Ah yes, its nearly that time of year. . .for some, its just the anticipation of a great New Year’s Eve party.  For others, its another welcomed Federal holiday - no work.  For others, its the nervousness of getting ready for a date with someone new and intriguing.  For others even, its the hope of starting fresh and putting the old, ugly, or depressing behind.

 The reality is that though the average number of Americans making resolutions (hard to tell the statistics worldwide but it would be interesting) is down, still nearly 50% make yearly resolutions .

 Here are some worthy, typical resolutions (several others possible for sure):

- Spend more time with family/friends

- Quit smoking

- Get in shape/lose weight/exercise more

-  Enjoy life more

- Quite drinking

- Get out of debt

- Learn something new

- Help others more

- Get organized

  And for some comedic value, here are a few not-so-typical resolutions:

- I will no longer waste my time reliving the past, instead I will spend it worrying about the future.

- I will not bore my boss by with the same excuse for taking leaves. I will think of some more excuses.

- I will do less laundry and use more deodorant.

- I will avoid taking a bath whenever possible and conserve more water.

- Assure my lawyer that I will never again show up drunk at a custody hearing.

- I will give up chocolates totally. 100%. Completely. Honestly….

- I will try to figure out why I *really* need nine e-mail addresses.

- I will stop sending e-mail, ICQ, Instant Messages and be on the phone at the same time with the same person.

- I will spend less than one hour a day on the Internet. This, of course, will be hard to estimate since I’m not a clock watcher.

- I will read the manual… just as soon as I can find it.

- I will think of a password other than “password.”

- I will not tell the same story at every get-together.

- I will stop considering other people’s feelings when they so obviously don’t consider mine.

- I will not ring the stewardess button on airplanes just to get her phone number.

But, for those of you who are thinking of a New Year’s resolution, maybe you are wondering if its even worth your time? Let’s take a gander. . .

From the cartoon above, its true. . .many times it feels like resolutions are never quite resolved. . .why is this?

One author makes the note that resolutions often fail because:

1.Most people expect not to keep a resolution

2. Most don’t know how to truly set goals or don’t believe it matters

And this is the result as to why approximately only 3 -8 % of resolution makers achieve their goals.  But if you are wondering, “If statistics show resolutions are not very successful, why its still worth making even one resolutiob?” Then Buck up!, there is hope!

In one particular study , research shows that those who do not make resolutions and then try to make a personal goal have a relative success rate of only 4% after 6 months when compared to those who did make a resolution and have held it for 6 months (46% success rate).

What’s the point to all this? Making a resolution is not necessarily a worthless pursuit. If you have a goal, go for it!  You have a better chance making it work when you have the momentum of something like a new year behind you than not.

Here are a few more “pointers” to help you along your way.

How to make this year’s resolution work:

1. Team up with someone or a group of people, even if your goals are different. Reason: if you team up, you have built a support group to keep you going strong.  And this way if you slip up, you’ve got someone to encourage to keep moving on.

2. Set periodic, realistic benchmarks towards achieving your goal. Reason: It can feel like eternity before you ever see progress.  Setting up achievable, periodic goals will give you a boost of self-esteem each time you achieve a smaller goal. That boost will help you achieve the next benchmark, and hopefully, completing each smaller benchmark will help you achieve your overall goal. For example, if your overall goal is to quite smoking, maybe your first benchmark towards doing so is by the end of April to go from two packs a day to one.  Maybe your smaller benchmarks is  every week you will smoke one less cigarette per day.  As the weeks add up, you’ll see you are starting to smoke less and less.  Whatever it is, again, make sure its realistic and if at all possible, measurable.

3. Go easy on the resolutions - No more than 3 tops! Reason: Let’s face it, we create resolutions because we have things to improve upon in our lives.  No need to take on the whole list of them. . .pick out one or two (no more than three) that you really feel are important to change and stick with those.

4. Don’t forget to live a little! In the end, life is meant to be enjoyed.  We should certainly hope to better ourselves, but if you slip up now and then, go easy on yourself, brush it off, and get back on the proverbial horse.  Reward yourself from time to time, share your small (or big) victories with others, and know that its ok to be proud of yourself (we worry so much about arrogance, we never give ourselves a chance to be proud of ourselves!)

