Who Exactly is Jack Frost?

The weather is changing outside, but will Jack Frost appear? As I sit here wrapped in a blanket, listening to the wind howl outside the window, I review the latest Google Trends. Jack Frost topped the charts of google hits this morning. With the severe weather we have experienced throughout the United States recently, I curiously clicked on the familiar Christmas name for weather updates. What I found was a myriad of stories with references to this winter icon. I have included snippets of these stories below.

Today alone, Jack Frost has been referenced with the naked in Newfoundland, the stealer of Christmas joy in Santa Clause, a juggler at the Rugby season opener, a small baby in a freezing village in Europe, the host of an annual Winterfest near Quebec City, and the UK’s most notorious serial killer.

So, is Jack Frost a friend or foe? The answer to that question is still unclear. The only certainty is … he always shows up when temperatures dip, and he does a lot more than merely nip at noses!

JACK FROST NIPPING AT MORE THAN THEIR NOSES

The Canadian Press

December 17, 2007

St. John’s — For most, standing naked facing the North Atlantic in the middle of December would be cruel and unusual punishment.

But for about 50 brave Newfoundlanders, baring it all for the cameras along the St. John’s waterfront at the crack of dawn Saturday was an opportunity they couldn’t resist.

“It’s such a strange and interesting event,” said 20-year-old Beth Fagan, an English student at Memorial University. “How many times do you get to be naked in public in St. John’s and not get arrested or molested?”

The unusual photo shoot, arranged by actor-director Mary Walsh, was intended to show people in their natural form without the riches and luxuries that separate them.

DVD REVIEW: SANTA CLAUSE 3, THE – THE ESCAPE CLAUSE

12.20.07

By Shawn S. Lealos

The third movie in the Santa Clause series keeps the same family values and the same storyline of Santa having to balance family with his duties. The story begins with the Council of Legendary Figures convening a special emergency meeting with the intent of kicking out a trouble making Jack Frost. Frost convinces them to let him stay and he will be good and help Santa Claus with Christmas. What they don’t know is that Jack Frost intends to use something called The Escape Clause to take over the role of Santa Claus for himself.

Saturday, 22 December, 2007 15:49

Louie Leads the London Crew

Louie-McCarthy Scarsbrook reflects on pre-season training so far, and looks forward to Christmas.

Did you enjoy the festive open day on Sunday?
Yes, it was great to chat to my sponsors and the supporters, who all seemed to be excited about next season. I also liked meeting Jack Frost, and was impressed with his juggling skills and other tricks.

My baby has become little Jack Frost

Jack and I have moved to a house of our own. Unfortunately, I appear to have picked the coldest house in the village — quite possibly the coldest house in Europe. Instead of stripping to go to bed, I get dressed up like an early-20th-century mountaineer — layers of clothes, including socks and cardigans. The chances of Jack ever having a sibling while we live in this house are exactly zero. Even if I had a fella, by the time he managed to penetrate the many strata of insulation, the urge would definitely have gone. The first night in residence, I went to bed at eight o’clock as it was too frigid to sit and watch TV. It was no better in bed; I couldn’t even read because my fingers were in danger of getting frostbite and snapping off.

Snow Kingdom again centrepiece at Jack Frost Children’s WinterFest

DOUG GALLANT
The Guardian

Kevin Murphy, left, president of Tourism Charlottetown, and Charlottetown Deputy Mayor Stu MacFadyen are joined by Jack Frost at a news conference outlining festivities for the 2008 Jack Frost Children’s WinterFest. Guardian photo

Plans have been unveiled in Charlottetown for the fourth annual Jack Frost Children’s WinterFest.
Slated for Feb. 22-24, the largest winter festival east of Quebec City will again use multiple locations.

Jack Frost Named U.K’s Biggest Serial Killer

Written by carina-eta

Story written: 13 December 2007

A Photofit of Britains Worst Serial Killer for Decades

Infamous Jack Frost has been named by the Metropolitan police as the U.K’s most prolific serial killer. Frost is thought to be responsible for the deaths of 164,082 pensioners and 156,098 homeless people over the last five years.

