The Refresh Orlando Heirs

Have you ever wondered about your ethnic origin? Do you know for sure where all your ancestors were from and which countries’ histories were a direct influence on the people who made you who you are?

I’ve always known I’m Canadian, but not until recently did I wonder: am I part Finnish?

It was just last week when I was broadcasting to the world on MSN that I was “60% Finnished” a personal project when I became truly intrigued about my heritage. What I was trying to tell the world was that I was 60% finished a large-scale car engine endeavor; however one of my friends that HAS to be right about everything pointed out that I wasn’t spelling correctly. Was I just a bad speller or could it be that I was sending out an underlying message about my own self? I facetiously pointed out to Ms. Always-right that it was conceivable I was a descendant of Finland, and that perhaps she was wrong for once. But was it really true? I’ve always loved Finland’s flashy flag; I can’t seem to get enough of the Finnish rhubarb stew; and on top of it all, I keep christening custom toboggans in the name of Finland. How could I find out if I really am Finnish?

A good friend showed me that there is hope! Ethnicity testing is available to me and anyone else with similar curiosities (not necessarily a Finnish fetish, of course). There are also applications that extend beyond personal curiosity, but for the most part, everything the test tells you is more-than-fascinating.

Ethnicity testing starts with the widely held assumption that all human DNA originates in Africa and the goes on a 150-thousand-year journey. The test is the first of its kind ever developed. It reports proportional European, Western sub-Saharan African (African) and East Asian ancestry. For example, one person may obtain a result of 80% European 20% East Asian, while another may type as 33% African, 22% East Asian and 22% European. The DNA test is accurate to from 4-8% and sensitive enough to detect, for many customers, a single (100%) African or European great-great-grandparent or a single (100%) East Asian great grandparent.

As far as I know, the only Scandinavian blood in me is due to a package of Swedish Fish; however, with ethnicity testing, I can make my own claim to the honorable Finland.

Pete McFraser is a marketing representative of DNA Bioscience, a company that excels in issues regarding paternity answers.

Order a free DNA kit from DNA Bioscience.

If you analyze the astrology signs as attitudes you will possess
a major tool for understanding human nature and all your
intimate relationships. This will be especially helpful for
understanding those people who have signs out of sync.

What Are Out of Sync Signs?

The twelve astrology signs are composed of the four elements of
fire (3), earth (3), air (3) and water (3). If you have planets
in signs that are not compatible, they are out of sync, and can
cause some serious problems in your relationships.

For example, if you are a woman with your Sun in Cancer (water)
and your Mars is in Aquarius (air), your heart (Sun) is out of
sync with your passion (Mars). This means that you love a man
who is emotional (water) and has a love of the home and family
(Cancer). But you are physcially attracted to an Aquarian man
(air) who is detached emotionally and totally unpredictable. He
has no interest in the home and family. In this case, you may
become confused about your relationships because you may be
going after men who cannot fulfill your Cancer need for a home
and family life. If you understand this about yourself, your
motivations, desires, and attitudes will make more sense to you.

At this point, you may be wondering “What can I do about these
conflicting needs? How can I find a man who is compatible with
me”? The obvious answer is to find someone who has the same kind
of “attitudes” (signs) as you. You would need to consult an
astrologer to help you determine the real attitudes of a man you
are attracted to and avoid being deceived by your attractions.

If you are a man and have your Venus in Gemini (air) and your
Moon is in Scorpio (water), your heart loves a woman who is
sensual, loyal and intense. But your Venus in Gemini leads you
to go after a woman who is cute, clever and very stimulating
mentally. But if you expect deep, emotional responses from her
(which your Moon requires), she will simply fly away. She will
not be around for you. Actually, what you want is a woman who is
bright and intellectual, but very intense, loyal and sensual, a
combination of both types of women. You, too, would would need
to consult an astrologer to help you determine the real
attitudes of a woman you are attracted to and avoid being
deceived by your own attractions to her.

