Author: arnsona

ONLINE ARTICLE – Southern Exposure

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Southern Exposure July 2013 Written for Triangle Mommie Blog Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON

I have lived in the South most of my life. I have said my fair share of “yes, ma’am” and “no, sir”. I have acquired a taste for fried pickles and good ol’ North Carolina Barbeque. However, it is amazing how much more you can learn about the South when reading some of the more regional magazines out there!

Of course, most of us know about several of the larger publications in the region like Southern Living, Southern Lady and Southern Accents.  Here in North Carolina we have Our State Magazine and many states have their own magazines too.

The Blue Ridge Parkway has one. Golfing in Georgia is covered in another. Southeastern Equine covers horses and what to do with them. Florida has a business magazine called “850”. Mississippi has two or more great literary magazines. And, there are so many more I cannot even name them all!

If there is anything that you want to learn more about, you can find an article about it in one of these magazines. What growing region are you in? Check in Southern Living. What is the best batter to fry catfish in? Check in Taste of the South. What are the best books to read during a hurricane? Yes, there is an article on that topic in Deep South Magazine.

One of my newest finds has actually been publishing for two years now. The articles are thoughtful and current. The topics are always entertaining. There are some sections I just jump over because I am not interested. But, all in all, the magazine is a great read!

I will have to allude to the title as it is not the best thing to talk about on a Mommie Blog but the first word is GARDEN, ampersand, and the second word is a tool used in hunting wild game in a very licensed and responsible way. Yes, those are the articles in the magazine that I skip over. Although, given the fact that Mommies can have very differing viewpoints and interests, some women might enjoy those articles too. All are very well written.

So, I spend my lunchtime reading and learning more about the region where I grew up. Perhaps, I will find something to do with my new found knowledge like write an article about Reading Regional Magazines! Hmmmm. 😉

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY ARTICLE – Name that ‘shroom

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Children’s Activities: NAME THAT ‘SHROOM! July 2013 Written for Triangle Mommies Blog Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON

With all the crazy wet weather we are having here in North Carolina, it has been a boon year for mushrooms. You can see them in the forests, in the country and even in many urban/suburban neighborhoods!

I have found at least three different types along my walk in the mornings!

So, I have invented a new activity for the kiddies: NAME THAT ‘SHROOM! This activity includes a hunt-and-find outdoor game and a make-it-yourself field guide.

First the HUNT! While traipsing through the woods or sticking to the sidewalks, be on the lookout for interesting shapes and colors and textures among the landscape. Mushrooms come in many different colors and textures.

**PLEASE BE AWARE, especially with children, do not touch the mushrooms you find until you know for sure that they are safe. You don’t want the kid to accidentally ingest the sample.

It is best to take a digital picture of the mushroom from all angles. Try and get the tops, the surrounding area, underneath the dome and the stems too.

Now off to the library, or the internet, to see what great treasure you have found!  See the guide below for some titles and websites.

Things to figure out: What is its name? Where does it normally grow? What are its tell-tale features? Is it safe to touch or to pick? Is it edible?

Once you find out some of these basics, you and your little one can create a great little field guide of your own back yard. Include pictures, drawings, facts, and even spore prints in a little self-made or store-bought sketch book. See website #1 for how to make a spore print.

Then the next time we get weather like this again, your little field guide will help you identify what pops up in your yard!

