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Personality Test: Who are you?


Myers-Briggs
Pointe Viven - Jesse Bluma. All rights reserved.




"Whether people first hear about the two kinds of perception and two kinds of judgment as children, high school students, parents or grandparents, the richer development of their own type can be a rewarding adventure for the rest of their lives."
–Isabel Myers

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator categorizes a person on four preferences:


Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I)- There is a general misconception about these types.  Extraverts are not necessarily loud or outspoken.  Introverts are not necessarily mute.  These two types depend upon where individuals get their energy, from being around others or recharging in peace.  


Sensing (S) and Intuition (I)- These two categories are connected to information and learning.  Does the person use their five senses or do they rely a lot on their imagination and internal dynamics?


Thinking (T) and Feeling (F)- In these categories we are describing how a person makes decisions.  Thinking refers to hypothesizing, good thinking skills, analysis, and consideration.  Feeling refers to using emotions, social values, and subjectivity to make decisions.  


Judging (J) and Perceiving (P) - Structure is the focus of these types.  J is for those that build structured lives and find structure beneficial, healthy, and helpful.  This may be one of the other types often misunderstood.  This is not necessarily a label for those that are “judgemental” (Side note:  We must also remember that judging is good, despite what some say.  “‘Judge not, that ye be not judged’ is usually quoted out of context.  Christ did not enjoin us to refrain from ever judging.  What he went on to say in the next four verses is that we should judge ourselves before be judge others--not that we shouldn’t judge at all.  ‘Thou hypocrite,' he said, ‘first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye’” (M. Scott Peck, People of the Lie, p. 62).  P is for those that are more flexible or more comfortable with change and spontaneous actions.  This is not to say that “perceiving” means someone is perceptive.


These types are an overview and only a general guideline.  


Why is Myers-Briggs important?  

* This preference indicator helps with self-analysis, can help in choosing a career, selecting a spouse, and making good friends.  


*  If you understand your own general preferences you may work to do better in your career and daily duties, responsibilities, and chores in the workplace.  


*  Myers-Briggs can also help you understand to work better with others in your vocation.  


*  You may have to administer this indicator if you are in the fields of law, medicine, education, or management.  


*  Spouses and parents often find it helpful to build better and healthier relationships with each other and their children.  


*  The knowledge of these general types can help you understand figures in your world from the fields of politics, religion, business, entertainment, sports, etc.


*  Students from kindergarten to college also find it helpful to analyze characters in literature, individuals in history, their teachers, and classmates.    


*  Note:  The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator should only be administered by a professional.  The MBTI only gives us a general indication of personality, it does not explain degrees of talent, intelligence, mental health, or goodness.  If administered, the results are to remain confidential--unless explicit permission is granted.    

For more information go to the Myers-Briggs Foundation website http://www.myersbriggs.org/

Deserves a Cookie - Ballpark hero saves choking child

Ballpark hero: Nationals Park beer vendor saves choking child


Big League Stew - MLB


Ballpark hero: Nationals Park beer vendor saves choking child
By Mark Townsend

A season filled with unspeakable tragedy and unfortunate accidents both on and off the field finally has a potentially serious story with a very happy ending.


Emmanuel Marlow, a 49-year old Washington, D.C., native who works as a vendor at Nationals Park and other stadiums in the district, was making his normal rounds Thursday afternoon shortly after the start of a Washington Nationals game when he noticed a commotion in one of his sections.


A young boy had begun choking on his food and those around him were panicking.
According to a witness who first reported the heroic act to Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post, when Marlow came upon the scene and saw that no one else had taken charge, he immediately abandoned his vending duties and began performing the Heimlich maneuver.


Ballpark hero: Nationals Park beer vendor saves choking child
After two unsuccessful thrusts, Marlow remained calm and cool, and ensured the child's mother he would be all right. 


On his third attempt, Marlow dislodged a piece of chicken from the child's throat.


"I guess they never had experienced a first-aid situation," said Marlow, who had once worked a game at FedEx Field when a patron had a mild stroke. "[The boy] was actually going to a new color. I knew I needed to jump in and do it. 


There was no time for hesi­ta­tion. It had to be done right then and there."
After a quick examination at the stadium, the boy was deemed to be OK. His grateful mother went up to Marlow and spent 10 minutes hugging him, crying and thanking him for saving her son's life.


And then, just like that, Marlow went back to work.


