12 EZ Tips To Lose 20 Pounds in Three Months

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12 Tips To Lose 20 Pounds in 3 Months

Take a few minutes and review 12 tips to help you lose 20 lbs in 3 months

12 EZ Tips To Lose 20 Pounds By Christmas

No Dieting Required, Just Wokeness

 

By D. S. Mitchell

Out of the File

I’m always cutting out articles or writing down tips I hear about weight loss, with the hope that I will eventually put one or two of the tips to some valuable use. LOL. Anyway, as I was cleaning out a storage box I found a file labeled “Weight Loss Tricks”.  I took  a few minutes and sorted through the notes, clippings, and articles in the file.  After sifting through at least 10 years of information I came away with a dozen super suggestions to help us drop 20 pounds by Christmas. I am writing this tips list on September 10, 2023. That’s 106 days, give or take, approximately 3 and 1/2 months, or 14 weeks. No matter how you look at it, the following suggestions should help you to lose an easy 1.5 pounds a week with just about zero effort. Several of the tips you’ve heard before, but the trick here is to wake up, pay attention to what you are putting in your mouth. I call it “woked” eating. Easy Peasy. Let’s get started.

Sit Down When You Eat  

This information has been confirmed in study after study, for at least the last two decades. People eat an incredible 5 times more when they are standing or on the go, such as eating in the car. Your brain does not register food you eat while moving. So, folks take a few minutes to sit down and engage with your food. Sitting down will allow you to be more conscious of flavor and aroma and the slow down will allow you time to experience the sensation of fullness.

Cut Out the Booze

I suggest you stop drinking anything but unsweetened coffee or tea, or water (flavored is fine). Quite seriously, alcohol can add a whole lot of sneaky calories. I call it the 5:00 o’clock sabotage. Stay clear of the sugary girlie cocktails. Here’s where size does matter, stick to the standard serving sizes: 12 oz for beer, 5 oz for wine and 1.5 oz for hard liquor.  No more than two drinks two times a week! Otherwise you are going to undermine your other valiant efforts.

Take a Walk, Take a Breath

The last thing you need when you are working on yourself (your weight loss in this case), is a whole lot of stress. Take it easy. Take those long slow breaths, drop that load you are carrying and “just breathe”. One of the things that let’s me drop the stress and take those deep relaxing breaths is to take a walk. Wow. Walking is your best friend, whether trying to lose weight or relieve the stress, take a hike; or at least a stroll around the neighborhood. Smile and greet other walkers. There is a real community out there, get off the couch and join the sneakers crowd. Smiling makes you feel good. The calorie burn is dependent on you; speed and distance the basic determinant. The average person burns somewhere between  200 and 350 calories per hour at a moderate pace. At an easy pace that’s about 3 miles an hour. To lose one pound, you need to cut 3,500 calories. If you want to lose one pound a week divide 3,500 calories by seven to get 500; that means you need to cut 500 calories a day overall.  If you walk for an hour, 5 days a week, you will burn  1,000 to 1,800 calories.  If you are like me, you knew all that, but had forgotten it.

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More Info On Mushrooms

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More Info On Mushrooms

More Information on Mushrooms

Well, folks the guys are still working on their studio makeover, but unfortunately they can’t finish up until a couple of items currently on back order arrive. Despite that issue, Bill and Dave have a lot to say. In this video they go on and on for a whole 16 minutes. So, my suggestion is pour a cup of coffee, grab a cannabis cookie, and sit down and listen to the guys as they provide valuable information on mushrooms.

 

As Summer Winds Down, Beat The Heat

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As Summer Winds Down, Beat The Heat

Anna Hessel offers some great suggestions on beating the summer heat.

