BVI's Premier Fungi Band - Lashing Dogs with "Supposing" -

Prayer for 1/17/2012

Dear God,

You have given us so much - it is much more than we deserve. Your undying love is proof to us that you are real. Today we pray for patience and strength so that we are able to work hard and appreciate long-suffering. Father, help us to help each other and instill in us the importance of being our brother's keeper.

In Jesus' name we pray. AMEN

Pray for our Pastors

Some people like a loud pastor. Others enjoy a pastor who can dig deep. Some like one who keeps altar calls and others enjoy pastors who say long prayers. I personally enjoy anyone who can bring a good sermon in the best way they can. I don't feel that I should measure each individual by the same yardstick. However, I feel that each person should present their ideas in their own unique way.

You want to get the message across in a simple distinct way and I think it's important to pray and ask for guidance to lead the people. I've been to services where there was no sermon given but people were blessed because the leader let the spirit run the service. Sometimes, it's not the most educated person who get the message to the masses. Sometimes, it's the person who fell from grace or who was scorned and ridiculed. But, that's the person who people relate to. They want to hear the story and learn how they can rise from a fall too.

The only thing I don't like is when the service - singing, music or preaching gets too loud or too prolonged. You can't drag the message out if you want people to be inspired. I applaud all the persons who have stepped up to preach. They are often harshly judged and criticized but they are the earthly shepherds for God's flock.

I pray that we are more understanding to the pastors, priests, preachers and ministers and that we also pray for their well-being.

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Disorganization = Disfunction

Disorganization is equivalent to craziness. When things are disorganized, no true work can be done. I just recently moved and all my stuff was placed in one room and I felt like I was going mad because there was no surety as to where anything was. I've re-shifted everything that is not daily needed into one area but the items are placed with a purpose. Now I am a lot more comfortable.

It's the same in organizations. No one can really function when there is no good leadership in an organization. You want to be able to function, grow and motivate yourself. No one wants to go to work every day to push themselves from being depressed. You want to go to work feeling like you are making an impact.

No job situation is perfect. However, all members of staff have a role to play. We all have to work together to make things happen. We all have to pull the weight and still inspire each other. In many cases, the outside viewers do not notice the disorganization. However, disorganization is dysfunctional. While there may be a method to the madness - it's still madness!

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Anthracnose: A Crop Disease That Affects Farmers and Consumers

Crop farmers are severely affected when anthracnose disease infects their produce. Consumers should also be aware of the effects of this disease.

Crop farmers should be aware of the anthracnose disease as it affects many common fruits and vegetables making the produce unmarketable. Anthracnose also affects various ornamentals and other trees so it can spread in the garden or field. Consumers should also know about anthracnose disease because they will not get the full usage of any infected produce that is purchased. Although anthracnose can affect an entire crop, there are some measures that can be used to control its negative effects.

What is Anthracnose Disease

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in "Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum sp.on Pepper" shares that "Anthracnose is caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum". This disease deteriorates the look of fruits or leaves by causing black or dark sunken spots. 

Farmers' Fruits and Vegetables Suffer From Anthracnose

Anthracnose affects mangoes, papayas, peppers, bananas, beans, citrus, plantain, tomato, sweet peppers and a variety of fruits and vegetables. It is a difficult infestation to deal with because according to the Online Information Service for Non-Chemical Pest Management in the Tropics (OISAT) in Anthracnose, the "anthracnose disease attacks all plant parts at any growth stage" and the "symptoms are most visible on leaves and ripe fruits." This of course reduces the quantity of marketable produce that the farmer has to sell and thus the farmers' income. In the British Virgin Islands, anthracnose has been identified in mangoes, avocados and papayas.

Consumers Should Select Fruits and Vegetables Carefully

Have you ever noticed a papaya or mango that looks spotty in the grocery store? While anthracnose is detected more closely when fruits ripen, consumers must be sure to look for blemish-free produce when they are shopping. Any half-ripe fruit such as a mango or banana purchased with dark or black spots, may partially or wholly rot before ripening. In some cases, the outward appearance of the fruit will clearly indicate that the fruit has a problem.

Anthracnose Infection in Crops Can be Controlled

Both farmers and consumers play a role in controlling anthracnose infestations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the key to reducing and controlling anthracnose for farmers. Consumers who are vigilant can also help supermarkets, farmers and the government in reducing the spread of the disease.

