Blogging · Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Internet Good/Bad · Life · Media · WordPress

The Email Open Statistic Is Incorrect, Another Failure From WordPress

I have known for some time that the statistics provided by WordPress are not accurate and today it was cemented in my mind. When you publish a post it goes to each follower including those who subscribe to receive the post via email. The catch is that WordPress counts all of your posts as email which is the opposite of what the explanation of what the statistics are.

I have around 20-25 followers who receive my posts via email yet today I looked at a post from a few days ago and it showed 917 received my posts along with the number of email opens and unique opens, whatever that means. If you take the numbers at face value that means that out of close to 4K followers only 917 received the posts and that even fewer read the posts and fewer are commenting.

Commenting I understand, I don’t comment on every post I read but I have a hard time swallowing that the community has turned off receiving my posts. Maybe this is naive of me but when I see the level of long-time followers, new followers, comments, and the level of conversations I’m having with many people the number isn’t consistent.

This is no surprise, I have a long-time follower friend whose husband is a Statistical Engineer and he stated that the statistics on WordPress are inaccurate. This is not a rant, just an explanation for others who are perplexed with their statistics.

I’ve been blogging on WordPress for 24 years and have spent countless hours frustrated working with the Happiness Engineers to understand the issue I was having. Many, many years ago asking for help became futile and I gave up on contacting them. I did recently contact WordPress to let them know about the Bots that were enjoying my archives but as usual, I received no response. When I have a question now, I ask the community or go to Copilot for an explanation. Copilot has helped me understand what the statistics mean at a high level however the answers don’t apply to WordPress.

I hope this information helps others make sense out of what doesn’t make sense. :)

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

September Awareness Months And Days

The main days and months you should know about for September are:

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month September 1
Blood Cancer Awareness Month  September 1
National Food Bank Day 1st Friday
International Literacy Day September 8
R U OK Day September 9
World Suicide Prevention Day September 10
Hispanic Heritage Month September 15
International Day of Peace September 21
International Day of Sign Language September 2

National Public Lands Day                                                                                                 Saturday 4th

Achalasia Awareness Month

Alopecia Awareness Month

Animal Pain Awareness Month

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Craniofacial Awareness Month

Falls Prevention Month

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

Healthy Aging Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

 

We have so much to educate ourselves on and to advocate for to make a better future. I apologize for the inconsistent graph, that is the way it was copied. 

Melinda

Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Life · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Trauma

89% Of Blind Riders Are Being Denied A Ride By Lyft And Uber

I could not believe it when I heard on the national news that 89% of blind riders were being denied a ride by Lift and Uber. This looks like a driver issue with the service dogs and not wanting them in the vehicle. This behavior is against the law not to mention the company’s policies. The riders have a way to report a driver but those interviewed said nothing happened. One woman even recorded a driver refusing her a ride after she had already reported this behavior to Lyft. Rideshare companies are condoning this behavior and are accountable for the driver’s decisions. I’m sure there is a loophole in there that needs closing.

This type of behavior and failure to accommodate the blind is a Class Action lawsuit that is way overdue. I’m shocked no one has sued the companies for breaking the law and doing nothing when its customers report a driver. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one to say jump on a lawsuit, quite the opposite but this is not a frivolous issue. If the ride-share companies refuse blind riders they need to lose any government contracts they may have and if cities have a choice to allow the rideshare company to do business in the city, they need to reverse the approval.

I know a few people who are blind and life is challenging enough and for their transportation to refuse them a ride is shameful. Apparently, it’s been happening for years but it’s not been in the media which is typical for the media, just feed us the same day after day instead of pressing the important issues.

I feel so strongly about the issue that I created a Change.org petition that I hope you will support by going to https://www.change.org/p/require-rideshare-services-to-accept-blind-riders-with-guide-dogs/share_for_starters?just_created=true and signing.

Copy of Petition

This petition is deeply personal because it strikes at the heart of disability discrimination, a struggle that blind individuals face daily. It’s both shocking and disheartening when a company that provides a critical service like transportation discriminates against individuals with disabilities, specifically those who rely on guide dogs. According to the American Foundation for the Blind, millions of people in the US are experiencing vision loss. And many of them, depend on guide dogs to navigate and live independently.

However, troubling instances have surfaced where these individuals are refused service by rideshare companies simply because of their guide dogs. This is not only inconvenient but also unlawful – the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, and that includes transportation.

