Quote of the Day 2/28

Admiration

"It is human nature to take delight in exciting admiration. It is what prompts children to say "smart" things, and do absurd ones, and in other ways "show off" when company is present. It is what makes gossips turn out in rain and storm to be the first to tell a startling bit of news."  -by Mark Twain

- The Innocents Abroad

Quote of the Day 2/27

"It's fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure."  

Bill Gates

Quote of the Day 2/26

“Don't compare yourself with anyone in this world... if you do so, you are insulting yourself.”  

Bill Gates

TastyKake Turns 100

Tastykake, one of Philadelphia's sweetest icons, is celebrating a big birthday milestone today.

The baked goods company turns 100 years old Tuesday.

Tastykake is marking its 100th anniversary on Tuesday. The maker of treats such as Butterscotch Krimpets and Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes, Snowballs, Dreamies and Honey Buns has scheduled festivities at its Navy Yard headquarters.

Which one is your favorite?

My favorite is the Butterscotch Krimpets.

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This Day in History February 25

1570

Elizabeth I, queen of England, was excommunicated by Pope Pius V. 

1836

Samuel Colt patented the first revolving barrel multiple shot firearm.

1870

Hiram Revels became the first black United States senator, taking over the term of Jefferson Davis.

1901

J.P. Morgan formed U.S. Steel Corporation, the first billion-dollar corporation in the world.

1948

Communists took control of the government in Czechoslovakia.

1964

Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) became world heavyweight boxing champion for the first time by knocking out Sonny Liston in Miami Beach.

1983

Tennessee Williams, American playwright, died.

1986

President Ferdinand Marcos fled the Philippines; Corazon Aquino took over the office.

1990

Violeta Chamorro was elected president of Nicaragua, a victory for opponents of the Sandinistas.

Quote of the Day 2/25

“I am truly a ‘lone traveler’ and have never belonged to my country, my home, my friends, or even my immediate family, with my whole heart. In the face of all this, I have never lost a sense of distance and the need for solitude.”

National Tortilla Chip Day

I thought this would be interesting to post. 

National Tortilla Chip Day

Five Facts about Tortilla Chips

1. Most tortilla chips are triangular shaped because they are cut from round tortilla.

2. In Mexico, Tortilla Chips are called tostados, toasted chips. Outside of North America they are called “corn chips”

3. Doritos brand is the first toasted tortilla chip launched nationally in the U.S.(1966)

4. Tortilla chips are considered the most fattening item sold in Mexican restaurants with as much as 2 grams of fat per chip.

5. Nachos, chips topped with a variation of shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, etc., are said to be created by Ignacia Anaya in 1943, account for 30% of all restaurant tortilla chips

Quote of the Day 2/24

"Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire."  Einstein

Texas Roadhouse Fundraising Idea

The Hamilton Texas Roadhouse wants to help you raise funds for your organization. Whether you're playing for a sports team or are involved with a charitable organization, we have everything you need to help you raise money.

We offer 10% Fundraiser Nights where we'll  provide you with an invitation to distribute to your group inviting them to join you at Texas Roadhouse on a specific date for dinner and 10% of each sale generated by your guests will be donated back to your organization!


We also offer Gift Card Fundraisers where you can sell our Gift Cards and receive 10% of your total sales! Our Peanut Bags are another great and easy way to raise money.

We make fundraising easy and profitable, so give us a call and let us help!



1305 Route 33
Hamilton, NJ 08690
609-890-7427

For more information, or to schedule a fundraiser, please email hamiltontrh@gmail.com

Homeschooling in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the Legislature under the compulsory education law (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25) has permitted children to receive “equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school,” including the home. The following homeschooling questions and answers are intended to assist a parent/guardian and public school district(s) in dealing with issues that frequently arise in this context.

1. What are the statutory requirements regarding compulsory education?

The following New Jersey statutes apply to compulsory education:

• N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 requires that “every parent, guardian or other person having custody and control of a child between six and 16 to ensure that such child regularly attends the public schools of the district or a day school in which there is given instruction equivalent to that provided in the public schools for children of similar grades and attainments or to receive equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school.”

Note:  The provision, “to receive equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school” in N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, permits a parent/guardian to educate the child at home.

