The 1940s‘ movie star, Bette Davis’ portrayed a sophisticated character by lighting up a cigarette. Glamorous movie stars made cigarettes look sophisticated which influenced movie viewers. The message sent was that you want to look sophisticated or look rugged then smoke a cigarette. The tobacco industry couldn‘t have been more happy.

Then the Surgeon General said that cigarette smoking was bad for your health, and movies made an effort to change. It became wrong to send a message to adults about cigarettes being sexy. Smoking in films isn’t the imprint movies have on adults.

Man has evolved from killer apes which is manifested by wars, inter-personal aggression, and violence. The Ten Commandments, laws, and rules of conduct have toned down these innate, violent tendencies. However, graphically violent and bloody movies excite some human beings in a mildly sexual way. The horror film and the war film appeal to their murderous innate instincts.

The movie “Die Hard” is based on a hostage scenario in a closed place. Many have speculated that mindless violence and gun violence seen in movies is causing violence in society. There has arisen over the last decades school shootings, such as the Virginia Tech shooting. At a school institution, a young student killed 32 students; then, he killed himself. Do students get these ideas from movies?

Movies also portray movie icon cussing, doing drugs, or drinking. These are other problems which impact people. Movies are rated PG-13 so that young kids will stay away from movies with bad messages. However, kids see these violent movies on television, and think that they’re cool.

Taliban Religious Police beating a woman

The good guys always win at the end. And you are seeing Pro-Taliban fighters changing sides and reconciling. They are shaking hands with United States soldiers. God Bless America!

It has been a rocky road, literally, to get to this point. To get to Kabul, the soldiers had to drive through a mountainous trail; then the road opened up to this beautiful countryside. There were gun shots, and the shots were getting closer. The soldiers put foot to pedal to the medal and got out of there. It wasn’t going to be that day.

The American spirit of never giving up had the soldiers trying another day to meet those who want to change sides. This time, though, they went by air and landed at Jabaladad. The soldiers arrives safely at the  city and, at the grandly titled office of the Afghanistan National Independence Peace and Reconciliation Commission. The soldiers  finally met Taliban commander Qari Mohibullah and his men.

The sat on floor cushions surrounded by inscriptions from the Koran. The commander - like all his men - wore the traditional shalwar kameez (tunic and loose trousers) and a black headscarf, which they fidgeted with frequently.  Qari Mohibullah is the leader of the group of men who want to change side. The lies that the Taliban have told them is starting to show. The clear picture that they are seeing is the motivation for them to stop fighting.

The first impression of your house will be the front yard and the lawn. The key to a healthy lawn is fertilizer. The nitrogen makes the roots grow long and strong.

The best time to fertilize is a couple of days after the rains have stopped. Let the lawn dry out some so that the roots will go deep looking for water. If you have pets and kids, an organic fertilizer will be more safe.
The correct time to fertilize is a bit tricky so check out the website  http://www.worldwidegardening.com/

In order to encourage photosynthesis leave the grass blades long as you mow the lawn. Grass grows more slowly when the grass blades are longer so you don’t have to mow as often.

Using the sprinklers wastes water. A good portion of the water misses the grass and ends up on the sidewalk then down the drain. To conserve water, water with a hose. Don’t water your grass every day. Let your lawn dry out a couple of days in between watering.

Area rugs are used to enhance a room. You can place them under the coffee table for a splash of color. You can add them to a wood floor or a tile floor to add warmth to the area.

Are you tired of red accents? Do you yearn for something green in the hall. Area rugs are inexpensive so you can replace one easily in order to change the décor. The prices for area rugs are competitive so you can find some great buys. However, know in advance what you want and what color you want.

You can purchase area rugs online. The problem with an online area rug purchase is that you can’t feel the texture. Here’s a tip how to get a high quality rug at a good price online. Visit a show room and look at the quality of the rugs on display. Ask the store representative about the density of the fibers, the color, the kind of fibers it is made from, and how well it will clean. Then remember the  brand, size, and weave that you like best, and go online to find the same rug.

Many customers make the mistake in believing that area rugs at discount stores are inferior. The truth is that discount stores do have area rugs that are durable and beautiful. They are high quality without defects.

There are many patterns of area rugs from which to choose. The area rug that you select will change the look of your room so choose carefully.  

Ambrosia angel food cake is a southern recipe that takes 30 minutes to make. You will need these ingredients:  one 10 inch sponge or angel food cake, two cups of sour cream, on 20 ounce can of drained, crushed pineapple, one can flaked coconut, ¼  cup of light brown sugar, and one 11 ounce can of drained mandarin orange slices.

Cut the angel food cake into three horizontal layers. Combine the sour cream, crushed pineapple, coconut, and brown sugar.

Place bottom layer of cake on serving plate; top with one-third of the pineapple mixture. Add second layer of cake; top with another one-third of pineapple mixture. Top with final cake layer and spread with remaining pineapple mixture. Arrange mandarin orange sections around the top and chill thoroughly. Keep this ambrosia cake refrigerated.

There are all sorts of variations of ambrosia cake recipes. Some are more complicated than others requiring more ingredients. This recipe adds a meringue frosting.

To make a creamy white fluff frosting,  add one cup sugar to corn syrup and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Continue cooking without stirring, until the temperature is between 234 and 240 degrees F (112 to 116 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed on a flat surface. In a large glass or metal bowl, whip remaining two egg whites until soft peaks form. Pour the hot syrup in a thin stream into the egg whites while continuing to whip until thick and glossy. Stir in almond extract.