clearhealthcosts.com
drug prices:
goodrx.com
michigandrugprices.com
AMMA center near ann arbor--from natural awakenings nov '14 issue "when asked about her religion she replies that her religion is love. she has never asked anyone to change their religion but only to contemplate the essential principles of their own faith and try to live those principles w/all their heart" sri mata amritanandamayi see amma.org
honey and ginger may be as effective as drugs for things like mrsa and others. honey/ginger compared to efficacy of methicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin
homemade personal care -- motherearthliving.com/homemade-beauty
homemade hand sanitizer:
10 drops lavender essential oil
30 drops tea tree essential
1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1 tablespoon witch hazel extract or water
8 oz aloe vera gel
combine 1st 3 in bowl swirl to mix. add witch hazel/water and swirl. all aloe and mix well. store pump container
rosemary powdered laundry soap:
1 cup washing soda
1 c borax
2 c grated castile bar soap
50 drops rosemary essential oil
mix soda, borax and soap grounds in large bowl. add rosemary and mix well. store in large airtight container. use 1/8 to 1/4 c per load. (grate bar or cut coarsely and then grind in food processor until fine. borax can be irritating when inhaled and may be potential endocrine disruptor esp in males so keep male children away. can replace borax w/ 2nd c of baking soda)
lemon fresh liquid laundry soap:
1 bar castile soap grated
8 c water
5 gallon bucket w/lid
4 1/2 gal hot tap water
1 c washing soda
1c borax
2-3 teas lemon essential oil
in saucepan over low, mix soap and 8 c water until soap dissolved. fill bucket about 3/4 full of hot water. add soap mixture, soda and borax. add lemon and mix well, cover, leave overnight. transfer into smaller containers if desired. use 1/2 to 1 c per load
lavender fabric softener spray:
3 teasp lavender essential
2 c white vinegar
combine shake well. spray 5 to 10 times on wet clothes before drying
eucalyptus dryer sheets:
cotton cloths
1/2 cu white vinegar
5-10 crops eucalyptus essential oil
airtight container
cut cloth into small rectangles. place in airtight container. mix vinegar and oil, then pour into the container so cloths are damp. to use, remove clother, squeeze excess liquid back, place in dryer. when dry reuse cloth
uses for tea tree oil:
mildew, simple soap, acne fighter, laundry booster, earache eliminator, dandruff, athlete's foot, foot odor, all purpose cleaner (1 qt water + 1 teas oil, for antiseptic spray try 2 teasp oil + 2 c water),
wart removal, diy deodorant
watch out for in deodorants:
penetration enhancers like propylene glycol and disodium EDTA///triclosan///talc powder///frangrance///BHT
add 10-20 drops lavender oil to unscented lotion before going outside = insect repellent
kale w/honeyed macadamia nuts:
2 tables homey divided
1/2 cup roasted and salted nuts
2 bunches kale, stems out
2 tablesp white wine vinegar
1 1/2 tables creamy almond butter
350 oven, toss 1 TBSP honey w/nuts and 1 teasp water, bake on parchment golden brown abt 10 min, kale in deep skillet, in med bowl whisk vinegar, almond butter, 1 tables honey and 2 tables water. drizzle over kale, cover and cook until tender abt 5 mins. scatter nuts on top serve 6
Ten Miles Square
Blog
November 06, 2014 12:31 PMVictory in 30 Seconds: How Castrated Hogs, Baseball and other Analogies Shape U.S. Elections
When U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst ran a 30-second TV spot touting her experience castrating pigs as evidence of her ability and determination to “cut pork” in Washington, it drew lots of attention - and not just in Iowa. Funny, succinct and oddly appealing, it quickly transformed her underdog primary campaign into a winner. And while the analogy at its core is completely false - the skills of castration are distinct from the skills of legislative negotiation and compromise - the ad resonated with many voters’ desire for a tough, practical politician who could take control in Washington. It also illustrated that, apart from money, there are still few things more powerful in American politics than a good analogy.
At its core, an analogy is a comparison that suggests parallels between two things, either explicitly or implicitly. Practically speaking, such comparisons are spring-loaded arguments that frame issues in such a way as to highlight desired similarities and obscure inconvenient differences. An analogy may not actually be “true,” but truth is often irrelevant; it is the feelings and ideas they evoke that make them so powerful.
History is replete with analogies that have made a big impact on our Republic. From Lincoln’s “House Divided” speech to Eisenhower’s Domino Theory to Reagan’s sunny Morning in America ad, analogies have framed debates, shaped opinion and changed the course of history. Those who dismiss these as mere rhetorical flourishes underestimate analogy’s determinative power.
