Pineapple - Health Food

My childhood friend Laurie sent me this interesting informaiton about pineapple. Laurie and her husband live in Hawaii and grow much of their own fruit.

The pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family. It is extremely rare that bromeliads produce edible fruit. The pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today.

It is a multiple fruit. One pineapple is actually made up of dozens of individual floweret's that grow together to form the entire fruit. Each scale on a pineapple is evidence of a separate flower.

Pineapples stop ripening the minute they are picked. No special way of storing them will help ripen them further. Colour is relatively unimportant in determining ripeness. Choose your pineapple by smell.If it smells fresh, tropical and sweet, it will be a good fruit. The more scales on the pineapple, the sweeter and juicier the taste. After you cut off the top, you can plant it. It should grow much like a sweet potato will.

This delicious fruit is not only sweet and tropical; it also offers many benefits to our health. Pineapple is a remarkable fruit. We find it enjoyable because of its lush, sweet and exotic flavor, but it may also be one of the most healthful foods available today.

If we take a more detailed look at it, we will find that pineapple is valuable for easing indigestion, arthritis or sinusitis. The juice has an anthelmintic effect; it helps get rid of intestinal worms. Let's look at how pineapple affects other conditions.

Pineapple is high in manganese, a mineral that is critical to development of strong bones and connective tissue. A cup of fresh pineapple will give you nearly 75% of the recommended daily amount.

It is particularly helpful to older adults, whose bones tend to become brittle with age. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple's value. Proteolytic means "breaks down protein", which is why pineapple is known to be a digestive aid. It helps the body digest proteins more efficiently.

Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory. Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis. It also produces mild pain relief. In Germany, bromelain is approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Orange juice is a popular liquid for those suffering from a cold because it is high in Vitamin C. Fresh pineapple is not only high in this vitamin, but because of the Bromelain, it has the ability to reduce mucous in the throat. If you have a cold with a productive cough, add pineapple to your diet. It is commonly used in Europe as a post-operative measure to cut mucous after certain sinus and throat operations.

Those individuals who eat fresh pineapple daily report fewer sinus problems related to allergies. In and of itself, pineapple has a very low risk for allergies.

Pineapple is also known to discourage blood clot development. This makes it a valuable dietary addition for frequent fliers and others who may be at risk for blood clots.

An old folk remedy for morning sickness is fresh pineapple juice. it really works! Fresh juice and some nuts first thing in the morning often make a difference.

It's also good for a healthier mouth. The fresh juice discourages plaque growth.

Rocklahoma to feature Guns N' Roses

 

Guns N' Roses will be at Rocklahoma Festival in Pryor, Oklahoma

May 24-26, 2013

 

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Guns N' Roses will headline the three day camping and musical festival, at the Catch the Fever Festival Grounds in Pryor, Oklahoma May 24-26. The list of performers for the Memorial Day weekend party also includes Bush, Cheap Trick, Bullet for My Valentine, Papa Roach, Skillet, Hollywood Undead, Steel Panther, Asking Alexandria, Ratt, Halestorm, Device, All That Remains, Escape the Fate, Dokken, Clutch, Mostionless In White, Big Wreck, The Sword, Young Guns, Thousand Foot Krutch, Otherwise, Red Line Chemistry, Mindset Evolution, Heaven's Basement, We As Humans, American Fangs and O'Brother. Other feature performances from The Las Vegas, London, Wildstreet, Mad Max, BaiBang, Lynam, De La Cruz, The Glitter Boys, Black Tora, Sunset Riot, Firstryke, Raddoll, Hessler, Switchblade Scarlett, Nasty Habt, Sister's Doll, London's  Dungeon, Rhyme, Emerald City, Wicked, Down n Dirty, Station, Ruff Justice, Mystery and Fist of Rage.

Guns N' Roses

 

 

 

General admission and VIP packages for Rocklahoma went on sale February 22 at www.rocklahoma.com 

 

Camping tickets can be purchased by calling the Rocklahoma Camping Office at (866) 310-2288 or emailing info@feverfest.com The campgrounds open on May 19 and remain open through May 28.

 



 

Chiquita Fruit Chips

My daughter sent me these photos...

this is her new favorite snack.

She buys several packages in a container at Sam's.

She assures me they are good and good for us.

Men's Hats by Cedric

I love Cedric "The Entertainer" and recently saw him on the Ellen Show. He gave Ellen a hat for her birthday, and it was the first I knew about his hat line. If you need a nice gift for the guy in your life check out www.whoced.com and you can order online.

