Received: from evaki.its.uow.edu.au ([130.130.68.32]) by anubis.ad.uow.edu.au with Microsoft SMTPSVC(6.0.3790.3959); Sun, 14 Oct 2007 09:05:56 +1000 Received: from febris-nat.its.uow.edu.au ([130.130.68.210] helo=febris.its.uow.edu.au) by evaki.its.uow.edu.au with esmtp (Exim 4.63) (envelope-from ) id 1Igq3Q-0001uV-I8 for blane@uow.edu.au; Sun, 14 Oct 2007 09:05:56 +1000 Received: from servervs1.bosweb.local (eth3951.nsw.adsl.internode.on.net [150.101.126.110]) by febris.its.uow.edu.au (MOS 3.8.5-GA) with ESMTP id GBR44726; Sun, 14 Oct 2007 09:05:54 +1000 (EST) Received: from servervs1 ([127.0.0.1]) by servervs1.bosweb.local with Microsoft SMTPSVC(6.0.3790.3959); Sun, 14 Oct 2007 09:05:15 +1000 Thread-Topic: Making Friends - Living Longer Reply-To: Message-ID: thread-index: AcgN7YRTE+/BZcyrQnW9k+YDGDiD6Q== From: To: Subject: Making Friends - Living Longer Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2007 09:05:15 +1000 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_24D6_01C80E41.56028D10" X-Mailer: Microsoft CDO for Windows 2000 Content-Class: urn:content-classes:message Importance: normal Priority: normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.3790.4133 X-OriginalArrivalTime: 13 Oct 2007 23:05:15.0883 (UTC) FILETIME=[845803B0:01C80DED] X-Junkmail-Status: score=10/49, host=febris.its.uow.edu.au X-Junkmail-SD-Raw: score=unknown, refid=str=0001.0A090209.47114F53.00E3,ss=1,fgs=0, ip=150.101.126.110, so=2007-07-31 18:51:00, dmn=5.4.3/2007-09-06 Return-Path: info@fathersonline.org This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_24D6_01C80E41.56028D10 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Unable to read this email? Please click here Issue 269 - 15th October, 2007 Go to our website Here * Hello & Welcome Brian * Grandads * Laughter * Single Dads * Special Feature * Thought of the Week * All You Need is Love * News & Info * Dad's Prayer * Help Us Hello & Welcome Brian The saying, 'the friendless owner of the world is poor' could well be changed to, 'the friendless owner of the world is sick'. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, have identified a distinct pattern of gene expression in immune cells from people who experience chronically high levels of loneliness. 'The study provides a molecular framework for understanding why social factors are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, viral infections and cancer. Having previously established that lonely people suffer from higher mortality than people who are not, researchers are now trying to determine whether that risk is a result' of one or several factors - (full story in Special Feature). Researchers the world over agree that health risks are increased as relationships deteriorate and loneliness increases. Chris Kemp, in an article titled 'Death Through Isolation' tell us that in 1999 a Swedish study was released that strongly indicated that: 'Social isolation is a major factor in the development of heart disease. The heart rates of 300 healthy women were monitored continuously over a 24-hour period. The subjects also answered questions about the proximity of their families, their network of friends and how frequently they felt angry or sad. Findings showed that the hearts of women who had no friends or family to turn to for help or social interaction were less able to respond to the stresses put on them by common situations. Their hearts showed a level of consistency that lacked the peaks and troughs normally seen in heart rate throughout the day. This lack of heart rate variability has long been implicated as a causative factor of heart disease. In other words, loneliness kills. This is a bold statement, but it's not truly shocking news. In the 1950s, researchers at Harvard University randomly selected 126 males and asked them to describe the kind of relationship they had with their parents. In 1987, medical files were obtained for the subjects, most of whom were then in their 50s. More than 90 percent of those who previously had described a cold and unaffectionate relationship with their mothers had been diagnosed with serious illnesses in the intervening 35 years. These ranged from coronary artery disease, stomach ulcers and depression to alcoholism and hypertension. In those who recalled a warm, loving relationship with their mothers, only 45 percent had suffered serious illness.' Dr Lisa Berkman, citing the Alameda County Studies, said that men and women who lacked ties to others (in this case, based on an index assessing contacts with friends and relatives, marital status and church and group membership) were 1.9 to 3.1 times more likely to die in a 9 year follow up period from 1965 to 1974 than those who had more contacts. The causes of death were not limited to one type of disease but included heart disease, circulatory disease, cancer, respiratory disease and many others. Clearly loneliness kills!! Perhaps we should reverse the negative to a positive. Good relationships bring life. A recent article in The Times, UK, said that, 'Marriage still confers considerable benefits to adults and children alike, according to a comprehensive study on the state of the family. The British Office for National Statistics has published definitive proof that married couple live longer, enjoy better health and can rely on more home care in old age than their divorced, widowed, single and co-habiting peers. Children who live with their married parents are also healthier and are more successful in their educational achievements.' What is the message here for fathers? Invest in your marriages and your family relationships. Enjoy your friendships because as we said before, the friendless owner of the world is not only poor, but is likely to be sick. Lovework Invest in your relationships. You will be surprised how much you get back and your children will be better off for it. Yours for relationship investing Warwick Marsh ___________________________________________________________ Warwick