• N.J.S.A. 18A:38-31 states that “a parent or guardian or other person having charge and control of a child between the ages of 6 and 16 years, who shall fail to comply with any of the provisions of the article (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25) relating to his/her duties, shall be deemed to be a disorderly person and shall be subject to a fine of not more than $25.00 for the first offense and not more than $100.00 for each subsequent offense, in the discretion of the court.” 

2.  What case law exists regarding homeschooling?

There are two major court decisions in New Jersey relative to homeschooling:

• State v. Vaughn 44 N.J. 142 (1965): This case deals with the procedures to be employed when a parent/guardian is charged with failing to cause the child to attend school under the compulsory education law.  During the prosecution of a case against a parent/guardian for a violation of the compulsory education law, the State needed only to allege a violation of the statute.  It was then incumbent upon the parent/guardian to introduce evidence showing that they are relying on one of the two statutory exceptions (day school or equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school).  Once there is such evidence in the case, the burden of persuasion with respect to whether the education comes within the exception is with the State.
• State v. Massa 95 N.J. Super 382 (1967): In court, the parents were charged with failing to cause the child to attend school under the compulsory education law.  The only issue before the court was whether the parents were providing equivalent instruction.  The court held that the language under the compulsory education law, providing for equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school, required showing only academic equivalency and not equivalency of social development derived from group education.  In educating the child at home, the parents were required to show only that “the instruction was academically equivalent to that provided in the local public school.”  

3.  What is the responsibility of the local board of education regarding compulsory education?

The local board of education is required to enforce the compulsory education law, N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25.  If the local board of education determines that there is credible evidence that the parent/guardian or other person(s) having custody and control of a school-age child is not causing the child either to attend school (public or nonpublic) or to receive equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school, the board may request documentation, such as a letter of intent from the parent/guardian confirming that the child is either attending a nonpublic school or receiving equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school.  The mere fact that a child has been withdrawn to be homeschooled is not, in itself, credible evidence of a legal violation.  If it appears that the child is not receiving an education in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, the board may wish to consult with its attorney regarding possible charges against the parent/guardian for failure to have the child educated. 

4. Under what circumstances will a parent/guardian of a child be required to inform the local board of education of the intent to educate his/her child elsewhere than at school?

There are two circumstances in which a parent/guardian of a child will be required to inform the local board of education of the intent to educate his/her child elsewhere than at school:

• If a parent/guardian attempts to register a student in a local school district and the district refuses to enroll the student, the parent may provide the district with an intent to appeal such denial.  If the parent does not provide the district with an intent to appeal, the parent/guardian is  required to provide a statement of verification regarding whether the student will be attending school in another school district or a nonpublic school, or will be receiving instruction elsewhere than at school (N.J.A.C. 6A:22-4.2(d)); AND
• If a parent/guardian decides to remove an enrolled student from his/her high school educational program, the parent/guardian will be required to complete a transfer form which includes information related to the intent to provide instruction elsewhere than at school for the purposes of collecting accurate data on high school enrollment. 

For any other circumstances, the New Jersey Department of Education encourages parents to notify the local board of education of the intent to educate the child elsewhere than at school so that questions do not arise with respect to the parent’s compliance with the compulsory education law. 

5. Is the local board of education required to review and approve the curriculum for a child educated elsewhere than at school?

The law does not require or authorize the local board of education to review and approve the curriculum or program of a child educated elsewhere than at school.  When parent/guardian educate a child elsewhere than at school, they are responsible for the educational outcomes of the child.  The local board of education is not required or authorized to monitor the outcomes of the child. 

6. May the parent/guardian of a child educated elsewhere than at school request information regarding a curriculum from the local board of education?

Parents may seek information about the school curriculum from the local board of education.  If the parent/guardian requests such information, the board must provide it since a district’s curriculum is a matter of public record in accordance with N.J.S.A. 47:1A et seq.  The parent/guardian may be charged for the cost of copying documents in accordance with the rates established by law, N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(b). 

7. Is the local board of education required to establish a record for a child educated elsewhere than at school?

A board of education is not required to establish a record for a child who is educated elsewhere than at school.  If the board of education receives information from the parent/guardian of a child educated elsewhere than at school, the board may establish a record for a child for the sole purpose of documenting that the child is receiving an education as required by law. 