Consider the “Three Strikes and You’re Out” ballot proposal California voters approved in 1994. The proposal was the work of Mike Reynolds, whose 18-year-old daughter Kimber had been killed two years earlier by convicted felons in an attempted robber. Politicians around the country - both Democrats and Republicans - sponsored their own three strikes legislation. As Mario Cuomo, then governor of New York, put it: “In baseball, it’s three strikes and you’re out. In dealing with violent crime, it should be: three strikes and you’re in - permanently.”
It’s easy to see the argument’s appeal. Government should lock up habitual felons, not let them go free. And the “three strikes” analogy resonated deeply with people’s sense of justice. Why? Because it tapped into deep cultural associations between baseball, rules, fairness and individual accountability. According to Michael Mandelbaum, a Johns Hopkins professor and the author of The Meaning of Sports: Why Americans Watch Baseball, Football and Basketball and What they See When they Do, baseball appeals to Americans’ sense of nostalgia, our celebration of individualism, and our cultural affinity for rules. Much more so than in football and basketball, baseball players are individually accountable for their actions. Reams of statistics assign credit or blame for specific successes or failures, creating what he calls a “stark moral universe.”
To most Americans, applying the same standard to criminals felt fair. At a time when the public’s appetite for serious policy debate had been reduced to little more than sound bites, “three strikes and you’re out” served as a moral call to action that both simplified and sold the idea of definitive justice. Over time, about half of all U.S. states passed “three strikes” laws. Cumulatively, they had major unforeseen consequences. Yes, mandatory sentencing laws did lead to the lengthy incarceration of more violent criminals. But the laws snagged tens of thousands of non-violent offenders, too. Soon, people were being sentenced to life in prison for third offenses that included shoplifting videotapes, passing bad checks, or breaking into a parked car to steal a handful of change from the cup-holder. The results were profound, and the nation’s prison population more than quintupled to 2.3 million people - nearly a quarter of all prisoners, globally.
Unfortunately, the analogy to “three strikes” in baseball was dangerously flawed. In baseball, a batter’s third strike is qualitatively different than the first two; foul balls that might constitute a first or second strike don’t count as a third. But “three strikes” mandatory sentencing laws didn’t account for the nature of the third offense, with costly results. More fundamentally, though, why should sentencing policy be based on the rules of baseball in the first place? Why not on football? Or basketball? The point is that games and crimes are very different, and facile analogies linking the two can produce absurd outcomes.
Question the Analogies You Encounter
It’s not surprising that most people fail to pay close attention to the many subtle analogies they encounter. In the thousands of thoughts we have every day, we just don’t have the time to unpack every analogy. And from an evolutionary standpoint, that’s positive: if we couldn’t quickly and accurately analogize to extract the essence of a situation, we’d have a hard time getting through most days, let alone a lifetime.
Physically, most people exert the smallest amount of energy necessary to complete a task, such as taking an elevator instead of climbing stairs. According to psychologist Daniel Kahneman, a similar “general law of least effort” also applies to people’s cognitive efforts. When we avoid hard thinking, we save mental energy.
Bluntly, we’re programmed to be lazy, and are prone to take the path of least resistance - especially in politics. That’s why it is no surprise that Joni Ernst’s promise to “make ‘em squeal” in Washington appealed to a majority of Iowa’s voters, who on November 4 decided to give her that chance. As a Senator, of course, she may find that cutting deals is more productive than cutting testicles. Either way, it’s a messy business.
Ten Miles Square
Blog
October 31, 2014 9:55 AMGuns Are a Greater Public Health Threat Than Ebola
Shepard Smith was the rare voice of reason during the most fevered hours of the Ebola madness that temporarily gripped the nation this month. The Fox News anchor dedicated four minutes of a newscast to explaining what had been evident once you took a deep breath.
The Ebola epidemic sweeping across three West African nations was not sweeping across the United States, he said. One person died. He got sick overseas. Two nurses caring for him were isolated. One has been released. (Another doctor is now being treated in New York.) Those hyping fear of the deadly virus in the media were being “very irresponsible,” Smith said, and if you wanted to do something, get a flu shot. “Unlike Ebola, flu is early transmitted. Flu … killed 52,000 Americans last year alone.”
Four minutes is an eternity on cable news but such was the height of the hysteria that Smith thought it wise to offer a significant corrective. This despite his network’s strenuous efforts to compete for panicked viewers with CNN, which satirist Andy Borowitz quipped was changing its slogan from “The Most Trusted Name in News” to “Holy Crap, We’re All Gonna Die.” And because peak Ebola was happening just before the midterm elections, President Barack Obama decided to create a new position—a so-called Ebola czar—to mute accusations, from Republicans and Democrats, that he’s not doing enough. Obama appointed Ron Klain, a Washington insider, to be his point man. The Pentagon also announced a military rapid-response team to aid in dealing with any sign of epidemic.
