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Life Is Better On The Farm Happy Trails Farm Logo Mug

Help Support The Happy Trails Farm Horse Rescue Foundation

Help Support The Happy Trails Farm Horse Rescue Foundation

Have you heard of the Happy Trails Farm Horse Rescue Foundation yet?

First of all, this place is spectacular and there are many ways to be of assistance.  I’ve personally made arrangements to sell a mug with the farm’s logo featured on it with profits from any sales to be donated to the Happy Trails Farm Horse Rescue Foundation.    This item is not found offline.  Taking care of rescues is expensive.  Sales will benefit the rescues, such as medical expenses, food, and farrier services.   Place your secure order by clicking here.



This place has been there for me and mine as an inexpensive family outdoor recreational place to go for many years.  They’ve treated us like family and now I wish to return the gesture by paying it forward.  You can  click here to place a secured order.  To learn about other ways you can help this organization Click here to visit their website.   Thank you for your time and consideration!

If you would like to donate money without receiving a souvenir you can make checks or money orders payable to Happy Trails Farm Horse Rescue Foundation and  mail it to: P.O. Box 1577, Granite City, IL 62040

Read about my experience with Happy Trails Farm.

Find them on Facebook


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Encountering A Symbol Of Authority: Handling Police Confrontations

In The Event of An Encounter With A Symbol of Authority, Perception Matters and So Do Manners.

Encountering a symbol of authority can be anxiety inducing for most people; which makes handling police confrontations more difficult.  It’s a good thing to be perceptive It means to be aware of our environment and the behavior of those in it.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department is located in Edwardsville Illinois.  They created an educational video to serve as a tool for helping to reduce confrontation anxiety.    If you’d rather skip past the lessons and see  funny viral videos of police department lip sync challenges, then just keep scrolling down.


Maybe You Were Stopped By Police While in a Rush to Get to Work.

Maybe you’re trying to avoid severe weather, are running late for school, or just appear suspicious.  For whatever reason you find yourself stopped by a cop, remain calm and try to be pleasant, even if you encounter an officer who isn’t.  View the video below to watch their lesson. It covers what to expect during a traffic stop in under four minutes.  “This video is designed to reduce the stress and anxiety through information and knowledge. An informed community is a safer community.” – Lt. Kris Tharp.

Now Ponder This!

When we use our manners to behave respectfully towards others, we ideally expect them to return the gesture.  Realistically, that doesn’t always happen.  Police officers are a symbol of authority and looked to as an example. Not all set a good one though, and bad experiences can be disheartening for those of any viewpoint.

Remember This For Handling Yourself During Police Confrontations.

When we abase each other we make unpleasant memories that cause discord and separation, which then leads to issues further contributing to a social crisis.  The truth is that it’s important to consider how we interact with others.  Whether online or off, as a civilian or officer, our actions invoke a reaction from others.  Developing and improving our social skills is vital for human survival.

It’s possible as individuals for us to reach our highest levels of potential no matter our titles or hindrances. Social media is an excellent tool for getting practice. Practice is what makes the master.  Those who choose to partake in uncivil or lawless behavior risk harm or death the same as the lawful called upon to restrain them.    There is no law anywhere in the world against self control, but those living by weapons risk dying by weapons.



Not All People Deserve the Condemnation
They’ve Endured

There are bad apples in every tree.  It doesn’t mean the branches are bad or that the roots are dead.  It’s important to remember that we’re all human beings.  Most of us care to right the wrongs that are done.  That’s why many humans enlist as officers and put their lives at risk in the first place.  Productive members of society seek to labor according to our abilities in order to be enabled to provide for our families.

It’s stated by definition that police officers aren’t civil servants, and that they’re lower ranked as public servants, yet it’s their job to respond first and intervene in uncivil situations.  They are meant as keepers of the peace for the betterment of the public, and they wear badges as symbols of authority, so I beg to differ.

When Police Fail to Set The Example.

