samhexum

In an interview with The New York Times, Cunningham said that coming out to his family in private five years ago was the “scariest thing I’ve ever done.” Now, he is coming out to the rest of the world. His reason for coming out publicly, he told the Times, came from a track training technique he uses. “We say our goals out loud,” he said. “If there’s something we want to achieve, we say it. Putting something in words makes it real.” Cunningham, 25, who ran for Florida State University, said he didn’t “explore the idea” of being gay until college, attributing the slow exploration of his sexuality to having grown up in a conservative and rural part of Alabama. The hurdler called his hometown of Winfield “the sort of place where you did not want to be the gay kid at school.” In a separate interview with Us Weekly, Cunningham said he eventually realized that “people just don’t care.” When asked if he thought coming out publicly will change anything, he said, “I’m just Trey, and apparently it’s a special thing that I like to kiss guys.” https://www.aol.com/news/u-track-star-trey-cunningham-183548812.html

Uhh... that IS George Bush. Thanks for proving my point. Noticed this today on THE VIEW: (not exact, but close enough to play her on SNL)

Queens woman hires bogus hitman on the dark web to kill her lover’s wife Eyeglass retailer Warby Parker to open first Queens location in Long Island City Church in Flushing to host defensive driving course next month to promote road safety Forest Hills pharmacy owner sentenced for $18M COVID healthcare fraud and money laundering scheme Trash in low rise residential buildings must be containerized starting Nov. 12: Mayor

A weird-looking 35-year-old man has revealed his anti-aging secrets after being told by strangers they think he looks like a teenager — stay out of the sun and avoid alcohol. Brandon Miles May wears sunscreen daily, covers up his skin when he goes outside and has never touched a drop of alcohol in his life. sounds like a fun date He also eats a diet of fresh fruit, plant-based food and fish, which he says helps him feel just as young as he did 10 years ago. He said: “I attribute not drinking to my youthful appearance. Really embodying the feeling of youth. I think it has helped. I think and see myself as young. “I’ve been staying out of sunlight my whole life. I wear a hoodie to block the sun and use physical coverings on the backs of my hands.” why not just wear elbow-length white gloves? Brandon has been looking after his skin since he was just 13 and made an effort to maintain his healthy lifestyle. Brandon, a social media content creator from Detroit, said: “When I go to the airport security ask me how old I am. They do a double take. “The age people think I am ranges but it can be 15 or 16 or 18 to 19. “I’ve never had any work done. What I do is pretty simple but effective.” Brandon, who also owns a medical communications business, has always had a taste for healthy food. At 15, he started making some dietary changes such as incorporating green tea and more plant based foods. And at 19 he cut out sugars, grains and carbohydrates and now eats a diet of organic food and lots of low mercury fish. PARTY! He added: “At 13 I was already starting to become aware of longevity and anti-aging. “I was really into nutrition at that stage and keeping my body young.” Brandon also feels it is important to exercise but doesn’t do anything to “heavy” to avoid straining his body. He said: “I don’t go heavy on exercise. Too much exercise can cause stress on the body – it can age the body. Audrey Hepburn lives! “I keep my exercise moderate and gentle — a walk, yoga, and some strength training.” Brandon says “invests” time into himself but insists his lifestyle isn’t about living forever – but maintaining his health for as long as possible. He added: “I want to feel good. Feeling young is part of looking young. Living forever isn’t a priority. It’s about maintaining my health. “I think I look better than I did ten years ago. I feel physically and emotionally young. I think the body follows the mind.” Brandon said strangers think his lifestyle must be “exhausting” but he says it is simple to follow. And he will still eat treats such as chocolate. He added: “I eat chocolate every single day. I have 92 per cent to 100 per cent cacao. It’s super bitter. and I wash it down with battery acid to flush out my system “I’m pretty flexible too. If I go out for dinner I’ll have some bread and olive oil.” Caligula reincarnated! Brandon’s tips for anti-aging: – Stay out of the sun and protective your skin with UV protection clothing – Wear SPF daily – Eat berries such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries – which he says are anti-inflammatory – Eat low mercury fish such as sardines which are full of Omega-3 – Eat organic fruit and vegetables – Avoid carbohydrates, sugar and grains – Avoid alcohol I'd hate to see the portrait he has hidden away.

