Issuu

January 3 - 16, 2014

AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali: 256-468-9425 Deborah: 256-309-9399

See Our Listings Inside this edition... Pages 25 - 32

Uncommon Sense

The Politics of Social Media... Your great aunt’s pictures of the new dog are now cluttering your newsfeed, and someone missed the fact that they were on caps lock all afternoon... Page 9

Clean And Green Put Down the Electronics and Go Outside!... When I was growing up, the kids in the neighborhood spent all day outside and just went home for lunch, supper, and when it got dark... Page 12

New Year, New You! By Libby McGaw Enjoy the holidays? Maybe a little too much? Athens is fortunate to have a fitness facility that offers something for everyone to help them make 2014 their best year ever. SportsFit fitness center continues to be voted “Best Fitness Center in the Tennessee Valley” year after year. The amenities start with 24-hour access. When you join, you will receive a key fob that grants you and your family 24-hour usage of the fitness center. This allows individuals that work odd hours the ability

Dog Barker Food Aggression... It’s feeding time for your “Canine Family Member” and he/ she is doing the chow dance... Page 20

January 3 - January 16, 2014

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to work out around the clock, according to their schedule. Once you enter SportsFit, you will notice top of the line Cybex equipment. Each treadmill has its own individual TV allowing members to watch their favorite show while shedding the pounds. Unsure of where to begin with all the equipment? No problem! The staff at SportsFit will take you through a free initial set-up, answering all of your questions and making sure you are comfortable with all the equipment. If you are looking for one-on-one guidance, Continued on pages 16-17

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January 3 - January 16, 2014

Publisher’s Point

More Than Jahi Is In Jeopardy

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales / Editing Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Joel Allen Will Anderson Melissa Kirby Brian Black Jerry Barksdale Libby McGaw

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Uncommon Sense . . . . . . . . 9 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Story . . . . . . . . . . 16 - 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 World According To Will . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . 20 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22

On December 9th, 2013, thirteen year old Jahi McMath went into the hospital for what should have been a routine, though complex surgery. She was to have her tonsils, adenoids and some sinus material removed, but she ended up on a ventilator. She came through the surgery, began to bleed, and went into cardiac arrest. Now she is the center of a legal battle to end her life against the wishes of her parents that is eerily reminiscent of the Terri Schiavo case. The Schiavo case was fought in court from 1990 until Terri was legally starved to death at the behest of her husband, Michael Schiavo, in 2005. This was against the wishes of Terri’s family, who since have gone on to become activists who speak all over the country in regard to what happened to their daughter/sister. They prove how vulnerable we all are unless we take steps to prevent a death like Terri’s through educating ourselves and preparing advance directives. Terri’s brother Bobby Schindler wrote the forward to my book, A Ballad for Baghdad, and the family has become very dear to me. They have also saved lives, and may God bless them for the price they have paid to do so. Back to Jahi and her battle. Children’s Hospital Oakland has declared Jahi to be brain dead, and wants to take her off the ventilator.

Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . 23 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . . . 24

January 3 - January 16, 2014

They are also withholding food and water against the parent’s wishes. There is a facility that specializes in severe cases like this located in New York that is willing to take her, but in order to transport her, she needs to have a tracheotomy, and no one at Children’s is being allowed to perform the surgery because they “don’t operate on dead people.” Fine, have the coroner do it. He or she operates on dead people all the time, and could probably do a trach in their sleep.

her to be housed at New Beginnings in New York, and her family waits. The courts have determined that they will turn off the ventilator on January 7th if no one comes forward to perform the surgery. Jahi’s family are people of

acle is going to happen, and won’t let her go, is it the right of the hospital to block the moving of a patient on a ventilator? Ironically, little Jahi told her family before she went in that she was afraid she was not going to wake up after

There has been a legal

the surgery. Forebodings can be creepy, especially when they happen to kids, and I have no doubt there was a purpose to her uneasiness.

song and dance that has swayed like something you would see on Dancing With The Stars. First the hospital was going to let her go, then changed its mind. Now the family is waiting to see if a surgeon from the outside the hospital will do the surgery. The medi-flight to transport her has been donated, the way has been made for

faith, and they are praying for a miracle. Now, you may not believe God does miracles today because they became a moot point after the New Testament was completed, but you got to me too late. I’ve seen them, and I have experienced them. But that’s not the point. Even if her family is just raving in pain and denial, no mir-

At the least, the hospital is going to have to answer for what happened in the surgery, and the inhumanity of their supposedly humane regulations. At the most, a system that only stands to become more power hungry might be about to experience a Waterloo. Let’s pray that is the case.

Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com

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All Things Soldier

How Cowards Are Pushing Women Into Combat by Ali Elizabeth Turner Recently Regnery published what I feel is a “must read” regarding the controversial topic of the presence of women in ground combat. It is entitled Deadly Consequences: How Cowards Are Pushing Women Into Combat. It is written by retired Army Lt Col Robert Maginnis, and while some might find it to be controversial, is superbly researched and well written. The topic is not new to readers of Athens Now or A Ballad For Baghdad, but Maginnis comes from a different angle: cowardice in leadership. Please allow me the usual disclaimer—the colonel is careful to point out the innumerable and important roles of women in the military, and champions them. He simply has enough spine to say flat out that lowering the physical requirements so that a woman can pretend to be GI Jane is not just stupid, it is a colossal security risk. Bottom line: it diminishes our ability to fight and win. The latest go around came about as a result of the Marines using social media to announce that they are going to de-

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lay the enforcement of a 01 Jan 14 mandate that would have required female Marines who were seeking combat certification to do three pull-ups, which is the same as the males. What? The guys only have to do three? Are you beginning to see the problem, here? Mind you, the Marines are planning on allowing

women into ground combat in 2016, so they are going to have figure this out fairly soon. At present, what is being proposed is that women do the hang test, which means hanging from a bar until they drop.

That’s a good one, the guys have to do it too, and they should. But, seeing as men on the average have 45-50% more upper body strength, something that is vital in ground based warfighting, there is no way literal cliff hanging can

substitute for being the one who pulls you back to the safety of the ledge. As is often the case, the “solution” is to lower the standards for everyone. The recent example is that guys had to be able to lift 40 lbs of a certain type of equipment. Now,

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in combat,” and who would never consider putting themselves in harm’s way for our country in the first place. I know, I used to be one of them.

Feminists try to cite the fact that the Soviets had women in combat as early as WWII, as though the US is somehow woefully behind the times and needs to get with the program. The fact is, they tried it and discontinued it because it failed miserably.

everyone lifts 20 lbs. Comforting thought, no? Lowered standards so that the “glass ceiling” of careerism can be shattered. More aggravating is that the screed that got us into this mess is being emitted from those who are calling for “equality

While one could go on at great length about the amount of data that have been gathered over the past half century that objectively prove the physical differences between men and women with specific regard to ground combat, (let alone the psychological ones,) what Deadly Consequences does with the precision of a Stinger missile is put the blame where it is due: on the leadership who is more interested in getting one more stripe or star or term in office than making the hard calls that say, “Not on my watch.”

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Calendar of Events Happy New Year - 2014 Martin Luther King Jr. March Jan 18th

Athens Historic Walking Tours Apr 5th

Come join local guides as they stroll through one of five historic districts of Alabama’s second oldest city. Check-in is at 9:45am at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Cente 100 North Beaty Street and tours depart at 10:00am. Free For more information: 256-232-5411 or info@VisitAthensAL.com Join the conversation on Facebook too.

Downtown Athens, AL. More information to come

Greek Informational Event Feb 9th

Greek Informational Event for the High School Girls of Athens and Limestone County This is a no cost event to share information about sorority recruitment. Contact Teresa Brown tlbrown@pclnet.net

Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge Feb 22nd

Athens Cruise-In Apr 5th

Shine the chrome, polish the paint or grab the family for some fun on the Square in downtown Athens, AL as the antique cars roll in and park. Enjoy a meal or do a little shopping too. Free For more information: Tschuman@comrep.com Join the conversation on Facebook too.

10:00am to 3:00pm at Athens High School Gymnasium on US31 in Athens, AL. Fee For more information: 256-232-5017

Athens Home and Garden Show Mar 1st and 2nd

Athens Home and Garden Show presented by the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce at the Limestone County Event Center on Pryor Street in Athens, AL. If you are looking for a unique item for your home or garden or maybe garden tips this event is for you. Activities for the kids to make and take too. For more information: 256-232-2600

Polk Sallet Follies Mar 6th - 8th

This annual dinner show is a wonderful night of entertainment and delicious food. Ticket price and sale date to be announced. For more information 256-233-6412

Ardmore Shamrock Shuffle Race Mar 15th

Registration at Active.com Ardmore Shamrock Shuffle is a chip-timed 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run/ Walk located in Ardmore, Alabama benefitting Ardmore area charities. The event is an annual event celebrating the good times and fun of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday with Irish music and food and with a variety of vendors. The race kicks off the day wth a crowd of runners/ walkers dressed in their best St. Paddy’s Day garb hitting the streets of Ardmore. The 1 mile Fun Run /Walk follows with walkers and runners of every age heading to that Pot O’ Gold. It is a fun filled day for family and friends to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Good times, good friends and the luck of the Irish all in the same place!!!!

Rocket Run Ten Miler Mar 15th

Rocket Run Ten Miler in Mooresville, AL This Huntsville Track Club Members Race (Membership Information Here) runs a ten mile route through Alabama’s oldest city.

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Heal and Crank Duathalon Apr 12th

Heal and Crank Duathalon in Mooresville, AL Registration at Active. com. This race is a beginner-friendly event as well as a good Sprint for the veterans. It consists of a 3 mi. run, a 13.5 mi. bike and a 3 mi. run.

