Italian Stuffed Meatloaf

                                Prep Time : 20 mintues ....Cook Time 45 minutes

*    2 pounds ground beef 

*    2 eggs

*    1 cup bread crumbs ( up to 1  1/2 cups)

*    1 cup  grated parmesan cheese

*    1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

*    1 tablespoon black pepper

*    2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley leaves

*    2 cloves garlic , minced or pressed

*    1 medium onion , diced

*    1/2 cup ketchup

*    1/4 cup worcestenshire savce

*    1 cup milk

*    8 slices chedder

*    8 slices baked ham

*    8 slices bacon   ( optional : turkey bacon)

Directions :

In a large bowl , combine ground beef , eggs , breadcrumbs , parmesan , herbs , garlic , onion and ketchup and worcestershire . Mix well , gradually adding the milk  (if it seems to moist , add bread crumbs unti it is consistency that will form a loaf without flattening  ) spray a large baking or roasting pan with a nonstick spray and press the meatloaf out . Layer cheese slices and ham , covering the center line of the meatloaf , then close it together  and tuck the ends , forming a loaf which is oblong . Criss-cross the bacon strips to cover the loaf . Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until  an instant thermometer registers 160 degrees *F .

Let rest 15 minutes , then cut and serve  ...gravy is optional

Tip : Salad  , toasted french garlic bread  ...  with the dessert below and everything is ready... a glass of wine for the grown-ups and grape juice for the kiddies .

Fruity Panna Cotta

  Prep Time :10 minutes ...  Total : 3 Hours 10 Minutes (inluding refrigating)

1   container (32 0z.) plain nonfat yogurt

1   package (8-serving size) Jello Brand Strawberry Flavor Sugar Free Low Calorie  Gelatin  

1   cup sliced strawberries    

1)   Mix yogurt and dry gelation in medium microwavely bowl . Microwave on High 2 1/2 minutes or until gelation is completely dissolved , stirring after 1 1/2 minutes 

2)   Pour into 9-inch pie plate sprayed with cooking spray . Refrigerate 3 hour or until set .

3)   UNMOLD  gelation  onto serving plate . top with fruit just before serving . Store leftover dessert in refrigerator .

Makes 8 servings

TIP :  The fruity panna cotta can be made witth the fruit of the season .

Cool  , light  , heart healthy.                 

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy,

I'm a woman who wears a wig , and I have artificial nails . Without my wig , I have bald spots, and in some areas my hair is about an inch long . My boyfriend has informed me that , before we take our relationship to the next level , he must see me without my wig and my artificial nails . I am comfortable with removing the nails , but not my wig . I know he will not be content with the "real me," and he may even reconsider our relationship . I need your help fast ! What should I do ?

Sharon

Dear Sharon,

Have you heard of the commitment "through thick and thin?" When you commit to a partner, you are supposed to reveal your true self .

You are supposed to be able to lay bare your soul and your body , and that includes your hair and nails . I understand that you may feeling vulnerable on this topic . This is especially true because you use artificial support to enchance your looks .

Well your partner deserves to see you as you are.

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

I am 16 and regularly baby-sit for a 2-year-old boy and his 5-year-old sister . Both kids are very sweet , although the boy has some behavior  issues . I have addressed them and made it clear that they will not be tolerated while I am baby-sitting .

The problem is their father , he calls the boy  "a little devil" and tells him he is "too feminine and babyish," since he carries a blanket around and plays with dolls .

But he's only two ! Am I overstepping if I discuss this with him? I don't want to lose this job, because I love the kids .

Auburn

Dear Auburn,

Not all parents have an enlightened attitude about child-rearing , and some mistakenly confuse belittling with good parenting . Most parents do not appreciate parenting pointers from teenagers.

However you are in a position to counteract some of 'Dad's ' comments by giving positive feedback to those children when they are in your care . If the situation gets worse , you might speak to the mother about your concerns.