Most people associate the name Cedric "The Entertainer" with comedy, but there is nothing funny about the serious horsepower he is bringing to the apparel industry as evidenced with the launch of his new brand.

Cedric has assembled an A-list team of professionals to bring his passion for hats to discerning consumers everywhere. From some of the world’s best master hatters and millinery craftsmen to a top-notch team of executive professionals, he is leaving no stone unturned.

Cedric’s business partner, global business strategist Gary GD Garner said, "Cedric is not one of those ’what you see is what you get guys.’ He has a lot of layers beyond what you see on the screen. He is involved in many initiatives outside of the entertainment world and he has an incredible head for business."

"Beyond that, Cedric is one of the most genuine and hard working guys I know. His interests, passions, projects, and social circle represent just about every walk of life imaginable - and I think that comes across in the brand".

"With the massive resurgence in the hat market, Cedric’s organic connection to the hat, and his hands-on approach to building the business, it was a no-brainer for me," says Garner.

Many of Cedric’s celebrity friends are fans of the hats: Tom Hanks, Wilmer Valderrama, Jimmy Kimmel, George Lopez, Ne-Yo, Steve Harvey, Tavis Smiley and more.

 

www.whoced.com

 

 

 

This is just MY VIEW...nothing received. I just like to share information about products with my readers.

 

What Color is Your Jellybean?

What color is Your Jellybean?

 

White or Black

 

Highly structured and organized

Surrounding are neat

If given an assignment such as a paper, wants to know how many pages, exact requirements, number of entries, etc.

Always wants to know the rules

Memorizes things well

Can't stand unorganized, sloppy people

Deliberates before making decisions

Sometimes appears to others to be aloof or standoffish

 

Green

 

Love recognition

Seen as a leader, usually in highly visible positions

Respect authority and tradition

Decisive, directive, and focused

Love for the black and white jellybean people to organize their projects for them - then they take all the credit

 

Yellow

 

Not usually outspoken

Always in a state of transition, weather they are 8 years old or 80 years old

Usually smart, innovative, often artistic

Sometimes confused in making decisions, not sure where they are supposed to be

Hard workers

Exciting to be with - will try anything as long as it's safe

Spiritual aspects usually important to them

They look at things with perspective and respect other people's opinions

 

Orange

 

Cheerful an dgood-natured

Have the ability to get along well with almost anyone

Friendly and have a ready smile

Possess a quick wit

Fluent, often eloquent and profound in speech

Do not like to be left alone

Enjoy life and inspire others to reach their highest potential

 

Red and Pink

 

Courageous and energy seems boundless

Smile much of the time

If they see someone not smiling, they will ask them what the problem is

Genuinely care about people and become involved in other's problems

Highly influenced by others, share their sadness or grief

Make their decisions with feelings, act on the impulse of the heart, spending a great deal of time on the phone, usually listening to others

Quality communicators

Sensitive, enthusiastic friends and lovers

 

Violet

 

Flirty and passionate

Highly creative, highly excitable

have new ideas and are visionaries

Short attention spans - can't stay put for long at a time

Disorganized, often choosing to close doors rather than deal with the organization

Procrastinators who thrive on chaos, enjoy the challenges of different problems

Have a problem dealing with highly structured time

Questioning - when given an assignment, ask why it must be done in a certain way, wants to do it differently

Set high standards for themselves and those who work for them - hard to work for

 

WHAT COLOR IS YOUR JELLYBEAN????

 

 



Sign of the Times

 

It is a Sign of the Times when you pull up to the gas pumps and find they have attached hand sanitizer to the pole next the the pumps. Gas pump handles are just another thing that can have all kinds of germs just waiting for you. They also have hand sanitizer near the grocery carts at the store. What kind of public places have you seen hand sanitizer?

Friday Foto

My cousin Kathy posted this and I love it.

Open Faced Pork Sandwich

My husband cooked a 9.89 pound Pork Shoulder Boston Roast we found for $1.49 per pound at the grocery store. He put it in his cast iron Paul Dean pan seasoned the top with Accent, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and salt free seasoning. Put the lid on the pot and cooked it for 4 hours at 325 degrees. It fell apart when I tried to take it out of the pan.

Next he took a pint jar and put two tablespoons flour in the jar, with two ice cubes and filled the jar half full of water. (The "half full" jar has nothing to do with psychology, but he did major in psychology in college.) Shake the jar to blend the flour and water. Pour the pan drippings out of the roasting pan into a skillet and add the flour mixture from the jar...stir until it comes to a boil. This is the BEST Gravy!

Next I put a piece of bread on my plate and

then put some of the shredded pork on top of the bread.

Spoon the pork dripping gravy over the top of the meat.