Marsh has been married to Alison for 32 years. He is the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in age from 26 years to 14 years. Warwick is a musician, songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he can still laugh at himself. back to top Grandads Couples work to adjust to retirement - together By Liza N. Burby September 21, 2007 When Barbara Tavel stopped working, all kept going well. "Our retirement together has been great," says Barbara, and she feels that's because she and Jerry created a list of goals and objectives. Jerry wanted that, too. They decided all their activities didn't have to be shared, though they always meet for dinner. "This is a wonderful time of life, when we get to do what we want to do, when and with whom we want," says Barbara. "But retirement does require couples to communicate their needs." Experts say couples often don't plan for their retirement together the way the Tavels did. While workers put a lot of energy into preparing for the financial ramifications of retirement, little attention tends to be paid to how their marriage will be affected. This is surprising when you consider that with increased longevity and earlier retirements, you're likely to share 20-plus years at home with your spouse, says Scott Haltzman, a geriatric psychologist and author of "The Secrets of Happily Married Men: Eight Ways to Win Your Wife's Heart Forever." Married couples may have spent the past 30 or more years seeing each other only evenings, weekends and vacations. Haltzman says many are not prepared to share an extra eight to 10 hours a day, seven days a week. "They haven't learned how to play or forgot what it was like before kids and work took up all their time," he says. "This can often put unexpected pressures on individuals already facing the transitional issues of leaving behind a career." . . . Concludes Haltzman, "Hopefully, when couples discover all that they can do in retirement, they'll find those extra 10 hours a day together isn't enough." For the Newsday article: http://www.newsday.com/business/ny-bzcov0922,0,352684.story back to top Laughter Alarm clock: a device to wake people who have no children! At a certain age, a man's hair starts to grow inwards. If it strikes grey matter it turns grey. If it doesn't strike anything it disappears! It is true that children brighten a home. They never turn the lights off. It is also true that TV causes violence. Whenever I turn it up too high, someone clouts me! He was madly in love with her, but he couldn't pluck up the courage to propose. At last he decided to try over the phone. "Darling, will you marry me?" "Of course I will, you silly boy! Who is speaking?" "Why didn't you say you'd marry him?" "Well he said he'd die if I didn't and I'm just curious..." How do you stop your wife from getting nervous? Tell her it's a sign of advancing age! I finally worked out why babies suck their thumbs. I tried some baby food. Written in an essay about parents: "We get our parents so old that it's very difficult to change their ways." Insanity is hereditary. Parents get it from their children. "If you eat any more, son, you'll explode!" "Yes Dad. Pass the cake and stand back!" "You dance beautifully!" "I wish I could say the same for you!" "You could, if you were as big a liar as I am..." You can tell you're getting old when your children study in history what you used to study in current affairs. "My wife has been nursing a grouch all week!" "Been sick, have you?" "Dad, how do they catch lunatics?" "With lipstick, beautiful dresses and pretty smiles!" "A lot of people are going to be miserable when I finally decide who to marry!" "Why, how many people are you going to marry?" "You look like a sensible girl. Will you marry me?" "No way. I'm not quite as sensible as I look!" After hearing about how God created Eve, a little boy came in holding a pain in his side and told his mother, "I think I'm going to have a wife..." back to top Single Dads Please read the letter below and after you have read the rest of this message and if you feel as though we have a responsibility to those who are victims to this injustice, then print off copies and sign them and send them to as many Federal Candidates as possible. Please circulate this to as many people as possible as you can We have approximately 52 days to countdown to the coming Federal election and we must make a stand. I also ask that you save this letter and email it to as many Federal candidates as possible. Target marginal seats in S.A. IF YOU ARE INTERSTATE THEN TARGET YOUR OWN CANDIDATES & THEN VOTE ACCORDINGLY: This is a national problem and we need to deal with this as a nation. Please help, all it will cost is your time and a few stamps. Regards Ann Bressington Legislative Council, South Australia Family Law Court PERJURY PALACE! For too long now the "Family Law Court Circus" has been allowed to perpetrate injustice against Aussie battlers. The children, parents and families who have been exposed to this injustice are now saying "enough is enough". There has been a consolidated lobby growing at the grassroots where Aussie battlers have made the decision to "use their vote wisely". There are also a number of Independent candidates running in seats all over Australia who are seeking meaningful Family Law Reform. In Australia 3 Aussie Dads commit suicide everyday because of the decisions and actions of the "Family Law Court Circus" that alienates parents from their children and allows false allegations to be aired in court without any consequences. This has opened the flood gate for false allegations and those who become trapped in this system know that "he who lies most wins". "The Family Law Court Circus" pits mothers against fathers and vice versa and also turns parents against grandparents in many instances. The true victims of these actions are, of course the children. I am writing to let you know that I am one of those Australian citizens who will be watching for