The Metropolitan police have warned that they expect him to strike again this Winter. They have released photofit posters of the killer and warned the public not to approach him without gloves, hat and where possible, a two-bar gas fire.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown today laughed off allegations that Frost is no nearer to being apprehended than he was more than fifty years ago. “There is no Jack Frost,” he stated,” Britains pensioners are all warm and happy, they are all made aware of how to line the back of their radiators with tin foil to eke out the “cold weather allowance.”

When questioned about Frost preying on vulnerable homeless people Brown denied their existence, stating, ” If they weren’t on the disc they don’t exist” and adding that “your mum makes those patterns on your windows in ice, not Jack Frost.”

It seems Jack Frost – not to be confused with Jack Straw, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and also a game with sticks – will remain at large for the forseeable future.

Nuptials make Mrs. Christmas

By Amy K. Stewart
Deseret Morning News

Published: Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007 12:05 a.m. MST

AMERICAN FORK — When people say “Merry Christmas” to this American Fork woman, they really mean it. That’s because her name is, well, Mary Christmas.

About nine months ago, Mary Young, 29, married Brian Christmas, 30, thus becoming Mrs. Mary Christmas.

“It’s pretty crazy. It’s definitely an adventure,” Mary Christmas said.

She added that she never intended to keep her maiden name or to hyphenate when she got married since it can be confusing.

Mary’s cousin actually set up the date with Brian. Her cousin thought it would be hilarious if Mary ended up being Mary Christmas.

The pair became engaged — of course — on Christmas Day.

Brian gave Mary a ring in a Christmas present.

They were married, however, on St. Patrick’s Day.

Mary is expecting the couple’s first baby. They do not intend to name him Nicholas — or Jiminy.

Mary says Christmas is her favorite holiday. “From the time you’re little, you’re trained to like Christmas best because you get presents,” she said. “And it’s about family, food and gifts and the spirit of giving and feeling good.

“I love the smell of gingerbread. It’s a real happy time with the lights on the tree and outside lights everywhere — and the snow,” she said.

Story continues below

document.writeln(AAMB6); window2 = ‘http://63.225.61.6/ADCLICK/CID=00003e1e0000000000000000/area=dn.local.article.position1Y/adsize=300×250/aamsz=300×250/keyword=/site=/acc_random=39109935/pageid=39109935′;

Mary says she has been fielding calls from reporters all week, some from as far away as Canada and Sacramento. All heard about her name and wanted to do a story. “It’s been unreal,” she said.

All the attention has kept Mary from finishing her Christmas shopping.

Having a last name of Christmas can mean trouble. Mary’s husband’s grandmother was once detained at a department store when the clerk believed her check to be fraudulent. Her name: Joy Christmas.

Mary works at Ancestry.com, a family history Web site for people to do genealogy. The name Christmas originated in Wales. People born on Christmas Day were given that as a last name.

There are 89 people named Mary Christmas across the nation, according to Ancestry.com.

Other Christmas-related names on U.S. Public Records in Utah include: Jack Frost, Santa Claus, Santa Helper, Carol Christmas, On Christmas and Christmas House.

123 Judgment Recovery

Did you know?

80% of all judgments are NEVER collected!

Don’t become part of this sad statistic. Your judgment may have been awarded by the court, but every court in the land will say “collection is your responsibility”. You may have tried without success. 123 Judgment Recovery can collect what others haven’t. We have the resources and the expertise to execute the Texas judgment you were justly awarded.

We will quietly conduct a thorough investigation to uncover any assets and income sources available. Then, we will take whatever steps are necessary to legally seize these. We have access to both private and public databases that allows us to skip-trace and find the debtor. We don’t notify your debtor of what we are doing. We just do it!

We will hunt them down, garnish their wages, locate their bank accounts, and seize their assets. We will do whatever is necessary to collect your money. You pay nothing unless we collect. We serve individuals, as well as small and large businesses. We take all cases on a contingency basis, charging no application or up-front fees of any kind. We even advance the cost of all expenses incurred in locating your debtor and collecting on your behalf. You pay absolutely nothing until we collect, and only if we collect.