BOOKS:

 

1. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms (National Audubon Society Field Guides)by NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY

2.    The Mushroom Book For Beginners: 2nd Edition Revised : A Mycology Starter or How To Be A Backyard Mushroom Farmer… by Frank Randall

3.   The Complete Mushroom Hunter: An Illustrated Guide to Finding, Harvesting, and Enjoying Wild Mushrooms by Gary Lincoff

4.    A Field Guide to Mushrooms: North America (Peterson Field Guides) by Kent H. McKnight, Vera B. McKnight and Roger Tory Peterson

WEBSITES:

  1. Urban Mushrooms: http://urbanmushrooms.com/index.php?id=69
  2. American Mushrooms: http://americanmushrooms.com/lawnandgarden.htm
  3. Mushroom Expert: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/index.html
  4. The Mushroom Patch: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/index.html

 

COMPANY MISSION ARTICLE – Mission Two 2014: SGT. Rando

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MISSION TWO 2014: SGT. MATTHEW RANDO’s FAMILY  June 2014 Written for Caliber Technologies Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON/Caliber Technologies

The family of SGT. Matthew Rando has had it very hard the last year or so. Upon hearing of their troubles, Caliber Technologies jumped to donate through our non-profit of choice, Operation Once in a Lifetime.

Here is the Rando Family’s story:

SGT. Rando is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  He and his wife, Samantha, reside off-base with their eight children ranging in ages from 2 to 21 years of age, two of which have special needs. They have lived modestly on his Army paycheck while Samantha works as a stay-at-home mother.

The family is used to weathering hardships. When Samantha’s mother passed away, SGT Matthew and Samantha raised her two younger siblings, without hesitation.

Earlier this year, Samantha underwent major surgery which resulted in complications. These complications are, unfortunately, continuing and she will need another surgery in the fall.

Just as the family was getting used to the difficulties Samantha’s surgery brought, SGT. Rando’s  pay was disturbed in March.  There was an error in the amount he received. Knowing that it may be 45 days until the error was corrected, the family sought help through Army Emergency Relief (AER). This agency was able to help them on a one-time only basis.

His paycheck problem was not resolved in April, nor in May. Samantha tells us this:

“My husband and his command started working on fixing the error in March and they were told it could take 45 days to [get the monies] back in our pay.

So, we did the best we could to get by. Then when the 45 days passed, and it was not fixed, my husband went to his command and they went to S1 and Finance and found that the paperwork was still sitting on their desk and never turned in.

It has went up to the Lt. Colonel and they are doing everything they can to push the issue but it does not help our current situation.”

Now, with SGT. Rando’s paycheck problems still persisting, the family is placed again in financial need. This is when Caliber Technologies was contacted and we happily offered to help out.

You can help families just like the Rando Family with your purchase at Caliber Technologies.

Thank you.

COMPANY MISSION ARTICLE- Mission One 2014: SGT Downing

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Mission One, 2014: SGT Darren Downing and wife, Brook  April 2014 Written for Caliber Technologies Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON/Caliber Technologies

In a letter to our charity of choice for this Mission, Operation Once in a Lifetime, Darren Downing tells the story of becoming disabled and what he promised his girlfriend who supported him throughout the ordeal.

It starts with US Army SGT Darren Downing being critically injured during a tour in Afghanistan on February 26, 2012.

For the six months that he was in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for recovery and therapy, Brook, his girlfriend at the time, stayed with him. She put her own goals, dreams and life on hold to help his recovery efforts.

In his letter, he describes her hardships of being away from her support system to be with him. SGT Downing writes: “She went through just as much as I did coming back home, if not more. I had support she didn’t. There was no one she could talk to, She dealt with everything on her own. I leaned on her during my whole recovery; she carried both of our weight throughout everything we were going through. She watched me look myself in the mirror every day, with tears in my eyes, disgusted for what had happened to me, for the deformity that my injury had left. She was there to pick up all the pieces when I was angry at everyone. She was there when I was sad and when I couldn’t make sense of it all. She was there to pick me back up and to put me back together when I didn’t know how. To this very day she still does all these things; some days are worse than others, but she is always there.”

Following advice from others, SGT Darren Downing and his young girlfriend, now wife, were married before the process of getting medically retired was completed. SGT Downing writes again: “My wife agreed to get married on such short notice without her dress, without her family, and without her friends. She didn’t get her fairy tale wedding that she had dreamed of her whole life; (one) that she most certainly deserved more than anyone I have ever met. She agreed, under two conditions, one being that we had to get married in a church, not in an office or at a courthouse. Secondly, she made me promise that on the exact date a year from our original marriage, we could have a real wedding ceremony. At that time I made that promise, it seemed like a small price to pay for all she has done for me from the very second I was injured.”

