Simple Lessons for Boys of All Ages

Gentlemen, are you having some trouble with the ladies? If so, remember back to when you were nine; apparently, that is when you had all the answers. Or so it would seem after reading, “How to Talk to Girls”, whose author, Alec Greven, is a nine-year-old love guru from Castle Rock, Colorado.

Alec’s book is an extremely quick read and reiterates the lessons that young boys learn and men forget. Notably, Alec points out that girls win most arguments and have most of the power. “If you know that now,” offers Alec, “things might be easier.” This tip alone makes the $9.99 price tag inconsequential. But, Alec goes on to offer a wealth of tips.

Alec points out that there is a girl for every boy and that the trick is to find the right girl for you. “Girls are everywhere,” Alec observes but warns against spreading yourself too thin. “If you try for too many girls you … might end up with nobody.”

Alec also warns that the right girl might not be the drop-dead gorgeous one. “If you are really confident,” suggests Alec, “go for the pretty girl. But the best choice for most boys is a regular girl. Remember, some pretty girls are cold-hearted when it comes to boys.”

Alec’s book will help any man traverse a relationship from the initial greeting, through the flowers-and-compliment phase, through the possible break-up. If the relationship doesn’t work out, take heart; Alec’s final tidbit: Life is hard, move on.

Five Things to Keep in Mind when Choosing a New Yoga Studio

Client: Studio Fitness, a yoga and Pilates studio in Warren, New Jersey
Deliverable: A three-minute script to be used on social media sites

Hi. My name is Jenn. And today’s Yoga Instructional is brought to you compliments of Studio Fitness in Warren, New Jersey. Today’s instructional – 5 Things to Keep in Mind when Choosing a New Yoga Studio.

Whether you are new to yoga or not, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

• First: Stay away from large gyms and health clubs.
  Yoga is about achieving a mind-body connection. Unfortunately, gyms and health clubs aren’t the best place to find it. They definitely focus on the body but only offer yoga as an added class. Also, remember that their primary clients are those using the gym equipment. If ever there is a conflict of space or class schedule, they will likely please them first.
• Second: Make sure you understand the pricing - both upfront and monthly fees.
  Ask about any initiation fees? Also, if you miss classes, can you make them up at no additional cost? If they offer more than yoga, determine if the additional equipment offsets the price. Yes, the club might have a pool but will you use it? Why pay for it if you won’t.
• Third: It may sound simple but, do you like the atmosphere?
  For example, are the floors clean? Remember, yoga is practiced in bare feet so take a moment and look around. Will you be comfortable lying on their floor?
  Ask about the instructors. Are they dedicated to their discipline? If you can, talk to one. Does she only teach yoga? Be wary if she also teaches cardio-boxing or step-aerobics. Can you hear other classes in progress? Really, you don’t want to hear techno-music or barbells dropping in the next room.
• Fourth: Opt for small, convenient classes.
  Though yoga can be practiced in large classes, small ones are ideal - especially if you are a beginner. You should be able to expect personal attention from your instructor. Make sure you take a good look at the class schedule. Are there enough classes during the times you need? Is there a good variety of classes? If making up missed classes is available, are there any restrictions?
• Last – and in one simple sentence - Definitely don’t sign anything if you are required to commit for a year or more.

We hope these quick tips were useful to you. If you have any questions or want to add a tip, feel free to visit us at: www.studiofitness.net.

Park Improvements Continue Across City - An Excerpt

Excerpt from published article appearing in “Rahway Progress”:

In keeping with a commitment to improve Rahway's image through the renovation of parks, streets and sidewalks, the administration, along with Rahway residents and the business community, continues to implement various programs designed to fulfill that goal.

One of the cornerstones of Mayor James Kennedy's program is the recently appointed Aesthetics Committee. The Committee's purpose is to develop renovation programs and increase awareness of property beautification and maintenance, and it consists of local residents, business owners and government representatives.

As one of its first steps, the Committee, accompanied by Kennedy, toured Rahway in an attempt to rate various public and private properties and to determine which could serve as examples of well-maintained property. As a result the Committee conducted its first annual Beautification Contest.

Homes and private properties with exceptional floral displays and designs, as well as overall quality landscaping and maintenance were nominated by residents and business owners. The winners, as judged by the Aesthetics Committee and the Mayor’s Office, will be eligible for a variety of gifts and prizes from local nurseries and garden centers. The judging will take place in mid-August.