your response to this and will be waiting to hear what you as an elected member of the people are prepared to do about this silent killer of aussie battlers. I am not prepared to allow for more children to be separated from their parents or for innocent victims to have to bear the burden of false allegations, or for mother to have to hand over their children knowing they will be abused by the other parent. I am demanding that you commit to solving these problems and support a "zero tolerance of false allegations" the "rebuttable presumption of shared parenting". If you or your government is unable to provide the safety and protection to your constituents that they deserve, then I will vote accordingly. Reign in the family court lawyers and develop legislation that will force them to represent their clients in a fair and democratic manner rather than encouraging false allegations and stripping individuals of their cash and assets. I want to see YOU make them accountable and abolish the practices that are occurring that drive people to suicide or force them to give up because their money has run out. If you want to be in government then you must take responsibility for this monster that is out of control and ruining the lives of so many. There is a silent majority who has woken up and will no longer tolerate what has been allowed for so long. Yours sincerely Please print name and telephone number. back to top Special Feature LONELINESS CAUSES HEART DISEASE? NewsMax Health Newsletter, 13 Sep 2007 Loneliness Causes Inflammation, Leads to Heart Disease It's already known that a person's social environment can affect their health, with those who are socially isolated, that is, lonely, suffering from higher mortality than people who are not. Now, in the first study of its kind, published in the current issue of the journal Genome Biology, UCLA researchers have identified a distinct pattern of gene expression in immune cells from people who experience chronically high levels of loneliness. The findings suggest that feelings of social isolation are linked to alterations in the activity of genes that drive inflammation, the first response of the immune system. The study provides a molecular framework for understanding why social factors are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, viral infections and cancer. Having previously established that lonely people suffer from higher mortality than people who are not, researchers are now trying to determine whether that risk is a result of reduced social resources, such as physical or economic assistance, or from the biological impact of social isolation on the function of the human body. "What this study shows is that the biological impact of social isolation reaches down into some of our most basic internal processes the activity of our genes," said Steve Cole, an associate professor of medicine in the division of Hematology-Oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, and a member of the UCLA Cousins Centre for Psychoneuroimmunology. "We found that changes in immune cell gene expression were specifically linked to the subjective experience of social distance," said Cole, who is also a member of the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre. "The differences we observed were independent of other known risk factors, such as health status, age, weight, and medication use. The changes were even independent of the objective size of a person's social network." Cole and colleagues at UCLA and the University of Chicago used DNA microarrays to survey the activity of all known human genes in white blood cells from 14 individuals in the Chicago Health, Aging, and Social Relations Study. Six participants scored in the top 15 percent of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, a widely used measure of loneliness that was developed in the 1970s; the others scored in the bottom 15 percent. The researchers found 209 gene transcripts (the first step in the making of a protein) were differentially expressed between the two groups, with 78 being over-expressed and 131 under-expressed. 'Leukocyte (white blood cell) gene expression appears to be remodelled in chronically lonely individuals, ' said Cole. Genes over-expressed in lonely individuals included many involved in immune system activation and inflammation. But interestingly, several other key gene sets were under-expressed, including those involved in antiviral responses and antibody production. "These findings provide molecular targets for our efforts to block the adverse health effects of social isolation," said Cole. "We found that what counts at the level of gene expression is not how many people you know, its how many you feel really close to over time." In the future, he said, the transcriptional fingerprint they've identified might become useful as a Obiomarker' to monitor interventions designed to reduce the impact of loneliness on health. This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Mind, Body, Brain and Health Initiative of the John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation, the Norman Cousins Centre at UCLA, the John Templeton Foundation, and the James B Pendelton Charitable Trust. Other authors included Louise C Hawkley, Jesusa M Arevalo, Caroline Y Sung, Robert M Rose, and John T Cacioppo. The Cousins Centre encompasses an interdisciplinary network of scientists working to advance the understanding of psychoneuroimmunology by linking basic and clinical research programs and by translating findings into clinical practice. The centre is affiliated with the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour and the David Geffen School of Medicine. back to top Thought of the Week He who wants friends must show himself friendly Proverbs back to top All You Need is Love The following satirical piece about the marriage manifesto appeared in the Sunday Telegraph October 7, 2007 p.114. Although, we can't help but feel that Jacinta is a closet