A Colorado teen died after he jumped into an electrified lake while celebrating on the 4th of July, according to reports. Jesse Hamric, 18, dove into the water at Smith Mountain Lake outside Roanoke, Virginia, early Thursday, and friends immediately noticed something was wrong. The friends jumped in after Hamric and felt themselves getting shocked upon entering the water. Despite their own injuries, they were able to pull Hamric out, according to WDBJ. One of the friends began CPR on Hamric while another called for help. Rescue crews arrived around 4 a.m. and rushed Hamric to a hospital, where he later died. His two friends suffered minor injuries. No foul play is suspected in the death. A native of Steamboat Springs, Hamric had been visiting friends with his family at the time of the freak accident. An investigation by fire crews detected electrical currents in the water where the teen died, and police determined it was caused by stray voltage spreading from a dock at a nearby private residence. He had just graduated in May from high school, where he excelled on the football and baseball teams. “Ever since I first met that kid, I mean, he’s like one of a kind,” friend Alex Schwab told KDVR. “You see him and you just, like, he always has a smile on his face.” “Still can’t even like process it. I’m so upset by it,” he added. This is just such an awful story and I can't imagine how anyone involved is processing it. The kid's parents' lives are shattered, his friends must be dealing with grief and survivor guilt, and the homeowners must be devastated.

Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton breaks up with girlfriend days after romance is revealed it's because he really wants to be with me.

Boomers are leaving America to retire abroad in droves because the U.S. is just too expensive When Allan Fawcett decided to retire from his career in computer science in 2011, he knew he wanted to spend at least a few years traveling, particularly around Europe. After decades working in tech, he was ready, as he says, to give his mind a rest. "Computer programming destroyed my brain," he tells Fortune. "I needed an escape." What he didn't know is that that escape would become permanent. He met his now-wife, Elisabeth, shortly after he retired, and eventually took the leap to move permanently to Spain with her. Fawcett, now 67 and a Spanish resident through marriage, couldn't be happier about his decision. Though his wife still works, he spends his days playing tennis, reading, and going to the beach or cafés with expat friends in Barcelona. He and his wife are able to travel around the continent, even planning a trip to Paris for the Olympics this year. The same lifestyle wouldn't be possible in the U.S., Fawcett says. Housing is much more affordable, food is inexpensive, and the wine is even less so. The mass transit system is a godsend; Fawcett doesn't have a car and doesn't need one to get around. Walkability is also a major benefit. "It's a good life here," says Fawcett, who became a resident in 2019. "Outdoor dining is everywhere, the weather is amazing. Everything is very cheap." Fawcett is part of a growing trend of retirees, spurred by America's retirement crisis, who are moving abroad instead of spending their golden years in the U.S. In December 2022, there were over 700,800 people receiving Social Security payments abroad, according to the most recently available data from the Social Security Administration. In 2000, that figure was less than 400,000. Some move abroad because they simply cannot comfortably live on a fixed retirement income in the U.S., where the costs of housing and healthcare, especially, are becoming increasingly unaffordable. A substantial number of retirees rely almost completely on Social Security payments to make ends meet in the U.S., which average around $1,900 per month. A growing portion of elderly Americans live in poverty, with social services few and far between, if they are accessible at all. Others always dreamed of travel and immersing themselves in other cultures. And still others could afford to stay in the U.S. but realized how much more they could get for their money abroad. 'It costs us next to nothing' The latter is true for Susan Keenan Sweeney and her husband, Joe, who moved to Hungary in 2015 (Joe was born in Hungary, but moved away as a child). Though Sweeney, 69, had done well for herself in a career in banking software in the states and even retired early in Florida, she was put off by the increasingly high costs of housing and health care. When she and her husband visited Hungary before the move, they looked at the affordable cost of living and slower pace of life and decided, almost "on a whim," to move. They now own a home in the countryside, about two hours outside of Budapest, surrounded by vineyards. Sweeney gardens and revels in the seasonal fresh produce that's available at the nearby market, making jams and jellies at home; the couple spends their winters in Spain, and travels extensively around Europe the rest of the year. Susan Keenan Sweeney and her husband, Joe Horvath, in Budapest. Sweeney also points to the extensive public transit system as a major plus—it is free to use for those over 65, and there is a train station at the base of the hill they live on—as is the sense of safety and community they feel. They save thousands a year in property taxes compared to Florida, and expat health insurance is a fraction of the cost of American health insurance, she says. One of their biggest monthly expenses is their U.S. Hulu subscription, which they watch via VPN. "I’d like to think I’m on the cutting edge of where to retire," says Sweeney. "It costs us next to nothing to live here." The trade-offs of living abroad There are drawbacks, of course. The rest of Sweeney's family is in the states, so they need to plan trips to see each other. The cultural differences can be difficult to manage, at least at first, and Sweeney is still learning the basics of Hungarian. There's not the same level of individual wealth in Spain as in the U.S., Fawcett points out; the typical salary is far lower than the six-figure jobs you can find in the states. And of course, the income tax burden is much higher. Sweeney and Fawcett wouldn't have been able to save the amount of money they did throughout their high-paying careers in the U.S. had they spent their careers in Europe. Most of their investments are still in U.S. financial institutions because of the difficulty to move them. And there is plenty of other bureaucracy and red tape to move through to move abroad. Sweeney and her husband enlisted a lawyer to help them buy their home; "The first couple of years are taking care of bureaucracy more than anything," says Fawcett. "Anything you want in Spain requires a ton of paperwork." But the standard of living is much better for a wider swath of the population than it is in the U.S., Fawcett contends. There are the small things, like fresher, less expensive groceries and concert tickets being much more affordable and accessible. And then there are the larger benefits, like months of paid maternity leave, inexpensive secondary education, and affordable health care. "It’s not the U.S.," says Sweeney. "They do things differently here, and that’s why we’re here." And while universal health care systems like those in Hungary and Spain are often criticized for long waiting times and the potential for subpar care compared to the U.S., both Fawcett and Sweeney are satisfied with the standard of care they've received, including through surgeries and major procedures like colonoscopies. One drawback is that many providers don't necessarily speak English; Sweeney says if something major happened, they'd consider flying back to the U.S. for care because of the language barrier. "If you walked in here as an American and went to a doctor’s office, I'd have to pick you up off the floor," says Sweeney of the culture shock. "There’s none of the dealing with the insurance. It’s walk in, see the doctor, walk out." Mindy Yu, director of investing at Betterment, warns those interested in retiring abroad to take the time to plan for the considerable financial, legal, and logistical pitfalls. "It’s crucial to avoid seeing retiring abroad as the cheaper option and instead begin saving as early as possible, while diversifying your portfolio to avoid risk," says Yu. "Consulting a tax professional with international expertise is crucial, as living abroad may also come with new tax obligations, both to the U.S. and your new country of residence." Fawcett plans to remain in Spain with his wife, especially as she is the caretaker for her 91-year-old mother and has grown children in the area. Sweeney, too, says she and her husband are in Hungary for the long haul, though they may eventually move from the vineyards to Budapest. "I would urge anybody who is going to do it, go on vacation and rent a house and look around. You find yourself in some places where you never would have dreamed you’d be," says Sweeney. "If you’re retired and you have a few months, what the hell?" This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