"I was just glad I was there and knew what to do and did it; that's the best thing that happened," Marlow told [Steinberg]. "His mother's not grieving over a lost child. That's the most important thing."
It's concerning to hear how long the situation played out before someone — anyone — took charge to help the young child. And it's very scary to consider what the outcome could have been if Marlow had not come along. I would strongly encourage anyone who has not been trained in performing the Heimlich, CPR and other life-saving procedures to consider taking the small amount of time it requires to either become certified, or simply become familiar enough to be comfortable taking action in a similar emergency.


That's what Marlow did; He once took a free CPR class at a local college, Steinberg writes, because he thought it might come in handy some day. And it might not surprise you to learn that Marlow's "day" job begins at 3 a.m. and involves caring for patients with Parkinson's disease. Morrow says it's just in his nature to help people.


You just never know when a similar situation will play out around you, or even involving someone you love. It's always better to be safe and prepared than to be sorry.


Right now, we're all very thankful Emmanuel Marlow took the time and was prepared to do what was right. That is what makes a hero.


Follow Mark on Twitter — @Townie813 — and engage the Stew on Facebook

Look for the unexpected and be thankful for good events

san carlos court

I am so thankful to Just Spotted and San Carlos Court.  I recently entered their gift card giveaway and won.  This reminds us all to look for the unexpected and be thankful for good events.  

The $100 gift certificate can be used at the Irvine Spectrum, the Tustin & Irvine Market Place, or Fashion Island.  The money can be spent at any of the shops, stores or restaurants, at any of these shopping centers.

I need to think of some things I can buy for my classroom and surprise some good friends with the fortune.  

"Just Spotted is the premiere guide guide to living, visiting and dreaming about Orange County. Written as a family & kid-oriented approach to Orange County, Just Spotted is run by two real moms (Kelly & Coleen, living real lives, in the real OC. Kelly & Coleen seek adventure in the everyday, and Just Spotted is the place where they highlight those adventures. Just Spotted is a free public service and online resource offered to provide Orange County residents and visitors a wealth of knowledge with daily posts on things to do, where to go & places to eat and shop in Orange County. With thousands of daily page views, over six thousand Twitter followers & nearly 2,000 “LIKES” on Facebook, Just Spotted really & truly is Orange County’s hottest “spot” on the web."

http://www.just-spotted.com/

Free Meal for Teachers: Cafe Rio


Cafe Rio offers flavorful tacos, rice, and black beans, along with many other Mexican dishes.  This week they offer a free meal to teachers with proper identification.  The meal is much appreciated by myself and all the other teachers working for free to setup their classrooms over the summer.  The staff were friendly and attentive, offering to refill drinks and bring containers for left over food.  You may wish to eat outside if loud talking and food ordering is not your thing.  For example, if you order everything on your burrito the staff break out into song.  There are several locations around the country, so check out their website.  The no cost meals for teachers is occurring in California, D.C., Tooele, and UT stores. Enjoy!
Pointe Viven - Jesse Bluma. All rights reserved.


Cafe Rio
http://www.caferio.com/

Jesse Bluma Los Angeles restaurants

Cafe Rio on Urbanspoon

Natural Products: free of pollutants, fillers, and colors

I received a bottle of J.R. Watkins soap from my sister on my birthday.  The soap works well, with good cleaning power.  The design and idea goes back to a time when vinegar and water was the most common cleaning product.  If you have skin allergies this may be the product for you.  I noticed a bricks and mortar store is coming to my neighborhood, be on the look out for one in your area.  You can also see their products online.
Pointe Viven - Jesse Bluma. All rights reserved.

JR Watkins Home

Orange Citrus Natural Liquid Hand Soap
Article No. 23053

"Formulated with premium natural ingredients and essential oils, this hard-working, natural hand soap create a smooth lather of suds that rinse away, leaving your hands exceptionally clean and smooth. 
Gentle on hands
Watkins premium fragrance
Attractively packaged
Invigorating citrus scent."

J.R. Watkins

"Watkins has been on the forefront of innovative, natural product development for over 140 years.  Joseph Ray Watkins founded Watkins Incorporated in 1868 from the kitchen of his home in Plainview, Minn. Made from camphor (extracted from evergreen trees) and capsicum (from red peppers), Original Liniment offered relief for tired, aching muscles. J.R. Watkins was so confident of his home-manufactured natural product that he introduced the now famous Watkins "Trial Mark" bottle, along with the first-ever money back guarantee. "


http://www.jrwatkins.com/


How much does your superintendent get paid?