At this point in the letter he spells out that he is asking for assistance with giving her the “dream” wedding she did not receive the first time. Caliber Technologies wishes to help this young couple. We are happily donating a portion of the sales of YOUR ORDERS to SGT Downing and his wife towards their “dream” wedding in Ohio this spring.

THEATER REVIEW-“Lose yourself in ‘Escape from Happiness’”

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Theater Review

Tuesday Magazine, The Signal (Georgia State University’s on-campus newspaper)

“Lose yourself in ‘Escape from Happiness’”

Copyright 1995 ARLADEAN ARNSON/THE SIGNAL

 

“Escape from Happiness”

Horizon Theater, Atlanta, GA 1995

“Escape from Happiness,” Canadian playwright George F. Walker’s outrageous story of a typical late 20th century family that is pre-occupied with reasoning why bad things happen to them, offers a hilarious satirical look at family matters in the ‘90’s.

Set in the cheery yellow kitchen of a typical family, the story centers around the recent beating of Junior, one of the main characters of “Escape form Happiness.”  The mystery of who did this terrible thing and why sets the stage for Walker’s “manic and eloquent” satire.  As the play progresses, the action becomes more outrageous as the characters become more introspective.

The ever-ending need for family members to search for clarification on different levels along with Walker’s ironic mishaps lighten the tone of the mystery without giving way into farce.

Shelby Hofer and Jill Jane Clements both give outstanding performances as Gail, the family’s stubborn youngest daughter, and Nora the bickering yet heroic Mother.

Although the ending is a little surprising and abrupt (more because of delivery than dialogue), this contemporary satire offers a hilarious look at modern urban family life.

“Escape from Happiness” runs through February 26 (1995) at Horizon Theater.  For information about showtimes and ticket prices call 584-7450.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY-Preeclampsia Research

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Executive Summary: Preeclampsia Research

January 2006, Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON, researched and written for client

Project Overview

The focus of the attached research is to find “key relevant medical articles” on the subject of preeclampsia, with a focus on information regarding antithrombin and preeclampsia.

The HELLP syndrome, a close “sister” to preeclampsia, is another topic that researchers like to link together with the studies on preeclampsia, itself, or antithrombin. A small portion of the research covers this subject also.

Research Methodology

The traditional route to medical research is by using Pub Med. This route and a new (beta) Google search, called Google Scholar, were utilized. A large amount of information was provided, therefore, the limits set for articles narrowed to those only going back five (5) years.

Also chosen to be included is both a group of articles from the year 2000 that looked to be important to the focus of the research and a second group of articles, “Articles mentioned in the Articles Above”, that obviously influenced the researchers of our focus topic. These are found in separate folders in the “zipped” material.

Included in the Pub Med and Google Scholar search is forty-six (46) articles on the subject of antithrombin and preeclampsia. The file folder titled “Articles from 2000” presents eight (8) articles. And, the file folder titled “Articles mentioned in Articles Above” offers thirteen (13) articles.

Six (6) articles on the subject of the HELLP syndrome are displayed in the file folder titled “HELLP”.

Page 2 Executive Summary

Alternative databases and web sites have also been explored for any articles on the focus topic. The Cochrane Library’s Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews revealed two articles of note. Reach both articles and their abstracts in the file folder titled “Cochrane Library”.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality produces several health pages starting at

http://www.ahrq.gov . The web page featuring women’s issues, AHRQ Women’s Health Page, conveys information via documents on research in several areas. Featured in the section titled “Maternal Health & Pregnancy”, a document called “Chronic Hypertension During Pregnancy” can be found. In this document, preeclampsia is mentioned and the management of this and other pregnancy complications are discussed. In spite of the ease at which the document can be reached, it is not feasible to get a copy of it from the web site.

