Rahm says you play you pay...now stop crying about it

Some residents of Chicago are up in arms over the 'nickel and dime' increases that are to result from Mayor Emanuel's new budget. The Mayor could have taken the easy way out and just raised taxes across the board. What is he supposed to do to try and pull the city out of the mire of debt brought on by past administrations? Paying more for anything right now is the last thing anybody wants to read about in the newspaper or hear about on the evening news but it is the reality. I wish I could come up with a plan that would fix all the economic woes but my theatre arts degree doesn't quite qualify me or aide me to do so.
But I do have some opinions on the matter...

Fines are going up if you don't keep your yard neat and you park illegally. If you don't do what you are supposed to do you will be fined a heftier sum than last year. Obviously you could afford to pay those fines last year because you did those things. You broke laws. You let that abandoned lot you picked up as investment in a dilapidated neighborhood get all overgrown and trash ridden because you were too lazy to go out there and keep your sh*t tight. Now you have to straighten up the property and get rid of the rats that have invaded your yard and the property of the neighbors who might live nearby or you will pay the city a fine. Good show, Mr. Mayor!!

If you don't park according to the way the law is written you will have to pay more. So park the right way and don't worry about it. If you push the issue and maybe duplicate a residential zone parking sticker 4 times in one week, you could get caught. (My record is 3 times in one week!) You get caught; you pay up. Where is the wrong in that?

Here are my two favorites: fines go up for vehicles impounded for arrests and parking in handicap spots. There should be no limits to these fines. If you get caught driving under the influence you should pay at least 5000 dollars to get your car back. So what if it takes you a year to pay it all off in order to get your car back. You don't deserve to drive anyway. You put other peoples' lives in danger. Chicago has a wonderful public transportation system that you should have taken home after you drank 8 pints of stout at the office Christmas party.

If you park in a handicap spot, even if it's for 5 seconds just so you could run in and return that movie to the red box you should be caned as well as fined 500 dollars (or whatever the current fine may be). If you drive your grandmama's car to Game Stop and she stays home but you use her placard to park in a handicap spot then you should be fined, caned, and have your car impounded for an arrest. Don't cheat the system and you do not have a thing to worry about. If you do decide to go for it, well, I hope your wallet is thicker than mine. Are you that lazy that you can't walk from the far end of the parking lot to the store? Liter and parking in handicap spots rub me the wrong way. I don't think there should be any limits to the fines imposed on people who break these two laws. Laziness is a great reason to jack up the fines.

People are also fretting about raising the taxes on alcohol and tobacco. Raise those taxes all you want I say. Neither of those are necessities; they are luxuries. If you want a six pack of Bud then a little pinch of Skoal after that is your choice so don't bitch about paying the price, whatever it is. If you don't like it go have a can of "pop." Oh, "pop" is taxed too. A delicious can of Dr. Pepper is not needed to make it through the day. Water will suffice and it is better for you; but who needs that...

Eli Mongrel and Arthur Brown have to have special licenses if they are to remain in tact and reside in homes within the city limits. That's the law so it has to be followed or I'll get a ticket walking them through the neighborhood. They have their nuts licenses. (Thank God they are Gracie's dogs so she has to pay that stupid fee.)

The election of Mayor Emanuel is by no means akin to the Second Coming. There are the red-light and speed cameras. Those means are just plain totalitarianism. There are some police officers who get so comfortable in their jobs that they gain a tremendous amount of weight and therefore are unable to police the city at 100%. Can these select few effectively patrol the streets and enforce the new curfew rules? Hell no; they can't catch some speedy crumbsnatchers but they can sit behind a hedge and run a radar gun. Dehumanizing law enforcement is flat out wrong. What's wrong with assigning police officers to spend a majority of the time near schools? Is it that much more cost effective to put in cameras rather than have a human element in sight of children, parents, and perps?  The Mayor would do the city a better service by getting rid of machines and improving his methods of communicating with the Chicago Police Department.