Civilians should think to set the example of respect by being the first to show it.  We don’t need to be paid by the public to be civil or to live up to civil servant standards.  It’s necessary for our civilization to thrive.  You may be surprised to discover how behavior is reciprocated.

Maybe you won’t.  Even if you’ve been robbed, gas-lighted, defamed, falsely accused, charged, jailed, maced, and beaten for having the audacity to regard your rights despite others violating them, don’t take it out on the next officer you see.  I’m not going to deny the negativity, it’s controversial, and I’ve had some bad experiences myself.  I’m well aware how predators will disguise themselves as protectors in an effort to gain easy access to prey, but all predators in nature eventually wind up exposing themselves by their individual behaviors. However, my aim here is to point out the positive in an effort to make the most of what I’ve learned from my experiences.

The World is Riddled With News of Those Who Abuse Their Position of Trust & Power of Authority.

Predators deliberately seek out positions of trust and power of authority because it’s how they gain easy access to prey, but just like not all animals eat meat, not all people are predators.  We have to remember and remind ourselves that not all are guilty over those who are, regardless of our experiences with the bad apples that manage to infiltrate any association.  If there’s any position we are all associated with it’s being human. We all make mistakes.  We all start out inexperienced and we all share the desire to be a success, to celebrate our successes and to be regarded and respected by others.



I’m perceptive and I’ve observed a strong movement.

When I saw the “Lip Sync Challenge” videos by departments all over the nation become viral sensations, I witnessed more than something fun and entertaining for people to watch.  I saw a psychological tool for progress that triggered more than just my sense of respect for police officers.  Not all of them are deliberately out to harm others.  Many have lost their lives genuinely trying to protect society.

I see it from an empowering point of view.  These videos display our ability to relate, unite, and serve as a reminder to our own and other nations, through the use of entertainment, that even though we’ve made mistakes, our bonds can still be strengthened.

America is a melting pot of a nation, made up of cultures as various as the colors of the spectrum.  We live in an era of worldwide virtual connection and our social structures are ever changing.  We can be conservative by holding on to the good and liberal by changing the bad.  That’s how we find middle ground.  The best way to get along with someone who is different than us, or whom we disagree with is to point out and focus on our likenesses.



Below is a list of Lip Sync Challenge videos by various departments.

  Wouldn’t it be neat to see more police departments all over the world represent themselves as keepers of the peace by accepting the challenge?  I’ve certainly found it entertaining and educational.  Some tactics maybe unorthodox but they can still be extremely useful, especially when it’s moral and unites our communities.  Click here and add your State to the search bar to see if your department has participated, and if you don’t see your community involved, then be the first to encourage your community to participate.  Black lives do matter, even those wearing the badges!

Illinois State Police Department

Columbia Illinois Police Department

Leroy Police Department

Norfolk Virginia Police Department

Bexar County Texas Sheriff’s Office

Granite City Illinois Police Department
Granite City Illinois Police Department

Should you wish to study to become a police officer, the job openings are endless.

 

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Learn to prevent viral infections.  Click here to learn more!

David Winters: An Iconic Figure

David Winters: An Entertainment Icon

This multi-talented entertainment powerhouse developed and utilized  amazing skills throughout the course of his life.  David was born on April 5, 1939 and participated in over 200 television series, television specials, and motion pictures as a writer, dancer, actor, choreographer, producer, and director before passing away on April 23, 2019.

View David’s Media Reel.



Above is a photo of David accepting one of his hard earned awards.  It was a wonderful experience to witness.

David won three awards for the film  “Dancin’ It’s On,” that night.



The awards David is holding in the image below were for Best Director, Best Music Score, and Best Editing.  They were presented to him by the Wide Screen Film & Music Video Festival in March of 2015.

Watch The Awards Show Below. David Wins Best Editing At About Forty One Minutes In, And The Best Director About An Hour And Eleven Minutes In.

Watch The Trailer Of “Dancin’ It’s On” Below

 

Did you like that trailer?   Click Here To Buy The Movie!