Whatever it is you choose to resolute, best of luck to you! You can do it. . .just give yourself a chance!

So, are New Years resolutions fad, fiction or fact?

. . . Yes, yes, and yes!

-  IgniteTheMind

As humans have developed new technology and seemingly conquered more of the world. . .we have found increasingly daring ways of recreating in our triumphant spirit.

 Mind you, there is nothing inherently wrong with this. . .just that humanity is finding new ways to be bold, to live life on the edge.

 True, some do so with an heir of stupidity like these geniuses:

 (Then again, they do provide us with some great hilarity!)

But what we’re really looking at is recreation taken to a whole new level. . .If you are not familiar with some of these fascinating and thrilling pastimes, check them out!

 Seagaia in Miyazaki, Japan

Tennis anyone? Helipad of the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai

 Walk on “thin” air: The Skywalk over the Grand Canyon

 Its just a little roller coaster. . . Stratosphere Roller Coaster in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 Wanna go for a ride? Extreme mountain biking

What is it about humans that drives us toward such a rush?  We are the most logical creatures on this planet and yet we pursue such exhilarating and sometimes life-threatening pursuits.

Maybe it is because deep down we all realize that though we as humans have accomplished a great deal, we are comparatively insignificant when we think about how there are certain things, enormous things, that are out of our control: weather/natural disasters, time, death, etc.

Perhaps it is in this that we realize existing does not always mean playing it safe, and in  a very odd and paradoxical sense, risking life, the greatest thing that has been gifted to us, actually helps us to appreciate and live it even more vigorously. . .

Whatever the reason, there are loads of other extreme recreational activities out there if you are a thrill seeker.

These all look like a lot of fun, but if you are just looking for a little relaxation, feel free to go on a  nice, safe, and simple walk.

-  IgniteTheMind

In this so-called modern world, amongst a so-called developed and civilized people, the tragedy of an ancient and ugly practice still exists worldwide.

Human trafficking is when a human being is sold into some form of forced service.  The “services” can be many, ranging from housekeeping to sexual slavery.  Let not the act of service determine the level of acceptability.  Rather, let it all be considered unacceptable because the key word here is: forced.

This is the issue of slavery; its against a person’s will.  True, there are a statistical few who willingly sell themselves into this form of service.  But dare we not think that they do so with eagerness.  Rather, those few who do sell themselves probably do so simply to survive in what must be a terrible, helpless situation to make them even contemplate doing so.

Yet many people around the world are still unaware that this is occurring.  Truth be told, many of us want to deny that it happens because we wish it was not happening.  If only this were the case.

Unfortunately, when there is money to be made there are people who are willing to do whatever it takes to make that money - and in this case, it comes at the expense of exploited, powerless people.

Sometimes it is tyrant leaders in the area who come and collect people for their “business” and other times it is a family member who is so selfish they send off their relative, perhaps even their own child, for their own benefit.

Regardless of the excuses by oppressors to force this horrific practice upon others, its pathetic and inexcusable.  Even if the person has willingly subjected themselves to this it still does not make it an acceptable practice.  Just because a person asks for cocaine does not mean that one is “being a nice person” by giving them what they want.

Rather, a true human looks out for their fellow human brothers and sisters, regardless of race, sex, creed, class, religion, sexual orientation or the like.  We look out for each other because its the inherently good thing to do, regardless of religious belief - it just is the right thing to do.

None of us can conquer this practice ourselves, but let us help those who are now unable to help themselves due to forced slavery.

Anti-Human Trafficking Sites - make a difference today:

www.NotForSaleCampaign.org

www.EndHumanTrafficking.org

www.BarnabaInstitute.org 

www.humantrafficking.org/

-  IgniteTheMind

If you ever thought you were feeling a little blue after a bad day, how about being blue everyday?

That’s just the way it is for Paul Karason. . .

 He wasn’t always “blue” though. . .