Maxy

Dear Maxy,

I retired 10 years ago and joined a very old and respected craft guild. Several of the members were bullies , I enjoyed the meetings , but after a time , these women made the meeting quite uncomfortable . One woman in particular would block my way and ambush me in the bathroom. Another woman ridiculed me publicly for doing certain charity work.

I since have joined another guild , which is no-nonsense  and would not tolerate bullying activity . The contrast is dramatic .

I miss some of the friends from the former guild , but am happy to be free to attend meeting without the stress.

Happier Now

Dear Happier Now,

Bullying can happen in nearly any social context , including at one's place of employment and in community groups. Fortunately , you had the option to leave.

Maxy

Researchers Make the Height/Cancer Connection in Women

Being tall comes with health risks.

A new study from Oxford University has found taller women are more likely to get cancer than their shorter peersThe statuesque women in the study “had an increased risk of at least 10 types of cancer, including breast, skin, bowel, uterus, leukemia, and ovarian — a wider range than initially thought,”
With every four inches of height over five feet, cancer risk increased by 16 per cent. A woman who stands five-feet, nine-inches tall has a 33 per cent greater change of getting cancer than a woman who measures just five feet.

Why is being tall suddenly so scary?

Scientists have a few theories about the increased risk. Tall girls often begin puberty earlier “and this is when their bodies begin producing large amounts of the hormone estrogen, known to trigger the growth of tumours.” A growth-factor hormone could also play a role. Height is also dictated partly by genetics, so some cancers in tall women may be genetically caused. Nourishment can also play a part, both in height and in cancer risk. Furthermore, more height means more cells in the body, increasing the odds one of those cells will become cancerous.

The study is just the beginning. Height isn’t controllable, so it can’t serve as a what-not-to-do warning for women who want to decrease their cancer risk. Instead, it serves as a foundation for more investigation."This study is important in understanding how cancer develops (since) you can't do anything about your height," Jane Green, a clinical epidemiologist at the University of Oxford, said.

"And while we can’t control our height, there are many lifestyle choices people can make that we know have a greater impact on reducing the risk of cancer such as not smoking, moderating alcohol, keeping a healthy weight, and being physically active,” Sara Hion of Cancer Research U.K. told The Daily Mail.

Researchers don’t want the tall population to get too discouraged with these findings.

"Taller people tend to have been better nourished in childhood, they tend to have better immune systems and they tend to have lower rates of heart disease," Green said. "Generally speaking, it's a good thing to be tall. The cancer is just one aspect of it.”

The study only looked at the connections between height and cancer in middle-aged women. It’s not clear if the same holds true for tall men.

[SURVEY] Half Of Men Say They Would Leave A Partner Who Gained Weight

It's been a rough year for women struggling with their weight.

Almost 50 percent of men surveyed in a new poll of 70,000 people said they would leave a partner who gained weight , reports MSNBC . In contrast , only 20 percent of women said they would ditch a significant other for putting on extra pounds.

James Bassil , editor-in-chief of Ask Men , which co-sponsored the poll with Cosmopolitan.com , said the study showed that , "some romantic behaviors have proven to be timeless ones" including the notion that "size matters."

The survey results aren't the only recent data to indicate that men consider a woman's weight when evaluating a relationship . Last month , a study claimed that both husbands and wives were more satified with their marriages when the wife had a lower body mass index than the husband.

Defending her findings , Andrea Meltzer , lead author of the study , told ABC News , "It's relative weight that matters , not absolute weight. It's not that [women ] have to be small." The study didn't explore exactly how relative weight influences marital happiness.

Earlier this year , research suggested that a woman's weight may effect more than her relationship. A  University of Michigan study found that in Iceland , the higher a woman's weight  the less  likely she was to be employed . For men , higher weight was correlated with an increase in employment rates. MSNBC, which covered the study under the headline , "Those extra pounds can hurt you at work , ladies,"  reported another recent study , this one out of the University of Flordia , found that  women 25     pounds over the average weight can earn $13,847 less per year than average weight women.