Athens Historic Walking Tours Apr 12th

ONGOING EVENTS The Alabama Veterans’ Museum needs volunteers! If you have a few hours per week and would like to help out, please call the museum at 256.771.7578. Pick the days and hours you would like to volunteer. The Friends of the Athens-Limestone Public Library hold used book sales on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and on the 1st Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The sale is held at the library, 405 E. South St. For further information, please call (256) 232-1233. 3rd Tuesday night 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Singing in the Park at the Ardmore, AL Pavilion located on Ardmore Avenue beside Ardmore, AL Town Hall. June 18 Just Down the Road will be playing the entire concert. The fourth Friday’s Summer Art Stroll June - August Come to downtown Athens and STROLL under the trees on the Courthouse lawn. Meet some artists; Look at art. Listen to music. Have dinner at one of the great restaurants right on The Square. Make it a Friday in a sweet little town to remember.

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January 3 - January 16, 2014

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January 3 - January 16, 2014

Uncommon Sense Law And Politics: The Gen Y Perspective waywwords.com

uncommonsenselaw.blogspot.com

beyondmymountaintop.blogspot.com

The Politics of Social Media by Melissa Kirby Your great aunt’s pictures of the new dog are now cluttering your newsfeed, and someone missed the fact that they were on caps lock all afternoon. Your best friend found a new stash of Pinterest cake stands to appreciate, and as much as you love her, you’re wishing she would find a hobby that doesn’t send you notifications. Social media is not just a database or a forum it’s a world unto itself. A world so structured, it has its own legal system. Break the code, and you end up in someone’s black book. Or, like your cake-stand-happy friend, your acquain-

tances start considering blocking you out of their social media lives. As a public service announcement, I have listed a few of the more commonly broken laws below. First, don’t stalk. That sounds simple, but it’s actually a fine line. You are stalking if you comment on a picture someone posted a long time ago; you are not stalking if you comment on the picture immediately after you become their friend. Posting on someone else’s wall is not stalking, but if they aren’t your best friend, you’d better do it very rarely and for very good reasons. If

January 3 - January 16, 2014

you’re confused, don’t worry - so is everyone else. This brings us to the second rule. Act like you know what you’re doing. The uncertain ones don’t make it far. Pretend if you must, but always give the impression that you are totally confident. It’s a vicious world out there, and you don’t want to be the one left reciting mule-in-the-hole stories to yourself. Believe me, they aren’t nearly as funny the second time. NEVER POST IN ALL CAPS. There’s no reason for this rule, it’s just hard to read. Online, caps mean yelling, and if you read enough posts

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or comments or tweets by someone who yells all the time, the little person screaming at you from inside your head gets very tired. Get to the point. When you post things like, “I’ve been so sad this week,” and “Guess what I did today,” you are shouting that you need someone to give you their attention and ask what you mean. Again, this denotes insecurity. Never act insecure. On the other hand, avoid too much information. That picture of you in a Rockette outfit in your bathroom mirror? Well, good for you, but you re-

member that you “friended” your father, and he can see that, right? And the next time you meet an acquaintance in WalMart, you think they’re just shaking your hand, but they’re actually envisioning you with reindeer antlers on your head. Anyone can get online and “like” and “heart” and post pictures that no one else cares about, but to climb the ladder of social media popularity, and gain all those friends and followers you’ve dreamed of, a strict observance of the regulations that govern this world is a necessity.

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Mantle Of A Mayor

by Ali Elizabeth Turner When I first started to interview Mayor Ronnie Marks in 2011, there was a book on his desk that would catch my attention every time I came into his office. The name of the book is The Seamless City by Rick Baker, former mayor of St. Petersburg, FL. Its subtitle is: A Conservative Mayor’s Approach To Urban Revitalization That Can Work Anywhere. The copy of the book belonging to Mayor Marks has been subjected to what can only be described as “loving abuse.” It is highlighted, filled with multicolored post-its, has been read and re-read, has notes written in the margin, stuff that has been circled, and has been a source of great inspiration to him. I know he treats his Bibles the same way, as well as any resources he uses for preparing his Sunday School lessons, and I was glad that for our first ar-

ticle of 2014 we decided to return to Seamless. We talked about the reasons we do things, and he believes that mayors

ment is never done,” the book says, and Mayor Ronnie would add, “It’s a relay race, not a sprint or a marathon.”

it is probably the best way to describe some of what is going on in our city to make it wonderful. One of the

Natural Gas station near the Sportsplex and begin to use vehicles that run on CNG.

Something else we discussed is the good news that there are corporations that are seriously “courting” us and if they choose to locate their operations in Athens-Limestone County, it could have a significant economic impact on our city.

are going to be the most effective when they approach their job with the vision of handing it off someday. “The job of city building and develop-

Anyone who has run relay in track knows that the best part is when your teammate has the baton firmly in hand, and the burst of energy that seals

things being done to build for the future of Athens is to train our kids for leadership through the Mayor’s Youth Commission. The 11th and 12th graders are finishing up their unit, which started in the fall, and the 9th and 10th graders will be beginning soon. Our city is in the final running as one that could receive the Governor’s Quality of Life Award, and the announcement will be made soon. To compete, a city had to submit projects in one of 4 subject areas: Economic Development, Public Safety, Public Works and Public Service. For its project, the City of Athens chose to open a Compressed

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Speaking of “significant impact,” it has been ten years since Officer Anthony Mims and Sergeant Larry Russell were gunned down while in the line of duty. There was a ceremony to commemorate their service and their sacrifice. “Public safety has to be our #1 priority,” Mayor Marks said. “Without that, none of the rest of it matters. Our police are not the only ones who are in danger as they protect us. Utilities workers face storms, floods, electrical currents and other hazards just to serve us, and we need to be thankful,” he said.