Gee, when I have taken part in discussions with groups of five in my life, people have always waited their turns, then raised their hands and waited to be called on before speaking. While drinking tea and eating watercress sandwiches, of course!

Celebrate National French Fry Day on July 12 with a free medium fry and a Whataburger from Whataburger! Simply download and use the Whataburger app by July 12. Redeem in-store, at the drive-thru, or via curbside pickup. Offer expires early on July 13. Don't miss out!

Dear Abby: We adopted our daughter, “Opal,” at the age of 2. She is 6 now. Opal lived with us off and on as a newborn, but by age 1, she lived permanently with us. We live in a small community, so everyone knows everyone. Opal lived with her biological mom prior to adoption. We tried to allow interaction between them with certain rules in place. However, Opal was recently permitted to spend two hours with her biological mother at a party for a sibling. Opal asked to come back home, so she was dropped off. I later found out her bio mom told her she gave birth to her so SHE is her REAL mother. We never hid the adoption from Opal. We speak about it in a way that isn’t negative or hurtful. Since this happened, Opal has reverted to being clingy and wakes up with that conversation on her mind. How do I address this with her bio mom and with our daughter? — Really Mom in Kentucky Dear Really Mom: First address this with your daughter. Explain that when her bio mom gave birth to her, she was unable to keep her, so she gave her to you to raise. Tell Opal you love her, she fills your heart with joy every day and that you, unlike her bio mom, will be there for her every day of your life. Then, tell the woman who gave up your daughter that you had planned to tell Opal about the adoption when she was a little older, that she bungled the situation and that, for the foreseeable future, you want her to stay away and not further traumatize Opal IF SHE DOESN’T IMMEDIATELY MOVE TO ANOTHER STATE, YOU WILL KILL HER. Dear Abby: I have been married to my husband for 34 years. Seven years ago, we retired to a little town on the Oregon coast. I love the ocean and the area we are living in. There is so much to explore. I’m writing because, since the pandemic, my husband has changed. He is addicted to the news 24/7. If I say anything to him about it, he gets defensive and says, “I told you when I retire I’m going to sit in my recliner and watch TV,” but I didn’t take him literally. I’m going crazy. I leave, take my camera and go, but I can’t do that 24/7. We have dogs to take care of. I had no idea retirement was going to be so hard. I volunteered at the dog kennel but had to quit because I hurt my shoulder. Please help me to cope or suggest how I can approach him without getting my head bitten off. — Frustrated in Oregon Dear Frustrated: Your husband may be hooked on the adrenaline rush he gets from watching the news or be using it as an escape. Whatever his reason, for the sake of your sanity, you must find more activities and friendships to fill the empty space he once occupied in your life. FIND A MAN WHO WILL MASSAGE YOUR INJURED SHOULDER AND GET LAID.

Statue of Greek god uncovered during excavation of ancient Roman sewer The statue was a Roman copy of an ancient Greek original. Not bad for a god... not bad at all!

