10.10.10 Global Work Party

On the same day as the all-city participatory Chicago Marathon, there was something else going on. It was also something that everyone could find a way to participate in and it was something local and Global. On 10-10-10 there were 7347 separate events in 188 countries that all worked together to lower global carbon gas emissions. Globally, we are at 388 parts per million which will increase global warming. And 350 ppm is the minimum to reduce the damage we have already done to our climate and atmosphere. [350.org/en/about/science]
The events around the world were organized through http://www.350.org/ (get it….?) and the only guidelines given was to focus on solutions to the climate crisis. Some small towns and villages installed solar panels or wind turbines. Some cities had repair bike stations and bike rides. There were community gardens being planted, school children cleaning beaches and parks, and lots of farming and education. And hundreds of people around the world met each other, for the first time, and affirmed just how awesome each of us is as individuals and collectively are when we give a Sunday up to work and learn. I was energized by this event. Soul fed and blessed. I know I will be on a high for weeks because of my participation in just one of these 10.10.10 GLOBAL WORK PARTYs.
It was Chef Tom Leavitt’s idea to put together a bus ride from Chicago to Fairbury Illinois to visit Spence Farm. Tom is an advocate of using local produce and meats from sustainable farms. Everyone in Chicagoland uses his talents and catering skills for their holiday parties and events and dinner parties. http://www.whiteoakgourmet.com/ I had heard of Tom from my clients for years and it was his passion that brought together 45 individuals to for the Global Work Party. The day was about work. And we felt like we were at a great party.
When we arrived at Spence Farm, we were given a little introduction about the farm itself. It is completely sustainable, meaning they use every part of the crops they grow, from the seeds to the clippings for mulch. The ducks on the farm eat the insects, so: there is no reason for pesticides. The maple trees are used to tap syrup and their shade protects the pawpaw saplings. I encourage you to learn more about Spence Farm at http://www.thespencefarm.com/ Marty and his wife, Kris and their son Will, steward and operate the family farm and they are all delightful story tellers. We ate up Marty’s telling of how we could and should be eating only good non-genetically-altered fruits and vegetables; and why the pigs on his farm didn’t smell bad. [They are given a natural diet and no un-necessary antibiotics which keeps their digestion working well = no smell!] Particularly interesting to me was how Rick Bayless, of Chicago Restaurant and Frontera Grill fame, asked Marty to save the nearly extinct Iroquois White Corn. [Click here for that one.] We also ate up his heirloom tomatoes, and I had my first pawpaw which, to me, tasted and textured like a banana mixed with mango. Marty told us that science if finding out that pawpaw may be giving a natural hand in the fight against cancer. Keep those stories coming, Marty!
On a simple Sunday I missed this year’s Marathon but I helped harvest Spence Farm’s entire sorghum crop. (Makes Molasses) It was fun and it only took my group less than an hour. For Marty and his clan it would have taken a whole day. We planted his organic garlic crop. And we dismantled the tomato fences because they are now out of season. A delicious lunch of vegetarian and organic meat sandwiches was provided by City Provisions Delicatessen, 1818 West Wilson, which was also where our bus picked us up at 9am and dropped us off at 7pm. Please check them out:
http://www.cityprovisions.com/
Next year: twitter friends, facebook friends, buddies, my clients! & family: you are all coming with me to the farm. I had such a great time and I want to share this wonderful experience with you. It’s great to get out of the city and meet new people to learn, work and laugh with. Now I want to find out much more about natural and sustainable farming – something, I thought, I already knew enough about. I even took home some green tomatoes from Spence Farm and made fried green tomatoes from a recipe recommended by Rob Gardner, one of my farm-mates. He runs http://www.thelocalbeet.com/ which has wonderful information about local and sustainable farming and recipes such as the one I used by Melissa Graham of http://www.littlelocavores.blogspot.com/
350.org is founded by Bill McKibben and is an international campaign that's building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis—the solutions that science and justice demand.

Oh yeah: I'm just a hairdresser who writes. I have a novel or two coming out next year. Every bit of my "pulp fiction" profits free me up to do more stories like these. MafiaHairdresser.com will keep you abreast. And please subscribe to this blog!

