A Little Fun with Facts, or How to Create (Fake) News…

Posted on May 16, 2017 by bcenterprise

What do Wells Fargo, Susan Rice, Antibiotics and Jack Daniels have in common? Or what about Chuck Berry, Poodles (the canine variety), the Golden State Warriors and Coffee?

Are they all related in some complex scenario that only a special prosecutor can sort out, or must we leave it to late-night comedians to bring us the most titillating, profanity-laced exposé?

The simple “fact” is that members in each of the two groups of four above have only one common thread, so far as we know… they were, respectively, the No. 1 subjects searched for on Google during the months of April and March 2017 in their specific categories.

The website, www.trends.google.com lists 45 different categories divided unequally, with some represented in more than one of 7 general topics.

The seven are: Business and Politics; Entertainment; Lifestyle; Nature and Science; Shopping and Fashion; Sports, and Travel and Leisure.

Wells Fargo, Antibiotics, Coffee, the Golden State Warriors and Jack Daniels have the distinction of holding the No. 1 spots for all the first four months of 2017.

Susan Rice, No. 1 search in April in the “Politicians” category under Business and Politics, was preceded by James Comey in March; Kim Jong-nam in February, and Donald Trump in January 2017.

Media blog We assume, as journalists these days are wont to do, that no matter which politician was most interesting in any given month, people everywhere were banking with Wells Fargo, taking antibiotics, and drinking coffee with their Jack Daniels as they cheered for the Golden State Warriors.

And, let’s not forget to connect the dots that show that at the same time Donald Trump was the “politician” of the month in January, people nationwide (at least all the white folks), were searching for a “Caucasian Shepherd Dog”? Why not black labs, or chihuahuas? Hmm mm? What more proof of racism do we need? Alas, not one station reported it.

Now, let’s be fair for once: trends showed that in February 2017 when Kim Jong-nam was most searched for politician, people everywhere were searching for a “Central Asian Shepherd Dog.”

And, further, what is the implication of James Comey and Poodles, taking top spots as the Politician and Dog Breed of choice, respectively, in March? Of course, it was not necessary to include ‘respectively,’ since there is no chance of confusing the two.

These few facts represent only a minuscule part of everything waiting “out there” to be mined and manipulated into some of the most interesting breaking news ever!

But they are enough to reach the startling conclusion that people are searching where the news is. Google Trends seems to be the “where” there. Check it out, and create some news yourself.

--as reported by Faye K. Mayedupp.

In Praise of Possums…

Posted on June 24, 2016 by bcenterprise

Opossums never inspired much of my time or attention before but lately, more than a few lie dead in or alongside the road. Aside from being accused of “playing possum” as a child, I knew very little about them.

Opossums are not rats!
Before studying them more thoroughly, I had dismissed them as a type of creepy rodent, but alas! Not so – not true at all.

In fact, opossums, or possums as they are often called, not only are NOT rodents, but they are the only marsupials living in the United States and Canada. Like kangaroos that we find more appealing, they are mammals that carry their young in a pouch.

New babies, according to National Geographic, tiny as honeybees, are born after a gestation period of only 12-13 days in litters up to 20 “joeys”, but fewer than half survive to crawl into their mother’s pouch where they are nurtured for about 4 months.

Michael Lipske, writing for National Wildlife Federation (NWF), thinks the opossum is not well thought of because of its long, naked tail. Even so, their tails are part of what makes them unique.

pc_opossum

(Photo from: http://www.caryinstitute.org/sites/default/files/public/images/podcasts/pc_opossum.jpg)

Like monkeys, opossums can wrap their tails around branches to help them climb trees. They can even carry grass and other vegetation—material they use to line their dens—in their coiled tails.

Opossums are not rabies carriers!
Another popular misconception is that possums carry rabies; wrong! In fact, according to the National Opossum Society’s fact page, possums are less susceptible to rabies than cats, dogs, cattle, goats and humans!

Opossums do have their weaknesses…
Yet, they are not perfect or perfectly harmless; they do carry fleas, may sometimes attack chickens and bite people who try to grab them.

They can be bothersome as foragers that knock over trash cans and sneak into pet food when left outside and uncovered. On the other hand, they catch and eat many real pests including cockroaches and beetles, rats and mice, snails and slugs. Opossums also eat roadkill, an activity that often leads to their own deaths.

