggs, add a little white distilled vinegar to the water. The whites stay better formed.
For extra tenderness with boiling ribs or stew meat add a tablespoon of white distilled vinegar.
To add a zesty new taste to fresh fruits such as pears, cantaloupe, honeydew, or others, add a splash of rice or balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately to prevent the fruit from becoming mushy.
Freshen wilted vegetables by soaking them in cold water containing a spoonful or two of white distilled vinegar.
When boiling or steaming cauliflower, beets or other vegetables, add a teaspoon or two of white distilled vinegar to the water to help them keep their color. This will also improve their taste, and reduce gassy elements. This also works when cooking beans and bean dishes.
Make pasta less sticky and reduce some of its starch. Add just a dash of white distilled vinegar to the water as it cooks.
Give some extra zest to your white sauce by adding 1/2 teaspoon of white distilled vinegar.
Try cider or malt white distilled vinegar instead of ketchup with french fries—that’s how the British like to eat them. Either one is also great on fish or any fried or broiled meat.
Remove kitchen odors that come from burnt pots or when cooking certain foods by boiling a small amount of water with 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar so that the steam circulates throughout the room.
Make onion odors disappear from your hands by rubbing with white distilled vinegar.
Add moistness and taste to any chocolate cake—homemade or from a box—with a spoonful of white distilled vinegar.
To keep frosting from sugaring add a drop of white distilled vinegar. It will also help keep white frosting white and shiny.
Make perfect, fluffy meringue by adding a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar for every 3 to 4 egg whites used.
Perk up any can of soup or sauce with a teaspoon of red or white wine vinegar.
Eliminate the greasy taste in food cooked in a deep fryer by adding a dash of white distilled vinegar.
If you’ve added too much salt to a recipe, add a spoonful of white distilled vinegar and sugar to try correcting the taste.
Keep molded gelatin desserts and salads from sagging or melting in the summer heat by adding a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar for each box of gelatin used.
When making tuna salad add a dash of any herb-flavored white distilled vinegar.
Turn out great rice by adding a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar to the boiling water.
To make the perfect picnic potato salad dressing combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Olives or pimentos covered with white distilled vinegar can be kept almost indefinitely if refrigerated.
To keep eggs from cracking when boiling add a tablespoon or two of white distilled vinegar to water.
Make creamy vinaigrette by adding some plain or whipped cream to a mixture of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts oil.
Tenderize meat with white distilled vinegar. Use it in marinades or when slow cooking any tough, inexpensive cuts of meat.
When poaching eggs, add a little white distilled vinegar to the water. The whites stay better formed.
For extra tenderness with boiling ribs or stew meat add a tablespoon of white distilled vinegar.
To add a zesty new taste to fresh fruits such as pears, cantaloupe, honeydew, or others, add a splash of rice or balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately to prevent the fruit from becoming mushy.
Freshen wilted vegetables by soaking them in cold water containing a spoonful or two of white distilled vinegar.
When boiling or steaming cauliflower, beets or other vegetables, add a teaspoon or two of white distilled vinegar to the water to help them keep their color. This will also improve their taste, and reduce gassy elements. This also works when cooking beans and bean dishes.
Make pasta less sticky and reduce some of its starch. Add just a dash of white distilled vinegar to the water as it cooks.
Give some extra zest to your white sauce by adding 1/2 teaspoon of white distilled vinegar.
Try cider or malt white distilled vinegar instead of ketchup with french fries—that’s how the British like to eat them. Either one is also great on fish or any fried or broiled meat.
Remove kitchen odors that come from burnt pots or when cooking certain foods by boiling a small amount of water with 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar so that the steam circulates throughout the room.
Make onion odors disappear from your hands by rubbing with white distilled vinegar.
Add moistness and taste to any chocolate cake—homemade or from a box—with a spoonful of white distilled vinegar.
To keep frosting from sugaring add a drop of white distilled vinegar. It will also help keep white frosting white and shiny.
Make perfect, fluffy meringue by adding a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar for every 3 to 4 egg whites used.
Perk up any can of soup or sauce with a teaspoon of red or white wine vinegar.
Eliminate the greasy taste in food cooked in a deep fryer by adding a dash of white distilled vinegar.
If you’ve added too much salt to a recipe, add a spoonful of white distilled vinegar and sugar to try correcting the taste.
Keep molded gelatin desserts and salads from sagging or melting in the summer heat by adding a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar for each box of gelatin used.
When making tuna salad add a dash of any herb-flavored white distilled vinegar.
Turn out great rice by adding a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar to the boiling water.
To make the perfect picnic potato salad dressing combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Olives or pimentos covered with white distilled vinegar can be kept almost indefinitely if refrigerated.
