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Age Progression Portraits
2008-05-14 13:42:00
This a cool fusion of art and aging. The text below was written by the artist, stop by and take a look. HOW I DO AGE PROGRESSION PORTRAITS by D'Lynn Waldron ©07 There is no software that will age-progress a photo in either a scientifically accurate or artistically realistic way. I am a classically trained portrait artist who has studied the medical forensics of aging. I have been a developer of computer technology for the arts since the 1984 Mac. I use a high end Mac, 30-inch cinema displays and most important a Wacom pressure sensitive tablet with a digital stylus that is used like a traditional brush I now prefer digital technology to conventional media for most artwork. ( I also use my computer to edit my videos of symphony orchestras using Final Cut Pro and that in finitely superior to a Moviola and opticals for effects) I am a third-generation conventionally trained artist. My portraits were first published in a book when I was 22 in 1959. During my travels to such then r...
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Mother’s Day, Reflections on a Mom
2008-05-13 15:23:00
We celebrated Mother ’s Day on Sunday. I started writing this blog to highlight the statistics of Mother’s Day. Fast Facts on Mother’s Day was released and I saw it on my RSS feed from ResourceShelf, an amazing site that provides highlights of studies, data, and news that one may not always see elsewhere. At anyrate, for ...
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Political Predictions
2008-05-13 13:23:00
Last week I made the following predictions about the NC and IN primary elections... NC Obama 55 Clinton 45 IN Obama 52 Clinton 48 The actual results were... NC Obama 56 Clinton 42 IN Obama 49.5 Clinton 50.5 I did very well in NC, the differences are due mostly to the fact that I did not account for the other (very minor) candidates on the ballot. They took a couple points out of the total. In IN, I knew it would be tight but thought that a late surge by Obama would carry the day. It did not. So now it is on to WV. My prediction... Clinton 65 Obama 35 Obama loses by thirty-- maybe even more. Does it matter? No. The nomination has already been decided. Obama will face McCain in the fall. Clinton gets a late in the game touchdown that doesn't even come close to changing the outcome. Let's see how it goes!
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Oatmeal white chocolate praline cookies
2008-05-12 15:54:00
Now that Project Runway is over, I’ve taken to watching Food Network Challenge. Oddly enough, it always raises one specific challenge for me: resisting the urge to bake after I watch an episode. I spend the commercials brainstorming new concoctions with ingredients I have on-hand. The other night I decided that white chocolate chips would compliment ...
More About: White , Cookies , Chocolate , Oatmeal

Age and Ageism
2008-05-12 13:04:00
Senator Obama's recent suggestion that Senator McCain was "losing his bearings" offers an interesting window into age and ageism in American society. From the Times Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Thursday that Republican John McCain was "losing his bearings" for repeatedly suggesting the Islamic terrorist group Hamas preferred Obama for president. That brought an angry response from McCain's campaign, which accused Obama of trying to make an issue of McCain's age. Age is a touchy subject for McCain, who turns 72 in August and would be the oldest person to be sworn in as president if elected. The two senators have focused more intently on one another in recent weeks as Obama has moved closer to becoming the Democratic nominee. Thursday's back and forth between Obama and surrogates for both candidates foreshadowed a likely argument for the fall campaign. The comment struck a nerve and the McCain campaign struck back as forcefully as it could. McCain...
More About: Ageism