Open Faced Pork Sandwich

YUMMY!

 

This pork roast can be used to make barbeque sandwiches and a variety of other dishes.  With the price per pound being so inexpensive, you can cook it and freeze individual servings to have later or when ever you want some of the other white meat.

 

 

Lacey turns 21 & Shutterfly Book

 

My Grandson's wife, Lacey turns 21 today.

She is also the Mother of my Great Grandson.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LACEY!!!

 

My Great Grandson turned 1 year old earlier this month and I uploaded photos

on Shutterfly and they created this awesome book for me to give my Great Grandson.

Shutterfly is super easy to use...duh...I can do it...LOL

I had a coupon for a free $29.99 book, for just paying the postage $8.68

The book included 45 photos on 20 pages

and it is hardback with beautiful pages.

Congratulations Blake & Becca!

Beautiful family!

My Nephew Blake is an awesome young man. He has been a single Dad taking care of his beautiful daughter full time, raising her with the same value system his parents instilled in him. We have all been extremely proud of him.

Then he met Becca...we love Becca...they were planning to get married in the fall. Well, SURPRISE...they decided to get married on Friday, February 15...

They planned to elope and get married on Valentine's Day, but the school Valentine party was not until Friday. Blake wanted to be there for his daughter...so they decided to go to the party and then get married after she got out of school. Wow...are they awesome or what.

CONGRATULATIONS BLAKE AND BECCA!!!! 

Becca's Dad pointing a cannon at Blake...LOL...

 

BECCA....WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY!!!

President's Day Salute

 

 

 

This special salute to the Presidents highlights the men who have led our country.

 

 

 

1. George Washington

Born: February 22, 1732, Westmoreland County, Virginia.

Died: December 14, 1799.

Party: None.

Age when inaugurated: 57.

Term: 1789-1797. The first President unified the new nation and shaped the chief executive's duties. He refused to run for a third term.

Famous Fact: On their wedding day, Martha Washington gave him a miniature portrait of herself. He wore it on a chain around his neck until his death 40 years later.

2. John Adams

Born: October 30, 1735, Braintree, Massachusetts.

Died: July 4, 1826.

Party: Federalist.

Age when inaugurated: 61.

Term: 1797–1801. Adams had a tough job filling Washington's shoes. His advocacy of the Alien and Sedition Acts allowed him to silence critics, but made him unpopular. He lost reelection to Thomas Jefferson.

Famous Fact: Adams was the first President to live in the White House.

3. Thomas Jefferson

Born: April 13, 1743, Albemarle County, Virginia.

Died: July 4, 1826.

Party: Democratic-Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 57.

Term: 1801–1809. Jefferson approved the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which nearly doubled the size of the U.S.

Famous Fact: Considered the most brilliant President, he wrote the Declaration of Independence, founded the University of Virginia, and was an architect, a farmer, and a scientist.

4. James Madison

Born: March 16, 1751, Port Conway, Virginia.

Died: June 28, 1836.

Party: Democratic-Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 57.

Term: 1809–1817. Madison presided over the War of 1812 with Britain, during which the White House was burned. The war ended in a draw.

Famous Fact: Madison is considered the father of the Bill of Rights.

5. James Monroe

Born: April 28, 1758, Westmoreland County, Virginia.

Died: July 4, 1831.

Party: Democratic-Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 58.

Term: 1817–1825. His term is called the "Era of Good Feeling" because there was little partisan fighting. He formulated the Monroe Doctrine, which declared the Americas off-limits to European meddling.

Famous Fact: Monroe lived out his retirement in poverty.

6. John Quincy Adams

Born: July 11, 1767, Braintree, Massachusetts.

Died: February 23, 1848.

Party: Democratic-Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 57.

Term: 1825–1829. Accused of winning the White House through corruption, he was plagued by accusations of misdeeds often untrue and he accomplished little.

Famous Fact: John Adams and John Quincy Adams were the first father and son to have served as Presidents.

7. Andrew Jackson

Born: March 15, 1767, Waxhaw settlement, South Carolina.

Died: June 8, 1845.

Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 61.

Term: 1829–1837. Though he was a rich planter, Jackson was considered the common people's friend. Dubbed "Old Hickory" because he was so tough, Jackson greatly expanded the powers of the Presidency.

Famous Fact: Jackson was the first President to ride on a train.

8. Martin Van Buren

Born: December 5, 1782, Kinderhook, New York.

Died: July 24, 1862. Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 54.

Term: 1837–1841. Van Buren's Presidency was marred by an economic depression that led to bank failures and food riots. He was easily defeated for reelection.