supporter of marriage. By Jacinta Tynan Wedrock is the Bedrock of Marriage. So you want to get married? Well, don't wait till you find the love of your life. How misguided to hold out for The One, to search for someone to take your breath away, or hanker after a soul mate. What about the economy, societal order, life expectancy and the good of the nation? Just like the famous Communist Manifesto of 1848, written by Engels and Marx, there's a call to arms in the Marriage Manifesto of Canberra 2007. It's a grand plan, a course of action for a nation that has let the sacred institution of marriage flounder at the expense of temporary unions and wayward affiliations. It's time to act, to save marriage once and for all before it becomes all too hard and slips out of existence. As the major parties jockey for position ahead of an impending federal election, they're being urged to have marriage on their minds. But it's had some bad PR of late. Shane Warne has certainly done it no favours. Then there's that escalating divorce rate: 39 per cent of marriages end in divorce, and the figure is rising. The Marriage Manifesto sets out what governments can do to change all that. It's all well and good to focus on climate change, tax brackets and the war on terror, but wedlock, according to manifesto signatories, is the "bedrock'' of our nation - and it's at serious risk. The manifesto cites pro-marriage research to show that it's vital for economic prosperity (married people earn more money) and the health and psychological well-being of the nation (married people live longer and are more sane). It argues that children raised by wedded parents are better off than those who aren't (umm ... depends on the parents), and no marriage, or late marriage, is believed to be the single biggest factor affecting fertility. As for the alternatives, divorce doesn't make people any happier: 37 per cent of divorcees admit they regretted it five years later. Divorce also costs taxpayers $4billion a year; co-habitation is even less likely to last than marriage; and being single forever is just not an option, as most Australians still long for wedded bliss. So, if matrimony is the collective aim, here's what governments must do: make it harder. It's harder to get a driver's licence than to commit to spend the rest of your life with another. All you need is love - and they'll take your word for it. Plenty of people think it's love and slip through the net, or are trying to get in quick lest they miss the boat. Applying rigorous testing for long-term potential would wheedle out pretenders. Far cheaper to subsidise marriage classes, one of the key manifesto recommendations, and introduce tax incentives for wedded couples. Marriage performances would be incorporated in government policy, taking into account declining divorce rates and more babies born in a marital unit. As citizens, we can do our bit by getting married. But what if you can't find someone to tie the knot with? That could well be our fault for being unrealistic. Manifesto co-author Jane Rookes points out: "The criteria people look for in a spouse are often flawed from the start. "They think a relationship is about feelings, so they're forever looking for that. But they've been sold a lie. "It's about finding someone who shares your values and your passion.'' And therein lies the problem. For MPs to turn the tide on the marriage problem, they must first overturn our ideals of love. Who's gonna fall for that? Jacinta Tynan is an author and a presenter with Sky News. back to top News & Info Manhood Men's Gathering 2007 Fri 9th 5pm- Sun 11th 3pm November Camp Bornhoffen, Gold Coast QLD www.mhwaq.org.au Australian Camp Connect Association Lots of activities, links, programs, newsletter www.campconnect.org.au Letters Dear Fatherhood Foundation I am writing to ask that the fatherhood add that is currently on TV be taken off. My daughter lost her father 4 years ago and is still not coping very well. Every time she sees the add she gets upset. I know fathers are important, but imagine how many children must feel when they do not have a father anymore. Thank you Anne back to top Dad's Prayer Dear God Help me make friends. Help me be a friend. Help me enjoy my friendships. and so become healthier in the process. Hopefully my children want me to stick around a lot longer. back to top Help Us Click here for more information about us Help Us! The Fatherhood Foundation is a Harm Prevention Charity. Fatherlessness and inadequate fathering has been proven to be a source of harm. The Fatherhood Foundation helps children by promoting excellence in fathering. Excellent fathers are in word and deed: responsible, involved, protective, loving and committed to the well-being of their children and their children's mother. If you would like to give financially to the Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund and receive tax deductibility: Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund (Name, address and amount details must be emailed for a receipt for tax deductibility) Westpac Branch Wollongong BSB: 032 695 A/C: 25-5558 Or mail cheque and address details to: PO Box 440 WOLLONGONG NSW 2520 AUSTRALIA The Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund is a public fund listed on the Register of Harm Prevention Charities under Subdivision 30_EA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. You have received the fathersonline.org newsletter because you have subscribed, or you have been subscribed by a friend. If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click the UNSUBSCRIBE button below or send an email to info@fathersonline.org with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject heading. back to top Click Here to Unsubscribe ------=_NextPart_000_24D6_01C80E41.56028D10 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Fatherhood Foundation
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Issue 269 - 15th October, 2007 Go to our website Here