This was probably the right thing to do, politically and practically. Ebola is a scary disease that kills in horrible ways. (Once you show symptoms, you’re already dying.) Therefore, a president must project calm, cool and command. Say what you will about the chief executive but Obama has, always has, projected such traits, which is reassuring to those naturally and understandably concerned about themselves and the welfare of their children.
Politically, he didn’t have much choice but to act. The Republicans have been bludgeoning him with the issue, as is their wont. For the conservatives who dominate today’s GOP, any time government doesn’t work perfectly is an affirmation of their belief that government doesn’t work at all. And their loud calls for the president to do something, anything, belie their traditional claim that most problems can be best solved without the help of a meddling federal government.
Such principled incoherence might be ignored if not for the impact it’s having on the Democratic chances in November. Congressman Bruce Braley is in a tight Senate race in Iowa. During a congressional hearing, he said: “I’m greatly concerned … that the administration did not act fast enough.” Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina is just three points ahead of her Republican challenger according to one poll. She announced recently that she supported Republican calls for flight bans from West Africa, where the Ebola outbreak is worst. (The government has since announced that incoming flights are to be restricted to five airports.)
Given that Obama responded so quickly to pressure to appoint an Ebola “czar,” you’d expect him to respond to calls for an outright ban, especially when vulnerable Democrats are getting behind the idea. But Obama is dithering. He cites public health officials who say a ban is unnecessary with current and improved protocols in place. Yet expertise had nothing to do with appointing an Ebola “czar.” Ron Klain has no heath care experience and little knowledge of public health policy.
I wouldn’t normally make much of this, as Obama is a shrewd president serving his party. But there are greater threats to public health than a rare disease from a foreign country. To be blunt: There are 300 million firearms in circulation and by one estimate death by gunfire will exceed death by automobile accident some time next year. What we don’t need a fake “czar” to handle a fake epidemic. What we need is a surgeon general to handle a very real public-health threat.
The position of the surgeon general has been vacant so long no one remembers who last occupied it. That’s in part due to the president’s competing priorities but it’s mostly due to a filibuster last spring by Senate Republicans of Obama’s highly qualified nominee, Vivek Murthy. The reason is quite plain. Murthy is outspoken in the belief that gun violence is not a constitutional issue but a health issue. The National Rifle Association fears that is cannot control a political narrative outside the one it controls—the right to bear arms being a universal, constitutional, individual and sacred right that cannot be infringed by the federal government. The vocal but weak gun-control faction in the liberal wing of the Democratic Party cannot compete with such a narrative because their narrative tells the story of taking something away—guns and freedom, in the opposing view. Only a narrative as powerful, and as fear-inducing, as a public health threat like the one we’re currently seeing has the strength to rival the dominance of the NRA’s narrative. So Obama has an opportunity to ram through his nominee. That is, if he chose to.
There are reasons to believe he won’t. One is vulgar but needs stating: he’s the first black American president and his every move arouses deep suspicions in the Know-Nothing electorate that currently sways leadership in the Republican Party. This alone explains the Republicans’ doctrine of Massive Resistance, as it were, which has been their single and most effective political strategy since Obama took office. More significant and more subtle is the prevailing view among establishment Democrats, Obama included, that conflict is bad. This is a party that thinks a great deal about tactics and winning elections but avoids taking a stand if at all possible. And finally, even if Obama were to mount a head-on collision with Senate Republicans over Murthy’s nomination, the result might not be worth the effort. Murthy’s widely acknowledged credentials just don’t matter. As Senator Ted Cruz told CNN: “Look, of course we should have a surgeon general in place. And we don’t have one because President Obama, instead of nominating a health professional, he nominated someone who is an anti-gun activist.”
So, the irony remains.
One person dies from Ebola and everyone screams.
