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Club MED
February 2024
How I Uncovered the Cosmetic Surgery Plot
The Warner Brothers cartoons used to put me in an instantaneous trance. Even as an adult, I’m transfixed if Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck come on the screen. The cartoons are so simple yet complex and profound, and Looney Tunes date back to the 1930s and ‘40s.
I was trying to get him to tell me about himself and our mother, especially before my brothers and I came along. I was pushing against the clock. I knew the grains of sand in the hourglass were quickly running out. Once, when he was lying in his hospital bed, I put my finger on his eyebrow and lifted it to look him in the eye and wake him up. I said, “You’re looking like Mr. Magoo.” Without missing a beat, my father responded, “Take a good long look. You’re looking at a mirror.” And he fell back asleep. How prophetic he was. My lovely wife, Bev, took her finger a few weeks ago and lifted my brow. “Look,” she said. “A brow lift takes 10 years off your appearance.” She has been suggesting I get a brow lift for quite some time.
I had a different relationship with other characters. Mighty Mouse is my earliest memory of Saturday morning cartoons. During the week, it took a stick of dynamite to dislodge
me from bed, but on Saturday morning, I bounced out long before the sun came up, much to my mother’s chagrin. Mr. Magoo was another character I liked but didn’t really understand. He was a rich, elderly man who was
Many years ago, I had a parishioner who was a truck driver. He got a lid tuck because the skin around his eyes was seriously obscuring his vision. That was the first time I heard of something like that. I’m not a plastic surgery guy. No facelift, brow lift, butt lift, or Botox — nothing for me. I will stay 100% natural.
almost blind and didn’t hear well. Consequently, Mr. Magoo constantly fell into trouble. His nearsightedness and deafness caused comical misunderstandings. He came off as a kook and eccentric. I never understood why you couldn’t see his eyes as a kid. At 40, I realized my father had become Mr. Magoo. His hearing was gone. He refused to wear hearing aids. His eyesight was impaired because the skin over his eyes drooped so badly that he couldn’t see. One day, when I was talking with my father, he responded with something that had nothing to do
I began to ponder. Am I getting too old for Bev? Does she have her eye on a younger, less droopy-eyed dude? AAAAAAAAAAAh, no. Not possible.
One day, I was looking deeply into a tumbler of Red Breast Irish Whiskey at happy hour. I gather some of my best thoughts after a glass or two. I was thinking: Nothing is apparent or
with anything I was talking about. I realized he couldn’t hear what I was saying. He had become Mr. Magoo.
straightforward with Bev. Something else is always at play, but what? I pondered long and hard. It took a second glass without ice. When I first met Bev, she talked about a lot of things. I always politely acted interested but usually zoned out with my thoughts. I remember her talking about women who
During the last couple of months of my father’s life, I drove to Sioux Falls,
South Dakota, to spend time with him in the hospital. A lot of the time, he didn’t have much energy because of his decline and the morphine he was on. He constantly nodded off. I would wake him up because
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Medicare Insurance Made Easy
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HOW TRAVEL SHAPES CHILD DEVELOPMENT YOUNG EXPLORERS
Introducing children to domestic and international travel at a young age can significantly aid their development. Surprisingly, traveling with children as young as 6 months old can be remarkably beneficial. It instills a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences. In addition, child development research shows that travel broadens a child’s horizons and plays a pivotal role in their cognitive and emotional growth in several ways. CULTURAL EMPATHY AND ADAPTABILITY Travel exposes young minds to different cultures and environments, fostering empathy and adaptability. A global education specialist, Dr. Robin Hancock, explains that children who travel from an early age learn to appreciate cultural differences and are more likely to develop meaningful relationships across diverse backgrounds. This early exposure lays a strong foundation for them to grow into well-rounded, globally aware adults. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT Beyond cultural understanding, travel significantly impacts linguistic development. Associate Professor Erika Levy from Columbia University notes that surrounding children with various language sounds helps maintain their ability to distinguish and learn different languages. This exposure is
particularly beneficial in the first few years of life when brain development is most rapid.
EXPERIENCES THAT SHAPE PERSPECTIVES The experiences children gain from travel go beyond just forming memories. They shape their perspectives and understanding of the world. Every element of the trip contributes to a child’s learning, from trying new foods to adapting to different climates and customs. Even if they don’t remember every detail, the skills and insights gained during their formative years stay with them for life. INCORPORATING TRAVEL INTO EARLY LEARNING Implementing travel as a part of a child’s early learning can be as simple as exploring local neighborhoods, engaging with different cultures, or creating travel-related traditions. These experiences don’t have to be grand — even small trips offer valuable learning opportunities. Travel is more than just a leisure activity for children; it is an invaluable educational tool. By embracing the joys of travel, parents can help develop their children’s cognitive, linguistic, and emotional skills. Whether a local adventure or an international expedition, every journey becomes a stepping stone in a child’s path to a richer, more interconnected future.
