Have You Signed Up For Your Free Business Listing?

Signing Up Takes Less Than 1 Minutes And It Is Totally Free!
Click Here To Create Your Free Business Listing

Blog Posts

Kindness Day

Written By A. Alderman
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, UWF Student Authors

This November 13 was World Kindness Day, a global holiday dedicated to promoting and celebrating the importance of being kind to yourself, others, and the world around you. During school days, children are taught about World Kindness Day and the importance of being kind to others, while hashtags across Twitter and Facebook, and other social media sites encouraged readers and guests to be kind to others and foster a better future through their actions, some posts containing suggestions for different acts of kindness, others containing individual stories of their own acts of kindness, or more importantly, acts of kindness that changed a person’s life.

Sometimes, it feels easier to be cruel than it does to be kind, but it’s important to remember that being kind to others is an important part of being human. Humans are a social species meant to form strong bonds with each other and guide each other through life, and most will find that being cruel to their fellow peers leaves them feeling emptier than they would feel by being nice. Events like World Kindness Day are dedicated to encouraging people across the globe to try and understand, help, and communicate with each other instead of fostering hatred and cruelty in a world that could do so much better. Not only is being kind a very human action, but it is also good for human brains on a chemical level. Being kind to and connecting with others boosts important neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which tell your brain to provide you with feelings of satisfaction and well-being. Pleasure centers of the brain can be activated and your brain can even release endorphins, a natural pain-killer. So if you’re depressed or feeling particularly down, a little act of kindness can help improve your own mood and mental health, not to mention the mood of the target of your kindness. Don’t forget, kindness isn’t limited to doing favors for others. It’s being kind to yourself when you’re struggling, or cleaning up outside and being kind to the environment and the Earth you live on, and being kind to animals and other creatures that share the world around you. Kindness is an unlimited resource and something you can always share with others if you’re willing to do so. While Kindness Day encourages acts of kindness every November 13th, by no means are you limited to one day, and if you work hard, every day can be Kindness Day, or at least maintain the spirit of what the day intends.

The 23-year-old holiday itself has an interesting history. It was forged by people devoted to improving the world around them. World Kindness Day was first conceptualized on September 7, 1997, during a conference in Tokyo, Japan. This conference was organized as a means to bring together the efforts of many different worldwide nations’ independent organizations devoted to kindness and peace. These small, non-governmental organizations combined became the World Kindness Movement, united by their shared goal of promoting kindness and understanding throughout their home countries. Once it had been established, the World Kindness Movement sought to build a kinder and more compassionate world, starting with the establishment of World Kindness Day. Since it was first celebrated in 1998, the event has spread to 28 different countries, including the United States, Australia, Italy, Singapore, Japan, India, and many others, despite the fact that it is not yet officially recognized by the United Nations. In 2010, the United Kingdom declared Kindness Day UK, an event celebrated and acknowledged by numerous charities, organizations, and schools across the United Kingdom. Since its launch, Kindness Day UK has been endorsed and supported by a number of celebrities, athletes, politicians, and religious leaders that encourage people across the United Kingdom to get out and perform acts of kindness. Eventually, Kindness Day UK may pave the way for other national events within different countries.

Anyone hoping to understand more ways they can how to be kind to others and engage more kindly with fellow humans can visit the World Kindness Movement’s website at https://www.theworldkindnessmovement.org/

Human Gratitude

Written By A. Alderman
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, UWF Student Authors

The Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of “grateful” is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”

Being kind and receiving kindness are important parts of being human. Appreciating each other and the world around us is something inherent to our very DNA, as evidenced by ancient artwork and the behavior of our ancestors. Humans have been taking care of each other for thousands of years; protecting each other, forming connections, and appreciating life and the world around them. In Vietnam, archeologists studying the Neolithic burial site of Mán Bạc unearthed the body of a young adult. Referred to as “Burial 9,” he suffered from a severe bone disorder and was mostly paralyzed, yet lived for at least 10 years after his paralysis. His age and the care given to his grave indicate he was loved, protected, and nurtured despite his inability to hunt. Other archaeological discoveries include French wall paintings evidently made by children, who had to have been shown and taught how to do so, provided with the materials, and in some cases, lifted up to complete their drawings.