Tracie Cone / AP
Fresno County School Superintendent Larry Powell poses in his office, in Fresno, Calif. Powell is forgoing $800,000 in compensation over the next three years of his term. Until his term expires in 2015, Powell will run 325 schools and 35 school districts with 195,000 students, all for less than a starting California teacher earns. As he prepares for retirement, he wants to ensure that his pet projects survive California budget cuts.





School superintendent gives up $800,000 in pay 
'There's no reason for me to keep stockpiling money,' he says


8/28/2011 12:03:51 PM ET

 FRESNO, Calif.— Some people give back to 
their community. Then there's Fresno County 
School Superintendent Larry Powell, who's 
really giving back. As in $800,000 — what 
would have been his compensation for the 
next three years. 

Until his term expires in 2015, Powell will run 
325 schools and 35 school districts with 
195,000 students, all for less than a starting 
California teacher earns.

"How much do we need to keep 
accumulating?" asks Powell, 63. "There's no 
reason for me to keep stockpiling money."

Powell's generosity is more than just a gesture 
in a region with some of the nation's highest 
rates of unemployment. As he prepares for 
retirement, he wants to ensure that his pet 
projects survive California budget cuts. And 
the man who started his career as a high 
school civics teacher, who has made anti-
bullying his mission, hopes his act of 
generosity will help restore faith in the 
government he once taught students to 
respect.

"A part of me has chaffed at what they did in 
Bell," Powell said, recalling the corrupt 
Southern California city officials who secretly 
boosted their salaries by hundreds of 
thousands of dollars. "It's hard to believe that 
someone in the public trust would do that to 
the public. My wife and I asked ourselves 
'What can we do that might restore confidence 
in government?'"



Powell's answer? Ask his board to allow him to 
return $288,241 in salary and benefits for the 
next three and a half years of his term. He 
technically retired, then agreed to be hired 
back to work for $31,000 a year — $10,000 
less than a first-year teacher — and with no 
benefits.

"I thought it was so very generous on his part," 
said school board member Sally Tannenbaum. 
"We get to keep him, but at a much lower rate."

His move was so low-key, his manner so 
unassuming, that it took four days after the 
school board meeting for word of his act to 
get out to the community. There were no press 
releases or self-congratulatory pats on the 
back.

"Things like this are what America is all about," 
said friend Alan Autry, Fresno's former 
celebrity mayor who played Capt. Bubba 
Skinner on the TV series "In the Heat of The 
Night."

"America is as much about overcoming 
obstacles in difficult times as it is opulence," 
Autry said. "This reminds me of the great 
sacrifices made throughout our history, 
especially the Great Depression."

No one has been more surprised about the 
positive reaction than Powell, a lifelong 
educator who didn't realize that what he did 
was newsworthy. He chuckles at his desk 
when yet another e-mail arrives from a 
colleague blown away by his generosity. Two 
days after word got out he had received 200
messages on his Facebook page.

"When you make good choices, good things 
happen to you," said Powell, who tends to talk 
in the kind of uplifting phrases that also make 
him a sought-after motivational speaker.

He even sees as an asset his childhood 
contraction of polio, which left him with a limp 
and a brace, and now a lingering post-polio 
syndrome.

"It's the most spectacular thing that has 
happen to me in all my life," he said. "People 
stepped up to help me be successful."

Powell might credit others, but others say 
Powell's drive always has come from within. 
Despite the right leg brace and experimental 
operations to stop the growth of his healthy 
leg, he became a champion high school 
wrestler in Fresno and set a record for one of 
the most dreaded of all gym class drills — the 
20-foot rope climb, which he completed in 1.8 
seconds. Today he carries a six handicap in 
golf.

After moving into school administration he 
became deputy superintendent, and was 
appointed to his current job before running 
for the office in 2006.

The ordained Baptist minister, who serves on 
the board of a national anti-bullying group 
that sprang from the Columbine shootings, is 
so popular he even counts among his friends 
his contract bargaining nemesis, the former 
head of the employees' union.

"For a leader to step up to help the budget is 
phenomenal," said Mike Lepore. "It gives you 
hope. It gives you the feeling that everything is 
being done to try to make education work. It's 
Larry. It really is."



 Powell will still earn a six-figure retirement, 
especially hefty by the standards of 
California's farming heartland. But because his 
salary comes out of the district's discretionary 
budget, for the next three years he'll be able to 
steer the money he is giving up where he 
wants: to programs for kindergarten and 
preschool, the arts and a pet project that 
steers B and C students into college by 
teaching them how to take notes and develop 
strategy skills.