But also their unique strengths…
NWF suggests we reconsider our feelings about opossums. After all, they eat rattlesnakes and survive their bites. This is significant in that:

Researchers are studying the toxin-neutralizing factor in opossum blood in hopes that it can be adapted as an anti-venom in humans.

Opossums help control Lyme disease!
A Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies report on the Virginia opossum revealed they groom themselves in much the same way as cats. Although they forage in tick-infested areas, they “hoover up” killing 90-95 percent of ticks that try to feed on them. Thus, they are important warriors against Lyme disease.

For the good they do, opossums deserve protection
Opossums “play dead” when frightened by predators, and when facing oncoming traffic in roadways. The National Wildlife Federation found they can maintain a death-pose for hours, even defecating and exuding green slime from anal glands as part of the act.

Ecologists, environmentalists and wildlife experts ask motorists to do their best to go around opossums on the road that appear to be dead, and not to hit them intentionally. They ask homeowners to tolerate them in their yards, noting they stay only 2-3 days in one place, moving frequently between their nesting areas.

Not really that ugly…

Supporters hope word gets out about the contributions opossums make to ecology, the environment and human health. If so, perceptions can change, and people may begin to think of the odd little creatures as a little more attractive!

The race is on (soon), mountain bikers!

Posted on February 22, 2016 by bcenterprise

BikeRaceAd

The Missouri State Championship “Down and Dirty Mountain Bike Race” is the works!

Organizers and sponsors include Osage Lakes Greenway Corp., the United Federation of Dirt (UFD) and several local businesses.

Registration open now

Sanctioned by USA Cycling

Event organizer Mac Vorce pointed out that Warsaw’s June 12 mountain bike race is sanctioned by USA Cycling under its Permit No. 2016-562. Participants earn points that are reported along with all race results to the National Ranking System.

logoUSACycling The 501(c)3 membership-based organization is the

…official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States…

Vorce is president of the Warsaw Cycling Club, one of the clubs nationwide licensed under USA Cycling. He is also chairman of the Board of Directors of the Osage Lakes Greenway Corp, and the owner of Truman Lake Bikes that hosts the event website.

Contact Vorce by email at mac@trumanlakebikes.com.

Truman Lake Mountain Bike Park

Participants will race over the 22-mile long trail at Truman Lake Mountain Bike Park. Enter at 28565 Benton House Avenue for events starting at 10:00 a.m.

Race-Day Schedule

bike-rider-1-13809-medium

Check out the bike race start times here for kids, juniors, men, women and pros according to age groups and special categories.

Participants and spectators get opportunity to engage in fitness and fun, and enjoy lively entertainment during intermission.

Fees and Prizes

Unlicensed participants pay a $10.00 one-day license fee, plus applicable entry fees. Kids race for free; juniors pay $20.00; men and women in the eight-mile single speed race pay $30.00, and men and women in the long-course categories pay $40.00.

Cash prizes are three-deep for races with at least nine participants.

Trails open on non-race days

Truman Lake Mountain Bike Park trail is open to the public for biking, hiking and walking on days when no special events are scheduled.

Osage Lakes Greenway Corp. cooperates with the City of Warsaw and the Army Corps of Engineers to develop and maintain the trail, as well as the several others situated throughout the area.

Local residents and community leaders take pride in the fact that in 2014 the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation identified Warsaw’s walking and biking trails as among the best in the nation.

Mark your calendars

Come ready to ride, or at least to watch!

Color away boredom, depression and stress!

Posted on February 9, 2016 by bcenterprise

Welsh brain scientist, Dr. Joel Pearson, says coloring helps adults replace negative thoughts and images with positive ones.

Coloring produces measurable effects

Dr. Stan Rodski, a neurophysicist who also creates adult coloring books says “colorists” enjoy results similar to those from meditation, including changes in heart rate and changes in brainwaves.

Dana Dovey, besides quoting Pearson and Rodski in her article, The Therapeutic Science Of Adult Coloring Books: How This Childhood Pastime Helps Adults Relieve Stress, clarified that

…adult coloring books are not a cure for disease but an effective coping mechanism for people suffering from cancer, depression, dementia, anxiety, and PTSD.

Adult coloring books a booming business

Writing for Flavorwire.com, Sarah Seltzer asked in August 2015: “Are Grown-Up Coloring Books the Future of Publishing?”