Knowing all this, we can surmise that humans have been celebrating life, compassion, and each other for thousands of years. Even if we can’t conceptualize the reasons behind “why” prehistoric humans did such things as care for their disabled or teach children to paint because we don’t truly know what the time period was like, we can make extremely educated guesses that all circle back around to the fact that humans are social animals. There would be nothing to gain from this behavior besides a good, warm feeling. From a chemical standpoint, human brains rely on social cues to help trigger the release of important chemicals. One example of this is smiling. The brain interprets the positioning of facial muscles as a trigger to release endorphins, regardless of whether the smile is being forced or if it is natural. Chemicals in the brain like dopamine and serotonin provide a feeling of satisfaction and happiness, while endorphins relieve pain. Simply being around other humans you enjoy can make you feel better, and little acts of kindness can have an effect on you and all the people around you.

Simply remembering positive memories and being grateful they happened can have a positive effect on your health. Focusing on how much you appreciate and enjoy something in your life gives you a strong sense of satisfaction that can have a lasting effect on stress and depression levels, especially if you try to be grateful each day of your life. Connecting to others may be more difficult given the virus, but people continue to find ways to interact with each other. Laughing together on video calls, seeing smiles and smiling yourself, and looking into someone’s eyes through a screen are still valid ways of interaction and provide you with more than being alone and quiet ever will. It can feel difficult and unfulfilling to interact with your family and peers if you’re still limited to digital interaction, but staying grateful for what you do have and avoiding despair will keep you safe from some of the more quiet effects of COVID-19. Remain connected with who you can and remember that connections are important.

An Open Letter About Kindness

Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Community

By Jack Hindle

Kindness day is November 13th, and with it comes a reflection of the past and thoughts for the future.

 

Kindness is this ethereal quality or trait that brings some of the best experiences to the human condition. To me, kindness is linked to memory and hope. When we remember the moments when people were kind to us, it romanticizes and recolors our lens of the past. It’s in those moments that we look back on with the most sentiment and joy. When we feel connected to those moments of kindness, it makes the future feel a little less opaque and a little less heartless. If we can find moments and memories that tie us to some sort of optimism, it leads us to believe that there is hope for tomorrow.

 

This is where kindness holds its power; it can give us glimpses of good moments, creating hope for more of those moments to come. Kindness creates uncontainable smiles and joy-filled tears. Kindness can be so strong in moments that it doesn’t have to be a massive act to change a person’s life. It can be as simple as a conversation or an understanding nod.

 

I don’t want this open letter to be just preaching kindness, though. I believe that most people know that they should be kind, and most people want to be kind and try to bring kindness into their world. However, I do think a more interesting question and examination would be what kindness looked like in the past compared to how kindness is experienced and looks like today. 

 

I am a younger individual, but from asking older relatives and people I know, they seem to suggest that in the past, kindness dealt more with being patient and staying in a role where there was a common type of kindness. Twenty to forty years ago, the world was slower, and communities were tighter. World affairs were not as known or easy to access. Kindness moved through a projection of mellow movements. People stopped quicker to talk, and those talks would take their time. The same older generations see today’s kindness move quicker and is more worldly. Being kind to others has changed in that people are more aware of societal issues; thus, there is a stronger pessimism that one person’s actions wouldn’t fix much of anything.

 

I can see where they are coming from; when one has a deeper understanding of political and cultural institutions, it tends to create more cynicism about those institutions. I also believe that our cultural interactions with kindness have shifted, but not exactly how the older people in my life see it. I think there is a more concentrated level of wanting kindness to be spread to all facets of life beyond that of the individual. Not to say that an entire generation thinks the same way, for they definitely don’t, but I think that is where the shift has been. Younger people want kindness at all levels of society. Before you read on, I want to state that the younger generations are not a monolith, just like older generations are not a monolith. I think that young people see older people’s rose-tinted visions of the past as, at best, naive and at worst deceitful, but that also isn’t the whole story. When someone older remembers good moments in their lives, including moments of kindness, it’s not like those moments or feelings didn’t happen. There might have been something else going on in the background, but there might not have been. It is always case to case, and most importantly, those moments of kindness affected their lives. They made lasting memories, and they feel better about their lives because of it.