Hello & Welcome Brian

The saying, 'the friendless owner of the world is poor' could well be changed to, 'the friendless owner of the world is sick'. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, have identified a distinct pattern of gene expression in immune cells from people who experience chronically high levels of loneliness.

 

'The study provides a molecular framework for understanding why social factors are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, viral infections and cancer.  Having previously established that lonely people suffer from higher mortality than people who are not, researchers are now trying to determine whether that risk is a result' of one or several factors - (full story in Special Feature).

 

Researchers the world over agree that health risks are increased as relationships deteriorate and loneliness increases. Chris Kemp, in an article titled 'Death Through Isolation' tell us that in 1999 a Swedish study was released that strongly indicated that:

'Social isolation is a major factor in the development of heart disease. The heart rates of 300 healthy women were monitored continuously over a 24-hour period. The subjects also answered questions about the proximity of their families, their network of friends and how frequently they felt angry or sad.

Findings showed that the hearts of women who had no friends or family to turn to for help or social interaction were less able to respond to the stresses put on them by common situations. Their hearts showed a level of consistency that lacked the peaks and troughs normally seen in heart rate throughout the day. This lack of heart rate variability has long been implicated as a causative factor of heart disease. In other words, loneliness kills.

 

This is a bold statement, but it's not truly shocking news. In the 1950s, researchers at Harvard University randomly selected 126 males and asked them to describe the kind of relationship they had with their parents. In 1987, medical files were obtained for the subjects, most of whom were then in their 50s. More than 90 percent of those who previously had described a cold and unaffectionate relationship with their mothers had been diagnosed with serious illnesses in the intervening 35 years. These ranged from coronary artery disease, stomach ulcers and depression to alcoholism and hypertension. In those who recalled a warm, loving relationship with their mothers, only 45 percent had suffered serious illness.'

 

Dr Lisa Berkman, citing the Alameda County Studies, said that men and women who lacked ties to others (in this case, based on an index assessing contacts with friends and relatives, marital status and church and group membership) were 1.9 to 3.1 times more likely to die in a 9 year follow up period from 1965 to 1974 than those who had more contacts. The causes of death were not limited to one type of disease but included heart disease, circulatory disease, cancer, respiratory disease and many others. Clearly loneliness kills!!

 

Perhaps we should reverse the negative to a positive. Good relationships bring life.

 

A recent article in The Times, UK, said that, 'Marriage still confers considerable benefits to adults and children alike, according to a comprehensive study on the state of the family. The British Office for National Statistics has published definitive proof that married couple live longer, enjoy better health and can rely on more home care in old age than their divorced, widowed, single and co-habiting peers. Children who live with their married parents are also healthier and are more successful in their educational achievements.'

 

What is the message here for fathers? Invest in your marriages and your family relationships. Enjoy your friendships because as we said before, the friendless owner of the world is not only poor, but is likely to be sick.

 

Lovework

 

Invest in your relationships. You will be surprised how much you get back and your children will be better off for it.

 

Yours for relationship investing

Warwick Marsh

___________________________________________________________

Warwick Marsh  has been married to Alison for 32 years. He is the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in age from 26 years to 14 years.  Warwick is a musician, songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he can still laugh at himself.

back to top

Grandads

 

Couples work to adjust to retirement - together

By Liza N. Burby September 21, 2007

 

When Barbara Tavel stopped working, all kept going well. "Our retirement together has been great," says Barbara, and she feels that's because she and Jerry created a list of goals and objectives. Jerry wanted that, too.

 

They decided all their activities didn't have to be shared, though they always meet for dinner.

