390 Cannon House Office Building, Washington DC 20515
Televised live on the Committee's site, PBS and other channels as mentioned in this L.A. Times newspaper article along with discussion about what to expect, what has occurred and other political commentary HERE
The final Committee report release expected soon may be discussed.
QUESTION: Will the Committee's final report rightfully include findings about ALL involved in the January 6th seditious activities -- including any that may have involved former President Donald J. Trump, any Congresspersons, U.S. Government law enforcement departments including FBI, Secret Service, other organizations, any religious entities, corporate and private financial backers, foreign governments?
CATCH-UP BREAK
Hope all is going well for each of you. Expect you may be busy with life including any preparations for the coming holidays. I'm continuing to focus on my need to catch-up on some matters here, so am not writing on any topics interesting me this week and for the next several weeks.
The Committee's subpoena to Donald Trump to testify resulted in the 45th President failing to comply and suing the Committee.
Former integrity chief Jack Smith, has been appointed by the Attorney General as a special counsel to "oversee the Justice Department's criminal investigations involving Donald Trump" as NPR describes HERE
QUESTION: Will the Committee's final report rightfully include findings about all involved in the January 6th seditious activities in addition to those of former President Donald J. Trump -- the Congresspersons, Government law enforcement departments including FBI, Secret Service, other organizations, any religious entities, possibly any corporate and private financial backers?
UP WHERE WE BELONGsung by Buffy Sainte-Marie
This is the composer's version of the song which is best known from the movie, "An Officer and a Gentleman" sung by Joe Cocker. "Buffy won an Oscar for this song with Jack Nitzsche and Will Jennings."
PERSPECTIVE
How we view life's experiences is all a matter of perspective. Buffy Sainte-Marie, now 81 years old, recalled in her youth being taught in school that in 1492 Columbus discovered America, but as an indigenous native Canadian American Cree Indian she knew that wasn't true. She said, in 1492 we Indians in America discovered Columbus.
Buffy expressed a variety of thoughts in her music's lyrics through the years including some about current events as others like Bob Dylan did. Elvis Presley and other singers performed and recorded her songs. Her career progressed until unbeknown to her the U.S. government began black-listing her, suppressed her music recordings she discovered years later in her FBI files. Not realizing her activism had become of concern, she thought her popularity has just waned.
Other credits Buffy has acquired included repeated appearances on Sesame Street introducing that young community to indigenous people. The story-line with her husband continued through her pregnancy, subsequent natural breast-feeding of her new-born baby.
Thanksgiving's celebration fostered my remembrances of what I was taught about the holiday in school. We focused on the Pilgrims and the Indians forging a friendship by sharing a meal.
Were some of you in later generations taught more facts about the Pilgrims and Indians relationship?
I have long since learned there is much more to the story of the Native American Indians, the indigenous people of our nation, from whom the Pilgrims began taking their land with and without their agreement.
The American Indian perspective on the Thanksgiving myth can be viewed on PBS.org HERE
"Wampanoag historian Linda Coombs and Narragansett Knowledge Keeper Cassius Spears speak with filmmaker Yvonne Russo about the experiences of Native populations at the time of European settlers' arrival in New England 400 years ago, and what is actually known about the first Thanksgiving."
The arriving pilgrims encountered the aftermath of a plague thought to have been brought to them a short time earlier by fishermen. Thousands of Indians died in this fast moving disease that decimated their villages of their health care providers and even those who bury the dead. Seeing this devastation a pilgrim leader reported God had cleared the land for them revealing an insensitive, even heinous view -- lacking in compassion for other human beings to say the least by this Christian likely intolerant of others different spiritual views.
Centuries later I recall attending the reading of a new book by author Dee Brown when we lived in Arizona. "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" proved to be a novel describing how the American west was won. Heart-breaking descriptions reveal the "...systematic destruction of American Indian tribes in the late nineteenth century" as Good Reads reviews HERE
Native American Cultural Heritage Month is currently being celebrated on PBS. A number of programs are being aired about life on the reservations today you may find of interest.
Indian reservation life can still leave much to be desired for many residents lacking basic utilities taken for granted elsewhere. Agreements between the Indians and the U.S. Government also can continue to present challenges resolving.
Now may be a reckoning time as our nation's people need to relinquish the colorful notions and stories told about our history. The reality of our indigenous people, also of those held in slavery often has been romanticized and is long overdue for truthful descriptions.
We might also want to take special care to tolerate, especially in leadership positions and news disseminators, only those committed to speaking, writing truth.
The Committee's subpoena to Donald Trump to testify resulted in the 45th President failing to comply, then suing the Committee.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, DOJ, has appointed former integrity chief, Jack Smith, as a special counsel to "oversee the Justice Department's criminal investigations involving Donald Trump" as NPR describes HERE.
QUESTION: Will we see justice, know the results of the Committee's Hearings and the DOJ's criminal investigations involving Donald Trump before the November 2024 Presidential election?
"The time has come", the Walrus said, "To talk of many things: Of shoes - and ships - and sealing wax - Of cabbages - and kings - And why the sea is boiling hot - And whether pigs have wings." The Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll
One interpretation at interesting literature HERE: "The story ... is, in one sense, the story of encroachment and entitlement: the sun upon the moon's territory or time, the walrus and the carpenters upon the oysters, which they presume to eat -- because they can."
DROUGHT -- We wait in the midst of our rainy season for more of the wet stuff, but no moisture here since last week. None projected for this week. Maybe next week, next month.
Typically, this is our fire season in which dangerous flames every year have been very destructive, often of people's homes, lives, pets, livestock, in addition to surrounding forests, also dislocating, even injuring or killing some wildlife there. We've been spared fires so far this season said to be due to the absence of diablo (devil) winds. These winds "catapult embers and fan flames" spreading the fire far and wide.
KIWIS and BAMBOO FABRIC INNOCENT -- (see my previous post. ). I have since consulted with my Dermatologist, then referral to an Allergist has me finally getting some meaningful treatment gradually affecting all that itching, hives/rash, watery eyes, runny nose, other symptoms, and energy, alertness level depletions alleviating some sleep complications.
Seems I did what many people do with my symptoms -- think food or some other item is the potential cause, so we try the process of elimination. The reality, I was told, is that most often the cause has to do with pollens, airborne matters also affecting the respiratory system. This may be more prevalent in some areas such as where I live than in others, I think.
So, I can eat those kiwis, wear those bamboo fabric P.J.s I was told (but I may wait 'til this is over). Given some of the relief I'm experiencing indicates we're on the right track though there is still a toll as each day wears on. Meanwhile, a thorough examination with blood work and other will be occurring.