I have merely scratched the surface of the complexities of the
signs and their infinite combinations. But with just this little
bit of insight you can find out if you have any signs out of
sync and what they mean for you. A skilled astrologer can help
you make these determinations, or you can learn how to this
yourself.

© 2005 Randall Curtis

Burglary is one of the most commonly committed crimes in the United States. Most homeowners fear that their homes are at risk of being broken into that they purchase insurance to protect them from losses due to burglary and fires.

But more than the insurance to protect them from the losses, a more important thing to consider is to install alarms to monitor and alert authorities on unauthorized entry and in cases of fire.

No insurance company can recover the losses due to damaged or stolen files, pictures, and items of sentimental value. Insurance companies also cannot restore you the delay and the time lost due to the hassles in filing for a claim. It is because of this that alarm systems are as important, if not more valuable, than insurance to one’s home.

In buying alarm system, don’t just purchase whatever is popular in the market. Consider your needs, the house structure, its wiring system and other aspects of your household before deciding on what to install for your house. Remember that what could have been effective for another house or establishment may not be effective for yours.

Here are a few things to think about before going about buying one.

* How many entrances are going to be integrated into the alarm system?

Consider the number of windows and doors in the house. It is advisable that all windows and doors, even the smaller attic windows, should be connected to the alarm system. The number of entrances determines the complexity of the wirings and it also determines where you should put control centers to turn the alarm on or off.

* Decide on the alarm system company to install the security devices.

Consult a security system specialist, an insurance agency, the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) or the police department for recommendations.

Make sure that the company does a free survey and inspection. Ask for the installer’s recommendation, explanation for his assessment and the price quote. Have it properly documented so you can compare it with the contract, once you decided to avail of the services of the company.

You also have an option to buy a do-it-yourself alarm system, although this may not be as reliable as a system install by professionals. This is usually the “bells only” system where the homeowner is alerted by a sound if unauthorized entry sets the alarm off.

* Should you subscribe to monitoring station?
An advanced alarm system can connect to 24-hour monitoring company and alerts them if the system has recorded a breaking-in. The monitoring company then alarms the local police. This is the best option, though an agreement with a monitoring company requires a monthly fee.

Another option, which is less expensive, is to install dialer accessories that will b linked to your phone line. In case a break-in was detected, the dialer can call several pre-programmed numbers such as your cell phone number to inform you of the intruder. A problem that can occur with this, however, is that if the burglar had cut-off the phone lines before the entry, the dialer accessories will be of no good.

* Decide on the sensors’ location and sensitivity.

This is very important if the people who live in the house gets up at night and roams around the house. Also, consider the presence of pets that can set the alarm system off.

If you have a motion sensor, make sure that this is install in places high enough not be disturbed by pets. You can also ask about motion sensors that will not be triggered by pets. These sensors can identify the size and the weight of the target.

If you have an infrared sensor, make sure it is properly located so it wouldn’t detect areas that have heat sources.

* Assess the proper location for the control panel and keypads.

Ideally, a keypad is near the front door for ease in turning the alarm on/off when leaving the house or upon getting home. Another keypad may be mounted near the bedrooms, to be a manual trigger, in case an entry was not detected by the alarm system.

* Check the possibility of home automation.

There are burglar alarm systems that can also be connected to carbon monoxide and smoke sensors, flood detectors and the lighting system. This may be helpful in turning on all the lights during emergencies.

* Type of controls

The controls should be easy to use that the household members can remember how to use it during emergency situations. The switches should also be properly protected to prevent damages of freezing when the climate changes.

* Should you go wired or wireless?

The difference here depends on the complexity of the installation. A wired system is complex and requires drilling holes on the walls. A wireless system costs a little more than the wired system but its installation is not inconvenient.

With this information, you can be prepared when selecting what type of alarm system will be needed for your home.