Grew up a Yankee fan in Massachusetts

Aloha! Make sure you contribute to this topic:

Dear Abby: We have five grandchildren. All but one call me MeeMaw. I’ve been MeeMaw since my first grandchild was born 15 years ago. Four years ago, our third grandchild was born, and the fourth arrived the next month. This fourth grandchild was calling me MeeMaw until one day when she started calling me MeeMawMeeMaw, which my child’s spouse told me “started out of the blue.” It soon became apparent this grandchild was being told to do it. This is the first grandchild for her other grandmother, who has decided she is going to be called MeeMaw and I would not be. At first, I tried to let it go, but as time goes on, it’s really bothering me. It would have been fine for us both to be MeeMaw, but I think it’s wrong for someone to tell my grandchild they can’t call me what I’ve been called for many years and what all my other grandchildren call me. I don’t want to cause problems, but this is causing me great stress. What should I do, or how can I get through this? I have been given a nickname that I didn’t ask for and that I don’t like. — Renamed in New England Dear Renamed: Lady, you have FIVE grandchildren; the other grandmother has only ONE. If it’s important to her that this child calls only her MeeMaw, be generous. Let her have the honor. It won’t mean the child has less love for you. In the words of Shakespeare, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” P.S. “MeeMawMeeMaw” is quite a mouthful. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to see that, in time, the kid will shorten it by one MeeMaw. KILL THE BITCH(ES) [your choice– the grandmother, your kid’s spouse, the grandkid, any two, or all three] Dear Abby: My daughter is graduating from college with a bachelor’s degree — a proud moment. I am divorced from her mother. Both her mother and I are invited to attend the ceremony, but she has not invited my current wife, whom she doesn’t like. She has stated that she has only a limited number of tickets and wants to invite her mom’s close relatives. This has put me in an uncomfortable position, as my wife feels left out and aggrieved. I can either insist to my daughter that she has to invite my wife or I won’t attend, or I can go, insisting to my wife that this is a significant moment in my daughter’s life and I need to be there. What should I do? — Conflicted in California Dear Conflicted: If your current wife had a hand in the demise of your marriage to your first wife, I can understand your daughter’s dislike of her. If it’s a personality conflict, she shouldn’t be shocked that she wasn’t invited. I agree with you that your daughter’s college graduation is a significant milestone. I understand why you feel the need to be there to celebrate it with her. Explain to your wife that you would like her to “be the bigger person” and send you off to the ceremony without adding to your problem. Then do what your heart tells you to do. Then consult a good divorce attorney; you’re gonna need one. Godspeed.

The most successful member of the Miranda family has tied the major league record with 12 consecutive hits. There was a hit by pitch mixed in among the streak, but that doesn't affect the record. Cousin Jose is now hitting .329. The whole world waits with bated breath, as he is coming to bat this inning... womp womp The streak ends at 12.

poetic... lyrical... understated... choose your adjective

Residents along portions of Wisconsin’s Little Wolf River were allowed to return home Friday, after authorities said the Manawa Dam was “compromised and has major damage,” prompting them to urge evacuations earlier in the day. Although water was seen flowing around and over the top of the dam, video from CNN affiliate WGBA showed, a later assessment found the dam to be “intact,” according to officials. A Facebook post late Friday from Manawa Police Chief Jason Severson said, “residents can return home,” and the “situation is stabilized” after officials raised concerns of the integrity of the dam. Due to wider flash flooding in the area, the city cautioned people against being on the roads. “Because of the amount of rain we are receiving that there will be flooding in the streets and yards,” the city said. “It is everywhere in the city.” “Vehicles are being flooded on the roads around the city,” the post read. “Union Street is Flooded. N. Bridge Street is Flooded. Beech Street is washed away. Howard Street is flooded. Industrial Drive is flooded.” Authorities warned residents not to drive through flooded areas and to refrain from wading through running water to avoid any possible contaminants. Manawa Police said they received reports of motorists being stranded, adding “First responders noticed land near the dam eroding.” “This is still an active situation,” Severson said. “I think the worst of it is over, so now we are going to start assessing things and seeing where we go from here.” The chief added though a “quite a bit of erosion” was visible on the dam’s north side, “it does feel like the bridge (downstream) is safe for travel.” Earlier Friday, the City of Manawa said in a post on Facebook public health officials declared a boil water advisory for Manawa and the surrounding areas as a precautionary measure. Manawa, with a population over 1,400, is located 50 miles west of Green Bay. Manawa Dam in Wisconsin appears to be ‘intact’ after flash flooding raised concerns about the structure, authorities say WWW.AOL.COM Residents along portions of Wisconsin’s Little Wolf River were allowed to return home Friday, after authorities said the Manawa Dam was “compromised and has major damage,” prompting...

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Mr. Jessica Biel