Cities and states are in turmoil. There is no way around having to suffer the consequences other than expatriating. For the most part I am a fan of Mayor Emanuel. While not perfect, and what politician is, he is looking at alternative resources to collect money for the city. He is going to penalize people for trying to beat the system. Good! That is where the money should come from. I have broken many a law in my time EXCEPT for parking in a handicap spot. The thought has never crossed my mind. Each time I pushed the envelope, well most every time, I knew that if I got caught I, and my parents, would have to suffer some consequences. (Sorry again, Mom.) Mayor Emanuel and the city of Chicago sure missed out on me not growing up in Cook County. I'm sure a few roads in Virginia and Maryland were re-paved due to my indiscretions. I am confident that all the rule breakers in Chicago will rise to the occasion and some of those potholes on North Avenue will be paved in the very near future...or Mayor Emanuel will take his family to Barbados for Christmas.

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Secret Ways to Keep Slim from Various Countries

Not just for women, for men, excess weight can snatch confidence and give a feeling of discomfort, in addition to the risk of disease.
The ideal weight is basically achieved by reducing calorie intake rather than spent. However, in addition, there are tips you can try to trim from around the world below.

1. Thailand 
Thai cuisine is considered the most spicy foods though local food in the country is actually no less. Capcaisin in chili peppers are known to increase metabolism. However, the main advantage of spicy food is making us eat more slowly. Thus, the body will more quickly send satiety signals to the brain.

2. English 
One strategy taken by UK residents is to reduce portion sizes. Therefore, if you happen to be in fast food restaurants in the country, not the waiter asks if you order french fries in a large or small portions.

3. Brazil 
Brazilian people stay slim because they like the traditional diet of rice cooked with red beans. The study in the journal Obesity Research found that the food is not only low in fat, but also high in fiber.

4. Poland 
The majority of Polish people only spend 5 percent of their budget on eating out. In addition to healthier, eat together at home is also beneficial to enhance the bond between families.

5. German 
According to the survey, 75 percent of Germans breakfast at home every day. Breakfast menu usually consists of cereal or bread Cereal intact. Breakfast habits not only make diasup calories less during the day, but it also helps concentration.

6. Netherlands 
The number of bicycles in the Netherlands there are 18 million, exceeding the population that only 16.5 million. However, unlike people in other countries that occasional bicycling, 54 percent of Dutch people make cycling as part of the routine, for example, for the office or shopping. The average Dutch person taking Ruti 541 miles every year.

7. India 
Yoga is considered as an exercise to relieve stress and increase flexibility and strength. In fact, people who practice yoga usually has a lower weight than people who do not exercise. Yoga is also beneficial to increase metabolism and self-awareness, including full attention to what we eat.

8. Japan 
Although famous for its busy life of its citizens a high, but they always set aside time for a 20-30 minute nap. Sleep is known to be useful enough to suppress the hunger hormone, namely leptin. Less and less hours of sleep you are, the higher the level of leptin and ghrelin.

9. Mexico 
Mexicans generally eat large meals during the day, namely at 14.00 until 16.00 hours, and reduce the size of the meal in the evening.

10. France 
According to the survey, 92 percent of families in France eating together with family every day. Lunch time is the time to communicate. Therefore, they also fill out the meal with conversation. This strategy turned out to be an effect on food diasup. In other words, as more talk, they eat less.

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I'd do it all over again tomorrow...or maybe the day after

Before the game even started I was threatened. I was threatened with a four-hour tailgate, unlimited chicken tenders, a case of Victoria beer on ice, and plates of chocolate-iced brownies. In my past I have never been known for my stamina when it comes to staying awake past the tailgate. I have missed many a game-winning drive due to the fact that I just can't hang. While revelers run through the streets celebrating a victory by the home team I have slept soundly in the back of a Buick or a Tahoe with Sharpie graffiti all over my face. These days it's different; there are kids around. One must act one's age. For most of Saturday into Saturday night I did pretty well. I maintained my composure during the tailgate and enjoyed meeting some new people and catching up with old friends. Then it came time to go inside the stadium. I felt the possible effect of the Victoria's as I weaved through the other thousands of people heading in the same direction.

The threats did not stop once everyone was settled into the skybox overlooking Williams-Brice Stadium. Plates of wings, mac n cheese, and cookies stood next to handles of Mt. Gay rum and Glenlivet scotch. Trying to maintain my wits grew even more difficult. At least there weren't any kids around. The young ones were with their Grandfather allowing the group a few minutes to cut loose. I took advantage of the situation and went with the Glenlivet. A younger and dumber version of me would have gone with the rum. That always proved to be disaster in the past. My big-boy pants hadn't fallen off yet.