For more great alarm system information and resources check out: www.bestalarmsystems.info

Imagine the chattering with dolphin figurines in your curio cabinet or display case! The grace and charm of the dolphin shows through in the smooth lines of crystal in dolphin figurines. These figurines come in all shapes and sizes showing dolphins in various poses. You can also have dolphin figurines custom made according to your specifications and in the percentage of lead crystal that you want.

When you order a crystal dolphin figurine, it is hand blown by experienced glass blowers that have learned the craft from their ancestors. Dolphin figurines that are made to order are unique and one of a kind. If you are a collector, this will be one of the most treasured crystal dolphin figurines that you own. The brilliance of crystal in these figurines will remind you of the sunlight sparkling on the waters as the dolphins frolic and play in the waves.

Sailors have long told stories about dolphins leading ships through dangerous waters. When you have dolphin figurines, you may also be looking to the dolphin to protect your home and family, if you have a superstitious nature. For most people who collect crystal dolphin figurines, they want them simply because of their beauty and the ambiance they bring to any room. Try a duet of crystal dolphins poised to jump out of the water.

Dolphin figurines have always held a place in different cultures, especially those of the South Seas Islands. A lot of dolphin artwork has been found in ancient tombs telling us that the ancient people held the dolphin in high esteem. A crystal dolphin figurine crafted from Austrian crystal is an elegant piece to add to your collection. A mini dolphin figurine standing only 2.5 inches high next to a larger one will give the appearance of being a dolphin baby. Guests will Ooh and Ahh over such tiny figurines.

Svorski crystal dolphin figurines are truly jewels of the sea. Dolphin figurines crafted from this crystal will be gifts that you will treasure for a lifetime and will likely become family heirlooms. Although crystal looks good when it reflects the sunlight, you should not have it places where it will be in direct exposure of sunlight for long periods of time. A light dusting of your dolphin figurines will keep them looking their best and if you do need to wash them use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Crystal does not react well to the rigors of a dishwasher, so you should keep your collectible figurines out of this environment.

This article deals with a most important subject in my view and that subject is how to be true to your art whatever that art may be. My art is poetry so I’m going to use this as my example but feel free to apply this article to any art you have a true passion for because I feel it’s universal.

I see so many people who enjoy writing being what I call crossover artists who write in many genres but have no real specialty. I see romance authors or science fiction authors also putting out poetry books claiming to be authors/poets and this to me is troubling.

I am a poet who loves poetry and concentrates only on poetry so this kind of thing when it comes to crossing over I personally find insulting. The people who do this crossing over from genre to genre in my opinion are just trying to get their names seen in as many places as possible in the hope that in one it will stick and someone will see it.

I feel they care little for whatever genre they are writing under and they only care for the press that comes from it. In the music industry you don’t see rappers/country artists so why in the literary world do we see romance/science fiction/poets?

In my opinion the crossovers have no real passion or belief in any one genre so they write in them all and to me it’s disturbing. In my belief they also lessen and take away from the accomplishments of true artists solely dedicated to one genre and one genre alone.

You never see a proctologist/brain surgeon and so you shouldn’t have the fake author/poets of the world that lessen what poets do in the art.

I study karate and I took the time to find a real street effective self defense system of genuine value that is not used for sport or pretty acrobatic shows. I have a passion for the art and I’m true to it not wanting to mix it up with other things like a bad salad. It’s already perfect in every way to me without myself or someone else mixing things in and changing it’s real and effective and valuable origin.

I guess my message to crossovers would be to stop diluting the art we care for by just dabbling in it and then calling yourself a poet because you disgrace real poets by doing that. Take a look at what happened to M.C. Hammer when he went and crossed over from dancing to thug and you’ll understand the phoney light real poets see you in.

Think about having passion and originality for once and be true to your art with emphasis on the part that says your art. Leave ours alone and stop diluting it with your novice work and overblown ego. Be true to your art people.

Once you cross and change an art it ceases to be what it was and it begins to change because of dabblers and crossovers looking for another place to post their names and it sickens me.