"Our goal has never been to have things," 
Powell said of himself and his wife, Dot. "We 
want to give back."



Little League World Series 2011: Huntington Beach Wins

122712932_crop_340x234
Rob Carr/Getty Images

latimes.com

By Richard Langford (Featured Columnist) on August 3, 2011

California's dominant pitching staff left little hope for opponents in the 2011 Little League World Series. It is the main reason why Ocean View is the 2011 Little League World Series Champions.

California allowed just four runs in six games. Three of the six games were shutouts.Two of the games they only allowed one run. And one of those didn't come until extra innings, when Montana handed California their only loss of the tournament with a walk off home run.

California only allowed a team to put up a crooked number in one game. That was in the US Championship. Montana scored a second run late in that one after California already had a comfortable 11-1 lead.

Haggen Danner, Nick Pratto, Braydon Salzmen were the three starters used in the LLWA. All are good enough to be considered the staff's ace.

Pratto stated in the rematch against Montana and was efficient in striking out ten. Danner was dominant the game before that as he shutdown Pennsylvania by striking out 12. And Salzmen went the distance in a dominant performance in the finals.

This staff was just flat out dominant. All three of these pitchers were throwing heat. Danner has the best stuff, but not the best accuracy. He had a tendency to have moments of wildness. Of course, just a little wildness is not always a bad thing. And it very well may have attributed to him getting over 20 strikeouts in two starts.

California was a joy to watch on defense. And they were rewarded for their brilliance with the 2011 LLWS title.

Stay Tuned to Bleacher Report's Baseball Page for all the latest news and analysis from around the sport.

—Richard Langford










Pointe Viven - Jesse Bluma. All rights reserved.


Is it worth getting a carpet cleaner?




Hoover Steamvac
Pointe Viven - Jesse Bluma. All rights reserved.




Is it worth getting a carpet cleaner?  Yes, if you are looking to extend the life of your carpet, looking to save money, or willing to spend the time yourself to make your carpet look better.  I purchased my steamvac about six years ago.  Living at beach the first time I used it a lot of sand was pulled up.  That was a surprise.  Be prepared the first time, it will take longer if the carpets have never been cleaned.  You will be amazed at what comes out, despite regular vacuuming.  Deep cleaning the carpet is good for all, especially those with allergies.  Use the machine once to twice a year, if you have allergies you may wish to wear a mask or ask someone else to do the cleaning.  

The Hoover steamvac I bought beat commercial companies and the rentable machines in the areas of  ease of use, cost, and effectiveness (model F914-900).  This version also tested better than other brands and may be used on carpets, upholstery, and tile floors.

Tips for Using Steamvac

- Vacuum prior to using, move rugs and other items--do this the day before

- It takes about 30-60 minutes per room to clean with the steamvac--one person could do about 1,000 sqft in a day

-  Lighten the load and have family members each take a room

-  It is a good idea to use once to twice a year during spring and summer cleaning--avoid using during the fall and winter cold days for better drying

-  You may wish to clean half the space one day, so you have dry areas to walk on and then the next day clean the other half

-  This is a Zen activity, especially in an culture obsessed with instant gratification.  Wear earphones and listen to your favorite music, this is a slow paced chore.

-  When using the steamvac push forward, press the button to release the cleaning solution,
pull back slowly like a turtle to dry the area.

-  Always be sure to check that the cleaning process you choose is compatible with the warranty on your carpet

-  Don’t dump the dirty water that is sucked out of the carpet down any sinks

-  If your Hoover Steamvac stops sucking back up the water it is likely due to improper closing of the lid on the tank.  Take off the lid and put it back on, making sure to form a tight seal.  The other reason it stops working is that the tank is full and needs to be dumped out (not down a drain that will clog).

* Downside:  This machine is plastic, as with most others.  On accident I chipped a small piece of the corner guard, although the machine is still very usable.  The only metal machines I have seen are  expensive professional models.









Gourmet treats by Jesse Bluma @PointeViven

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Image Credit: http://hoover.com/

Big-Wave Surfing, Punta de Lobos, Chile



Big-Wave Surfing, Punta de Lobos, Chile

Photograph by Alfredo Escobar, Quiksilver/BWWT

"I just paddled so hard to take that wave, and I knew, in this moment, it would be one of the big ones!" says Chilean big-wave surfer Ramon Navarro of catching this 26-foot swell during the first stop of the 2011 Big Wave World Tour. Navarro placed second in the competition, which was held in chilly May in his hometown of Punta de Lobos, Chile. The beach is Chile's premier surf spot, thanks to getting pounded by the most consistent waves in the country—and some of the most consistent in the world. "This is my favorite place to surf," says Navarro, who began catching waves here when he was 12. "I will come in first next time."