To keep eggs from cracking when boiling add a tablespoon or two of white distilled vinegar to water.
4) Health
White distilled vinegar is something good for you on the inside and the outside. The next time you’re not feeling well, consider taking a break from expensive over-the-counter products and try a home remedy that is made with vinegar.
Stop insect stings and bites from itching by dabbing them with a cotton ball saturated with undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Soothe sunburn with a spray of white distilled vinegar, repeating as often as you like. Ice-cold white distilled vinegar will feel even better, and may prevent blistering and peeling.
For cuts and scrapes, use white distilled vinegar as an antiseptic.
Get rid of foot odor by washing feet well with antiseptic soap daily, then soaking them in undiluted cider vinegar for 10 minutes or so. Remember that cotton socks aid odor control more effectively than wool ones.
Clean a hairbrush by soaking in a white distilled vinegar solution.
Tone facial skin with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water.
If commercial aftershaves cause rashes and itching, try using undiluted white distilled vinegar as an aftershave lotion.
Lighten body freckles (not facial freckles) by rubbing on full-strength white distilled vinegar.
Eliminate bad breath and whiten your teeth by brushing them once or twice a week with white distilled vinegar.
Make nail polish last longer. Wipe fingernails with cotton balls dipped in white distilled vinegar before putting on nail polish.
Soothe sunburn with a spray of white distilled vinegar, repeating as often as you like. Ice-cold white distilled vinegar will feel even better, and may prevent blistering and peeling.
For cuts and scrapes, use white distilled vinegar as an antiseptic.
Get rid of foot odor by washing feet well with antiseptic soap daily, then soaking them in undiluted cider vinegar for 10 minutes or so. Remember that cotton socks aid odor control more effectively than wool ones.
Clean a hairbrush by soaking in a white distilled vinegar solution.
Tone facial skin with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water.
If commercial aftershaves cause rashes and itching, try using undiluted white distilled vinegar as an aftershave lotion.
Lighten body freckles (not facial freckles) by rubbing on full-strength white distilled vinegar.
Eliminate bad breath and whiten your teeth by brushing them once or twice a week with white distilled vinegar.
Make nail polish last longer. Wipe fingernails with cotton balls dipped in white distilled vinegar before putting on nail polish.
5) Automotive
Because white distilled vinegar has so many wonderful uses as a cleaning agent, it’s no surprise that it is also perfect to use on some of your bigger cleaning projects—namely automobiles. The next time you’re washing your car, shift into high gear and really make it shine with a little vinegar.
Keep car windows frost-free overnight in winter by coating them with a solution of 3 parts white distilled vinegar to 1 part water.
Polish car chrome with full-strength white distilled vinegar on a soft cloth.
Remove unwanted decals and bumper stickers by covering them with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar, or by repeatedly spraying them with full-strength white distilled vinegar. They should peel off in a couple of hours.
Rid the windshield wipers of road grime by wiping them with a white distilled vinegar-soaked cloth.
Remove the leftover odor after a rider has been carsick by leaving a bowl of white distilled vinegar overnight on the floor.
Get rid of hard water stains on your car with a rinse made from 3 parts soft water to one part white distilled vinegar.
Wipe vinyl upholstery with a mixture of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water.
Remove winter road salt residue on car carpeting by spraying with a mixture of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water, then blot with a soft towel.
Remove the hazy film that builds up on inside windows by spraying with white distilled vinegar.
Remove dirt and stains from car carpeting with a mixture of half white distilled vinegar and half water.
When doing car maintenance, soak rusty bolts and screws with white distilled vinegar to make them easier to remove.
Loosen chewing gum stuck to carpeting or upholstery by soaking it in white distilled vinegar.
Create an all-purpose window cleaner with a few ounces of white distilled vinegar in a quart of water.
Give leather upholstery an extra shine by cleaning it with hot white distilled vinegar and rinsing with soapy water.
Make your car extra shiny by adding a few drops of white distilled vinegar to your bucket of water.
Polish car chrome with full-strength white distilled vinegar on a soft cloth.
Remove unwanted decals and bumper stickers by covering them with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar, or by repeatedly spraying them with full-strength white distilled vinegar. They should peel off in a couple of hours.
Rid the windshield wipers of road grime by wiping them with a white distilled vinegar-soaked cloth.
Remove the leftover odor after a rider has been carsick by leaving a bowl of white distilled vinegar overnight on the floor.
Get rid of hard water stains on your car with a rinse made from 3 parts soft water to one part white distilled vinegar.
Wipe vinyl upholstery with a mixture of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water.
Remove winter road salt residue on car carpeting by spraying with a mixture of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water, then blot with a soft towel.
Remove the hazy film that builds up on inside windows by spraying with white distilled vinegar.
