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Specialty Gifts

George Ayres

2011-11-17 11:52:53

Q: Who will you help us remember this month?

A: This month, with help from Wikipedia and other internet sources, we are going to pay tribute to Minnie Saturnino Orestes Armas…“Minnie” Miñoso Arrieta, born November 29, 1925 in Havana, Cuba. Minoso, former centerfielder of the Chicago White Sox, was a former star left fielder in Major League Baseball. He had earlier been a standout third baseman in the Negro Leagues, and would later play several seasons in Mexico. He was nicknamed “The Cuban Comet” as well as “Mr. White Sox,” and while playing in Mexico was “El Charro Negro” — “The Black Cowboy.” He was one of just two players in Major League history to play in five separate decades (1940s-80s), the other being Nick Altrock. With brief appearances with the independent Northern League’s St. Paul Saints in 1993 and 2003, Miñoso is the only player to have played professionally in seven different decades. He was also the last Major Leaguer to have played in the 1940s to play a Major League game. Miñoso was signed by the Cleveland Indians as an amateur free agent in 1948. Between 1949 and 1964 he played for the Indians (1949, 1951, 1958–59), Chicago White Sox (1951–1957, 1960–61, 1964, 1976, 1980), St. Louis Cardinals (1962) and Washington Senators (1963). On May 1, 1951, in a game against the New York Yankees in Comiskey Park, the speedy Miñoso became the first black player to wear a White Sox uniform. In his Major League career, Miñoso hit for a .298 batting average, with 186 home runs, 1023 RBI, 1136 runs, 1963 hits, 336 doubles, 83 triples, 205 stolen bases, 814 walks and 192 hit by pitch. His career ended with a .389 on base percentage and a .459 slugging average, combined for a solid .848 OPS. He was a nine-time All-Star. For his excellence in left field, he received the Gold Glove Award three times. He led his league in triples and stolen bases three times each. He was also the league leader in being hit by pitches an amazing 10 times; Miñoso is 9th all-time in the category. In 1976, after several years playing in Mexico, Miñoso returned to MLB to play three games with the White Sox. He picked up one single in eight at bats, becoming, at age 50, the second-oldest player ever to get a base hit in the Major Leagues (Hall of Famer Jim O’Rourke was the oldest when he hit safely at age 54 on September 22, 1904). Miñoso then returned to appear in two more games with the Sox in 1980. His five stints with Chicago cemented his image as a local baseball icon for at least three generations of White Sox fans. When the last game was played at the old Comiskey Park on September 30, 1990, Miñoso was invited to present the White Sox lineup card to the umpires in the pregame ceremonies at home plate. He did so while wearing the new uniform debuted by the White Sox that day, his familiar number nine on the back. In his 1980 appearance at age 54, Miñoso became the second-oldest player ever to bat in the majors (behind Nick Altrock, who pinch-hit in 1933 at the age of 57) and the third-oldest ever to play, behind only Altrock and Satchel Paige (who made an appearance at 59). Minoso is one of only 29 players in baseball history to have appeared in Major League games in four decades. In 1990, he was scheduled to make an appearance with the minor league Miami Miracle and hence become the only professional to play in six decades; however, MLB overruled the Miracle on the idea. Nonetheless, in 1993 at the age of 67, he made an appearance with the independent St. Paul Saints of the Northern League. Then, in 2003 he returned to the Saints and drew a walk, thus becoming the only ball player to appear professionally in seven different decades. The earlier extensions to his career with the Sox were publicity stunts orchestrated respectively by one-time Sox owner Bill Veeck and his son Mike, who at the time owned partial or controlling interest in the teams. Minnie Miñoso was inducted into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame on August 11, 2002 in pregame on field ceremony at Comiskey Park, Chicago, IL. Minnie took part in the victory parade for the Chicago White Sox 2005 World Series Championship. In November 2005, Miñoso’s name was placed on a special ballot of Negro League players to be voted upon by a special committee of Negro Leagues historians and scholars, though he did not win induction. Miñoso remains on the Veterans Committee ballot for the Hall of Fame as of 2006. On opening day for the Chicago Cubs in 2008, he was in attendance for the unveiling of the Ernie Banks statue at Wrigley Field. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the 2011 White Sox home opener to manager Ozzie Guillén. We will be back next month with another, “Almost forgotten sports’ star.”

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Specialty Gifts

George Ayres

2011-10-24 13:01:08

Q: I am in the process of developing my long-term promotional campaign for my company. Do you have any creative ideas that will resonate with the community?

A: Yes, absolutely! One highly effective yet under utilized promotion tool is the use of awards. Using recognition awards is an excellent way to gain visibility and develop strong bonds within the community. Why is this so powerful? Recognition means something to the recipient. It means you value their efforts; believe in their cause and most importantly that they are noticed. In an age where business is conducted without any human contact, the significance of an award increases. Also, a well-developed plan for recognizing the efforts of others establishes your company as an authority and lends credibility to your reputation. Over time, the value of your endorsement increases. Recognition awards are kept and prominently displayed, keeping your name and logo on the minds of viewers and peaking their interest. The fact that your business makes the effort and takes the time to show your appreciation for your employees will entice others to learn more about you and what your business can do for them. Additionally, the process of choosing recipients keeps you and your company more involved in the community, building valuable contacts. Very often, awards can reach potential clients and customers that you had not thought to leverage or whom may never have been reached by other modes of promotion advertising. There are several ways in which a company can use promotional trophies to build up their business, draw in potential customers and help others in the process. Next month, we will discuss ideas to implement while developing your promotional campaign.

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2005-02-01 11:24:00

: What is the meaning of the Irish symbol "Claddagh"?