This is Farmer Marty talking to Rob Gardner of The Local Beet and Chef Tom Leavitt. They are talking about the genetically altered crops being farmed around them. I learned that organic farms have eco systems full of toads, bees, birds, ducks and healthy crops that can be used to seed next years crops. Not so with "Franken-crop" farms.

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Happy Dogs and Cats with Flower Essences

I had met my Yorkshire Terrier, Junebug, over six years ago when friends of mine, a couple, brought her to their home to join their family. Sadly, only a few months later, one of the couple died in a car accident; so Junebug only had one dad for many years. It was one year ago that I moved in with Junebug and her Dad when the condo I had been renting sold. Because Junebug’s dad’s job had changed and he began to travel, weeks at a time, I became very attached to her and her to me. And when I found an apartment that I wanted to move into, it was pretty apparent that the best thing for Junebug would be for her to move in with me. Because I honor my friends, I still think of them as Junbug’s dads so I’m her uncle and caretaker.
If you are the caretaker of pets, then I’m going to assume that you want them to be as happy and loved as you can possibly help them to be. And if your dog is anything like mine, you might have to spend a little extra time or attention with him or her to relieve them of stress or fears that keep them from being happy.
Because of Junebug’s breed, her small size, the way she was raised, and maybe loss or trauma in her life, she brings with her all kinds of luggage. She’s not been as readily receptive to other dog’s or stranger’s affections. She’s been cautious and shy. But she will do anything for food. It’s her favorite thing and she’d warm to anyone who is willing to give it to her.
Recently, Junebug began to act out in very unconventional ways so I consulted a pet communicator. (see blog) I will describe the specific behavior and how the pet communicator helped me in another blog. Here, I would love to tell you about one of the remedies that the pet communicator recommended to me to use to help Junebug stop her unwanted behavior: Flower Essences.
This was not a new remedy to me. In fact, I had been doing some volunteer work for a group called The Pet Ministry, and a guest speaker, Judy Toby, came to talk about her Pet and Canine OptiBalance Pet Formulas.
Per usual, I was the earliest member at the Pet Ministry meeting, Junebug was on my lap, and she growled at Judy when she first walked into the meeting room.
“Delightful!” Judy said. “Can I use your dog in a demonstration for my Stress and Trauma Relief formula?” Yes, Judy really said, “Delightful.” But although Junebug may be cute, she was not delightful if you woke her up from a nap or came at or near her too quickly. Without much further convincing, I let Judy put a few drops of her formula on my finger and let Junebug lick it off. (She'll eat anything!) Within minutes, Junebug was on her lap and then began greeting, with a wagging tail, the rest of the Pet Ministry as they each arrived. I had never seen my dog so open to meeting strangers before and, because I have used this formula regularly since then, I know it is the reason she is much more accepting of other dogs and people than she was ever before. All of my friends constantly comment about what a changed dog I have, compared to when they first knew her. The flower essences were worth months of dog training sessions to me and Junebug is never hyper or agitated or drowsy when I give them to her.
The more recent problem that led me to the Pet Communicator involves Junebug having to be gated in my room and, although it may be helping one problem, my little one is not used to not having the run of the apartment. While the Stress and Trauma Relief formula has helped my anti-social dog to be much more social and calm, it’s not specifically going to help me with Junebug’s barking when she’s left alone in my room during the day. So I just ordered the Separation Anxiety Formula. Of course, I’ll let you know how it goes, but I’m a big believer in natural remedies and this one is great. Go to Judy’s web site http://www.optibalancepet.com/ and check it out. The “Remedy Finder” is easy to use. Such as; If you have a dog that barks at storms or loud noises, you could use the Fears and Phobias Formula or the Stress and Anxiety Formula. There’s also a Hyper Dog Formula, Aggression Relief Formula and much more.
The website is also for the OptiBalance Cat and Bird formulas too.
I highly recommend using these natural flower essences to help your pets stay happy and healthy. They are tasteless and odorless and are so easy to give to your pet. They are not bad for their bodies and are great to use for changes in yours and your pets life, such as a move or a loss of a loved one, and they can be used in conjunction with behavior training.
No: Judy did not ask me to do a commercial for her. I do not get paid or get kickbacks for my blog. But if you try any of these Pet Flower Essence Flower Formulas, you can get $5 off your order just by using the code “Mafia” at the end of your on-line purchase button pushing. This is a special thank-you from Judy to me (and you!) when I told her I was going to write a rave about her wonderful product.