Ideas To Beat The Summer Heat

By Anna Hessel

Earlier this month, we talked about how to look good during the dog days of August. Looking good is one thing, but actually beating the heat is another story altogether. It’s easy to overheat, but below are some practical tips to stay cool, comfortable, and safe during this summer heatwave:

  1. Go to a pool, water park, or splash pad. Some can be pricey but some offer resident, student, and/or senior discounts. Others offer special prices on sites like Groupon. Splash pads are often free or nominal fees for adults. Many condo or apartment complexes have pools onsite. If you’re not blessed enough to have a pool of your own, make friends with a neighbor that does. Even indoor pools can cool in the hot temperatures.
  2. If public pools or beaches are not your thing, get in touch with your inner kid and bring out a lawn sprinkler or rig up the garden hose – just don’t drink from it…
  3. Stay hydrated – keep up liquid consumption. Water and clear juices are best – watch out for caffeinated drinks and alcohol, both of which can dry your system out.
  4. Air conditioning and fans are our friends in the summer months but watch your utility bills. Try budget plans that allow you to pay a fixed rate all year long. Keeping drapes or blinds closed can significantly cut the cooling energy load. A paper fan can work in a pinch…
  5. Outside, have it made in the shade – a shady spot can be 10-20 degrees cooler (or even more) than in the sun.
  6. Looser clothing and sunscreen are musts. Breathable fabrics, sandals, shorts, halters, tasteful tube tops, rompers, and halters are cooling attire. If you are visiting a family water park or pool, do not wear a thong bikini, please – show some respect and decorum.
  7. Keeping colognes, toners, sunburn creams, and the like in the fridge can do wonders to cool you down.
  8. A cold shower is not just a curb for your sex drive; try a temp at lukewarm or tepid – colder may overdo it.
  9. Rinse your wrists and cool your neck area – you will notice an immediate difference.
  10. Avoid being outdoors during the hottest times of the day, typically between 11 am and 2 pm, when the sun is strongest.
  11. Enjoy some frozen treats or slushes.
  12. Ice, in drinks or on your forehead, will cool you down quickly.
  13. Use all cotton bedding or linens made with breathable fabrics, and leave off the blankets or comforters.
  14. Salads and cold sandwiches are perfect dinner and lunch options. Eat a cucumber to stay as cool as one, and fresh summer fruits are a great dessert.
  15. Deodorant-antiperspirant: self-explanatory…
  16. Use the power of suggestion: watch a winter movie or TV show – Christmas in August, anyone?
  17. Remember our furry friends need to stay cool, too. If we are hot, imagine how they feel with built-in fur coats. If you see your pet panting, cool them off. Bathing pets, or getting them a kiddie pool can help. Keep a bowl of water with ice cubes nearby for them. Carry a collapsible furbabies bowl if you are taking them outdoors. Do not leave them in hot cars. Keep walks shorter and shave their fur if need be.
  18. Use air conditioning or open car windows while in transit – above 30-35 mph on average, the less drag with closed windows offsets the additional air conditioning add to fuel consumption. Let car air out a bit before sitting on the hot seats. Cars can often feel like you’re entering an oven, or even a steam bath, when parked outside.
  19. Take a cool and comforting bubble bath.
  20. Avoid strenuous exercise like biking, hiking, walking, jogging, or running in hot temperatures. Opt for indoor air-conditioned exercise, instead. Swimming of course is ideal.

Remember in just a few months, when you are dressing in layers, shoveling snow, and snuggling under the covers to get warm, you will long for the Dog Days of summer.

 

What’s Going On In Grants Pass, Oregon?

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What’s Going On In Grants Pass, Oregon?

If you live within the city limits of Grants Pass, Oregon, ballots should be landing in your mailbox in the next few days. Remember to mark NO on the RECALL and return your ballot BEFORE 9/12/2023.

Be sure to vote No on recall. Vote by 9/12/2023

What’s Going On In Grants Pass, Oregon?

By D.S. Mitchell

 

Republican Headquarters

A group, who lists their address as the Republican Committee headquarters, is trying to *recall independent Grants Pass mayor, Sara Bristol. The first line of the recall petition, filed by Suzanne Barber, states, “City of Grants Pass mayor, Sara Bristol, does not represent the conservative principles of the majority of her constituents.”