 

"This is a wonderful time of life, when we get to do what we want to do, when and with whom we want," says Barbara. "But retirement does require couples to communicate their needs."

 

Experts say couples often don't plan for their retirement together the way the Tavels did. While workers put a lot of energy into preparing for the financial ramifications of retirement, little attention tends to be paid to how their marriage will be affected.

 

This is surprising when you consider that with increased longevity and earlier retirements, you're likely to share 20-plus years at home with your spouse, says Scott Haltzman, a geriatric psychologist and author of "The Secrets of Happily Married Men: Eight Ways to Win Your Wife's Heart Forever."

 

Married couples may have spent the past 30 or more years seeing each other only evenings, weekends and vacations. Haltzman says many are not prepared to share an extra eight to 10 hours a day, seven days a week. "They haven't learned how to play or forgot what it was like before kids and work took up all their time," he says. "This can often put unexpected pressures on individuals already facing the transitional issues of leaving behind a career."

 

 . . . Concludes Haltzman, "Hopefully, when couples discover all that they can do in retirement, they'll find those extra 10 hours a day together isn't enough."

 

For the Newsday article:

http://www.newsday.com/business/ny-bzcov0922,0,352684.story

back to top

Laughter

Alarm clock: a device to wake people who have no children!

 

At a certain age, a man's hair starts to grow inwards. If it strikes grey matter it turns grey. If it doesn't strike anything it disappears!

 

It is true that children brighten a home. They never turn the lights off.

 

It is also true that TV causes violence. Whenever I turn it up too high, someone clouts me!

 

He was madly in love with her, but he couldn't pluck up the courage to propose. At last he decided to try over the phone. "Darling, will you marry me?" "Of course I will, you silly boy! Who is speaking?"

 

"Why didn't you say you'd marry him?" "Well he said he'd die if I didn't and I'm just curious..."

 

How do you stop your wife from getting nervous? Tell her it's a sign of advancing age!

 

I finally worked out why babies suck their thumbs. I tried some baby food.

 

Written in an essay about parents: "We get our parents so old that it's very difficult to change their ways."

 

Insanity is hereditary. Parents get it from their children.

 

"If you eat any more, son, you'll explode!" "Yes Dad. Pass the cake and stand back!"

 

"You dance beautifully!" "I wish I could say the same for you!" "You could, if you were as big a liar as I am..."

 

You can tell you're getting old when your children study in history what you used to study in current affairs.

 

"My wife has been nursing a grouch all week!"
"Been sick, have you?"

 

"Dad, how do they catch lunatics?" "With lipstick, beautiful dresses and pretty smiles!"

 

"A lot of people are going to be miserable when I finally decide who to marry!" "Why, how many people are you going to marry?"

 

"You look like a sensible girl. Will you marry me?"
"No way. I'm not quite as sensible as I look!"

 

After hearing about how God created Eve, a little boy came in holding a pain in his side and told his mother, "I think I'm going to have a wife..."

back to top

Single Dads

Please read the letter below and after you have read the rest of this message and if you feel as though we have a responsibility to those who are victims to this injustice, then print off copies and sign them and send them to as many Federal Candidates as possible.  Please circulate this to as many people as possible as you can We have approximately 52 days to countdown to the coming Federal election and we must make a stand.  I also ask that you save this letter and email it to as many Federal candidates as possible.  Target marginal seats in S.A. IF YOU ARE INTERSTATE THEN TARGET YOUR OWN CANDIDATES & THEN VOTE ACCORDINGLY:

 

This is a national problem and we need to deal with this as a nation.  Please help, all it will cost is your time and a few stamps.

 

Regards

Ann Bressington

Legislative Council, South Australia

 

Family Law Court

PERJURY PALACE!

 

For too long now the "Family Law Court Circus" has been allowed to perpetrate injustice against Aussie battlers.  The children, parents and families who have been exposed to this injustice are now saying "enough is enough".

 

There has been a consolidated lobby growing at the grassroots where Aussie battlers have made the decision to "use their vote wisely".  There are also a number of Independent candidates running in seats all over Australia who are seeking meaningful Family Law Reform.

 

In Australia 3 Aussie Dads commit suicide everyday because of the decisions and actions of the "Family Law Court Circus" that alienates parents from their children and allows false allegations to be aired in court without any consequences.  This has opened the flood gate for false allegations and those who become trapped in this system know that "he who lies most wins". "The Family Law Court Circus" pits mothers against fathers and vice versa and also turns parents against grandparents in many instances.  The true victims of these actions are, of course the children.