If you know your true and real interest is not poetry then leave it to the people who have it as a real and true interest and stick to writing romance or whatever you do because you’re not and never will be a poet.

Publishamerica Poet

I’ve had Swiss Army knives on my keychain for years, it’s come in handy on many occasions. Recently I always seem to have a USB flash drive in my pocket too. When I received the SWISS MEMORY USB Victorinox drive from Swissbit it was obvious that combining the two was actually a very good idea. The Victorinox is compact, easy to use and brings the usefulness of the Swiss Arm tools. The USB drive comes in a variety of sizes from 128MB to 2GB and is a plug-n-play (unless Win 98) device and price points range from $50USD to $225USD respectively.

The Victorinox is small and compact given what it’s trying to accomplish. The unit looks and feels very sturdy and would handle plenty of pocket abuse, keychain banging and those occasional across the counter-top tosses. The Victorinox has a snapping clasp at one end which holds the flash memory in place. The clasp prevents the USB memory stick from popping out at an undesirable time and provides an aid in retrieving the USB connector when ready for use. The pivot end of the clasp can also be detached from the main chassis of the enclosure so the USB thumb drive can be disconnected. Although the rotation of the USB stick does provide enough room for those tight USB ports we all know about, the ability to quickly and easily disconnect the flash memory all together is definitely a bonus…and Swissbit knows this as it’s a patented technology.

The USB Victorinox comes with the classic tools needed for everyday use. The tools include scissors, filing blade with screwdriver head, 30mm knife, ball-point pen, red LED light, keychain loop and of course the USB flash memory stick. Swissbit does offer a non-tool version for airplane flight but this review doesn’t cover that model. The product is 60mm x 18mm x 19mm and weighs about 1.35 ounces.

Though the Victorinox requires no drivers for the MAC or PC it does come preloaded with software. The Swissbit data SecureLOCK allows you to encrypt and decrypt files and folders. The first time you use SecureLOCK it will walk you through a username and password setup along with a reminder question in case you forget. Once there, the SecureLOCK provides you the flexibility to encrypt the entire drive, or create partitions where they are “public” or “private” areas. SecureLOCK also includes formatting software to clean up everything but the encryption utility region (software takes 488kb of memory out of a 2MB partition), a bootable disk feature and repair utility to check for bad blocks.

We did run into a small glitch, if the SecureLOCK icon in the desktop tray is closed it prevents the drive from being ejected. Signing back in and logging off didn’t do the trick, but rather loggin in and using the Exit button of the software did.

Performance wise, the USB Victorinox is middle of the road. In our informal tests of the 2GB version, it took about 6 minutes to write a 400MB folder of mixed file types from our PC to the device. It took about 35 seconds to read the same data back to our PC, but of course results will vary depending on the system running the device and the types of files being transferred.

All in all, the SWISS MEMORY USB Victorinox is a good deal for the price. It comes packed with the traditional tools we love about Swiss Army along with a wide range of flash memory sizes to match a users’ needs. The SecureLOCK encryption software is a plus and the read/write performance of SWISS MEMORY is right on par with other products available.

Review by: G Mo
April 6, 2006
GetUSB.info is a USB News and Information website
permalink: http://getusb.info/?p=129

G Mo runs the GetUSB.info website which is a USB News and information website focused on products, gadgets and developments using the USB (Universal Serial Bus) technology.

I’m sure you have heard this from a friend before, even some of your computer literate friends; but what I want to warn you of is that this is a dangerous question to be asking. You for sure know about viruses and that anyone today is vulnerable to them if they haven’t taken appropriate efforts to protect themselves, but other than that (if you are like most people you don’t really know what is out there (lots more than just viruses) and how to really protect yourself properly. In the next few paragraphs I want to tell you some critical information to save you lots of time and money and tears.