My fatigue level, endurance have all been affected for much longer than a month now, resulting in my getting even more behind on so many things. The annual holidays are coming, too, so, I will continue with limited time spent blogging, probably writing only here, among other things. Thanks for your understanding.
MUSIC MEMORIES -- An early 20th century variety of jazz and swing, before my day, continues to be popular with many of all ages -- young and old. Dixieland is one such style that has had a popular group of musicians in our town. Jazz evolved into later 20th century styles I especially enjoy more and shared with my husband. Performing jazz with his groups, including a vocal one, and backing some name artists was my husband's professional avocation for many years which I've previously written about here.
I welcome promoting jazz so was pleased to recently learn of this 43-year-old Thanksgiving festival. Check your community for music festivals year 'round featuring the music you favor and support them. Area Philharmonic Orchestras can be especially enjoyable, too., as are any local area symphonies that sometimes hold outdoor concerts.
2022San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza.
Celebrating 43 Years! Thanksgiving Weekend
"The San Diego Jazz Fest is one of the longest running annual music festivals dedicated to celebrating jazz music of the early 20th Century. Since 1980, this event has been held during Thanksgiving weekend in San Diego, California, and features a variety of musical artists performing traditional jazz, swing, blues, ragtime, boogie woogie, gospel, and rhythm and blues."
MY FIRST THANKSGIVING I recall when I was quite young was spent on a Great Aunt's midwest Ohio farm with other of my family members on what became an extended long weekend due to unexpected snow creating safe driving concerns. Having had our Thanksgiving dinner, we now needed more food due to our sudden necessary delayed departure in those times before home freezers with an emergency supply of food were prevalent.
The next day the men, including my older brother, went out hunting for rabbits. Tracking the rabbits footprints in the snow aided in the task. They allowed me to traipse along to observe the whole process which culminated in the men dressing the rabbits for the women who later prepared them for dinner.
I was quite appalled with the demise of the rabbits, refusing to eat any of the meat. Finally, I reluctantly agreed to taste a bite which led to a second, then more. Surprisingly to me, the meat was quite tasty, overcoming my focus on what had happened to the rabbits and I continued to finish my serving. The next morning, I even ate some of the meat cold. I've never eaten rabbit since, but then the occasion to do so has never presented itself.
THANKSGIVING celebrations will soon have many enjoying time and delicious food with family and/or friends. Some may celebrate virtually. Others will settle on relishing long ago memories of those times.
DJT, 45TH President, is suing the Committee in what appears to be his classic technique designed to avoid or delay having to respond to their subpoena compelling he testify, initially delayed to ll/14/22 at his request. If 45's political party takes control of the House of Representatives as is presently expected, pundits expect the Committee will cease to function meaningfully and/or will be terminated since his party has previously declared the Committee to be nonpartisan.
QUESTION: Will the top U.S. government officials in the executive, legislative, judicial, other law enforcement individuals including Secret Service, FBI, Police Departments aligned with organizing and support of the January 6th Capitol coup/insurrection/assault ever be held accountable to the American people?
MIDTERM ELECTION RESULT projections as I write this restores my faith the majority of the U.S. voting public is determined to maintain our form of democracy with the current Administration retaining Senate control. There is much more to be accomplished.
May such voter numbers increase in all future elections. This dedication to thoughtfully participate in all future elections must continue in order to preserve our democratic republic based on our current major political parties ideologies.
So Cal where I live actually received about three inches of rain, more in other communities. Snow fell in California mountains, including Northern California, earlier in the season than usual, leading us to hope there will be more rain and snow contributing toward ending our drought.
BIG BEAR BALD EAGLES FRIENDS site HERE you may read the latest report about the eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, recently observed to have returned to the area. Likely these eagles may soon begin refurbishing the nest in readiness to hatch a new brood for 2023. The Friends update (9/29/22) describes all the maintenance and enhancements provided for live 24/7 audio and video coverage of the eagles' nest with a spectacular background view of the surrounding area and lake.
LIFE'S DISRUPTIONS continue for me interfering with my having any semblance of routine. Annoyingly, to say the least, I'm again periodically experiencing nights when I'm unable to sleep with or without itching. Early in October I wrote HERE about what I took to be a simple allergic reaction I attributed to Kiwi fruit. I've not eaten any Kiwis since but clearly my problem is far from over. Surely there has been ample time for the Kiwis to leave my system.
A pattern has developed with increasing reactions including itchy feelings, inflammation with red rash splotches spreading these symptoms, finally over my whole body this past week. I did get a high dose flu shot at the end of the previous week but don't think that would have been a causal factor. Coping with these symptoms, erratically trying to get adequate sleep through varied daytime hours is my priority as I address this not-always-so-mild discomfort while I try to figure out what is the cause. I think I best wait for my final Covid booster vaccine until this issue is resolved.
Most recently I have begun to wonder if some new bamboo fabric pajamas I began wearing weeks prior to my symptoms might be the cause, so I've ceased wearing them. I never heard of bamboo fabric much less considered it could trigger such skin issues, but I don't yet know if this is the cause. I continue taking an antihistamine. I have consulted with my doctor who was unable to provide a curative medication, referring me to see a Dermatologist which I will do if there is no resolution soon.
The Night Watchman, 2021 Pulitzer Prize winning novel for fiction written by Louise Erdrich captured my attention to read on sleepless nights, selected from my stack of unread books. Erdrich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, has authored many novels, as well as volumes of poetry, children's books, and a memoir of early motherhood, received numerous awards. She lives in Minnesota with her daughters, owns a small independent bookstore, Birchbark Books.
Recent news stories about efforts to suppress the native American Indian vote reminded me of this historical fictional story based on the author's grandfather's life. The story describes Indian life on their reservation, the challenges they face surviving attitudes and obstacles encountered from our government. They deserve to retain decent productive soil on land where they can live and prosper, keep their culture, language. All this with individuals lives created are embedded in a story of the true Americans on this land our immigrant forefathers forcefully took from them.
The Brennan Center explains how voter suppression laws target Native Americans HERE. These citizens often have to travel many miles to vote, may have few, if any, ballot deposit boxes they can readily access to name a few deterrents. Native American voting rights need to be protected by Congressional action with just such a bill defeated in the 2021 Senate.
A political party that actively attempts to thwart citizens ability to vote in our elections through sabotaging restrictions including gerrymandering undermines the basic foundation of our Constitution and form of government.
FREEDOM -- Jon Batiste
An American singer, songwriter, musician, bandleader, television personality, and Grammy Award winner.