Famous Fact: Van Buren was the first President to be born an American citizen, rather than a British subject.

9. William Henry Harrison

Born: February 9, 1773, Berkeley, Virginia.

Died: April 4, 1841.

Party: Whig.

Age when inaugurated: 68.

Term: 1841. Harrison delivered a marathon inaugural speech during which he caught a cold. He died a month later.

Famous Fact: Harrison was the first President to die in office and he served the briefest term.

10. John Tyler

Born: March 29, 1790, Greenway, Virginia.

Died: January 18, 1862.

Party: Whig.

Age when inaugurated: 51.

Term: 1841–1845. Tyler was expected to be a passive "acting President" while he finished Harrison's term. But he refused to be passive. He made enemies in Congress and was the first President to be threatened with impeachment. The effort failed.

Famous Fact: Tyler had 15 children, more than any President.

11. James K. Polk

Born: November 2, 1795, near Pineville, North Carolina.

Died: June 15, 1849.

Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 49.

Term: 1845–1849. Polk was the first "dark horse"or little-known nominee to become President. He presided over the Mexican War, which added Texas, California, and other territory to the U.S.

Famous Fact: Polk is the only President to have served as Speaker of the House.

12. Zachary Taylor

Born: November 24, 1784, Orange County, Virginia.

Died: July 9, 1850.

Party: Whig.

Age when inaugurated: 64.

Term: 1849-1850. Taylor threatened to use force to keep the South from leaving the Union. After his death, a compromise allowed slavery to continue in the South.

Famous Fact: Taylor won fame as a general in the Mexican War. His soldiers called him "Old Rough and Ready."

13. Millard Fillmore

Born: January 7, 1800, Locke, New York.

Died: March 8, 1874.

Party: Whig.

Age when inaugurated: 50.

Term: 1850-1853 Fillmore approved the Compromise of 1850, allowing slavery in the South. But neither North nor South was happy with it, and Fillmore was blamed for the law's failure.

Famous Fact: In 1856, Fillmore ran for President on the anti-immigrant Know-Nothing Party ticket.

14. Franklin Pierce

Born: November 23, 1804, Hillsboro, New Hampshire.

Died: October 8, 1869.

Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 48.

Term: 1853-1857. Pierce supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which gutted the Compromise of 1850.

Famous Fact: Pierce's wife hated Washington, D.C., so much, that she fainted when she found out he had been nominated for President.

15. James Buchanan

Born: April 23, 1791, near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania.

Died: June 1, 1868

Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 65.

Term: 1857-1861. Buchanan tried in vain to find a compromise to keep the South from seceding from the Union, but failed.

Famous Fact: Buchanan was the only bachelor to ever serve in the White House.

16. Abraham Lincoln

Born: February 12, 1809, near Hodgenville, Kentucky.

Died: April 15, 1865.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 52.

Term: 1861-1865. Lincoln led the Union into the Civil War to preserve the nation and end slavery. He was assassinated just five days after the Confederate armies surrendered.

Famous Fact: Polls show that Lincoln is the most admired President.

17. Andrew Johnson

Born: December 29, 1808, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Died: July 31, 1875.

Party: National Union.

Age when inaugurated: 56.

Term: 1865-1869. Succeeding Lincoln, Johnson found himself in bitter battles with Congress over Reconstruction. He was impeached and tried by the Senate, but was acquitted by one vote.

Famous Fact: Johnson was the only southern Senator to stay loyal to the Union.

18. Ulysses S. Grant

Born: April 27, 1822, Point Pleasant, Ohio.

Died: July 23, 1885.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 46.

Term: 1869-1877. Grant was the top Union military hero of the Civil War. His two terms were marred by scandals.

Famous Fact: Grant was born Hiram Ulysses Grant. But an error on his application to West Point changed his name to Ulysses Simpson Grant. He liked the initials so much that he kept the name.

19. Rutherford B. Hayes

Born: October 4, 1822, Delaware, Ohio.

Died: January 17, 1893.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 54.

Term: 1877-1881. Hayes is one of only three Presidents to lose the popular vote but win the office. He won the election by one electoral vote.

Famous Fact: Hayes's wife, Lucy, was the first First Lady to graduate from college.

20. James A. Garfield

Born: November 19, 1831, Orange, Ohio.

Died: September 19, 1881.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 49.

Term: 1881. Garfield set out to reform the "spoils system" by which politicians gave their friends low-level political offices. He was assassinated by a disappointed office seeker.

Famous Fact: Garfield was the first left-handed President.

21. Chester A. Arthur

Born: October 5, 1829, Fairfield, Vermont.