ANSWER: Claddagh, the Irish symbol of love and friendship, is a heart being held by a pair of hands with a crown above. The hands are friendship, the crown is loyalty, and the heart is love.Claddagh is a tiny Irish fishing Village near Galway City. The Claddagh ring originated there. As per the legend, the town designed a sigil to place on the sails of ships, and worn by the Sailors of Claddagh. When these sailors ran into other fishermen on their waters, they would look for a Claddagh sigil and if they did not find it, they would kill them. The Claddagh ring was developed by Richard Joyce, native of Galway. While being transported to the plantations of the Moorish West Indies as a slave, he was captured by pirates in the Mediterranean and trained in his craft by a goldsmith who bought him. He was set free in 1689 and he returned to Galway to set up shop in the Claddagh to make Claddagh rings. The ring became popular around Connamera, its popularity being helped by the big exodus out of the West during the 1847-49 Famine. These rings were kept as heirlooms with pride and passed from mother down to daughter.Today, the Claddagh ring is worn extensively in Ireland, either upon the right hand with the heart pointed outwards showing that the wearer is "free", or with the heart turned inwards to show that he or she is "married". A Dublin version of the Claddagh Ring appeared about 100 years ago with two hearts and two hands and no Crown. This is referred to as the Fenian Claddagh ring.

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2005-02-01 09:22:00

: How do you please your better half on Valentine's Day? 

ANSWER: Every February across the country, flowers, candy and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. Originally an ancient Catholic Church feast day in honor of Saint Valentine, it probably became associated with romantic love sometime in the middle Ages. Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th, and has become a day on which lovers let each other know about their love.In the United States, the practice of exchanging cards to express one's feelings has been extended to include giving gifts. Gifts typically include roses and chocolate, but to address your question on expressing love to your better half, I offer this:  It's not always easy to buy a Valentine's Day gift. The art of being romantic is about touching someone's heart. Making them feel special. Feel loved. If you've accomplished that, then you've accomplished the art of romance. So how do you accomplish that? First of all, pay attention. What does your better half like? If your significant other hates to get dressed up and go to fancy dinners and would rather go to a favorite BBQ joint, now you're thinking with a personal touch. It's about placing them, before yourself.In today's world, in order to find time for a little romance, we have to work at it.Most of us have a job, family, and other responsibilities that take up too much time in our lives and by the end of the day, we are so tired that we don't make the effort to do something different and fun with our significant other.In order for a relationship to work and last, we need to communicate, trust, support and do fun things with our loved one.

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2005-01-01 08:51:00

: How does the song "Auld Lang Syne" go, and what does it mean?

ANSWER: The song you're referring to actually means "Old Long Ago, or The Good Old Days".  Robert Burns wrote the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne in the 1700's in Scotland. It is traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight to ring in the New Year wishing happiness and hope for a bright and prosperous year. Horns are blown, confetti is thrown, and a general party atmosphere is created. In spite of the popularity of "Auld Lang Syne", it is often described as 'the song that nobody knows'. There are numerous translations, here is one attempt:

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2004-12-01 10:32:00

: Can you give me some gift giving ideas for my children's teachers?

ANSWER: We all know what it's like trying to select a gift for someone we don't know very well. Teachers can be among the hardest to shop for as they often end up with lots of pens, paperweights, or other cluttering items. Here are a few suggestions:• Teachers love to eat, but many homemade items get passed on because of the calories or the fact that many don't keep a long time. Instead offer a gift certificate to a restaurant (but make sure that the amount covers to cost of a meal and drink) or send in a canister with all the ingredients to make a treat at home so the teacher can make it in her own time. Another great idea is find out what she drinks during the day and buy her a case of soda or water to keep at school. She will think you are very thoughtful and the gift is very practical. • Teachers also love to shop at teacher stores (which are not priced at teacher salaries) so buy a gift certificate to one. In the end your child will benefit. • Teachers are also known to be one of the largest purchasers of books and always need class sets. Choose a new popular book and buy a few copies to have for the class so the teacher can have groups all reading the same book and comparing notes. Or buy a gift certificate to the book store. • Teachers also tend to pass on personal luxuries because money can be better spent. Choose a gift certificate to a salon or nail boutique. • Consider giving a disposable camera and a coupon for development to take pictures of children in the classroom. Or, tuck a note in explaining that this could be put to good use during the holiday break. • Make up a movie night package by getting some unpopped popcorn, snack items, drinks, and movie rental from your area video store. • Choose a gift card to the movies at a nearby theatre.• In the end a gift certificate is often the way to go. The teacher will appreciate it a lot more than another ceramic apple. The main thing to avoid is cluttering objects unless your child has a first year teacher who has not accumulated much.

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Specialty Gifts

Cindi McCulley

2004-12-01 10:02:00

QUESTION: Tell me how to make a balloon arch. Is this difficult?

