Archive for October 28, 2010

How to Tell if Someone is Using Meth

Meth use in the US has reached near epidemic proportions. This is partially due to the ease at which people become addicted and partially due to the serious physical consequences of using crystal meth , also known as glass, crank, or simply crystal. There are some tell tale symptoms of meth use that you can watch for in friends and family members you suspect are using.

Early symptoms will include changes in behavior such as nervousness, an increase in physical activity, and a loss of appetite. They may talk incessantly, shake hands a lot or demonstrate constant eye movement. Changes in mood such as paranoia, anxiety and even bouts of euphoria are also signs of meth use. An increase in body temperature may also accompany meth use. In some cases the temp can rise so high that it results in death.

Continuous use of meth can bring on additional symptoms. Watch for a paler than usual complexion, weight loss, itchy or dry skin, strong body odor, shadows under the eyes and acne. Extreme mood swings are also common, including violent or aggressive behavior as well as depression. Other signs include severe nail biting, nose bleeds, and dermatitis around their mouth. Addicts may also withdraw from social interactions and lose interest in personal care.

Meth addiction recovery is possible, but it is more likely to succeed if the addict enters rehab early in the addiction cycle. You need to be careful to jump to a conclusion of addiction, however, as many of the above symptoms can be present without meth use. If multiple symptoms occur or you witness actual use or drug paraphernalia, it is time to confront your loved one and talk about treatment.

Shoes are more than Footwear

There are countless jokes about women and their shoes, and even some jokes about men and shoes, but those aren’t necessarily SFW. There are women who are completely rational and organized about everything in their life. They have everything together, with no excess or mess. And then you walk into their closet and see their shoes. Maybe they even have an entire closet that is nothing but shoes . More shoes than they could ever wear in a year and yet they refuse to part with any of them.

The shoes obviously represent something primal to these women, and some men. Maybe it’s a simple status association made when they were children. Or perhaps they simply love the never-ending parade of styles, colors, and fashions. Some people collect art while others collect shoes. A few are the victim of compulsive shopping or hoarding tendencies. They can’t pass a deal at Love My Shoes or walk pass a shoe display window.

A true shoe lover may delude themselves about saving money on shoes they would have bought otherwise or the practicality of buying the same design in multiple colors before they go out of style. Whatever the argument, they see something more than just protective wear for feet when they look at a shoe.

Be The Best Intern

There is nothing quite like the moment when you accept your first internship. It’s your first opportunity to try your skills in the “real world” and put what you have been learning in class to the test. It’s a chance to learn and hopefully make some valuable connections for the future.
Although it may seem intimidating at first, your internship is a good time to get experience in your future field and see if it’s a good fit for you. To get experience you have to be willing to take the initiative . Volunteer to help with projects, ask questions, and be willing to make mistakes –that is after all how you learn. Go after door to door sales with confidence.
Another good way to learn, and also begin networking , is by scheduling meetings with your supervisor. Ask them to evaluate you–where you are excelling and where you are struggling. You can also talk with other employees that you work with for their opinion and suggestions.
No matter what you want to enter, internships are an important part of helping you get there. An internship, be it at Vogue or Southwestern Company , shows that you have experience, initiative, responsibility and would be a good person to hire.

Boston’s Emerald Necklace

Most cities have their own system of parks and gardens to preserve native plants and provide greenspace in the midst of urban growth. Half of Boston’s parks make up what is known as the Emerald Necklace , a designed chain of parks that are linked by waterways and parkways and wind through both the city of Boston and neighboring Brookline.

The Necklace was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1860s. Olmsted is also responsible for designing New York’s Central Park and other parks and public spaces around the country. It comprises 1100 acres of parks and a direct path through all the parks in the Emerald Necklace is approximately seven miles in length.

The centerpiece of the Emerald Necklace is Boston Common. Centrally located and near several good Boston hotels , Boston Common is home to gardens, ponds, sporting fields, swan boats, and hosts many events and festivals throughout the year. Another featured park in the Necklace is the Esplanade, located on the banks of the Charles River. In addition to a front row seat to events such as the Head of the Charles Regatta, the Esplanade is home of the The Hatch Shell, where the annual Pop! Goes the Fourth concert is held. It’s also a great place for watching the fireworks on the Charles on Independence Day and New Year’s.

Other parks in the Necklace include Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, Boston Public Garden, The Riverwary, Franklin Park, the Arnold Arboretum, Back Bay Fens, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Attractions located along or near the Emerald Necklace include Symphony Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park, the Franklin Park Zoo, the Massachusetts State House, Saint Clement’s Eucharistic Shrine, and over half a dozen colleges and universities.

New York’s Newest Tower

Currently under construction, One World Trade Center is scheduled to open in 2013 on the site of the former World Trade Center. Once known as Freedom Tower, the new Trade Center will be the tallest US building, rising 1776 feet above the street. The project is estimated to cost $3.1 billion and will use 50,000 tons of steel.

Following the destruction of the previous World Trade Center complex on September 11, 2001, a number of proposals were considered on how best to both replace and honor the historic buildings. The Port Authority broke ground in 2009 for One World Trade Center. The new complex will include the main tower, three high-rise offer buildings and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. There will be easy access to nearby New York City hotels .

The Tower will draw on inspirations such as the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building and feature a central spire and more traditional design than some of the original concepts offered during the 2002 design competition. In addition to an observation deck and restaurant, One World Trade Center will include 2.6 million sq ft of office space. There will also be shopping spaces, access to NYC public transportation and storage and parking.