KOL Identification Methodology

The research easily established key opinion leaders among the authors of the articles. Twenty (20) KOLs have made the list. The KOLs have been identified using a three tiered method.

The first tier of researcher/authors is the most important to the focus topic. These prominent men and women have been selected by being mentioned as a contributor in more than one of the articles and/or publishing articles on antithrombin and preeclampsia.

The second tier researcher/authors, still an important classification, have been mentioned as contributors in those articles cited by the first tier group. These authors’ work clearly influenced the further research in the focus topic.

The third tier of researcher/authors denotes those people who have written on the topic of the HELLP syndrome.

The KOLs are arranged alphabetically in the data listing along with a column noting the tier in which they should be considered.

Page 3 Executive Summary

Additional Notes

Among these seventy-five (75) articles are several different key issues. In the general research you can find studies from preeclamptic pregnancies and thrombophilic disorders to Activated Protein C resistance. In the cases of articles about the HELLP syndrome, the articles were separated into a specific file folder.

The file folders titled “Articles from 2000”, “Articles mentioned in Articles Above”, and “Cochrane Library” contain a variety of subjects all associated to the focus topic of antithrombin and preeclampsia.

 

 

 

 

COMPANY MISSION ARTICLE- 2013 Year in Review: Missions Complete

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2013 Year in Review: Missions Complete  Article written for Caliber Technologies March 2014 Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON/ Caliber Technologies

Caliber Technologies is excited to give you a fantastic recap of the five missions and our Annual TOYS FOR TROOPS Campaign in 2013. From reaching out and helping three of our military service personnel and families in need to expanding our donations this summer to cover two community programs here in North Carolina, we are utilizing your contributions from ink, toner and office supply purchases to help where it is needed most! And, our Holiday toy and clothing reached further than we even expected! Read on…

We started out 2013 with a call to help little Piper with our “Print for Piper” mission. Piper Wilhide is a baby girl diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. Both her parents currently serve in our armed forces in different branches. The diagnosis, as you can imagine, brought a series of debts that was difficult for the family to handle all at once.

We were successful with our mission! We dearly wanted to raise enough money, to purchase plane tickets for Piper’s grandparents to fly in and provide the much needed assistance and support during the recovery process. In addition to the tickets, we would love to be able to assist Piper’s parents’ with their unexpected travel costs to and from Piper’s hospital and their hotel stays. With the tickets and a monetary donation, this family is well on its way to recovery!

During our Second Mission of 2013, Caliber Technologies was able to help two of our military families! We’d like to introduce you to the families of Sergeant (SGT) James Ray and Airman (AMN) Nichole Murphy.

On duty in Iraq, SGT Ray was enjoying his military career, a loving family, and a promotion in the near future. Unfortunately, one day his vehicle was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) resulting in burns over 60% of his body.

Fast forward to his stateside recovery, SGT Ray was adjusting nicely to life as a disabled veteran. He bought a home both near his family and the Veterans Affairs Office in Lometa, TX. The home was equipped to accommodate his needs.

Everything was on track on moving day until, while driving with his wife to his new home, the couple was hit by a semi-truck. The timing of this accident is made worse by the fact that former SGT Ray’s wife was to start a new job the very next week.  Although both are recovering from this accident, the couple is currently living off of only former SGT Ray’s disability payments. This loving and patriotic couple is now in need of funds for housing. Caliber Technologies is delighted to contribute towards their needs.

Air Force Airman (AMN) Nichole Murphy is a dedicated servicewoman and loving mother to a daughter named Haley. AMN Murphy recently received the hard news that her daughter’s illness may shorten Haley’s life; in fact, she may not live through the summer.  Haley was born without urinary organs and she is on constant dialysis and has a colostomy bag.