Not long afterward, on December 13, the online New York Post confirmed that adult coloring books are publishing’s hottest trend.

Adult coloring as a social activity

Seltzer said, as part of the trend that bookstores are planning coloring parties, and that groups of adults are arranging coloring lunches. The coloring craze, she says

…isn’t just a way back to childhood, but a path back into a state of creation where process trumps result.

Working on art is a right-brain activity that contributes to mindfulness and adds a bit of whimsy to every day life. Just like children have always done, adults lose track of time while coloring.

No publisher left behind

Publishers Weekly gives most credit to Scottish illustrator, Johanna Basford, for the 2015 publishing craze. Coloring books, traditionally a children’s market item, are sold now by the millions to adults, and nearly if not all major publishing companies in the United States publish them.

Coloring by Warner Press For example, Warner Press publishes a Christian-based series – Peaceful Reflections and Beloved Scriptures – that include pages for journaling and material for devotions.

Telebrands Press publishes a Colorama package with its own coloring pencils for more than 100 designs. Most packages sell for $12.99 plus $6.99 for shipping and handling.

Colorama by Telebrands

Anecdotes in Life and Advertising

Posted on February 3, 2016 by bcenterprise

Courtesy APwikiWarriors

Anything happen to you lately, or even some time ago, that you’ve turned into a good story?

When telling about your experience, you’re sharing an anecdote – what Merriam-Webster defines as a “short story about an interesting or funny event.”

Sometimes there are stories heard from family members or friends that deserve to be passed on as well. A person doesn’t usually open the conversation by saying, “Here’s a little anecdote for you,” but that’s what it is.

TV ads use customers’ personal success stories about products or services. Who doesn’t know by now that Marie Osmond lost 50 pounds with Nutrisystem!

We can be pretty sure, however, that such “anecdotal evidence” (i.e., one person’s experience as proof for everyone) is not always trustworthy.

Study.com points out that other customers very often fail to get the same positive results claimed by one person who is often a celebrity. For that reason, advertisers insert disclaimers in the small print that is easily overlooked.

In the case of weight loss pills, for example, the whole story about people who lose significant weight while using a particular product may not be told. They may also change their diets and/or follow an exercise program but neglect to mention such facts.

Anecdotes are a part of everyday life and communication. They take many forms and serve many purposes.

Find more interesting stuff about anecdotes here.

Missourians prepped for legal marijuana

Posted on November 14, 2015 by bcenterprise

To date, Missouri’s Secretary of State has approved two initiative petitions to legalize marijuana for medical, commercial and recreational use. Each requires approximately 160,000 valid signatures.

The filing deadline for signed petitions to qualify for a place on the November 2016 election ballot is 5 p.m. on May 8, 2016.

Marijuana Leaf Petition 2016-009 by Columbia, Mo. attorney Dan Viets, Chair of the Board of Show-Me Cannabis Regulation, proposes to amend the Missouri Constitution to:

allow the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of marijuana and hemp products by persons at least 21 years old;
permit the state to establish a tax and authorize regulations and licensing procedures;
change criminal provisions for marijuana offenses;
allow individuals who have certain marijuana-related offenses to apply to have the records relating to the offenses expunged; and to
allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

Petition 2016-013 by Nicholas Raines, president of KC Chapter of National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) proposes to amend the Missouri Constitution to:

legalize marijuana for personal, medical, and commercial purposes;
release all persons who have non-violent, marijuana-related offenses from incarceration, probation, and parole, and expunge the records of their offense; and
prohibit state funds and law enforcement from being used to enforce federal marijuana laws.

Gradual change in Missouri laws

Jeff Mizanskey spent more than twenty years of a life term in prison for three non-violent marijuana-related crimes.

Missouri’s three strikes law was repealed in 2014, and in September 2015, Mizanskey was released on parole a few months after Governor Nixon commuted his sentence.

Missouri’s current laws and penalties will undergo one relatively small change effective January 2017. Penalties reduce to a fine only for possession of up to 10 grams although it will remain classified as a misdemeanor.

Medical marijuana

Medical marijuana use is legal in twenty-three states and the District of Columbia.

