Partnership for Prescription Assistance

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need for free or nearly free.

Their goal as quoted from their website:

"Our mission is to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible. We offer a single point of access to more than 475 public and private programs, including nearly 200 offered by pharmaceutical companies. We have already helped millions of Americans get free or reduced-cost prescription medicines."

You can check out their website at http://www.pparx.org/ or download a brochure here.

Job Fair

Friday, December 4, 2009

11:00am to 2:00pm.

1101 North 44th Street (Phoenix Airport Marriott)

Phoenix, AZ 85008

For more information, go to www.phoenixlocalhires.com

Federal Employment

If you would like to work for Uncle Sam and not carry a gun, job opportunities are posted to the www.usajobs.com website. Everyone likes to complain about federal employees, so become one and make it better!

I have worked for the government for over 40 years and have no complaints.

And with a little luck my job will be posted here in a few months.

What are we missing?

A true story...

Washington DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007.

He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.

During that time approx 2000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the till and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes: A 3 years old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly, as the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced them to move on.

45 minutes: The musician played. Only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace.

He collected $32.

1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

The questions raised: In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

Do we stop to appreciate it?

Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ....

How many other things are we missing?

New census office opening in Mesa, bringing hundreds of jobs

News release by the City of Mesa

The U.S. Census Bureau has announced that it will be opening a new area
office in Mesa on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 1102 N. Higley, Suite 101. A "Spirit of
Community Celebration" grand opening ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. with
remarks from Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and others.

"The new office will help emphasize the key messages that the 2010 Census is
easy, it's safe, and it's important!" Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said.
"Counting every Mesa resident is important because the information
determines the dollars Mesa gets back from the state and federal
governments. Mesa's Complete Count Committee, along with this office, will
work hard to make sure that everyone is counted."

The new office will be one of only five in the Valley and will serve as the
primary field office for a region which encompasses Mesa and parts of Pinal
County including the Gila River Indian Community. The office will house the
recruiting and support staff for more than 1,000 door-to-door census takers
who will canvas assigned locations, update address listings and obtain
demographic household information through interviews. For more information
about jobs, log onto http://www.mesaaz.gov and click on "Census 2010 - It's
In YOUR Hands" under the "highlights" section of the home page, or log onto
http://www.2010censusjobs.gov.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

The current video at www.lds.org has a wonderful and moving video on the Spirit of Thanksgiving. I thought it would be fitting shared here.

What are you Thankful for?

Ten questions to ask around the table

Janet Hovorka of Generation Maps has gathered for you a few conversation starters:

1. What are the most important lessons you've learned so far in your life?

2. What was the greatest time of joy in your life? The greatest time of sadness?

3. Who were your favorite relatives? Do you remember any of the stories they used to tell you?

4. What has been your favorite family tradition?

5. What personality traits do you admire and how have you tried to develop those traits?

6. What was the biggest turning point in your life? Looking back, how would you have dealt with it if you had known what you know now?

7. What was your most embarrassing moment?

8. What are you most proud of? Is there anything you have always wanted to do and haven't?

9. How would you describe your sense of humor? What was your all-time favorite practical joke?

10. What message would you like to leave your descendants? How would you like to be remembered?

It is sad when you remember those stories your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other long gone ancestors would tell when you were young. If you are like most people you wish you had written them down or recorded them somehow. I know Denise's dad had some great stories but he refused to let her record them or even take notes. When we would be in Ogden they would stay up after the 10 o'clock news and he would just start talking. She would come downstairs later and try to write down some of what he said. It is too bad we don't have them actually recorded for our children and grandchildren.

As I mentioned in Sunday School, I am the oldest living Young. There is no one left to ask questions to, hear stories from, or learn about the family from.

As you gather this holiday seasaon with your loved ones, don't forget the tape/video recorder. You will not regret it.

Free Books at Deseret Book

As a part of his doctoral studies, John Hilton III is "studying what happens when books are made available for free." He worked with "Deseret Book and they have made 8 of their books available for free." They can all be downloaded at http://deseretbook.com/free. Several of the books are ones you might be interested in. The books are:

1. Please Pass the Scripture (by John Hilton III).

2. What I Wish I Would Have Known When I Was Single (by John Bytheway).

3. Women at the Well (by Richard and Jeni Holzapfel).

4. Digging Deeper (by Robert Eaton).

5. 10 Secrets Wise Parents Know (by Brent Top and Bruce Chadwick).