He closed our time by returning to the responsibilities of a mayor, and the desire to give away that mantle to the next generation. The Seamless City said it best: “I’ll wear this coat for awhile, care for it, and give it to another,” and doing that well is some of what makes Ronnie roll.

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Clean and Green

A New Years Resolution Suggestion: Put Down the Electronics and Go Outside! by Lynne Hart “I like to play indoors better ‘cause that’s where all the electric outlets are.” - A 4th Grader in San Diego, quoted in Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv How sad! Unfortunately, this child’s idea of “play” seems to be the norm today. When I was growing up, the kids in the neighborhood spent all day outside and just went home for lunch, supper, and when it got dark! Imaginations ran wild as we came up with games to play. We got dirty, played in mud, climbed trees, and rode bikes. It is unusual to find a street full of children at play anymore. What are they missing? Children who play outdoors become more fit, develop stronger im-

mune systems, have more active imaginations, lower stress levels, play more creatively, and have a greater respect for themselves and others. (www.headstartbodystart.org) Children also develop an emotional attachment with what is familiar to them or in places in which they feel comfortable. In order for anyone to appreciate the environment, they have to spend time becoming familiar and comfortable with it.

trees, look for and learn about beaver dams, practice tree identification, watch ants carrying food or building materials that can be up to 50 times their own weight! Watch a bumblebee in flight and learn about the mystery of their ability to fly when the aerodynamics have puzzled scientists for years. Find a secluded spot, be quiet, and just listen to the

sounds of nature.

ing Trail.

Go to one of the local parks to watch the ducks or toss a frisbee. Go fishing or canoeing on the Elk River Canoe and Kayak Trail. Take your binoculars and visit the 7 sites of the North Alabama Birding Trail located in Limestone County to discover wetland birds, forest dwellers, and songbirds. Ride

Respecting nature does not come to us automatically simply because we are part of it. We can read about it and talk about it, but nothing instills a love of the natural world more than experiencing it, touching it, and being amazed by it! Don’t rely on our schools to do all of the teaching on this sub-

your bikes on the Richard Martin Railsto-Trails or the Noah Bike Trail. Take a hike on the Cowford Landing Rustic Walk-

ject. UNPLUG and GO PLAY!

So where do we begin? How about right in your own backyard, so to speak! There are so many places in Limestone County that allow for outdoor play and activities! Walk in a creek, listen to the sound of the wind in the

Make 2014 your year to rediscover the wonderful world of outdoors!

Become a Fan

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January 3 - January 16, 2014

Cooking with Shelley

Green Smoothie

by Shelley Underhill

I am always looking for a quick and easy smoothie that is filling and full of nutrients. I found this one courtesy of Paula Deen. Let me know if you try it and what you think. You can email me at shelleysdesk@gmail. com

What you will need: High powered blender, smoothie maker or Ninja 1&1/2 cups coconut water 1 banana - cut in chunks 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks 3/4 cup baby spinach 3/4 cup kale - stems removed & chopped roughly Add all ingredients together in blender and blend until smooth. To your healthâ€Śenjoy!

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Sticking To Resolutions? by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 It is the dawn of a new year. It is time for the annual resolution to be better, do more, eat less, or whatever promise you make to yourself. But will you stick to it? I

University and Kristen Berman is the founder of Irrational Labs, a not-forprofit organization that works with people who act irrationally.

social obligation is likely to hold you, and them, accountable to show up, and once you have shown up, you might as well start sweating.”

The

I know that this will work.

article

suggested,

Last month I decided I would join the Wellness Center. I could think of a thousand reasons not to go until my mom decided to join also. Now we go together three mornings a week and I would never think of skipping out on Mom. Without ever saying a word, Mom holds me accountable for my fitness program. I also have a son who goes five days a week and works out a couple of hours each day. I am still wishing I had that will power but have not gotten there yet. Another suggestion was for those who want to eat right for the New Year. When you are trying to change your diet, one of the best ways is to eat more fruit and vegetables. The article says “Order an annual

know I have the hardest time sticking to resolutions. Every year I look for help. This year I read an article by Dan Ariely and Kristen Berman, “5 Tips for a Better 2014,” on Time.com. Dan Ariely is a professor of Psychology at Duke

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subscription to the Fruit Guy. By committing to a weekly service that delivers fresh fruit, we make having healthy food a reality. This approach has the added sweet side effect of urgency. Every week when the fruit is delivered, we know all too well that if we fail to consume the fruit in the next week, more of it will show up and we will have to waste the unused fruit.” I might try this effort. Wonder if it will work?

However you decide to work out your resolution for a better new year, remember that learning happens every day. At the Center for Lifelong Learning we have learning opportunities every day. Call 256-233-8262 for information or go to the website – www.athens.edu/CLL. See you there soon!