Died: November 18, 1886.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 51.

Term: 1881-1885. Arthur was unknown before being elected, but surprised people by being honest and responsible. He helped create the Civil Service.

Famous Fact: As a lawyer, Arthur defended a black woman who had been abused on a streetcar. He won the case, which led the streetcar companies to integrate.

22. Grover Cleveland

Born: March 18, 1837, Caldwell, New Jersey.

Died: June 24, 1908.

Party: Democratic.

Ages when inaugurated: 47; 55.

Terms: 1885-1889; 1893-1897. Cleveland expanded the Civil Service and ended wasteful government programs. But an economic depression wrecked his second term.

Famous Fact: Cleveland is the only President to be elected to two non consecutive terms.

23. Benjamin Harrison

Born: August 20, 1833, North Bend, Ohio.

Died: March 13, 1901.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 55.

Term: 1889-1893. Harrison was caught between reformers who were fighting the spoils system and those who wanted to continue it, and was defeated after one term.

Famous Fact: Harrison's grandfather was President William Henry Harrison.

24. Grover Cleveland

Born: March 18, 1837, Caldwell, New Jersey.

Died: June 24, 1908.

Party: Democratic.

Ages when inaugurated: 47; 55.

Terms: 1885-1889; 1893-1897. Cleveland expanded the Civil Service and ended wasteful government programs. But an economic depression wrecked his second term.

Famous Fact: Cleveland is the only President to be elected to two non consecutive terms.

25. William McKinley

Born: January 29, 1843, Niles, Ohio.

Died: September 14, 1901.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 54.

Term: 1897-1901. McKinley led the U.S. during the Spanish-American War. The U.S. won several important overseas colonies.

Famous Fact: Only moments after handing a girl his "lucky" red carnation, McKinley was assassinated.

26. Theodore Roosevelt

Born: October 27, 1858, New York, New York.

Died: January 6, 1919.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 42.

Term: 1901-1909. Roosevelt was one of the most activist Presidents. His many accomplishments included the building of the Panama Canal, cracking down on business monopolies, and creating many national parks.

Famous Fact: Roosevelt was the first President to visit a foreign country while in office.

27. William Howard Taft

Born: September 15, 1857, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Died: March 8, 1930.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 51.

Term: 1909-1913. Taft continued many of Roosevelt's policies. A conservative, he alienated the progressive wing of his party and lost reelection.

Famous Fact: Taft is the only President who became a Supreme Court Justice.

28. Woodrow Wilson

Born: December 29, 1856, Staunton, Virginia.

Died: February 3, 1924.

Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 56.

Term: 1913-1921. After initially opposing World War I (1914-1918), Wilson led the U.S. into the war and drafted the peace plan that ended it. Wilson then fought to create the League of Nations, the forerunner of the United Nations.

Famous Fact: Wilson was the first President to hold a news conference.

29. Warren G. Harding

Born: November 2, 1865, near Blooming Grove, Ohio.

Died: August 2, 1923.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 55.

Term: 1921-1923. Harding died in office, just as massive corruption in the Teapot Dome scandal was about to become public. Because of these scandals, Harding is regarded as the worst President.

Famous Fact: Harding's election was the first in which women voted.

30. Calvin Coolidge

Born: July 4, 1872, Plymouth Notch, Vermont.

Died: January 5, 1933.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 51.

Term: 1923-1929. Coolidge's term was marked by economic prosperity. However, he ignored signs that the stock market was likely to collapse.

Famous Fact: Coolidge was known as "Silent Cal." Once a reporter said to him, "I bet my editor I could get more than two words out of you." Coolidge replied: "You lose."

31. Herbert C. Hoover

Born: August 10, 1874, West Branch, Iowa.

Died: October 20, 1964.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 54.

Term: 1929-1933. The stock market crashed a few months into Hoover's term. The Great Depression that followed was widely and some say unfairly blamed on Hoover.

Famous Fact: Hoover organized relief efforts in Europe after both World Wars.

32. Franklin D. Roosevelt

Born: January 30, 1882, Hyde Park, New York.

Died: April 12, 1945.

Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 51.

Term: 1933-1945. Roosevelt led the nation out of the Great Depression of the 1930s and to victory in World War II (1941-1945). He also greatly expanded the size and role of the federal government through his New Deal social programs.

Famous Fact: Roosevelt is the only President elected four times.

33. Harry S. Truman

Born: May 8, 1884, Lamar, Missouri.

Died: December 26, 1972.

Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 60.

Term: 1945-1953. Truman made the fateful decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. World War II ended days later. Truman also led the U.S. during the Korean War (1950-1953).