QUESTION: Will the 45th President, DJT, respond by November 14th to the Committee's subpoena extension he was able to receive to give his deposition and to provide requested documents?
DROUGHT UPDATE -- We actually received some rain showers last week where I live in SoCal.
Encouragingly we are being told to expect some hard rain, snow in the mountains for a couple days this week. Promises! Promises! Hopefully the moisture arrives here with snow in Northern California mountains plus more to come in the weeks and months ahead, normally our wet months for decades in past years.
VIRAL COMBAT -- I have my flu shot -- was given the high-dose version this year. In two weeks I'll seek the latest and final Covid vaccine. Continued wearing of the N95 mask when I'm in contact with most others will continue to be the order of the day for me.
I could still contract a virus but the severity of my illness would likely be minimal, might not even require hospitalization much less result in my death. I like those odds -- better than my winning the lottery.
MIDTERM ELECTION VOTING -- I chose to submit my ballot in a local drop box again this year. I will receive an email confirmation my ballot has been received and votes counted within the next few days.
What a tragedy with the suppressing effort to thwart this means as an an individual voter's right in some other states. There are those who promote proven deliberate lies discounting the trustworthiness of our election system.
DEMOCRACY PRESERVATION -- I continue to believe our democracy's preservation is the primary issue that needs to guide voters in their candidate selections. Candidates who are deniers of the legitimacy of the 2020 election results and conspiracy believers unable to discern fact from fiction pose a danger to our democratic constitutional republic's freedoms, true justice with genuine law and order.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME AGAIN!
Barbra Streisand -- Everything Must Change & I Didn't Know What Time It Was Performed at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York on Saturday 6 May 2017
Barbra was 75 (!) when she sang these songs with a voice showing minimal age-related effects.
Barbra's dedications were tributes following recent deaths then of Sandy Gallin who was a talent manager adored and respected by many stars you can read about HERE
Virginia Kelley, is a nurse anesthetist and mother of former President Bill Clinton who came to be warmly regarded by many you can read about HERE. Coincidentally, a friend of mine described her baby's birth as being "midwifed" by Virginia.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME and OUR HEALTH -- Did you remember to "fall back" one hour effective Sunday, Nov.6th at 2 a.m.?
Once again in the U.S. we all must change our clocks for daylight savings time adjustment except for Arizona and Hawaii who did not adopt this DST change system years ago. I won't go into the whys and wherefores for all this but maybe this will be the last year we will be required to make this time change on our clocks.
You can read the DST history (not simply to accommodate farmers) in this succinct informative PBS News Hour transcript along with what has been learned about the effect of all this time manipulation on our health HERE
Seems research studies have shown these time changes may be having a more serious impact on our health than we ever knew beyond our own experiences considered merely anecdotal in official scientific 'worldom'.
Our U.S. Senate did finally act based on legislation passed in several states to end this change by establishing daylight savings time year 'round. That bill has stalled in the House of Representatives since some states, including my own California, desire returning to regular time, which I prefer, too. This difference must be resolved between both branches of government before officially being signed into law.
Meanwhile, I'm coping with my clock-radio purchased many years ago to automatically "spring forward" and "fall back". I was delighted to never have to bother with manually changing this clock twice each year -- just my wristwatch and other clocks in my house. At least one clock would have the correct time to begin the day if I hadn't noticed the time change was occurring.
Then, a few years ago officials altered the days DST would be in effect so my clock-radio's date for time change has been out of synchronicity ever since. For example, this past week my clock "fell back" an hour several days before official time changed. What an annoyance!
,
I'll patiently await our Congress to finally act to establish the time system we will use, quite willing to accept whichever one they decide to use -- standard time or daylight savings time. Then I will determine what to do about my clock-radio. Maybe I can turn off the automatic date/time change feature as I like the device's size for my bedside table and the other functions. Otherwise, to dispense with adjusting my clock twice a year, I'll be shopping for a new clock-radio.
What do you think?
Do you want to continue the system we have, "springing forward" an hour in early March and "falling back" an hour in early November?
Would you prefer to adopt standard time or daylight savings time year 'round?
Your response will have no known influence on how this government policy is decided but perhaps you'll feel better having expressed your point of view. We can see at least how our legislator's actions reflect our point of view on this one matter -- if and when they act and we live long enough to see the results.
QUESTION: Will DJT follow law and order in which he says he believes to tell the truth under oath to the U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings?
FWIW I've been blogging on other sites less frequently recently, if you've noticed. This is due to personal issues but I want you to know I still care about each of you.
DEMOCRACY
A nation of freedom-loving people we have plenty about which to be concerned though in my eighty-plus years this is one of the most dangerous ones. I feel compelled to continue expressing my thoughts since critical U.S. midterm elections are still in process, so be forewarned. Should you prefer to avoid reading more about these issues, you may prefer to skip directly to AGING PERCEPTIONS below.
Democracy preservation for the United States is of the utmost priority when selecting candidates for whom to vote in this midterm election IMHO. Given the gravity of the situation I cannot avoid continuing to focus some attention on what is at stake for the survival of our nation as the constitutional republic and democracy with the freedoms our forefathers gave to us, "if you can keep it."
I wanted this blog to be politically nonpartisan when I began in 2006, but am dedicated to upholding our constitutional republic's democracy I have observed being under attack since 2016. I cannot remain silent since a once respectable political party became subverted into undermining our government by any means possible with lies regarding the results of our election process, even inciting violence in an effort to establish an autocratic system with a one-man ruler.
Obviously, by the actions of those aligned with the violent instigating political party and even the words of the leader they claim to follow, law and order is not observed or respected and won't be in the future for anyone whose views differ from theirs.
Individual rights and freedoms are being seriously threatened by that party. Unfortunately, many citizens have and still do take our rights and freedoms for granted, assuming we'll always have them or can easily regain them if taken from us no matter what we do or don't do. Nothing could be further from the truth as they can be whittled away little by little by various politicized government branches by far too many of that party's candidates such as those recent women's rights were taken away.
Government office appointments in the future and Congressional action by that party will jeopardize many citizen rights including healthcare, Medicare and Social Security in our richest of all nations -- our U.S. nation that already falls well below the offerings reported in the rankings of other nations in the democratic western world.
Federal, state, local elections, judges and appointees matter and we the people with our votes can determine what kind of country in which we and future generations live.
I know some of my words resonate with many in the U.S. and some others elsewhere in the world. I don't presume to know what if any meaningful impact occurs on any U.S. voter with what I write, but I must make the effort on my limited platform.
