As a veteran journalist, I believe it's important to disseminate information so with the help of some experts at Kansas State University, here are some tips to make this Fourth of July safer for the whole family:
* Before putting that hamburger or steak on the grill, K-State's J. Scott Smith, professor of food chemistry, recommends rubbing a little rosemary extract on the meat. Research by Smith has shown that rosemary can help stop the carcinogenic compounds known as heterocyclic amines, or HCAs, from forming in meat cooked over high temperatures. Rosemary extract has a light aroma, so Smith said your burger won't end up with the minty taste of the herb when used in its whole form. Rosemary extract also works on poultry, pork and fish.
* If topping grilled burgers with fresh tomato and lettuce or serving a fruit or vegetable salad at your backyard barbecue, K-State's Douglas Powell recommends finding out all you can about how your fresh produce was grown before purchasing it. "Fresh fruits and vegetables are the most significant sources of foodborne illness today in the U.S.," said Powell, an associate professor and scientific director of the International Food Safety Network. "Because fresh produce is not cooked, anything that comes into contact with it is a possible source of contamination." Wash water, irrigation water, manure in soil, even contact with animals or humans, can introduce dangerous microorganisms onto fresh produce. Powell recommends asking produce suppliers -- whether you buy your fruits and veggies from the supermarket or the farmer's market -- about their food safety measures, including if they test wash water and irrigation water for bacteria, the type of soil amendments they use and if employees and staff have been trained about proper hand washing.
* Fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition, but if you plan on watching them up close or even shooting them off in your yard, use earplugs, recommends Robert Garcia, an audiologist at the K-State Speech and Hearing Center. Depending on how close you are to them, fireworks can be loud enough to damage your hearing, Garcia said. "An easy way to protect your hearing is to use disposable earplugs available at drug stores and retailers like Wal-Mart," he said. "They are specially designed to appropriately filter noise, while cotton balls or tissues or not. The earplugs are an effective way to protect hearing, especially for kids who will be shooting fireworks."
* If your dog is a scaredy-cat when it comes to the loud noises and bright colors produced by fireworks, the best place for your canine may be indoors and inside a kennel or dog crate, according to veterinarian Susan Nelson, assistant professor of clinical sciences at K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine. "Many dogs feel safer in the confines of their crate. Plus, being indoors helps decrease the chance of your pet being injured from fireworks or running away because of fear," Nelson said. If your canine companion needs additional relief, Nelson recommends checking with your veterinarian about medications or other options that help decrease your pet's anxiety level.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Supreme Court Says Americans Have Right to Kill
You can put a different spin on it and say "Supreme Court Says Americans have Gun Rights" but the bottom line is the door has been opened for hate mongers and lunatics to claim self-defense every time they get trigger happy.
In a 5-4 decision, the high court determined that Americans have the right to own guns for self-defense as well as hunting. So my question is, how is self-defense going to be determined in a court of law that is already full of holes and errors?
If someone looks at me funny and then puts their hand in their pocket, does that give me the right to pull a gun out of my purse and shoot them because I felt my life might be threatened? What if someone tries to cut me off on the highway and I reach for my gun and shoot them? I can say I felt my life was being threatened because I could've been killed by their "road rage."
It's all in how you spin it---and the color of your skin.
In a 5-4 decision, the high court determined that Americans have the right to own guns for self-defense as well as hunting. So my question is, how is self-defense going to be determined in a court of law that is already full of holes and errors?
If someone looks at me funny and then puts their hand in their pocket, does that give me the right to pull a gun out of my purse and shoot them because I felt my life might be threatened? What if someone tries to cut me off on the highway and I reach for my gun and shoot them? I can say I felt my life was being threatened because I could've been killed by their "road rage."
It's all in how you spin it---and the color of your skin.
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Dead DO Count
A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00 when she died, but now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank.
Here is the exchange:
Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you she died back in January.'
Citibank : 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'
Family Member : 'Maybe, you should turn it over to collections.'
Citibank: 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'
Family Member : So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'
Citibank: 'Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'
Family Member : 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'
Citibank: 'Excuse me?'
Family Member : 'Did you just get what I was telling you - the part about her being dead?'
Citibank: 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'
Supervisor gets on the phone:
Family Member : 'I'm calling to tell you, she died back in January with a $0 balance.'
Citibank : 'The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply.'
Family Member: 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'
Citibank : (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'
Family Member: 'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Lawyer info was given)
Citibank: 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'
Family Member: 'Sure.' (Fax number was given )
After they get the fax:
Citibank: 'Our system just isn't setup for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'
Family Member : 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. She won't care.'