David Released His Autobiography In June of 2018.

Tough Guys Do Dance, went straight to the top of the best sellers list on Amazon with five star reviews.  David’s face will remain a familiar one to the entertainment industry for times to come, with his behind-the-scenes stories and life events.   Being “associated with some of the biggest names in show business, such as  Ann  -Margret, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Jackson,”  makes this an interesting read for those interested in a new piece of history across a variety of genres. – Times Square Chronicles

Click Here Or On The Image To Get Your Copy Of His Book.

His Work In Broadway Shows And Hollywood Films Is Legendary!

West Side Story was where David found his stardom. He inspired millions of boys and men alike to embrace the art of dance and truly showed them that “tough guys do dance!” If you’re a student of dancing or an aspiring actor, producer, or director, then you want to study the work of David Winters.  David’s first Directing job was on “THE MONKEES” TV series.

David Winters serves as an inspiration for all generations across a variety of genres.  “He choreographed the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, as well as the TV movie Star Wars Holiday Special. In 1981, he choreographed and served as creative consultant for the TV special Diana, starring Diana Ross, Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson.” – Best Classic Bands

 



You Can Click Here To Join This Group If You Wish To Converse With Other Fans and Friends Of David’s.

David Kept Himself Busy. Be Like David And Make Your Lifetime Just As Full Of Achievements!
David Winters holding awards
Photograph by Aram Hovsepian Photography

For More Information About The Achievements of David Winters Click Here

Regards From His Fellow Celebrities:

David Winters Obituary





 

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Benefits of Peppermint




Benefits of Peppermint

Time Magazine posted an article about why mosquitoes feast on some people and not others.  Moreover, I’m one of those people who they like to make a meal out of and I don’t enjoy being on their food chain.  Furthermore, there are many health benefits of keeping a peppermint plant around!

Benefits of Peppermint

These pests find me when I’m outside, day or night, so I use the scent of peppermint to repel them.  I gathered from experience that they still landed on me but they didn’t bite, not even the big ones I encountered at Happy Trails farm!




Additionally, I wanted to share information gained from experience.  It helped me figure out how to outwit those bloodsuckers.  Furthermore, I wanted to elaborate on the article, “Why Do Mosquitoes Always Bite Me” in Time Magazine.

Benefits of Peppermint Plant
Most Insects can't stand the Scent of Peppermint

However, it’s important to clarify that not all bugs hate the scent of peppermint.  Moreover, the effectiveness of peppermint as a repellent varies depending on the type of bug and the specific circumstances.




Using Peppermint for Insect and Pest Control

Additionally, Peppermint contains a compound called menthol.  Menthol is responsible for its distinct scent and taste.  While humans generally find the scent of peppermint pleasant, some insects and pests are more sensitive to certain smells.  Certain bugs and pests find the strong aroma of peppermint overwhelming or irritating.  As a result, peppermint is effective as a natural insect repellent and pest control.

Benefits of Peppermint

If you’re considering using peppermint as an insect repellent or for pest control, it’s essential to keep in mind that its effectiveness may vary.  In other words, it depends on the type of bug you’re dealing with.  The concentration and purity of the peppermint solution is also important.  Additionally, while peppermint oil is generally safe for humans, it may be toxic to pets, so caution should be exercised when using it around animals.




Peppermint Prevents Bites & Soothes Itchiness

For instance, according to Smithsonian Magazine even stick bugs use the scent of peppermint as a defense mechanism, to prevent spiders and other predators from preying on them.

If you’ve ever read the bible verse about studying the ants and how they work (Proverbs 6:6,) then you know it’s possible to observe and learn from other creatures too, like the defense mechanisms of stick bugs in this video. 

Medicinal Purposes of Peppermint

Peppermint leaves are good to chew on.  You can use them to help break a bad habit, such as smoking.  Peppermint aids in reducing congestion due to the menthol in it. Peppermint tea is a suitable soothing night time drink. Watch the videos below to learn the health benefits of peppermint. 