But worryin g too much about weight can also hurt a woman's career , according to a survey conducted by Dove in May . Fifteen percent of the 445 women who partcipated said worry about their appearence had gotten in the way of their career advancement , and 20 percent said body conc erns affected their day-to-day lives. And yet another study laimed that better body image help women lose weight .

In other words , data tell women who are ov er weight , or think they are , that their body size can be problematic for their relationships and their careers . Yet worrying or feeling bad about it may hurt them at work and their chances of losing weight.

Men aren't without their own body anxiety , of course .The Ask Men/ Comopolitan. com survey found that 51 percent of men wished they had a larger  penis . However , unlike men , whose responses might reinforce women's insecurities about their bodies , Only 18 percent of women said they wished their partner were better endowed.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

Nature

I know of no subject more elevating, more amazing, more eloquent to  artist and poet and to philosophical reflection than the works of nature. Where else can we meet such variety, such beauty?  It is a gift that most do not appreciate or protect. Nature and wildlife are taken for granted and treated with indifference. We carelessly destroy them for our own ends. Because of our apathy we have placed our planet in grave danger and  because of our damnable egos and territorialism we can't even come to an agreement on how to save it. Every day more species become extinct. God save us from ourselves. We do not know how.

Love

Love works in ways

That are wondrous and strange

And there's nothing in life

That love cannot change.

Love can transform

The most commonplace

Into beauty and splendor

And sweetness and grace.

Love is unselfish,

Understanding and kind,

For it sees with its heart

And not with its mind

Love is the answer

That everyone seeks.

Love is the language

That every heart speaks.

Love can't be bought,

It is priceless and free,

Love, like pure magic,

Is life's sweet mystery!!

Quick Fixes For Stinky Body Parts

Peeee-yew ! Most women have  the occasional case of funky-smelling feet or pungents pits - especially in Summer's sweltering temps. Fortunately , there's a simple solution for all your malodorous parts.

Get the whiff of this ?

If you're cursed with bad smelly body oder , you'll not along .

Many women are ill fated with pits , private parts , and the stench tends to worsen during the summertime  when you are more likely to sweat .

 The good news ?

 With most cases of bad- smelling body parts , there's an easy fix .

However , in certain situations , your body odor could be signing that it's time to see a doctor .

 Don't be the smelly kid .

Get to the root of your problem so you can banish body odor for good.

The Fix for Stinky Feet

When your feet sweat or get wet  ,bacteria build up can cause odor , says Dr. Kelly Geoghan , DPM , a podiatrist at Mercy Medical Center  in Baltimore . The best solution ? Keep your tootsies as mositure-free as possible . Dry them well after every shower and be sure to wipe between the toes . If sweats your problem , spray your feet with an antiperspirant from the deodorant asile of the drugstore , suggests Dr. Geoghan . An excess of foot sweat can even lead to dry skin between the toes to build up between the toes to ball up into another icky foot issue ...toe jam. Avoid wearing socks and heavy shoes outside in the heat if you can help it . If these methods don't help to rid the stench , says Geoghan , a prescription strength roll-on made for body odor can probably kick it .

Stinky Armpits Solutions

Do you wash your under arms and use an over-the-counter deodorant  ? Good . this should keep under arm odor in  check . But some women still seem to have a problem  with smelly pits , no matter how strickly they adhere to hygiene rules . If you're one of them , you may be an excessive sweater  and need a prescription  antiiperspirant from your doctor , says Dana Sampler , MD. a physician Mercy Medical Center  in Baltimore .In extreme  sweat situations , Botox treatments under the arms can help : it puts a stop to excession sweating  and the resulting body odor . Are you anti-antiperspirant  ? Dr Simpler tell her patients who perfer not to use a deodorant to soak a cometic pad with rubbing alcohol and apply it to the underarms .  The alcohol kills the bacteria that leads to body odor.