“Working out every day takes a lot of ongoing willpower. Joining a gym is nice but still requires the daily decision to go to the gym. Instead, a better approach is to set up recurring weekly “meetings” with friends or co-workers for workouts. This kind of

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January 3 - January 16, 2014

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Page 15

Cover Story

New Year, New You! continued from page 1

the TRX training system, tires, kettle bells, ropes training system, plyometric boxes, and sand bags. If you want to take your workout to the next level, try SportsFit’s X-Fit area.

SportsFit staff will get you connected with a nationally certified personal trainer. SportsFit offers over 200 group fitness classes a month and all classes are included with every membership. Classes include Zumba, Cycling, Yoga, Step, Kickboxing, and classes for the kids. SportsFit also has a full range of aquatic classes including Aqua Zumba and Aqua Arthritis (a class sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation designed to help individuals struggling with arthritis and fibromyalgia). Members can take advantage of the indoor

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by Libby McGaw

Throughout

the

year SportsFit runs friendly competitions. Members have the chance to compete against each other for membership giveaways and other prizes. These competitions include March Madness, Biggest Loser, Alabama vs Auburn Cardio

pool and hot tub during staffed hours. No matter what the weather is like outside, you can enjoy SportsFit’s pool and hot tub year round. SportsFit also has saunas in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Athens SportsFit has a functional fitness area for those wanting to get a “bootcamp” style workout. This space has

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January 3 - January 16, 2014

local companies to offer corporate discounts to their employees. Visit SportsFit247.com to see everything they have to offer. Stop by SportsFit and take advantage of Challenge, and The 12 Days of Fitness. Free tanning and free childcare is included with every membership. Drop your kids off with the friendly childcare staff. Perhaps the biggest attraction to SportsFit is the many membership options available. Members have the option of both paidin-full memberships and monthly bank draft options. The monthly bank draft option is a no-commitment membership, requiring only a 60-day cancellation notice. This option gives the peace of mind of not being locked into a long-term contract. SportsFit also works with many of the

their free VIP pass. They would love for you to join the SportsFit family and make 2014 your best year ever!

STAFFED HOURS: Monday-Thursday: 7:00am - 8:00pm Friday: 7:00am - 6:00pm Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm

CHILDCARE HOURS: Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 12:00pm and 4:00pm - 8:00pm Friday: 8:00am - 12:00pm and 4:00pm - 6:00pm Saturday: 8:00am -11:00am

LOCATION & CONTACT: Athens SportsFit Fitness Center 22423 U.S. Hwy. 72 Athens, AL 35613 (256) 233-3994

January 3 - January 16, 2014

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Health and Fitness

Planks And Crunches – Oh No! by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. Often the first question I am asked by personal training clients or students in a fitness class (no matter the age) is, “How do I get a flat stomach?” My answer is, “You have to work your whole body. You cannot just spot train.” Have you ever seen someone out of shape with a six-pack or lean midriff? Probably not – it is the whole package. Unfortunately, while looking around any gym, you will see everyone doing planks and crunches with the ideal hopes of a flat tummy. The plank, can help tighten your abs (not reduce belly fat) while reducing lower back pain if done correctly. Often people are more focused on the length of time a plank can be held rather than on the form. Crunches and sit-ups, on the other hand, can actually make back pain worse. Lying face-up on the floor and curling the trunk can worsen lowback pain. Crunches can place a lot of pressure on the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine. As the spine bends to lift the upper body, the discs are

“any muscle that attaches to the pelvis or spine.” Core muscles can either provide stability to the spine or produce strength to cause movement at the hips and trunk. These muscles are designed to be most effective when

compressed at the front which pushes the back directly in the hard surface of the floor. This pressure can be even greater for those who exercise in the morning because lying down all night reduces the gravity’s pull on the body resulting in more fluid in the discs making

standing; therefore, the best core work is done standing.

For more information about good core exercises, set up training session with Janet Hunt at 256-614-3530 or another certified personal fitness trainer.

them more susceptible to injury during a crunch. The iliopsoas is one of the main muscles that produces spinal flexion, when pulling the upper body off the floor during a sit-up. Iliopsoas’ main function is flexion at the hip. Therefore, if you have been sitting all days (hips flexed) with the iliopsoas shortened, doing an exercise using the hip flexors makes the muscle tighter and pulls the lumbar attachments forward, causing more low-back pain. There are many definitions of core muscles. One good definition is

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January 3 - January 16, 2014

Like me on

The World According To Will

The Will Anderson Show M-F 6pm-8pm on 800 and 1230AM and 106.5FM WBHP

The Coming Referendum On States’ Rights by Will Anderson

The days that open up each new year always seem to bring about a sense of optimism; the slate is clean, and we resolve to solve all of our financial challenges, lose weight, and permanently get along with all those we love. These chimeras don’t always come to fruition, of course, but there’s always hope. Legislatively, we’re about to see at the state and local levels roughly 40,000 new laws and regulations kick in in 2014 most of which, if enforced, will diminish our freedoms nationwide. Thirteen states, for example, plan to raise the minimum wage. In SeaTac, Washington, the rate is scheduled to skyrocket to fifteen dollars an hour, more than double the federal rate. With history as the guide, this will be a job killer.