6. Growing Up: Gospel Answers About Maturation and Sex (by Brad Wilcox).

7. Saving Kristen (by Jack Weyland). (fiction)

8. The Hidden Path (by C.B. Andersen). (fiction)

I recommend that you go download them all and save them for future reference as they will only be available online for free for a short time.

Thanks, Ken.

City of Mesa Job Openings

New or Revised this week

Fleet Maintenance Superintendent $64,043 - $86,445

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Operations Foreman $55,162 - $74,464

Victim Services Administrator $55,162 - $74,464

Ongoing or Continuous Openings

Engineering Designer $57,928 - $78,250

GIS (Geographic Information System) Supervisor $60,965 - $82,264

Information Technology Engineer II - Police $67,371 - $90,979

Information Technology Engineer II (Human Resources/PeopleSoft) $67,371 - $90,979

Information Technology Project Manager II $67,371 - $90,979

Museum Exhibits Technician - Part-time - Grant-funded $15.27 to $20.66 Hourly

Public Safety Dispatcher - Lateral - Part-time $18.68 - $25.22 per hour

Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee - Part-time $17.80 - $23.96 per hour

Shop Foreman $47,424 - $64,043

Water Supply Maintenance Superintendent $64,043 - $86,445

For more information and to apply go the City of Mesa website. http://www.mesaaz.gov/jobs/Job_Openings.aspx

Making Movies Better

I am not a great movie fan but a lot of folks are. One of the problems some of us face, especially after one of those 96 ounce Gigantic Gulps of soda, is when to go use the restroom. You know as soon as you walk out the best part of the movie is going to happen, another wasted $15.

Never fear, the geeks of the world have your back! Or in this case, the dullest part of the movie.

This site will tell when it is the best time to make a break for the restroom and even tell you what you missed while you were gone. They even have mobile app for your phone and soon an iPhone app as well.

For example, if you are seeing the new Christmas Carol, and I can't think why you would bother when you can watch the Muppet's Christmas Carol, the best times to make the run is 47 minutes into the film when you have approximately 4 minutes to make it back, and at 1 hour 2 minutes, when you also have about 4 minutes to return. There is also no reason to stick around at the end, there is nothing extra after the credits.

The site is at www.runpee.com, I mean, what else could you call it?

Dancing Opportunities

A new section has been added, Dancing Opportunities.

If you have been reading the blog you already know how I feel about dancing, see my Sept 16 post.

I will try to list as many opportunities that I am aware of. If you know of any, please post them as comments to this message, or email them to the address on the blog contacts, and I will post them in the list.

Happy dancing!

Same blue dye in M&Ms linked to reducing spine injury

I ran across this story a while back but had a hard time believing it. Not that blue dye in M&M's and Gatorade could actually do some good, but that Blue M&M's had turned their lives around.

You have to go into the web archives to find out the sordid details (they* have had the websites removed), but how many of you remember the Tan M&M's? We still do not have definitive proof but the interview below, with Yellow, certainly would lead a reasonable person to the fact that Blue M&M's did kill the Tan M&M's in order to infiltrate the M&M Mars distribution center of candy.

excerpt:

TAN"M&M"®: Did something happen to Tan?

Yellow: I can't fight it anymore. I found Tan brutally beaten and melted in someone's hands. He was just lying there totally lifeless. At first I kept this secret, but then I thought I would ask the others if they knew anything about this. The others showed concern. That is everyone except Blue.

TAN"M&M"®: What?

Yellow: At that point, he went into a blind rage. He... he... threatened to kill the others and me. He... he said he would crush my candy shell with his fists, and beat me until all the milk chocolate flowed from inside.. and... and... he said if I told anyone he would he would....

TAN"M&M"®: He would what?

Yellow: I... I can't say. It's.. it's too gruesome. I feel, I feel sick. I'm... I'm going to vomit. Life is too tough as an "M&M"® why couldn't I be a Rolo, they all look the same.