Monkhouse Mondays: Care Capitals of Europe?
2008-05-12 08:43:00
[Editor's Note: Dr. Thomas has invited Eden Alternative's Europe Coordinator Christa Monkhouse to guest-post on a weekly basis from across the Big Pond. Christa is personally responsible for introducing the Eden Alternative to Europe, first in the UK, then Denmark, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and soon in Sweden, Finland and other European nations. Stay-tuned for regular updates on 'Monkhouse Mondays '.] From the European Culture Capital to the European Care Capital* – What else? Every year the European Union (EU) selects and celebrates a cultural capital of Europe. They spend considerable amounts of money to polish them up and promote tourism. In fact, several "B-Cities“ have, through this program, become permanently attractive European tourist destinations. One such city is Graz, the capital city of Styria (Arnold Schwarzenegger was raised nearby), and Linz has been chosen for 2009. It's the capital of Upper Austria, on the (blue) Danube close to where I was born and r...
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Power-Up Friday: International Eden Conference
2008-05-09 15:05:00
For anyone who enjoys reading these pages, I hope you will seriously consider joining us at the 4th International Eden Alternative Conference , June 3-6 in Columbus, Ohio. Every two years, leading innovators from around the world gather at a different city to share exciting developments in changing aging in society. Columbus is easy to get to, and it should be a fabulous time! Eden Founder Dr. Bill Thomas will be on hand, and will give the opening Keynote address, and Executive Director Nancy Fox and Board member Sara Rowan will convene the conference. There will be dozens of speakers throughout the meeting, including Jane Verity and Hilary Lee (see the "Spark of Life" video on the 5/6 Monkhouse Monday post). There will be a presentation on Green Houses(R), and one about using computer technology to enhance the lives of elders. Bloggers Christa Monkhouse and myself will have presentations as well. There will be a dinner/dance which will also include a theatrical performance...
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My Flying Car
2008-05-09 13:51:00
When I was a kid, I was sure that my 21st Century self would have a flying car. It didn't really work out.
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World of Warcraft
2008-05-08 13:44:00
This is the person thought to be the oldest elite World of Warcraft player, he started off with Dungeons and Dragons.
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A Double Edged Sword
2008-05-07 13:34:00
Ageism cuts both ways... This video features Dan Schawbel, find "Personal Branding" blog HERE On his personal blog he notes... Dan Schawbel is the leading expert on personal branding for the Generation-Y audience. He is also the first Social Media Specialist at EMC Corporation and has accumulated almost 7 years in marketing at the age of 24.
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Dr. Bill Blogs as The TGB Geriatrician
2008-05-06 18:34:00
Ronni Bennett at www.timegoesby.net has an exciting announcement that will interest ChangingAging.org readers: I am pleased and excited that Dr. Thomas has agreed to become The TGB Geriatrician. Because there are already too few geriatricians in the U.S. and the number of elders will increase dramatically over the coming decades, I'm convinced that we ourselves must take more personal responsibility for our health by educating ourselves and working in collaboration with our physicians who may not have a lot of experience with elder medicine. Dr. Thomas is going to help us do that. Beginning later this month, his column will appear twice monthly at Time Goes By covering such topics as the myths of aging, exercise, medications, supplements, adaptation to changes, how our bodies age, and our minds, and much more. And as long as you keep it to general topics and not your personal health problems, you will have an opportunity to suggest health issues Dr. Thomas might tackle for us. T...
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Monkhouse Monday: Dementia, Diversity and Eldercare
2008-05-06 18:10:00
[Editor's Note: (Below is this week's edition of 'Monkhouse Monday s', accidentally postponed to Tuesday -- Sorry Christa!) Dr. Thomas has invited Eden Alternative's Europe Coordinator Christa Monkhouse to guest-post on a weekly basis from across the Big Pond. Christa is personally responsible for introducing the Eden Alternative to Europe, first in the UK, then Denmark, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and soon in Sweden, Finland and other European nations. Stay-tuned for regular updates on 'Monkhouse Mondays'.] Persons with Dementia (PwD), do they need "Special Care“ or simply to be part of our "Cultural Diversity ?“ Presenting the Eden Philosophy to varied audiences of professionals I am often asked: "Which model of care do you use for people with dementia?“, implying that surely they must be treated "specially“, given the proliferation of "special care units“. My answer, informed by experience is: "Intentional and informed diversity-management.“ What do I me...

Health Care: where for art thou?
2008-05-05 15:00:00
I feel we are watching the demise of a former friend, advocate, caregiver: the U.S healthcare system. Overloaded, under paid, not enough good healthcare professionals who actually can and do communicate with patients and families, health care entities and providers are now competitive entities striving for a paying clientle by advertising and over promising and under-delivering.
More About: Health , Health Care , Care

Congressional Votes on Retiree Benefits Scrutinized
2008-05-02 17:10:00
The Alliance for Retired Americans issued a report on how members of Congress have voted regarding retiree benefits. You can see the summary of the report here.  The voting record of every single US Representative and Senator is noted and can be found here. In light of the upcoming Presidential campaign, you might find the following ...
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Great grapes, simple pleasures
2008-05-01 17:30:00
Lately a lot of radio stations have been doing bits on life’s simple pleasures. I don’t know if it’s the lighthearted feeling of springtime that’s got them all going on the same subject or if it’s just something radio hosts tend to cover this time of year. In any case, it got me thinking “What are ...
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Presidential Primary: Changes happening along the way
2008-04-28 17:52:00
On the NY Times Caucus blog, John Harwood writes about how things in the US have changed since the start of the primaries, even before. It makes for an interesting read. Here’s an example: “..Oct. 22, 2006, when Mr. Obama said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he had changed his mind and was considering ...
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Simple snack of the week: the skinny on avocados
2008-04-25 17:50:00
Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I’ve been under the weather and thus not eating/cooking much. I did, however, discover a tasty little snack in one of the most unexpected fruits–the humble avocado. Don’t get me wrong; I love a good, ripe avocado in a salad, as guacamole, or mixed with roasted corn and ...
More About: Skinny , Week , Simple , Snack , Avocados