Full Stop

Whoa. Full stop. Sara Bristol was elected by a majority of Grant’s Pass voters; voters who wanted an independent voice at City Hall not a rubber stamp to controversial or extremist policies. I don’t believe this group of haters should be allowed to recall a mayor who’s only failure is not being “conservative” enough.

Disgust

It’s evident that hate, vitriol, and dirty tricks are alive and well in our community. Is this what we really want? I say, no, and I believe I am not alone in my disgust for this full-frontal attack on independence. Vote NO to the recall.

Mostly, I Talk

Yoo-hoo. According to the Grants Pass city charter the mayor can only vote to break a tie. Sara, explains, “I mostly get to talk, issue vetoes, and sign paperwork.” Despite petitioners complaints of “too many vetoes” the facts dispute that assertion. After two and a half years in office, Sara has issued only two, let me repeat that, two vetoes.

Court Order

Also, let me make it clear, Sara Bristol is not responsible for the homeless situation in Grants Pass, Oregon, but the city council is. Aside from not being “conservative” enough, the petitioner(s) are trying to hang the problem of homelessness around the neck of the mayor. Admittedly, homeless encampments in Grants Pass parks are a hot button issue. However, citizens need to understand that the city is under a court order preventing removal of the homeless encampments.

Place The Blame

Removal of the homeless from Grants Pass public parks could take place if Grants Pass could offer “low barrier” shelter.  It’s time for the Grants Pass city council to step up and do their job. Grants Pass needs a “low barrier” shelter, and we needed it several years ago. Time to stop the excuses and start the process. Don’t blame the mayor for what the council has failed to deal with.

Vote No On Recall

I’m asking Grants Pass voters to ignore the partisan hate speech and misinformation campaign being waged against the mayor and vote NO to the recall. If you feel like getting involved, please join Sara and her supporters at several local events.

Support Sara Bristol Events

Friday, August 25, 2023: Anne Basker Auditorium at 6 pm

Saturday, August 26, 2023: Josephine County Courthouse @ 12 Noon

Tuesday, August 29, 2023: Fruitdale Grange at 6 pm

 

*Recalls are the process by which an elected official can be removed from office via a public vote.

Hints To Cure Motion Sickness

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Hints To Cure Motion Sickness

If you have motion sickness you spend a lot of time with your head in a paper bag

Car Sick? Air Sick? Sea Sick?

Hints to Cure Motion Sickness

By D. S. Mitchell

Childhood Memories

OMG. When I was a kid, the worst words I could hear were, “Let’s go for a ride!” Don’t get me wrong, I loved going; going anywhere, it didn’t matter, I was a young adventurer. HOWEVER, I was also a kid with  motion sickness. It didn’t happen all the time, I think that was the worst part, never knowing whether I’d be happy and giggly, or a kid with her head in a paper bag.  My mom did not like me vomiting out the car window. It wasn’t just the car, sometimes it was on the deck of daddy’s boat, or there was that incredibly long plane ride to Hawaii. Oh, dear, the nice lady sitting next to me was very kind, and understanding. And, those damn 3D movies, there should be a warning label.

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness occurs when your brain gets conflicting messages: your eyes perceive forward motion but your inner ear feels the up and down motion of the car, plane, or boat. The experts say the brain then races to reset itself and that action causes the sick feeling. The nausea triggers the vagus nerve, which connects to the GI system, stimulating anything in the gut to come up.  Paper bag, please.

It Was All About The Ginger

Ginger is an herb that has been used for thousands of years for its many natural medicinal properties,  particularly its antiemetic qualities. When I was a kid that was about all there was, other than stopping the motion, and that wasn’t happening. What I seem to remember is mom grating up the herb and putting it in tea and having me drink it before we went on any road trips. Current studies indicate that ginger is an effective and inexpensive treatment for nausea and vomiting. Some studies suggest ginger works better on vomiting than the underlying nausea. Now days, ginger can be found in capsules and gummies and even tea.