 

Kindness in corporations, governmental systems, and individual actions would be incredible, even if it is quixotic or lofty in hopes. Just trying to bring kindness to your life at all times becomes complicated and muddy the more you think about it. Being completely kind is itself lofty; for example, say you like avocados, but you learn that some avocados are farmed using modern-day slavery. You could think, “Well, supporting this with my money is not kind to those who are enslaved, so I am not going to eat any avocados without knowing one hundred percent where they come from.” If it were just avocados, then that wouldn’t be the hardest thing to manage, but it’s not just avocados, it’s chocolate, tomatoes, clothes, and the list just keeps going on. The more a person understands the world, the harder it is to be entirely kind. To top it off, just being kind in a day-to-day setting where you aren’t focused on where your products come from is already incredibly hard. After all, we are all human and to err is human. We can get frustrated and angry. Life is hard. Dealing with life is complicated and dealing with oneself is hard.

 

None of this is to say that it is pointless to be kind; it is the opposite. When kindness feels out of reach, it makes it all the more important to strive for it. This includes kindness to yourself. It is knowing that you’re not going to get it right one hundred percent of the time. I know that’s hard as well, but knowing and accepting future mistakes will let you move through life easier. When you know a mistake will happen in the future, you can get a leg up on working through it and fixing it. Again, this is easier said than done, and I also struggle with this all the time, but trying is always better than not trying at all.

 

Today is national kindness day, and for the most part, most people will not know that today is a celebration of kindness. Most people will go about their day no differently than before. However, if you do know that today is national kindness day, try your best, do what you can, that’s all anyone can ask for, and that’s all you can do.

 

Important Phone Numbers For Pensacola Florida

Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Community, Guides, Pensacola

Emergency Phone Numbers

All Emergencies – Call 911

 

Report Price Gouging – 866-966-7226

Insurance Consumer Helpline 1-877-693-5236

For evacuation and shelter information, please refer to:

Escambia County EMA: 850-471-6400 or bereadyescambia.com

STATE GOVERNMENT

Find Your Legislators

Attorney General (price gouging): 866-966-7226

Dept. of Children and Families: 850-595-8200

Dept. of Environmental Protection: 850-245-2118

Dept. of Labor (fraud, waste, abuse): 800-347-3756

FL Dept. of Transportation: 850-414-4100

FL Division of Forestry (burn permits): 850-957-5701

Poison Control: 800-222-1222

Florida Dept. of Health in Escambia County: 850-595-6500

West FL Regional Planning Council: 850-332-7976

Traffic Information (automated): 511

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

FEMA: 800-621-3362
National Weather Service (Mobile): 251-633-6443
US Army Corps of Engineers: 202-761-0011

For storm surge threat graphics and other storm impacts:
NWS Mobile: www.weather.gov/mob

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Board of County Commissioners: 850-595-4902
District 1: 850-595-4910
District 2:.850-595-4920
District 3: 850-595-4930
District 4: 850-595-4940
District 5: 850-595-4950

___________________________________________

County Administrator: 850-595-4947

Animal Control: 850-595-0097

Animal Shelter: 850-595-3075

Building Inspections/Permits: 850-595-3550

Code Compliance: 850-595-1820

Extension Service: 850-475-5230

Emergency Management: 850-471-6400

Environmental: 850-595-3623

Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline: 844-640-0008

Housing Information: 850-458-0466

Parks and Recreation: 850-475-5220

Planning and Zoning: 850-595-3475

Purchasing: 850-595-4980

Public Works: 850-595-3451

Recycling: 850-937-2160

Road & Bridge Division: 850-937-2120

Waste Services: 850-937-2160

Clerk of Court: 850-595-4310

Property Appraiser: 850-434-2735

City of Pensacola: 850-435-1603

Town of Century: 850-256-3208

Tax Collector: 850-438-6500

Escambia County School District: 850-432-6121

Supervisor of Elections: 850-595-3900

Information Referral: 211

LAW ENFORCEMENT

All emergencies: 911

Escambia County Sheriff’s Office: 850-436-9630

Florida Highway Patrol: 850-484-5000

Pensacola Police Department: 850-435-1900

Utilities

AT&T: 888-757-6500

Central Water Works (Century): 850–256-3849

Central Water Works Sunshine State One Call (call before you dig): 811

Emerald Coast Utilities Authority: 850-476-0480

Escambia River Electric – Co-op outages: 877-687-3732

Escambia River Electric – Gulf Power outages: 800-487-6937

Escambia River Electric – ESP Gas: 850-474-5307

Gonzalez Utilities: 850-968-5434

Farm Hill Utilities (Cantonment): 850-968-2573

Gulf Power outages: 800-487-6937

Molino Utilities: 850-587-5538

Pensacola Energy: 850-474-5300

Peoples Water: 850-455-8552

Town of Century (water/natural gas): 850-256-3208

Hurricanes And Storms

Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, Guides, Pensacola

Hurricane And Storm Preparedness

Emergency Preparations

No one is ever truly ready when a disaster strikes. Most people are only concerned about their safety and the safety of their loved ones. However, there are things that can be done to be prepared for what could be one of the most potential disasters in your life. For example, it’s really important that you have some things that are truly important in order.