Does this leave any doubt in your mind?

* You know who "THEY" are!. They are the same ones with the black helicopters...

Community Supported Agriculture

If you want organically grown food here is an opportunity to participate in the process as an "investor" of sorts. The members, or share holders, pledge so much a week in return for a share of the harvest. This is also known as subscribtion farming.

While there is certain risk to this they do team with local farmers to minimize it.

Check out the details at their website, www.lovegrowsfarms.com

Thanksgiving Safety

City of Mesa would like to remind us to be safe around the house on Thanksgiving and that a Great Thanksgiving starts with a safe kitchen. Some recommendations:

• Electrical cords should not be placed near cook tops or near water
• Inspect all electrical cords for damage
• Don't overload circuits
• Don't use electric appliances near the sink or where water may spill on them
• Never use charcoal, propane, or other outside cooking devices in house

and more at their link.

Additional information can also be found at:

Home Safety Council

US Fire Administration

National Fire Protection Agency

Provident Living FHE Lesson

A great lesson on Provident Living can be found at LDS Living Magazine. The text version can be found here, and a PDF version here.

They even include a recipe for Saltwater Taffy.

I really liked the story that is included:

"I Guess You'll Have to Walk," By Bishop John H. Vandenberg

My wife and I were married during the time of the depression. I had purchased a new car, and it was all paid for. I was employed; my salary was $125 per month. I remember bringing home my first check. My wife said, "It isn't very much, is it?" I replied, "No, but it will do." She said, "Yes, if we budget it." So we sat down and budgeted: $12.50 for tithing; $1.00 for fast offerings; $45 for rent; $40 for food, and additional amounts for utilities and clothing; and $10 in the savings account, for we presumed and anticipated that a child would come eventually. When we added it all up, the $125 was all allocated. I said to my wife, "It's all gone, and there isn't any left to buy gasoline for my car. What am I going to do?" She replied, "Sorry. I guess you'll have to walk."

So I walked back and forth to work. And the car stayed right in the garage for several months until I got a raise and could spare a little to buy gasoline. We've always managed to get along on my income, and I don't think we have ever had an unhappy moment over it, but rather, much satisfaction in coping with the situation. It isn't so much what you earn, but how you manage.

Soldier's Angels

Soldier's Angels is an organization whose goal is "May No Soldier Go Unloved"

Their purpose aiding and supporting the brave men and women of the military and their families, wherever we raise the flag of the United States of America.

Check out their website at www.soldiersangels.org

City of Mesa Job Openings

New or Revised this week:

GIS (Geographic Information System) Supervisor $60,965 - $82,264

Museum Exhibits Technician - Part-time - Grant-funded $15.27 to $20.66 Hourly

Shop Foreman $47,424 - $64,043

For more information check at this link.

Harvest Moon on Main

Great shopping, dining and entertainment continues during 2nd Friday, the merchant-coordinated event held the second Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m. on and around West Main Street in downtown Mesa.

Many downtown businesses stay open late for 2nd Friday to offer great shopping and dining, and a number of them host special activities and entertainment including live music. Vendors selling arts and crafts also line the sidewalks of West Main Street.

Know the differences between a Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms

In that the doctors can't seem to be sure of which they are battling between colds and various strains of flu virus, the following could help you help him determine what it is that may be affecting you:

Fever. Fever is rare with a cold. Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100 +/-½F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the H1N1 flu.

Coughing. A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold. A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).

Aches. Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. Severe aches and pains are common with the H1N1 flu.

Stuffy Nose. Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.

Chills. Chills are uncommon with a cold. 60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.

Tiredness. Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. Tiredness is moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.

Sneezing. Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. Sneezing is not common with the H1N1 flu.

Sudden Symptoms. Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. The H1N1 flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

Headache. A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. A headache is very common with the H1N1 flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore Throat. Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. Sore throat is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.

Chest Discomfort. Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. Chest discomfort is often severe with the H1N1 flu.

The only way to stop the spread of the epidemic is to spread the awareness.

This information was posted to the PrepJr group at Yahoo, prepjr@yahoo.com, by "Papa" papaglenn12@yahoo.com.

