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Showing posts from December, 2022

Summa adds up to good food and service | Dining review

This near-west-side restaurant has been the site of numerous short-lived eateries. It's my hope that Summa will be the one to experience longevity in this location. The food and service are exceptional; even the vibe is great, which I'm sure is because of those two factors. The menu is divided into three sections. First, D'ovens are one-pot meals highlighting such comfort foods as sausage and peppers ($12), served in a small, covered, enameled cast iron pot. It's packed full of the advertised main ingredients with lots of red, yellow and green bell peppers, onions and medallions of flavorful Spanish sausage — although we weren't told which variety. Just know this is not a standard blend of pork and spices. The only complaint, which is a reflection of how much the food was enjoyed, is the serving should be larger. By contrast, the Burger Picnic ($18) is a substantial amount of food. It features four sliders and requires choices to be made. Choose any combination of t...

Dangerous blast of Arctic air to tighten its grip on much of the nation this week

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 The FOX Forecast Center says an arctic front will usher in the coldest air of the season by a considerable margin this week, with the expectation of widespread subzero temperature readings across the Northern Rockies, central and northern Plains and the Upper Midwest. Some low temperature readings could approach -30 degrees across portions of Montana and North Dakota starting on Tuesday morning, and with temperatures that low, frostbite could set in in as little as 10 minutes. High temperatures in the region will remain 30-40 degrees below average, with many places struggling to get out of the single digits during the day. And some areas in North Dakota and Montana may not even get above zero degrees for several days. "Look at the temperatures," FOX Weather meteorologist Craig Herrera said. "Minus 13. This is the 'feels-like' temperature. The temperature plus the wind for places like Bismarck (North Dakota). Over in Pierre (South Dakota), 13 below zero. Billings...

15 Most Advanced Countries in Military Technology

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 In this piece, we will take a look at the 15 most advanced countries in military technology. For more countries, head on over to 5 Most Advanced Countries in Military Technology. Military technology, or the use of technology for the brutal art of warfare, is one of the oldest domains in human history. From the caveman using a simple spear to today's high end stealth fighter jets and drones, this field has continuously evolved and is a primary contributor to the ability of armed forces to see the tide of war turn in their favor. In terms of monetary value, defense items are among the most expensive in the world. The U.S.' crown jewel fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor, costs the USAF a cool $120 million to purchase exclusive of development costs and more than $68,000 (higher than the average U.S. income) to operate per hour. The industry itself stood at $474 billion last year and will grow to $513 billion this year with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%. Top American fir...

Why do people have nightmares? How to prevent them, according to a sleep psychologist.

 A 2010 study conducted in Hong Kong states that approximately one of every 20 individuals reported experiencing nightmares at least once a week. However, Dr. Michael Nadorff, Associate Professor of Psychology at Mississippi State University and President-Elect of the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine, says it’s important to note that not all individuals who have nightmares remember them. Nadorff explains that the majority of dreams are actually negative, but most of them come and go without being remembered. Here’s what Nadorff has to say about nightmares, as well as how to prevent them, or at least how to keep yourself from remembering them. What causes nightmares? Nadorff, who specializes in nightmares, says everyone has negative dreams, but not everyone remembers them. “You don’t usually remember them unless you wake up during them,” he explains. According to Nadorff, waking up from REM sleep, when dreams occur, is the only way to remember a nightmare. Waking up from REM sle...

A Dentist Explains Why Your Gums Bleed

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When the dentist urges you floss diligently for the 12th time in one visit, it’s not an overstatement. That’s because seeing red in the sink after your nightly brush is never a good sign. “Gum tissue in general is sensitive,” explains Richard J. Lipari, D.D.S., a cosmetic and restorative dentist in Chappaqua, NY. And taking care of it is crucial to avoid bleeding gums. Ahead, Dr. Lipari explains why gums tend to bleed, how bleeding gums are treated, and when they go beyond bad basic oral hygiene. Why are gums so prone to bleeding? Some individuals simply have less resilient gums than others, says Dr. Lipari, which is the case for those who are genetically predisposed to the trait or naturally have thinner tissue. Those people, unfortunately, are usually more prone to gum issues and recession, Lipari adds. But there are other more concrete reasons anyone could develop bleeding gums. Bleeding gums causes Although oral health is often the first place to look for the cause of bleeding gums...