One of the most important things to do in your preparation steps before a hurricane hits is to know if you’re in an evacuation zone. There are five areas in Escambia county and on the beach where evacuation take place when hurricanes are heading our way. In these zones, surges can go from up to seven ft. of water all the way up to over 20 ft. of water. You want to make sure that you pay attention to the news and follow instructions to avoid catastrophes.

In addition, NO ONE thinks about their priceless personal possessions until they are gone. Now is the time to think about what you want to preserve and what you want to let go of if confronted by a storm. However, there are certain things you would absolutely need if you were going to need to move quickly to protect in case of a sudden evacuation or emergency situation.

We have a list that would help you get your plan in order. Take an inventory of your household documents, contacts and valuables. We have a pdf file that you can download or you can go to www.ready.gov/financialprepardness and tones more information.

In addition, there are items you should also always have readily available in case of an emergency, hurricane, storm, or evacuation.

Hurricane Supplies

  • Water – You should have at least one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days for drinking and sanitation.
  • Food – You should have at least three days of a food supply that is non-perishable foods.
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First Aid Kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dusk mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheets and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench and pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contacts canned foods)
  • Local Maps
  • Prescriptions medications and glasses
  • Infant formula, baby food, and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pets (least one gallon per pet per day for at least 3 days for drinking and sanitation.
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and should be stored in a waterproof portable container
  • Cash or Travelers Checks
  • Emergency reference materials
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket or each person.
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing in colder climates.
  • Household Chlorine bleach and medicine dropper

When diluted nine-part water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleach with cleanser added.

  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Paper and pencil or pen
  • Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

Here is a shopping list for that shows supplies during a disaster that you may need.  The ideal thing to do is to prepare for at least 11 weeks.

Most people will try to run out and do all the shopping right before the storm, however, if you want to keep yourself the aggravation of long lines and having to deal with gas stations and people in general before a storm.  It’s good to start your preparation before the storm season begins.  While grocery shopping you can pick up extra items and store them away in your pantry.

In addition, if you can put away at least $25 – $50 in a cash jar hidden in a place you will remember. That way you will not have to worry about going to an ATM machine and dealing with it being out of cash, and if a storm hits, you will be able to be set for a few days until the banks can reopen.

Now is also the time to keep your car gassed up and if possible have a 5 or 10 gallon take available for you to store gas.  During storms, gas is the one thing people need on a regular basis to keep their cars, and generators going. However, make sure that you store your gas in a well-ventilated place because the fumes can be harmful, make you sick and cause death.

Remember during a hurricane or a storm, you want to board up your home.  By boarding up your home you are protecting yourself and family from nature debris that could enter through vulnerable areas of your homes and harm you or your family.  You also want to put away any loose furniture or debris before the storm occurs, that way the will not act as missiles which can be dangerous or even deadly to you and your family.

Another important thing to know and remember is where the local shelters are before a storm.  Many times, people don’t think that they will ever need shelter because they feel their home is secure and capable of weathering a storm.  However, when you’re prepared knowing where the local shelters could end up being a lifesaver.

To be completely prepared go to www.ready.gov it gives you a detailed list and vital information about any type of disaster and gives you a thorough list of any and everything you need in order to be safe and ready for anything.

For local information please go to https://www.bereadyalliance.org/ it will give you more information about how to protect yourself during a hurricane, flood, fire, earthquake, and anything else Florida may need and be prepared for.

Other Hurricane Preparedness Resources

Auto Research Guide

Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, Guides, Pensacola

See your cars’ value to decide if you should keep it or swap for a new ride. Depreciation of a new car happens very fast in a very dramatic way. We’ve lined up a panel of experts – Jim Dykstra, Philip Reed, and Jaclyn Trop – to discuss what information you need to hit that sweet spot of when a used car is most valuable.

When it comes to buying used cars, we’ve got you covered. Our list of the Best Used Cars includes models with key safety features to help you make the best choice that fits your budget.