Additional information can be found at WebMD.

Recycle Christmas Lights

Home Depot currrently has a Christmas Light trade-in program, valid through November 15. You can recycle your used or broken incandescent light strings and get $3 off LED Christmas lights.

Check it out at this link.

The Coupon Project

Excellent ideas on using coupons wisely and also some good info on why and how to stockpile food.

Check out Angela's site at this link.

Water Supply

I have not seen this product in action, but it is another option to consider when trying to decide how you are going to take care of your water needs during an emergency.

TMP-AZ claims to be the "The World’s First Manual Foot operated Portable/semi-portable Reverse Osmosis Emergency Water Purification Unit"

The website notes that it will:

• Generate Pure Water Manually using Reverse Osmosis.
• Capability of producing upto 75 Gal. Per Day.
• Simple to Operate and Maintain.
• Designed for efficiency to save water, Including the Maximization of your water supply.
• Excellent for those individuals with food storage and concerned about an ample potable water supply.

For more information call 602-400-3340 or 928-353-2121 or visit the website here.

Veterans Day 2009 in Mesa

The City of Mesa will be honoring our nation's veterans with several

different events on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The Mesa Veterans Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. There will be more than
90 entries celebrating this year's theme "Honoring Our Vietnam Veterans."

The parade will begin on Center Street at 3rd Place and will travel south on
Center Street to 1st Avenue. Street closures will begin as early as 8:30
a.m. At 10 a.m., Main Street will close between Country Club and Mesa
Drive. However, local access will be maintained from Country Club to
Macdonald and from Mesa Drive to Sirrine. Also at 10 a.m., Center Street
will close between Main Street and 2nd Avenue while 1st Avenue will close
from Macdonald to Sirrine. All streets should reopen to normal traffic at 1
p.m.

The Boy Scouts of America, Troop #773, will be setting up flags on the
graves of veterans buried at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., near
sunrise and remove them near sunset. The Boy Scouts will prepare a site
next to the grave to display a flag. To order a flag or for more
information, please contact Jonathon Crosby at (480) 390-4536. A suggested
annual donation of $40 to the troop will help cover the costs for the flags
and add to their camp fund, allowing the boys to attend summer camp and
participate in other scouting activities.

The First Annual Veteran Invasion will begin at 1 p.m. in the Theatre
District at Mesa Riverview as a day-long festival and concert in celebration
of Veterans Day. Sponsored by the Veteran Tickets Foundation, activities
will include a "GI obstacle course," Patriot Guard ride, displays from area
vendors and nonprofit organizations and live music at Toby Keith's I Love
This Bar and Grill.

Mesa Old West Days

I don't know why Mesa keeps all this stuff so quiet, this morning's paper is the first I have heard about this.

Some of the things to do:

• 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers

• Quick Draw Competition

• Various Vittle Vendors & Refreshments

• Western Merchants and Artisans

• Dutch Oven Cook-off

• Kiddie Rides

• Western Re-enactments

* Historical shoot-outs

* Events

• Period Costume Competition with prizes

• Blacksmith Demonstrations

• Poets, Authors, & Speakers

• Western Music

• Magician and Ventriloquist

• Mormon Battalion

• and more.......

Sat. Nov. 7th - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. & Sun. Nov. 8th - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Check out http://mesaoldwestdays.com

Two Tiny Beads

I conducted a National Court of Honor tonight in Four Peaks District awarding Wood Badge beads to three outstanding Scouters. In their honor and to all those who now, and will someday, wear these beads:

Two tiny wooden beads on a leather thong. It doesn't sound like an outstanding badge and mark of distinction but it is known and respected as such around the globe. It is symbolic of the efforts and interest of one man who launched the greatest movement for boys the world has ever known.

It is the mark of people who have demonstrated that they are people of character and who are devoted to a cause. People who strive for perfection well knowing that even the best is not enough. People that hold the welfare of others before self: Scouters who live up to all that name implies. Awarded to a Scouter on the basis of what he or she thinks and is more than on what he or she knows.

They must demonstrate that they have 'know-how' too. Good intentions count for little until, by the application of ability and determination, they produce results that count. Striving for perfection in themselves that they might train others better.