8. Who is responsible for a child educated elsewhere than at school when the child is taught by a person other than the parent or when the child takes a correspondence course or web-based program?

The parent/guardian of the child educated elsewhere than at school are solely responsible for any program selected.  The state or local board of education is not required or authorized to approve the selected program. The parent/guardian may work directly with any teacher or host school/administrator regarding the program; but they are not required to do so. 

9. Is a parent/guardian or person(s) teaching the child elsewhere than at school required to be certified as a teacher in the State of New Jersey?

A parent/guardian or person(s) teaching a child elsewhere than at school is not required by law to be certified as a teacher in the State of New Jersey. 

10. Is the local board of education required to allow a child educated elsewhere than at school to participate in the regular school curriculum or in extracurricular or sports activities?

The local board of education is not required by law to allow a child educated elsewhere than at school to participate in the regular school curriculum or in extracurricular or sports activities.  Such participation is at the sole discretion of the board once the child is identified as educated elsewhere than at school as identified below:

• Curricular and Extracurricular - A board of education may, but is not required by law to, allow a child educated elsewhere than at school to participate in curricular and extracurricular activities or sports activities.  Before deciding to do so, however, a board of education may wish to consult with its attorney to consider the full implications of such participation.
• Textbooks - A board of education may, but is under no obligation to, loan books or materials to a child educated elsewhere than at school.
• County Shared-Time Vocational Schools - A vocational board of education should adopt a non-discriminatory policy regarding a child educated elsewhere than at school.  If a parent/guardian is a resident of the county, the child educated at home may apply on an annual basis to the county vocational school.  The county vocational school may permit the child being educated elsewhere than at school to attend a shared-time county vocational school to the extent that space is available according to N.J.A.C. 6:43-3.11(b).  Once a child educated elsewhere than at school is enrolled in a shared-time vocational school program, the child then becomes a public school student and is entitled to the payment of tuition through the resident district.
• Special Education Services - In accordance with the federal special education law, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (P.L. 108-446 §612), the board of education must ensure that “all children with disabilities residing in the State, including children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of the disability, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located and evaluated...”

When the public school district receives a written request for special education evaluation, the district must review the request in a meeting of the child study team, the parent/guardian and the regular education teacher.  This procedure applies to children who are educated at home.  At the meeting, current information about the child is reviewed to determine whether an evaluation is warranted.  If an evaluation is warranted, another determination will be made regarding the assessment procedures.  Written notice of the determinations is given to parent/guardian.  Once the assessments are completed, a meeting in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.3(i)1 is held to determine whether the child is eligible for special education and related services.

If the child is eligible for special education and related services, the public school district must make a free, appropriate public education available only if the child enrolls in the district.  If the child does not enroll in the public school district, but the district chooses to provide services, the district would develop a plan for the services to be provided. 

11. Is a child educated elsewhere than at school eligible for transportation to a shared time vocational school program?

Once a child educated elsewhere than at school is enrolled in a shared-time vocational school program, the child then becomes a public school student and is entitled to the payment of tuition and transportation services.  Transportation services are provided in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:39-1 and the rules and polices of the board of education. 

12. Is a child educated elsewhere than at school eligible to participate in district/state testing?

The local board of education is not required or authorized to test a child educated elsewhere than at school.  The local board of education does not have to ensure through testing or another mechanism that instruction is being appropriately delivered or achieving its desired effect, to review the quality of instruction, or to monitor the results.  A child educated elsewhere than at school is not required to sit for a state or district standardized test. 

13.  How will grade placement be determined for a child educated elsewhere than at school who returns to school?

When a child returns to school following a period of homeschooling, the local board of education treats the child as any other new or returning child (i.e. assessed as to the acceptance of credits and the appropriate grade level for purposes of placement).  There are no special provisions made for the child who was educated at home.  Placement should be based on an objective assessment that is given to all students for that subject or grade.  In assessing the child educated elsewhere than at school, the child may not be held to a higher standard than similarly situated students within the district or transferring from other public or nonpublic schools.  Also, if a child educated elsewhere than at school re-enrolls in the public school in order to obtain a high school diploma, an assessment is made as to the child’s compliance with state and local requirements, as the board of education would with any new or returning student, since no diploma can be issued when such requirements are not met.  Their assessment may include one of the following applicable to grade of entry: NJ ASK 3, 4; NJ ASK 5, 6, 7; the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA); High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA); or the Special Review Assessment (SRA) and Alternate Proficiency Assessment (APA). 