ANSWER: It's not difficult to make a balloon arch, but it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 or 5 hours depending on what kind you make; there are two basic kinds of balloon arches, air filled and helium filled.Helium arches are great for filling large spaces and require less support. Helium arches are made by attaching clusters of balloons to a nylon line that is tied down to either ground supports railings, tables, or heavier weights such as cinder blocks, bricks, rocks, or bags of sand. The helium holds the balloons up, so all you need is the balloons, helium, heavy nylon thread, and something to tie the ends to. Fishing line works well for this. However, helium is more expensive than air and will only float the arch for about 10 to 12 hours, unless you use hi-float with them. With hi-float they can last 2-3 days. Air filled arches are made by attaching clusters of balloons to a frame made out of aluminum or plastic rod, conduit, PVC pipe or a combination of these. They will last for days or even months, but require either a sturdy base or a handy wall or ceiling to wire the arch to for support.Single color arches are easiest to make, but two or more colors in spiral patterns are not much more difficult. The size of arch will determine the size of balloon to use; the larger the arch, the larger the balloons. It is important that all the balloons are blown up to the same size. An easy way to size the balloons is to make a template. Cut a round hole in a piece of poster of foam board the size you want the balloons to be, and when inflating pass the balloon through the hole.Making a four-balloon clusterBlow up two balloons and tie the necks of them together, sealing the balloons and attaching them together at the same time. Do this again to make a second pair of balloons, and then simply cross the two pairs in the middle and twist them together.For Helium Arches, first attach one end of your nylon string to whatever will be holding it in place. Do not cut the string to the length you need yet, it's easier to adjust the length of the arch when making it and then tie it, and cut the string. Attach the clusters as you go, by placing the center of the cluster on the string and then wrap the string around one of the balloons. Attach each cluster in the same way, nesting the clusters together before wrapping the string around them.For Air Filled Arches, make a frame for your arch using a heavy base with conduit or 1" PVC pipe, for the main support and PVC pipe for the arch across the top. This works fine for smaller freestanding arches (about 8 ft. high and 6-8 ft. wide), but larger arches will require support from above. Aluminum rod by itself can also be used as a frame but does require support at the base and from above. PVC pipe can easily be bent slightly to make an arch. Put your cluster on the rod and twisting two balloons around each other, lock the cluster on the rod. Slide the clusters up against each other, nesting them together. To create a spiral pattern, make each cluster in the same color order and nest them in the same direction. Two colors: use two of each color balloon in each cluster. You can also use three and four colors for this. The number of balloons needed depends on the size of the arch or design, but you will need approximately four to six balloons per foot of frame. A standard size arch about 8 ft. tall x 6 ft. wide uses about 150 9" balloons. Smaller arches can use 5" balloons.You will need to use an air pump of some kind to blow up all the balloons, a hand pump, or small electric air pump. If you are just putting up one arch, a hand pump will work nicely. It is recommended that you start with 2 colors for your arch if you are new to this. Then, recruit as many people as you can to help you tie the balloons to clusters. It's quicker and keeps you from getting sore fingers.

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2004-10-01 15:07:00

: How did the original custom of celebrating Halloween turn into dressing in costumes and trick-or-treating for candy?

ANSWER: I've heard many stories about the traditions of Halloween and their origins. After doing a little research on the subject, I'm happy to share the stories that I found with you.Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? The word, "Halloween," actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. November 1, "All Hollows Day" (or All Saints Day), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints. But, in the 5th century BC, in Celtic Ireland, summer officially ended on October 31. The holiday was called Samhain (sow-en), the Celtic New year. One story says that, on that day, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the preceding year would come back in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. It was believed to be their only hope for the afterlife. The Celts believed all laws of space and time were suspended during this time, allowing the spirit world to intermingle with the living. The still-living did not want to be possessed. So on the night of October 31, villagers would extinguish the fires in their homes, making them cold and undesirable. They would then dress up in ghoulish costumes and noisily parade around the neighborhood, being as destructive as possible in order to frighten away spirits looking for bodies to possess. Probably a better explanation of why the Celts extinguished their fires was not to discourage spirit possession, but so that all the Celtic tribes could relight their fires from a common source, the Druidic fire that was kept burning in the Middle of Ireland, at Usinach. The Romans adopted the Celtic practices as their own. But in the first century AD, Samhain was assimilated into celebrations of some of the other Roman traditions that took place in October, such as their day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple, which may explain the origin of our modern tradition of bobbing for apples. The thrust of the practices also changed over time to become more ritualized. As belief in spirit possession waned, the practice of dressing up like hobgoblins, ghosts, and witches took on a more ceremonial role. The custom of Halloween was brought to America in the 1840's by Irish immigrants fleeing their country's potato famine. At that time, the favorite pranks in New England included tipping over outhouses and unhinging fence gates. The custom of trick-or-treating is thought to have originated not with the Irish Celts, but with a ninth-century European custom called souling. On November 2, All Souls Day, early Christians would walk from village to village begging for "soul cakes," made out of square pieces of bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the more prayers they would promise to say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors. At the time, it was believed that the dead remained in limbo for a time after death, and that prayer, even by strangers, could expedite a soul's passage to heaven. The Jack-o-lantern custom probably comes from Irish folklore. As the tale is told, a man named Jack, who was notorious as a drunkard and trickster, tricked Satan into climbing a tree. Jack then carved an image of a cross in the tree's trunk, trapping the devil up the tree. Jack made a deal with the devil that, if he would never tempt him again, he would promise to let him down the tree. According to the folk tale, after Jack died, he was denied entrance to Heaven because of his evil ways, but he was also denied access to Hell because he had tricked the devil. Instead, the devil gave him a single ember to light his way through the frigid darkness. The ember was placed inside a hollowed-out turnip to keep it lanterns". But when the immigrants came to America, they found that pumpkins were more plentiful than turnips. So the Jack-O-Lantern in America was a hollowed-out pumpkin, lit with an ember. So, although some cults may have adopted Halloween as their favorite "holiday," the day itself did not grow out of evil practices. It grew out of the rituals of Celts celebrating a new year, and out of medieval prayer rituals of Europeans. And today, even many churches have Halloween parties or pumpkin carving events for the kids. After all, the day itself is only as evil as one cares to make it.

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Specialty Gifts

Cindi McCulley

2004-10-01 15:07:00

QUESTION: Where does Helium come from?