In Colorado, you can now buy an ounce of pot; in Oregon, you are prohibited from smoking tobacco in your car if children are present. In Illinois, no one under eighteen can use a tanning bed starting this week. Parsing through the plethora of local laws facing Americans nationwide, it can safely be said that some of them stand a better chance of passing the freedom test than others. Employers in Rhode Island, for example, will no longer be able to ask whether or not prospective employees have a criminal record. In Colorado, if you decide to buy an electric car, you’ll be paying fifty dollars a year to plug it in. And in Florida-get ready--early voting is being expanded. What could possibly go

wrong? Those of us who believe in federalism always like it when states and not Washington D.C. take the lead on passing new legislation. States are indeed the grand laboratories that teach us empirically what works and what doesn’t. So the good news in this is that states will spend the next year discovering just that. And if you happen to live in a state saturated with laws that make no sense, your recourse is to move out. That’s the beauty of the 9th and 10th amendments to the Constitution; the powers of the federal government are, as Madison insisted, few and defined. Still, it’s troubling that so many states

are set to implement so many stupid laws. It is their Constitutional right, but the lack of outrage at the local level about the content of some of these laws sheds a little light, perhaps, as to how Obama won two terms. The nanny state, in many parts of the nation, is alive and well in mindset. The good news is, it’s likely that the obnoxiousness and in some cases the failure of many

of these new laws will complete the task started when Obama’s big government machine went into full throttle. He scared most Americans by behaving as though all wisdom came from Washington. Philosophically, a majority of us recoil from such a notion. That’s a procedural thing, though. Procedurally, the new laws being passed by states are being passed in the right place.

The problem is that philosophically, the laws offend in some cases the fundamental premises of economics and in other cases (like the you-can’t-smokein-your-car law), the essence of liberty. What can be hoped in the new year as the recently passed laws get under way is that people, state by state, will become perturbed with Big Brother, however close to home he is, micromanaging the way they live their lives.

January 3 - January 16, 2014

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Dog Barker

Food Aggression by Joel Allen Notice to all my readers: I will be starting to take signups this month for training at the Athens Pet Depot for the month of February. My days when I will be at the store will be random because there is a need for my classes in the Hartselle Pet Depot as well. It’s feeding time for your “Canine Family Member” and he/she is doing the chow dance. If they could speak I would bet that they would say, “Ooooh oooh! Give me! Food! Food! Food!” Of course, there is the silly slight turn of their head, the raised ears, and the look as if they are smiling. In my case, I

see a lot of front paws stamping excitedly and when they look me in my eyes, I also see the thankfulness. Each slurp or chomp in their bowl makes me imagine I hear the “Ummmm, good! Thank you, Daddy.” A dog promises man one thing: to give their life to us. Now, let’s get to the matter I wish to discuss and the need for everyone to understand what to do in the event of food aggression. Recently, I had a case of food aggression that was unexpected. The dog showed no warning and just in a blink of an eye, she bit my hand when I reached to adjust her bowl. Two things became clear. One, Ollie Girl (a sil-

ver merle Great Dane) was not trained from the time she was eating out of her dish not to fear someone taking her food. Two, when she bit me she did not break my skin nor did she bruise me. It was a deliberate attempt to scare me away from her dish. As a Dog Trainer, I must warn that what I am about to suggest should be carried out with caution and respect to the dog. So, be warned, do not attempt to train a dog not to be food aggressive without first consulting a professional trainer. Every trainer has different methods and I would suggest more than one opinion in the matter. Here is what I did. I

immediately made my body larger in stature and looked Ollie Girl in her eyes. Did she challenge me? Yes, but this is where we establish who is in charge. When I stared her down because we were in my territory and she broke eye contact I growled low and said, “No!” She at first responded with her teeth bared but I knew I had won. She stepped back and I stepped forward. Once she was back I picked up the dish and held it. Then I called her to me and presented the dish to her. I did not set it down. Talking to Ollie Girl calmly and holding the dish I tried to persuade her to eat. She refused but

there was progress. I let her watch me set the dish down again and patiently waited for her to approach her dish. Ollie Girl finally approached her dish and began to eat. I deliberately began to touch her spine and to massage her shoulders. She growled a little and after a while I was able to massage up to her neck. Each dog will respond differently according to their personality so remember to be creative and compromising when mimicking what I have done. The growling ceased and to this day I am able to handle her food in front of her. It took two feedings to accomplish this safely. So, let us be safe when we have this circumstance arise. Especially if we have small children that do not know they are not to stick their hands in the dog’s dish. Always remember to train your dogs to know children and to teach the children to respect the Family Canine. “Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”

Joel and Zues Allen 256-651-2211

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January 3 - January 16, 2014

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Medical Update

Health Story of the Year: Salt is Vindicated

By Brandpoint Content (BPT) - An ever increasing body of academic research is showing that the current level of salt Americans consume is not only perfectly healthy but that adopting low-salt recommendations will actually harm people. The most recent example of this is a review of all available research on salt and health by the Institute for Medicine (IOM).

tion to do this. The available evidence shows that significant cuts in salt (sodium chloride) consumption can result in small reductions in

negative health impacts (insulin resistance, diabetes, increases in cholesterol and triglycerides, cardiovascular events, etc.) for everyone.

