Deadly Honeybee Diseases Likely Spreading to Bumblebees

Wild bumblebees worldwide are in trouble, likely contracting deadly diseases from their commercialized honeybee cousins, a new study shows.

That's a problem even though bumblebees aren't trucked from farm to farm like honeybees. They provide a significant chunk of the world's pollination of flowers and food, especially greenhouse tomatoes, insect experts said. And the ailments are hurting bumblebees even more, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature.

"Wild populations of bumblebees appear to be in significant decline across Europe, North America, South America and also in Asia," said study author Mark Brown of the University of London.

He said his study confirmed that a major source of the decline was "the spillover of parasites and pathogens and disease" from managed honeybee hives.

Smaller studies have shown disease going back and forth between the two kinds of bees. Brown said his is the first to look at the problem in a larger country-wide scale and include three diseases and parasites.

The study tracked nearly 750 bees in 26 sites throughout Great Britain. And it also did lab work on captive bees to show disease spread.

What the study shows is that "the spillover for bees is turning into (a) boilover," University of Illinois entomology professor May Berenbaum, who wasn't part of the study, said in an email.

Study co-author Matthias Furst of the University of London said the team's research does not definitely prove the diseases go from honeybees to bumblebees. But the evidence points heavily in that direction because virus levels and infection rates are higher in the honeybees, he said.

— The Associated Press

Source:   NBC News

Universal P.M.S.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

WELCOME TO UNIVERSAL PMS!

Universal PMS:

-Confusion, Mood Swings, Paranoia, Impatience
-Emotional and mental confusion
-Sudden waves of emotion
-A sense of impending-ness
-Impatience

With all that is going on with us and around us, it isn't any wonder that so many people are walking around dazed, confused, tempers flaring, emotional outbursts of every kind for any reason and/or season. And have you noticed that patience is sorely lacking these days? More so than ever before?!!

And then there is this overwhelming sense of something is about to happen ... an impending-ness ... if you will. And though you are never quite sure what it is exactly that IT is coming ... you just know it is! So much so ... that at times ... it borders on paranoia! Of course, that is when you take it upon yourself to anticipate "it" ... whatever "it" is ... and it's every move.

You go around snapping at people, all the while they are staring at you with this deer caught in headlights look .... we're yelling at them for something usually so insignificant like having "that look" on their face or in their eyes ... which probably was just them going into shock by all the screeching, slamming doors and throwing things!

You throw a temper tantrum over someone not closing the door or picking up a gallon of ice cream that you failed to ask them to pick up on their way home or something else really minor; and then you get cranky when someone hasn't read your mind or anticipated YOUR every move and cater to your needs at that given time! All of which (and more) has you coming across like you are some escapee from the local mental hospital.

Okay, perhaps they did look like they were thinking things they shouldn't! And yes, maybe, just maybe they could have closed that door. And no doubt they could have at least called before leaving work or on their way home to ask if you needed anything! At least that is YOUR reasoning and justification of the events!

Then there is having to wait when we aren't really in the mood! Long lines, traffic lights, traffic jams, being put on hold, having to listen to your significant other, neighbor, kids, co-worker, yammer on and on and on about something that really has no bearing on anything important to you at that given moment ... and no doubt in your present state of mind ... never will.

You probably find yourself thinking all sorts of horrid things you could do to them as they continue with their endless chattering ... all the while mustering the strength not to actually carry your fantasies through!

It is like having PMS 24/7 isn't it?

Ladies ... the GOOD NEWS is ... Men are experiencing this as well!

Yes Gentlemen! You now have some measure of understanding of what we women go through most of our adult lives.

But why are these emotional ups and downs occurring?

In order to rid ourselves of the issues we keep hanging on to ... we must undergo the work of bringing them to the forefront, rooting them out and releasing them once and for all.

To achieve Emotional & Mental Balance ...

In order to gain understanding ...

And actually live in unconditional love ...

We must undergo the actual experience.

And to get the emotional and mental balance that leads to
understanding that leads to living in unconditional love we must:

(1) Work through what it is truly bothering us;

Now to do this ... means we have to take the time to really STOP! and THINK!

I do realize for many this could prove burdensome. However, while you are sitting there "thinking" that you have no time to actually stop & think ... you may want to consider the numerous repeats of situations that will most assuredly come along if you don't STOP & THINK things through! Don't just over-react because it is convenient or less work! Stop! Think! And allow the real reason to show itself.

And stop worrying about what the "other" person said and/or did! Or what they didn't say or didn't do! It will only serve to throw you off-balance. And this is what we are wanting to avoid!

(2) Release the old programming of how we act and react; 

This means we have to actually accept responsibility for our actions, act upon our knowledge and with sheer determination, kick those old ways of thoughts, words and deeds to the curb for good!

For the people in your life ... Feel free to suggest, point out or insist that they take responsibility for themselves ... whoever "they" may be ... but just keep in mind that chances are ... they won't or can't at that given moment!