14.  Does a child educated elsewhere than at school receive a high school diploma from the local board of education?

A child educated elsewhere than at school does not receive a state-endorsed high school diploma from the board of education.  If the child educated elsewhere than at school re-enrolls in the public school to obtain a high school diploma, an assessment is made as to the child’s compliance with state and local requirements and eligibility for a high school diploma.

The child educated elsewhere than at school may also obtain a New Jersey State High School Diploma: by passing the General Educational Development (GED) Test; or by completing 30 general education credits leading to a degree at an accredited institution of higher education and by performing at the proficient or advanced proficient level of achievement in all sections of the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA).

Please note that the Homeschooling Frequently Asked Questions document is intended to promote general guidance for a parent/guardian and school administrator(s), and does not constitute legal advice or state directives.  A board of education may wish to consult with its attorney regarding specific situations or questions.

Quote of the Day 2/23

• “Why is it that nobody understands me, yet everybody likes me?”  
• —Albert Einstein --- Quoted in an interview with New York Times, March 12,1944.
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Uses for Tea Tree Oil

25 Uses for Tea Tree Oil

1. Helps heal and soothe sunburns.
2. Heals skin infections naturally.
3. Relieves itchiness from rashes as well as helps reduce rashes.
4. Can be used as an all-purpose cleaner: Fill a spray bottle with 1-2 tsp. of tea tree oil and the rest of the bottle with water.
5. Treats acne.
6. Helps to prevent lice naturally; just add a few drops to your shampoo.
7. A few drops in your pets' crates or beds keep the fleas away.
8. Removes ticks; just add to skin, and the little stinker will usually unlatch.
9. Cures toenail fungus and Athlete's foot.
10. Helps remove skin tags.
11. Naturally cures bad breath. (Swish some tea tree oil and water in you mouth.)
12. Can be used in a homemade toothpaste recipe.
13. Has been found as an effective treatment for warts.
14. Soothes insect bites.
15. Treats ringworm.
16. Treats psoriasis and other skin conditions.
17. Relieves asthma or other breathing conditions when a few drops are added to a humidifier.
18. Works as as antiseptic on small cuts.
19. Keeps your bathroom fresh.
20. Relieves earaches; mix 1 drop of tea tree oil with 1 tsp. olive oil, drop mixture into the ear and then remove by tilting head.
21. Freshen laundry: Add a few drops in your washing machine to scent your clothes. Also, if you forgot to put the clothes in the dryer, run again with tea tree oil to remove mildew. You can also scent wool dryer balls with tea tree oil.
22. Helps freshen carpet.
23. Can be used in several homemade kitchen cleaners.
24. Cleans mold: Mix apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil and scrub mold; place outside to sun-dry.
25. Can be used in a homemade natural deodorant.  (Think about how foot fungi is developed, moisture.  Hint... Hint... Anti-fungal agent)

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, also known as Melaleuca alternifoliais, is an essential oil that has been around for quite a while but not until the past decade has its healing benefits been catching on like wildfire. The oil is extracted from a plant native to Australia and has not been found naturally occurring elsewhere. It is an evergreen shrub. 

It is toxic but very useful as an antiseptic. 

Jojoba Skin Benefits

Benefits Of Jojoba Oil For Skin:

Jojoba oil has many beneficial cosmetic uses too. Jojoba oil has become one of the most extensively used natural ingredients in beauty products like lotions and moisturizers. Jojoba oil contains many biological and mineral substances, which gives a beautiful and well groomed skin. It helps to fight wrinkles, stretch marks and cellulite. It is also effective on problematic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis. Jojoba oil soothes irritated skin and increases the natural production of collagen. It also provides effective protection against sun and fights the signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines.

