Author Archives: Jim deMaine

Krugman on Trump

Donald Trump has doubled down on the politics of fear. Fear of foreigners, fear of trade, fear of violence, fear of inner cities, etc. Krugman in the NYT, writes about how America is  not a hellhole, that murders and inner … Continue reading

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Pick a book title

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Civility, decency, fair play – is it fast fading?

Hope Solo, probably the best female goalie ever, is probably seeing the end of her professional career. Her behavior along with the swimmer’s antics and lies at the Olympics have given our country a “spoiled brat” image. Don’t we at least … Continue reading

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Library Movie Users’ Help Is Needed!

From Betsy Hanson: If you borrowed Hound of the Baskervilles, you put Original Sin in the returned box instead of the Hound disc. Would you swap them? If you borrowed the movie Waking Ned Divine, you returned the box empty.  Please … Continue reading

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Attitude, happiness, and second thoughts

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.  — Herm Albright  The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness; no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from … Continue reading

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Square Dance at Freeway Park 

Bring your partners and come on down to the Freeway Park Square Dance on Thursday August 25th from 6 – 9pm!  Square Dancing in the park will feature the Rabbit Stew String Band and a caller from the Seattle Subversive Square … Continue reading

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Get ready, get set, …….

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The gentrification of Yesler Terrace – are we part of it?

From Crosscut: “In the next 15 years, Yesler Terrace will change in ways and to a degree never before seen in Seattle. “The $1.5 billion project to redevelop the neighborhood will lead to massive increases in housing and job opportunities. And what … Continue reading

Posted in In the Neighborhood | 1 Comment

EpiPen – an inexpensive drug shockingly priced

Epinephrine has been around for decades. In the ER’s it comes in simple ampules. but for home use in emergencies, it’s packaged in pre-loaded syringes. This is vital for kids with allergies to such things as peanuts, and also to … Continue reading

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The problem that candidates have

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What attitude should I take?

Every once in a while I fear I may be becoming a grumbling curmudgeon. “Things are all messed up, my prejudices aren’t being respected, etc., etc., etc.” But then I witness the silent heroes – those paralyzed but smiling, those … Continue reading

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Always on My Mind – Willie Nelson

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The Presidents on PBS’s American Experience

American presidents hold the most powerful office on earth and occupy a unique place at the center of national and world events. At once chief executive, head of state, commander-in-chief, and leader of a political party, the President of the … Continue reading

Posted in History, Politics | 1 Comment

The green problem in the Olympic pools

Something sounds fishy to me. Did someone dump green dye in the diving pool. But then I remembered from high school chemistry that copper compounds are greenish. That’s probably going on – too much copper in the water looks OK … Continue reading

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The “Goldwater Rule” for diagnosing Presidential candidates

“In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association adopted what became known as the Goldwater Rule, declaring it unethical for any psychiatrist to diagnose a public figure’s condition “unless he or she has conducted an examination and has been granted proper authorization … Continue reading

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Take my kidneys. Please!

My friend who just turned 80 received a kidney several years ago. I thought he might be “too old” at that time, but learned that older kidneys might be just fine for an older patient in need. When I give … Continue reading

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PawPet Biblical Show

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How to Live Wisely

“How to Live Wisely” is a subject that we may have pondered over the years as we made life choices. However, no one really asked me this question when I was on the way to choosing a major, career or determining … Continue reading

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Give it straight to me doc!

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Summer recipes for these warm days

There are some great summer recipes in the NYT like the above lobster summer rolls.  Actually in our own ODR this week, there is a very tasty appetizer which has shrimp instead of lobster. The peanut sauce is gives a great … Continue reading

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Tom Leher – Pollution

Leher, a Harvard and MIT mathematician is well known for his political satire. This is one of my many favorites which seems appropriate for the problems in the Olympics.

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It’s time to remove direct-to-consumer prescription drugs ads

There are only two countries in the world that permit direct advertising to the general public which promote prescription medications – New Zealand and the USA. In an Op-ed to the NYT, a grieving husband writes about the loss of his … Continue reading

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Cupping – placebo or not? It works!

Have you noticed the weird circular skin marks at the Olympics. No, it’s not a rare skin condition. It’s the cupping craze. But does it work? And if so, how? It’s hard to do a controlled scientific experiment with cupping. … Continue reading

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What is a Gift?

In 1993 the volume “Finding Your Strength in Difficult Times: A Book of Meditations” by David Viscott was published. The author was a psychiatrist who hosted a pioneering radio talk show in the 1980s and 1990s during which he provided … Continue reading

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Seven Tips for Embracing Retirement

From Crosscut:  Anthony B. Robinson was the Senior Minister of Plymouth Church in downtown Seattle from 1990 to 2004. He was also a member of the Plymouth Housing Group Board. After living for many years in southeast Seattle, he moved … Continue reading

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