So viruses are, just like their biological counterpart, parasites in that they use a host to exist and more importantly to replicate. A virus is made up of computer code that is written in such a way as to insert itself into existing code of (most often) an executable file that already exists on the host computer. It uses the internet mostly to travel but can and has been transferred by removable forms of media like floppy disks, smart cards, etc. Like viruses, worms use the computer as a host, but only in order to use the hardware, as they do not need the host computers software to replicate. Trojan Horses are another example of malicious software or malware that use techniques that evade the natural and built up defenses on a computer. The point is that there is more than just viruses that you need protection from and not all anti virus software (especially free anti virus software) provide the comprehensive coverage that you need.

The sad thing about free anti virus software is that it lulls computer users into complacency and they end up as bad or worse off than when they were virus free. The companies that offer these freebies are doing it more or less as an advertising ploy, bringing more traffic to their sales page.

Now there is a caveat to this that I would like to explain and that is that free anti virus software is better than having nothing at all. So, if you are too poor to purchase your own security software package than by all means get it on your computer. However I seriously doubt that if you are able to purchase a computer you would not also be able to get anti virus protection. Consider it nothing more than a necessary maintenance cost, kind of like putting oil in your car every once in a while.

Trenton Martkes has been helping average PC users get to know their machines and how to protect them. He is the voice of reason for many the computer illiterate user. Learn more about free anti virus software at www.freeantivirusdeal.info.

Hammers. Timbers. Iron. Steel.

They’re laying down a mighty keel.

As ant-like workers scurry round

I hear a truly riveting sound.

And as she rises midst the swarm

I see the beauty of her form.

(He has no soul who cannot see

How I am forced to call her “she”.)

And then, ‘a sudden, she’s a ship!

She waltzes down that mighty slip.

Then, in the water, no splash, mind,

This lady floats. Oh! How refined!

Southampton docks: I want to feel,

And touch, and taste the British steel!

Palatial, and stately too.

(There was no like in Xanadu.)

The passengers, the crew, all we

Are safe aboard, so out to sea.

The cheers, the midget well-wish fleet,

That siren deck beneath my feet!

A jewelled city, in the night,

From shame, the very stars took flight.

Her mighty speed seemed but a creep,

So steady that she seemed asleep.

Indeed the city slept. A few

Remained awake, they mostly crew,

To feed the rav’nous boilers’ maw,

To bake the bread, sort mail, and more.

I almost dozed and wished my bed,

But:

“Iceberg!”, “Iceberg! Dead ahead!”

With straining engines, spinning wheel,

She strove to swerve her awesome keel

And almost, almost, but, not quite –

A straining shrieking rent the night

And rent her hull. (I took no fright.)

‘Twas but a glancing blow”, I think,

She will not, cannot, must not sink!

But down below the decks, unseen:

In sneaks the ocean cold and keen.

And as up each steel wall it grows

It reaches top, and overflows.

Boats are lowered. Ah! Sad few.

“Women and babes first!”, shout the crew.

A panicked man, in dressing-gown:

“My God! My God! She’s going down!”

“Nearer my God, to thee how near”.

The band plays on, to calm the fear.

“You’ve done your duty, lads, now go.”

But does the music stop? Oh no.

A fervent prayer to He who saves

As down she slips beneath the waves.

The silence!

Then those dreadful screams.

(I sometimes hear them in my dreams.)

Next morn, upon that sorrowed billow

A wreath, a chair, a toy, a pillow.

No souls, the souls are all asleep.

I stand in silent prayer, and weep.

Patrick Lockerby - March 2005

Born 1946, London, England.
Grammar-school educated.
Retired engineer.

Interests:
Anything at all to do with language & linguistics, esp. –
poetry, prose;
natural language processing;
control and communication in human systems;
law, lies, logic.

Your own shirt designed and made by you for your own Civil War Uniform Impression is easy and economical. Follow these simple directions, and your Civil War uniform shirt will be exactly how you want it.

Take all of your girth measurements.