Order specific Flower Essence Formulas for your pet from http://www.optibalancepet.com/
I also recommend:
The Pet Communicator is Carol Shultz and you can reach her at: Carol@carolschultz.com
http://www.carolschultz.com/index.htm
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Chicago Police Officer runs the Chicago Marathon for LUNGevity Foundation

One of my clients is a Chicago Police Officer and she has been very inspiring to me over the many years that I have known her. Her tales of being an officer and humanist have made me proud to know her. And today she has inspired me again, so I’m going to share that inspiration with you.
As I was cutting Officer Sarah’s hair (she’s growing out her short Halle-Berry-do to long again), she told me that she was going to run in the Chicago Marathon this October.
I mentioned to her that I seemed to remember that she had once had a torn ACL in one knee and, by her own admission, was never really a “gifted runner.”
Officer Sarah told me that she’s not just running the Chicago Marathon for any kind of personal challenge but that she was running for the LUNGeveity Foundation.
Ah-ha. This sounded like the Sarah I knew. And she confirmed my thoughts that she is one of the most caring thoughtful women that I know when she further told me that she has been affected by the Cancer. Like most of us, we have lost friends and family to the Big-C fight, and we have breathed sweet-relief when our loved ones win that fight or go into remission.
Sarah told me the she did have a hard time asking people for donations for this worthy cause. I do not.
If you have been personally affected by Cancer or if you have a few extra pennies, dollars or more to give to the LUNGevity Foundation, I urge you to give what you feel you can today.
Here is Officer Sarah Donovan’s personal Fundraising Page.
http://events.lungevity.org/goto/TeamMeyers


Prayer, from the heart, is another form of giving. And learning about great causes can open your heart.

EAT-up LEARNing and PRAY for those you LOVE

The LUNGevity Foundation is at lungevity.org

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Green for Beginners, Phase Five

Green for Beginners, Phase Five
If you have read this little five part series, my hope is that your thinking has shifted on the subject of what it means to be green. Yes: it is trendy. Green is all the rage. If that is what brought you here, to phase five, that is great. But what about taking a step further, and become a green leader?; Now, or later!

Phase Five is taking your green knowledge and becoming a leader.
Are you thinking of all the ramifications of what being a green-leader means to you? Does something stick out in your mind? How about your condo association and the fact that you may not have recycling in your building? What if you are a parent and you share a common bond with other families because your children have asthma? It is just quite possible that people keep asking you why you have worm composter in your kitchen? (That's me!)
Okay, maybe you’ll never have a box of worms to eat your veggie-garbage. But most of us green people end up helping other green groups or starting our own groups from our own experience and out of our personal need to share it with others.

“Something must be done…,” comes up a lot in conversation when anyone talks about the environment, health, conservation, families, children and the waning sustainability of the Earth itself. There will be a time when you heart tells you that you are just the right person to be doing the things that must be done.
My own journey and green leadership came about because I was a member of a green group at my church called, The Green Ministry. We were to assist and help our members and minister to be more of a green-movement organization. The Bodhi Spiritual Center paid my $75 tuition to the Chicago Conservation Corps 3C program. In this program, I learned all-things about water, land, air & energy around Chicago. And the four week four day course also taught me how WE, as a city, relate to the world in our struggle to lower our carbon footprint.
Because of this course I became educated and enlightened and took the helm of The Green Ministry and eventually became a writer-activist for green. I also realized that the more I knew about the world and the green groups trying to save it, that I was just part of many other green leaders who can sleep at night because I know that we will achieve our individual and collective green-goals.
If you have some of that mind chatter going on in your head (pressure!), that I have mentioned in Phase one, and that voice is screaming “do something:” STOP THE NOISE!