Famous Fact: On his desk, Truman had a plaque that said "The Buck Stops Here."

34. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Born: October 14, 1890, Denison, Texas.

Died: March 28, 1969.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 62.

Term: 1953-1961. A former World War II general and hero, Eisenhower helped end the Korean War and steered a moderate course during the Cold War.

Famous Fact: One of America's most famous soldiers, "Ike" had wanted to go to the Naval Academy instead of West Point. He was turned down for being too old.

35. John F. Kennedy

Born: May 29, 1917, Brookline, Massachusetts.

Died: November 22, 1963.

Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 43.

Term: 1961-1963. In 1962, the U.S. and the Soviet Union hovered on the brink of nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Kennedy eventually forced the Soviets to back down. He was assassinated in the third year of his term.

Famous Fact: Kennedy is the only Roman Catholic to become President.

36. Lyndon B. Johnson

Born: August 27, 1908, near Stonewall, Texas.

Died: January 22, 1973.

Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 55.

Term: 1963-1969. Johnson passed sweeping antipoverty and civil rights programs. However, he also involved the U.S. in the unpopular Vietnam War. Antiwar protests caused him to drop a reelection bid.

Famous Fact: Johnson was sworn into office on an airplane after the Kennedy assassination.

37. Richard M. Nixon

Born: January 9, 1913, Yorba Linda, California.

Died: April 22, 1994.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 56.

Term: 1969-1974. During Nixon's first term, he improved relations with the Soviet Union and China and wound down the Vietnam War. But the Watergate scandal forced Nixon to resign before Congress could impeach him.

Famous Fact: Nixon is the only U.S. President in history to resign his office.

38. Gerald R. Ford

Born: July 14, 1913, Omaha, Nebraska.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 61.

Term: 1974-1977. Ford became Vice President after Nixon's Vice President resigned in disgrace, and President after Nixon resigned. His pardon of Nixon was unpopular, probably costing him reelection.

Famous Fact: Ford is the only President never elected President or Vice President.

39. James E. (Jimmy) Carter

Born: October 1, 1924, Plains, Georgia.

Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 52.

Term: 1977-1981. Carter had success promoting Middle East peace. But soaring oil prices, high inflation, and the Iran hostage crisis made him look weak and ineffectual.

Famous Fact: Since leaving office, Carter has traveled the world doing charity work.

40. Ronald W. Reagan

Born: February 6, 1911, Tampico, Illinois.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 69.

Term: 1981-1989. Reagan is credited with reviving national pride after the turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s. He enjoyed great popularity, though his conservative policies were controversial.

Famous Fact: Reagan is the only President to survive after being wounded by a would-be assassin.

41. George H. W. Bush

Born: June 12, 1924, Milton, Massachusetts.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 64.

Term: 1989-1993. During Bush's term, the Soviet Union collapsed and the Cold War ended. He also led the U.S. in the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq. But economic troubles at home cost him his reelection bid.

Famous Fact: Bush was the first sitting Vice President to be elected President since Martin Van Buren.

42. William J. (Bill) Clinton

Born: August 19, 1946, Hope, Arkansas.

Party: Democratic.

Age when inaugurated: 46.

Term: 1993-2000. Clinton achieved goals such as passage of the NAFTA trade agreement and cuts in the budget deficit. But his popularity was uneven and opponents tried to link him to several scandals.

Famous Fact: At 16, Clinton met President Kennedy at the White House. It inspired his interest in politics.

Not Famous Fact: I worked on each political campaign everytime Bill ran for office. He wrote me a really nice letter when I moved from Arkansas to Oklahoma, he was governor then. He sent my daughter a personal letter when he was President and she turned 18 and was old enough to vote. 

43. George W. Bush

Born: July 6, 1946 in New Haven, Connecticut.

Party: Republican.

Age when inaugurated: 54

Term: 2001–2008. Just eight months after being sworn in, President Bush had to unite a mournful country after the September 11th terrorist attacks. A self-proclaimed wartime commander-in-chief, President Bush, like his father, led the United States into war against Iraq.

Famous Fact: Before focusing on national politics, George Bush was the managing partner and part owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team from 1989-1998.

44. Barack Obama

Born: August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Party: Democrat

Age when inaugurated: 47

Term: 2009-2016

Famous Fact: A law professor at the University of Chicago Law School, a past editor of the Harvard Law Review, Barack Obama has the most exotic upbringing: born in Hawaii, raised partly in Indonesia and later, by his grandparents, in Hawaii, he is the first President of the United States of African-American ancestry.