As Karason tells it, it all started when he began to take colloidal silver, which is essentially suspended silver in liquid form.  Silver has been known to having healing properties for a very long time, but new medicines have proven more effective.  The silver in this liquid is actually what caused Karason to turn blue.  Needless to say, its the last side-effect he expect to suffer from.

Nowadays, Paul faces a life like that of a carnival clown. . .not because he wants to, but because people treat him differently, stare, or make snide remarks or faces.  The condition, called argyria, is irreversible, at least to the current state of medicine.  Karason has managed to deal with societal rejection.  In fact, he admits that he’s used to people gawking at him, but that doesn’t mean he enjoys it.

Certainly Paul’s case is a rare one, but it really brings out the issue of whether or not people can truly accept another person regardless of skin color - in this case blue.

Regardless, the next time you are feeling “blue”, you’ll probably end up thinking twice about how you express your feelings! (By the way, it is an interesting phenomena how we use colors to express human feelings - green with jealously, red with anger/passion, yellow with fear, etc.)

In case you haven’t seen it, the History Channel is showing a great new series of shows called Shadowforce in which special forces and other elite ex-military members have formed a small band to help other security-type forces in troubled areas around in the world.

Take a look and see what these guys are all about:

They will go anywhere and do just about anything for the good of those who they are helping. . .In one particular episode they helped an African national park devise a new way of tracking poached rhino horns into the black market, while in another they created a strategical plan to help another security force stop the illegal burning of trees for the underground coal market.  These are just a few of the scenarios these guys find themselves in, and they do it all with the opposition breathing down their necks.

Again, if you haven’t seem them you should try to.  They guys are professional, intelligent, and downright deadly.  And yet, they harness all that to help those in need.  In this day and age, they do nothing short of small miracles for those who accept their aid.

There is always a way to help others.  These guys, considered “trained killers”, are using their knowledge and skills to help make positive, non-violent change (they will only protect themselves, never attack).  You can make positive change too by using your talents, skills, and knowledge to help others all with a flair of creativity!Start shaping your sphere of influence today!

(For more on Shadowforce, go here to check out a few TV clips: Shadowforce TV Clips )

Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate this joyous holiday!

And with that, let’s keep it simple today. . .no politics, no world issues, no backbiting - just good ol’ wintry fun.

So here you go, some comical Christmas pics to keep the rest of your Christmas day merry!

Well, its the last week of the 2008 NFL season.  With great anticipation, this final week holds a lot of opportunity for several NFL teams as excitement builds for the playoffs.  With this week though a taste of “bittersweetness” starts to set in. . .because while the playoffs will surely prove eventful and watch-worthy, it also means that the season is nearly over. . .but no need to let the tears flow yet, let’s just take it one week at a time.

Key Games to Watch for Playoff Purposes:

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets: In one of three unclinched divisions this game is tremendously pivotal for both teams.  A Dolphins loss (and New England Patriots win) gives the division to the Pats. If both the Dolphins and Patriots lose, the Jets could take it because though all three teams would have the same record, the Jets would have the best divisional record.  This one will be interesting for sure (and if you didn’t see, the Dolphins, though they won, struggled in the Kansas City cold last week - New York won’t be much nicer).

Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers: Just a few weeks ago everyone thought the Broncos had the division secure.  They weren’t exactly blowing away the competition, but they were ligit (much like the Cardinals).  But after losing 2 straight and the creeping Chargers reeling off 3 victories, the division is up for grabs.  Whoever wins this game clinches the title. . .whoever doesn’t is probably going home empty handed with the wild card race so close in the AFC East and North.  Philip Rivers has been hot so Denver’s struggling defense will need to hold it together to keep it close.

New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings: The Giants are in the clear having clinched home field advantage for the playoffs so they may end up putting in some second stringers and resting their big dogs.  Even so, the Giants are deep and are far from a pushover. And even if big bull Brandon Jacobs is benched for NYG, the Giants still have two formidable backs in Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw so the Vikes can’t go to sleep.  Meanwhile, can Tarvaris Jackson lead the passing charge to help compliment All-Day Adrian Peterson?  This will prove to be a major test as a Vikings win will help lock up the division.