ANSWER:  Helium has many uses and is safe if used wisely. The helium chemical symbol is He. It is the second lightest elemental gas, after hydrogen, and the smallest of all the molecules. It is the lowest boiling point of any element (-452.1°F, -268.9°C, 4.2 K, 7.6 R) and it is seven times lighter than air. Helium conducts sound three times faster than air, and has five times air's thermal conductivity; it is colorless, tasteless, odorless, inert, and non- flammable. It is non-toxic unless directly inhaled.Most of the world's helium comes from the Texas panhandle, Oklahoma, Kansas and the Rocky Mountains' eastern flank, other sources include the mid-east and Russia. These natural gas deposits contain more than 3,000 ppm of helium. There is helium all around us in the air, but it is not a good source for helium collectors. There are only about 5 parts of helium for every 100,000 parts of air! People have discovered much richer sources of helium underground. Some radioactive elements, such as uranium, release alpha particles when they decay. An alpha particle is just a helium atom with no electrons. Deep in the Earth where these radioactive decays take place, the alpha particles capture electrons and become helium. As the radioactive deposits age, large quantities of helium become trapped in underground caverns. To collect the helium, people drill down into the caverns and capture the helium as it escapes. Helium is a lot lighter than air. The difference is not as much as it is between water and air (a liter of water weighs about 1,000 grams, while a liter of air weighs about 1 gram), but it is significant. Helium weighs 0.1785 grams per liter. Nitrogen weighs 1.2506 grams per liter, and since nitrogen makes up about 80 percent of the air we breathe, 1.25 grams is a good approximation for the weight of a liter of air. Therefore, if you were to fill a 1-liter soda bottle full of helium, the bottle would weigh about 1 gram less than the same bottle filled with air. That doesn't sound like much -- the bottle itself weighs more than a gram, so it won't float. In large volumes, the 1-gram-per-liter difference between air and helium can really add up. Helium balloons work by the same law of buoyancy. The helium balloon displaces an amount of air (just like the empty bottle displaces an amount of water). As long as the helium plus the balloon is lighter than the air it displaces, the balloon will float in the air. Most people are familiar with helium balloons. We put helium in these balloons, because it is lighter than air and is non-flammable. However, most of the helium used today is in liquid form. All gases become liquids when the temperature becomes low enough, or when excessive pressure is used. Scientists use liquid helium for experiments that have to be kept very, very cold. Helium becomes a liquid at 270oC below zero! Helium does leak out. Helium is a very small atom and latex is pretty porous at the scale of a helium atom (if you ever go looking to buy balloons, you will see that there are "helium-grade" balloons, which try to be thicker and less porous). You should always buy helium grade balloons to fill with helium. Even these balloons will only hold helium for 10 to 14 hours. Generally stores will only guarantee them for 8 hours. They can claim they will float for 12 to 14 hours, however after 8 hours they are starting to lose the helium and won't be floating as well. The weight balance that keeps a balloon afloat does not leave a lot of room for leakage, so once  a little helium leaks out, the balloon falls. Helium is used in scuba tanks to dilute oxygen. It is chemically inert, that is to say, it does not participate in chemical reactions. Helium is also less soluble in water than many other gases, such as nitrogen. Low solubility means it does not enter the blood stream, even under pressures commonly experienced by deep sea divers. Instead, it displaces the oxygen, which is why it is so dangerous to directly inhale helium. Under water, a scuba diver is subjected to added pressure. In shallow water the pressure difference is not so great, and one can simply use compressed air to breathe. However, at a depth of 300 feet, a diver experiences nearly 10 times normal atmospheric pressure. Under these conditions, breathing compressed air can be harmful. The increased pressure requires an inert gas to be used to dilute oxygen. Oxygen is essential for breathing, above and beneath the surface. However, one can get too much of it. Under high pressures, greater amounts of oxygen enter into the bloodstream. If the concentration becomes too high, oxygen poisoning can result, with symptoms that include confusion, impaired vision and nausea. So, under high pressures, oxygen must be diluted with some other gas. Nitrogen is very abundant and relatively inert, but it cannot be used to dilute oxygen in scuba tanks. At the elevated pressures experienced by divers, larger amounts of nitrogen will dissolve in the blood causing nitrogen narcosis. Dissolved nitrogen also can cause a painful condition, called "the bends" if a diver makes too rapid an ascent. As the pressure decreases, the dissolved gas can form bubbles that can stop circulation in capillaries and damage the nervous system.

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2004-10-01 15:07:00

: How do I know if I'm ready to start my own business?

ANSWER: The idea of starting your own business is exciting and spooky at the same time. You may have dreamed of starting a business for various reasons, but before you jump in with both feet, consider a few tips:If you are presently employed by someone else, consider the company benefits that are available to you. If there are company benefit plans, see when they will increase in value and whether or when you might receive money from them. Schedule routine physical, dental or eye exams that are currently covered by your company's health insurance. Determine the cost of the health coverage if you had to pay for it. See whether you will be getting a severance or retirement package that could help finance a business or pay living expenses. Evaluate your skills and education to decide whether you need additional training for your venture.Create a financial plan. First, make sure you have good credit. If not, take the time to establish it, preferably while you are still employed. While you're at it, start saving money. Try living on the bare minimum to see whether you can get by on less money when you start your business. Put the savings toward your venture. Moonlight at a part-time job. Experts recommend you save two years' worth of living expenses -- the average time for a business to become profitable -- before quitting to begin a full-time venture. Ask yourself and others whether you have what it takes to be a business owner. Setting goals, flexibility, self-discipline, confidence to take calculated risks, being willing to market yourself and your business, and others, are all important characteristics of an entrepreneur.  Do thorough market research for your business idea and write a business plan you could take to a banker. Use both primary research (asking people directly for feedback) and secondary research (collecting data and demographic information from business organizations, legislators and government agencies) to develop a customer profile and to see whether a market exists. You might consider starting your business part-time; 90 percent of new business owners do. Establish goals, both long-range and short-term, to establish a plan of action. Develop a business network of experts and contacts in your industry and in the community where you will be doing business. Those will be invaluable in getting referrals and clients.  Most importantly, discuss with your partner and family the impact a business could have on their lives. Their backing will be important to your business' success. You may need some sort of support until your business can sustain itself.