As I stared out over the stands watching the pre-game festivities my buddy Daniel's wife Laura came over and stood next to me. I thought she was going to ask how I was doing or catch me up on some fun stories about Carlysle and Ellie but the look on her face told me something completely different. I wondered what I had done wrong. Before I could speak up Laura pointed a finger at me and narrowed her eyes in an almost threatening manner. "Whatever you do do not take your eyes of that {cart}." I looked over and somebody was pushing a cart out on the field. The cart was not as appealing as the cheerleaders being tossed in the air but as a guest in her home, needless to say, I obeyed.

Amidst all the electricity in the air before a South Carolina vs. Clemson football game it was hard to remain focused on the rickety old cart being dragged around by a couple guys who looked like they had taken part in the larger end of a Makers Mark bottle the night before. When Laura wasn't looking I let my gaze travel all over the stadium because what I was witnessing was incredible. There is nothing like an SEC football game. The enthusiasm of the fans draws you in and the talent of the players seals the deal. When the cart reached the middle of the field, out of my periphery, I saw Laura point at me again. I watched as smoke poured out of the top of the cart and the intensity of the music increased. Everyone in the stadium, including me, waved a white towel over their head. After the crowd reached "frenzy" level the curtains surrounding the cart dropped and out of nowhere appeared Cocky, the Gamecocks mascot. "Frenzy" went up a notch to "berserk." And it was awesome...

There cannot be a better experience in the world than putting on Cocky's outfit then running around the field and through the stands at Williams-Brice Stadium. Cocky points a wing and people go crazy. Taylor Swift has to spend hours writing a song to do what Cocky does with the lift of one furry spur. I was ready to do cartwheels in the skybox.

When I arrived in Columbia I didn't have much energy. Such was no longer the case once the game started. I felt like I could keep on tailgating and enjoyed a nice scotch or two during the first half. Being a much wiser par-taker these days I switched to beer for the second half. However, things might have caught up with me a little bit since no one else dropped a beer during the 4th quarter and broke glass all over the floor by the buffet. Then there was the part where my navigation skills faltered and nine-year-old Ellie Bug had to lead me by hand out of the stadium. It was near midnight and I was still doing fairly well but maybe the F-bomb in front of the kids and Doc on the drive home wasn't a very good idea. I think Daniel and Laura understood my excitement not being used to such an experience and were able to cut me some slack. They did say I brought South Carolina some luck and would be invited back. I think they were serious...

So it's Monday and it's time to get back to the grind. Getting the equilibrium back proves to be quite difficult this morning. Most of last week was spent in the car so I feel like it is only now that I can sit back and reflect on all that I have to be thankful for. There is a lot. All the people that have put up with me are at the top of the list. One day I will buy you all some sandwiches but for know let me just say an honest and most heart-felt thank you for all that you all have done. I could say more but I think it might be time for a nap. Go Cocks!

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10 Benefits of Smile for Health

Smiling is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress and add friends. But apparently there are 10 other benefits of a smile to one's health.

As we all know it takes less facial muscles to make someone smile than frown. Some experts claim it takes 43 muscles to frown and only 17 muscles to smile. But some others say it takes 62 muscles to frown and only 26 muscles to smile.

Additionally smile can also improve one's health and make life more enjoyable. Here are some benefits that can be obtained a person with a smile:

1. A smile makes a person more attractive, Unconsciously smile can make people more attractive because there is a certain attraction factor and make someone look better than a frown, scowl or grimace.

2. A smile can change the mood, Smiling can trick the body so that helps a person's mood changed for the better. For that if you feel sad, try to smile.

3. A smile can be contagious, Smiling not only change the mood of the person but also the people around him, and make things happier. This is because a smile can be contagious and bring happiness to others.

4. A smile can relieve stress, People who are stressed can be seen from his face, but with a smile can prevent a person look tired and exhausted. If you're stressed, try to take the time to smile, because it can reduce stress, so better able to take action.

5. A smile increases your immune system, Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When someone smiled then increased immune function that makes a person feel more relaxed and protected from diseases such as flu and colds.

