Monday, November 22, 2010

Stop Driving Doctors Out of Medicare

A warning from AARP:
"If Congress doesn't act by year end, doctors who treat seniors will see their Medicare reimbursement rates slashed by 25% next year – an unprecedented cut. This extreme pay cut could mean many Medicare patients will lose their doctor or be unable to find a new one."
__________________________________________________________

This, all a result of Obamacare. While fraud and outright theft proliferate the Medicare industry, the government says they are aggressively going after perpetrators. But, as usual, it may be to little to late. Unfortunately only time will tell. Regardless of your age, this will be devastating not only to seniors, but anyone, and everyone with senior family members, or dear friends. We are all becoming unwilling victims threatened by the ever sharp scalpel of Obamacare. 

Sunday, November 21, 2010

How Can I Tell If a 'Skimmer' Has Been Put on My ATM?

It can be hard. These devices that thieves attach to the card slot in order to capture account information from your card's magnetic strip have become more sophisticated. One tipoff: Most ATMs have a flashing light at the card slot. If the light is obscured, that's a sign of tampering. Other giveaways: a card slot that is not securely attached or has a different color than the rest of the ATM. Use ATMs in bank lobbies and other places with 24-hour video surveillance. And always cover the keypad as you enter your PIN, because a thief's spy camera may be watching

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Money Saving Web-Sites!


Free Money: The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) is a nonprofit organization with a website that  www.unclaimed.org can help you find money that might be due you or your family members from sources like forgotten bank accounts, inheritances, utility-bill refunds, security deposits and so on. NAUPA says that about one out of every eight Americans is entitled to unclaimed assets (I was one of them!), with claims averaging about $1,000. Searching for and recovering funds through NAUPA is free; beware of any companies that try to charge you money to do the same thing. Also, check out  www.treasuryhunt.gov   to search for unclaimed savings bonds. Also www.missingmoney.com   and  www.unclaimed.gov 

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Monday, November 15, 2010

More health threatening news regarding Frankenfoods!


Within the last 10-15 years the big biotech corporations of DuPont, Monsanto, Bayer and Dow, have bought up more than 200 other smaller companies, allowing them to dominate access to seeds.
As a result, in the U.S., 90 percent of soybeans are genetically-modified, and many conventional farmers have trouble obtaining non-genetically.

The takeover has been so outreaching that it is becoming difficult for farmers to find other alternatives.

For more on what the USA Today has reported how some other countries view this threat. Go to:

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Planning a vacation? Make it a sunny destination for health.


Tanning beds produce ultraviolet A and B rays. Although they produce the same beneficial ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays as the sun and add a pleasant tone to your skin, it's a well established belief in the health industry that the best source of those beneficial rays is the sun itself, in moderation.

And, taking a vitamin D supplement is not the optimal way to regulate your body’s vitamin D levels.

UVB rays from the sun help your skin to produce up to 80% of the vitamin D in your body.
Your body simply can't make vitamin D without exposure to UVB energy.


Thursday, November 11, 2010

DID YOU KNOW?




Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to peel the 'stringy things' off of it.  That's how the primates do it!

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store.  If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

Store your open chunks of cheese wrapped in aluminum foil.  It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.  Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef.  It will help pull the grease away from the meat when cooking.

Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and add it at the end if you want a stronger taste of garlic.

When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes.  You can double it in size.  You can frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount.  You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

To warm biscuits, pancakes or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water.  The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

When planting plants, wet newspapers and put layers around the plants, overlapping as you go.  Cover with mulch and forget about weeds.  Weeds will get through some gardening plastic, they will not get through wet newspapers.

When picking up broken glass, use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.

To keep away mosquitos, place a dryer sheet in your pocket, or tuck into your sock to protect bare 
legs better.

To keep squirrels away from your plants, sprinkle cayenne pepper around the plant.  It will keep the squirrels away but won't hurt the plants.

Hate foggy windshields?  Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your vehicle.  When the windows fog, rub with the eraser!  Works better than a cloth!

Ladies, use your hair condition to shave your legs.  It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves you legs really smooth.  It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like it when you tried it in your hair.