Top 5 Fantasy Ranks for QB, RB, and WR (just in case your league does Week 17):

QB:

1. Philip Rivers: He’s been ridiculously good this year, and he scorched a very respectable Tampa D last week for 4 TDs.  Denver’s secondary is one of the worst this year, though having Champ Bailey back may help some.  Still, it seems the hot Chargers should keep their streak alive, and it will be done with Rivers’ arm.

2. Aaron Rodgers: Its the Detroit Lions this week, which is like an oasis in the desert given a tough loss last week.  Green Bay is out of the playoff picture but will play for pride and also make sure they don’t get beat by the 0-15 Lions.  Ryan Grant has been a roller coaster, and Rodgers has scored via air or ground in every week but one so some cush numbers will be had.

3. Jay Cutler: He’s still unreliable sometimes but last week when he couldn’t score through the air, he rushed for 2 TDs. He’ll get you points weekly, and the Chargers D is shaky. This game could prove to be a shoot out, and Cutler has the cannon to do it.

4. Kurt Warner: He’s still MVP worthy even with the Cardinals struggling the last few so why so low? With the Cards having clinched the division its hard telling if Warner will play the whole game as well as wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.  If they all do, Warner is more than worthy of the #4 spot (maybe #2 or even #1).  Only game day will tell but its hard not to give him a shot this week against the leagues worst passing D.

5.  Matt Ryan: Can’t deny the rookie here. There may be a few other QBs worth considering for sure but Ryan has been solid all year.  St. Louis has nothing to boast in the passing defense, and Michael Turner get the run game going, which should help with the deep ball.  It should be a field trip for the Falcons, and Ryan will be the tour guide.

Honorable Mentions: Ben Roethlisberger, Brett Favre, Matt Cassel, Tyler Thigpen

RB:

1.  DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart: William has had a monster season having two 4-TD games this year and having scored in at least one TD in 10 of the last 11 games.  He faces a pourous New Orleans Saints D, but even so, it doesn’t matter as DeAngelo has been killing it no matter who he faces (he put over 100 yds and 4 TDs last week against a stiff Giants D). Stewart will clean up the rest.

2. Michael Turner: The “Burner” will scorch the Rams this week.  They simply cannot stop the run, and Turner has been running on everyone the last several weeks.  He’s a rumbling thunder that will probably near or eclipse 100 yds and at least 1 score.

3. Clinton Portis: If he’s healthy and they let him play, he gets the 49ers. And while the 49ers run D has been fairly respectable this year, the Skins are angry (about a whole lot of things). Expect Portis to end this year on a high note.

4.  LenDale White/Chris Johnson: Its expected LenDale White and Johnson will probably sit at some point this game, even though they face division rival Indianapolis. But the Titans won’t just give the Colts this game, and Indy’s run D has been deplorable. If these guys stay in even half the game, it might be enough for them to each score.

5. Matt Forte: Here’s another rookie getting the job done, and he faces a wimpy Texans run D.  The Bears have been hot, rattling off three straight, and they’ll be coming out strong in hopes to win the division. Forte can run and catch, and he almost always tops 100 total yards.  Similar totals should be expected and 1-2 scores are not out of reach.

Honorable mentions: Steven Jackson, Willie Parker, Ryan Grant, Maurice Morris, Tashard Choice, Brian Westbrook

WR:

1. Steve Smith: Sure, the Panthers can run all day, and they probably will. But despite laying an egg in New York last week, Smith has been incredibly hot.  The Saints have been fairly stiff against the run the last few weeks, and that just might prove enough for a downfield bomb to Smith.

2. Anquan Boldin/Larry Fitzgerald: They get the #2 slot only because we don’t know how much they or Warner will play, but if they play at all against the Seahawks, one, if not both, have the potential to score.  Even with a shortened play time, they are both capable of scoring in one quarter alone.

3. Terrell Owens: Which T.O. will show up? Who knows. . .but TO has a history of scorching his old teams.  The Cowboys are desperately needing a win, and with all the recent Cowboys drama and playing in front of his ol’ Philly team, the Eagles better keep an eye on #81.  He’s not a lock by any means, but the upside is there given the scenario. Besides, its TO your taking a chance on, so its not a complete gamble at all.