In Missouri, on July 14, 2014, Governor Nixon signed HB 2238 into law allowing use of one ingredient only – cannabis oil – to treat intractable epilepsy. This “hemp extract” is defined as:

composed of no more than three tenths percent tetrahydrocannabinol by weight;
composed of at least five percent cannabidiol by weight; and
contains no other psychoactive substance.

Among other restrictions, the bill requires a neurologist to certify that the patient did not respond to at least three treatment options to be eligible to use the marijuana extract.

Veteran support for legalizing medical marijuana

Tom Mundell, president of the Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations says about the petition he and another activist filed with the Missouri Secretary of State on behalf of New Approach Missouri:

Not only will it provide veterans suffering illnesses much-needed relief, but it will provide invaluable resources for our underfunded veterans’ health care programs throughout Missouri.

NORML sponsored a veterans’ conference in Houston on November 14 to discuss medical marijuana for service-related injuries, chronic pain and PTSD.

Potential changes in federal law

The Veterans Administration, however, prohibits its doctors, under VHA Directive 2011-004 from even discussing, let alone prescribing medical marijuana (cannabis).

The directive expires at the end of 2015. It could be replaced by a policy more or less compatible with the U.S. Senate-passed amendment that, if enacted, would permit doctors to prescribe medical marijuana in states where it is legal.

Public opinion

Pew Research Center survey in March 2015 showed 53 percent of Americans overall favor legalizing marijuana. surveygraph

More Democrats than Republicans approve; by age groups, Millennials (18-34) approve at 68 percent while among those 70-87 years old only 29 percent approve.

Sixty-two percent do not approve of smoking marijuana in public, yet 57 percent have no problem with a business selling marijuana in their neighborhoods.

A new career opportunity

The October 2015 edition of Accounting Today magazine tells about a certified public accountant (CPA) in Colorado whose business serving the marijuana industry there is booming.

The relatively new accounting field has its problems and challenges but also the advantage of requiring an expertise that not too many professionals have achieved thus far.

Several organizations oppose legalizing marijuana

The political action committee, Citizens against Legalizing Marijuana (CALM), has all- volunteer outreaches in California and Ohio, but informs and encourages citizens Nationwide to oppose legalization.

CALM’s website quotes organizations including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and American Cancer Society to expose the dangers inherent in marijuana use. Further, the American Society of Addiction Medicine states that:

Marijuana is a mood-altering drug capable of producing dependency. While popularly thought to be a fairly benign ‘drug,’ marijuana can have adverse effects on memory and learning, perception, behavior and functioning, and on pregnancy.

The International Faith Based Coalition website in its Recent News column links to the Parents Opposed to Pot website and the testimony of an epileptic who wrote that smoking marijuana made seizures worse!

That individual asks marijuana users to smoke at home, not in public places where others can be affected, even intoxicated by the second-hand fumes. (He) says:

One man’s medicine can be another man’s poison.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) 2015 edition of its Drugs of Abuse report includes a section on marijuana’s origin, abuses and its effects on users.

Full speed ahead

NORML’s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable.

After securing required signatures, activist organizations like NORML will concentrate on ad campaigns. Ads will target new voters among Millennials, in particular at universities like MU where NORML has an active chapter.

USMC celebrates 240 years – November 10, 2015

Posted on November 10, 2015 by bcenterprise

Happy birthday to all current and former members of the United States Marine Corps. The few, the proud, the Marines … once a Marine, always a Marine — well-known mottos. A family spirit binds Marines to one another in the field and off, and is a great strength and recruiting advantage.

Marine Corps Times reports the birthday message from Marine Commandant, General Robert Neller, was prepared two weeks ahead of time, and was delivered via a 10-minute video, “The Legacy Within”.

Other important Marine Corps anniversaries

Also this year, November 1 marked the 100^th anniversary of Parris Island, and the 70^th anniversary in February 2015 of the Landing at Iwo Jima where a five-week battle ensued — the only battle in which more Marines than Japanese died.

Corps history and famous Marines

A Pioneer Services article celebrating the Corps’ birthday relates how the first Marine recruits were rounded up from local taverns. And, the first man on the moon, John Glenn, was one of the few, the proud.

One more time!

EnterpriseExtra.com joins in wishing the Marine Corps, and each and every Marine past or present, a very Happy Birthday, and many more!

