Category: In the News

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Congressional Weenies

biparticianship extends only so far... we'll share the blame when things go southOkay, I know some of you are going to say that I am not giving the new congress a chance. After all — you say — listen to all the great things that the news media are saying that were accomplished in the first 100 hours. Sorry, I am not impressed.

I haven’t been really political for a while, so now is the time to talk about it. I just love when politicians talk about biparticianship… what they are really saying is: 1) I really don’t want to be in charge and 2) I want somebody else to hide behind. You really can’t blame the Pelosi Congress, they’re in the car with a lead foot on the gas, but no road map anywhere. Let’s remember that the ‘new and improved’ Congress entered session with only a 43% approval … tough audience out there boys and girls… so what have you done for me today?

I think it is grand when the President talks about taxing the rich, until I remember that they are talking about two teachers or where an automechanic has married a secretary. I don’t think I would put these guys in the same category as Soros, Turner, Kerry or the Kennedys… including any relative who may be governator of California.

the Pelosi Congress... Weenie Award Winner!So, when they talk about taxing health benefits of individuals insured completely or partially by their employer as income… we really are not talking about the ‘rich’ here. By the way, most rich folks are ‘self insured’… that is they reach into their personal vault for cash when they need something. Po’ Folks are self insured too.

I think the new congress is learning that being in ‘control’ is not as much fun as wanting to be in control.  I look to see a lot of hiding… er… biparticianship in the future.

Roger Freberg

Ps. Fortunately, Karla has offerred to take care of us in our old age…
who needs social security when you have a superhero like karla around?

 

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Cure for ‘tired old brain’

Jack LalanneAnyone who is or has been an athlete knows the value and superstition surrounding ‘supplements’. I seem to remember that famous ol’ Jack LaLane takes around 180 supplements a day… that’s what I heard… who knows? it may be more!

As a Type 2 diabetic, I am always interested in learning about any new supplement that would keep me from having to do what I am doing now… lose weight. Alpha lapoic Acid, Primrose oil, milkweed extract and various anti-oxidents with obvious magical or charmed properties have made it into my daily list.

Here’s something new from New Scientist magazine…. so it’s gotta be the truth …. riiiight!

Well,at least there is a study to back up their claims … and I will provide a link to the article. Here’s a brief quote from the article:

“Folic acid supplements can improve mental performance and memory in people over 50, according to a new study.

Also known as vitamin B9, folic acid is naturally present in foods such as liver, spinach and beans, and is taken as a supplement by pregnant women to prevent the birth defect spina bifida in their babies.”

Here are a few things that naturally contain Folic Acid… but… sheesh, you have to eat a ton of it…soooo,  I think I’ll stick to supplements:

Nice chart on the food products that contain Folic Acid

Many multi-vitamins contain Folic Acid at 400 mcg ( micrograms) , however the article quotes the study at 800 mcg… so, we’re going to add some extra Folic Acid… if it helps me better remember birthdays…. then it is worth it!

Roger Freberg

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Travel & Tourism a Key to Economic Development

For many people, it may come as a surprise that tourism is one of the foundations for economic developement — not only in America — but throughout the world. And as they say, tourism has been booming!

My daughters are becoming far better traveled than I could ever hope to be… and it is fun to listen to their stories. Kristin documented her experiences in Iraq for which I am grateful. Karen passed along some data from the ‘World Tourism Organization’ that is amazing! International tourism has increased 166% since 1990 with over 806 million folks visiting somewhere in 2005. The world is indeed becoming a smaller place. Here’s how the world tourism market share divides up:
world Tourism by Geographical Region in 2005

Although African Tourism has doubled since 1990 it has only slightly exceeded the world growth trend. Most of the Tourism to Africa lands in Egypt and South Africa. Hard-to-get-to-regions like Australia are still growing in tourism… but still occupy a very small share of the market.

Top 12 Countries attracting International Tourism

It is not surprising that the top spot in international tourism is France with Paris easily the top city. After all, Paris has often been referred to as a living museum. What is interesting has been the growth in tourism to China and Hong Kong. Although the top 12 countries represent nearly 400 million visitors, this only represents roughly half of all international tourism.

The world is getting to be a smaller place… so, where would you like to go?

Travel to Australia?
Travel To South Africa?
Travel to Japan?

Roger Freberg

 

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YOU can’t be happy… IF she’s not HAPPY!

When Laura is happy... the world is a brighter and more wonderful place.... so I keep it that way!A wiser and much older man once gave me a piece of golden advice after reflecting on his happy and successful life… it didn’t mean much to me then… because I was only 10 years old, but I promised to file it away until such time as it may be of use.

He said,” You can never be happy , if she is not happy.” I won’t say that I have always remembered his advice… but it has kept me from falling into those mantraps that few marriages ever survive.

Now, I think most people realize that you really don’t make anyone happy in this world by giving them everything they ever wanted. You make them happy by creating an environment and providing the tools and resources that aid any person in achieving their personal goals.

Laura passed on an article entitled, “Spouse’s Personality May be Hazardous to your health.” As you will discover, the article deals with how the personality of a ‘patient’ recovering from a health issue directly affects the emotional happiness of the caregiving spouse. 

there is a little bright eyed 'BooThe most important lesson of this study is a simple one: “Optimism in one spouse appeared to have beneficial effects for the partner.” So, there are many things one can do to lighten the mood in a home… here are just a few:

1) Allow the sun into the home… keep the windows open.

2) Place fresh flowers in the most heavily used parts of your home.

3) Keep the environment pleasant… light music, ample reading material and a willingness to talk and listen.

4) Bake and cook what others enjoy. All homes feel better with fresh bread in the oven…. the smell is enticing and unmistakeable.

When a family member is down… it’s up to everyone — including the one afflicted — to keep the mood light.

Roger Freberg

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Florida WHO? Ohio WHAT? CALTECH WINS!!!!!!

Caltech has always held a special place in my heart… and it’s not for what you might anticipate… it is their sports.

If you have ever been to Caltech, you will notice that athletics has a surprising history there… if you look at their records and dig a little…  the football team ended one of the worst losing streaks a while back… even with a line averaging over 300…. IQ (okay, typical athletic hyperbola… ). They have a dirt track with ancient records stretching back to the Olympic Champion ‘California Comet’.

yep... that me on top a few years ago... I learned from a wrestler/Ph.D. from Caltech

So where is my connection? Although it may have been an NCAA violation… I was sent up to Caltech to learn the rules of wrestling and train with a young red headed Ph.D. who had also been a very successful NCAA wrestler. I’m the guy on top ni the picture. I discovered that wrestlers are some of the smartest athletes… I learned a lot. After weeks of training… I never lost again…. never

Caltech Wins in Men's Basketball!So I want to add my congratulations to Caltech in their latest basketball win… breaking one of the longest losing streaks …ever. The AP had a nice write up.

Although it is glorious to win… there is much to be gained from the journey and the struggle…. and in doing things that others never expect from you.

For those who don’t know… it’s the Caltech Beavers….  hmmmm… I would have thought the ‘engineers’… Caltech humor.

Roger Freberg