(Do not use rubbing alcohol after shaving the underarms , it will burn the freshly shaved tender skin wait a day).

Bad Breath Blaster

The most common culpit of stinky breath . Your diet , says David M. Leader , DMD , an assistant clinical professor at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Spices , garlic  and onions are known to make your breath smell for hours after you eat them, says Dr. Leader . Fortunately , you can fix this right  up brushing and flossing . But if your toothbrush is not doing the trick , you could have halitosis , which can be caused by bad dental hygiene ( bits of food  get stuck between the teeth and gums and began to emit foul odors). Gum disease , dry mouth and other dental health problems could also be at the root of the problem. so it's important you talk to your dentist .

Help For The Not So Fresh Vagina

For the most part , your vagina shouldn't have a naturally bad odor ... but sweating  "down there" can cause a stench ( just as it does on any other part of your body) . Wash your vagina daily with warm water  and a mild soap ( but skip the soap on the thin tissues  of the inner vula or vaginal opening ) and keep the  aera dry ... change your panties as needed if you get really sweaty ... opt for fabrics that breathe  ...like cotton. If you do have vaginal odor  and it has nothing to do with the fact you're perspiration-prone ... it could mean harmful bacteria in your vagina has cause bacterial vaginous . In addition to the unpleasent smell , bacterial infections can also cause discharge , pain , itching or burning  . If you experience these symptoms , see you doctor for treatments . you may be able to avoid some vaginal infections by keeping your blood sugar levels low , said Simpler . At  the first sign of a possible infection , cut out sweets , sugar and soda.

Reeking-Rear-End Resolutions

Beans, bananas and onions will make anyone gassy ... and most people are uniquely sensitive to other foods , too . If you are a gas-passing offender , one of the best things to do is to take Pepto-Bisol . Gas reducing supplements like Beano can also help , but be sure to take them while eating the offending foods items . It may sound silly , but you should also be paying atten tion to your bowel movements . Why ? If you're not moving your bowels  regualarly , the build-up can lead to excessive gas . To stay regular , be sure you are getting more fiber and less white flour in your diet and head to the bathroom at first urge to go because you might get the signal to move your bowels once a day , said Simpler . But if gas is persistant problem for you ( it could be a sign of gall b ladder disease , other signs in clude frequent burping and abdominal pain , especially after eating gassy foods) check with your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms .

http://%20everydayhealth.com/

Fluffy Foot Pouffe

MATERIALS:

Fur Fabric
Scissors
Sewing Machine
Cotton fabric
Heavy toy stuffing or other firm stuffing

The measurements for the following pouffe are as follows
20 inches (50cm)in diameter for the top
sides are 12 inches (30cm)wide by 60 inches(150cm) around
Using the pattern place on material and cut out the circle. The surround piece will need a join to meet required length.
Cut both rectangles out and join them to fit around the pouffe. Pin the top circle to the side length using pins and securely sew it around the circle. Join the sides to the top. You can pull out any fur that gets caught up in the stitches later.
Using some cotton fabric cut another circle out the same size as your top piece. Cut this circle in half and hem each straight line.
Pin and sew this into the sides as you did the top, leaving slit open to fill it with heavy toy stuffing.Turn it all right side out and stuff with filling very firmly and very full. Sew slit closed. Voila, comfy pouffe.

Warm Caramel Apple Cake

Serve this yummy apple upside-down cake warm from the oven. It's all made easier with Betty Crocker® cake and frosting.