AGEING PERCEPTIONS OVER 90
We're fortunate whatever our older age to have individuals who have enriched our lives. The reality is that the older we become the fewer remain who are still living. That's certainly been true in my life as I've previously shared here. Celebrating my recent birthday many memories cross my mind.
I recall with loving thoughts the year my young teen son asked me to stay in the other room because he was going to undertake his first solo baking effort without supervision. He baked me a birthday cake from scratch which was quite successful when all was said and done -- probably the best cake, commercial or otherwise, I ever had made for me!
There have certainly been other significant family birthday occasions and some with co-workers as well as personal friends. Often lovely flowers my husband brought with memorable gifts, including unexpectedly unique ones from my daughter. Across the miles now I am not forgotten as grandchildren join my celebration. Far too many other family members and friends exist only in my memory.
This year, I unexpectedly was delighted to share some of my much younger neighbors delicious chocolaty chocolate October birthday cake.
Author, blogger, Katherine Esty recently celebrated her 88th birthday which caused her to think about what life might be like at 90 or older as she edges closer to that decade. She shares "What It's Like To Be Over 90" HEREin interviews with some she knows that age.
Wellness and disability issues are discussed coupled with a view revealing whatever one's physical condition an attitude exists of believing we're "Lucky To Be Alive" as younger old folks have said, too.
A probably 95 year old woman now I know is continuing to thrive living independently in her single family home following her husband's death some years ago. "C" as I'll refer to her continued her career as a hairdresser after she left the aerospace industry in an earlier decade until Covid caused the hair salon to close when she was age 93. Even then she often continued helping clients where they lived including shopping for them.
"C" had begun experiencing some challenges standing for long periods and began using a walker in some situations outside the beauty salon. She has some medical problems but continues to cope. She's always been in an upbeat mood in our occasional phone conversations to catch up on our lives, or when she stopped by the house a year or so ago.
Most recently, "C" speaks of selling her home and moving as one of her daughters may from her state to northern California where more of their immediate family is now living.
I appreciate learning about other individuals lives as they travel along the ageing highway, especially those living independently in their homes without benefit of community care facilities offerings. My situation presents challenges quite different from that provided in long term care even at the independent living level.
Having no family or even immediate close friends nearby can present additional complications as I experience which doesn't lessen the older one becomes. I have characterized my decision to choose this way of living my sunset years as "The Grand Experiment". Experiments outcomes can become unpredictable.
Perhaps you'll find Katherine Esty's blog at the link provided above of interest as she writes from her long term continuing care community. Certainly the views and attitudes of her fellow residents reflect the lives they lead and their experiences. I wonder if or how they might differ from those living in other than in long term continuing care settings?
Everyone living who survives many years with the obstacles they may have encountered in their path sprinkled among the joy and happiness they've had can consider themselves fortunate. Some of those obstacles may be of the person's own making caused by words said or unsaid, actions taken or lack of action. Then there are other complications that occur beyond the person's influence or control. Somehow the individual has bypassed the obstacle in some fashion, overcome, or found a way to live with the result.
Whatever the situation celebrating each birthday is well-deserved the older we become, especially when we consider the alternative.
"HERE'S TO LIFE" -- Shirley Horn with John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra, 1993
QUESTION: Has the U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings shown evidence the ex-President Donald John Trump has violated his oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States presenting a clear and present danger to democracy?
President's oath or affirmation "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
10/13/22 SELECT COMMITTEE HEARING
Ex- President Donald J. Trump has been subpoenaed to testify before the U.S. Select House Committee on the Jan. 6th Hearings. Will he be able to find the truth to speak amid his many prevarications?
BETRAYAL
We might well come away from viewing all these Hearing sessions appalled at how many people in our government have betrayed their oath of office and our democratic republic.
"History of the Oath. At the start of each new Congress, in January of every odd-numbered year, the entire House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate performs a solemn and festive constitutional rite that is as old as the Republic."
U.S. Govt. form sf61 for all employees: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."
RAINDROPS KEEP FALLIN' ON MY HEAD by B. J. Thomas
Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote this song with uplifting lyrics for the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Fall is teasing us with cool temperatures where I live in SoCal, but summer's heat will return for a few days before the coming week ends. Rain-promising dark clouds have been hiding the sun most days where I live only to release their much-needed moisture elsewhere. A sudden loud sharp clap of thunder as I write this has followed a finally left token amount of the wet stuff tonight for which I'm grateful in this drought-ridden state.
DEMOCRACY -- VOTING
November mid-term election voting has me reviewing my 5 page ballot that consists of federal, state, local municipal candidates and issues. Likely those of you in the U.S. are voting your own ballots or readying to do so on election day.
There is so much more at stake dwarfing the focus said to be primary such as inflation, immigration, environment to list a few issues. Those matters all become secondary to my voting only for those candidates dedicated to preserving our republic's democracy. They are the leaders I trust most to address our nation's problems with dedication to providing the highest degree of respect for truth and individual freedoms. Deniers of the 2020 presidential election legitimacy must themselves be denied my vote.
QUESTION: Why has our ex-President DJT kept classified government documents and continues to do so as the Department of Justice reports believing he is still doing?
The James Bond movie series celebrates 60 years anniversary 2022.
"Dame Shirley closes the 2011 Classic Awards Show (May 12, 2011) by paying tribute to John Barry. ... Goldfinger was co-written by John Barry, Leslie Bricussee, Don Black and Anthony Newley. Bassey is the UKs most successful female recording artist of all time, with 140 Million records sold worldwide!" (Read more at this YouTube site HERE.)
Shirley Bassey -- GOLDFINGER (2011 Live)
Unexpected events keep intruding into my life including some thought to be previously resolved.
Once again would you believe I was subjected to having to contact my phone company's customer service number? That's the number I described in my previous post. The call reaches a recorded message explaining how unusually busy they are, so they offer a call back service when an agent is available. That sounds customer oriented. Surprise! No agent is available.
Instead I hear the same recorded message, we're busy, so sorry, we'll be with you soon, but no callback offer this time. I had to hold a whole hour before a live agent answered. This process is a real joke and an insult to the customer. They could at least not call back until there is an agent available.
I don't understand what sort of cockamamie system this phone company has -- it certainly isn't geared to caring about their customers and reflects poorly on them.
Another inconvenience two weeks ago whenI went out to my car only to discover what I thought must be a dead battery which the emergency service person later confirmed. He simply jumped the battery, and I was soon able to drive away.
My car isn't driven as much as in the past, and not necessarily every day as I told him. This accounts for why I encountered this older battery dead again this past week. The different service company replaced the old battery with a new one. There was still a one month guarantee on the old battery so the new one was free.