6. A smile lowers blood pressure, When smiling then there is impairment of blood pressure measured. Try to measure blood pressure while sitting at home while reading, then smiled for a minute and blood pressure measured again, it will show the difference.

7. A smile can release endorphins, painkillers and serotonin, Studies have shown a smile can release endorphins, compounds that can reduce pain naturally and serotonin. All three can make people feel better and become a natural medicine.

8. Crease a smile on the face can make people look younger, The muscles used to smile lift the face so it can help make people look younger. Therefore try to smile more often which makes feel younger and better.

9. Smiling can make people seem to be successful people who smile will look more confident, so much promoted, but it pairs smile at each meeting will have a different reaction.

10. A smile can help people stay positive, A smile will make people more positive and reduce negative thoughts. 

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Trigger Factors of Cancer

Up until now is still a puzzle as to why someone has cancer, others are not. They already know, cancer can be caused by many factors, and evolving in many years.

Research proves that that several factors can increase a person's risk of getting cancer. Fortunately most of the risk factors that can be avoided, controlled, and controlled, by choosing the right lifestyle.

Here are the factors most likely to cause cancer. Other factors are still a lot, unfortunately not yet possible to be explained it all here.

age:

Most cancer strikes people aged over 60 years. But not a few people who were much younger, even children under the age of five, who also had cancer.

Tobacco:
Smoke cigarettes / tobacco smokers who inhaled either active or passive smoking can cause lung cancer, cancer of the vocal cords, cancer of the mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, leukemia, and cervix. Not just the smoke, often smelling of tobacco can cause cancer, and chew / suck it (eg in the form of fringe-Jw) can cause oral cancer.

Sunlight:
Morning sun is good for health. But the afternoon sun, which contains ultraviolet, can cause skin cancer. Use an umbrella, hat, and clothes that cover your body as much as possible to protect themselves from ultraviolet rays. Skin that is not protected, should be smeared with sunscreen containing sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
Ultraviolet rays can penetrate glass, thin clothes, can also be reflected by sand, water, snow, and ice. Keep in mind, that the ultraviolet lamps are sold in stores can also cause cancer, you know.

Chemical Substances:
Many chemicals are added in the food / beverage modern can lead to cancer, for example preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavorings. In fact, almost all food / beverage production factory or sold in the shop / restaurant contain additional substances.
But the food prepared at home was not necessarily free of cancer risk. Since most vegetables and fruits grown by relying on artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Foods that are grilled, baked, or fried in cooking oil also has the potential to cause cancer. So is water polluted by detergents and other chemical wastes (although it has been cleared up).
Substances other cancer-causing chemicals can enter the human body through air, such as benzene, asbestos, cadmium, nickel, vinyl chloride, and so on.

Viral and Bacterial Infections: 
Some types of viruses and bacteria can increase the risk of cancer, among others:
Human papilloma virus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer and may increase the risk of other types of cancer. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer. Virus human T-cell leukemia / lymphoma (HTLV-1) increases the risk of lymphoma and leukemia. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes AIDS is known as this increases the risk of lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma.

Epstein-Barr virus increases the risk of contracting lymphoma. Human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) may cause Kaposi's sarcoma. Helicobacter pylori causes gastric and intestinal injury can also cause cancer along the digestive tract.

To reduce the possibility of contracting the virus / bacteria, avoid sexual promiscuity, also do not exchange toothbrushes, needles, combs, cutlery, etc..

Diet, Obesity, and Lack of Motion:
Too much consumption of red meat and salt can increase the risk of colon cancer, rectum, and other cancers in the abdominal area. Instead consume lots of vegetables and fruits may reduce the risk of cancer along the digestive tract.
Obesity and inactivity can lead to breast cancer, endometrial, kidney, colon, and esophagus. To prevent this, daily exercise for at least 30 minutes.

Alcohol:
Consumption of alcohol can lead to cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, vocal cords, liver, and breast. But once in a while to eat the tape, it does not matter really.

Hormone:
Excessive estrogen hormones in the body can increase the likelihood of contracting uterine cancer and breast cancer. Being hormone progesterone can prevent endometrial cancer, but increases the risk of breast cancer. Both types of hormones are widely used as ingredients of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. Long-term use can reduce the risk of uterine cancer and endometrium, but increases the risk of breast cancer and liver cancer.