Citibank: 'Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.' (What is wrong with these people?!?)
Family Member : 'Would you like her new billing address?'
Citibank : 'That might help.'
Family Member: ' Odessa Memorial Cemetery , Highway 129, Plot Number 69.'
Citibank : 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'
Family Member : 'What do you do with dead people on your planet???
Here is the exchange:
Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you she died back in January.'
Citibank : 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'
Family Member : 'Maybe, you should turn it over to collections.'
Citibank: 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'
Family Member : So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'
Citibank: 'Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'
Family Member : 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'
Citibank: 'Excuse me?'
Family Member : 'Did you just get what I was telling you - the part about her being dead?'
Citibank: 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'
Supervisor gets on the phone:
Family Member : 'I'm calling to tell you, she died back in January with a $0 balance.'
Citibank : 'The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply.'
Family Member: 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'
Citibank : (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'
Family Member: 'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Lawyer info was given)
Citibank: 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'
Family Member: 'Sure.' (Fax number was given )
After they get the fax:
Citibank: 'Our system just isn't setup for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'
Family Member : 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. She won't care.'
Citibank: 'Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.' (What is wrong with these people?!?)
Family Member : 'Would you like her new billing address?'
Citibank : 'That might help.'
Family Member: ' Odessa Memorial Cemetery , Highway 129, Plot Number 69.'
Citibank : 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'
Family Member : 'What do you do with dead people on your planet???
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Richmond: Not a Romantic Place for Baby Boomers
In celebration of my 51st birthday, my husband and I decided to re-visit Richmond, VA. That's one of those "in-between" places we used to meet up when we were dating. Mind you, we hadn't been back in about five years so we know that things do change.
As we walked along the Canal Street area this time, the atmosphere seemed different. There were plenty of people but not many friendly, smiling faces. I didn't get a "Welcome" feeling. I'm a firm believer you can tell a lot about a place or business by the people who represent it.
Even when we went back to our favorite restaurant, Sine Irish Pub & Restaurant, I didn't have a sense of "we're glad you're here!" like I did the last time. The last time we were there the female bartender was warm and friendly. This bartender seemed to care less if we were there or not.
I guess I just expected more. After all, it was my birthday and I wanted to spend it with my hubby in a place that brought back some fond memories. But not this time. Richmond, VA is definitely NOT a place I would recommend for baby boomers who want to re-kindle flames.
As we walked along the Canal Street area this time, the atmosphere seemed different. There were plenty of people but not many friendly, smiling faces. I didn't get a "Welcome" feeling. I'm a firm believer you can tell a lot about a place or business by the people who represent it.
Even when we went back to our favorite restaurant, Sine Irish Pub & Restaurant, I didn't have a sense of "we're glad you're here!" like I did the last time. The last time we were there the female bartender was warm and friendly. This bartender seemed to care less if we were there or not.
I guess I just expected more. After all, it was my birthday and I wanted to spend it with my hubby in a place that brought back some fond memories. But not this time. Richmond, VA is definitely NOT a place I would recommend for baby boomers who want to re-kindle flames.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Come On Baby Boomer, Light My Fire
We are the baby boomers who grew up with drugs, sex and rock-n-roll. Woodstock gave many free thinkers the opportunity to express themselves with their bodies. So what’s wrong with those of us who still have a healthy appetite for sex?
According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive(R) of 2,000 married baby boomer men and women between the ages of 40-70, physical intimacy was determined to be as important now as it’s ever been. As a matter of fact, 84 percent of baby boomers rank physical intimacy as being important or very important. The number of boomers in the survey who rank physical intimacy as important to a successful relationship is higher than having enough money (72 percent) or even good health (78 percent).
The survey also found that only half (50 percent) of boomers surveyed are satisfied with the physical intimacy in their relationship, and 41 percent of men and 43 percent of women desire more emotional intimacy in their relationships.
Those of us who enjoy intimacy understand that great sex is the result of an excellent relationship, not the cause of it. Both women and men know being a good lover is not a matter of having extra-large physical equipment, knowing the "correct" technique, or being able to last all night. It's a matter of knowing, understanding and caring for your partner. It’s the tenderness and caressing. It’s also a matter of communication. Letting your partner know what turns you on and guiding him/her to your pleasure spots goes a long way in keeping the flames of passion well lit.
