Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Colds vs. Flu

Know the Difference between a Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms:
 
Symptom
Cold
H1N1 Flu
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°F 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.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Elite DefensiveTactics Halloween Party

Halloween Party Pictures flickr, A Special Thanks goes out to all the people who helped setting up and cleaning up. I very much appreciate your time.

Shihan Gary

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Nothing Good Happens After 11:00pm

Nothing Good Happens After 11:00pm

Years ago when I began doing security work I remember one of the veterans telling me "Nothing good happens after 11:00 pm." Since that time, there has been little to prove him wrong.

On October 18th at approximately 1:00am, Star University of Connecticut (UConn) cornerback Jasper T. (Jazz) Howard was murdered following a stellar performance on the gridiron against the Louisville Cardinals only hours earlier. Howard, who was in attendance at a student dance late Saturday night, was stabbed to death on the Storrs campus. Details of the event are murky while the assailant still remains at large.

As the story unfolds on this tragedy, one can only think of how this could have been avoided. Personally, I have could ended up just like him, a college kid after a big game, in the wrong place at the wrong time. My judgement impaired by alcohol combined wi th the invincibility of youth would make me an easy target for a steet wise thug.

What we learn as we get older is that there are certian situations that increase our exposure to risk. One of those situations is the "witching hour". That point in the evening when more bad than good can happen. That time is 11:00pm. People out at this time are usually coming home from dinner, happy hour or even a long day at work. Either way, a little drunk or alittle tired makes you a prime target.

It has only been through personal experience that you come to realize when you are getting in over your head. Coming home alone after a big game on a college campus one might think that one was safe. But kids away from home for the first time are easy victims of violence They are on their own for the first time, dealing wi th new freedoms and new responsibilities ad of course making new and more dangerous mistakes.

Experience is the best teacher. It's only by getting burned that we learn how to avoid the fire.The hope is that we can teach others to avoid the mistakes that we made so that we can evolve and grow.

It is unfortunate that we must learn from the mistakes of the innocent and there is no way to bring someone back, but you can honor their memory by teaching others how to avoid this pain and suffering.

The choice is yours, turn a blind eye or swing a clenched fist.

Start Doing Something NOW
www.theselfdefenseco.com

Until Next Time,

Damian Ross
Master Instructor and CEO, The Self Defense Company
Police Investigation is Ongoing

UConn Police and the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Unit are actively investigating Howard’s death and are asking anyone with information pertaining to the incident to contact UConn Police at 860-486-4800.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

45 Lessons Life Taught Me

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others.
You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret,you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.
But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19.. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
But the second one is up to you and no one20else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life,
Don't take no for answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this
matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is,
not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab
yours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves

Monday, September 14, 2009

Always a Cop:


Once the badge goes on, it never comes off, whether anyone can see it, or not. It is fused to the soul through adversity, fear and and camaraderie.  We've worn it with pride, integrity, and fearlessness others would think crazy.

When a good cop leaves the "job" and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder.  Wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.  After a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.  We know in the law enforcement life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet . We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. 

The burdens of the job are great, it's what we signed up for. You will always look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore.  We will always will look at the rest of the law enforcement world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never thinking for one moment we are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the "job" and  being allowed to leave '"active" duty.

So what I wish for you, whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that we have been blessed as the "peacemakers" and will always have a place in heaven.

Civilian Friends vs . Police Friends

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
POLICE FRIENDS: Have cried with you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
POLICE FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you..
POLICE FRIE NDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that left you behind.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are for life.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences. ...
POLICE FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will knock them the hell out for using your name in vain.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will forward this.

There are those that think they understand. And then,. . . . there are cops

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

What Makes the Shadow Boxer Knockout Body System So Special?

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Monday, August 17, 2009

Public Service Announcement

Then I received this e-mail yesterday and it sent chills up my spine.
Please read this. It is no joke. Here is the
e-mail I was sent:

'Dear Friends:

I know not all of you are women that I am sending this to, but am hoping you
will share this with your wives, daughters, mothers, sisters, etc.
Our world seems to be getting crazier by the day. Pipe bombs in mail boxes and
sickos in parking lots with perfume. Be careful. I was approached
yesterday afternoon around=2 05:30 PM in the Wal-Mart parking lot by two males
asking what kind of perfume I was wearing. Then they asked if I'd
like to sample some fabulous scent they were willing to sell me at very
reasonable rate. I probably would have agreed had I not received an
e-mail warning of a 'Wanna sme
ll this neat perfume?' scam.

The men continued to stand between parked cars, I guess to wait for
someone else to hit on. I stopped a lady going towards them, pointing at
them and told her about how I was sent an
e-mail at work about someone walking up to you at the malls or in parking
lots and asking you to SNIFF PERFUME that they are selling at a cheap price or
at least compare to which one you like best.

THIS IS NOT PERFUME......IT IS ETHER!

When you sniff it, you'll pass out. They'll take your wallet, your
valuables and heaven knows what else. If it were not for
this e-mail, I probably would have sniffed the 'perfume' but thanks to the
generosity of an
e-mailing friend, I was spared whatever might have
happened to me. I wanted to do the same for you.

PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG TO ALL YOUR WOMEN FRIENDS AND PLEASE BE ALERT AND
BE AWARE. IF YOU ARE A MAN AND RECEIVE THIS, PASS IT ON TO YOUR WOMEN
FRIENDS.

Ladies, this happened to me yesterday and I didn't smell the perfume
either, thanks to this email. This is true Believe me, I know. I was over
b y Big Lots in the parking lot at lunch time when hen I was as approached.

So either day or night, it does not matter. There were 3 guys
together when I was approached. I called the police when I got back to my desk.