Prep Time: 30 Mins | Total Time: 1 Hr 25 Mins

 Ingredients:

Cake:1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 large cooking apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (about 2 1/3 cups)
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® Golden cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
Topping:2/3 cup Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy white frosting
1/2 cup frozen (thawed) whipped topping
Caramel topping
Method:

Heat oven to 350°F. In 1-quart heavy saucepan, cook butter, whipping cream and brown sugar over low heat, stirring occasionally, just until butter is melted. Pour into 13x9-inch pan. Sprinkle with pecans; top with sliced apples.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil, eggs and apple pie spice with electric mixer on low speed until moistened. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Carefully spoon batter over apple mixture.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Loosen sides of cake from pan. Place heatproof serving platter upside down on pan; carefully turn platter and pan over. Let pan remain over cake about 1 minute so caramel can drizzle over cake. Remove pan.

In small bowl, mix frosting and whipped topping. Serve warm cake topped with frosting mixture and drizzled with caramel topping.

Grilled Hot Chicken Wings

Original Recipe Yield 10 servings

Wings:

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup Italian-style salad dressing

3 pounds chicken wings, cut apart at joints, wing tips discarded

 Sauce:

1/4 cup butter

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1/4 cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®), or to taste

Directions:

1. Combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, Italian dressing, and chicken wings in a large, zip-top bag. Close bag and refrigerate 4 hours to overnight.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the 1 teaspoon soy sauce and the hot pepper sauce. Turn off heat and reserve.
3. Remove the chicken wings from the marinade and pat dry. Cook the wings on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until the chicken is well browned and no longer pink, 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Place grilled wings in a large bowl. Pour butter sauce over wings; toss to mix well.

Family Rescues Grateful Humpback Whale

Michael Fishbach, co-founder of The Great Whale Conservancy, was with family and friends, photographing whales in the sea of Cortez when they came across a young one tangled in a fish net. Immobilized and appearing to be dead, Valentina had little chance of survival without Fishbach's team. After the group managed to free the whale from the net, she showed her appreciation with over 40 breaches, a show of "joy, if not thanks."

Michael Fishbach narrates the incredible rescue:

Incidentally, Valentina was named for the day her life was saved — Valentine's Day of 2011.

The 1 Snack That Will Get Your Body Bikini-Ready

 

pistachio nuts in the shell.

Add this to your grocery list:

Two new studies published in the journal Appetite found that this snack can help curb calorie consumption and lead to weight loss. (Not mentioned in the study, but unscientifically verified by us: pistachios are also delicious.)

Scientists and nutritionists have known for a while that pistachios in any form (well, maybe not pistachio ice cream) are a good weigh-management food. That's because they're the lowest calorie nut, but still provide lots of protein and fiber. And a recent Harvard study found that this particular kind of nut is associated with shedding pudge.But these newest studies found that the benefits of eating pistachios increase when you have to de-shell them first. The reason why is actually pretty fascinating...
Researchers observed two groups of subjects eating pistachios (served still in the shell). For one group, the bowl of empty pistachio shells was left on the table for the whole day. For the other group, the bowl of shells was cleared periodically. Both groups had an unlimited supply of fresh pistachios. The group whose shell bowl was left on the table ate 22 percent less than the other group, whose shells were discarded throughout the day.

Author of the study James Painter, Ph.D., R.D. explained to the site scienceblog.com: “Choosing in-shell pistachios instead of shelled nuts is a simple way to decrease calorie consumption without restriction. This is in keeping with existing research showing that when a person has visual cues of ‘leftovers,’ such as pistachio shells, they can see how many or how much they have eaten, helping to control portion size and consumption.”

Makes us think that the idea of "visual clues" could work with other foods too. We're totally going to experiment with this.

I Will Always Love You My Darling

My husband was in L.A. on a business trip , it gets old each time his family needs something done  they called on him ... I finished talking to him the night I put my feeling down  on  paper  , now I would like to share it with you. [ I never gave it to him , just filed it away] all the years we have been together , he has always left little notes to me each day , sometime it just three words , I love you... he found my note  Wednesday ... I will share his with you also.