Apart from being illegal, such practices are inhumane and show a complete disregard for the rights and dignity of people living with disabilities. Furthermore, it contradicts the spirit of rideshare services which aim to provide convenient and accessible transportation for everyone. All this considered, it’s high time for all rideshare companies to commit to full accommodation for blind riders with guide dogs.

We cannot allow this blatant discrimination to continue. Together, we can change this. Please sign this petition to send a strong message across: Require Rideshare Services to Accept Blind Riders with Guide Dogs.

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My husband told me that once he signed the petition Change.org asked for a donation, a donation is not required. Change.org is a global organization that is free and as such they solicit donations. This is common but you are never required to donate or I would not work with them.

Melinda

Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Life · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Things I’ve Learned In 61 Years Part Five

If your boss beats you down in front of others in a meeting, makes you the scapegoat, and never stands up for you, look for another job immediately. If you have the cash to float, give them the finger, you’re getting fired anyway.

If your department has been cut to the quick and you are forced over and over to cut, run like hell. You’re next.

If the President of your company beats you down in a meeting with your peers and gives a directive to your boss regarding your department, give them the finger and run like hell.

Even if you are on a salary that doesn’t mean you’re available 24/7 to take calls. If they are a top-level executive, they made the decision to marry their job, other employees are not paid the same, and should not be expected to be available you your beck and call.

If you schedule time off work and are expected to work, cancel the PTO day. Why lose pay when you’re working.

When you actually get to take a day off, don’t answer your phone, period. Nothing is so important that your boss can’t take care of, if so then let them fall on their face.

If you walk and push your baby stroller in my grass instead of the sidewalk, you might find a few big surprises next time.

If you let your shrubs grow in my yard, I will trim them myself. Tall trees are different, I will let you know when it’s time to call the tree company for a trim. I have one clueless neighbor. One year the city wrote them fines for their trees growing too far into the street. He had let them grow for years and when the tree guy came out, they cut a ton off and butchered the trees. That’s what you get when you use the lawn guy to cut trees.

The way to trim a tree if you are getting too much shade is not to cut the top of the tree off. You might as well chop it down. And don’t forget to have the stumps removed, they are unsightly and if you can’t afford to remove the stump, how can you afford to buy the house. It brings down the value of your neighbor’s houses.

If you have trees in your yard, learn how to take care of them and have them trimmed by professionals. The money spent will come back when you sell the house.

If you are treated unacceptably write the corporate headquarters, send the letter to the CEO and any other executives you think are responsible for the department which you received the treatment from. Don’t send an email, write an actual letter on the computer or by hand and mail it to each one. They will be shocked to receive a letter and you will already have their attention. That doesn’t guarantee a response back but no doubt the issue will get looked into. The first thing to remember is to cool your temper first, spend a few days drafting the letter, and take a look inside, ask yourself, are you the problem or is it the companies? Don’t write the letter in a negative tone, instead write to inform them of an issue or issues that you believe need their attention.

If your pharmacy fills a prescription you didn’t need or fills it incorrectly, don’t accept it and make them put it back on the shelf or correct it. It doesn’t matter if the prescription is free or not, they still make money if you accept it.

If your pharmacy regularly tells you the wrong answer, get in the habit of writing down the name of the person you are talking to. My pharmacy is famous for this behavior. Pharmacists have too much power and at least at my location they interpret the law and rules differently.

It’s important to know how your pharmacy fills prescriptions. Do they refill on the date it was filed or the date it was picked up? They are very different and if they don’t use a solid process, you may have to run to the pharmacy today because you’re out.

If your partner or friends interrupt you before saying the second sentence or make a comment that isn’t relative it is frustrating but not worth fighting over because they will not change. 

If you work for a Japanese company that has a facility in America, they expect you to have a Japanese work ethic which is work long after your boss calls it a day, work when you are off work, and have late-night meetings to accommodate the time frame difference every week, they will distrust you and will always believe whatever a Japanese employee says before you. You also have to be available 24/7 and it’s a tick against you if you’re not. If you far exceed the American work ethic but your work ethic isn’t up to Japanese standards you’re considered a slacker. 