To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2 inch with apple cider vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid and mix well.  You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants.  They eat it, take it 'home', can't digest it so it kills them.  It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!




















Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Veteran's Day Freebies

Veterans’ Day Restaurant Freebies

The following restaurants have announced special deals for Active Military and Veterans (but NOT necessarily their spouses) on November 11. Bring your ID card or copy of your discharge of DD214.
Pechanga Resort and Casino is offering a free buffet for Veterans onNovember 11 from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.  Bring your ID card or copy of your discharge of DD214.
Applebee's Restaurant - Free dinners to veterans throughout Veterans Day; selections will be from a new Veterans Day menu.
Outback Steakhouse - Free Blooming Onion and beverage.
Golden Corral- Free buffet dinner from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 16 to anyone who has ever served in the U.S. military.
Subway - free six inch subs to all Veterans or Active Duty members.
Krispy Kreme - One free doughnut of any variety.
UNO Chicago Grill- Free entree or individual pizza with an entree or pizza purchase of equal or greater value.
Coushatta Casino Resort - The Louisiana casino and resort is offering a free seven-clans lunch or dinner buffet to veterans or active military.
Market Place Grill & Express - Veterans and active-duty military receive free entrees.
Masala Wok - The Northern Virginian restaurant is offering a free entrée to veterans.
Hy-Vee supermarkets - The mid-western supermarket chain is offering a free breakfast to veterans.
Abuelo's Mexican Food Restaurants - All veterans and active-duty military receive a free entree.
Carolina Burgers & BBQ - In Matthews, NC is offering a free meal to all service members and veterans.

Retail Freebies

Lowe's & Home Depot - Extra 10% off to active-duty military members, National Guard and reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members.
Sam's Club - Over 25,000 Hugo canes will be given away to U.S. veterans in need of mobility assistance. Membership is not required, but supplies are limited, so check with your local store 
Amazon.com - Free "Veterans Day Honor" MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Cabela's Outdoor Store - Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel Nov.  11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.
Build-a-Bear Workshop - Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount Nov. 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Dollar General - 10% discount for all veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reserve and their immediate families.
Fashion Bug - 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse's military ID.

Entertainment Freebies

National parks, forests and monuments - Admission is free to everyone on Veterans Day.
Knott's Berry Farm - Free park admission to U.S. armed forces personnel and a guest during Veteran's Month, November 1-26.
Colonial Williamsburg - Free admission Nov. 6-11 for active-duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents.
San Jacinto Museum of History - Free visits to the Observation Deck, theatre, and special exhibit for veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families.
Historic Jamestown - Free admission to veterans, current Armed Forces members and their family members.
Battleship Cove - Free admission and a special ceremony for veterans, active, duty and reservists.
Vicksburg National Military Park - Free admission for all.
Birmingham Museum of Art - Free admission to the ticketed event "Life and Liberty" on Nov. 10-11 for veterans  and active military.
Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham, Alabama – discounted admission through November to the park and museum.
Greenbay (WI) New Zoo - Free admission to veterans and their families.
Central Florida Zoo - Free admission to the Sanford, Florida zoo with proper ID.
Strategic Air & Space Museum- Free admission for veterans Nov. 11-14 to the Ashland, Neb. museum.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City - free admission to veterans and five guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Natural Elements Spa & Salon - In Chesapeake, Virginia, will provide free services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to both active duty and retired military

MILITARY DISCOUNTS UPDATE 02: All these businesses offer military discounts; all you have to do is ask:

Restaurants: Arby's, A&W, Back Yard Burgers, Burger King, Captain D's, Chick-Fil-A, Cotton Patch, Denny's, Dunkin' Donuts, Farmers Boy, IHOP (20 percent discount with military identification), Java Cafe, KFC, Long John Silver, Pancho's Mexican Buffet, Pizza Hut, Quizno's, Sizzler, Sonic, Taco Bell, Whataburger
Services: AT&T, California Cryobank, Geico, Jiffy Lube, Meineke, Sears Portrait Studio
Travel and Leisure: Blockbuster Movie theaters, Ripley's attractions and museums, Professional Sports teams
Products: Apple Computers,  AutoZone, Barnhill's, Bass Pro Shop, Bath and Body Works, Big 10 Tires, The Buckle, Champs Sports, Copeland's Sports, Dell, The Discovery Channel Store, Dress Barn, The Finish Line, Foot Action, Footlocker, Gadzooks, GNC, Goody's, Great Party, Happy Harry's, Home Depot, Hot Topic, Jockey, Lerner, Lowes, Michael's, NAPA Auto Parts, New York & Company, Pac Sun, Payless Shoes, Play It Again Sports, Pure Beauty, Sally Beauty Supply, Spencer's Gifts, Suncoast, Timberland Outlets, Wilson's Leather
Cell Phone Service Discount - All Federal employees are able to get a 15% discount on their personal cell phones by calling their carrier and mentioning the "Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 - Discount to Federal Employees Past and Present." You will need to know the military member's supervisor's name, phone number, and  full address, so that his/her military status can be verified. Use the following contact numbers:
* Cingular - 800-319-6393
* Sprint - 877-812-1223
* T-Mobile - 866-646-4688
* Nextel - 800-639-6111
* Verizon - 800-865-1825

Monday, November 8, 2010

Holiday favorites are Calorie Friendly.

Holiday food favorites are calorie friendly. But beware of other unsuspecting offenders.

With the holidays soon upon us, the guilt factor becomes more pressing. You skip a little here, but add a little there, always sub-conscious of the impending consequences. But the biggest offenders may just be those carbonated, sugar laden soft drinks, and fruit juices that we all forget to tally in.

Already loaded with natural fructose, fruit juices can have devastating results as can your soft drink soda selection. Always be on the lookout for the High Fructose Corn Syrup additive that’s a dead give away that this drink may have hidden caloric consequences. Diet drinks aren’t much better, and may be more harmful since they include artificial sweeteners that may have unhealthy consequences in another way.

Skipping Meals


If you thought that skipping meals will help you lose weight, that thinking can be dangerous. Skipping means that you will likely be hungrier the next time you eat. Shaving off calories and substituting healthier choices are a smarter choice for weight loss.  And don‘t skip breakfast. Research shows eating a good breakfast can aid and maintain weight loss.

Some Carbs are good

Your body actually needs carbs to function properly. In all honesty, when you block out one food group, you're more likely to ditch the diet and quickly be discouraged. Carbs are used for energy and keeps your body going. When you eliminate all carbs, you could be missing out on all-important fiber.

You must focus your carbohydrate intake on foods that have more fiber and take longer to break down, also known as "complex carbohydrates." Foods like whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. 

A good rule to follow is that If it’s white, it’s likely not right for your waste line. The biggest offenders are white rice, pasta, potatoes, and white breads.

Diet Rules To Follow

The golden rule of losing weight is when you're burning more calories than you're consuming. Don't look for fast fixes. Make weight loss and maintenance more of a lifestyle change. It's OK to lose weight "gradually and steadily" because crash diets often lead to less success.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Daylight Savings Time Fades Into Fall.


Saturday evening before you retire, remember to set your clocks BACK one hour or you may miss the early-bird breakfast.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of advancing clocks so that there is more daylight in the afternoon hours. It is not observed in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Arizona.
DST began Sunday March 14, 2010 (set clocks forward 1 hour)
DST ends Sunday November 7, 2010 (set clocks back 1 hour)

Worldwide daylight saving
Today, approximately 70 countries utilize Daylight Saving Time in at least a portion of the country. Japan, India, and China are the only major industrialized countries that do not observe some form of daylight saving.

Not the tropics
Equatorial and tropical countries (lower latitudes) generally do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Since the daylight hours are similar during every season, there is no advantage to moving clocks forward during the summer. China has had a single time zone since May 1, 1980, observing summer Daylight Saving Time from 1986 through 1991; they do not observe DST now.

Note that there are many oddities. For example, some parts of the U.S. and Canada do not observe Daylight Saving Time, such as the state of Arizona (U.S.) and the province Saskatchewan (Canada). Other countries can also be erratic. For example, Chile delayed its changeover date for the Pope's visit in 1987, as well as for a presidential inauguration in 1990