JaRay Wilson - Missing

 

JaRay Wilson has been missing since October 15, 2012. The Custer County Sheriff’s office says information they’ve uncovered shows JaRay may not have went on her own and is possibly a victim of human trafficking. The Wilson family says they just want their daughter home. They say the past months has been unimaginable. They are thankful for the support they’ve received from law enforcement and strangers who are willing to help pass out flyers and spread the word to look for their missing daughter. JaRay Wilson is just 16 years old and 5’2″ and weighs about 95 pounds. Her family is asking anyone with information to call the Custer County Sheriff’s office 580-323-1616.

You never think about this kind of stuff...

until it happens in your own communtiy!

 

 

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith was driven to campaign against human trafficking after her young daughter drew her attention to the terrifying plight of women and girls across the U.S. who are regularly forced to have sex for profit.



The “Collateral” star was stunned to hear Willow broach the topic one day and as the mum of two researched further into the subject, she felt compelled to try and help put a stop to the sick practice.

 

During an interview on "Katie", she explained, “It’s bizarre and it tripped (freaked) me out that my 11-year-old daughter, at the time, came to me with this information (about human trafficking) and I had no idea.

 

“She came to me and she said, ‘Mommy, there are girls in this country that are my age that are being sold for sex’, and I said to her, ‘I don’t think you have your information correct; let me go onto the Internet and check this out.’ She says, ‘I’m telling you that this is true and I want to lend my voice to this cause’, and I was like, ‘Woah, OK’. You can’t tell her no! …Even though it was a heavy subject matter, I didn’t want to put her on pause (stop her) and I said, ‘OK, let me investigate it so I can help you with this’, and this is how it all started.”

Pinkett Smith took young Willow with her last summer when she headed to Washington, D.C. to testify before Congress about the illegal human trade and urge legislators to step up their fight.

 

Speaking to officials during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee meeting in July, she argued, “Slavery robs us of the thing we value most: our freedom.”

Pinkett Smith has since launched a new campaign to help victims, titled Don’t Sell Bodies, which fights against the exploitation of women and children around the world.

83% OF CONFIRMED TRAFFICKING CASES IN THE UNITED STATES ARE AMERICAN BORN CITIZENS

It's hard to believe, but more humans are being used as slaves than ever before.

 

Between 700,000 and 4 million women and children will be trafficked this year, with the majority being forced to work in the sex trade. In America, there are an estimated 40,000 men, women and children enslaved at this very moment. If everyone who cares takes action, we can end slavery once and for all.

 

It's time!!!

Resources

These modern day abolitionists are fighting slavery across the globe. Here's how you can join them.

FREEDOM THROUGH SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Not For Sale uses the power of business and social enterprise to create viable alternatives to slavery. By empowering vulnerable communities, and engaging business, government and the grassroots, Not For Sale has created a modern day abolitionist movement in countries across the Globe. On November 1st and 2nd 2012, Not For Sale will be hosting Justice for the Bottom Billion - a Global Forum on stemming the tide of human trafficking.

COMBATING VIOLENCE AGAINST GIRLS

Girls in the United States are subject to violence with horrifying frequency. One in four American girls will experience sexual violence by the age of 18. Girls aged 16 to 19 are four times more likely than others to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. And, nearly one in five women reports being subject to rape in her lifetime.

Violence against girls in the US is a human rights issue. Human Rights Project For Girls works to ensure it is viewed as such, and that ending this epidemic becomes a priority for our society.

PUSHING FOR LEGISLATIVE CHANGE

Named after the North Star which guided slaves to freedom on the underground railroad, Polaris Project is one of the largest anti- trafficking organizations in the United States and Japan. The organization is active in lobbying for legislative change - including the current push for the CASE Act - and provides direct support to victims of trafficking. Polaris has been instrumental in providing training on human trafficking for law enforcement, social services and other public sector employees.

SUPPORTING SURVIVORS

Founded by Rachel Lloyd, GEMS works with women and girls who have been trafficked and sexually exploited. The organization helps young girls transition out of the sex industry and get back to their full potential. GEMS was also instrumental in lobbying for passage of the Safe Harbor Act for Sexually Exploited Youth, which provides that girls under the age of 16, who are arrested in New York for prostitution will be treated as victims, rather than criminals.

RESCUING AND RESTORING VICTIMS

Shared Hope International is a leading light in the worldwide effort to prevent and eradicate sex trafficking and slavery. The organization uses every means possible to alert the vulnerable to the dangers of trafficking, and partners with local organizations to offer victims of the sex trade safe shelter, therapy, spiritual and physical healing, education and vocational training. Shared Hope International also campaigns for fundamental cultural and legislative change to ensure the just treatment of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators alike.