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Specialty Gifts

Cindi McCulley

2004-10-01 10:31:00

QUESTION: My teenage son saw a comedian on TV inhaling helium from a balloon. It made his voice sound funny like Donald Duck. Now he likes to inhale helium for the laugh he gets from friends.  I am worried that this might not be a safe practice.  Should I ask him to stop?

ANSWER: Helium Inhalation - it's no laughing matter. Many people, (especially teenagers) have been to parties where they inhaled helium because of the laugh they get from the helium affecting their vocal chords and making them sound like Donald Duck. If they feel dizzy at all, it is caused by the oxygen in their system being replaced by the gas. They have probably put their lives at risk!Evidence has proven that the inhalation of helium can be fatal, yet thousands of party goers continue to inhale helium thinking it to be incredibly funny rather than life threatening. The inhalation of helium cuts off a person's supply of oxygen and can cause dizziness, unconsciousness and ultimately death! This is a particular concern when people are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  If the concentration of oxygen is decreased below 18% within the human body, symptoms and signs of Asphyxia can occur. Helium gas can totally displace the available oxygen and if this happens for even a few seconds, Asphyxia and death can occur.In 1998, fifteen-year-old Michelle Moreno from Texas died from helium inhalation at a friend's party. Her death caused major headlines regarding the dangers of helium inhalation. Unfortunately there have been few if any headlines in this decade mentioning the dangers of helium inhalation. Comedy television and radio programs often use helium as a device to get laughs. This allows that helium inhalation is a fun, safe practice when, in effect, it can be deadly. Unfortunately with people continuing to ignore the dangers of this potentially lethal practice, it is a difficult task to educate the public that helium inhalation is no laughing matter! Do not hesitate to ask your family physician about the dangers of inhaling anything. The answer will be the same whether it is for helium or any other deadly fumes. Assuming that helium inhalation is safe is no different than assuming the inhalation of gas fumes is safe. Even a little bit can cause serious damage.

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Specialty Gifts

Cindi McCulley

2004-09-01 12:08:00

QUESTION: Every year our school has a fun night carnival to raise money. I have 6 children and I have been volunteering for the event for 8 years. We are out of new ideas for booths or themes. What can we do that is new and not the same old carnival?  

ANSWER: Every school faces this dilemma. School carnivals have been around for decades. There is a lot to be said for the old carnival favorites, such as the cake walk, pie throwing, ring toss, fish ponds, face painting and the ever favorite tattoo booth. Of course everyone expects to eat there as well, so the old fashioned favorites of Sloppy Joes or Hot Dogs are always a great idea. Some ideas we have had for a successful school carnival are as follows:• A beanbag pit.. (fill a sandbox with small bags of dried beans for the kids to play in.)• Talent contests are always fun with top contestants receiving a ribbon or a small prize.• A chocolate booth is fun. Families can donate any homemade chocolate items, and share their favorite recipes.• Have a silent auction with donated items from stores or free meal coupons from local restaurants.• For the older kids, you can have a 'rent-a-kid' raffle where you have 3 or 4 students volunteer to be raffled off for an hour or 2 of work.• Lollipop trees are very popular. This is where you purchase a ticket to pull a lollipop off the tree, and then the color determines the prizes they can choose from.• A karaoke jail is lots of fun. One must buy a ticket to have someone arrested and put in a makeshift jail, then that person must either pay for 2 tickets or sing their way out. (The principle/vice principle and favorite teachers seem to end up in jail the most.)When searching for prizes for your booths, be sure to buy items by the dozens or the gross (144 items per package) to save money. Also make sure you have one or two people responsible for the prizes. Remember kids need to be responsible and learn what volunteer work consists of. If presented in a positive manner, kids love to help.A few popular themes to consider would be an Oktoberfest, Spooktacular Fun Night, Wizard of OZ, or a 60's or 70's theme where the best dressed character is awarded a prize. Remember, get as many donated items as possible, and buy in bulk as much as possible, as this is the best way to say money. Have a great carnival! 

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2004-08-01 11:28:00

: Can you tell me about glass blowing and the history of it?

ANSWER: History sets the beginning of glass production nearly twenty-five hundred years earlier than the first century account in Mesopotamia where potters fused sand and minerals while firing their clay into glass. Nearly a thousand years later one clever Mesopotamian managed to form a glass tube and blow a bubble at the end, creating the first blowpipe and hence the art of glassblowing.Dating back thousands of years, skilled men endured the tremendous heat to coax beautiful forms from the fire using nothing more than their breath and a few simple tools. They worked hard to polish their skills to uniformity precision, but even so, each creation was as individual as the maker. In the 1820's Bakewell, Page, and Bakewell introduced the first real development in production glassblowing since the blowpipe, a development that would change how glass was used forever. They patented a process of mechanically pressing hot glass. Suddenly the time-consuming handcrafting that all glass had required was no longer necessary and nearly everything around the home began to be made of glass. Today glass is so common that we take it for granted. The process to make glass, once a secret, now is public knowledge that only requires only a little sand, a little soda, a little lime and a lot of heat! Glass has been able to sustain the ups and downs of economic times. Good collectible pieces have managed to increase in value regardless of the current economy. In Ferry, Ohio in 1905, Frank L Fenton and his brother John decided to open a glass decorating shop in Martins. A year later they moved to Williamstown, West Virginia where they built their own glassworks. In their first year they exhibited carnival glass (which they called Iridill) at a trade show and it was an instant success. For the next fifteen years the Fenton Company made carnival glass as one of its main products, and until the outbreak of war in 1914, Fenton could sell virtually everything they could produce in carnival glass. The fortunes of the company have been up and down during the past ninety years; in the Depression years they made mixing bowls for the Dormeyer company (to go with electric mixers) and hobnail perfume bottles for Wrisley, and these two major contracts saved the company from failing when many others went bankrupt. Another slump in the hand glass industry in the 1940's and 1950's saw many other companies go out of business. Once again, Fenton survived, and once again they found a magic product. From 1952 onwards they made and sold tons of items in milk glass (white glass that looks like porcelain) especially hobnail milk glass. Milk glass became Fenton's top-selling line, and the company expanded in the 1950's and 1960's. Carnival glass entered a new phase of popularity in the 1970's, mostly with collectors. The Fenton logo, an oval with Fenton written in script, was introduced in 1970 on carnival glass pieces, to distinguish them from pieces made in earlier times. This was such a successful idea that it was extended to all Fenton glassware produced from 1974 onwards. Fenton glassware from the 1980's can be identified by the tiny number 8 under the 'n' in Fenton.