Moisturizer:

Jojoba oil has high amount of ceramides which cover skin cells and are responsible for regulation of their hydration. Jojoba oil quickly gets absorbed into the skin and does not leave behind any oil residue creating a powerful barrier against moisture loss, as well as against allergens and dust pollution. It softens dry and pesky patches and restores the skin to a healthy condition. Jojoba oil is a natural cure for eczema which is caused due to lack of moisture. It has anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing redness caused by dryness and other skin condition like rosacea. Jojoba oil works well on oily skin too. It is non comedogenic, so even though it has the word oil in its name, it does not clog pores. Jojoba oil stops the sebum from secreting more oil on its own and balances oil production. It keeps the skin supple and well moisturized.

Anti-wrinkle treatment:

In addition to making skin firm and moisturized, jojoba oil is also effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It is rich in Vitamin E which is potent in eliminating the free radicals that are responsible for skin ageing. Continuous use of jojoba oil can decrease the fine lines and wrinkles by up to 25 %. It is highly effective if used fairly with face wash or a moisturiZing cream. However direct topical application has proven to show the best results. Linoleic acid and the antioxidants present in jojoba oil helps regenerating the skin cells.

For acne:

Clogged pores often lead to pimples or acne and are a common problem among teenagers. These pimples can even become infected if not treated properly. Many of the cosmetics which claim to reduce acne contain animal fat which only make the matter worse. Being antiseptic and non- greasy in texture, it is a very effective treatment for acne. It helps to dissolve the oil production of pimples and blackheads and also helps to break the acne. Jojoba oil clears up the exposed areas and clogged pores and leaves no scar marks clearing the blemishes. With extended use, jojoba oil reduces the pores size, and controls oil secretion which prevents acne from reappearing.

Anti-inflammatory:

With its anti-bacterial properties, it can bring down skin inflammation and is also helpful in killing skin bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory properties can be utilized for treating several skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis where skin gets inflamed. It has an amazing effect on skin and is used for healing wounds, cuts and minor infections like sunburns, cold sores and warts. Jojoba oil reduces painful swelling and redness that often accompanies a injury. You can also use it on your lips as a lip balm. It will keep the lips smooth and chap free.

Facial cleanser:

Jojoba oil has good cleansing properties and can be used as a makeup remover and a facial cleanser. Soak a cotton ball with jojoba oil and rub it all over your face and lips. Then remove the oil residue from your face with moist cotton. This oil helps in removing all traces of makeup instantly.

Jojoba oil is also helpful in removing eye makeup like kohl, mascara, liner and eye shadow. It doesn’t give any eye irritations. As the eye area is very sensitive, make sure you apply it with great care and do not rub it harshly. Dip a cotton pad in the oil and apply it directly on the eye lashes. Regular application will make the lashes more beautiful.

Body oil:

Jojoba oil can be applied not just on face, but all over the body prior to bathing. It gives adequate hydration to the body so you can safely skip body lotion after bathing. This quick and easy absorption into the skin also promotes blood flow which will give you glowing skin. You can use it for body massage as well. Its pleasant smell and non- greasy texture give a soothing feeling. Or you can even use it after bath. Apply it immediately after bath, while skin is still damp. It seals in moisture, leaving skin soft and smooth.

Foot softener:

Regular application of jojoba oil on the feet will prevent cracked heels and keep the feet smooth. For an intense foot treatment, apply oil and put on the socks. Leave on for one hour. Feet will be beautifully smooth and soft.

Other jojoba oil benefits:

Apply jojoba oils on the rough, dry cuticles and nails daily to maintain soft cuticles and treat ragged nails.

Apply jojoba oil lightly on knees, heels and palms to prevent sunless tan from soaking into these porous areas.

Before swimming, apply jojoba oil on your hair. The oil will help close your hair cuticles and will prevent harmful chemicals from stripping your hair color.

Use jojoba oil before shaving. It will help to prevent razor burns and will leave the skin smooth. You can apply it directly after shaving to soothe and moisturize the skin.

Jojoba oil has a vast array of uses to treat the whole body.  However, there are a couple of things you need to keep in my mind while using jojoba oil for the first-time. Make sure that it is 100% pure jojoba oil and is of best quality. If jojoba oil is contaminated with any other oil or substance, it can make the skin problems worse. Use the oil sparingly. A little goes a long way. The skin should absorb the oil completely and there shouldn’t be any greasy residue left behind. If it fails to absorb, stop using the oil.