 

I am writing to let you know that I am one of those Australian citizens who will be watching for your response to this and will be waiting to hear what you as an elected member of the people are prepared to do about this silent killer of aussie battlers.  I am not prepared to allow for more children to be separated from their parents or for innocent victims to have to bear the burden of false allegations, or for mother to have to hand over their children knowing they will be abused by the other parent.  I am demanding that you commit to solving these problems and support a "zero tolerance of false allegations" the "rebuttable presumption of shared parenting".  If you or your government is unable to provide the safety and protection to y! our constituents that they deserve, then I will vote accordingly.

 

Reign in the family court lawyers and develop legislation that will force them to represent their clients in a fair and democratic manner rather than encouraging false allegations and stripping individuals of their cash and assets.  I want to see YOU make them accountable and abolish the practices that are occurring that drive people to suicide or force them to give up because their money has run out.  If you want to be in government then you must take responsibility for this monster that is out of control and ruining the lives of so many.  There is a silent majority who! has woken up and will no longer tolerate what has been allowed for so long.

 

Yours sincerely

Please print name and telephone number.

 

back to top

Special Feature

LONELINESS CAUSES HEART DISEASE?

NewsMax Health Newsletter, 13 Sep 2007

 

Loneliness Causes Inflammation, Leads to Heart Disease 

 

It's already known that a person's social environment can affect their health, with those who are socially isolated, that is, lonely, suffering from higher mortality than people who are not.

 

Now, in the first study of its kind, published in the current issue of the journal Genome Biology, UCLA researchers have identified a distinct pattern of gene expression in immune cells from people who experience chronically high levels of loneliness. The findings suggest that feelings of social isolation are linked to alterations in the activity of genes that drive inflammation, the first response of the immune system.

 

The study provides a molecular framework for understanding why social factors are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, viral infections and cancer.  Having previously established that lonely people suffer from higher mortality than people who are not, researchers are now trying to determine whether that risk is a result of reduced social resources, such as physical or economic assistance, or from the biological impact of social isolation on the function of the human body. "What this study shows is that the biological impact of social isolation reaches down into some of our most basic internal processes the activity of our genes," said Steve Cole, an associate professor of medicine in the division of Hematology-Oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, and a member of the UCLA Cousins Cen! tre for Psychoneuroimmunology. 

 

"We found that changes in immune cell gene expression were specifically linked to the subjective experience of social distance," said Cole, who is also a member of the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre. "The differences we observed were independent of other known risk factors, such as health status, age, weight, and medication use. The changes were even independent of the objective size of a person's social network."  Cole and colleagues at UCLA and the University of Chicago used DNA microarrays to survey the activity of all! known human genes in  white blood cells from 14 individuals in the Chicago Health, Aging, and Social Relations Study. Six participants scored in the top 15 percent of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, a widely used measure of loneliness that was developed in the 1970s; the others scored in the bottom 15 percent. The researchers found 209 gene transcripts (the first step in the making of a protein) were differentially expressed between the two groups, with 78 being over-expressed and 131 under-expressed.  'Leukocyte (white blood cell) gene expression appears to be remodelled in chronically lonely individuals, ' said Cole. 

 

Genes over-expressed in lonely individuals included many involved in immune system activation and inflammation. But interestingly, several other key gene sets were under-expressed, including those involved in antiviral responses and antibody production. "These findings provide molecular targets for our efforts to block the adverse health effects of social isolation," said Cole.  "We found that what counts at the level of gene expression is not how many people you know, its how many you feel really close to over time." In the future, he said, the transcriptional fingerprint they've identified might become useful as a Obiomarker' to monitor  interventions designed to reduce the! impact of loneliness on health. 

 

This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Mind, Body, Brain and Health Initiative of the John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation, the Norman Cousins Centre at UCLA,  the John Templeton Foundation, and the James B Pendelton Charitable Trust. Other authors included Louise C Hawkley, Jesusa M Arevalo, Caroline Y Sung, Robert M Rose, and John T Cacioppo.  The Cousins Centre encompasses an interdisciplinary network of  scientists working to advance the understanding of psychoneuroimmunology by linking basic and clinical research programs and by translating findings into clinical practice. The centre is affiliated with the Semel Institute for Neuroscience ! and Human Behaviour and the David Geffen School of Medicine.

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Thought of the Week

 

 
He who wants friends
must show himself friendly
 
Proverbs
  
!

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All You Need is Love

The following satirical piece about the marriage manifesto appeared in the Sunday Telegraph October 7, 2007 p.114. Although, we can't help but feel that Jacinta is a closet supporter of marriage.