FIGHTING TRAFFICKERS IN JAPAN

Polaris Project Japan is the only organization in Japan solely dedicated to combating all forms of human trafficking. They are a leading voice for victims of human trafficking and for calling attention to this human rights issue. Polaris runs case management services for survivors, a nationwide hotline for reporting trafficking, national education and awareness-raising efforts, policy advocacy, corporate outreach, and prevention programs.

EMPOWERING CONSUMERS

The Slavery Footprint website shows consumers how their consumption habits are connected to modern-day slavery, showing them just how many slaves it takes to support their lifestyle. Through the "Free World" mobile app and online action center, Slavery Footprint provides consumers with an outlet to voice their demand for products made without slave labor.

HOLDING CALIFORNIA ACCOUNTABLE

California harbors three of FBI's 13 highest child sex trafficking areas in the nation (Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego), and it has received an F rating from leading anti-trafficking organizations. California Against Slavery is coordinating a push for THE CASE ACT - a groundbreaking ballot initiative that will increase penalties for human trafficking, ensure increased support for survivors, and mandate training for law enforcement and other officials.

24-HOUR ANTI-TRAFFICKING HOTLINE

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) is a national, toll-free hotline, available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. It exists to help people to report tips/suspicious activity; connect with anti-trafficking services in their area, or to request training, technical assistance or anti-trafficking resources. The NHTRC is a program of Polaris Project, a non-profit, non-governmental organization working exclusively on the issue of human trafficking. NHTRC is not a government entity, law enforcement or an immigration authority. It can be reached at 1-888-3737-888

THE GOVERNMENT ANTI-SLAVERY EFFORT

The fight to end slavery must include a robust response from Government. Every year, the Department of Justice publishes an overview of government efforts to and the trafficking of people. Covering everything from law enforcement and prosecutions to training and grant funding, this is a vital resource for anti-trafficking activists.

PROVIDING SAFE REFUGE

Tina Frundt was “freed” from sex trafficking as a teen, only to be forced into the juvenile detention system. She founded Courtney's House as an alternative – funding a group residential home for survivors where they could heal, recover and move beyond their experiences without criminalization. Their first group home was forced to close due to lack of funding, but they are actively working toward a new home. In the meantime, they are providing drop-in services, outreach and law enforcement training.

INTERNATIONAL EMPOWERMENT

FAIR Girls provides education, outreach and empowerment to girls who have been, or are at risk of being, sexually exploited. With programs in Bosnia, Montenegro, Serbia, Russia, Uganda, and the United States, the organization creates opportunities for girls to become confident, happy, healthy young women. From emergency response through individual care to group empowerment workshops and prevention education, FAIR Girls works toward a world where all young women can live free from exploitation.

SUPPORTING SURVIVORS IN SPAIN

Proyecto Esperanza (Project HOPE) is the response of the Congregation of the Sisters Adorers to the problem of trafficking in women in Spain. Since 1999, the group has offered a comprehensive support program for women who are victims of human trafficking for the purposes of exploitation. The Project has a multidisciplinary team who consider trafficking-in-persons to be a violation of human rights. The team consists of lawyers, educators, social workers, intercultural mediators, psychologists and other professionals.

KRISTI HOUSE

Kristi House's Project GOLD program assists commercially sexually exploited children by offering coordinated service to the victims and through training and awareness building in Miami Dade County. Kristi House, as the Miami Dade County CAC, strives to create local model programs that are easily replicated in other communities and continuously works to recognize this population of child sexual abuse victims as just that - victims - not criminals. Project GOLD is led by Trudy Novicki, Executive Director and author of the Florida Safe Harbor Act and by Sandy Skelaney, Program Manager.

FROM VICTIMS TO LEADERS

Motivating, Inspiring, Supporting, and Serving Sexually Exploited Youth (MISSSEY) advocates and facilitates the empowerment and inner transformation of sexually exploited youth by holistically addressing their specific needs. MISSSEY collaborates to bring about systemic and community change to prevent the sexual exploitation of children and youth through raising awareness, education and policy development. MISSSEY embodies a peer and survivor led model that recognizes the value of young people empowering other young people and the crucial voices of survivors in facilitating healing in victims of commercial sexual exploitation. MISSSEY seeks to partner with youth in their transition from victim to survivor to leader, encouraging their long-term stability and success in whatever path they choose.

PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE

International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to secure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to ensure that public justice systems - police, courts and laws - effectively protect the poor. IJM's justice professionals work in their communities in 15 field offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America to secure tangible and sustainable protection of national laws through local court systems.