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had cosmetic surgery, whether it went well or not, whether it looked good or not. She even speculated about a tummy tuck or Botox here or there for herself. That usually brought me out of my reverie to say “NO” and then back to zoning out again.
Aha! That was it! That was the plan. She would beguile me into having some sort of cosmetic surgery — essential surgery, of course. Then, she would have me. I could hardly object to a tuck or poke for her. That was the plot, and I had uncovered it. Eureka! She thought she had outsmarted me. Little did she know that her scheme was foiled. I was on to her duplicity. I would not be duped. I had triumphed!
For several weeks, I was puffed up with pride that I had uncovered her plot. I believe she knew that I knew. And I knew that she knew that I knew. We both silently knew what was not said or admitted but knew it. Even though I was triumphant, and she knew, she ignored me just as usual. After a while, I got tired of being superior. However, the plot thickened the other week. Bev changed the light bulbs in the bathroom. They are exceedingly bright. When I got up the other morning and looked in the mirror, Mr. Magoo was looking back at me. My eyes looked terrible! I knew she changed out the lights on purpose. Oh, how she schemes! But I will not give in. I will not be defeated.
I don’t think I like the “Mr. Magoo” cartoon anymore. Such is my boring life.
–Christopher J. Grimmond
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In the current health care landscape, the exorbitant cost of prescription drugs has become a significant concern for millions of Americans, particularly those enrolled in Medicare. The potential solution to this issue lies in the power of Medicare to directly negotiate drug prices, given its massive base of over 65 million enrollees. But what if Medicare did negotiate directly? What impact would it have on drug costs? Empowering Medicare to negotiate drug prices could unlock affordability all around, ensuring Medicare beneficiaries receive affordable access to the medications they need. Or it might not. Let’s explore the government’s attempt through the Inflation Reduction Act to make Medicare drug prices more affordable through negotiations. WHAT IS THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT? The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, signed into law by President Biden, introduces significant changes to address this challenge. One essential part empowers the Health and Human Services Secretary to negotiate drug prices for Medicare Part D, departing from the previous non- interference clause that restricted these negotiations. WHAT DOES THIS ACT MEAN FOR MEDICATION PRICING? This Act delivers strict penalties to pharmaceutical companies that increase prices beyond the inflation rate, adding a layer of accountability to curb rising drug costs. Specific drugs have been targeted for negotiation based on their substantial contribution to Medicare Part D spending. Insulin prices, a critical concern for those with diabetes, are capped at $35. This will offer much-needed relief during deductible and coverage gaps. WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS? Despite these positive steps, the road to affordable drug prices faces challenges. Pharmaceutical companies contest the government’s authority, citing overreach, and threaten legal action. The effectiveness is under scrutiny, with delays and reversals looming. Various market forces, like upcoming patent expirations, could lead to lower drug prices, potentially overshadowing government intervention. The exclusivity of certain drugs, like Januvia and Farxiga, is expected to end. This can create opportunities for more cost-effective generic versions, reducing the cost of those medications. We know every penny counts! Whether through government intervention, expiration of patents, or market forces, medication prices are trending downward. These changes can be widely beneficial for you. Hence, it’s vital to thoroughly evaluate your plan annually to ensure you have the best Medicare plan based on your needs and budget. THE PURSUIT OF AFFORDABLE MEDICATION FOR BENEFICIARIES NAVIGATING THE FUTURE
Testimonial “The Medicare decision process was overwhelming for me. Chris and Angi did an exceptional job of laying out pros and cons for each option and patiently listened to my concerns and answered my questions. I never felt pressured
to make a decision or steered in a direction that I was not 100% comfortable with. I trust Chris and would not hesitate to recommend Omaha Insurance Solutions to my family and friends.” –Paula K
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts
Inspired by Weelicious.com
Valentine’s Day means heart-shaped everything, even desserts! Bake these puff pastry berry hearts for Valentine’s Day or any other day. Ingredients • 1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted • 1 tsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh
• 1 cup heavy cream
raspberries (or berries of your choice)
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 4. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich.
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INSIDE This Issue
How I Uncovered the Cosmetic Surgery Plot 1
2
Childhood Development Through Travel
The Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Medicare Part D
3
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts
3
Home Harmony: Unveil the Secret of Indoor Plants!
4
Breathe Life Into Your Home: Discover the Power of Indoor Plants!
Imagine stepping into a room where the air feels fresher and the ambiance is more relaxing. This isn’t just a dream — it’s the reality you can create with the right indoor plants. From the elegant Peace lily , known for its air-purifying qualities, to the hardy Zanzibar Gem that thrives in low light, each plant brings a unique touch to your living space. But it’s not just about aesthetics. Indoor plants like the Ficus elastica and Philodendron Hope are more than just decor; they’re companions that grow with you, adapting to your home’s environment and adding a touch of nature’s resilience to your daily life. Whether a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, you can find a plant that fits your home and skill level. Create your own indoor oasis today. Embrace the joy and tranquility plants bring, and watch as they transform not just your home but also your well-being.
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