I KNOW that my way of leading may not be your way. But you are already a leader; by doing and passing on what you know. You are a leader when you sign a petition to save ocean turtles. You are a leader when you teach your child to use cloth napkins or tell your neighbor why you unplug your appliances or keep the inside of your microwave spotless. (Clean microwaves use less energy and last longer.)
Yes, you can start a recycling program at your work. And you can start a viral letter writing campaign to get your favorite yogurt to stop using non-recyclable containers. It is all good. All you have to do is step up to the plate when you think it is your time to do so. There are plenty of green people to help you do what you need to do.
In Chicago, you can become a C-3 Leader: http://chicagoconservationcorps.org/blog
You can also request a C-3 speaker to come to you apt building to tell you how you can save water, compost, save energy and more.
Join an online Chat: www.Ecochatonline.com
Take a group of your friends to the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum: http://www.naturemuseum.org/index.php?id=104
Or you can be an accountant or letter stuffer for an organization that helps put solar power in Chicago Schools like: http://www.climatecycle.org
Maybe you can just post on Facebook, email your group of friends or tweet or blog about what you have learned and keep the green dialogue going. This is part of what I do. It is one way that I have been a leader. I do not know what Phase 6 will be for me, but I will step up when it calls me to.

Although we all have to stay on the green path, YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS ARE YOUR OWN.

Oh yeah, you cand also subscribe to this blog. It's not always green. Sometimes I'm just an entertaining writer--so buckle your seats for that.

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Green for Beginners, Phase Four

Green for Beginners Phase 4
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
I would not say that I am a “Christian.” (Although I was baptized and raised Catholic-ish.) And I do not believe that the any faith has the trademark on what is commonly called tithing. But it was not until I joined an inter-denominational church, [ www.bohdispiritualcenter.org ]that I really embraced tithing for myself. I willingly give 10% of my income to where I am spiritually fed. And I also willingly give my time and talents to those people, animals or causes that have a need where I can help.
Of course, I cannot always get to church to get “fed” and I cannot say yes to every cause or friend who needs my help. This is where the wisdom of age comes in.
This summer, I was inspired by so many people. They moved me by their spirit and heart on projects such as community gardens, books they wrote, people they’ve helped. Many times I just wrote out a full check for my 10%, or a portion of it, and divvied up the rest to other organizations that inspired me. I also put aside time to shine light on causes or organizations that may have needed some publicity. I always blog for green. And I’ll always donate my time and services to my personal friends’ endeavors.
Why am I telling you this when this article is about being green? Because that is your next step: Phase 4 out of 5 of being green. I’m asking you to give to what moves you. Maybe you don’t have to donate your money. Maybe you don’t actually have to plant a tree or clean a beach. Maybe you just have to take time to walk in a forest preserve or along a beach? I know that the time, or money, or attention that you put into your own personal green journey will make you happier and give you energy and pride and countless other gifts. I believe this because I feel blessed when I do these things. Your efforts, whether they be monetary or seemingly inconsequential, will make you a better person and that alone will open up your heart to knowing when and where what you should personally give to being green.

To existential for you?
Here is are some things that you could donate your time or talent or treasure to:
Go to the Lincoln Park or Brookfield Zoo. Think about what a wonderful planet we have and donate to a specific endangered animal species that you see and love and that needs your funding.
Or join the World Wildlife Federation. They send you a great magazine and have great Green Gifts for you to send that actually help endangered species. http://www.worldwildlife.org

Oceans Conservancy is a great organization to join too! http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=abt_aboutus

If you want to help monthly with beach clean-up in Montrose Harbor, email Leslie at: cakile@att.net

Outings, petitions, environmental laws being passed and more: http://www.sierraclub.org Join the Sierra Club.

Write a blog or email about a cause that moved you to action.
Join a green group such as Green group in your neighborhood or a business one like Sustainable Hub http://www.foresightdesign.org http://www.foresightdesign.org/blog

Stuff envelopes for a green group or read an article in Mindful Metropolis and email the writer to tell him or her that you liked it. GREEN Groups and people need some lovin!


Here are the 5 Phases of Green for Beginners.
• Phase One: Let the Idea of being green blossom and get rid of the mind chatter of why you would or would not be green.
• Phase Two: Take Action in your own home and your work place.
• Phase Three: Learn what is interesting to you about being green.
• Phase Four: Join a website or cause that you are interested in and learn and contribute your time, talents or dollars.
• Phase Five: Become a Leader in your own household or workplace or neighborhood.