Experts claim breakthrough in ancient Stonehenge tool kit puzzle

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Archaeologists say a 4,000-year-old tool kit found among the grave of a Bronze Age spiritual leader was used for working with gold. The stone tool kit was found near Stonehenge more than two centuries ago but its use until now has been unknown. Researchers at the University of Leicester have re-examined grave goods discovered within the burial and found they were gold-working tools. Lead author Dr Rachel Crellin said the discovery was "really exciting". The tools were first found at the Upton Lovell G2a Bronze Age burial, which was excavated in 1801. They are now on display at the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes where Dr Christina Tsoraki, from the University of Leicester, carried out wear-analysis of the grave goods. She noticed what appeared to be gold residues on their surfaces and concluded the stone tools had been used for a range of different purposes. Visit book printing homepage for more details. 'Highley skilled craftsman' Some were used like hammers and anvils ...

The magnificent history of the maligned and misunderstood fruitcake

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Nothing says Christmas quite like a fruitcake – or, at the very least, a fruitcake joke. A quip attributed to former “Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson has it that “There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other.” It’s certainly earned its reputation for longevity. Two friends from Iowa have been exchanging the same fruitcake since the late 1950s. Even older is the fruitcake left behind in Antarctica by the explorer Robert Falcon Scott in 1910. But the honor for the oldest known existing fruitcake goes to one that was baked in 1878 when Rutherford B. Hayes was president of the United States. What’s amazing about these old fruitcakes is that people have tasted them and lived, meaning they are still edible after all these years. The trifecta of sugar, low moisture ingredients and some high-proof spirits make fruitcakes some of the longest-lasting foods in the world. The original energy bar Fruitcake is an ancient goody, with the oldest versions a...

Everyone Should Know These Unexpected Ways to Use Peanut Butter

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During the Great Depression, peanut butter’s low cost and high protein content made it an indispensable ingredient in countless meals and sandwiches. The nut spread—and newer, more allergy-friendly variantions—remain a popular food to this day. But peanut butter has plenty of uses outside of cooking and eating. In fact, it can come in handy for several jobs around the house. Here are a few to know about. Household uses for peanut butter Most people know that peanut butter can be used to help remove a piece of gum stuck in someone’s hair, but that’s only the beginning. Generally speaking, smooth peanut butter is preferable for these household tasks, but in a pinch, you can make chunky work if you have no other options. Some of the ways to use it include: Lubricating tools Home and garden tools that open and close—like wrenches, pliers, and shears—typically need some lubrication in order to work properly. If you don’t have any lubricant around, use some peanut butter instead. It also wor...

At What Age Can Seniors Stop Paying Property Taxes?

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As a senior citizen, you probably will end up paying property taxes for as long as you are a homeowner. However, depending on the state you live in and often once you hit your 60s (usually around the ages of 61 to 65), you may be eligible for a property tax exemption. This exemption is often referred to as a homestead exemption for seniors and sometimes as a “senior freeze.” It’s important to understand how this works in order to determine if you’ll be able to take advantage of this property tax exemption. You can also work with a financial advisor who can help you make a retirement plan, including any tax savings or exemptions that you may qualify for. How Do These Property Tax Exemptions Work? Every state handles property tax exemptions differently, but generally, a homestead tax exemption program does not mean that you will stop paying any property taxes as a senior. These typically are programs that reduce your future property taxes but not do end them. After all, most local govern...

Parkinson's disease is more common than thought. Toxins may contribute to rising rates.