Family History:
Trigger factors above will cause cancer if you managed to create a gene in the cell nucleus is changed (mutated). If the immune system is unable to repair or destroy these mutated genes, these genes make normal cells turn into malignant cells, which in turn develop into cancer.
Sometimes the nature of the gene is then passed down to children, which makes the child has an abnormal gene. Notwithstanding the abnormal gene will not necessarily develop into cancer, because it still depends on the presence or absence of other triggers and least powerful body resistance. Moreover, not all types of inherited cancer. Only certain types of cancer who have inherited tendencies, ie, melanoma (skin cancer), breast, uterus, prostate, and colon.

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Cholesterol Lowering Diet

 
Reduce saturated fats, especially fats found in red meat have long been regarded as the most effective anti-cholesterol tips. In fact, diet is full of unsaturated fat is much more effective for lowering cholesterol.

In a study in Canada and involved 351 participants who have high cholesterol levels are known someone who adheres to a diet rich in saturated fats are not successful in reducing cholesterol by 13 percent within six months. Meanwhile, people who consume low-fat diet alone only decreased cholesterol by 3 percent.

Cholesterol-lowering diet that consists of unsaturated fats, among others, use olive oil instead of butter, margarine enriched with plant sterols, avocado, oatmeal, soybeans, nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, and so on.

Meanwhile, a group that has a diet high in fiber and Cereal intact cholesterol-lowering benefit is only 3 percent.

In that study did not apply the settings of calories but in general the two groups have a weight loss of almost the same, between 1.2 to 1.7 kilograms in six months.

Foods that contain saturated fats known to increase the LDL or bad cholesterol and total cholesterol. Conversely, eating saturated fat is not a good type of fat or cholesterol levels will go down faster.

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5 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

 

1. FOLLOW A HEART HEALTHY DIET
Following a few simple rules as laid out in our Healthy Heart Diet section can significantly decrease your chances of developing heart disease. A brief summary follows:

A. Limit intake of trans fats and hydrogenated oils found in margarine, fast food, fried food, etc.
B. Limit refined sugar intake from cakes, cookies, candy, etc.
C. Use extra virgin olive oil and garlic in cooking - they can lower cholesterol
D. Add Omega 3 Fatty Acids to your diet - the best source is Fish Oil

2. EXERCISE REGULARLY
Developing a steady exercise program as described in our Exercise for Healthy Heart section can also lower your risk of heart disease. A few quick tips:

A. Try to exercise 3-4 times per week, for at least a half hour at a time.
B. Keep your routine going, and start off slow.
C. Always stretch before and after training.
D. Keep yourself hydrated and rest between sets.

3. LEAD A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
In addition to following a healthy diet and exercise regimen, you should also try to do the following:

A. Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke - both are major causes of heart disease.
B. Limit your intake of alcohol - excessive alcohol can deplete your body's supply of vitamins and other nutrients.
C. Try to reduce stress and anxiety - they can lead to high blood pressure and other health conditions.
D. Keep your weight within recommended limits - obesity is a leading cause of heart disease.

4. KEEP TABS ON THE (4) BLOOD INDICATORS OF DEVELOPING HEART DISEASE
Make sure you get tested for increased cholesterol, triglycerides(fat), homocysteine and C Reactive Protein levels, and follow the protocols if any one of these indicators is elevated:

A. If your cholesterol is high, you can lower cholesterol naturally with policosanol, guggulipid and other herbal extracts as well as Fish Oil. Remember, only 20% of your cholesterol comes from what you eat, the other 80% is manufactured by your liver. Read more about lowering cholesterol

B. If your triglyceride (fat) levels are too high, lower your carbohydrate and sugar intake. Also, fish oil, Vitamin C, guggulipid and green tea are safe natural ways to lower triglyceride levels. Read more about lowering triglycerides

C. If your homocysteine levels are high, you can easily normalize the situation by including B Vitamins in your diet, particularly Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12. Read more about lowering homocysteine

D. If your C Reactive Protein levels are high, this indicates inflammation in the blood. Fish oil, ginger and MSM will help decrease inflammation naturally. Read more about lowering C Reactive Protein 

Source: Healthy Heart Guide online

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