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Green for Beginners, Phase Three

If you have read Phase 1 & 2 of Green for Beginners, you’ll discover that the conservation of Water is of great interest to me.
This is why:
• Around the world, 1.2 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water.
• Every year, over 2 million people, mostly young children, die from preventable diarrhea contracted from drinking unsafe water.
• Every day, people suffer and die because they cannot access clean, safe water.*
And did you know that, although vast, the Great Lakes are vulnerable to the removal of water at rates faster than can be naturally replenished. 33 million people drink Great Lakes water daily, but no current law assures the long-term supply of this vital resource.*
Through my own personal green journey, I have learned that we have a problem. Here, in Chicago. Around the world. And in my heart, I feel deeply for anyone who does not have fresh drinking water.
This revelation may be interesting to you. Interesting enough for you to take five minute showers? Or interesting enough for you to have two small worm composters in your spare room to put natural food scraps in so you don’t put anything down the disposal/drain. But maybe this is not what you can or want to do.

Maybe you have children. I assume that you want your children to grow up healthy, without allergies and without exposure to cancer causing chemicals. I bet that you will be more inclined to research such subjects such as making your own green cleaners and purchasing non-chemically treated clothing and bedding.
Of course I’ll give you a list of wonderful websites and writers and bloggers that I think you should check out. But being green means that you have to go where your own heart takes you. I do not judge someone walking down the street with a plastic water bottle filled with imported water, nor should I scowl at or lecture someone who throws litter onto the street. I’m just going to trust that they are doing their small part in the Green Movement because, in truth, we all have to, sooner or later, or our planet will not sustain us. And for all I know, the litterer is just having a bad day and they may be a fighter for justice in another green arena other than the one I am in.
Phase 3 of Green for Beginners is to learn more Green, in what is of interest to you, after you’ve made a few changes in your home or/and office.

This one will tell you what we are doing to protect the Great Lakes: http://www.environmentillinois.org/protect-lake-michigan/ecosystem-protection-act *
If you like following what is going on with Animal conservation and all things environmental, sign up with http://www.care2.com/ They will send you emails where you can easily cast votes and writer you senators, congressmen and even President Obama.
New to me but I like this blog and they have a recycling big recycling monster. http://www.biggreenhead.com/ Recycling news in Chicago. http://www.chicagorecycling.org/
http://www.squidgonegreen.com has it all. Good food. Solar power information. Great links.
If you are interested in Gardening and community gardens in Chicago. http://www.petersongarden.org/ and follow @theyarden on twitter
Great Blog for mothers: http://icountformyearth.wordpress.com/
On Facebook LIKE Dr. Sarah Warren. Friend her. She's a great resource.
A great book that has been a big help to me: The Green Book, Three Rivers Press, by Elizabeth Rogers & Thomas M. Kostigen.
So do some internet browsing, read, LIKE and Follow. This is a great way to learn and pass on some very good information and inspiration.

Here are the 5 Phases of Green for Beginners.
• Phase One: Let the Idea of being green blossom and get rid of the mind chatter of why you would or would not be green.
• Phase Two: Take Action in your own home and your work place.
• Phase Three: Learn what is interesting to you about being green.
• Phase Four: Join a website or cause that you are interested in and learn and contribute your time, talents or dollars.
• Phase Five: Become a Leader in your own household or workplace or neighborhood.

Please subscribe to this Blog for Green for Beginners and more.

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Take down the Deflector Shield when you have Conflict

I had a busy week and I was tired. There was still no excuse for my behavior when I woke up extra-cranky one Saturday morning and promptly told three very nice and lovely ladies to take a flying leap off a dump truck into a stinking landfill. Yeah-NO, I did not really say it like that. In fact, I didn’t actually speak a mean word to any of them. Instead, I Facebooked and emailed a couple of my special-choice words to all of them. Two of the ladies responded. One did not.
We all have many self-rules which we follow in handling conflict with our fellow man/woman. Sometimes we follow our rules and get good results. Sometimes we don’t follow them and we get good results. Sometimes we just don’t get the results that we can call “good” no matter what we do. In all three situations, with my lady friends, I was surprised.