Using a company’s reward perks can pay off if they have a good program. Amazon where I shop for almost everything has a Subscribe & Save program. If you know you buy an item at the same time every month, subscribe and save money. Sometimes it’s 5% and others it’s 15%. I’m learning to take advantage of these savings and it’s reassuring to know you can change or cancel anytime.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Music

#Weekend Music Share-Triple Shot of Bryan Adams, Plus Bonus Video With Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart And Sting

WOW! What a dent in music history Bryan Adams has made. I could listen to him for hours on end, his voice is powerful and calming. The last video of the three is out of this world fun! They are having fun and the friendship they have shines through.

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

 I’m glad you joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

Bryan Adams – (Everything I Do) I Do It For You

Bryan Adams – Summer Of 69 (Official Music Video)

Bryan Adams – Cuts Like A Knife

Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Sting – All For Love (Official Music Video)

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Things I’m Loving-Health, Wellness And Household

Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon. I am not an Amazon Affiliate and do not make a commission on any product you choose to buy. All links take you directly to the company of the product on Amazon. Clicking on the links does not cost you more.

 

FIRST HONEY®

Manuka Honey Cream for Dry & Itchy Skin | Fast Relief for Eczema, Rosacea, Psoriasis, & Dermatitis | Natural & No Fillers | Safe for Babies & Toddlers | 3.5 oz

Made with the highest quality medical grade Manuka honey to target the treatment of distressed skin. Anti inflammatory, moisturizing, and naturally soothing, our fast-acting skin cream can help reduce swelling, increase skin regeneration, and calm skin irritations. Gentle enough for everyday use, our formula works with the nature of your skin, not against it,
to rebalance, restore and protect.

30% medical grade Mänuka honey with natural healing and anti-inflammatory properties draws moisture into the skin while creating a barrier to protect distressed skin from pathogens. All natural emollients deliver additional antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E to soothe skin irritations and increase
skin regeneration. Aids in healthy skin barrier function and prevention of transepidermal water loss.

Visit the FIRST HONEY Store

I have Ecxema on my face and ears and my prescription cream wasn’t working. I tried another balm but it didn’t provide any results but this balm is a miracle worker. It has diminished all the spots except for the worst one on my left eyelid however it has improved and I’ve only used it for three days. I’ve already purchased another one in case I can’t find it next time. 

 

Fruit Fly Trap for Indoors

Fly Traps Indoor for Home Bug Zapper Indoor Insect Trap with Suction, Time Setting, Bug Light & 10 Pcs Sticky Glue Boards (White)

  • Effective Result: Place insect traps indoor near fruits, plants or garbage cans and turn off lights for best effect. Fly traps catch fruit flies, mosquitoes, small insectsmoths and small bugs, paired with sticky glueboards, insects have nowhere to escape.
  • Time Setting Option: Plug in the usb cable and adapter, press the bug traps indoor on/off button to work. Continuous run or 6/12 hours timing function, more convenient to daily use.
  • Widely Use and Low Noise: Fruit fly traps for indoors adopts physical mosquito control, safe and low noise. Mosquito trap are commonly used in homes, kitchen, living room, restaurants, and other areas where flies can be a nuisance or a health hazard.

Brand: FVOAI

We have Zevo traps in multiple places in the house but the backdoor attracts more than you can believe. The refills are not inexpensive so I bought this one for the backdoor, you can get 50 refills for under $20 which is a bargain compared to Zevo. It’s quiet and attracts the tiny flying bugs as well as Zevo or maybe better. 

 

Theraspa Professional Nail & Cuticle Oil

2.0 fl oz – Nourished with Jojoba, Avocado, Vitamin E, and Biotin (B7) for Superior Hydration, Repair, Revitalization, and Strengthening (Olive)

  • Comprehensive Nail Care: A harmonious blend of these ingredients creates a powerhouse formula for overall nail and cuticle health.
  • Holistic Approach: Addresses multiple aspects, from hydration to strength and appearance, for comprehensive nail and cuticle care.
  • Portable: Compact design allows for on-the-go nail care, ensuring your nails stay nourished anytime, anywhere.
  • Free from Harsh Chemicals: Formulated without common irritants, the Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Biotin, and Vitamin E provide a soothing experience for your nails and cuticles.
  • Suitable for All Skin Types: The formula is gentle and well-tolerated, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.

I’ve used an expensive brand for years, it had a built-in brush and smelled out of this world but it didn’t last long. When it was time to buy again I went looking for one without a brush and a larger size. Boy, I hit the jackpot with this brand. I purchased the Olive blend and it smells great and the bottle holds so much more that it will last a long time. 