Administration (FDA) to regulate the salt content of the food Americans eat, much like the recent ban on trans fats. Currently the FDA con-

Multiple peer-reviewed studies published to date demonstrate that when sodium intakes fall below 3,400 mg/day (the amount the average American consumes) a rapid rise in plasma renin and aldosterone occurs and may result in insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, increased mortality from congestive heart failure -and types 1 and 2 diabetes, more frequent cardiovascular events, cognition loss, stress, dehydration, and overall increased morbidity and mortality.

The consensus of the medical experts on this panel was that blood pressure is only one of many factors that should be considered in evaluating dietary changes and studies indicate there are negative effects from reducing sodium to very low levels. “This report cautions against drastic sodium reduction efforts to get people to consume dangerously low levels of sodium of 1,500 mg a day,” says Salt Institute Vice President of Science and Research, Morton Satin. “There is no scientific justification for populationwide sodium reduction to such low levels and the recognition by the IOM experts that such low levels may cause harm may help steer overzealous organizations away from reckless recommendations.” As a result of the IOM report and other research on salt and health, Hypertension Canada has actually raised its recommendation on the minimum level of sodium consumption, the first national organiza-

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GRAS substance is one that has a long history of safe, common use in foods or that is determined to be safe, for the intended use, based on proven science.”

In addition, international demographic figures on life expectancy reveal that those countries which consume the lowest salt intake have the shortest life expectancies while those with the highest salt diets, including the Mediterranean and Japanese diets, are considered to be the most heart-healthy.

blood pressure for some people, while causing a cascade of several other

Despite the facts, some food activists are calling on the Food and Drug

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siders salt to be a “generally recognized as safe (GRAS) ingredient. A

“The vindication of salt is probably the biggest health and nutrition story of this year,” says Lori Roman, president of the Salt Institute. “Everyone knows salt tastes good, but the latest research published in leading medical journals confirms that salt is good for you, too. The medical studies underline what we have been saying for years: science is on salt’s side.”

January 3 - January 16, 2014

Security Savvy

Safe Driving

by Brian Black, Operations Manager of Madison Security Group 203 Us Highway 31 S, Athens, AL 35611

Driving is a privilege, not a right. That being said, there are a lot of us that practice this privilege. Some of us have been driving longer

These are laws that should be followed until they are repealed. I do want to talk about the simple overlooked issues that we as drivers face

is plenty of braking room between you and the car in front of you. Start braking earlier when coming up to stop signs, traffic lights and

You may be thinking “What? Parking Areas? That’s not driving.” I know, but this is an area where the little things cause

I will take it a step further: the only people that should park in handicap areas are people who are truly handicapped or are transporting them. Just because you have a handicap placard does not mean you should use it! Now, on to parking: please make sure your vehicle is fully in the parking space with enough space on each side so people parked next to you can get into their vehicle without hitting your car with their door.

Another overlooked issue is walking in the parking area. When you are walking from the store to your car, be mindful of cars trying to back out of a parking space. Also, these days many restaurants have parking areas near their drive throughs and have entrance/ exits in these areas as well. Be mindful that even though you have the right of way, the drivers leaving the drive through may be distracted and not see you. Children are the most vulnerable in parking areas, so let’s keep them safe.

than we were in school, some longer than we’ve been married, some longer than there have been traffic lights, and some are just learning to drive. I’m not big on special restrictions for drivers, but I do think NASCAR has the right idea: put a yellow stripe on the back of cars to indicate that the driver is inexperienced and should be treated with caution.

I will not jump into the debates about speed limits, seat belts, or helmets for bikers.

every day. Road Conditions: This is one of the biggest reasons for accidents we as drivers face. Let’s be honest: it’s not the road conditions that are the problem but our lack of adapting to these road conditions that causes accidents. When it is raining, snowing, icy, or foggy, SLOW DOWN! If you have to travel during these bad conditions, either plan to arrive later or leave earlier. Also, make sure that there

January 3 - January 16, 2014

ALL intersections. Don’t drive on ice unless you have had lots of experience doing so. If you are reading this article, chances are you live in the South and know we don’t get a whole lot of ice. You have probably seen what happens when we do. If you are one of our cousins from the North, trust me, you’re not much better driving on ice than we Southerners are, so stay off the roads. Please.

problems. First, let me rant for a moment. If you are not handicapped, please don’t park in these spaces.

As with all things in security, remember, your best defense is to be aware of your surroundings.