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Specialty Gifts

Cindi McCulley

2004-08-01 11:15:00

QUESTION:  I have  accepted the task of planning a dance for my child's high school in early November. Where do I start?

ANSWER:  It would be best to begin by consulting your school's advisor, as soon as he/she is available. Then form a committee and select a chairperson. Divide the responsibilities among the members of your committee. Meet at least once a month to get started and more frequently as the event approaches. As a group, ask yourselves a few basic questions about the event. Your answers will help you get focused and point you in the right direction. You should think through these questions at least four to six months before your scheduled event date. 1)  How formal will the dance be? Should it be a black-tie affair, a dressy event, a costume event, or a casual gathering?2)  What type of theme do we want to center the event around?3)  How many people do we think will attend?4)  How much money do we have to spend?5)  Will we host this at our school or at another location?6)  Will the school paper cover the event? And/or how should we publicize the event?Stay organized and prepared with the time line below! You can even print out the list and check off each item as you finish it:3-4 Months Before The Event4 Set budget4 Rent tables and chairs4 Arrange for any special help4 Make a list of your basic supplies4 Send announcements for this date: place announcement in the school paper4 Decide on a theme and order decorations2-3 Months Before The Event4 Plan your menu4 Select and book a caterer4 Purchase favors and tableware4 Choose music, DJ, or band4 Order any flowers4 Determine your event schedule for activities (photographs, dancing, mingling, food) - always have a few extra ideas in your bag1 Month Before The Event4 Finalize the headcount, but be flexible that it may change4 Purchase beverages4 Finalize details with all participants2-3 Weeks Before The Event4 Confirm all arrangements - location, caterer4 Purchase any refreshments you're providing4 Give helpers last minute tasks from your list4 Decide on table arrangement and floor plan4 Arrange party favors4 Decide on what you will wear1 Day Before The Event4 DECORATE4 Complete food preparation and/or pick up ordered food items or flowers4 Set tables4 Make room for coats and purses4 Purchase ice if neededThe Day Of The Event4 Put out any outdoor decorations4 Set out food/appetizers4 Give last-minute instructions to helpers4 Set up the beverage bar4 Prepare any last-minute food4 Arrange where the photographer will be set-up4 Start the music, light candles, set the mood4 Give everyone time to get ready for the event4 Relax and enjoy the party!Some fun party themes to consider (these are great for home entertaining as well)!• Mexican Fiesta• Luau• Mardi Gras• Movie Award Night• Nautical Theme• 50's Rock-n-Roll• Superbowl Party• Pirate or Nautical• PatrioticMake events age appropriate. Teenage parties should always, always have sponsors that are present and available at all times. Delegate responsibilities to teenagers or adults that can help. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate, it can help keep you sane!  The event should never last more than 2 ½ to 3 hours. Remember someone has to clean up afterwards. If you are planning a party for smaller children, it should never last more than 1 to 1 1/2 hours. With children, make everything as disposable as possible, and always serve the refreshments last, after present opening and games, as we all know what sugar does to children. Now, enjoy your event!

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2004-08-01 09:19:00

Question: I am hosting a party that will include family, friends and a few business associates. Do you have any tips that will help me please everyone's tastes?

ANSWER: Parties, affairs, galas, special get togethers... different names for special events which all require plenty to eat and drink. Like all good hosts, you want to provide your guests with food and drink they'll enjoy. Beverages, what should you buy? Nothing is better than knowing exactly what your guests like. But if not, it is suggested that you try the following:At a stand-up party, most people choose a white wine, with red a distant second. If you are buying six bottles of wine for guests get two bottles of Chardonnay and impress them with two bottles of German Kabinett, one bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will cover all bases. Merlots have become very popular in the last couple of years!With so many microbrews coming out, it's fun to offer different types of beer. Provide a small amount of bigger bodied beer (Ale, Bock, Porter, Stout). The rest should be lighter beer (Domestic, Lager, Pils, Pilsener).Sodas and waters appeal to guests of all ages. Provide a variety to satisfy the designated drivers in your group. Cola and root beer are always favorites (pick up some caffeine free sodas too), and don't forget sparkling and still waters.It is suggested that for every 20 adults you should have the following:  Office Party  Sit-Down   Stand-up  Dinner partyWine btls.  6  10  10750 ml. btls.Beer  6  6  106-pkSoda/Water  4  6  86-pk

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2004-07-01 10:05:00

Question: Can you tell me the proper way to conduct a business lunch?