Remove dirt and stains from car carpeting with a mixture of half white distilled vinegar and half water.
When doing car maintenance, soak rusty bolts and screws with white distilled vinegar to make them easier to remove.
Loosen chewing gum stuck to carpeting or upholstery by soaking it in white distilled vinegar.
Create an all-purpose window cleaner with a few ounces of white distilled vinegar in a quart of water.
Give leather upholstery an extra shine by cleaning it with hot white distilled vinegar and rinsing with soapy water.
Make your car extra shiny by adding a few drops of white distilled vinegar to your bucket of water.
6) Laundry
Looking for brighter whites or bolder colors? The answer just might be white distilled vinegar. It’s a safe and inexpensive way to boost the power of your detergent and add a little more muscle to your stain remover. With vinegar in the mix, your clothes have never looked better.
Prevent lint from clinging to clothes by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the wash cycle.To remove soap residue that makes black clothes look dull use white distilled vinegar in your final rinse.
Get stained white socks and dingy dishcloths white again. Add 1 cup white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water, bring it to a rolling boil and drop in the articles. Let soak overnight.
Some stains on clothing and linens can be soaked out using equal parts milk and white distilled vinegar.
Before washing a mustard stain, dab with white distilled vinegar.
Attack spaghetti, barbecue, or ketchup stains with a white distilled vinegar and water solution.
Remove perspiration odor and stains on clothing, as well as those left by deodorants, by spraying full-strength white distilled vinegar on underarm and collar areas before tossing them into the washing machine.
Forgot that you left wet laundry in the machine and it now smells moldy? Pour a few cups of white distilled vinegar in the machine and wash the clothes in hot water. Then run a normal cycle with detergent.
Remove smoky odors from clothes by filling the bathtub with very hot water and 1 cup white distilled vinegar. Hang the garments above the steaming water and shut the door so the steam can penetrate the fibers.
Keep the steam iron clean and in good working order by getting rid of mineral deposits in steam vents and spray nozzles. Fill the water chamber with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and distilled water. Set it in an upright position and let it steam for about 5 minutes. When the iron is cool, rinse the tank with water, refill and shake water through the vents onto an old cloth. Test before using.
Remove scorch marks from an iron by rubbing it with a warmed-up solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and salt. If that doesn’t work, use a cloth dampened with full-strength white distilled vinegar.
Remove musky smells from cotton clothes by sprinkling them lightly with white distilled vinegar and then pressing them.
Get water and salt stains off shoes and boots by wiping them down with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water.
Give patent leather shoes and bags a better shine by wiping them down with white distilled vinegar.
Get cleaner laundry! Add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar to the last rinse. The acid in white distilled vinegar is too mild to harm fabrics, yet strong enough to dissolve the alkalies in soaps and detergents. Besides removing soap, white distilled vinegar prevents yellowing, acts as a fabric softener and static cling reducer, and attacks mold and mildew.
Eliminate manufacturing chemicals from new clothes by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water.
Remove soap scum and clean the hoses of your washing machine with white distilled vinegar. Periodically run the machine with only a cup of white distilled vinegar in it—nothing else added to the wash cycle.
Bring out bright colors by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Fluff up wool or acrylic sweaters (hand- or machine-washed) and rid them of soap smell with 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar in the last rinse water.
Get rid of the tiny holes left along the hemline when you take out the hem of any garment by moistening a cloth with white distilled vinegar, placing it under the fabric and ironing.
7) Garden
White distilled vinegar provides many safe and natural ways to protect and enhance your garden and gardening tools. Not only will you feel good about keeping children and pets (and you!) away from pesticides and other chemicals, you’ll feel great about the low cost of vinegar compared to those other products.
Kill weeds and grass growing in unwanted places by pouring full-strength white distilled vinegar on them. This works especially well in crevices and cracks of walkways and driveways.Give acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and gardenias a little help by watering them with a white distilled vinegar solution now and again. A cup of white distilled vinegar to a gallon of tap water is a good mixture.
Stop ants from congregating by pouring white distilled vinegar on the area.
Discourage cats from getting into the kids’ sandbox with white distilled vinegar.
Preserve cut flowers and liven droopy ones by adding 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar to a quart of water in a vase.
Get rid of the water line in a flower vase by filling it with a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar, or by soaking a paper towel in white distilled vinegar and stuffing it into the vase so that it is in contact with the water line.
Clean out stains and white mineral crusts in clay, glazed and plastic pots by soaking them for an hour or longer in a sink filled with a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar.
Remove crusty rim deposits on house planters or attached saucers by soaking them for several hours in an inch of full-strength white distilled vinegar.
Clean a birdbath by scrubbing it often with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse well.