Parking Areas:

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Jerry’s Journal

Thanksgiving in Taos, 2013 by Jerry Barksdale

Dawn was breaking and the wind was cold and blustery when my friend (and sometimes red head) Pat and I loaded our possessions in “Little Red,” my modest but reliable Toyota pick-up. Twelve hundred miles of asphalt and the promise of bad weather lay before us. Pat had planned for every possible contingency. There was an inflated air mattress for napping, electric pump in case the mattress lost air, numerous pillows, quilts, two wool blankets. Dozens of shoes and boots (hers), jumper cables, heavyduty flashlight, a case of bottled water, a carton of Sundrop, a basket of snacks, breakfast cereal, apples, bananas, popcorn, candy, soup. Two suitcases, my gym bag, a basket of gifts, more bags that contained more shoes, cosmetics, toiletries and two hanging bags of clothes, and finally, a 20 pound bag of cat litter. “There’s a limit to how much we can carry,” I said. “We don’t own a cat and I’m not taking it.” “You’ll be sorrrry.” “Hmmm.” I scratched my head. When females act that way, a man should take heed. I stuffed the cat litter behind the seat. At the last minute she decided not to carry the frozen dressing – there wasn’t room. Finally, we departed for Taos, New Mexico

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to spend Thanksgiving with my daughter, Shannon and my grand-doggy Marley Dog. Several days earlier Shannon had phoned and invited us out. “Dad, I’ve bought a freerange turkey. It’s an antibiotic free contented turkey that died a peaceful and non-violent death.” “Died in his sleep, huh?” “And you’ll have your own bedroom,” she added. “Don’t tell me that we get to sleep in the dog’s master bedroom!” “Yep.” “Wow!” I felt honored. Marley Dog is my only claimed granddoggy. The chow had once belonged to my ex and Shannon’s mother, Carol, who died three years ago. I love Marley Dog. The chow doesn’t like me, possibly having overheard that I was late paying my child support. I ignore the darn cat. Exactly 39 minutes after departing Elk River, Pat wanted a Sundrop. I was tempted to invoke my traveling rule: If it isn’t on the same side of the road we don’t stop and we pee only when we stop for gas. But, I was in a generous mood. After a few swigs of Sundrop, she was purring like a kitten and sound asleep. Before leaving home, I checked the weather forecast. Snow was predicted in Oklahoma City and westward. I like road

trips. There is always the promise of the unknown and that’s what makes it exciting. The trip was proving to be uneventful. The weather man was wrong again! We listened to Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers which put us in a western mood. It was 9:30 p.m. and spitting snow when we reached Elk City in western Oklahoma. I stopped for gas. “What’s the weather between here and Amarillo?” I asked a trucker. “Two to three inches of snow and still falling.” Not wanting to take a chance, we spent the night in Elk City. I got up about 3 a.m. and looked out. No snow! I returned to bed, fretting. Later Pat woke me saying, “Look outside!” There were four of inches of snow on the ground and still more falling. Only a few 18-wheelers moved on I-40. I kept watching the weather. It stopped snowing. I saw several 18-wheelers on I-40. Fifteen minutes before checkout, I said, “Let’s go!” “I knew you were gonna do this,” Pat said. We hurriedly packed and dragged our luggage out the door where an Indian cleaning lady was in the hallway. “I’m dumb and this is dumber,” I said pointing to Pat. “We’re checking out.” “Well good luck dumb and dumber,” she said.

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“I hope you make it.” Big trucks were knocking snow and slush off the road. Several had crashed. In the Texas panhandle, we passed a road sign: “FM1920”. “I’m going to see what the weather is,” Pat said and twisted the radio dial. “Good idea,” I replied. “This radio doesn’t go up to 1920,” she said and worked the dial. It dawned on me that the sign designated farmto-market road number 1920, not an FM radio channel. I chuckled to myself and said nothing as Pat continued to turn the knob and complain. Mouth-watering billboards advertising the “Big Texan – free 72 ounce steak” greeted our approach to Amarillo. That’s about how much I weighed when birthed. “I want to eat at the Big Texan,” Pat said. We stopped and she had steak. I ate grilled salmon. We were serenaded at our table by a songster who crooned, “San Antonio Rose.” We talked. He had known Roger Miller who had worked for the Amarillo Fire Department. “He was more interested in singing than putting out fires,” the singer said. Later we learned that Oklahoma City was being pounded by snow, sleet, and ice. We had been lucky and slipped through a window of fairly good weather.

It was night when we encountered more snow at Albuquerque and we stopped for the night. Later, we drove to a nearby sports bar for sandwiches. “You drive back to the motel,” I said to Pat. She settled behind the wheel of Little Red, slid the bench seat forward until it cracked my kneecaps against the dash, pressed the clutch and yanked the stick shift into low. Out the parking lot we sailed. Little Red jerked forward as she shifted gears. Then she turned left onto six lanes of one-way oncoming traffic. The cars looked like the headlights of a 747 coming straight at us. There was no time to turn and no time to back up. A wide concrete median, at least a foot high divided the highway. “JUMP THE MEDIAN!” I shouted. Pat stomped the accelerator and Little Red responded. We hit the concrete barrier producing a loud noise and then sailed across the median in the nick of time. “Whew, Little Red has saved us again!” I said. “I hate this truck.” Taos was 132 miles north and the weather was clearing. The promise of Thanksgiving looked good. To be continued…

January 3 - January 16, 2014