Having nothing more than a disposable camera to record what may her daughter’s last few happy months, Caliber Technologies is delighted to help donate a Nikon Digital Video Camcorder to the family.

Sadly, we were just informed that Haley did pass away in September, 2013. We all are heartbroken to hear this news. We are very proud to be a part of giving AMN Murphy some lasting memories of her daughter and wish her peace.

Caliber Technologies is proud to announce we are a participating sponsor of the North Raleigh Athletic Association (NRAA), the largest organization in the CFF and Pop Warner Mid-South Region.

As an “Ultimate Fan” level supporter we help fund the wonderful boys and girls and their football and cheer activities in our own community.  Go Bulldogs!!

The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Teen Council and Caliber Technologies have teamed up to help teens of deployed National Guardsmen with the inaugural NCNG Teen Challenge Retreat at Camp Butner in June 2013.

The teens that attended the four day retreat worked on developing their communication, leadership and team building skills in a small team environment. By donating the official camp tee shirts, we helped these teens meet their goals and take an active role in their learning! Congratulations to all participants! Way to go!!

Caliber Technologies started working on our TOYS FOR TROOPS campaign earlier than usual in 2013. TOYS FOR TROOPS is our annual toy and clothing drive for the children of military families in need during the Holiday Season. This time, we were fortunate enough that we were able to select three families through the “New Beginnings” website for special recognition and help.

We are very proud of our eighteen community partners for 2013! Each hosted a box and sign at their location throughout the Triangle Area of North Carolina. All of these locations were thanked personally by staff members when the donation boxes were picked up. Several locations were thanked in person by military personnel in tow with our staff. What a great campaign!

Oh, we also need to mention, this year we had some extra help outside the Triangle Area. Our partner in West Virginia, Mary B’s Restaurant in Parkersburg, helped to gather donations for children whose parents are with the West Virginia National Guard.

Please remember, Caliber Technologies proudly donates a portion of every order for ink, toner and office supplies back to our Veterans and our local community. We could not do it without your support and we greatly appreciate you! Thank you!

COMPANY MISSION ARTICLE- Mission Two 2013: Two Deserving Soldiers

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MISSION TWO 2013: Two deserving soldiers. Article written for Caliber Technologies. March 2014 Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON/ Caliber Technologies

 

During our Second Mission of 2013, Caliber Technologies was able to help two of our military families! Through our charity of choice, Operation Once in a Lifetime, we donate a portion of our sales of ink, toner and office supplies to help those in need.
We’d like to introduce you to the families of Sergeant (SGT) James Ray and Airman (AMN) Nichole Murphy.
_______________
On duty in Iraq, SGT Ray was enjoying his military career, a loving family, and a promotion in the near future. Unfortunately, one day his vehicle was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) resulting in burns over 60% of his body.
Fast forward to his stateside recovery, SGT Ray was adjusting nicely to life as a disabled veteran. He bought a home both near his family and the Veterans Affairs Office in Lometa, TX. The home was equipped to accommodate his needs.
Everything was on track on moving day until, while driving with his wife to his new home, the couple was hit by a semi-truck. The timing of this accident is made worse by the fact that former SGT Ray’s wife was to start a new job the very next week.
Although both are recovering from this accident, the couple is currently living off of only former SGT Ray’s disability payments. This loving and patriotic couple is now in need of funds for housing. Caliber Technologies is delighted to contribute towards their needs.
__________________
Air Force Airman (AMN) Nichole Murphy is a dedicated servicewoman and loving mother to a daughter named Haley. AMN Murphy recently received the hard news that her daughter’s illness may shorten Haley’s life; in fact, she may not live through the summer.  Haley was born without urinary organs and she is on constant dialysis and has a colostomy bag.
Having nothing more than a disposable camera to record what may her daughter’s last few happy months, Caliber Technologies is delighted to help donate a Nikon Digital Video Camcorder to the family.
Sadly, we were just informed that Haley did pass away in September, 2013. We all are heartbroken to hear this news. We are very proud to be a part of giving AMN Murphy some lasting memories of her daughter and wish her peace.