Learn about the benefits of onions next!

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Director Jesse V. Johnson

Director “Jesse V. Johnson Was Born In Winchester, England and Is An American Film Director and Screenwriter. See The New Trailer For Triple Threat!

About Director Jesse V. Johnson and Review of The Debt Collector Film.

Director “Jesse V. Johnson was born in Winchester, England and is an American film director and screenwriter.”   He’s an accomplished stuntman and coordinator who worked on the set of The Shawshank Redemption.   Holding both US & EU passports he has traveled and worked in exotic places.”   I first met Jesse in person at the Widescreen Film & Music Video Festival event in Miami Florida, where he gave a speech about the making of his fan film trailer for Wonder Woman.  Watch the trailer below.

Wonder Woman – Fan Film from Jesse V. Johnson on Vimeo.

Since then, Jesse has released a number of films with accomplished actors Scott Adkins, Louis Mandylor, Tony Todd, Tony Jaa, Selina Lo, and many more.   The Debt Collector, had a very successful theatrical premiere in Santa Monica California and London, England.  It’s now available on Netflix.



Watch An Interview With Jesse V. Johnson at the Santa Monica Debt Collector Screening below.

Theater tickets sold well in the United Kingdom and the special post movie interview with the director and actors was witnessed by some very lucky movie goers.

You Can Watch The Whole London Q & A Interview By Clicking Here (Fighting Spirit Film Festival Channel ) or Here (Channel Fight.)
 Tony Todd had a lot of fun working on this film.

Louis Mandylor Was Ecstatic About The Project!

Check Out Behind The Scenes Footage!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Man it was nice to be a man called SUE’ fun times’The Debt Collector’ behind scenes of some action setups!

A post shared by Louis Mandylor (@louismandylor) on

Spoiler Alert!  Skip This Paragraph If You Don’t Want To Read My take From The Movie.

Despite the blood, gore, and violence, I really liked the movie because of the figurative message in it.  It’s powerful enough to make one ponder their own purpose, plus it’s always nice to see when a bad guy changes his mind and does the right thing.  I think the ratings should be much higher than what they’ve been.  People might not be displaying their lack of understanding, or completely disregarding the content of it in their own written reviews, if they understood that the clips of the cows shown in it is a figurative message pertaining to people being spitefully used for a specific purpose before being removed by those who used them.


There is some nudity and sexually provocative segments in the film too, so it’s for mature audiences.  Watch The Debt Collector on Netflix and consider rating the film on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes when you’ve finished.  I hope you enjoy the film as much as I did!

Triple Threat Is Scheduled To Be In Theaters March 19, 2019!

Watch The New Trailer  Released Below Of Triple Threat!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Triple Threat (2019) In theaters March 19th. #indiemoviemaking #actionmovies #action #karate #muaythai #kungfu #ufc #silat #mma #martialarts

A post shared by Jesse V Johnson (@actionjessevjohnson) on

Also look for “Avengement”  in the future, and a sequel to “Accident Man.”   It looks to me like Jesse has found himself an excellent team to work with.  You can follow along his journey by connecting with him on Vimeo, Instagram, and Facebook.

See Scott Adkins bring a comic to life in “Accident Man!”






 

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Fashion Designer & Celebrity Stylist Ola Hawatmeh

High End Fashion Couture

From sunglasses, to casual & formal wear, swimwear, and wedding attire, to running for office, Ola Hawatmeh is Creative & Proactive!

“Though  Ola Hawatmeh attended Marist College in New York for journalism and communications, she always had a natural talent for fashion design. “My grandfather owned a fabric store, so it’s in my genes,” she says. “I have always loved fashion and remember as a kid in elementary school I would be the one dressed different, with pink Reeboks and a fedora.”  The fashionista went on to model for famed New York designer Patricia Field during college before soon landing her first styling gig – for actress Brooke Shields in the 1999 movie The Weekend. “Right there, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” Hawatmeh says.