Jojoba Hair Benefits

Here are some great uses for Jojoba Oil for hair care purposes. This oil has excellent benefit for those who are struggling with skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis as well.  

1. As a great scalp cleanser:

As a scalp cleanser, jojoba oil helps to clean the traces of clogged and crusted sebum, which in turn may help to reduce hair fall and breakage. Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help to keep the scalp clean and healthy. It has excellent soil solubilising agents which can remove sticky build up from the hair as well as air borne particulates. Jojoba oil leaves the hair clean and supple and its keratoplastic effect leaves the hair shiny and brings out the hair natural colour and brilliance.

2. For hair shine:

Jojoba oil works great as a serum and gives shine and a healthy appearance to the hair. It is a great boon for dry hair. You can apply a few drops of oil to seal the moisture. Apply it all over your hair for added shine or can just apply to the ends. Jojoba oil smoothes hair cuticles and hides the appearance of dry, frizzy and dull looking hair. It helps to seal the natural moisture in the hair shaft and adds lustre and shine to the hair by minimizing the damage caused by pollutants and chemicals.

3. For hair growth:

Using jojoba oil for hair growth is an excellent way to provide that extra boost. As we all know our hair secretes sebum or oil to keep the hair moisturized.  Many a times, excess sebum is excreted by the gland which blocks the hair follicles. This leads to hair fall and hair breakage. Even the rate of hair growth is also adversely affected because of the clogged follicles.  Jojoba oil prevents and stops hair loss and thinning of hair caused by the clogged hair follicles. Jojoba oil dissolves and clears these blockages and promotes development of new hair cells which leads to hair growth. You can also use jojoba oil to give your hair a hot oil treatment, prior to shampooing, in order to stimulate hair growth. Using jojoba oil to massage the scalp can help to improve blood circulation which stimulates the hair follicles to grow rapidly.

4. As a conditioner:

Those who are bothered by their dull and frizzy hair can use jojoba oil to improve its texture and appearance. It serves the purpose of both hair oil as well as hair conditioner. Massage the oil into the scalp and hair by paying attention to the ends also. The proteins and minerals present in the hair act as a natural conditioner leaving the hair soft and shiny. It moistens the entire hair follicle and fortifies it against further damage. It conditions the hair, prevents it from becoming brittle and dull when exposed to unfavourable conditions. If your hair is very dry, add a teaspoon of jojoba oil to your regular hair conditioner and apply it thoroughly to the hair. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then wash your hair. You can even take a few drops of oil and apply it on your wet hair. This will act as a leave on conditioner. If you want you can rub a few drops of oil on your palm and run your fingers to the dry hair to make it more manageable.

5. For dry scalp:

Jojoba is an excellent moisturizer for the scalp. Dry scalp is often mistaken as dandruff, causing flaky and tight skin and severe itching.  Jojoba oil moisturizes your scalp deep down to the pores and doesn’t evaporate. This causes a deep and lasting moisturizing effect balancing the pH level of the scalp. It also promotes a healthy scalp with its anti-bacterial properties and is a great to treat dandruff, dry scalp and psoriasis on the scalp. It moisturizes the scalp well and keeps the hair strong from the roots.

6. For oily hair:

Oily scalp problems can really wreak havoc on our hair. Most of the products available in the market that claim to give you a grease free scalp usually end up over drying the hair. Shampooing further increases the problem by making the hair dull and unhealthy. Jojoba oil helps to control the sebum excretion by our scalp glands and regulates the flow of sebum in clogged pores. It balances the amount of oil in our hair.

History of Jojoba

Jojoba (Simmodsia chinensis) is a perennial woody shrub native to the semiarid regions of southern Arizona, southern California and northwestern Mexico. Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) is being cultivated to provide a renewable source of a unique high-quality oil.

Jojoba flower

Native Americans extracted the oil from jojoba seeds to treat sores and wounds centuries ago. Collection and processing of seed from naturally occurring stands in the early 1970s marked the beginning of jojoba domestication. In addition, the ban on the importation of sperm whale products in 1971 led to the discovery that jojoba oil is in many regards superior to sperm oil for applications in the cosmetics and other industries.