In releasing the old programming ... we would do well minding our own business and keep our focus on SELF and just let the other person do the same!

Ever notice how much energy we spend on others? And we wonder why our emotions run out of control?

RELEASE! If you can't change it ... Let it Go!

(3) Acceptance & Allowance

This is the fun part! (and Yes, I know I am repeating things here). To gain a measure of emotional and mental balance, you must come into the acceptance that there are just some things you cannot change and/or control! So do yourself yet another HUGE favor ... get over it! You're not THAT powerful to force any changes on someone else!

In order to gain a level of understanding of the why's and how's you must Allow situations and/or people to flow naturally along their given paths.

You must Accept the fact that your are not in control of what other people do, how they think, react and/or act! Not YOUR Job! And it is certainly isn't any of YOUR business! So Accept it! Allow It! And get over it!

If you don't like what is being said and/or done ... and you have done all you know to bring about a change ... and it, she/he hasn't changed ... then Accept it, he/she for what it and/or he/she is! And simply Allow it to be!

Accept your decision to stay or to go. Allow it to be!

Accept THEIR decision to stay or to go. To be! Or Not To be!

Allow it just to ... BE!

(4) Bring about the true nature of who and what we truly are ... Spirit beings having a Human Experience.

Yep! You be a spirit being locked down in this human body. And no ... it's not a punishment! YOU Chose to come in here! So work it baby!

Just Do IT!

This is all boils down putting into practice (1), (2) & (3) above.

Again, for Emphasis!

Balance is what is needed . Understanding is what we must have. If we are balanced emotionally & mentally ... our body & spirit follow suit.

With Balance we come into a better understanding which in turns makes us better equipped to express empathy for others and through this we learn how to appropriately take action in thought, word and deed.

As we go through this time and time again until we eventually get the hang of it ... we discover what it means to truly live with Unconditional Love for others ... and for ourselves!

We cannot do this until we have literally walked the walk and talked the talk. And in this case my brothers & sisters, that means we all experience that little thing I endearingly call .... 

Universal PMS! 

Julia K. Cole is known for her unquestionable unique psychic and medium abilities, Julia is on a mission to bring internal peace and comfort to the world by sharing her knowledge and providing assistance to people in need of in-depth spiritual advice, healing, and a connection with the other side.

The Emotional & Mental Aspects of the Ascension Process ... Your Spiritual Awakening

When the world of imagination has become all too real and the world around us has become blurred ... we find ourselves lost & confused.

When we have become obsessed over material things to the point we believe ourselves not happy unless we have millions of dollars to spend and all the luxuries that it can buy ... 

If we are obsessed over someone in our lives to the point they are all we can think about, and soon we find ourselves living for that moment when we will next see or hear from them ... 

When we become addicted to food, drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, etc. We find ourselves totally out of control ... with seemingly no way out ... 

When we are any or all of the above .. we are imbalanced emotionally & mentally. 

Emotional & Mental well being is a vital part of spiritual growth. 

To Grow Spiritually simply means to obtain and maintain Balance ... in ALL aspects of our human lives!

The Ascension and How it Affects Your Emotional & Mental Health

In this issue, we will discuss how your awakening spiritually affects your emotional and mental body. 

As always ... we urge you to ... 

CONSULT WITH A TRUSTED EMOTIONAL/MENTAL HEALTH

 PROFESSIONAL FIRST!

Do Not assume that the depression you are experiencing is only a symptom of the Ascension Process! Clinical depression is a serious matter and should NEVER be taken lightly! 

While it very well may be that you are undergoing the ascension process, it is always important to get checked out by a medical professional. That way, you will have all your bases covered and you can move forward with the knowing that you are well on your way to becoming fully awakened spiritually.

Because of the ever constant changes our physical bodies are undergoing ... it isn't any wonder that our state of mind is out of sync and our emotions are seemingly out of our control!

We find ourselves more sensitive to everything. This hyper-sensitivity causes us to be happy & centered one moment ... crying or screaming the next. There is always something going on in our lives! There is someone always managing to set us off emotionally!

Our mental faculties seem to have abandoned us as well! We have no problem remembering what Joe or Maizy did 10 years ago ... but we can't seem to recall why we went in the other room 10 minutes ago!

We find ourselves distracted and not remembering why or what it was that distracted us in the first place. Yet we can recall the hateful attitude of someone at the store and bitch about that all day!

We have this sense of something about to happen. Yet we cannot sense why we got so upset over a sock on the floor!

6 Ways to Get in the Mood

You're both tired. The kids are light sleepers. You're not happy with your weight. You're stressed out over deadline pressures at work. There are many reasons people in long-term relationships find themselves reaching for the pillow or the remote control instead of their partner's body after the sun goes down.

But a healthy sex life is a key part of an intimate relationship, and neglecting it can push the two of you further apart.