As a celebrity stylist, Hawatmeh has worked with stars from Kim Kardashian to Chingy and Nelly, American Idol and Real Housewives cast members, and, recently, actors including Ron Perlman and Michael Carbonaro, as well as the cast of the Showtime series Ray Donovan.” ~ Ladue News

2018 Wedding Collection
Now AvailablePhotography by Preston Page.  

Atlantic City Fashion Week  2018 Showcase.

Video courtesy of Tyrone Mitchell.



Ola Hawatmeh graced the world with her presence as a model, fashion designer, and celebrity stylist, but her philanthropy has made her stand out in places such as St. Louis, Missouri, New York, LA, and beyond.  Her personal experiences influence and inspire her collections.

Fashion Design CourseIf you wish to find Ola on social media follow her on twitter or join the conversation on facebook.

Fashion News

Ola Style Survivor Fashion Show

  The  first year Ola Style Survivor Fashion Show  took place in St. Louis, Missouri to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  The event was held at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac on October 26, 2018 from 7pm-9pm and was open to the general public.   Every model was a survivor who has battled with breast cancer.   Click here to see photos!

Tickets sold online came close to $3000.0o, but because of the silent auction this event raised more than $20,000.  Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Fox News Network host Sean Hannity, and other fabulous designers and various artists contributed to the success of the event.   The video below shows the items auctioned.

Want to purchase Ola Style designs?

Make it simple.  Print screen an image of the piece you want and contact her directly with your size for a price quote.

View more of Ola’s collections.

black bikini swimwearolastyle gownsAre you drawn to and want to know how you can make a name for yourself in the fashion industry?

The Fsahion Designer Survival Guide BookYou’ve got to immerse yourself in the niche.

Fashion News Live on Amazon PrimeStudy all about fashion to educate and enable yourself.

 How To Start A Home Based Fashion Design BusinessSee you at Fashion Week!
Ola Hawatmeh at Fashion Week Watch The 2017  Ola Style Showcase Below.

To become successful it helps to surround ourselves by successful people.  Be willing to learn directly from other professionals in the fashion industry.  You can get your foot in almost any door by offering your services as an intern to gain experience.

The Little Dictionary of Fashion book by Christian DiorAre you a future fashion icon?

Ola Style eyewear is available for purchase at Copperhinge

Click here to see more videos with Ola.

 

 



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Author Erik Shein

 Great American Author Erik Shein is a Creative Artistic Genius as a Man of Many Talents



Author Erik Shein was born “Erik Daniel Stoops, November 18th 1966.   Furthermore, Erik is an American writer and visionary.  Additionally, he’s a film producer, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, philanthropist, pet enthusiast and an animal health advocate.   In other words, Erik is more than a best selling author.  

Author As a great American novelist Erik Shein has authored and co-authored over 30 nonfiction and fiction books,  whose writings include six scientific articles in the field of herpetology His children’s book, “The Forgotten Ornament” is a Christmas classic and a favorite of young children.  It was endorsed by Hollywood legends Mickey and Jan Rooney.”

the Monsterjunkies

Best Seller Books

Furthermore, I first met this storyteller as he was promoting a series of books for adolescents.   Titled  “The Monsterjunkies, An American Family Odyssey,” this novel series is best for teens and tweens.   Moreover, look for additional best selling book series.




For instance, “Thunder An Elephant’s Journey,” is a book series to entertain elementary and  middle school graders.  However, Erik has co-written mystery murder novels for adults.

Additionally, Erik’s love for creatures shows through his private and public life.   For instance, Erik is founder and CEO of Ark Watch Foundation.  Visit Erik’s website to get a glimpse of other content he has to offer.   Additionally, follow him on  twitter.




Moreover, rate and write a review should you choose to purchase any of Erik’s best selling books.  Follow award winning writer Erik Shein on social media for news about future book releases.  Finally, add Erik to your favorite author list on Amazon.   Expect to be entertained and enjoy getting to travel to an all new world through literature!

elephant erik shein thunder



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