Jojoba Shrub

Today, 40,000 acres of jojoba are under cultivation in the southwestern U.S. Much of the interest in jojoba worldwide is the result of the plant's ability to survive in a harsh desert environment. The utilization of marginal land that will not support more conventional agricultural crops could become a major asset to the global agricultural economy.

The oldest commercial jojoba plantings in the U.S. were established in the late 1970s, and present production of jojoba oil is in the range of thousands of tons per year. The major world producers are the United States and Mexico, with considerable quantities of oil being exported to Japan and Europe.



Compliments of this excerpt goes to Purdue University

Information Sources:

• Benzioni, A. and M. Forti. 1989. Jojoba. Pages 448-461 in Oil Crops of the World. G. Robbelen, R.K. Downey, and A. Ashri (eds.) McGraw-Hill Publishing Company; New York. 553 pages.


• Bloomfield, Frena. 1985. Jojoba and Yucca. Century Hutchinson Publishing, London.


• Foster, K.E., M.M. Karpiscak, J.G. Taylor and N.G. Wright. 1983. Guayule, jojoba, buffalo gourd and Russian thistle: Plant characteristics, products and commercialization potential. Desert Plants 5(3):112-126.


• Jojoba Growers Association. 1990. Jojoba Happenings, Newsletter of the Association. Phoenix, Arizona.


• National Research Council. 1985. Jojoba: New Crop for Arid Lands, New Raw Material for Industry. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.


• Naqvi, H.H., G. Goldstein, C. Ratnayake, T. Ceccardi, and I.P. Ting. 1988. Jojoba breeding and agronomic investigations at UC Riverside. Proceedings: Seventh International Conference on Jojoba and Its Uses. A.R. Baldwin (ed.) American Oil Chemists' Society; Champaign, Ill. p. 395-409.


• Weiss E.A. 1983. Crambe, niger and jojoba. Pages 507-527 in Oilseed Crops. Longman; London.


• Yermanos, D.M. 1979. Jojoba: A crop whose time has come. California Agriculture. July-August 1979. pp. 4-11.

Quote of the Day 2/22

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. 

Quoted in interview by G.S. Viereck , October 26,1929. Reprinted in “Glimpses of the Great”(1930)

Music Video Avicii's Hit "Hey Brother"

This is a song by the International DJ Avicii.  I love his music.  I like the beat as well as the person's voice who is singing throughout the song.  I sing along.

Operation Moisturize Day 5

      

       
I did not wash my hair on Saturday.  I French Braided my hair. It still feels soft and moisturized from a few days ago.  

    

    

Someone told me I look 19 or 20. Flattering? Not sure, you tell me if I look younger without my glasses on or if that was some sarcasm. 

Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Summer - ASE

I know so many people who think they shouldn't prepare their car for the summer. Well... You SHOULD!!! You don't want to break down on the side of the road.



Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Summer - ASE

Operation Find a Moisturizer Day 4

2/14/14

I twisted my hair in some sort of way. I always moisturize my hair before I twist my hair because of the eczema and dandruff. I noticed my hair was still extremely soft and moist. 


I am ecstatic. 







They don't look all choppy on the ends. Instead they were unraveling. That mean NO TANGLES! 


 

Whole Planet Foundation

This is in Peru.

Just One Week Away

Our annual Prosperity Campaign begins in one week! This year our goal is to raise $7 million to alleviate poverty worldwide. That's 40,000 microloans that will reach and support a quarter of a million people around the world, and we can't do it without you!

Get involved by spreading the word and forwarding this email to a friend or by starting your own fundraising campaign to help raise a microcredit loan of $175.

P.S. Visit our new website and let us know what you think!

Click here to learn more!!!   > Who We Support

Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy

This by far is one of the worst shampoo conditioner and oil I have ever purchased. I wish my hair on Sundays.  

After I washed and conditioned my hair, I put the Organic renewing argan oil of Morocco in my hair. The oil had a musky smell to it. They said only use on damp hair or whatever. I did notice that my hair seemed kind of straight. I was impressed. 

Tuesday I was brushing my hair like I do, I noticed a lot more dandruff and split ends than I usually do with my choice brand. My hair seemed very dry and it was falling out a lot. That is totally UNACCEPTABLE! 

SO I will not be using these again. As a matter of fact, I will be emailing Organix to let them know the I did not like their product and how it damaged my hair.