Visit the THERAPISPA Store

 

Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Coffee

Vanilla & Mocha Combo Pack – Ready to Drink Canned Coffee

Natural Volcanic Filtration

Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water

Naturally alkaline with pH range of 7.6-8.2

LIVE ETHICALLY BS 4

Visit the Waiakea Store

Due to the problems I’m having with my Eshophgus my morning coffee is out of the question for now. After two months I was missing my coffee so badly that I started trying cold-brewed lattes. One of the biggest issues I had with the brands I tried was they were too sweet which isn’t my style. This brand has 70% less sugar and tastes so good. They are more expensive but life is too short to drink bad coffee. 

 

Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops

0.5 fl oz (15 mL) Eye Care for Mild to Moderate Dry Eyes, Hyaluronate for Boosting Hydration, Moisturizing & Soothing Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

  • Relief with Every Blink: Experience immediate and long-lasting dry eye symptom relief with Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops. These moisturizing eye drops instantly soothe & hydrate, restoring your tears’ natural salt balance and maximizing hydration
  • Hydration Boost with Hyaluronate: Our lubricating eye drops for dry eyes instantly moisturize mild to moderate dry eyes. The unique formula of the eye drop quickly thickens and stabilizes your tear film
  • Moisture Hold: Blink eye drops are formulated to stay in the eye for long-lasting dryness relief. These lubricant eye drops maximize hydration and provide comfort
  • Reduce Everyday Discomfort: These drops provide lubrication and hydration to the surface of the eye, keeping the eye moist

Visit the BLINK Store

I have struggled with Dry Eyes for as long as I can remember and have tried so many brands it’s crazy. I first used the regular version and bought this at CVS when I noticed it was an improvement. Boy, what a difference they have made. I still use a prescription but they burn so I put these in afterwards and use it during the day. No more dry eye! 

I hope you find one or more of these products useful for you or a family member. 

Melinda

Chronic Illness · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Mental Illness · Moving Forward

When a Loved One Denies Their Bipolar Diagnosis

By Julie A. Fast 

Medically Reviewed by Allison Young, MD

Last Updated: 21 Aug 2024

Although it’s incredibly frustrating when someone is in denial of having bipolar disorder, it’s important to remember that acceptance cannot be forced.

It can be upsetting, stressful, and downright incomprehensible when someone with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder denies the mental health condition and refuses treatment. You may find yourself watching helplessly as behaviors tied to untreated bipolar lead to family distress, broken relationships, problems at school and work, money woes, and alcohol and drug abuse.

If you try to help someone in denial, you will probably be accused of interfering if you even mention the word “bipolar.” This is confusing, because it’s very easy for you to see what’s wrong, and naturally you want to point out the problem in hopes that the person will then get help. Often, however, your attempt just makes things worse.

RELATED: 8 Essential Things to Know When First Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder

It hurts when a person in denial shuts you out, but, sadly, it’s common.

What’s even more confusing is that you can have an honest conversation about bipolar when your loved one is stablereviving your hopes that the person will enter or stick with treatment. Then … boom! Here comes the denial again.

Learning to Accept That Your Loved One Is in Denial About Their Bipolar Diagnosis

It may be cold comfort to learn that it is very typical behavior for people with bipolar disorder to deny they are “sick” and to avoid treatment, even if they have been in the hospital or taken medications for bipolar in the past.

Also, it’s important to remember that people in denial are usually miserable, in a great deal of internal pain, and can’t see a way out. It’s easy to believe they really can’t see what’s going on. But unless denial is a result of a mood swing — such as strong mania or paranoia — the affected individuals usually know what is happening. They respond to your concern with aggression, because they are trying to protect their decision to deny the brain-based disorder.

It hurts when a person in denial shuts you out, but it’s common. The person prefers to be around others who don’t mention bipolar, and will paint you as the “bad guy” because you are the one who is stating the truth.

RELATED: 10 Ways to Support Someone Who Has Bipolar

There is good news, however. I’ve talked with hundreds of people who moved through denialto eventually admitting that bipolar is at the root of their problems and they needed help. Over and over again, I’ve been told how, despite their relentless inner pain and confusion, they refused help and pushed away the people who cared about them.

It’s when someone realizes they no longer want a life controlled by bipolar disorder that they begin to listen to loving advice instead of fighting back.