Why didn't the first guy replace my battery, especially since he said it was over five years old? I hadn't checked but I told him I thought it was newer than that. The new service man reported the old battery had been installed in 2019. Maybe the first guy wasn't good at math.
Also, several weeks ago I started experiencing itchy, eventually hot red inflamed swollen areas on various finger and arm areas of my body. These were not rashes or even like hives which can indicate an allergic reaction. Conferring virtually with family I learned one of them had at one time experienced much the same symptoms that were diagnosed as angioedema.
Reading some reliable medical internet sites I am inclined to believe this is what I have caused by an allergy. A fruit is named which I rarely have eaten until recently when I ate three over a one-week period. I immediately stopped eating that fruit and my symptoms went away.
I had several more of the fruits on hand but thought I couldn't be quite sure that fruit was the culprit. I decided to eat one earlier this past week to see what happened. A few days after I ate that kiwi the symptoms appeared again. I'm more convinced now that the kiwis are the cause of my apparent allergic reaction which I'm still experiencing as I write this. Nothing else has recently been new in my life or my diet.
Light-skinned people (I'm a redhead) can be susceptible to some medical issues so perhaps this is one for me. My body could never tolerate highly seasoned foods such as with some raw onions and hot peppers until I was in my mid-twenties. Even now I still best take some care.
I've eaten strawberries in great quantities much of my life though I know they can cause allergies for some people. Given that I am a confessed strawberry addict I'm grateful to be able to safely indulge that berry addiction without any problem.
Allergies can be really troublesome, even life threatening for people. I recall the last commercial flight I took some years ago eating a nut mix I had brought from home in a small plastic bag. The stewardess came to me to ask that I put them away since there was a passenger with a peanut allergy. She then went on to say, "That's why we didn't distribute any peanuts." It almost seemed as though she thought I should have known.
Certainly, I was more than willing to put away my nuts which weren't peanuts and wouldn't have gotten them out to eat had I known the situation. They hadn't announced they weren't distributing peanuts, but then I didn't know they typically did as not all airlines did. I glanced around and saw a young girl wearing a mask (this was before Covid) in the seat behind the ones across the aisle from me.
I recall a family friend contemporary of my mother. She was allergic to some foods, citrus, also monosodium glutamate. The family ceased eating at restaurants as in those years MSG was used much more prevalently than in more recent years. She was a marvelous cook even of foods she could not eat but never used MSG in what she prepared.
She lived to 103 years of age. When she was in her 80s or 90s she began to be able to eat some of the foods, such as citrus, she had not been able to tolerate before. Our bodies are certainly functionally complex and change in numerous ways over time.
People can develop allergies to all sorts of foods and other substances. You likely know this from your own experience or what you know of others.
(A final Sept. Hearing canceled due to Hurricane Ian -- Reschedule TBA)
QUESTION: Does Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' wife's persistence in stating our ex-President's lie the 2020 election was stolen from him present questionable issues about her husband's impartiality, need to recuse himself from some Court case considerations?
Here in sunny Southern California our temperature has dropped by a few degrees with the extreme heat past. Fall may actually arrive soon though only the calendar says it's here now. We still lack sufficient rain with no end to our drought in sight.
Florida and other U.S. east coast states have shared in Puerto Rico's Hurricane Ian's disaster-producing weather -- floods, high winds, tornados, destruction, death. I guess we will be challenged by events such as this, maybe even worse in the years to come due to changes in our earth's climate. This sort of weather causing disasters prevalent in other parts of the world is no less serious.
West Coast gas exploitation continues here in California. No more of those one cent, two cents or nickel a gallon raises overnight. This past week they just socked it to us -- fifteen cents plus not just one night, but fifteen more cents the next night, too. The third night the raise eased a bit to ten cents, then seven plus cents the next night.
"Sock It To Me" -- Judy Carne
Clip from the US TV series "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" (1960s - '70s)
Our Governor has arranged our less expensive winter gas mixture be sold earlier than usual by another week which is expected to result in a twenty-five cents per gallon cost reduction. He also requests a special windfall tax on oil companies who have made huge profits on gas sales with oil costs expected to decrease. We could use a little gas pricing stability.
Humor is where we find it, often with quirky matters triggering my funny bone. I've always derived lots of laughs from reading posted signs as we drove about locally wherever we lived across this country, also with advertisements in newspapers, brochures. Not everyone has shared my sometimes-weird sense of humor.
I recall my youth and first date, a blind date at that. I had reluctantly agreed to this setup by a girl who was only a casual acquaintance, but she had been persistent wearing down my resistance to the idea. He arrived at my house in a pickup truck in a time when such vehicles were strictly utilitarian on farms -- before becoming culturally popular everywhere in the U.S., including cities.
My blind date may have felt as I did, nervous, lacking in self-confidence, awkward, uncomfortable -- each of us focused on ourselves and how we were feeling inadequate. I was shy, especially in 1:1 situations unlike with the boys I grew up with where we lived previously. I don't recall what verbal efforts were made by either of us to become acquainted. I just recall the long silence driving into town as he said nothing.
I started reading some funny signs aloud I spotted along the highway into town as he said nothing. He did not react, say anything, or laugh, even chuckle -- apparently, he did not share my sense of humor. Or maybe, I wasn't supposed to be the entertainer, but he wasn't entertaining. I don't recall anything more about that evening, but I don't think it got better for either of us wherever we went or whatever we did -- maybe we went to a movie. Fortunately, in the years to come my self-confidence improved as my relationships developed, but I don't recall ever going on a blind date again.
My sources for humor continue to emerge in everyday life, not as many when you live alone, in just about every situation, even some that are quite serious. Sometimes I laugh so hard I end up crying, and occasionally I've laughed to keep from crying. Some of my laughter is prompted by matters some people might think weird. The digital world and the internet have certainly contributed to some laughable events as some of you have probably found, too.
I recently fired off one of my occasional brief instant messages, this time to my daughter -- an observation about a current news report about which I felt compelled to comment. My daughter responded, "Not in this Pili A1 world would either of those states be ideal". Reading her observation, I thought, oh dear, some more new terminology younger generations are using, and I don't have the slightest idea what "Pili A1" means. So, revealing my ignorance of current lingo as I used to know in the days of yore, I asked her, "What does Pili A1 mean?"
I learned later she was puzzled when she read my query, so busily began a Google terminology search for the meaning of "Pili A1" since she didn't know the meaning either. She came up with nothing specific that made sense. Then she happened to re-read our previous messages exchange and found "Pili A1" in her's to me. She could only laugh, she said, as she thought she had typed "political", but Google's automatic word correction had produced "Pili A1".