Get rid of rust on spigots, tools, screws or bolts by soaking the items overnight or for several days in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Neutralize garden lime by adding white distilled vinegar to the area.
Avoid skin problems after working in the garden by rinsing your hands in white distilled vinegar.
Increase the acidity of soil by adding white distilled vinegar to your watering can.
Eliminate anthills by pouring in white distilled vinegar.
Cure a cement pond before adding fish and plants by adding one gallon of white distilled vinegar to every 200 gallons of water. Let sit three days. Empty and rinse thoroughly.
Sanitize outdoor furniture and picnic tables with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar.
Kill slugs by spraying them with a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part white distilled vinegar.
To catch moths use a mixture of 2 parts white distilled vinegar and 1 part molasses. Place mixture in tin can and hang in a tree.
Keep rabbits from eating your plants. Put cotton balls soaked in white distilled vinegar in a 35mm film container. Poke a hole in the top and place in the garden.
Remove berry stains on your hands by rubbing them with white distilled vinegar.
Clean plastic patio furniture with a solution of 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar to 1 gallon of water.
Wash fresh vegetables with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar in 1 ½ quarts of water.
When cleaning an outdoor fountain, soak the pump in white distilled vinegar to remove any mineral deposits.
Clean a hummingbird feeder with white distilled vinegar—soap or detergent can leave behind harmful residue.
Remove mold from terra cotta pots by soaking in a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup chlorine bleach, and 1 gallon of warm water before scrubbing with a steel wool pad.
Posted by "When Words R Not Enuf" 0 comments
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Pop Quiz anyone?
How much do you know about cats? Take our Cat Quiz!
1. Why do cats arch their backs?
a. Because they feel threatened
b. Because their backs are sore
c. Because they are trying to look scary
d. A and C
2.True or False. Cats can't get heartworm disease.
a. True
b. False
3. Why do cats always land on their feet?
a. Because they are smart
b. Because they can fly
c. Because their feet are very heavy
d. They don't always land on their feet
4. Which medication should NEVER be given to cats?
a. Flea control medications prescribed by your veterinarian
b. Feline Heartworm prevention medications
c. Tylenol
d. All of the above
5. Why do cats purr?
a. Because they are happy
b. Because they are in pain
c. To communicate with their mother or with their babies
d. All of the above
6. Why do cats hiss when they feel threatened?
a. They are warning the threatening person or animal
b. They are releasing air from their lungs so they can fight
c. They are trying to sound like a snake
d. All of the above
7. Why do cats have whiskers?a. They'd look funny without them
b. To detect the presence of prey
c. To help them determine if they can fit through the door
d. All of the above
8. Why do cats like to scratch?
a. Because they are bored
b. Because they don't like the furniture
c. To remove the nail sheaths from their nails
d. All of the above
9. What is the best way to change your cats food?
a. All at once
b. Gradually over a day
c. Gradually over a few days
d. You should not change your cats food
10. True or False. Cats can't get fleas.
a. True
b. False
Answers
1. The answer is d. Cats that arch their backs are usually frightened and are trying to look bigger and more threatening to the opponent.
They can do this because they have 60 vertebrae, twice what humans have.
2. The answer is b. Cats indeed can get heartworm disease. Cats living in areas where heartworm disease is endemic is recommended to be on heartworm prevention.
3. The answer is d. Contrary to popular belief, falling cats do not always land on their feet. In fact, every day cats become injured from falling out of open windows, off balconies and from rooftops.
4. The answer is c. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) should never be given to cats. It is highly toxic and as little as one pill can be fatal.
5. The answer is d. Some cats purr when they are contented and happy, but some purr when they are frightened or severely ill. Infants purr while nursing to let their mother know they are getting enough milk; mother cats purr to let their babies know she is there and everything is all right.
6. The answer is c. The sound your cat makes resembles that of a snake just before it strikes. And the message is clear: This is a warning, and if you continue bothering me I will have to do something about it.
7. The answer is d. All of the above. Whiskers serve as delicate sense organs of touch just like our fingertips. They are the same width as the cat's body to help determine if a space is wide enough for them to go through. And of course, they would look silly without them.
8. The answer is c. Cats' claws grow from within, like an onion, and the outer worn layers are eventually shed. By scratching, your cat loosens the outer layer from the cuticle. The outer layer falls off and remains behind at the scratching post (or the scene of the crime).
9. The answer is c. Don't change your cat's diet all at once, otherwise she may refuse the new food. Do it gradually over three days. Begin changing her diet by feeding 1/4 new food and 3/4 her old food for a few days. Then add 1/2 new food and 1/2 old food. After a few more days, feed 3/4 new food and 1/4 old food. Then, you can feed the new food entirely.
10. The answer is b. Cats can indeed get fleas.
Posted by "When Words R Not Enuf" 0 comments
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