I Will Always Love You My Darling :

What is true love ? Not many seems to know . Does it compare to a beautiful dove , Do you feel  warm and aglow ? When I'm with you , I feel so secure  or like a lucky horseshoe , I'm assured you will  pursue and yet , I've been hurt  ...so many times before , all the effort is locked away in a drawer . I don't mean to be blunt... that like an archer you avert my heart from anger to comfort .

I'm what  they call a dreamer , I wish on stars , I was not a failure , while you're a charmer  , so popular and nice . People murmur because we are together ...since I'm not a loser and you are a winner  but I shouldn't compare ....But I don't care , because I can say three words that make people glare , but I do declare  that you listen hard for you need to be aware ... I shall always love you and that ...is rare.

I found this note this morning :

Forbidden Love :

Baby , you are  pure perfection

I want to see us together in the reflection

It's more than a physical attraction

You drive me to distraction

I just want to be with you

I have given you my heart

I never want us to be apart

I've loved you right from the start 

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy,
For the past two years my 4-year-old granddaughter has been given medication to "help her enter REM sleep" at night , and the dosage was recently increased . She seems drugged and impossible to wake up.
This drug worries me , and I also have no clue what the long-term effects might be . I mentioned my concerns to my son and daughter-in-law and suggested trying more natural remedies , such as no TV or chocolate or sugery foods at night  and perhaps putting her to bed around 7:00 instead of 10:00 , but they ignored me.
It is hard to see a young child taking so much medication at such a young age. When she stays overnight at my house , she is on a calmer routine  with regular meals , and she  naps and eats and sleeps without any fuss. In fact , she is a joy. Do you have any suggestions on how I can be a positive influence in her life ?
Worried Grandma
Dear Worried Grandma,
Prescribing sleep medication for toddlers is , unfortunately , not uncommon these days, although we are comcerned that this pediatrician has kept your granddaughter on heavy drugs for such an extended period. Most pediatricians who recommend mediciation do so in conjunction with behavior management techniques - such as winding down before bedtime , no suger or caffeine , etc.  Although you are an expert on those technigues , it is not a good idea to stop any regular medication  without first checking with the doctor. But if your granddaughter doesn't need to take her sleep medication every night , the best thing to do is ask if she can sleep at your house as often as possible.
Maxy

Dear Maxy,
I have been seeing "Josh" for nearly three years . The problem is , his elderly mother's birthday is three days after mine , and every year he throws a big party on the nearest Saturday night . Meanwhile , my birthday is mostly forgotten.
Don't get me wrong , Maxy , I think it's wonderful and considerate that Josh does this for his mother . But I am turning 50 this year , I can't help feeling unimportant to him  and hurt  that' he's not planning anything special  to celebrate my birthday . I might mention that I always make a big deal out of  'HIS" birthday . Is there any way for me to address this without looking petty.
Hurting
Dear Hurting,
We realize your birthday is a big deal , but is there any reason you must celebrate on the same Saturday night as 'MOM?' Have you told Josh how important this birthday  is to you ? Guys often need to be given direct information rather than obscure hints. Let Josh celebrate his mother's birthday however he wishes . It will show your generous spirit . But tell him your 50th birthday is a major event for you and it would mean a lot if he did something special that won't interfere with Mom's annual party.
Maxy

Dear Maxy,
The greatest day of my life has arrived ... the day of the marriage proposal . On bended knee , my fiance asked me to marry him last week while we vacationed in the Bahamas.
Just one problem ; he gave me a gold wedding band , I'm still waiting for  for my  diamond ring ! I was highly upset with the ring he gave me , and I am actually still waiying for him to pull out the real one. What should I do ? I love my man , but I don't want to flaunt this ugly thing .
Mary
Dear  Mary,
What's most important is that your true love has formally announced his intentions to you . Could it be possible that he cannot afford a diamond at this time ?
Calm down . When you are less emotional about it , bring up the topic .
Maxy

10-Year-Old 'Workout Kid' Has Grade Schoolers Sweating And Football Coaches Drooling

C.J. Senter may or may not be the next Tony Horton or the next Barry Sanders, but he is definitely the next 10-year-old to watch. Granted, when most people hear "child prodigy," they rightfully raise an eyebrow and wonder who is pulling the strings. Add a workout DVD by a fourth-grader with sculpted muscles to the mix and "cute" can turn to "concerning." But it turns out the story behind "C.J. The Workout Kid" is a lot more inspiring than insidious.