Google's system often does some curious word creations in messages I've sent confusing or totally altering my message's meaning. When I read how she had searched Google I started laughing, too. Now, every time I think about the whole comedy of assumptions and misperceptions we each had made, I start laughing out loud to myself. Maybe I'm finally cracking up.
U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings continue in the fall.
QUESTION: Are there "echoes" we can observe in recent years and now of what preceded the Holocaust as shown in the new PBS Ken Burn's three program series with that title?
SEPTEMBER SONG -- Ray Conniff's arrangement.
Harry James Orchestra's triumphant tour of Japan in 1964.
Fall, my favorite season has arrived along with a week or so of cooler temperatures but summer is sneaking back this week to give us high 90' s to 100+ F (37+ C) here in Southern California, U.S. I'm not complaining as I read about hurricane Fiona tearing through Newfoundland where WiseWebWoman ("Other Side of Sixty" Blog HERE) whose last writing featured photos of her beautiful St. John's city. I await to read news from her after the storm hoping her city is spared. Meanwhile, click on this PBS 9/24 report.
My Fiberoptic internet installation updated from my previous blogpost about our community finally receiving this speedier connection -- I have now been able to see how much faster it is when downloading, then installing Apple tech data. This task was completed in only a few minutes compared to up to an hour or more required previously.
Cannabis use is a topic that has periodically come to the forefront in our city ever since ..... "California became the first state to allow medicinal cannabis use when voters passed the Compassionate Use Act in 1996. Today, cannabis is legal in California for both medicinal and adult (recreational) use." Laws and regulationsHERE
Our residents like some other cities have resisted allowing such businesses selling Cannabis. Now our City Council voted to place a measure on our November ballot seeking to establish a tax on businesses that sell, deliver, test, distribute, manufacture, process, and cultivate cannabis in our city. It sets gross receipts tax rates for the sale of cannabis and hemp sales in the city. There would need to be many further actions including some involving the public before any businesses could setup here.
Subsequently, following an educational presentation to our city council, a business existing in a nearby community established by a retired nurse and her daughter, who is also a nurse working in hospice offered that information to the public. The nurse daughter has taken specialized training studying cannabis so provided in-person and virtually, an educational session on the substance. They also sell cannabis and counsel purchasers on its use. I chose to take the virtual session though at the one on site they shared some actual items for individual examination.
They presented filmed testimonials of a few cannabis users for various medical problems, discussed side effects including noting with use short term memory problems could occur which I wouldn't welcome.
It is not my intention to influence anyone to use or not use cannabis. I've not used cannabis, but I do support controlled research especially for medicinal use which finally began some years ago. I do think seeking the latest information on cannabis would be most appropriate before using the product, including consultation with a knowledgeable person such as this nurse appears to be.
The use of cannabis continues to be federally illegal. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) position on cannabis you may read HERE. Various reliable medical internet sites also provide detailed information.
Meanwhile, I've found the anecdotal reports of those who have used the various cannabis products being legally sold now to be of interest.
Cannabis use for medicinal purposes was a discussion topic on Ronni Bennett's"Time Goes By"blog. "Marijuana and Old Folks"she wrote about 1/31/2020 describing her views with many of her readers sharing their own perspective and experiences. You may read that blog post HERE. (Note: A direct link does not work I discovered after publishing this post. You must scroll down to Categories on that right side bar home page, click on Health, next you scroll down that last page of blog post title listings for the blog title above.)
The use of cannabis continues to be controversial with some unresolved concerns. I would consult with my doctor regarding use in case there could be conflicts with other medications. Attitudes have obviously softened allowing selective use medicinally and recreationally in some locales. Check for what is legal where you live if you are interested in cannabis.
U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings continue in the fall.
U.S. Dept. of Justice and FBI deserve respect for doing their jobs.
QUESTION: Were any of those classified documents missing from empty folders found at Mar-a-Largo and other security information in boxes like those confiscated by government authorities transported by the ex-President to his Bedminster, N.J. residence as theorized by ex-FBI agent and seen in Daily Mail, U.K. video in Washington Post article questioned in Newsweek HERE?
Note: "Trump and the Mar-a-Largo documents: A timeline -- Washington Post HERE.
9/11 A date embedded in our memories as are those whose lives ended that day.
SO-CAL
Updating Southern California weather effects where I live should any who might want to know what climate changes on this planet may bring to some in the future. Refer to my previous post describing the situation.
Given our extreme heat wave, we managed to avoid any rolling blackouts with our power grid withstanding day-after-day heavy demands. Residents voluntarily cut back further on power usage including during our flex alert prime time usage expanded by one hour on each end of the five hour block for a total of seven hours (3 - 10 p.m.)
Hurricane Kay formed in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico's coast moving north toward our Los Angeles area fortunately only becoming a tropical storm breaking heat and rain records. A California hurricane is a tropical cyclone with usually only the remnants affecting us though they are rare. The last hurricane was 25 years ago.
Periodic rain bursts from Hurricane Kay came to various locales across the Southland, finally even a couple very light rains to my own neighborhood. Some beach communities built up sand dunes along the shore to contend with high surf and possible flooding. People living inland in areas where forest fires had burned away soil-holding vegetation filled sandbags for placement against possible excess water causing damaging mud slides to homes and businesses.
East of where I live one forest fire only 5% minimally controlled day-after-day kept spreading causing several occasions of thousands being told to evacuate their homes. Two people died in their car apparently trying to escape the flames. Finally, though only a small amount, enough rain came to curtail the fire's expansion which is now 50% contained.
I was delighted to see dampened pavement on my driveway one morning and a bit more the next day. This light rain almost invisible to the eye was hardly sufficient to impact our drought but was enough to give vegetation a brief refresher.
Let It Rain -- Diana Krall en live sur RTL
Equally, or maybe even more importantly, our temperatures have cooled down now. In fact, our temperatures are in the 80's, a bit below our previous years usual numbers. In a few more days our humidity will lessen to the drier level we usually have that is more comfortable, especially if the heat increases as is expected.
My week brought me water in a way I did not welcome with the discovery of a leak when a patch of water which hadn't dried up in the heat I observed coming from underneath my garage door. The week before I had noticed water but couldn't detect an active specific leak though I had my suspicions as to the source. Now, with this obvious water it was time for the plumber.
A new hot water heater was the order of the day as I expected. The plumber thought my heater was probably about fifteen years old -- quite a long life well beyond the usually expected ten years or less longevity. I vaguely recalled reading these heaters operated best if drained periodically but realized I had never done that. Maybe it would have lasted even longer if I had.