We receive our payment out of the recovered assets, at no direct cost to you.If you have a valid court awarded judgment in the state of Texas of $2,500.00 or more, we will use every method at our disposal to collect the full amount of your unpaid judgment plus any interest you are due.

To receive your judgment money as soon as possible, call us today at 214-986-1373, or use our handy “Getting Started” form.

We will review your case and arrange a telephone consultation as quickly as possible. There is absolutely no obligation on your part.

Isn’t it time justice was served?

Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page.

123 Judgment Recovery is located just east of Dallas, and specializes in Texas judgment recoveries.

http://www.123judgmentrecovery.com

Having Trouble Picking Gifts?

Click on the following link for help! Overstock.com has a very user friendly gift finder. Simply choose the occasion, age, relationship, and interest. This site will offer a number of suggestions for gift ideas!

Also, Shopping from Home offers many great gift ideas on the home page. You can click on the Shop from Home button for a detailed list of shopping sites for a variety of gifts for all your family and friends!

Systemic Reactions to Allergens

Most of us struggle with allergies to some extent. Symptoms can range from a mild irritation to full body reactions. The only thing worse that dealing with this ourselves is having a child who suffers from these symptoms.
My 13 year old daughter has always had severe seasonal allergies; as a young child, there were days she would go lie down and cry when her allergies would flare. On high pollen days, her nose would run constantly, and her eyes would itch and become incredibly irritated. By sixth grade, she developed asthma. We tried allergy shots; an injection in each arm with increasing amounts of serum each time. Yet, by the fourth or fifth injection, her left arm would swell severely, and she was thrown into a severe asthma flare. We started over several times, but to no avail. Every time we got to the fourth or fifth round, the reaction became worse. Finally, we decided the shots were doing more harm than good, so we stopped.

The asthma flares have continued, and her allergies continue to worsen. She has been hospitalized twice this year for asthma complications.  She has missed more than 30 days of  school this semester, and her reaction to allergens has changed. Exposure to outside air when pollens are high now causes a systemic reaction in my daughter. She first breaks out in a rash all over her body; within minutes of the presentation of the rash, her breathing is affected, her joints begin to lock up, and she suffers from a migraine.

We immediately treat her with prescription anti-histimines, advil, and her rescue inhalers. And she crawls into bed … for four to five days! These systemic reactions are scary. During the first couple of days, she has trouble holding a cup, walking to the restroom, or doing anything other than sleeping. Her entire body hurts; she has no energy, and nothing seems to help. We begin to see improvements over the next two to three days; her appetite picks up, she spends some time interacting, and she sleeps less. By about the fifth day after a reaction like this, she is able to function again; she returns to school, and she becomes a fairly active teen again … She enjoys a few days, and then … another reaction.

Her immunologist received permission for my daughter to begin Xolair injections. This medication is very expensive and is used in the most severe cases of allergies and asthma. We are receiving assistance from the National Chronic Disease Fund for this medicine. As this medication builds in the body, it blocks the histamine response to allergens. Her dr is very hopeful that she will respond well to these injections. She will receive two large injections of this very thick medication every four weeks for several years. And guess what … she had her best week in a very long time after her first injections! We go for her 2nd round next Monday; if her last response is any indication, we are very encouraged about the benefits Xolair may offer her!

Now, if her specialists can only find something to help her other conditions as much … chronic nerve pain, migraines, seizures, joint and muscle issues … she takes several medications that help in varying degrees. Our hope is that getting the allergies and asthma under control will make a difference in her other conditions. And if this happens … she will make it to school consistently again, and mom’s stress level will go down significantly!!

Please see http://www.helpforchronicallyill.com – health information, for more information on allergies and asthma.

Amazing Ways!!! How Sweet to Shop!

It is so awesome what we can do today from the comfort of our own home. Order appetizers for an upcoming party. Purchase the latest fragrances or jewelry items. Take care of our pet’s needs. Find our favorite magazine.

