Safety and Security in AmericaSteve Kovacs (46)    Steve Kovacs   All-Source Security Services What I Learned About Surviving CancerPosted Sunday, April 20, 2008 (74 days 6 hours ago.) Viewed 14 times. We talked more about cancer and the things they feel have sustained and helped them. Lori was relatively new to the cancer world having been diagnosed in 2007. Alaina however, was an old hat navigating the cancer world, having been diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer approximately four years ago. My talk with Alaina and Lori was for an interview I was conducting on surviving cancer and here's what these two positive cancersurvivors, taught me.
I learned cancer is a terrible, life altering and deadly illness. Moreover, I learned cancer cannot easily triumph over men and women who are positive, utilize a great medical team and have a caring support system. 
Permalink Comments (0) Being Stalked and Being A Nervous Wreck Go Hand in HandPosted Tuesday, April 08, 2008 (87 days 4 hours ago.) Viewed 12 times. Paula was biting her nails, fidgeting with her hair and drinking a glass of soda simultaneously while watching television one night. Her stomach gurgled and her appetite just had not been the same lately. She had lost some weight, enough where the girls at work asked her if she was ill. No, Paula was not illshe was a nervous wreck and had been for three months; she was being stalked. You see Paula had met a man at work whom she never dated, never led on and never did anything to intrigue or entice. The strange, quiet man just started calling her, getting her number from a work roster sheet, showing up at her apartment complex (God knows where he found her address) and writing her off-the-wall love letters. At first Paula let it go, did nothing and hoped it would blow over, like a bad windstorm. However, nothing changed and the compulsive behavior continued. Calls, visits and letters persisted. Finally, she called the police who told her there wasn't much they could do. An officer told her to document any and all encounters. Sound advice. However, how about in the meantime Paula thought, how do I get over the awful anxiety I feel every day? And what if he goes over the deep end and kills me? Paula was overwhelmed. She decided to call a local Rape Crisis Center and find out if they could help. And help they did. Paula met a supportive staffer who guided her in all of her encounters and advised her from A to Z in what she should do. She was there for her in every step of the way. Paula utilized a restraining order against her stalker and it worked. Even though restraining orders, statistically speaking, do not work as often as hoped for in stalking cases. Her stalker stopped his obsessive behaviors and finally stopped bothering herhe simply faded out of her life. Slowly, Paula started getting a little calmer, started getting an appetite again and started actually smiling again. There are many similar stories such as Paula's. Stalking is a terrible ordeal and one that men experience quite often too. Whether you're a man or a woman get the help and advice of professionals. Call a local Rape Crisis or Battered Women's Shelter. There, they have experienced staffers who have the knowledge to help youafter all; you really do deserve to smile again.
Permalink Comments (0) The Perils of Dating for WomenPosted Sunday, February 24, 2008 (131 days 2 hours ago.) Viewed 26 times. Recently on my Internet Radio Show, The Kovacs Perspective, we did a Valentines Day special about the perils that can go hand in hand with dating such as date rape and date rape drugs. When it comes to dating, statistically, Valentines Day is no more dangerous than any other day. However, it is a day so closely associated with romance that it seemed to be a good time to remind women to use caution and sound judgment in the dating world. So, even though Valentines Day is over this year, it is always good to remember some basics. Here are some helpful reminders for women: The most common date-rape drug is not what most people might think. It is alcohol and experienced rape counselors know that it's the most often used tool predators attempt to utilize when they are trying to overcome a woman's self-will. Be cautious when drinking alcohol with someone you are not completely sure of. The other most common date rape drugs used against women are: 1. Rohypnol, which is a pill that looks similar to an aspirin and is usually simply tossed into an unsuspecting woman's drink. 2. Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB), a clear liquid that is odorless, colorless and is poured into beverages. 3. Ketamine is another liquid, which is commonly used in veterinary medicine as an anesthetic, and it too, is poured into drinks. All of these drugs are used to break down a woman's will, mental and physical self-control and normal thought processes. In addition to the drugs mentioned there are many other substances predators can put into drinks. Using their imagination, possibly utilizing medications or drugs they may have on hand, these criminals can come up with terrible concoctions to take advantage of women. So what should a woman do? I suggest women always be somewhat cautious in public areas regarding their beverages. My advice is a little more rigid than most experts recommend but I suggest if you lose sight of your drink get a new one unless you are with family, trusted friends or your drink is actually being watched while you leave it alone. As far as the ever-real danger of date rape, do not forget these common sense tips: Get to know as much as you can about a prospective date. Meet in a public place. Tell family or friends who you'll be out with, where you will be going and when you will be coming home. Believe in yourself and don't settle for being with people you feel are dangerous, scary and simply too wild or out of control. Believe that you don't have to settle for "less" and that you can find nice reasonable dating partners. When you are dating, every date is a potential happy Valentines Day possibility. Believe in this because it is true, however, while on that journey to discover happiness remember to simply use reasonable caution.
Permalink Comments (2) Wildfires—From Alabama to Alaska Find Out What You Can Do to Help YourselfPosted Monday, October 29, 2007 (249 days 2 hours ago.) Viewed 608 times. Many people think wildfires are solely a California phenomenon and thats simply not true. The huge devastation in October 2007 in Southern-California, reminds us that California certainly gets pummeled quite often, however, wildfires can and do occur anywhere in the United States . Although wildfires are more frequent in the West, the truth is that nearly every state has been devastated by wildfires in the last century. In the U.S. more than 100, 000 wildfires occur each year. As an example, in 2000, almost eight million acres burned in the United States . Thats about the combined size of the states of Delaware , Massachusetts and Rhode Island ! Why so many fires:
The term wild-land/urban interface is a term used where homes blend together with wild land. People cause about 90% of wildfires, with the remaining ten percent being caused by lightening. Can we prevent these wildfires?
Are there ways to prepare for a wildfire? A great way is to start a preparation plan is by assessing your property: If you live in any area of concern here are some tips: Create a survivable distance between your home and the wild-land. This makes it harder for the fire to take hold and also makes it easier for you or the fire department to help your house survive What distances should you have between you and the wild-land? It depends on your risk factor. If youre in a low risk area, 50 feet on all sides is a benchmark to use. A low risk area is: If you are in an area with a moderate risk you should make that distance at least 100 feet. A moderate risk area is: And if you live in a high-risk area, 200 feet or more should be used. A high-risk area is: Like any type of personal protection safeguards the same follows for wildfires; be aware of your surroundings. Listen to media reports, alarms, warnings and predictions. And remember to always follow evacuation orders.
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