I could recall only that my husband had taken care of the last purchase sometime before his 2006 death. I didn't have the old purchase receipt to make a cost comparison with the quote I was given for a new hot water heater. I was really surprised to learn how expensive installation of a new one would be.
I did check the internet verifying what they said was the cost of the unit, the quality of the brand as the highest rated one, so I decided not to delay installation in order to get other price quotes. Additional copper piping and connections were needed since the old ones were long since beyond being workable.
They said they could install the new hot water heater for me right then, that Friday afternoon, so perhaps it was best not to delay. The two young men (most service workers are young to me any more) worked steadily and hard for several hours and labor isn't cheap. Hopefully, there are no more appliances or other items needing replacement anytime soon.
I expect others of you living in individual residences have had to go through the hot water heater experience but I'd never had to give much thought to one -- we just always had hot water wherever we lived, but then my husband probably always looked after this essential I just took for granted.
This blog is either going to the dogs, is for the birds, or maybe it's just the cat's meow. All this started when I came across a Jeanne Moos video captioned: "People are posting their cats' reactions to this new video game" HERE
Later I found this video of cats and dogs reacting to that STRAY video game:
Subsequently I received some feline education with Jackson Galaxy and the game cat in action:
Earlier, I had been intrigued with another of Jeanne Moos' videos given my ongoing interest in our Big Bear Bald Eagles occasionally featured on this blog: "Eagle appears to clutch baby hawk for dinner, then decides to adopt it: "HERE".
The piece de resistance was a Jeanne Moos video captioned:
"See what happens when you put a group of introverted dogs together".
I decided to look up this Jeanne Moos who was featuring quirky videos that appeal to my sensibility to discover them all and others on her CNN profile site HERE.
I immediately recognized some of the other Moos' wacky videos at which I've been laughing. I had never before given much attention to the source. Jeanne Moos, 72 years old, has been a national news correspondent for 34 years at CNN who eventually evolved into this entertaining video niche many of us are enjoying. Perhaps you have or will find them a fun view, too.
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Southern California, aka SoCal, where I've lived for 50 years is certainly having its share of hot weather as is the rest of our country. News reports of the high temperatures in other parts of the world where some readers here live are experiencing heat unlike anything they've had before, too. Many such countries such as the U.K. are quite unprepared with buildings lacking air conditioning as one example.
Before my family moved here, we lived a few years in the Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona area. Previously we lived in the Midwestern Great Lakes area where I recall 80 to 90 degree Fahrenheit temperatures (32 Celsius) felt sticky miserable due to the humidity but few homes had air conditioning.
Initially in Arizona we had an evaporative house cooling system in the dry heat which I liked for all but a few weeks when the air became much more uncomfortable due to higher humidity outdoors in their monsoon season.
During the few years we lived in Arizona more people were moving there as continues to occur and more land was becoming converted to golf courses requiring much watering in the summer and year 'round. Simultaneously, we noticed humidity was increasing. For the first time ever that winter, local news media reported the area experienced smog. The climate was becoming much less desirable, so we installed air conditioning. The next year an employment change resulted in our moving to California.
I recall only a few days toward the end of summer our Arizona temperatures ever were in the 3-digit area of 110 Fahrenheit degrees (43 Celsius) or above. In 2021 Phoenix set a record for F115+ (46+ Celsius) or more consecutive days of such high temperatures since 1895. Certainly, the humidity is no less now and probably more than when we lived there despite the drought.
Future temperatures will only become higher. Countries that are now experiencing high temperatures they've not had before, where air conditioning has not been needed have my concern for how well residents there are able to cope, especially our older generations.
The nation's first publicly funded Heat Response and Mitigation Office was established in Phoenix in October 2021 with David Hondula of Arizona State University named director.
Hondula said at his appointment "...changes, including planting trees, installing shade structures and adding light-colored surfaces to streets and roofs, can make the city cooler." He reports finding success in cooling the temperatures a few degrees with residents saying they now notice a difference with the use of special cool-grey paint sprayed over their paved streets. Cooling ultra-white paint is being used in various ways also. Volunteers are planting "...trees for a new Phoenix 'cool corridor' " reported in the Arizona Republic newspaper.
So little is being accomplished by our federal legislators, especially in the Senate, House actions are blocked from even coming up for a vote that address environmental issues. We can thank them for the slow progress adjusting to climate changing issues. I find it very difficult to accept such a short-sighted view of environmental concerns and failure to act more aggressively toward some resolution given the threat to our earth.
Local communities and individuals can adopt ways to achieve some change as our contribution with or without federal involvement. Perhaps more ways will be found in communities where each of us live to cool our environment. There may be unique ideas some of you are aware of or that are being undertaken where you live that could be described in your comments here.
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U.S. Select House Committee on January 6th Hearings
Eight hearings have been held. More hearings are expected in the fall.
PBS NewsHour -- "20% of Americans are paying no attention to the hearings"
U.S. Select House Committee on January 6th HEARING
"The eighth Jan. 6 committee hearing on its finding is scheduled for prime time July 21 [Thursday] and will walk through the events of Jan. 6, 2021 "minute by minute," Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., said Tuesday. The hearing will focus in on the 187 minutes between Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally on the Ellipse and his tweet urging his supporters to go home," USA Today reports HERE. (check schedule where you live for date, time confirmation, where to view)
"Thank You for Your Servitude" by Mark Leibovich is a book worth reading about some in Congress who have been cynical and hypocritical "about-face" enablers now making excuses for our ex-President, shifting his accountability for words and actions by blaming others. Fear has been a factor which is a hallmark of authoritarianism. The author is interviewed on Amanour and Company-PBS with segments you can view on the site HERE, also on this video:
PBS NewsHour
Earlier today, Sat., July 16th as I write this, I received my Covid 2nd booster vaccination. Originally, I planned to wait for the next vaccine expected in October or November. Currently, scientific/medical reports convince me given the rapidly increasingly high level of Covid infections here in Los Angeles County that having stronger protection now would be wise. Outdoor exposure, especially in groups, may even be a more real possibility I also read.
This BA.5 omicron variant has evolved "...to be more contagious and evade the immune protection that people had from infection, vaccination or both" Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, is quoted saying in the "Mayo Clinic News Network" report HERE.
"A new study published in Nature found the variant was four times more resistant to messenger RNA vaccines than earlier strains of omicron. The Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are messenger RNA vaccines."
Currently there is no evidence of a higher death rate from BA.5 but "...you have very little protection against BA.5 in terms of getting infected or having mild to moderate infection. You have good protection against dying, being hospitalized or ending up on a ventilator."