And the list goes on! It is a blessing to be able to shop from home like we can do today! And with the ever growing number of consumers shopping in this way, service and delivery are top notch!

Click on over for some of the best online shopping sites around! Find clothing and accessories for the entire family, toys for the kids, gifts for teachers and everyone else on your list, flowers for that special someone, and all sorts of media downloads.

With the fast paced world we live in today, Tis so sweet to trust online shopping! It puts shopping back in our hands … we determine when; we determine what, and we determine where – all within minutes AND without the crowds!!!

Warning!!! Flea and Tick Treatment …

I treated my dog with Sentrypro XFC – Flea and Tick squeeze on for Dogs last night. Within hours, she began reacting adversely! Needless to say, neither our precious pup nor the people in our home got much sleep!

Baby (not my choice in names …. previous owners take credit for that) began twitching uncontrollably. She was whining, and her breathing became labored. Through the night, she roamed from one bedroom to another, barking and crying. Her rear right leg has been twitching incessantly, and she keeps shaking her head.

Her eyes are bulging, and she has been drooling constantly. Her breath has been labored, and she continues to whimper and whine. As tired as she is from lack of sleep, her efforts to find and maintain a comfortable position have been fruitless.

I gave her a bath to wash off the treatment that had not penetrated her nervous system, and she is improving. She seems to find positions of comfort for short amounts of time, and she even welcomed a treat a little while ago. The drooling has subsided, but she continues to whimper. Thankfully, her breathing has almost returned to normal, and there is hope she will be able to get some rest as the day progresses and symptoms subside.

Based on the results of my online research, I decided not to take her to the vet. If she were convulsing, having seizures, or was unable to breathe, I would take her immediately. These symptoms need immediate professional intervention.

Bathing, loving, and time are the treatments for Baby’s symptoms. We are giving her lots of love, and within the next 24-48 hours, all symptoms should completely subside. As for future treatments? Forget the chemicals!!! I will be seeking natural flea and tick repellents from now on!

Compromised Immune System?

Are you one of those who catches every virus that blows through your city? During cold and flu season, do you spend most of your time taking antibiotics, blowing your nose, and trying to function with a less than effective immune system?

I have suffered from a weak immune system since I was a teen. Over the years, I have tried every home remedy, mega-doses of vitamin C, the flu shot, and even the latest promise to help … Airborne. Unfortunately, every year has shown the same results. I often contract whichever flu virus is not covered by the vaccine, every cold that makes its way to my community, and at least one killer stomach bug each winter. Until this winter …

I have found a product that actually works as it suggests! Immunoguard was recommended to me after I was ill and on antibiotics in August and then again in September. I started taking this supplement about two months ago, and I have been healthy ever since! What is really odd for my body … not only am I always ill during this time of year, but I have nursed a daughter with a stomach virus and then a respitory infection, a friend with two severe cases of conjunctivitis, and a three year old with a nasty cold!!! I avoided every one of these viruses! And that is a first for me!!! I do have a slight case of the sniffles right now, but even that is minor!

Immunoguard is a product that really works! So, if you are sick and tired of being sick and tired … give yourself a boost! I hope you can find as much relief as I did from this immune system booster!

Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia … a Miserable Combination!!!

Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia have a number of overlapping symptoms, and those who struggle with either or both understand how tough some days can be! Unfortunately, it is very challenging for someone who feels healthy to really comprehend the struggle, the pain, and the overall feeling of being totally drained of energy that we experience on a day to day basis.

The flu puts even the strongest of people in bed for days. Those of us who live with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue enjoy our best days feeling like we have a mild case of the flu. Our muscles ache, our joints throb, our energy is zapped, and we feel we have been run over by a truck, and that’s a good day! Add to that an asthma flare, the headache, an aggravated colon from all the holiday food, reynaud’s symptoms rearing their head due to the colder temperatures, low grade fever, and nerve pain, and you have “one of those days … or weeks!”