4. Vincent Jackson: Not your expected #4 pick? Don’t blame you, but he’s had over 100 yards in the last 3 games and a score in each contest.  Plus, he gets a fabulous matchup against the Broncos D, and Chambers will probably get Bailey, which leaves Jackson to roam downfield and use his tall frame.  Add all this with a smoking Philip Rivers, and we’re looking at four straight with a TD.

5. Greg Jennings: He gets Detroit. . .and we could stop there. But the Packers run has been up and down all year. And while it is Detroit so Ryan Grant could actually show up, Rodgers will look to his favorite long-bomb target in Jennings. He should do just fine in this matchup.

Honorable mentions: Hines Ward, Roddy White, Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, Brandon Marshall

There you go gang. If you are playing this week, best of luck to ya!

Well, as if it wasn’t already sweeping the nation, one of the most innovative gaming consoles to ever hit the market, the Wii by Nintendo , has reached the one million sold mark in America (see right hand side - column titled “Hardware Sales”) .

Easily the most interactive home console available has created a tremendous following.

Seriously, did we ever think we would see this in America?

But why not? Its great to see something that is able to help bridge the generational gap or at least help the process.

And really, for $250 retail, its pretty cheap considering all the cool games that you can get for it.

Whether you are a novice or a gaming veteran, skillfully coordinated or a reluctant klutz, you’ll find that the Wii offers fun for everyone. . .You’ll say more than “Wii”, guaranteed. . .

Just recently George Bush was the victim of a fly-by.  That’s right, a fly-by.

No, we’re not talking a fleet of jets or even dive-bombed by a flock of pigeons.

Rather Bush, while at a press conference in Iraq, had a pair of shoes thrown at him by an Iraqi journalist.

Just recently ignitethemind commented on Iraq’s tremendous progress , but as we all know, progress is a slow, sometimes painful (shoes hurt flying that fast!), sometimes embarassing process.

One columnist looks at the cultural relevance for throwing a shoe at Bush and while these are extremely insightful remarks, it also  seems equally practical.  What security guard is going to let a journalist in with a 5 lb. rock or hand grenade for that matter? The guy was smart, and he used what was on him - literally the clothes on his back, or better said, the shoes on his feet.

Truth be told though, much of the American public would like to throw a shoe or two at Bush as he comes to the end of a questionable tenure in office.  But in all fairness, he’s also had plenty of proverbial shoes thrown at him through the media. . .Still, if you want to throw some of your own, here’s a great little game for ya - just go easy on ‘em. http://www.sockandawe.com/

So sorry George. . .it really is a disrespectful thing to have someone throw their shoes at you, no matter who you are.  I guess it brings a whole new meaning to Air Force One.

Air Force One and Air Force Ones. . .and both can fly!

If you managed to sit through Cheaper by the Dozen (old or new version), you probably thought at some point what it just might be like to have 11 other siblings.  Perhaps some of you out there have experienced that scenario as reality.

But few modern families, especially American, can hardly fathom having 18 children! For Jim and Michelle Duggar, not only is it reality but it is a reality that they love.  So much so that they are already thinking about number 19!

Thankfully for this family they have a nationally-televised show focusing on their family-life, which undoubtedly provides some income.  I can only imagine the statistics on how much consumption (i.e. food, toiletries, diapers, etc.) are amassed in this household!

But I think the bigger marvel Mom is doing this! Their recent child, Jordyn-Grace (all their kids are named with J by the way so now wonder they’ve had to hyphenate just to keep the trend!), was taken by C-section.  But regardless of how birth is given, it is incredible to think that a woman’s body can take the roller-coaster ride that is pregnancy some 18 times!  Needless to say Michelle has probably been pregnant the majority of her life and who knows if she would even know how to function otherwise. . .

But if the family believes that everyone is being taken care of and the children themselves feel that they are loved and receive enough parental connection, then more power to them.

So congratulations Duggar family - add another car seat to the family bus!