Steps to Take When a Loved One Is in Denial About Their Bipolar Diagnosis

If your loved one continues to be in denial of their bipolar diagnosis, here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Find the sweet spot: Are there periods when your loved one is more open to discussion? Oftentimes, people are more receptive during a mild depressive episode. Once you see a pattern in your loved one’s moods, you’ll have a better sense of when to gently start a conversation.
  • Set expectations: If a loved one with bipolar is living with you, you have the right to set expectations for behaviors, such as drug use, drinking, yelling, staying in bed all day, staying out all hours, and yes, refusing treatment. You are always in control of what works best for you. It’s not always about the person with the mental health condition. It will be up to you to decide the consequences — and set and reinforce boundaries — if your expectations aren’t met.
  • Understand the challenges: Always remember that bipolar is a mental health condition. No one chooses to have bipolar disorder. People in denial can be very unpleasant, and it’s easy to walk away from them, but don’t forget they are suffering. It’s okay to address this directly. Go ahead and say you understand that it must be hard to have someone tell you what to do. Say that you can tell they feel misunderstood. People in denial may get angry or refuse to reply, but they have heard you. Many times, when they get better, they will tell you they heard you.
  • Hold onto hope: I’ve known many people who accepted treatment after years of being in denial, often when loved ones learned simple strategies and got them help at the right time. It isn’t easy to hang on until then. Nothing with bipolar disorder is easy! But bipolar is treatable, even for those who currently refuse to admit they are unwell and need help.


UPDATED: Printed as “Fast Talk: The Denial Factor,” Summer 2011

Julie A. Fast

Julie A. Fast is the author of the bestselling mental health books Take Charge of Bipolar DisorderLoving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Helping Your PartnerGetting It Done When You’re DepressedOMG, That’s Me! (vol. 2), and The Health Cards Treatment System for Bipolar Disorder. She is a longtime bp Magazine writer and the top blog contributor, with over 5 million blog views. Julie is also a researcher and educator who focuses on bipolar disorder prevention and ways to recognize mood swings from the beginning—before they go too far and take over a person’s life. She works as a parent and partner coach and regularly trains health care professionals, including psychiatric residents, pharmacists, general practitioners, therapists, and social workers, on bipolar disorder and psychotic disorder management. She has a Facebook group for parents, The Stable Table, and for partners, The Stable Bed. Julie is the recipient of the Mental Health America excellence in journalism award and was the original consultant for Claire Danes’s character on the TV show Homeland. Julie had the first bipolar disorder blog and was instrumental in teaching the world about bipolar disorder triggers, the importance of circadian rhythm sleep, and the physical signs of bipolar disorder, such as recognizing mania in the eyes. Julie lives with bipolar disorder, a psychotic disorder, anxiety, and ADD.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Family · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Music · Self-Care

Update On Party Of The Summer On September 4, 2024

The ultimate end-of-summer party is fast approaching, and I want to give an update on the events. Start preparing for yourself and the family to have the time of your life.

There are a host of additional tents and activities you will find upon arrival and here are a few.

A creative arts tent with watercolors and rocks to paint. 

A calm, relaxing, and quiet tent away from the action to take a break.

A movie tent showing old and new movies and a complete list to choose from. 

All tents are soundproof for your enjoyment.

 

 

The open areas have every type of activity you and your family can imagine. Bring your friends along as well, the more the merrier.

Clean vegan and allergy-free food is on the menu and the wait staff can provide the entire ingredient list.

Dancing is a given and all types of music will rotate throughout the day and night. 

I realize it is not the end of Summer in most countries but just imagine the fun you could have thinking about the perfect summer. It’s not too hot, there’s a slight breeze, and the humidity is low. Great weather to get outside and make memories.

Unlike the photo I created, the race track will not be close to the tents and outdoor activities and all tents are closed, not open as depicted. AI can only do so much when creating images, or I gave up before the correct image came up.

I can’t wait to see you there and will keep you updated on the festivities on the day of the party.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health · Photography · Self-Care · Travel

Wordless Wednesday-Flowerama

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

 

 

My husband went to Costco and bought flowers as usual but I had fresh flowers already. Then I went to a store across town to get my almond milk and I could not pass up the mini arrangement for my office. I am overjoyed this week with all the fresh flowers, this rarely happens.

Melinda