Like the email says above, LET EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT THIS - YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY,
CO-WORKERS, whomever. It helped me. The first thing that
popped into my head was this e-mail warning.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS: Free Prizes

So many of our students have dogs that we love and enjoy So we are going to have a school contest.

The contest is simple:

Who has the most unique looking dog. With and without a costume. That's right you are going to submit one picture without clothes and one without. Dress them up in funny outfits.

1st Place - $100.00 Gift Certificate to Pet Smart
2nd Place - $ 50.00 Gift Certificate to Pet Smart
3rd Place - $ 25.00 Gift Certificate to Pet Smart

Click on the link below to download the picture

http://elitedogtrainers.blogspot.com

For more Information on Training Your Dog
http://www.elitedogtrainers.com

Seniors Have A Lot to Offer

I asked one of my students Roy Abramowitz to ask his inlaws what the secret to longevity was here are their answers:

(Excerpt of a email received Today)

I spoke to my 92 year old inlaws. They told me the following:

1) Most important faith in God, active in church and read the bible

2)They do not get stressed over things. I.E. My father-in-law lost his wallet Monday at the Legend's club with all his ID and $450. Realized it at home. He did not get upset just told me he will pray. Believe this! I called the club and they found it the next morning under the table with the cash untouched. Devine intervention? He thinks so.

3)John grew up in Watertown, NY. Ilene on a farm in Kansas. No pollution, less stressful life, always believed in community and the church.

4)Happy with what they have.

5)Love of family.

6)Never smoked, never took drugs. Only drink wine occassionally.

7)Avoid Doctors.

8)Avoid drugs, Ilene does not even take aspirins. Will not take the bone density medication prescribed for her.

9)Love of country.

10) They do not anger and hold no grudges. They forgive

11)My observation. They just love life and family. Do not stress over what they do not have. Accept they place in life as ordained by the creator.

Many lessons for me to learn!

Regards

Roy

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

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Saturday, June 20, 2009

Parents

PARENT - Job Description

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way,
I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging,
permanent work in an
often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from
the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be a willing to be indispensable one minute,
an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
of the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance , no pension,
no tuition reimbursement , no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered;
this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis,
letting them know they are appreciated
for the fabulous job they do...
or forward with love
to anyone thinking of applying for the job.



** AND A FOOTNOTE 'THERE IS
NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!!










Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recip

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Hi Students,

I've got a quick favor to ask of you today - as you know, we're always
trying to continually improve our programs for you and your family so your
feedback is paramount!

We are about set up a really cool little video of the Yellow Belt Curriculum. What I need from you, is to suggest and vote for ideas that you'd like to see us implement. We are working very hard to make your experience with Elite Defensive Tactics Martial Arts Academy even better. We are doing this series of video's in order to help the student attain the coveted BLACK BELT Please view the short video and leave comments on the Blog. Your feedback and help will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

John Wooden's Quote of the Week

The individual who is mistake free is probably sitting around doing nothing......

Other Places WhereYou can Reach Me

Twitter http://www.garytweets.com
FaceBook http://tinyurl.com/nsah59
Squidoo http://tinyurl.com/n8xbxz
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Squidoo http://tinyurl.com/q24cqm
MySpace http://tinyurl.com/av9yt

Martial Arts: Attention Parents

Martial arts has taught me discipline, confidence and pride. My goal is to instill these qualities in your children. I know as parents we are seeking the next Michael Jordan or Babe Ruth, but people such as these are anomalies. Many children have entered this school as shy lambs and emerged as roaring tigers, and others , that were uncontrollable, have emerged to being obedient kids and matured to be productive adults. This takes time, a lot of time, do not be fooled by the notion that because your child is in the martial arts for a month that you will see remarkable changes. These changes take months and sometimes years but with dedication and commitment comes a lifetime of fulfillment.
When your child is involved with any activity , martial arts included, you are also involved, whether it be directly (you are also a student ) or indirectly ( you are their sole transportation). You must continue to encourage your children and not be swayed by their inconsistent moods. I always use the example of the toy they wanted the most. When they first received it, they played and played with it . Within a week it was on the floor in their room, untouched . Within two weeks it was stuck in the closet, never to be seen again. I am sure they have said to you, sometime in the past, that they do not want to go to their academic school. They gave every excuse in the book, I’m sick, I’m tired etc…... What did you say? Did you tell them it was alright or did you tell them they better get their clothes on and get on the bus. I will guess with certainty that it was the latter. You are their parent, they will love you one moment and push you to the brink the next but our love for our children will get us through the day.
This is an worthwhile and important endeavor. This is a commitment both the parent and child must make for us to be successful.
This letter was intended to remind parents of the everlasting rewards and moral accomplishments gained through persistent martial arts training. It is my goal to assist you, as parents, in developing your children both mentally and physically to their fullest potential. We as educators must assist them through their up’s and downs that will occur throughout their lives . I know we will both do our very best.

Life

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

When things in your lives seem almost too much to
handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar
and the 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and
had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked
up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with
golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed
that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and
poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into
the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again
if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He
asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous
"yes." The professor then produced two cups of coffee from
under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively
filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to
recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the
important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and
your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they
remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend
all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the
things that are important to you. "Pay attention to the things that are critical to
your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical
checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always
be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf
balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest
is just sand." One of the students raised her hand and inquired
what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you
asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full
your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee
with a friend."

Don't Let Looks Deceive You

Jenny Duno (Black Mamba), Jen Fogel (O-Ren Ishii), Lauren Odlum (Elle Driver), Cassandra Marshall Bertalan (Vernita Green)

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Just Back From Florida, I attended the Phenomenon Conference , Host by Dan Kennedy and Bill Glazer. It was awesome, all business owners should check these guys out.

Kenpo Salutation Explained