Review of the top 10 picks for the best and most reliable used car you can buy for less than $5000. I will also tell you known issues or whether or not these cars have any minor mechanical issues. Some of these cars you can buy for under $3000 but mostly will fall between under $4000 and the $5000 range.

Find out which used mid-sized SUVs owners love and
would buy again. Also, learn which SUVs owners regret
buying.

The 10 Underrated & Underappreciated Used Cars

Top 10 Best Used Cars for Under $5000 That You Can Buy Today

Top 10 Best Luxury Cars For Under $35,000

Best Affordable Luxury Cars

Learn how to call the owner of a used car, figure out what the car is worth, run a free VIN number check, and many other tips and tricks. If you see a used car for sale on the side of the road and want to know if it is worth going for a test drive, I go through all of the things you want to do before you go on the test drive. This way you won’t waste your time and so you don’t get ripped off!

Engine Bay Detailing

Learn how to Super Clean your engine bay. I show you how to clean and detail the engine bay in a simple 5 step process that will NOT damage your engine or electrics!

Learn How to wash your car properly. Learn
everything you need to know to Super Clean
your car and make the paint go from old, dirty,
and dull, to clean, glossy and bright!

In this part one, MotoMan answers the question of how to buy a used car on a $5000 budget.

If you’re shopping for a new car and aren’t
sure where to start, this list is a great place.
Consumer Reports has released its annual list
of the 10 Top Picks, and this year there are seven
new vehicles taking top honors in their segments.
Leading the way this year is Toyota, with four models
in the Top Picks list, while Chevrolet has two.

Even though our estimates say that the breaking point will happen in 2023,  when EVs will pass the moment of no return and start their dominance, but the 2018 that is just around the corner and the upcoming 2019 have already stored a great line up of electric cars and we are not only talking about Model 3.

NISSAN LEAF REVIEW

BEST USED CAR VALUE EVER!

Your Car Angel reviews a first generation Hyundai Genesis that ran between 2009-2014. It is another 100k long term review on a car that is considered one of the Best Used Cars to Buy especially in the luxury used cars.

Consumer Reports recently compiled a list of the 10 car models that it believes are the most likely to reach 200,000 miles without needing major repairs. The vehicles are all cars that have reached more than 200,000 miles in recent years, according to CR reader survey data, and are ranked in descending order based on the percentage of the vehicles with zero recorded problems in the past 12 months.

Everyone Against Racism

Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, Community

The movement we are seeing in the U.S. was inspired by the unfortunate stories of many people – Black, White, Hispanic, Native American, LGBTQ, police officers, women, children, and well everyone. This movement is not just about one man or one race. This is about racism – getting rid of racism.

This is a time to come together – to focus on the things that we have in common. All of us want respect, love, opportunity, and a peaceful life.
We are all ONE RACE – the HUMAN RACE. Let’s come together in cooperation and respect to solve the problems of our world.
Let’s all stand together to end RACISM. Stop the Hate and Spread the Love!
#EAR, #EveryoneAgainstRacism

Stand With Us To Stop Racism

  1. Put our Twibbon Ring around your profile picture on Facebook.
  2. Use one of our FaceBook covers for your FaceBook page.
  3. Educate By Watching The Videos Below

Systemic Racism

System Racism And Black Women

Discussion: The Path To Ending System Racism In The US

Emergency Preparation

Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Community, Guides, Pensacola

What Is A Hurricane Watch?

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.

What Is A Hurricane Warning?

An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

How To Prepare And Stay Safe During A Hurricane

During A Hurricane

  • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
    • Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Be extra careful when walking outside.
    • Storm damage such as downed power lines and fallen debris could injure you.

6 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Close storm shutters if possible and stay away from windows.
    • Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
  • Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary.
    • If you lose power, food will last longer.

6 To 12 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Turn on your TV/radio, or check your local government’s website frequently.
    • You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Charge your phone.
    • You’ll have a full battery if you lose power.

12 To 36 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Bring in outdoor furniture and other items that could blow away.
    • These may become a safety hazard.
  • Bookmark your local government’s website.
    • This gives you quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.

36 To 48 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit.
    • Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
  • Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power.
    • For example, you can use phone, text, social media, or email.
  • Create an evacuation plan with your family.
    • You may have to leave quickly.

A Picture Guide To Shelf Invertebrates From The Northern Gulf Of Mexico

Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, Guides, Pensacola