 

By Jacinta Tynan

 

Wedrock is the Bedrock of Marriage. 

So you want to get married?

Well, don't wait till you find the love of your life.

How misguided to hold out for The One, to search for someone to take your breath away, or hanker after a soul mate.

 

What about the economy, societal order, life expectancy and the good of the nation?

 

Just like the famous Communist Manifesto of 1848, written by Engels and Marx, there's a call to arms in the Marriage Manifesto of Canberra 2007.

 

It's a grand plan, a course of action for a nation that has let the sacred institution of marriage flounder at the expense of temporary unions and wayward affiliations.

 

It's time to act, to save marriage once and for all before it becomes all too hard and slips out of existence. As the major parties jockey for position ahead of an impending federal election, they're being urged to have marriage on their minds. But it's had some bad PR of late.

 

Shane Warne has certainly done it no favours. Then there's that escalating divorce rate: 39 per cent of marriages end in divorce, and the figure is rising.

 

The Marriage Manifesto sets out what governments can do to change all that. It's all well and good to focus on climate change, tax brackets and the war on terror, but wedlock, according to manifesto signatories, is the "bedrock'' of our nation - and it's at serious risk.

 

The manifesto cites pro-marriage research to show that it's vital for economic prosperity (married people earn more money) and the health and psychological well-being of the nation (married people live longer and are more sane).

 

It argues that children raised by wedded parents are better off than those who aren't (umm ... depends on the parents), and no marriage, or late marriage, is believed to be the single biggest factor affecting fertility.

 

As for the alternatives, divorce doesn't make people any happier: 37 per cent of divorcees admit they regretted it five years later.

 

Divorce also costs taxpayers $4billion a year; co-habitation is even less likely to last than marriage; and being single forever is just not an option, as most Australians still long for wedded bliss.

 

So, if matrimony is the collective aim, here's what governments must do: make it harder. It's harder to get a driver's licence than to commit to spend the rest of your life with another. All you need is love - and they'll take your word for it.

 

Plenty of people think it's love and slip through the net, or are trying to get in quick lest they miss the boat. Applying rigorous testing for long-term potential would wheedle out pretenders.

 

Far cheaper to subsidise marriage classes, one of the key manifesto recommendations, and introduce tax incentives for wedded couples.

Marriage performances would be incorporated in government policy, taking into account declining divorce rates and more babies born in a marital unit.

 

As citizens, we can do our bit by getting married. But what if you can't find someone to tie the knot with? That could well be our fault for being unrealistic.

 

Manifesto co-author Jane Rookes points out: "The criteria people look for in a spouse are often flawed from the start.

 

"They think a relationship is about feelings, so they're forever looking for that. But they've been sold a lie.

 

"It's about finding someone who shares your values and your passion.''

 

And therein lies the problem. For MPs to turn the tide on the marriage problem, they must first overturn our ideals of love. Who's gonna fall for that?

 

Jacinta Tynan is an author and a presenter with Sky News.

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News & Info

 

Manhood Men's Gathering 2007

Fri 9th 5pm- Sun 11th 3pm November

Camp Bornhoffen, Gold Coast QLD

www.mhwaq.org.au  

 

Australian Camp Connect Association

Lots of activities, links, programs, newsletter

www.campconnect.org.au

 

Letters

 

Dear Fatherhood Foundation

 

I am writing to ask that the fatherhood add that is currently on TV be taken off. My daughter lost her father 4 years ago and is still not coping very well. Every time she sees the add she gets upset. I know fathers are important, but imagine how many children must feel when they do not have a father anymore.

 

Thank you

Anne

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Dad's Prayer

 

Dear God
 
Help me make friends.
Help me be a friend.
Help me enjoy my friendships.
and so become healthier in the proc!
ess.
Hopefully my children 
want me to stick around a lot longer.

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Help Us

Click here for more information about us

Help Us!

The Fatherhood Foundation is a Harm Prevention Charity.
Fatherlessness and inadequate fathering has been proven to be a source of harm.

The Fatherhood Foundation helps children by promoting excellence  in fathering. Excellent fathers are in word and deed: responsible, involved, protective, loving and committed to the well-being of their children and their children's mother.

If you would like to give financially to the Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund and receive tax deductibility:

Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund
(Name, address and amount details must be emailed for a receipt for tax deductibility)
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A/C: 25-5558

Or mail cheque and address details to:
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WOLLONGONG  NSW  2520
AUSTRALIA

The Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund  is a public fund listed on the Register of Harm Prevention Charities under Subdivision 30_EA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

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