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 Parkinson's disease strikes nearly 90,000 older Americans a year, 30,000 more than was previously estimated, according to a study published Thursday. Incidence rates differed across the country. States with higher rates of older residents saw more diagnoses of the disease, whose risk typically increases with age, but so did some "Rust Belt" states in the Northeast and Midwest that have a history of heavy industry manufacturing. Increasing rates of Parkinson's and the cost of treatments and lost income means everyone will be touched by the disease either directly or indirectly, said Dr. Michael Okun, chair of neurology at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville. "A disease like this could bankrupt the health care system," said Okun, who was not involved in the research but serves as a medical adviser to the Parkinson's Foundation. "It's something we all should be paying attention to." What is Parkinson's? Parkinson...

25 Most Dangerous Countries in the World in 2022

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 In this article, we talk about the 25 most dangerous countries in the world in 2022. You can skip our detailed analysis of the relationship between crime and economic growth around the world and go directly to 5 Most Dangerous Countries in the World in 2022.  Crime, Instability and Economy Research from Auburn University shows that for an increase of 10% in crime in a country with a mean population of 25 million, it loses $225 million (adjusted for inflation in 2022) in revenue from tourism annually.  Moreover, the EGADE Business School of Mexico studied the effects of crime on the inflow of Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) in the country from 2005-2015 and found that homicides and robberies had a statistically-significant negative effect on DFI-inflows during the period. For every 1% increase in homicides, there was a decrease of 0.28% in foreign investment. Robberies had a bigger effect, with 0.33% loss in DFI for every 1% increase in robberies.  As far as politica...

3 Timeless, Short Haircuts That Are Perfect For Women Over 40–They Take Years Off Your Look!

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Admit it: you are craving a major hair change. Maybe you’ve been styling your hair the same exact way for years. Or perhaps you can’t imagine living without your long hair (but want to freshen it up and give shorter hair a spin). Whatever your reason, a shorter haircut can breathe new life into your look. And if your beauty goals include a glow-up after a certain age, many hair stylists say shorter hair is perfect for highlighting features like your bone structure and jawline and for making the most out of thinning hair. Cindy Marcus, a hairstylist with more than 17 years’ experience who is the editor-in-chief of Latest-Hairstyles.com,  recommends three timeless, short haircuts that are especially perfect for women over 40.  Classic Bob  The classic bob is a truly timeless haircut that will always look stunning on a woman over 40. “There are so many great ways to wear a bob to modernize it,” Marcus said. “A favorite of mine which strays from the classic is a layered bob. ...

2 Metabolism-Boosting Beverages You Can Drink Every Day For Faster Weight Loss

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 Everyone wants to lose weight fast, but experts agree it must be done safely. You need a balanced diet, daily exercise, sleeping eight hours a day, and keeping yourself hydrated. A great–and healthy–way to lose weight quickly is to boost your metabolism. Harvard Health Publishing describes metabolism as, “the series of chemical reactions in a living organism that create and break down energy necessary for life.” To put it simply, it’s the rate your body uses energy or burns calories. So, by eating or drinking things that boost your metabolism, you could be that much closer to your weight loss goals. We checked in with doctors and a personal trainer for beverages that you can drink every day to boost your metabolism and they agreed: water and green tea. Read on for insight from Dr. Josh Axe of Ancient Nutrition, Dr. Nikola Djordjevic of Health Careers, and Hannah Daugherty, NASM and ACE-certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach. Water Ok, we probably don't have to tell you twice ...

Is Death Real? New Experiments Raise Important Questions On What It Means To Die

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  On December 9, 2013, 13-year-old Jahi McMath was checked in to Oakland Children’s Hospital in California for a routine tonsillectomy. She had sleep apnea and her parents believed that having her tonsils removed would improve her life, her sleep, and her relationships with her classmates. Each year, more than half a million people in the United States get this procedure. The vast majority have no complications. McMath was not so fortunate. About an hour after waking from the surgery, she started spitting up blood. In the middle of the night, her oxygen-saturation levels plummeted. Medical staff started working frantically to intubate her, but McMath’s heart stopped. As Rachel Aviv reported in a chilling 2018 New Yorker story, it would take several more hours to restore her heartbeat and breathing. Two days later, doctors declared McMath brain-dead. But with her body still warm and her skin still soft, her family disagreed. They fought in court to keep her on a ventilator. Eventual...