If you want to know how your baby boomer partner can light your fire, check out this article on Eons.com
According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive(R) of 2,000 married baby boomer men and women between the ages of 40-70, physical intimacy was determined to be as important now as it’s ever been. As a matter of fact, 84 percent of baby boomers rank physical intimacy as being important or very important. The number of boomers in the survey who rank physical intimacy as important to a successful relationship is higher than having enough money (72 percent) or even good health (78 percent).
The survey also found that only half (50 percent) of boomers surveyed are satisfied with the physical intimacy in their relationship, and 41 percent of men and 43 percent of women desire more emotional intimacy in their relationships.
Those of us who enjoy intimacy understand that great sex is the result of an excellent relationship, not the cause of it. Both women and men know being a good lover is not a matter of having extra-large physical equipment, knowing the "correct" technique, or being able to last all night. It's a matter of knowing, understanding and caring for your partner. It’s the tenderness and caressing. It’s also a matter of communication. Letting your partner know what turns you on and guiding him/her to your pleasure spots goes a long way in keeping the flames of passion well lit.
If you want to know how your baby boomer partner can light your fire, check out this article on Eons.com
Thursday, June 19, 2008
A $200 Burger
Who in their right mind would pay $200 for a Burger at Burger King? They're obviously doing it in London.
It's something I call a sin and a shame---especially since there are so many people living in poverty and way too many fat people who don't need it.
The burger is Japanese-style Wagyu, flame-grilled, garnished with Italian truffles, Spanish cured ham, aged balsamic vinegar, Champagne onions and popped onto a saffron- and truffle-dusted bun.
se-style Wagyu, flame-grilled, garnished with Italian truffles, Spanish cured ham, aged balsamic vinegar, Champagne onions and popped onto a saffron- and truffle-dusted bun.
Ridiculous doesn't even begin to describe what I think about this!
It's something I call a sin and a shame---especially since there are so many people living in poverty and way too many fat people who don't need it.
The burger is Japanese-style Wagyu, flame-grilled, garnished with Italian truffles, Spanish cured ham, aged balsamic vinegar, Champagne onions and popped onto a saffron- and truffle-dusted bun.
se-style Wagyu, flame-grilled, garnished with Italian truffles, Spanish cured ham, aged balsamic vinegar, Champagne onions and popped onto a saffron- and truffle-dusted bun.
Ridiculous doesn't even begin to describe what I think about this!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Gay & Lesbian Baby Boomers & Seniors
After 55 years of living together, 84-year-old Phyllis Lyon and 87-year-old Del Martin made their common law marriage legal today by tying the knot in San Francisco. Their nuptials are the result of a decision, back in May, by the California Supreme Court to overturn a voter-approved ban on gay marriage.
The justices ruled in a 4-3 decision that domestic partnerships weren't a good enough substitute for marriage.
Please excuse my ignorance, but I didn't realize there were more than 15 million gay and lesbian consumers in the United States, whose buying power exceeded $660 billion. That was information I found on the website PackagedFacts
I also didn't know there were a reported 2.9 million Lesbian-Gay-Bi-Sexual-Transgender (LGBT) people over the age of 55 in the U.S. as of 2006.
Does that mean more and more baby boomers are coming out of the closet or were they already out and we just didn't recognize or acknowledge them?
The justices ruled in a 4-3 decision that domestic partnerships weren't a good enough substitute for marriage.
Please excuse my ignorance, but I didn't realize there were more than 15 million gay and lesbian consumers in the United States, whose buying power exceeded $660 billion. That was information I found on the website PackagedFacts
I also didn't know there were a reported 2.9 million Lesbian-Gay-Bi-Sexual-Transgender (LGBT) people over the age of 55 in the U.S. as of 2006.
Does that mean more and more baby boomers are coming out of the closet or were they already out and we just didn't recognize or acknowledge them?
Friday, June 13, 2008
What is Your Ministry?
I believe everyone is called to the Ministry. No, you don't necessarily have to stand in a pulpit and preach to a congregation but I firmly believe God calls on each one of us to use our talents to bless others. He then provides us with the additional resources we'll need to carry out our task.
One of the things Rick Warren says in his book, Purpose Drive Life is “We are healed to help others...We are blessed to be a blessing...We are saved to serve."
With that being said, my journey and my ministry continues.
One of the things Rick Warren says in his book, Purpose Drive Life is “We are healed to help others...We are blessed to be a blessing...We are saved to serve."
With that being said, my journey and my ministry continues.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Celebrities Join Women on the Move Event
Actresses Debbie Zipp and Bern Nadette Stanis will headline a Women's Business and Social Networking Seminar/Luncheon on October 18 in Durham, North Carolina.