C.J. started working out five years ago when his football coach told him and his teammates to go home over a weekend and get some exercise. He did some push-ups and sit-ups and loved it. Not too long after, he saw a P90X infomercial and loved that too. He's been working out ever since. C.J. does his own routines three times a week, after school and homework, and he's given new names to some old and boring moves, like the burpee, which involves a squat, push-up, and jump. C.J. calls that one the "shredder." He even teaches a class of (mostly older) kids at the gym near where he lives in Locust Grove, Ga.

"It feels great," C.J. says by phone from his Georgia home. "I love staying fit and healthy." But wait a minute. Research shows kids shouldn't be touching weights until at least age 15. "I don't use weights," C.J. says. (Not even bench press?) "I don't bench press," he says. "It's not good for kids." Surely he's on some insane diet, right? His dad feeds him wheat grass and cow brain, perhaps? "I'm not on a diet," C.J. says. "I eat everything."  Disbelieving? So is Carlos Senter -- C.J.'s dad. Carlos has spent most of his son's life in shock, ever since C.J. somehow climbed out of his crib -- at seven months old. "It was two, three o'clock in the morning," Carlos says, "and boom! My wife would go look in his room and here he comes, crawling out. He would go into the refrigerator, too."

Carlos can't quite figure out how his son got to be so fit. He says his relatives put on muscle easily, but not this easily. C.J. has an older brother and a younger sister who don't really love sports as much. And Dad isn't exactly chiseled like Terrell Owens. In fact, he admits C.J.'s work ethic has shamed him and his wife into getting into better shape. "He doesn't really eat candy," Carlos says. "I have no idea why."

And for that matter, Carlos has no idea why his son doesn't have an attitude. "This kid will score a touchdown, take the football to the ref and act like nothing ever happened," Carlos says. "If it was me, well, I probably would be a little different." But as much as the "Workout Kid" routine is working -- C.J.'s DVDs are in so much demand that his dad hired a PR rep -- Carlos says he gives most of the DVDs away for free and the primary objective is to help kids get off the couch.

C.J.'s primary objective has always been the same thing: make it to the NFL. He's a running back and safety, modeling his game after another C.J. -- Titans speed demon Chris Johnson.  High school coaches are already aware of C.J., but Carlos, who runs a local barber shop, insists on not looking too far ahead.

"As long as he's happy," Carlos says, "I'm happy." C.J. does seem happy, even though he's a little bit tired of when kids come up to him at school and ask, "Are those your real muscles?" The next generation of Atlanta prep football players is about to find out.

A Great Relationship....Polar Bears and Huskies

In Northern Canada an interesting relationship developed between resident polar bears and the sled dogs of a local man (possibly a fisherman)

Where Did You Get Those Shoes ??

All I can say is OUCH!

Cheesecake with Strawberry Glaze - 'Delicious Good'

prep time - 20 minutes --- cooking time -50 minutes

Filling :

3   packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese

1   cup sugar (optional- equal sweetener)

3   eggs

1   cup sour cream

Crumb Crust :

1  1/4  cups graham cracker crumbs

5         tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1/4     cup sugar ( optional - equal sweetener)

Glaze :

1/4     cup strawberry jelly

1         tablespoon water

1 pint strawberries , hulled and thinly sliced

1) For the Filling : Prehaet the oven to 325*F . In a food processor , pulse cream cheese and sugar until smooth . With the motor running , add eggs 1 at a time . Scrape down work bowl sides , add sour cream, and   pulse until smooth.