Here’s my own self rules.

• Take down the Deflector Shield: If I feel defensive or if I feel like I really want to “rub their nose in it” or “teach them a lesson,” I'd prefer to stay away from the “enemy” until I can visualize the person as my best friend and that we have no sides to the story; just friends.
  
• Talk on the phone or in-person whenever possible. It is not easier to put off the call. You can get instant two-way communication and instant relief to a situation which you may have built up in your mind. And, sometimes, parties might have to squabble to get back to being BFF’s. You’ll both come out okay if you both hear that the most important reason you are communicating is to strengthen the friendship.
  
• Give yourself some time when a negative incident occurs between yourself and the other person. The theory is to sleep on it and your wisdom will take over.
  Be thankful that you have a person in your life who you have conflict with. Like all relationships, they are probably the best person in your life, right now, to learn how to communicate through this particular conflict.
  

Here’s where I went astray.
A gal-pal of mine spent years in chemo and radiation therapies and has had a ton of surgeries for cancer. She’s been in remission more than once. She is in debt with medical bill, a very spiritual person, and I love the heck out of her. When she asked me to do her highlights and cuts for free, I felt honored to be able to help out. It’s been a couple of years “comping” her, and I’ve felt good about doing that for her. I got to use my time and talents to help someone. It’s a gift – to me.
On the day before my cranky-Saturday, I got a Facebook message and an email from her asking me if I could do her hair again. She needed it that same day because it was important for her to feel good and she had just found out that she had stage four cancer. Both messages were not read by me until the next morning because I had been doing hair for 18 hours for a fashion show. I was exhausted when I read her hair pleas and her admission to non-remission.
After I read the message, I felt awful. I would have loved to help her out but it was physically impossible. I found out too late, and my weekend was already planned. And then I got very angry. I’m a good hairdresser with a good book and I get a few of these types of emails, texts and Facebook messages a week. Granted, not everyone has cancer, but it seemed to me that a lot of my clients had been wanted to get in for services, last minute, and I had plenty of spaces in the past week’s schedule-IF they had called ahead. I let those warrented or Diva-pissy thoughts overwhelm me and then I sent my own message back. I told her that she should have given me a little more heads up and it just made me feel like shit, and I was angry that she played the Cancer-Card. After a few hours I felt like a monster.
Do you know what she emailed back to me? A thank-you! Ugh. That’s why I loved doing her hair. To be around this courageous woman is inspiring and, again, it’s a gift to me. She thanked me for treating her like a friend and “chewing” her out, because she sometimes gets in her own little world.
I won’t bore with the other two women’s stories. They were not so touching to me as this story. But I will tell you, one was a friend/client who, I felt, let me down, and she did not return my email. The other was my room-mate who let this awful woman sleep at our house, again, after the thankless woman basically left in a huff the first time; saying that she would stay with people who appreciated her the next time. My room-mate didn’t understand that I thought the houseguest used her as a doormat and also made me uncomfortable in my own home. Our Facebook messages to each other left me feeling that she didn’t understand what I was saying.
And what was I saying? Nothing. I was hiding behind my emails and messages. I was not allowing the person who, in my mind, I had conflict with, to actually hear my voice which also did not allow them to affect me. It didn’t matter if these ladies initiated the “conflict” via such communication avenues, I should have called them or talked to them in-person. I will do so in the future.

SO: I had a few calls to make. But I didn’t talk to my room-mate. But I am going to talk to that "houseguest" to make sure she doesn’t feel comfortable to stay at my apartment again.

E-Prime Extra Credit: When communicating, try not to use the verbs “to-be,” such as is or was. Some people use E-Prime as a mental discipline to filter speech and translate the speech of others. For example, the sentence "the movie was good" could translate into E-Prime as "I liked the movie" or as "the movie made me laugh". The E-Prime versions communicate the speaker's experience rather than judgment, making it harder for the writer or reader or communicator to confuse opinion with fact. The dog is a menace. Becomes... Joe says that the dog behaves like a menace.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-Prime
http://www.nobeliefs.com/eprime.htm This link has the book listed. I recommend.
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