• Farmers should use IPM to control anthracnose: Farmers have to use infection-free seeds and seedlings and prune their fruit trees regularly. They should also weed, rake leaves and use crop rotation techniques. "Remove and destroy infected parts but avoid touching other plant parts, especially when these are wet" is advice given by OISAT. Farmers who suspect that their crops are infected should contact their department responsible for agriculture to visit their farm to give recommendations. It is important not to wait until it is time to harvest when the fruit or vegetables cannot be saved.
• Consumers can help to reduce anthracnose too: Consumers, while shopping or after shopping, can report any fruit that they suspect to be infected to the supermarket's produce employees. They can also contact their local department responsible for agriculture to notify them if any potential infection is spotted. If any fruit or vegetable is purchased and as it ripens, it becomes spotty and moldy, be sure to burn or discard of the fruit or peel in a sealed bag. Any peel or fruit thrown outside can easily spread the infection to other plants that are susceptible to the disease. 

Farmers and consumers suffer when anthracnose infects fruits and vegetables. It is a disease which causes financial losses. This fungus can be controlled if farmers and consumers, along with their representatives for agriculture, work together and are vigilant to reduce the spread of anthracnose. Read more at Supermarket Shopping Tips: Buy the Best Fruits From the Store.

Say Thank You with a Thank-you Card

Thank-you cards show sincerity, gratitude and humility. There are many occasions that require thank you cards so be creative with selecting the right card.

Expressing gratitude after receiving a gift, assistance or a favor is very important in maintaining personal and professional relationships. Sometimes a verbal 'thank you' can suffice but sending a thank-you card lets the recipient know that they are appreciated.

Express Gratitude after Weddings, Shower or an Extraordinary Effort

Thank-you cards can be sent after receiving gifts at weddings, bridal showers and christenings. It is also nice to express gratitude after receiving assistance or special service while in the hospital, after an accident or in any other situation where an extraordinary effort was made.

E-cards, Pre-Printed or Personalized Cards

There are many ways to say 'thank you' in written format. There are pre-printed thank-you cards, online options and it easy to create thank-you cards on the computer or by hand.

• Pre-printed Thank-you cards: Any store that sells greetings cards will have thank-you cards on its shelves. Varieties include cards that are complete with a message or those that are blank on the inside. A personalized message is best when expressing gratitude after special favor or assistance.
• Online Thank-you cards: There are many online sites that offer free greeting cards including Yahoo Greetings and Blue Mountain E-Cards. Online thank-you cards are suitable for sending to persons that are not in close proximity but the 'thank you' needs to get to them as soon as possible.
• Create Thank-you cards: With Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Works, it is easy to create thank-you cards. Add pictures, poems, scriptures and quotes to add flavor and a personal touch to make the recipient feel special. Thank-you cards can also be handmade and decorated with flowers, buttons, shells and other items.

Email, Mail or Hand Deliver the Expressions of Gratitude

After choosing the style of thank you card and the mode of creation, be sure to deliver the thank-you card to the recipient. While sending an e-card only requires clicking the 'send' button, paper cards need to be sent either by mail or by hand delivery. For weddings and showers, thank-you cards can be handed to guests or added to the giveaways or treats.

After receiving a gift or help in a tough situation, send the person who has given or helped a thank-you card. As thank-you cards can be created, emailed or purchased, there are many options for saying 'thank you'.

Reality Setting In

We have only now realized that we have been totally and willfully negligent with the territory's finances. REAL cost cutting measures are being put in place and I am sure there are more to come. Like I said in a previous post, we have to run the territory like a responsible household. The legislators are taking a cut too and I am with them. We have to work together to get the place in line.

I still see little inconsistencies but hopefully these kinks can be ironed out. It will take a while and the young people will have to learn to cope. This is the only the beginning and there's a lot more come. We have to brace and keep pryaing.

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POEM: Me, The Critic

I am quite a disturbed critic
but I'm conscientious with my lyrics
I see it as it is
I know how the world spins
I interpret with a global perspective -
being terse, real and selective
because living a lie ain't cool
neither is acting like an old fool
When I send my children to school
they best use the educational tools
to broaden their minds
cause while some people are kind
many are wicked and devious
so you have to be wise and equipped
to avoid constantly getting licks
hold on tight to God
cause prayer can loosen any clod or clog
so whether you are a critic, pessimist or optimist
set your priorities on your list
and set your life in motion
and live with patience, love and devotion

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Uses for Purchased and Giveaway Tote Bags

Tote bags can be very useful, but having too many takes up space. Find new uses for purchased and giveaway tote bags.

Tote bags are given away at trade shows, from stores, promotional events and also can be purchased from department stores and high-end boutiques. Tote bags can be used for travel, trips to the

beach, for text books, for storage and are also environmentally friendly. Extra tote bags can also be shared with family and friends so that they can enjoy the many uses.