When your ankle rolls, remember RICE

Over the weekend two of my volleyball lady-friends each rolled an ankle. Subsequent Facebook chatter proved that I was not alone in forgetting how to best treat such an injury.

To clarify, a rolled ankle most often occurs when the sole of the foot rolls in towards the body and the exterior ankle is stretched towards the floor. This stretch stresses the ligaments that hold the ankle and the various foot bones in place. However, if treated quickly, this simple injury shouldn’t keep you off the court for long.

Remember: RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

While still at the gym (in order of importance versus acronym):

• Compression: While you are helplessly sitting on the floor DO NOT take off your shoe. The compression of your shoe is containing the swelling. Instead, reach for athletic tape and further bind your shoe and ankle.
• Elevate: Swelling is caused by a rush of blood to the injury site. To control the blood flow, elevate your foot above your heart by sitting on the floor and placing your foot on a chair.
• Ice: Any good facility will have ice or ice packs on hand. Place a generous bag of ice around your ankle to help control the swelling.
• Rest: Sit back and watch others play. Rest for, at least, 20 minutes.

At home:

• Rest: While you are recovering, refrain for all activities that cause pain or stress to the ankle. Use crutches or a cane until you can put pressure on your foot without causing too much pain.
• Ice: Place ice on your ankle – not just on the bruising, but around the whole ankle – for 20 minutes, 5 times a day for the first 3 days. Regardless of what anyone tells you, do not apply heat; heat will cause the ankle to visibly and immediately swell.
• Compression: Wrap a bandage from the base of your toes up to mid-calf using even pressure. The bandage should be snug without restricting circulation; loosen the wrapping if your foot turns blue, hurts, or pulsates.
• Elevate: Keep your foot elevated and above your heart as often possible, even overnight.

Also, make sure to exercise your ankle between icings and until full range of motion returns. Some gentle stretching exercises include:

• Point toes up towards your body and away, holding each position a few seconds.
• Stretch foot inward towards the body, holding for a few seconds.
• Stretch foot outward away from the body, holding for a few seconds.

The goal is to gently stretch the ankle ligaments each time. For more stretching exercises: www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/Handouts/anklesprain/anklesprain.html

Before you return to the gym, invest in an Active Ankle brace (www.activeankle.com). This brace will protect your weak ankle and provide support during play.

I heart Words

I love words. I love tiny words that are anything but diminutive; and gargantuan words that are, in fact, minute. I adore knowing the meaning of an obscure word only because I recognize its Spanish cousin. I cherish professors like Dr. Fries who, although a history professor, started each class by scrawling a word-of-the-day on Misericordia's chalkboards. I own the word plethora because it made frequent appearances on his board - though I am, somewhat, sadden that few people ever use it. I envy languages that have 37 words to describe snow; I revel in Latin music with its declaration of love absent of the actual word. I stop reading an intriguing paragraph to jot down 'peripatetic - moving or traveling from place to place' and marvel at the sound of the word - its rhythm hinting at its meaning.

In thanks to both words and those who have shared them with me, I will pay homage to as many as possible. Stop by for a visit: Words I Love.

Words I Love: Leonine

Everything about him was leonine. Even without his work boots on, he stood well over six feet tall and, as his age progressed, his lean body had given way to a hale and heartier stock. His inherited wide shoulders, having grown wider through a lifetime spent on sports, had always prevented lovers from wrapping their arms completely around him. Careless in his upkeep, his golden blond hair was allowed to grow long and danced irreverently in the wind; his facial hair, equally disheveled, was thick, coarse and enveloped the majority of his beautiful face – keenly camouflaging the predatory hazel eyes.


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Main Entry: le·o·nine
Pronunciation: \ˈlē-ə-ˌnīn\
Function: adjective
: of, relating to, suggestive of, or resembling a lion


"leonine." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2008.
Merriam-Webster Online. 18 November 2008

Introducing: Paulina

Since this is our first date, I will keep my introduction short, sweet, and polite.

My name is Paulina and, after more decades than I care to admit, I recognize that I am a writer. I possess countless skills; I've performed in a variety of disciplines; I've succeeded in many definitions. But when all that I have become is stripped away, when I am naked and raw, when I am closest to my purest, I am a writer.

"The Honored Quill" is my commitment to my naked, raw, glorious self.