To this end exists the Wood Badge.

It is doubtful that the thought ever entered the mind of Robert Baden-Powell, that his efforts on Brownsea Island would grow to influence the youth of the world and that, in the days ahead, thousands upon thousands of people would carry his efforts forward to an ever increasing number of boys.

Who knows but that this effort, this crusade, may flourish to the end that two tiny beads on a leather thong may yet become the symbol of a succeeding effort to bring about a world brotherhood of man under a Fatherhood of God.

To that end may the Wood Badge serve and her men and women never falter or fail.

Two tiny wooden beads on a leather thong.

They could sumbolize the hope of the world - it's up to you.

Source: Scouting Magazine (Britain) December 1987.

Free VIN Etching Event

The Mesa Police Department is hosting a Fall H.E.A.T. Event on Saturday, November 7 from 9 am to Noon at the Target Store parking lot located at 1525 S. Power Road in Mesa.

This is a free event open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to bring your vehicles and let the Mesa Police crime prevention officers etch your VIN (vehicle identification number) on your windows as an auto theft deterrent. In addition, residents with vehicles registered in Arizona can sign up for the Watch Your Car program.

All participants will received a free steering wheel lock while supplies last.

Free Dancing

Does it get any better than Free?

Not Really....

Daylight Savings Time Explained

November Watering Guidelines

Predictions for the winter are that a weak El Niño may provide some winter rains.

Recommendations below are for plants that are established in the landscape (in the ground about 2 years).

Lawn watering:

Summer grass (Bermuda) - once every 14 days
Overseeded cool season grass (rye) - 4x per day for first 7-10 days to germinate, then once every 7-10 days

Trees and shrubs are on the same valve:
Desert Adapted - once every 24 days
High Water Use - once every 11 days

Tree watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 27 days
High Water Use - once every 12 days

Shrub watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 21 days
High Water Use - once every 10 days

Groundcover and vine watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 21 days
High Water Use - once every 10 days

Cacti and succulent watering - if needed

Annuals watering - once every 5 days

Wildflower watering - once every 1-2 days to germinate, then once every 7 days

Note: These recommendations are a general guideline only and may need to be modified for your specific site conditions.

Urban Horticulture

From the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension - Maricopa County

Climate Information for November in Phoenix, Arizona
Rainfall:

Average: 0.7 inches
Record: 3.6 inches (1905)

Temperature (degrees F):

Average High: 74.9 degrees
Lowest High: 40 degrees (1919)
Record High: 96 degrees (1924)

Average Low: 48.9 degrees
Highest Low: 71 degrees (1988)
Record Low: 27 degrees (1931)

To Do List . . .
Turf

For a green winter lawn, overseed established Bermuda grass lawns from mid October through mid November.

After the first mowing, fertilize winter lawns with a high phosphate fertilizer like superphosphate, triple superphosphate, or a complete fertilizer that is 20% phosphorous or more by weight. Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) is another option. Follow the application rates and directions on the label.

Vegetables

Plant Seeds

Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Collard Greens, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf), Mustard, Onions (Bulb & Green), Peas, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Turnips

Plant Transplants

Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf)

Watch for insect and pest problems, identify and manage early to prevent damage.

Roses

End the years fertilization this month

Plant container roses from mail-order catalogs, old garden roses in particular.

Fruit and Nut Trees

Be prepared to protect citrus from early winter frosts

Landscape Plants

Cut off spent blooms to stimulate rebloom

Water applications should be greatly reduced for the winter

Plant winter hardy trees, shrubs and vines

Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied from October through early December for winter annual weed control. Follow the package directions carefully for best results. DO NOT use pre-emergent herbicides where you will be planting seeds this season.

Be prepared for early winter frost

Don't List . . .

Do not increase opportunities for fungal disease on turf by over watering or watering at night.

DO NOT OVER WATER which will result in root rots. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.

Arizona Parenting

Arizona Parenting is a magazine and website (click here). The magazine is available both by subscription and online as a pdf file. It is a resource and guide for parents wiht articles, a great calendar of events, and departments like Parents Ask! and Family Table.

Check it out