The event, sponsored by the non-profit organization Boomer Diva Nation, LLC,comes on the heels of their successful Baby Boomer Girlfriend’s Spring Break weekend this past April in Daytona Beach. Author and Radio Host Beverly Mahone is its Founder.
Mahone says Zipp and Stanis will share their stories of pursuing their passions at midlife and offer tips for women who may be in a life transition. Both actresses are members of Boomer Diva Nation.
Zipp is probably best known for her recurring role as “Donna” on the hit TV show, Murder She Wrote. Today she has spread her wings as a talented Producer and teamed up with three other Hollywood actresses to form In The Trenches Productions. They call it “The first entertainment website celebrating the power and beauty of women over 40.”
Stanis played the character “Thelma” on the TV sitcom, Good Times. Since then she has written two books and is currently traveling around the country promoting them.
In addition to the appearances of the celebrity actresses, a gynecologist will be on hand to answer questions regarding menopause and other health-related issues. A mini-concert will be performed by gospel recording artist Jennifer Evans and there will be trivia contests for prizes. The first 50 women who register will receive Diva-licious gift bags.
The event will be held at the Durham Arts Council Building, 120 Morris Street, in downtown Durham. To learn more about how you can participate as a Sponsor or attendee in another fabulous event sponsored by the Women of Boomer Diva Nation, send an email to: beverly@talk2bev.com or call 301-356-6280.
To pre-register, go to: boomerdivanation.org.
About Boomer Diva Nation, LLC:
Boomer Diva Nation, LLC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness, business and social networking for women aged 40 and beyond. For more information, contact Beverly Mahone at 301-356-6280 or via email: Beverly@talk2bev.com
The event, sponsored by the non-profit organization Boomer Diva Nation, LLC,comes on the heels of their successful Baby Boomer Girlfriend’s Spring Break weekend this past April in Daytona Beach. Author and Radio Host Beverly Mahone is its Founder.
Mahone says Zipp and Stanis will share their stories of pursuing their passions at midlife and offer tips for women who may be in a life transition. Both actresses are members of Boomer Diva Nation.
Zipp is probably best known for her recurring role as “Donna” on the hit TV show, Murder She Wrote. Today she has spread her wings as a talented Producer and teamed up with three other Hollywood actresses to form In The Trenches Productions. They call it “The first entertainment website celebrating the power and beauty of women over 40.”
Stanis played the character “Thelma” on the TV sitcom, Good Times. Since then she has written two books and is currently traveling around the country promoting them.
In addition to the appearances of the celebrity actresses, a gynecologist will be on hand to answer questions regarding menopause and other health-related issues. A mini-concert will be performed by gospel recording artist Jennifer Evans and there will be trivia contests for prizes. The first 50 women who register will receive Diva-licious gift bags.
The event will be held at the Durham Arts Council Building, 120 Morris Street, in downtown Durham. To learn more about how you can participate as a Sponsor or attendee in another fabulous event sponsored by the Women of Boomer Diva Nation, send an email to: beverly@talk2bev.com or call 301-356-6280.
To pre-register, go to: boomerdivanation.org.
About Boomer Diva Nation, LLC:
Boomer Diva Nation, LLC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness, business and social networking for women aged 40 and beyond. For more information, contact Beverly Mahone at 301-356-6280 or via email: Beverly@talk2bev.com
Friday, June 06, 2008
How Close are you to Foreclosure?
The list of homeowners going into foreclosure has topped the one million mark. This week a Georgia newspaper reported the upcoming auction of the home of former Heavyweight Boxing Champion Evander Holyfield. His 5,000-square-home — located on Evander Holyfield Highway — has 109 rooms, including 17 bathrooms, three kitchens and a bowling alley.
Holyfield reportedly defaulted on a $10 million loan to Washington Mutual Bank, which plans to auction off his home on the courthouse steps on July 1. (Did he really need 109 rooms?)
Former baseball star Jose Canseco is walking away from his 7,300-square-foot mansion in a Los Angeles suburb. He bought the six-bedroom, five-bath Encino mansion in 2005 for about $2.8 million. The house already had at least one lien placed on it, from the Internal Revenue Service.
Ed McMahon, the longtime sidekick to Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show," defaulted on $4.8 million in mortgage loans with a unit of Countrywide Financial Corp., which filed a notice of default in March, according to ForeclosureRadar, a company that sells default data pulled from public records. The 85-year-old is reportedly $644,000 in arrears.
California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona accounted for 89 percent of the total increase in new home foreclosures.