COMPANY MISSION ARTICLE- Mission One 2013: Print for Piper

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MISSION ONE 2013: Print for Piper  Article written for Caliber Technologies March 2013 Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON/ Caliber Technologies

We are very happy to announce our first Mission of 2013: PRINT FOR PIPER! We are helping little Piper Wilhide and her family. Of course, we wouldn’t be able to do it without your continuous support.

Caliber Technologies usually receives requests through various charities to help distressed military families and veterans; however, Piper’s request was a bit different.

One of our recently hired veterans, former USAF SSgt Mac Hobgood, had actually served with Piper’s father in Germany.  The two had remained friends and when Mac shared Piper’s story (see side panel) it was obvious that we had to help in any way possible.

Both Piper’s mom and dad proudly serve our country. The father has been in the Air Force for 15 years and now is stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB. Piper’s mom is in the Air National Guard and is an instructor at Wayne Community College.

Unfortunately, since Piper was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, her mom cannot go back to work. As a result, the family is incurring increasing debt including childcare and travel costs.

Caliber Technologies’  Mission is to raise enough money, to purchase plane tickets for Piper’s grandparents to fly in and provide the much needed assistance and support during the recovery process.  In addition to the tickets, we would love to be able to assist Piper’s parents’ with their unexpected travel costs to and from Piper’s hospital and their hotel stays.

We greatly appreciate all the continuous support through your purchases.  If you would like more information on how you can best help with our Mission, please contact your didicated Business  Development Manager.

PRINT FOR PIPER- Her Story

Piper Wilhide was only four weeks old when she first went in to see the doctor. She had been waking up from her naps with the sweats. The doctors were confused because nothing seemed wrong.

While doctors ran tests, her heart rate was in the 190’s, which is abnormally high. Peper then had an EKG done at Wayne Memorial Hospital. The pediatric cardiologist took a look at here and did a heart echo; that is when they saw a mass behind her heart.

Piper was quickly admitted to Vidant Memorial Hospital for more tests to establish the best diagnosis. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 Neuroblastoma, a malignant tumor that develops from nerve tissues.

Little Piper has to go through eight cycles of chemotherapy due to the size of the tumor. Each cycle consists of getting the chemo administered over three days with 21 days between each cycle.

As you can see, Piper has a long fight ahead of her.

ONLINE ARTICLE- Quick Trip: The Couch

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Quick Trip: The Couch  Oct. 31, 2009 Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON Originally published on Triangle Mommies blog at http://www.trainglemommies.com .

 

It could be your couch, davenport, or chesterfield, a nice armchair, a comfy beanbag one or a chaise lounge; it really doesn’t matter what you’d prefer to sit in while taking your quick trip.

 

It is the beginning of the busiest time of the year and you really should take the time to sit. You can read or watch television. You can enjoy a cup of coffee or working with your hands by doing crochet or needlepoint. Please, just have a seat.

 

My quick trip is to the couch. It is a lovely couch. I call it my “Cowboy Couch” because of its warm brown leather and its worn patches. It sinks just so in all the right places.

 

Sure, I have a wonderful red reading chair with ottoman in the same room, but sometimes, it is just the couch that is calling.

 

Now, why is my quick trip to the couch? Well, the only other escapade this month was to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. It was lovely and because of the cooler weather the animals were out-and-about. The male Elk was trumpeting up a storm towards the bison that live in the same area to keep them away from his females. It is mating season. But, I have told you all about the Zoo already and most of you have been there too.

 

So, I decided to highlight we mamas never take for granted, a seat. While sitting, we experience a time where we actually think, or plan, or dream and just be ourselves.

 

Which is your favorite seat? Is it in the kitchen, the living room, your out-of-doors patio, or in your car? Please join me, and have a seat!