Tote Bags are Environmentally Friendly

In this day of environmental awareness, public service announcements fill the media encouraging shoppers to refrain from taking their purchases in plastic and paper bags. Having a few strong and large tote bags that can hold the heavier groceries like a 1-gallon bottle of milk or a ten-pound bag of rice is very helpful. Tote bags can also be used when shopping at the mall for clothing and shoes. Most tote bags, although some are promotional giveaways, can be easily cleaned and washed making them last longer and friendlier for the environment.

Tote Bags are Great for Carrying Textbooks

Keeping textbooks in a tote bag reduces the chance of the books being lost or misplaced. This works especially for persons who are taking part-time college courses while working full-time. Of course, if there are several heavy text books, it is more advisable to purchase a backpack with comfort straps and back support.

Take a Tote Bag to the Beach

Giveaway tote bags in most cases have enough holding space to place the beach towel, change of clothing, sunscreen, water, snacks and other items that are needed for a trip to the beach.

Storage in Tote Bags

Some tote bags are large enough to hold laptops or children's puzzles that have cardboard bases. Rather than have the puzzle pieces lost in the house, the puzzles can easily fit in a zippered tote bag safe for future use. Other children's toys, small electronic equipment and other household supplies can be stored in a tote bag for future use so that pieces will not be misplaced.

Travel with a Tote Bag

Tote bags work for land, sea and air travel because the bags can be packed lightly while holding necessities such as deodorant, change of clothing, slippers and other items.

Extra Tote Bags Can be Shared with a Friend

Extra tote bags can be shared with a family member or a friend so that they can enjoy the benefits. Extra bags can also be donated to a thrift store. Tote bags come in different styles and colors and can be obtained at no cost or can be purchased. Use the bags for travel, storage, textbooks and groceries.

Tote bags are especially useful because the bags are environmentally friendly and most can be cleaned or washed for constant reuse.

Use Your Hobbies to Save Money & Gain Additional Income

Saving is key and hobbies can be used to save money or gain additional income. Cooking, sewing, hair braiding and farming are just some ways to save more.

Today, people want to stay ahead of their monthly bills and commitments and also want to want to travel or treat themselves and their families. Sometimes, regular income may not cover all of the outgoings so that any treats can be enjoyed. However, there are some hobbies that can help the family to save or generate additional income to make the treats or trip a reality.

Grow Food to Make & Save Money

Fruits, vegetables and herbs are always in demand in the home. So if someone has a container garden with herbs, these fresh herbs can be used in the kitchen and there will be no need to purchase them from the supermarket or other places.When there are excess fruits and/or vegetables, the extras can be sold aroundthe neighborhood or to a Farmers' Market or hotel or restaurant.

Design Greeting Cards

For persons who like to design and have a knack for crafts and creativity, greetings cards can be created for special occasions rather than spending at the stationery store. This hobby requires a good printer, card stock paper and any scraps of cloth, colored paper, shells and any other creative scraps for decorative detail. The cards can be made for birthdays, anniversaries, Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, weddings, Christmas and any other special occasions. If other family members or friends express interest in the cards, then this can grow into a business where special cards are made upon request.

Culinary Enthusiasts Can Bake & Cook to Make Money

Baking at home saves money from purchasing store-bought breads or cakes which sometimes have exceeded the shelf life. People who love to bake can also offer to bake cakes, cookies, pies or tarts for special functions as a way to make extra money. For those who enjoy cooking, submitting bids to cater for small functions can be profitable but it is important to weigh the expenses so that costs are covered.

Sewing, Knitting & Crocheting Generate Income

 Having a sewing machine and knowing how to operate it well can help a family save money especially if any family member wears uniforms. By sewing for the family, it is easy to gather a few customers in the neighborhood, at the children's school or at the workplace. Knitting and crocheting are excellent hobbies to create items such as doilies, dresses, sweaters, wall hangings and other items which can be used at home or sold. These items can also be entered into exhibitions or fairs in competitions which may have cash prizes.

Hair Braiding at Home

In the Caribbean, most of the primary or elementary school-aged children wear braids or cornrows of their natural hair (without extensions) to school. A braided hairstyle for a child can cost a minimum of US$20 at most hair salons. It is much more cost effective for women to braid their children's hair at home. If the braiding skills are good and the talents extend to the braiding of extensions or sewing of weaves, then additional income can be generated from family and friends who need their hair styled.

While hobbies can help a family to save and attract extra income for the family, it is important to keep a balanced home life. If a hobby starts to take over the time spent at home or at work, then the hobbyist would have to decide to take the hobby to a small business level.