ANSWER:  This is one of the areas in business that is not always black and white. Business lunches have a lot of grey! As long as you are familiar with the basics you will be able to handle each individual situation accordingly. A business lunch is an informal way to handle a meeting but there is a list of rules that cannot be broken for it to be a success. First of all, a business meal is an opportunity to showcase your culinary know-how or expose your bad taste in restaurants. Keep this rule in mind, the number one No-No is to degrade or disrespect a restaurant employee. There are many more to follow but that is the biggest!Next, choosing the wrong restaurant. Know your client even if you are heading into unfamiliar territory. How embarrassing would it be to invite a client to a seafood restaurant only to find out they are severely allergic to shellfish or asking a vegetarian to a steak house! This could require spending more time apologizing and less time closing the deal.Again, the most important factor in a business lunch is your ability to know the right restaurant. You may be most comfortable at the neighborhood deli. But is this the proper place to discuss confidential information? By choosing a restaurant with several booths where conversations can neither be seen nor heard is one way to ensure both parties involved will be most comfortable.Don't take it upon yourself to invite others to your lunch meeting. For example, it is improper to bring your intern or your spouse to a business lunch. If you are the one inviting the client, be sure and send an e-mail confirming your reservations, time, day and the number in your party. If this is done, it is less likely the guest will take it upon himself or herself to include others.Obviously you feel comfortable including a restaurant in your meeting plans but be careful to hold off on the business conversation until after the menus have been handed to the guests and the wait staff is at bay. The easiest way to lose control of the conversation is continuously being interrupted by the waiter and this in return, can lead to the biggest No-No of business lunch 101…showing disrespect to a restaurant employee!One last bit of advice, don't forget about the client once the meeting is over. A follow up thank you card is a great way to reinforce that you appreciate the time and conversation the client allowed you, (not to mention the opportunity to send another business card).

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2004-06-01 12:23:00

Question: Can you help me with some children's’ summer birthday party ideas?

ANSWER:  Depending on the age of the children attending the party, there are thousands of themes one can use for parties. Don't try to plan an elaborate party; you will be exhausted by party time. Remember, the kids will remember the fun they had attending, not the time it took you to plan!There's nothing cuter than a baby birthday party, but remember parties can be overwhelming for babies and toddlers. Keep it simple, and keep it short. If you're expecting young children, have a few age appropriate toys handy such as coloring books or dolls. If the weather permits outdoor fun, soap bubbles are an inexpensive treat…and the mess stays outside.Create or purchase a scrapbook for guests to sign and to leave special birthday greetings. Add photos and keepsakes from the party, and your child will have a treasure to keep for years. To involve adults attending, ask each to bring one of their own baby pictures. Collect and display the photos and make a game of guessing who's who. Have fun, inexpensive prizes for winners. A great idea is to have children's toys as gifts to extend the theme of the party. What fun to leave the party in a tiara or with a magic wand!Plan a Backyard Barnyard! Ask your guests to wear barnyard appropriate attire, bibs, straw hat, bandanna and such. Play "Pin the Tail on the Pig", fill a wagon with straw for a hayrack ride, gather plastic eggs filled with prizes, and sing, "Old McDonald Had a Farm."Invite your guests to "The Summer Olympic Games." Have an opening ceremony complete with banners and parade; hold relay races, award medals on podiums for winners. Furnish children with a winner's photo cut to fit their medal as a keepsake."Little Girl Glamour Parties" are always fun. Create jewelry from yarn and string candy to make necklaces, plastic dress-up shoes and outrageous thrift store hats filled with party treats. Let the girls decorate inexpensive picture frames and send each child home with a framed photo of the group to display in their room.

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2004-05-01 17:17:00

:  What is "The Red Hat Society?"

ANSWER:  The Red Hat Society is a group that was begun by a California woman named Sue Ellen Cooper, and a few friends who took inspiration from a popular poem entitled "Warning" by Jenny Joseph. The poem begins, "When I am an old woman…" Since the poem mentions wearing a red hat and purple attire, she and her friends formed a group that met on a regular basis for tea in their red hats and purple dresses. The Red Hat Society is a "nurturing network" for women over 50. Its goal is to gain higher visibility for women within the age group and to reshape the way they are viewed by today's culture. The group's mascot, "Ruby RedHat”, is an example of the Red Hat Society's spirit; fun, playful, intelligent and sassy!Although there are no official rules within the organization, they do have some rather strong suggestions, the first of which is regarding red hat attire. To be a Red Hatter, one should wear a red hat and a clashing purple ensemble at all meetings to keep up the spirit and purpose of the organization, sometimes referred to as the (dis)organization. Women under 50 must stick with a pink hat and lavender attire until reaching the 50-year mark, referred to as THE BIRTHDAY. It adds an element of fun to the process of aging, which is invaluable to women in today's society, who have learned to dread aging and avoid it at all costs. Red Hatters believe that aging should be something anticipated with excitement, not something to dread.For those who have shouldered various responsibilities at home and in the community their whole lives, The Red Hat Society is an opportunity to say goodbye to burdensome responsibilities. The only real responsibility of the group's members is to have fun! The lyrics of their theme song puts it rather bluntly, "All my life, I've done for you. Now it's my turn to do for me."Mother's Day is May 9th. Instead of flowers that will fade, or candy that lands on the hips, present your mom with a Red Hat and tell her how much she's taught you.

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Susan Friend

2004-02-01 16:13:00

: My friends and I have been discussing the different themes for Valentines Day.  Do you know where X&O became the symbol for kisses and hugs?  Also, what do the different colors of roses mean?

ANSWER: To answer the first part of your question, lets start with the symbol of the kiss. Medieval practice allowed those who could not write sign documents with an "X". This was done before witnesses, and the signer placed a kiss upon the "X" to show sincerity. Some believe that the "X" was chosen to represent a pledge in the name of Christ, since the "X" or Chi symbol is the letter of the Greek alphabet used in church history to represent the Son of God. To answer the second part of your question, roses have always had a link to romance. In the Victorian age, flowers spoke a language all their own, each flower had a special meaning.  • Red Rose- the way to say, "I love you" without saying a word.• Pink Rose- conveys romance and grace• White Rose-demonstrates true love • Orange/Coral Rose- shows desire• Yellow Rose- this once represented jealousy but today is joyJust think, with this information you can send an entire message to that "special someone" for them to decode!  ~Happy Valentines Day~

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2004-01-01 10:56:00

: I want to make this Valentines Day amazing for my husband.  Do you have any ideas or tips to create that perfect day? 