Getting the Shot
Photographer Alfredo Escobar captured this shot of Navarro while shooting only a hundred feet from breaking waves. “It was intense! A huge set of waves came in and we had to quickly get out of there," recalls Escobar. "When my Jet Ski was passing the wave, I turned around and, at the last minute, I took this picture.“ When he set out for the day, Escobar knew the challenging situation he would face: “At Punta de Lobos there's a very threatening wave that comes in from the west that usually catches you unguarded.”
http://on.natgeo.com/i3409T

You don't have to be Bob Vila to install new lighting by Jesse Bluma

You don't have to be Bob Vila to Install New Lighting


The one I installed (above)







The fixtures above are made by PLC Lighting, "Since 1989, PLC Lighting, Inc. has continued to provide our customers with both contemporary and traditional lighting fixtures in a multitude of styles. Our product can be found in showrooms throughout North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean Islands, who furnish the finest residences, hotels, restaurants, and office complexes all over the world." (PLC Lighting)

A few tips when installing ceiling fixtures:

Turn off the current at the main switch before attempting any mounting. 

It may take two to install--some fixtures are heavier than they appear.  

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. 

Make sure you have all the parts, yes that will require reading the directions.

Determine the placement of the fixture before installing--hold the the fixture in place while someone else moves about the space to see if proper illumination is being provided.   Make sure cabinets and other items are not casting shadows.  


I purchased my new lighting through Lighting Universe.  It is a good idea to check with their site for sales throughout the year.   A link is provided below. 

"Established in 1999, ATG (ATG Stores) owns and operates an extended family of more than 500 online stores and 4 showrooms throughout Washington State, providing customers with the widest selection of home design products and remodeling fixtures available online. With over 3 million products from more than 1,500 name brand manufacturers ranging from lighting to plumbing, furniture, hardware, flooring, appliances, décor, children's products, outdoor living, and more - ATG Stores has become the premier shopping destination for industry professionals and homeowners wanting to build, remodel, and beautify their homes and businesses. ATG's mission is to always bring the best selection of home design products to their customers, with the best service, at the lowest prices. Visit ATGstores.com to learn more." (Lightinguniverse)


Bob Vila was the host of This Old House, owned his own home improvement business, and served in the Peace Corps.  He now offers home improvement, home building, house tours, and home buying advice on his own website.  You can learn more about Bob, see his videos, and articles by checking out his website.













Gourmet treats by Jesse Bluma at PointeViven
using organic ingredients and inspiration
from California, Central, and South America.

Order online or contact me for catering.

Join the Pointe Viven circle

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At funeral, dog mourns the death of Navy SEAL killed in Afghanistan

(Getty)

The Lookout
By Claudine Zap | The Lookout 

Jon Tumilson, a Navy SEAL, was one of 30 Americans killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 6 when a rocket-propelled grenade took out a U.S. Chinook helicopter. He was mourned at a service in Rockford, Iowa, attended by 1,500 family members,  friends--and Hawkeye, Tumilson's dog.
The Labrador retriever was such an important part of Tumilson's life that the friends and family of the San Diego resident called the dog his "son."
When Tumilson's friend Scott Nichols walked to the front of the room to speak, Hawkeye followed, Today.com reports. "As Nichols prepared to memorialize his friend, Hawkeye dutifully laid down near the casket," Scott Stump writes.
A video clip of the mourning dog can be seen here. KIMT-TV of Mason City, Iowa, covered the funeral.
The photo on the right was taken by Tumilson's cousin, Lisa Pembleton, and posted on Facebook. Pembleton wrote on her Facebook page, "To say that he was an amazing man doesn't do him justice. The loss of Jon to his family, military family, and friends is immeasurable."

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taste in cookery, culture, and
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made with organic ingredients, inspired
by the culinary worlds of California,
Central, and South America, and
engages in a community of customers
and readers with lifestyle content,
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Jesse Bluma at Point Viven liberates taste in cookery, culture, and community, provides gourmet goods made with organic ingredients, inspired by the culinary worlds of California, Central, and South America, and engages in a community of customers and readers with lifestyle content, reviews, and expertise. Use and redistribution of original content allowed only with explicit permission of site owner and author.