Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Elevated Garden VS Raised Garden



 Below is a link to a YouTube video that I just published:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7IP7ZCAGqI

It will explain "How to Make an Elevated Garden" quickly and easily!  No Tools Needed!  Really!

But first, what is the difference between a 'Raised Garden" and an "Elevated Garden"?

 
http://www.yourlifetodaymagazine.com/SimpleGardeningIdeas.php  

The picture above from Your Life Today Magazine shows the two different types of beds side by side.  The lower garden beds are called "Raised".  This type of gardening is very popular especially in city and urban areas.  The positives for these gardens are that they are easy to take care of and are filled with rich soil that aids in the growth of strong, healthy plants! There are many tutorials on YouTube on how to make these gardens.  Most are made of wood (not all though) which require the use (and know-how) of tools like power saws, power drills, screw drivers, hammer, nails and screws.

In the picture above, you will see a much higher garden bed typically refereed to as an "Elevated Garden."  These gardens are especially nice for anyone with problems arthritis in the lower extremities specifically the knees.  These gardens are wonderful for anyone in need of a wheelchair, who doesn't want to stop gardening! 

The heights of a "Raised Garden" is usually 6" to 12".  An "Elevated Garden" usually range from 24" to 36", but this height depends greatly on the person using the bed and what is most comfortable for them.

As you can see in my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7IP7ZCAGqI , my "Elevated Garden" is about 27"-28" high, which is perfect for me to stand or sit and work in my garden! 

The choice and size of your garden is yours!  No matter if it is for flowers, herbs, vegetables or whatever you desire to plant... I wish you the best of luck!




Monday, May 23, 2016

Trying Not to be Political...But





 


This blog is read around the world on a regular basis - and that is why I am writing this post.  I want to share with anyone... anywhere in the world, that I have never been so troubled about our Presidential Election as I am this year!

I am not alone in saying that the way to world peace is not through hatred... racism..and division!

Thanks to the internet, open communication world-wide is abundant!  I hope people everywhere do not judge United States by it's political candidates!  (As should no one judge a country or people based on what we see and hear on the news alone!)

In my opinion, from what I have experienced meeting people from all over the world (face-to-face and on the internet), we all want the same things in life... a safe and happy life for all.  Family is very important... working hard for the betterment of all is welcomed... freedom is precious and desired.

We all have personal talents and abilities that are unique and combined with others of different talents and abilities, we can grow and create a better world for all.  Wherever we call home... there are natural resources that your neighboring country probably does not have... so share...which we (worldwide) already do!!

Together, there is NO stopping us! Us... as in humanity!  Together, we can solve all problems and still keep what makes each person and each country unique and special!  No one country has it all!  No one country can survive as well on their own without the shared bounty of another country!

Of course, this is my opinion... but I witness the strength of the men and women of our beautiful and awesome plant Earth daily!  They are who make our planet great... not the loud, obnoxious people who try to rule the world with the power of money!  Yeah, money is needed worldwide... but the few that are filthy rich can only control what the people allow them to do.

I stand, united with a strong Earth... brothers and sisters worldwide! 



First video on my new YouTube Channel!!


Car Splash!

My son, Chris, and his friend, Michael (who did the video...thanks), and I were at Fairfield Commons Mall near Dayton, Ohio a few years ago.  It had came a hard downpour which caused deep water to stand in a the parking lot area on the outer rim where the vehicles made their way around the mall.  I seen a few cars splashing through it, and I set the boys out close enough to video it as I drove through it several times!  

What fun!!!!!!

I do not recommend anyone to ever try this!  My car's electric system was never quite the same after this adventure... but that didn't stop me... I had lots of great adventures in that car!

Enjoy the video... other videos will be forthcoming, but none as funny as I find this one!  (Plus, they will be of much higher video quality!)   

Monday, May 9, 2016

7 Tips to Stay Safe While Using a Cab Service! PLUS - A Video Of A Brave UBER Driver!





7 Tips to Stay Safe While Using a Cab Service:

1. Never ride alone if you have been drinking.  Your judgement is impaired!

2. Look for an ID, a meter or some type of markings identifying the car (and usually the driver) as a cab service or a Uber or Lyft service. Take a quick picture of the driver and ID.  (Today people takes pics of everything everywhere!) No matter what, if the driver and/or vehicle looks suspicious - don't get in... call for another cab!

3. Check out your surroundings!  Always have your 'out' planned.

4. Keep your phone handy! Keep track of your location through your phone's GPS or a map app, so you know where you are at while in-route to your destination.  If you feel the driver is going the wrong way, ask him why he chose a certain route.  Be ready to call 911! Call a friend, maybe even have them on speakerphone while you are in the cab.

5.  It's safer to sit in the back!  It gives you some space away from the driver, making it easier to escape them if need be.

6. Be polite... but keep private stuff private!

7. Keep your belongings together, have your fare and tip money ready and be ready to exit the cab when you arrive at your destination.


UBER Driver... and a Drug Deal!
It can be unsafe for the driver as well!

This video below shows what can happen during a bad Uber pick-up!  In my opinion,the driver was saved thanks to him having a camera in visible site of the all the passengers!

Other videos can be found on YouTube giving examples of Bad Passengers as well as Bad Uber Drivers!

In theory, Uber is good idea for drivers and passengers.  Still Uber, Lyft or any type of cab or limo service can go dangeriously wrong! All of these services have safety measures in place on a corporate level... and as a driver or rider... you should too!


Keep Safe!












Lions

Year and a half old Lion Cubs at the Cincinnati Zoo. Photo credit:  PJ Martin

 



     For many of us, the lion is a symbol of power and courage.  The male lion is known for his stunning main framing his handsome face.  Lions also represent authority and wisdom.  For generations, the lion has been used throughout various governments to not only express royalty but also honor and integrity. 

     When I look at lions… males, females and cubs - at the zoo with a very comfortable barrier between them and me – I can’t help but see a big, huggable kitty!  I see Aslan, the wise and tenderhearted lion of the famous book series, starting with the book: “Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe” (or the movie series adaption of the books: “The Chronicles of Narnia”).   In reality, if I wake up tomorrow morning and find a lion loose in my bedroom… I’m certain I’m on his breakfast menu!

     Below is my drawing of a male lion's head shot.  If interested in purchasing a print of this drawing or any of my artwork, just email me at:  pjmartin2000@gmail.com .  

Enjoy;
PJ