Problem No. 1: Same Old, Same Old

The Solution: Spice It Up

"When you're in a long-term relationship, you get into a routine," says ob-gyn Renee Horowitz, founder of the Center for Sexual Wellness in Michigan. "There's biological evidence that novel experiences cause the release of dopamine in the brain." Dopamine is a chemical messenger that affects the pleasure center in your brain. "That's why it's so much easier," Horowitz says, "to get excited in a new relationship -- everything is novel, and your brain responds accordingly."

Obviously, you can't switch partners every time the excitement wanes. But you can change up some of the other factors. "Try a different place, a different time, a different position," Horowitz says. Have a morning quickie. Try sex in the shower or in a different room in the house.

Problem No. 2: Too Much to Do, Too Tired

The Solution: Take a Romantic Break

All couples are tired at the end of a long day. And it’s hard to have energy for romance by the time you get everyone to bed and deal with chores. But that can be changed.

"You have to prioritize what's important," sex educator Sadie Allison, whose best-selling books include Ride ‘Em Cowgirl! and Tickle Your Fancy, says."Tired as you might be, it's OK to just make it a quickie sometimes. Sex is so important to the overall health of your relationship."

Instead of waiting until it's time to put out the lights, take a break for a romantic encounter before you start the evening's chores, Allison says. "Make space and time where you can escape, and get creative." She says it isn't going to happen spontaneously. "You have to find the time and make a date."

Click HERE to Read the remainder of the Article

Help Our Heroes Afford And Care For Shelter Pets.

Veterans at all stages of their military careers struggle with emotional and physical issues, including those that challenge their ability to fully integrate into civilian life. Some return from deployment with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or other psychological trauma. Others are long separated from service but struggle with depression, substance abuse, or outright loneliness. For these and many other circumstances, a companion pet is often the right prescription to help heal mind, body, and soul. Pets for Patriots helps these veterans find and afford a "last-chance" pet: adult and special needs animals, and large breed dogs - those most overlooked for adoption, who face the greatest risk of euthanasia and yet make wonderful and grateful companions.

Operating nationwide, Pets for Patriots helps veterans combat the primary obstacle to pet ownership - cost of care - by providing access to ongoing discounted veterinary care, financial contributions towards the cost of pet food and essentials, and discounts for various pet products and services. Through Pets for Patriots' Veterans Pet Food Bank Program, veterans receive the help they need to be a hero once more by saving the life of a dog or cat in need. Your donation saves two lives: a shelter animal out of time and hope, and a veteran who regains a sense of purpose in life.

Click HERE to make your live-saving donation.

Tiny Kitten Seeks Refuge Under Car Hood, Suffers Severe Injuries

While winter weather poses many threats to animals, perhaps one of the most serious dangers occurs when cats and other small animals seek warmth from the engines of parked cars. One such unlucky cat was Flapjack, a tiny kitten found on the side of the road in New York City last December. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan spotted Flapjack and brought him to the ASPCA Animal Hospital.

It was clear that Flapjack had been caught in a car’s engine. He was suffering from multiple serious injuries, including a fractured lower jaw, a severe tongue laceration and other wounds.

ASPCA Veterinarian Dr. Maren Krafchik says the hospital staff performed the first of three surgeries on Flapjack that same day, including using wire to repair his jaw and inserting a feeding tube to help him eat.

This brave little kitten is now happy and healthy with his foster parent, an ASPCA veterinary technician. He had his feeding tube removed and can now eat normally, and the swelling he experienced as a result of his injuries has gone down a great deal.

We’re so relieved that Flapjack has recovered, but his story provides a valuable lesson to anyone who drives during the winter months. According to Dr. Krafchik, there are multiple ways to prevent such injuries, including:

• knocking on the hood of your car
• honking your car’s horn
• checking under your car’s hood to ensure that a small animal is not inside.  If you start your car and hear something unusual, turn off your engine immediately.

To Keep your pets healthy and safe this winter, check out the full list of cold weather pet care tips, just CLICK HERE.

RESOURCE:  http://www.aspca.org/nyc/aspca-animal-hospital

One Ring Cell Phone Scam: BBB Warns Against Unknown Caribbean Island Calls

Cell phone users are being warned to think twice before answering any suspicious calls from the Caribbean Islands.

According to the Better Business Bureau, a new "one ring" scam is giving phone owners unauthorized charges on their wireless bills. WGHP reports that the calls may come from Antigua, Jamaica, Grenada and any other Caribbean Islands and that the phone rings only one time before disconnecting.

If a customer calls back the number displayed, the BBB details that the caller will then be charged $19.95 for an international call fee and an additional $9-per-minute charge. Users reporting the scam to the BBB have said the calls normally come from outside the U.S.

To protect yourself, the BBB encourages consumers not to answer calls from unknown, out-of-state numbers. But if you do answer the phone, they recommend not to call it back if the call disconnects. 

SOURCE:  International Business Times