2)For the Crust : In a medium-size bowl , toss crumbs , butter and sugar with a folk until well mixed . Pressed firmly over the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

3) Pour filling into crumb crust and bake until filling shimmies  only slightly in the center  - about 25 minutes . Tranfer to a rack and cool in pan to room temperature.

4)For the glaze :In a small saucepan over moderately high heat , bring jelly and water to boil . Remove from heat  and cool slightly . Brush cheesecake with about  1/3  of the glaze, arrange sliced strawberries decoratively on top , and brush with remaining glaze .

Makes 6 servings .

Craft - Rustic Bench

The beauty of this bench is that you can shorten it to a single seater or an end table. It is so simple to make and quick to assemble. It can be fancied up with paint or a bit of trim; up to you. Good in the garden, mud room or kid's room.

Lumber *

• 2 boards, 1 x 4 x 6
• 1 board, 1 x 12 x 8
• 1 board, 2 x 8 x 8
• 1 treated board, 2 x 12 x 8

Hardware & Supplies

• 1 box of 4d finishing nails
• 1 box (3-inch) screws
• 1 package of nail-on furniture glides
• paintable wood filler (PL)
• wood glue (Titebond II)
• 1 quart of primer (Valspar Interior Latex High-Hiding Primer)
• 1 quart of paint (Valspar Signature Colors, Waverly Home Classics, Richly Red WV36015, semi-gloss)

Maxy's Philosophy

HI, I'm Maxy..... I've been thinking.... Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take
but by the number of moments that take our breath away.

PS: - The secret to a long life...Keep breathing as long as possible...LOL

Ask Maxy

Dear maxy ,
My co-worker is an alcoholic. He stores liquor in the office  snack room and under his desk . He takes a swig of scotch at least once a day, and my desk is right next to his  ... he reeks ! The worst part is that he hits on me when he's tipsy.
He's a regional manager and has the power to promote me . Should I ask to be relocated ?
Deborah
Dear Deborah,
I think you should report his behavior to your supervisor . Ask for advice on how to handle the situation . You want to have it documented that you said something because you need to protect yourself . Don't ask to be transferred either.
You can speak to him when he is sober and tell him that it makes you uncomfortable when he drinks and speaks to you in an inappropriate manner.
Maxy

Dear Maxy,
I have been dating this girl for a couple of months , and I think things are going really well . My friends , however, don't like her, and they keep saying that she is bad news, I don't know whether I'm blinded by love and they're right or whether they're jealous . Should I listen to my friends or follow my heart ?
Mark
Dear Mark,
Have you asked your friends what they don't like about your girlfriend  ? It's important to investigate their "charges" before you make a decision about staying or leaving your relationship. If the whole friend group seems to take issue with her, a legitimate reason may exist, I say "may" because it could also be that they are jeaous that she is taking you away from them.You have to find out.
Being direct is the best way . Ask them to tell you why they do not endorse your relationship . Ask them to provide specifics about anything that bothers them . A feeling isn't enough for you to walk away from her. Also, pay attention to this young lady  and the time you spend together .
Erase the idea of being "blinded by love." You don't want to blinded by anything . With your eyes wide-open , make sure that you like the way your relationship is evolving . If so, stay there.
Maxy

Dear Maxy,
I have a crush on my friend's boyfriend . They have been dating for a few months now , and, boy , it is difficult for me . I am happy for them , but at the same time , it's hard to be around them when they are together . How can I get some space and not lose my friends ?
Sarah
Dear sarah,
Oh no ! That's got to be an uncomfortable feeling . Believe it or not , plenty of people have  been in this situation, though. As you already know, in this case , it's not how you feel that matters  but what you do with these feelings.
You cannot  act on your feelings . You need to exorcise them so that  you can become grounded again. You can start that by creating some distance between you , for a while. Don't go out with them everytime they invite you . Make yourself busy for a while doing other things that you enjoy while you cool off.
Maxy