Booger-Brain: Teenagers Are At It Again

Theyre at it again; teenagers and their fractured language! It is getting progressively more difficult for me to keep a straight face when I work with them. I reviewed basic grammar with a group of three teenage boys, as I usually do this time of year, to prepare them for the state ELA exam. I had a tough time not laughing.

For the rest of you who have forgotten the rules...its grammar lesson time! In case you didnt know, proper nouns are capitalized, such as the name of a particular person (Elvis Presley), place (Toronto), or thing (Moby Dick). Common nouns name classes of people (singers), places (cities), or things (books) and are not capitalized.

It is very difficult to get a junior high school student (ages 12 14) to grasp that concept. They just dont comprehend the difference between a proper noun and a common noun no matter how creatively you try to teach it. They think dinosaur-breath and booger-brain should be capitalized. I keep trying to tell them that those words are not proper nouns, and therefore do not need to be capitalized. In fact, they are not even proper words to use in mixed company.

Then again, maybe we could add those words to the proper noun list and send it to the upcoming fifth edition of Strunk and Whites, "The Elements of Style".

Personally, I think teenagers should have their own book on rules of usage when writing. It would put state education standards on a whole new level.

Copyright 2006 by Pamela Beers. All rights reserved.

Pamela Beers is a freelance writer, educator, and horse trainer who works with K-12 students individually or in small groups. For more information on New York State standards you can visit her website at http://www.pamelabeers.com

A Guide to Andropause Andropause Symptoms

Symptoms of Andropause

What are the most common andropause symptoms?

Andropause, sometimes called "male menopause", can cause many undesirable symptoms or no symptoms at all. Testosterone levels naturally decrease over time in almost all men. About 30% of men age 50 and older will experience testosterone levels that are low enough to cause symptoms.

Younger men may also experience symptoms. Doctors, in the past, have sometimes confused a patient's andropause symptoms with other conditions. Mood swings and fatigue have been treated with anti-depressants; and insomnia with sleep aids. Many doctors now have short quizzes to help you -- and them -- determine if you are suffering from the symptoms of lower testosterone levels associated with andropause.

Male menopause signs...

The following is a list of symptoms that may be associated with andropause. Males may experience some, none or all of these symptoms as their testosterone levels decrease with age.

• fatigue or loss of energy
  
• moodiness, ranging from sadness to anger
  
• low sex drive
  
• inability to achieve or maintain an erection
  
• loss of physical agility
  
• nervousness
  
• unexplained weight gain or a reduction of muscle mass and an increase in body fat
  
• hair loss
  
• reduced muscle strength, particularly in the upper body
  
• mental fatigue or inability to concentrate
  
• poor sleep quality or insomnia
  

If you are looking for more information, several books have been written on the subject of andropause and the symptoms associated with it.

For example, "The Andropause Mystery: Unraveling the Truths about the Male Menopause" was written in 2001 by Robert S. Tan and probably contains the most up-to-date information.

"Causes and Solutions for Andropause" written by Eric Braveman in 1999 may also be helpful, particularly for males who have no andropause symptoms and are looking for healthy lifestyle suggestions.

According to a report published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in January of 2003, eight percent of all men over the age of 30 experience an episode of major depression. Evidence suggests that these episodes may be linked to the onset of male menopause and the symptoms caused by lower levels of testosterone in the bloodstream.

Men do not always see their doctor regularly. Some men do not have yearly physicals. This could be big mistake. See your doctor if you are male, over the age of 40 and concerned that you may be suffering from andropause symptoms.

A simple blood test can determine if your testosterone levels are lower than normal and if they are, your doctor will discuss testosterone replacement therapies with you, one of which may help put your life back on track.

Learn more about male menopause, andropause symptoms, and how to increase your testosterone at http://www.testosterone-booster-guide.com. Also, learn more about the causes of low testosterone.

Wine Tasting Party

Do you have to be a sommelier to know something about wine? Well, if you want to tout yourself as an expert, perhaps but if you just want to enjoy a good glass of wine, go with your gut - or rather your mouth - and enjoy what tastes good to you. So, why not host a wine tasting party? Now before you hit the panic button, get uptight and claim to know nothing about wine, stop! We aren't proposing you sit around discussing bouquet and barrel fermenting. We want you to have a little fun.

You can buy wine tasting party kits from various sources on the internet and local shops. Don't want a kit? Here's what you need:

• Guests - think about whom you know that likes and drinks wine and keep the numbers small
• A few bottles of wine that you think you might like - both red and white. Depending on the size of the crowd plan on 2 bottles of each type. Or for an added twist, ask your guests to each bring 2 bottles of their favorite wine. If you do this you will need them to email or phone you with the wine information ahead of time.
• Printed wine tasting cards that list the wines you purchased with some information from the bottle
• Pencils in case guests want to make notes about their favorites
• Wine glasses. We recommend 2 per person. One for tasting and one for later
• Plain saltine or oyster crackers for guests to cleanse their palates
• Still (plain) water for rinsing
• Some good music, good conversationalists and a sense of fun!

If you want to add an extra flare to the party, why not serve a variety of champagnes instead. Have friends bring cava, prosecco, sparkling wine and champagne instead of a red or white wine.

At the end of the event, serve some crackers/bread, cheese and fruit or some other small/light appetizers and offer each guest a glass of his/her favorite wine. Wine charms are a fun thing to introduce at this point. Each person can pick her/her own and attach to the glass. Put on some music and enjoy the company. However, above all things, drink and serve responsibly!

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The companys creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net

2005 Indra A Books, ON THE GO 4 U. All rights reserved.

Panama City Beach Rentals

Located in Florida, Panama City Beach is one among the best beaches in the world. Known for its clean sugary-white sand beaches and emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City Beach has something to give to all its visitors. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the clean beach, exceptional dining experience in fabulous restaurants, and the star studded night skies, all make Panama City Beach a true vacation paradise.

Panama City Beach has that perfect rental services that fit everyones budget. From condos to motels, from beach houses to town houses, from bedrooms to bathrooms, from snorkel equipment to TVs and DVD players, from baby beds/cribs to roll-away beds, from household items to vehicles, from electric grills to fans, everything that one can think of under the sun is available for rent in Panama City beach. And unsurprisingly, there is a very wide variety to choose from. Rentals are available through agencies or individual owners. These rental services will help you to make ones accommodation easier and cozier. Staying in the perfect vacation rental home, condo or villa can be the most memorable part of a trip to the Panama City Beach.

There are many rental service agencies working in and around the Panama City Beach who can help provide whatever one wants on rent. Direct and indirect bookings are possible, that is booking for goods can be done after reaching Panama City Beach or one can book online. Rent is usually on a weekly or monthly basis. The charges differ from one rental service agency to another and from season to season. Rental services in Panama beach are efficient, making vacation travel and stay a truly enjoyable one.

Panama City Beach provides detailed information on Panama City Beach, Panama City Beach Rentals, Panama City Beach Hotels, Panama City Beach Condos and more. Panama City Beach is affiliated with Daytona Beach Vacation Rentals.