Do you ever sit back and ponder, “What does a healthy person feel like?” Have you ever imagined what it will be like when we are in heaven and experience complete health? Can you fathom the idea of a great night’s sleep, without the shoulder locking, the hands going numb, or your neck getting stiff? Isn’t the thought of a full day of activity without paying for it physically a really pleasant one?

There is blessing in the pain, though! If I have learned one thing over the past 13+ years of daily, sometimes debilitating pain, it is that with God’s strength, even the toughest days are bearable! I have learned to start talking to Him each morning before my feet even hit the ground! He fills our spirits with peace and hope.

I am often reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthians, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV).

Our physical pain cannot take our joy, cannot rob us of love, and cannot keep us from enjoying life! So, take time to relax this week, make simple meals, and if you are really ambitious … do some Christmas shopping – from the comfort of your home!

Holiday Shopping Kick-Off … Without the Crowds!!!

We all enjoy finding that perfect gift for those we love, but few of us enjoy the traffic and crowds that can drain our holiday spirit!  After all the Thanksgiving Day festivities with family, friends, and food, a weekend of quiet relaxation sounds very inviting. For those who struggle with any chronic condition, including chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, or a weak immune system that doesn’t respond well to all the bacteria and viruses floating around this time of year, even the thought of fighting holiday crowds can be overwhelming!

Coping with Chronic Illness offers a solution for all your shopping needs! From gift baskets and clothing for the entire family to jewelry, perfume, toys, and even gourmet foods and wines, shoppers can find a number of different stores offering savings and free shipping.

So … sit back in a comfortable chair, wear your most comfortable lounging clothes, grab your favorite beverage,  and … start shopping!!! Most importantly, enjoy the quiet relaxation!

Chronic Constipation? Let’s be blunt about it!

It’s one of those issues that none of us willingly shares with others, and yet, it can become a serious health problem. Even occasional constipation is more than a mere nuisance and requires fibers, stool softeners, and possibly even hemmorhoid treatment to correct.

For those of us who suffer from chronic, severe constipation, going to the bathroom can become a nightmare! I have struggled with this problem for more than 30 years. Even in high school and college, I regularly took fibers, laxatives/stool softeners, probiotics/acidophilus, and gas-x. By the time I was 23 years old, my problems were so severe that I suffered from major internal, bleeding hemmorhoids. Before my ob/gyn would allow me to get pregnant, he required me to have surgery to remove the bleeding hemmorhoids. The specialist who performed the surgery said mine was the youngest and the worst case he had ever seen. And the recovery? M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E!!

All said and done, I have had 2 rectocele repairs, 2 internal hemmorhoidectomies, ongoing irritable bowel syndrome, and significant irreparable damage. Doctors finally determined I have an extra 2+ feet of colon, which appears to be the main culprit for my problems. My first set of intestinal and colon/rectal specialists wanted to surgically remove the extra colon. This procedure is very invasive and risky. I sought a 2nd opinion from another pair of specialists. They prescribed Nulytely, a liquid medication that the body does not absorb, as it is 90% polyetholene glycol, and informed me I would have to take it daily for the rest of my life. It tastes horrible, but it does alleviate the constipation. Unfortunately, it did little for the ibs. I took this medication daily for more than 10 years, gauging the amount to take based on what and how much I ate each day.

Several months ago, after my health insurance changed, I was shocked when the pharmacist gave me the price for my medication. Insurance would only approve one bottle, a 10-14 day supply at $140! My miracle medicine was no longer an option for me. I began taking stool softeners daily, some days popping them like my favorite candy! Also, I had to begin using the full range of hemmorhoid treatments again.

About two months ago, I was introduced to Probiotic Restore by AdvoCare. I was a bit skeptical that something so simple would really take care of my problem; I had given a number of different probiotics a try over the years. None had ever made a difference in the past. But WOW! I am amazed at how well Probiotic Restore works! For the first time in more than 30 years, I am regular! I have not had to take stool softeners. hemmorhoid meds, or even my ibs sublinguals even once since I started taking two capsules of Probiotic Restore in the morning and two more at bedtime.

It is certainly not a pleasant subject, but for those who can relate and have not found anything to offer relief, it is certainly worth a try!