Susan Friend Question: I want to make this Valentines Day amazing for my husband.  Do you have any ideas or tips to create that perfect day?  Answer:  If the man in your life is like most, his vehicle is less than clean! Many look like a young child's bedroom with all of the clutter; trash and what we think were once French fries!  So a full car detail is a great gift to surprise him and it will allow you to take his car to dinner for a change! Another great surprise to think about are those events coming up. Can you still get tickets to the "Big Game" or what about the trade shows that target a male audience? To take it one step further, what about a weekend getaway that includes a fishing trip or a round of golf? Don't ignore the easy things, because we are speaking of men. Forget the candlelight dinner (unless you're having a bad hair day) and just grill up a juicy steak, throw a baked potato in the microwave, and turn on a hockey game. Most of the time this will be the best gift ever! These are just a few ideas for him that hopefully will allow you the opportunity to give that perfect gift!

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2003-12-01 09:34:00

: It seems that every year I show up for Christmas and there is always one relative I forgot to buy for.  Can you give me some ideas for a gift that will work for anyone?

ANSWER:  To answer your question, the best way to be prepared is to think "universal". The next time you visit your favorite gift shop, keep your eyes open for a gift that will work for anyone from your niece to your great-uncle Larry. Traditional gifts such as Crystal or Fenton work well for any gender and any age. You can find a lead crystal piece as inexpensive as $10. This can be an inexpensive purchase that may also save you some embarrassment. Also don't forget to grab a couple of gift bags to keep tucked away, along with some ribbon and a card. Gift bags can be a great last minute "wrap on your way" touch. They also save you from worrying about scissors and tape. Again, think "universal" to meet any emergency gift need that may come along.    As the holidays grow nearer, don't be afraid to call your relatives to ask, "Who will be coming?" Try to think about any weddings or new arrivals that you may have overlooked over the past year as these will add to your gift giving list.     The holidays are to be shared with family and friends so try not to stress and just enjoy!

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Specialty Gifts

Susan Friend

2003-11-01 09:16:00

: What are the Modern Vs. Classic gifts for wedding anniversaries?

ANSWER: Over the course of history many of the "classic gifts" have stayed the same like gold for the "Golden 50th Anniversary" and Diamonds (being a girl’s best friend) on the 60th anniversary.  But many have changed and much to our surprise, we may not know what the correct "gift" for an anniversary would be for our loved ones!  Hopefully the following will be of help to you…Year Classic  Modern1st paper  clock2nd cotton  china3rd leather  crystal or glass4th  linen (silk) appliance5th wood  silverware10th tin (aluminum) diamond jewelry15th crystal  watch20th china  platinum25th silver  sterling silver30th pearl  diamond35th coral (jade) jade40th ruby  ruby45th  sapphire  sapphire50th  gold  gold55th emerald  emerald60th diamond  diamond

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Susan Friend

2003-09-01 15:42:00

: I'm too tired to cook dinner after a long day at work, but I'm even more tired of having to choose a different restaurant every night. How can I get my non-cooking husband to lend a hand?  

ANSWER: Pioneer women had no modern conveniences: no electricity, no grocery store, no shopping centers or super stores. She doctored her family, sewed most of their clothing, cooked three meals a day, and often helped in the fields to boot. She worked from sun-up to sundown.    Today's women have it made, right? Today's women have microwaves, freezers full of pre-packaged dinners, and labor-saving appliances. But, life is probably more hectic for women now than any other time in history. She still doctors the minor ailments of her family, does countless loads of laundry, and finds time for her children's activities even though she may be the head of a corporation, own her own business or have a demanding career which controls her time and attention, not to mention adds to her stress.   It's been said,  "behind every good man is a good woman." I believe that behind every good woman is a cookbook! I can't solve your problem, but hopefully I can help with a recipe from one of my favorite cookbooks designed for busy women. As a busy business owner, I've added some suggestions of my own that may just save time and your sanity!

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Specialty Gifts

George Ayres

0000-00-00 00:00:00

Q: Over the last several years, I have been in charge buying trophies for team sports. Several times I have tried buying online, thinking they’d be more affordable, but have been very disappointed in the quality and the additional cost (not to mention breakage). Now, I am in need of buying some end of year business awards. Can you tell me what to look for in quality awards?

A: Many people fail to recognize that awards actually send two messages. One, and most obviously, they recognize the achievement of the recipient. Two, they demonstrate the quality of the business, organization, or establishment presenting the award. Poor quality awards always reflect poorly in the end, while high-quality awards are kept and displayed proudly. For the recipient, an award should be a lasting tribute to their work or accomplishment that they are proud to display. For the entity giving the award, it should be something that properly reflects the qualities of the company, and in some ways considered a lasting representative. When purchasing awards, trophies, and plaques, consider local establishments first where you can see and touch examples. There is wide range of options both in quality and price points that are difficult to evaluate strictly online. When looking for quality products, go through this short checklist: • Look for high quality materials offerings that include but not limited to, glass, crystal, and brass. • On samples, check the places where two pieces meet to see if the connections are secure and strong. • Look for places that offer hand engraving. Lastly, look for stores dealing with recognition awards that are active in their community. News of poor quality and service travels quickly, and stores that are active in the community have, in most cases, developed a reputation for quality. This also allows you to deal directly with representatives to get suggestions and head off any problems.