Barack vs. Hillary vs. Elders vs. Media
2008-04-24 16:28:00
When the Democratic Presidential campaign started, I was so excited at the potential candidates, particularly Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama. I respect both of them. I thought Clinton had endured a tumultuous, prosecutorial tenure during her husband’s term as president; a personal embarrassment and hurt during that same time, and a defining run for ...
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Idol Worship vs. Idle Worship
2008-04-24 15:31:00
Ah, I have succumbed to writing about the superficial, the mania of that little show that draws millions, American Idol . Someone help me; I cannot resist. I think it’s because, as Shakespeare said (I think), “the world is too much with us”.
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Save money and eat well (why I cook)
2008-04-23 22:29:00
I make almost all of my food and rarely eat out because doing so saves me money. Call me cheap if you want, but yesterday I bought a fried egg, a piece of scrapple, and a bottled water for around $7. Had I made it myself, the cost would have broken down about like this: 1 ...
More About: Money , Save Money , Cook , Save

Highest Health Cost Center VS. Preventive Health
2008-04-23 16:33:00
April 21 at the World Health Congress, John Erickson, CEO and founder of all things Erickson, Rick Grindrod, President of Developing Enterprises, and Matt Narrett, Chief Medical Officer of Erickson Health, led by moderator, Dr. Ken Thorpe, Executive Director of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, gave a presentation on how one group disregarded the ...
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50 and over? Blog or read blogs? This is for you
2008-04-22 19:27:00
Ronni Bennett of Time Goes By blog is conducting a much needed survey of the over 50 crowd: who is blogging and who reads blogs. She needs your input!
More About: Blogs , Blog , Read

Cooking equipment for the single cook
2008-04-21 19:35:00
Cooking single servings isn’t just about scaling down recipes. It’s about having the right sized equipment, too. But because most recipes are made for more than one person, the dishes needed to prepare them are also made for more than one. No problem; us single cooks just have to get creative. Here are a few ...
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Freshen up with fresh herbs!
2008-04-18 17:09:00
Any good cook prefers to use fresh herbs instead of dried. They’re more fragrant, more flavorful, and more colorful. But single cooks run into one major dilema: They usually spoil before we use up even half of what we’ve bought. Drats! As the fresh food season is upon us, many food blogs are giving tips for ...
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In season: Roasted asparagus
2008-04-17 21:41:00
Last night I splurged on dinner from Noodles & Company, what I have unofficially dubbed “fresh fast food” because it’s fast, but it lacks the unhealthy stigma that accompanies traditional fast food restaurants. One of the signs advertising a dish reminded me that asparagus is in season. And of all the ways to prepare ...
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What’s in the news and what’s not; some gripping
2008-04-16 16:06:00
From Docuticker, a great source of information: more on chronic conditions, the over 65 population, and cost of health care. “Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care). Medicare pays many hospitals and their doctors more than the most efficient and effective health care institutions to treat chronically ill people, yet gets worse ...
More About: News , In the News , The News

Spring salad with grilled salmon and other goodies
2008-04-16 15:34:00
Not only did I feed my craving for sugared pecans this weekend, but I created a new favorite salad: Baby spinach tossed with a homemade sesame-plum vinaigrette and topped with grilled salmon, strawberries, chevre, and sugared pecans. Can you taste springtime yet?
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Health Care in the News, more information
2008-04-14 22:04:00
Health care continues to dominate the news, the political races and studies. To keep you informed, I am including some information here for you. From the Kaiser Foundation (an incredible source of information): Although the 2008 presidential election is close to nine months away, polls conducted in February provide an early indication that health care may ...
More About: News , Health , Information , Health Care , In the News

Off-topic again, dog-gone it! (and another bonus recipe)
2008-04-11 23:00:00
Since I was out of town Wednesday and Thursday, I didn’t cook a lick. However, I did practice a bit with my newly purchased digital camera, a used Canon Rebel XT. I bought it as an investment not only for this blog, but also for some freelance magazine writing I picked up. I bought the ...
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What Retirees are saying, new study
2008-04-11 17:45:00
I alluded to this report about a week ago and thought I would include more information in this blog. Internally, we did a white paper on rising health costs as a comparison to what we are doing within our health system to manage costs while improving outcomes. Our focus is and always will be preventive ...
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