Author Archives: Jim deMaine

A video from the New England Journal of Medicine

Thanks to Pam P.

Researchers are investigating how our biology changes as we grow older — and whether there are ways to stop it. By Dana G. Smith in the NYT Thanks to Marilyn W. According to some estimates, consumers spend $62 billion a year … Continue reading →

Thanks to Sybil-Ann

Thanks to our vaccine expert, Ed M From Paul Offit   On February 28, 2024, the CDC issued a press release stating that people 65 years of age or older should now receive an additional dose of the 2023-2024 COVID vaccine. To … Continue reading →

Thanks to Kate B. By Pamela Paul Opinion Columnist in the NYT During a recent group email for my book club, one member said she couldn’t make the next meeting because she’d accidentally frost-burned her rear end with an ice pack … Continue reading →

Thanks to Sue P.

Thanks to Mike C.

Thanks to Ed M. The CDC press release stated that those with COVID can return to normal activities if symptoms are improving and fever, if present, has been gone for at least 24 hours. To make sense of this recommendation, … Continue reading →

Thanks to Mike C.

A green honeycreeper spotted on a farm in Colombia exhibits a rare biological phenomenon known as bilateral gynandromorphism. Thanks to Ed M. By Emily Anthes in the NYT Colombia is a bird watcher’s paradise. Its stunningly diverse ecosystems — which include … Continue reading →

Thanks to Ed M. Ed note: Are white, heterosexual Christian men privileged? IMHO, being one, I’d say “yes” at least in some arenas both current and historical. But, I certainly didn’t feel that way in Saudi Arabia where I was … Continue reading →

Some progressive illnesses, like dementia, make you lose your ability to make decisions about your health care, including choosing medical aid in dying. VSED does not require a specific diagnosis or physician order, so it might be the only option … Continue reading →

The ‘Rule’ Against Ending Sentences With Prepositions Has Always Been Silly by John McWhorter in the NYT Late last month, Merriam-Webster shared the news on Instagram that it’s OK to end a sentence with a preposition. Hats off to them, sincerely. … Continue reading →

Ed note: This poem was sent to me by a writer who is loosing her vision in one eye due to a malignant melanoma (successfully treated with proton beam radiation therapy). It raises the question–can we find new strengths in … Continue reading →

Thanks to Bob P.

Ed note – Recommend reading for lots of laughs: The one-hundred year old man who climbed out the window and disappeared

Ed note: Here’s an email notice sent out by co-Executive Directors of End of Life Washington Today, March 5th, 2024, marks 15 years since Medical Aid in Dying became available in Washington State. Initiative 1000, otherwise known as The Washington … Continue reading →

Thanks to Mary Jane F. Tap originated in the United States through the fusion of several ethnic percussive dances, primarily West African sacred and secular step dances (gioube) and Scottish, Irish, and English clog dances, hornpipes, and jigs.  To enjoy this amazing duo, CLICK HERE! (If … Continue reading →

By Tyler Kepner in the Athletic PEORIA, Ariz. — The matchup of slogan versus nuanced explanation is never a fair fight. The slogan always wins. So if the Seattle Mariners need buzzwords to energize their loyal but letdown fans, they could use these: … Continue reading →