Using a tape measure, measure your chest, stomach and note the bigger of the two measurements. Write it all down in inches. Do not suck your stomach or chest in. Be sure you are in a comfortable position, so your shirt will fit properly.

Next, measure from top of shoulder to mid-thigh, so you can tell how long you want the shirt to be. Next, measure then from shoulder tip to wrist with arm bent at a 90 degree angle, so the sleeve will have enough room in it for you to move freely and comfortably.

Measure your bicep and wrist.

Measure your neck.

Start looking for material but don’t buy anything until measurements are completed

Look at original photographs and decide which type of shirt you like and would be comfortable wearing on the march. Look at the collars and variations on how the neck is done. The collar is an easy part of the shirt to change also. A standard placard front with a slit for the head is desirable and very accurate.

Purchase a shirt pattern. Follow assembly procedures.

Now you are ready to choose your material. 100% cotton or Osnaburg is recommended. Muted colors are more of what was worn during the Civil War. If I were going to do a shirt just starting out, I would go with a red, white and/or blue homespun. I would stay away from real bright colors. Use muted-color fabrics. I think it looks much more accurate that way. The reason I said red, white, and blue is that both armies were patriotic and those color combinations were popular in the Civil War Era.

Hand topstitch around the pocket and neck. Your hand topstitching should be about 6 – 8 stitches per inch. If you do this hand stitching, you have just doubled the value of your shirt and jacket.

You probably will not start the hobby out as much of a tailor. My first few handmade items were a joke, but eventually I got to where I can put together a good uniform. I would stay away from shirts that were real fancy. If you don’t want to make your own shirt, purchase a shirt that is already made that has machine buttonholes in it and rework the buttonholes to make it look more authentic. Take a seam ripper and pick out the buttonholes and handwork them. I would pick out and redo by hand all exposed machine stitching. Someone can show you how to do that in about 15 minutes. You have just doubled the value of your shirt and made it more authentic.

For photographs of shirt designs, patriotic combinations, and topstitching, go to
http://www.civilwaruniforms.net/shirts.htm

Next, get yourself some good buttons. Stay away from plastic and modern buttons. Go with glass, bone, shell, metal, porcelain, 2-hole cat’s eye or Mother of Pearl. Metal buttons are authentic, but they have the potential to rust and stain your fabric. Some of the sutlers that sell fabric and sewing items have buttons.

Or I have a ton of buttons I might be talked into parting with. Buttons can also be found at flea markets, antique stores, in old button baskets, tins or jars. Frequently, you can buy a whole jar of buttons for $3 – check out the buttons in it, and if you find a substantial antique buttons, it certainly is worth it. Sometimes the jar is as valuable as the buttons! I have found jars full of buttons with a hundred dollar button in it. Small items like buttons can make a huge difference and increase the value of your shirt, jacket, pants, etc.

To see some antique buttons, go to http://www.civilwaruniforms.net/civilwarshirtbuttons.htm

Try to get solid brass buttons. Waterbury is good. Original buttons are a bit pricey but not out of the question. If you are getting U.S. Eagle buttons, sutlers have them. Stay away from the ones that are plated. I personally just use coin buttons. If you are doing a state regiment, you want to go with state seal buttons. “I” buttons are a good generic impression. For late war buttons, go with the Tate Script “I” which were coming in later in the war. U.S. buttons can go U.S. or Confederate. It would not be unusual to see an Eagle button on a Confederate uniform.

Coach McCoach has been reenacting the Civil War for 27 years. Units he has reenacted with include 4th North Carolina, 2nd Virginia and 21st Virginia, Company B. In the movie GETTYSBURG, he is the soldier holding General Garnett’s horse while is talking to General Armistead before Pickett’s Charge. His Kepi was used for the little boy in the movie made for the visitors center at Manassas. He received the Stonewall Brigade 1994 Authenticity Award for his uniform.

2004 permission granted to reprint this article in print on your website so long as the paragraph above is included and the contact information is included to coach@civilwaruniforms.net

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