Update! Hot meals ministry growing, expanding its service

Posted on October 30, 2015 by bcenterprise

Soup & More Community Kitchen now serves free hot meals every Thursday. Since first opened in January 2016, the outreach has been growing but there is room for more people to enjoy the commaraderie and the hot, nutritious meals.

Benton County residents struggling financially who want help to provide a nutritious meal for themselves and their family members are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Mealtimes and location

Meals will be served between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. in the basement facility at First United Methodist Church located (across from the Benton County Courthouse) at 154 W. Washington St, Warsaw, Mo.

Access to the Community Kitchen is by the ramp along the side of the church.

Eligibility requirements

The Greater Food Bank of Central Missouri requires participants to complete and submit an income statement, and to sign in upon arrival.

Seeking community support

Director of the Soup & More Community Kitchen, Sharon May, hopes the ministry will be supported by many individuals and churches in the area. Mrs. May said:

We need volunteers and would also appreciate financial support.

This has been on my heart and mind for several years, and now it is going to happen, thanks to Linda Price and the First United Methodist Church.

For more information…

About how to support the project, call Sharon May at (660) 723-0240, or by email at smay725@hotmail.com.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on October 12, 2015 by bcenterprise

Breast cancer is a critical health problem likely to occur in 1 out of every 8 women. Although less often according to the American Cancer Society, it can also occur in men.

Advances in breast cancer care

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) created the website, CancerProgress.Net in 2011, the year of the 40^th anniversary of the National Cancer Act of 1971. The site highlights a timeline of advances in screening, treatment and prevention, noting that:

Nine out of ten women with breast cancer are alive five years after their diagnosis, and breast cancer mortality has fallen by more than a third since its peak in the 1980s.

ASCO points to early detection as a critical factor. Regular screenings by various techniques have made it possible in over 90 percent of cancer diagnoses.

Surgeries are less invasive than when radical mastectomies were introduced in 1894; improved drug and radiation therapies and advocacy contribute to steady progress although much work and research remains to be done.

Advocacy Groups

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Janelle Hail, a cancer survivor, established the Foundation in 1991 to “help women around the world by educating them about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.”

NBCF provides free mammograms for women in all 50 states through its hospital network paid for with tax-deductible donations (online link here) of $100 each, which is the average cost of screenings.

NBCF Events in Missouri

5K Run/Walk for a Cure in Maysville, Mo., Saturday morning, October 17, 2015.

In Poplar Bluff, Mo. at noon on Friday, October 23, 2015, is American Legion Post 153 Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser with food, drink and entertainment. All proceeds will go to the National Breast Cancer Fund.

Later, at 5 p.m. the same day in O’Fallon, Mo. is the Chiropractic Wellness Connection Women’s Night Out. Details and registration information here.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is part of the American Cancer Society that sponsors individuals or teams of walkers comprised of all ages and professional levels. Walkers sign up for three to five-mile walks in more than 300 communities around the country. Donors sponsor individuals, teams or contribute to costs of an event.

Making Strides also accepts online general donations, matching gifts and planned giving.

Making Strides Events in Missouri – All on Saturday, October 24, 2015

Making Strides of Kansas City – 9 a.m., Crown Center

Making Strides of Southwest Mo – 9 a.m., Hammons Field Promenade, Springfield, Mo.

Making Strides of St. Louis – 9 a.m., Forest Park

Bad news … good news

Posted on October 8, 2015 by bcenterprise

Google and Bing searches for negative headlines showed millions of returns for each of the examples below. But surprisingly, searches for positive headlines numbered many millions more. Read on.

Economic collapse

Google search for “predictions of economic collapse 2015” returned about 3,430,000 results.

Bing search for “predictions of economic collapse 2015” returned 5,210,000 results. Nonetheless, Bing’s search page photography is inspiring!

World disaster

Google search for “predictions of world disaster 2015” returned about 39,500,000 results (excerpt below).

Bing search for “predictions of world disaster 2015” returned 55,700,000 results, excerpted below.

Now the good news…

Google search for “the good news for 2015” returned about 1,120,000,000 results excerpted below.

Bing search for “the good news for 2015” returned 61,900,000 results, below .

Seek and find good news

Searching intentionally for websites devoted to positive content will lead to several that counter a false impression that there is more bad news than good.

One such “good news” site (for information only, not an endorsement) is http://www.dailygood.org/. See its home page screen shot below.

Enterprise Extra

News with a View…

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