"...among the unvaccinated with this variant, they're about fivefold more likely to get infected than people who have been vaccinated and boosted, about 7 1/2 times more likely to be hospitalized, and about 14 to 15 times more likely to die if they get infected," says Dr. Poland.
I keep wearing my "N95 masks ora KN-94 mask when indoors and in crowded areas outdoors" as Dr. Poland recommends. What new variants may be in the offing, I wonder?
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Environmentally, the SoCal drought with hot temperatures rolls on, water usage restrictions continue -- so what's new?
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I've been trying to locate some lab sites that are easily accessible for parking, require minimal walking to the store and once I'm inside since I've been having some mobility issues. Most of the large chain drugstores place their pharmacies, clinics, labs where they can draw blood clear at the back of their stores. It sure would be nice if they provided riding carts as some grocery stores do but that seems not to be the case.
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Podcasts seem to be popular with many people though I haven't devoted time listening to any of them. They could be enjoyed I realize while engaged in other necessary activities about the house. Maybe some podcasts could be an entertaining source of humor. There seem to be an abundance of podcasts described as humorous including for seniors, older people, boomers, other age groups, various interest areas. Perhaps some of you have favored podcasts. We do need lots of humor.
Laughing is contagious but living alone can limit that shared stimulation. I recall when I was in undergraduate college some of us operating our campus radio station gathered in the control room one day. We decided to record ourselves laughing which started with artificial laughs. The next thing we knew we were laughing genuinely at the ridiculousness of what we were doing. Our laughing kept getting more hilarious to each of us until we all were laughing so hard our stomachs hurt, tears were coming from our eyes -- we were quite out of control.
I wonder if there would be a health care market for such a potentially therapeutic recording releasing all those healing endorphins -- a simple plain recording of laughter, nothing else, with which to laugh along?
U.S. Select House Committee on January 6th Hearing -- Tues., July 12
UPDATE: Hearing time had been changed to 1 pm ET (10 am PT)
Tuesday, July 12, starting at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT
(That's Emmy nominations morning in Hollywood.)
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Shirley Horn -- "Here's To Life" John Williams and The Boston Pops 1993
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ROUTINEOLOGY
Has my daily life become too filled with routine is a question I asked myself recently? I realize I've been spending more time in my home than in years past partially due to aging's slowing but also as a consequence of efforts to minimize Coronavirus exposure. Maybe this perpetual sameness so many days after days I feel is beginning to be too repetitive.
Unfortunately, the number of known individuals contracting the latest Covid-19 variants BA 4 and most dominant now BA 5, is increasing exponentially daily. The actual official infection numbers are less accurate now due to so many home tests in use with the result not being as easily tracked for reporting by health authorities. Here in SoCal's Los Angeles County, we're being told to possibly expect reinstatement of mandatory mask wearing by month's end if infection rates continue to increase.
These virus variants, especially BA 5 are much more able to avoid some of the protections our vaccinations with boosters have provided. Much of our U.S. population seems to behave as though this pandemic is over. Saying or believing so does not make it so. Covid 19 coronavirus goes about infecting at will, evolving new more virulent variants, not caring what humans may think.
At least, so far, vaccinations and booster shots have seemed to prevent development of more serious illness and deaths for most who become infected. Still our older population, especially those with various medical conditions are at risk. I keep wearing my N95 masks when encountering others. Perhaps I'm being unnecessarily cautious.
So, it seems my daily routine may continue to be somewhat limited if I want to minimize risk exposure to contracting Covid 19. To break my routine in what is beginning to feel like a monotony of sameness I've thought I need to introduce new and more activity variation into my life.
A review I read of the book The Art of Routine said in a Bookshop.org review:
"Conventional wisdom suggests that the best way to navigate our noisy new world is to accept change. Open up to novelty. Go with the flow. Live in the moment. Embrace the relentless pelting of content minute by minute. But routine experts Angel Iscovich, MD, Joe Garner, and Michael Ashley are here to say that's a bad idea. Humans don't just benefit from structure; they require it."
I have a certain amount of routine as I've always had during most of my life but too much of the same pattern day after day can lead to a rather boring existence absent excitement.
Some researchers emphasize commonly held healthy habits of those living long lives due to eating mostly "plant foods", also "...maintaining strong relationships, and moving regularly". Isovich makes his point by focusing on unhealthy habits of some 100 years and older.
This Insider article reinforces what many scientific studies have shown that routines are important in our lives including throughout our aging years. Intriguingly, however, this article indicates that healthy eating may not be a necessary feature for all who live a long life.
People 100 or older are only a fraction of a percent of the population.
A few examples cited include centenarians who swear by the significance of their daily intake of potentially unhealthy items such as whiskey or in quantities of ice cream or bacon.
For many years or decades, Elizabeth Sullivan, a retired math teacher in Texas drank three cans of Dr. Pepper daily she reported on her 106th birthday:
"People try to give me coffee for breakfast. Well, I'd rather have a Dr. Pepper," she said in a 2015 interview with a local TV station. "Every doctor that sees me says they'll kill you," she continued. "But they die and I don't, so there must be a mistake somewhere."
Then there's Agnes Fenton, "... New Jersey's oldest living resident until she died at age 112 in 2017. Her secret? Three Miller High Lifes every day and a shot of Johnnie Walker Blue daily, her obituary says."
"Her habit began after her doctor prescribed her alcohol in 1943 to treat a benign tumor. She maintained it until a few years before her death."
Dr. Iscovich argues that structure is what matters, not so much that it must be healthy. His conclusion is: "People who live past age 100 often have 1 trait in common: a penchant for routine, even unhealthy ones."
Novel and spontaneous experiences are acknowledged as important for happiness and fulfillment, but "...humans are wired to live rhythmically" as begins in the womb. This routine extends throughout life into "...the field of chronobiology, or the 24-cycle that affects your sleep, focus, and sociability."
Coordinating these cycles is " ...the key to finding purpose, meaning, joy --- and longevity," Ischovich and his co-author Michael Ashey state, "pursuing those activities that reduce fear of the unknown and mitigate stress [that] can lead to a more controlled environment, offering stability and aiding in longevity." They also write: "Coupled with the importance of consistent activities is the need for purpose."
Humans will persist in seeking to learn what extends human life though there seems to be no one simple answer. Meanwhile, we'll each make judgements based on the latest scientific findings about what we think we need and adopt those practices.
I don't think specifically in terms of wanting to live a century or longer. I do think in terms of wanting to be as healthy as possible with my mind intact for whatever the number of my years. Quality of life is what matters to me.
That said, perhaps I'm wise to reassess my daily routines to experience the best of life. What about you?