Antihistamines

The same antihistamines used to treat allergies also reduce the symptoms of motion sickness. Numerous rounds of studies have shown that antihistamines can effectively alleviate motion sickness.  Recommendations include taking the medication 30 to 60 minutes prior to boarding the plane or boat, so you’ll have it in your system to squelch the vagal response. BUT they cause drowsiness. If sleep walking doesn’t bother you this may be your solution. I on the other hand cannot function in a “drugged” state. Benadryl and Dramamine are inexpensive and may work for you. Give it a try, the worst thing that will happen is you will take a nap.

It Works For Me

Acupressure wristbands are what I use. I am a great fan of acupuncture and acupressure is a variation of that ancient Chinese art.  When pressure is applied to certain points on the wrist and ear it alleviates stomach upset. Acupressure wristbands are available in most pharmacies and on Amazon. I’ve used them for years and they are fabulous. No unwanted sleepiness. The package will contain two bracelets, just slip them on your wrists and position the little plastic thing-a-bobs over the recommended points on your wrist per the directions.

 

Tips On Staying In Style In This Economy

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Tips On Staying In Style In This Economy

Anna Hessel offers common sense ideas to save money in these inflationary times

Editor’s Note: Anna Hessel with a little help from hubby, Wes, have been offering up 10 tips a week on How to Stay In Style In This Economy. Thanks Anna, we need all the help we can get. Next week will be the last week of her suggestions. Watch for it next Tuesday, but right now here are their suggestions for this week.

By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel

Inflation is being beaten back but basic costs are still high, and service providers are charging more, but there is hope out there. Saving money has always been a challenge but in this current economic climate saving money can be get a bit tricky,  but there are certainly ways to shave your budget without losing out on things you need and want, here are today’s suggestions:

  1. Online survey sites can bring in some money. Even the legit sites sometimes have bad surveys that don’t pay, but overall, there is money to be made. You won’t get rich but a few extra dollars can add up over time.
  2. Side gigs can be fruitful but make sure to factor in things like gas and supplies to ascertain that you’re actually making a profit.
  3. Use your interests and hobbies to make money. If you bake great cookies or are a crafter, rent a table at a flea market or craft show to sell your wares, or sell to friends and co-workers. Check local ordinances before hand for any requirements.
  4. Old-fashioned side jobs like babysitting, grass mowing, car washing, errand running, etc., are not just for teens, these days.
  5. Check state treasury departments or the equivalent to find out if anyone owes you money in unclaimed property like lost accounts or credits. We found insurance and utility companies that owed us refunds…
  6. Event venues, places with concessions like pools or sports parks, and restaurants sometimes offer discount food near closing time.
  7. Summer time can bring free movies in the park, free outdoor concerts, or free splash pads for hot days…
  8. Try homemade options such as making a scrub from sugar or salt and olive oil or honey – it’s great for dry skin, cellulite, or crepe skin. Apple cider vinegar, baking soda, or baby lotion added to bath water can have spa-like benefits.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

  1. Many people are eligible for government-subsidized (most often free) cell phones with service and/or internet – more than you would think. See the FCC site (https://www.fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers) or other government websites for details.
  2. Apply for energy assistance if you’re at all eligible, and ask your utility companies if they have additional programs to help with your household fuel costs, such as budgeting options or discounts for using energy-efficient appliances.

Work in Progress-Setting Up the New Studio

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Setting Up the New Studio 

Work in Progress

Setting up the new Calamity studio

The guys have been busy sweeping, mopping, and cleaning out the area for the new Calamity News Studio. They have been working almost tirelessly getting the big unveil ready for the viewing public. There’s a lot more hard work in front of them, but there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Stop by for a visit and see the progress.