Who's really to blame for this mess?
Holyfield reportedly defaulted on a $10 million loan to Washington Mutual Bank, which plans to auction off his home on the courthouse steps on July 1. (Did he really need 109 rooms?)
Former baseball star Jose Canseco is walking away from his 7,300-square-foot mansion in a Los Angeles suburb. He bought the six-bedroom, five-bath Encino mansion in 2005 for about $2.8 million. The house already had at least one lien placed on it, from the Internal Revenue Service.
Ed McMahon, the longtime sidekick to Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show," defaulted on $4.8 million in mortgage loans with a unit of Countrywide Financial Corp., which filed a notice of default in March, according to ForeclosureRadar, a company that sells default data pulled from public records. The 85-year-old is reportedly $644,000 in arrears.
California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona accounted for 89 percent of the total increase in new home foreclosures.
Who's really to blame for this mess?
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Baby Boomers Don't Like to Face Ugly History
Today marks the anniversary of the worst race riots in our nation’s history. It was known as the Tulsa Riots of 1921.
The trouble began on May 31, 1921 when a young black man named Dick Rowland was accused of assaulting a white girl named Sarah Page in an elevator. Although police questioned her, there was never a written account produced of her statement. Whatever the conversation was between Page and the police, it is generally accepted that the police decided that what had happened between the two teenagers was something less than a serious assault. In any event, the police did not launch a man-hunt for her alleged assailant. They apparently knew who they were looking for, but they felt no great urgency.
Whether or not an actual assault had occurred, Rowland had reason to be afraid. In those days, just an accusation of an assault on a white woman might incite violence. He realized the seriousness of the situation, and Rowland fled to his mother's house in the Greenwood neighborhood.
The morning after the incident, Rowland was located, booked on suspicion of assault, and taken to an interrogation room on the top floor of the Tulsa County Courthouse for questioning.
AND THEN THE MEDIA GOT INVOLVED….need I say more….
By late morning, news of the event had apparently reached the Tulsa Tribune. The newspaper broke the story in that afternoon's edition with the headline: 'Nab Negro for Attacking Girl In an Elevator', describing the alleged incident with the details that could be assembled on such short notice. It was, however, another article in the same paper that is credited with providing the misinformation which sparked the chain of events that ensued later that evening.
When it was all over, the area known as “Black Wall Street” was completely destroyed and it’s believed that more than 300 blacks were killed---although the official number only reported 39 deaths.
As baby boomers, this is a part of history we do our best to shy away from because we know these people were mothers, fathers, other relatives and friends. Even if our family members weren’t directly involved in the Tulsa Race Riot, it’s safe to say the majority of baby boomers have parents and grandparents who were either the racist culprits or the victims somewhere in America. The question is how much of that attitude and racism is still a part of the baby boomers you know today?
The trouble began on May 31, 1921 when a young black man named Dick Rowland was accused of assaulting a white girl named Sarah Page in an elevator. Although police questioned her, there was never a written account produced of her statement. Whatever the conversation was between Page and the police, it is generally accepted that the police decided that what had happened between the two teenagers was something less than a serious assault. In any event, the police did not launch a man-hunt for her alleged assailant. They apparently knew who they were looking for, but they felt no great urgency.
Whether or not an actual assault had occurred, Rowland had reason to be afraid. In those days, just an accusation of an assault on a white woman might incite violence. He realized the seriousness of the situation, and Rowland fled to his mother's house in the Greenwood neighborhood.
The morning after the incident, Rowland was located, booked on suspicion of assault, and taken to an interrogation room on the top floor of the Tulsa County Courthouse for questioning.
AND THEN THE MEDIA GOT INVOLVED….need I say more….
By late morning, news of the event had apparently reached the Tulsa Tribune. The newspaper broke the story in that afternoon's edition with the headline: 'Nab Negro for Attacking Girl In an Elevator', describing the alleged incident with the details that could be assembled on such short notice. It was, however, another article in the same paper that is credited with providing the misinformation which sparked the chain of events that ensued later that evening.
When it was all over, the area known as “Black Wall Street” was completely destroyed and it’s believed that more than 300 blacks were killed---although the official number only reported 39 deaths.
As baby boomers, this is a part of history we do our best to shy away from because we know these people were mothers, fathers, other relatives and friends. Even if our family members weren’t directly involved in the Tulsa Race Riot, it’s safe to say the majority of baby boomers have parents and grandparents who were either the racist culprits or the victims somewhere in America. The question is how much of that attitude and racism is still a part of the baby boomers you know today?
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