Eight people die every day in gun-related deaths and no one says a word.
what i sent hsus on nov 15: (couldn't locate best contact) the last issue of michigan farm news nov 15 volume 91 issue 18 has an article from front page that if true does not help the hsus image. granted many of the articles are to the right on animal and food safety issues. couldn't locate the issue on line but previous issues are there--here's the best part: "farmers and the farm message, daniels said, contains no hidden agenda, unlike some groups who are quick to criticize modern farming. one of my person interactions was when my wife and i took a trip to new orleans after katrina to help the kent county animal shelter rescue abandoned dogs and cats, he said. the city was destroyed and hsus was bringing in millions of $s, but they refused to allocate much of it to the people working to rescue the animals. we had unsanitary conditions, maybe 1 portable toilet for every 50 people, but hsus wouldn't help. in fact, much of their money goes into stopping people from eating meat. hsus would supply random camp food, but no meat allowed. one night they'd bring in pizza, but no meat on it. chinese food? no meat. you won't find a rule saying no meat, but it was well understood, and it shows their hidden agenda."
this kind of article is probably loved by some farmers, but someone needs to supply a balanced rebuttal if there is one.
same issue p 23 about european commission asking the european food safety agency to assess the risks assoc w/the use of clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam as seed treatments or as granules -- on acute and chronic effects on bee colony survival and dev. savina la scalea spokesperson at syngenta internation AG said bans on neonicotinoids has had neg econ effects on the seed sector. the humboldt forum for food and ag = 'if neon seed treatments were no longer avail in eur, there would be a significant reduction of food prod, dramatically altering the commodities trade balance'
p 4 about gmo ballot proposals 'voting for labeling is a vote in support of higher grocery bills bec food companies will inevitably pass these labeling compliance costs onto consumers (andrew walmsley am farm bureau federation biotechnology specialist). gmo foods have been deemed safe by usda, the us food and drug ad, the ama and major scientific and health organizations worldwide'
ode from 100% quiz taker:
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fed deficit for 2014 fell to 486 billion a 195 billion drop from 2013 2014 deficit was 2.8% of gross domestic product. during reagan presidency deficit average 4% (the week, oct 24, 2014)
eye glasses source: warbyparker.com eyebuydirect.com (good kids selection) goggles4u.com glasses.com readingglasses.com vision direct.com
Dunkin Donuts gives free coffee to people over 55 . If you're paying for a cup every day, you might want to start getting it for free.
YOU must ASK for your discount !
RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)
RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 10% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 10% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
Clarks: 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 10% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 20% off ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)
Modell's Sporting Goods: 10% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55
+)
GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (
55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 5% off (62+)
TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+
Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
Over Night Accommodations:
Best Western: 10% off ( 55 +)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT:
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 30% off
Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld Orlando, FL: $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS:
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).
MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $3 off haircuts (60+)
Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)
Amsterdam by russell shorto, a history of the world's most liberal city
c 2013
history from about 1200 to present.
different meaning of 'liberal' for dutch vs us
the dutch liberal party = opposite of am idea of liberal
william of nassau born protestant becomes william of orange -- raised by charles V (friend of william's father)
short interesting synoptics of rembrandt, descartes, spinoza (excommunicated from jewish church), anne frank, heineken, aletta jacobs (first dutch female dr did contraception studies w/pessary, diaphragm) van gogh john locke, dekker/max havelaar/multatuli), etc
p 184 baruch spinoza "men are of necessity liable to passions prone to vengeance more than mercy"
p 196 the flushing remonstrance to allow quakers to live in flushing, 1st statement of religious freedom in 1640's
p 110, 111 derivative devices such as short selling--selling shares one doesn't actually own i order to profit from an expected downtur in price, open the door to financial scamming and 2 yr later the first scandal erupted in amsterdam's open-air securities market -----short selling of VOC shares, the trading co about 1602
the excellent record keeping of the dutch helped nazis find and ship off jews; about 25% escaped vs 70 in france
van halls helped jewish pop w/various schemes eventually robbing dutch national bank in amsterdam, wally firing squad 3 mos before the nazis fled
calls dutch protocapitalists: landowners who bought sold rented, made profits. at same time they recognized that their individual economic interests lay in keeping the group bond strong, in working together p280
p304 "the famous double dutch method--girls taking birth control pills and boys using condoms--has resulted in 1 of the world's lowest rates of teen pregnancy and 1 of the lowest rates of abortion." yet conservative view that sex is not of secrecy but of health and normalcy. R us movies open to all; but PG-13 might be for adults only because of their violence
Anne Frank Video Footage July 21, 1941
inchoate
peripatetic
michigan farm news: p 13 nov 30 '14
when proposals one and two were turned down by mi voters, the humane soc of the us claimed a major victory said matt kapp, mi farm bureau's gov relations specialist. " it's all a moot point. mi's legislature did the right thing earlier this year by passing a law the ensured that the will of the people, as determined by a 1996 ballot proposal, continues. this doesn't matter because the legislature acted on leg initiated by the citizens of mi which gives authority to the NRC anyway"....the '14 law passed 23-10 by the senate and 65-43 by the house last summer est the scientific fish and wildlife conservation act which, in addition to confirming game designation authority by the NRC would provide $1 for asian carp prevention and allow free hunting and fishing licenses to military veterans
