ABC NEWS REPORTS – Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell has declassified a list of former Obama administration officials who were allegedly involved in the so-called “unmasking” of former national security adviser Michael Flynn in his conversations with the former Russian ambassador during the presidential transition, a senior U.S. official tells ABC News. Read more.
For many American workers, how they do their jobs dramatically changed with the spread of COVID-19. Some have shifted to working from home while others moved to part-time or reduced hours.
With uncertainty abound, now’s a good time to take stock of your physical and mental health and familiarize yourself with the resources available from your employer.
As part of a report on mental health, employee benefits company Unum found nearly three-quarters (74%) of working adults feel big life events can have a major impact on their mental health. Some top mental health triggers include a person’s health (69%), finances (67%), relationships (59%) and job satisfaction (52%).
“With so many people experiencing major shifts in not only their work lives, but also potentially their health, finances and personal lives, now is a good time to know what resources are available,” said Laurie Mitchell, assistant vice president of global wellbeing and health at Unum.
Often linked with a health care or disability plan’s coverage, employee assistance programs, telemedicine or tele-behavioral health and app-based programs are low-cost solutions that allow people to connect with a professional on their own time when they’re experiencing a problem.
An employee assistance program (EAP) often offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals and follow-up services to people who have personal or work-related concerns. EAPs address a wide range of issues affecting mental and emotional wellbeing, such as alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, grief, family problems and psychological disorders. Many EAPs also provide services to help caregivers, assist with financial planning or offer child care resources.
Telemedicine services can make accessing medical and mental health resources easier. There are even apps that can target specific mental health needs, and people can access them on their own time when they need the services. These types of tools can be effective complements to traditional care and help with everything from increasing positivity and efficiency to reducing stress and anxiety.
“Employees should ask their human resources department what resources are available and be supportive of colleagues who may be struggling as well,” Mitchell said. “Especially during this time of uncertainty, offering support to others and knowing where to direct them can improve lives and help create a more inclusive work environment.”
In addition, the report found 93% of human resources professionals say their companies offer an EAP, yet only 38% of employees said they’re aware of the resource. More than half of human resources professionals also said they offer financial counseling, legal services and telemedicine services, but only a fraction of employees reported being aware these services exist.
As businesses chart new ways of working, these types of tools can help employees establish new ways of interacting with support services when in-person options may not be available. Even if you’re not struggling now, as you navigate this uncertain time, consider asking your employer what resources you have access to that can help support your physical and mental wellbeing.
To download the mental health report and learn about other employee benefits resources, visit Unum.com/workwell.
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash
Family vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time or money (or both) make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter. This year, industry experts expect the family home and staycation based industries are going to see an unprecedented upswing.
However, a staycation – a vacation you take right in your hometown (or nearby) – can be much less expensive and fit into nearly any amount of available time with the added bonus of skipping out on potentially stressful travel.
Consider these staycation ideas to take advantage of your local area’s attractions and prove you don’t have to go far to spend quality time together.
Visit local landmarks. Just because it’s not a traditional vacation doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to be tourists. Start by visiting the places you recommend to friends and family from out of town or pick up a city guidebook to uncover hidden spots you may not even know exist. Make a plan to seek out historic sites, visit local landmarks like museums or try an out-of-the-way restaurant (or two) you’ve never eaten at before.
Camp out in the backyard. Camping doesn’t have to be done far from home. In fact, it can be done right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent to sleep under the stars and plan a night full of traditional camping activities like roasting s’mores, telling spooky stories by flashlight and trying to identify stars and constellations.
Set up a picnic in the park. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit and other treats and head to the park. You can enjoy a casual meal then take advantage of the open space for a family walk or game of tag before retreating to the playground to let the little ones expel any leftover energy.
Have a home spa day. If you’re looking for some relaxation but don’t want to splurge on the full spa treatment, plan an at-home oasis instead. Light some candles, run a bubble bath and break out the facial masks and fingernail polish.
Visit an amusement park. No matter where you live, there’s probably an amusement or water park within driving distance. A quick online search before you arrive can help prepare a strategy for hitting the most popular thrill rides and waterslides while skipping those that may not provide quite the same entertainment value.
Find more tips and tricks for enjoying family time together at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Honey is an essential commodity, and for more than 2,500 years ago, it is used by countless cultures. It is greatly used for healing wounds. Besides, it is also consumed by many for its astounding health benefits. You may either take it raw or mix it with lukewarm water or juice, whichever way you want! You can even add one teaspoon of honey instead of sugar in your juice. People prefer to have organic honey both for its taste as well as health benefits.
Instead of using white sugar, you can always opt to use honey, which brings the sweet taste to your drink, as well as, contain 69% glucose, which is really amazing in terms of sweetening. It fulfills your requirement for the taste as well as ensures meeting your health benefits.
There has been an age-old tradition of consuming honey in lukewarm water, as they say, that it’s one of the best ways to burn fat present in the body. Although a lot of people say that honey has more calories than sugar, mixing honey with lemon juice or cinnamon can actually digest the adipose tissue in your body and help you in losing that extra layer.
Honey acts as an outstanding remedy for children who tend to suffer from cough. A lot of children seem to suffer from sleep complications due to upper respiratory tract infections (URIs). As per the research works published in the Pediatrics Journals, it was found that children between the age group of 1 to 5 years are more prone to sleep disorders and nocturnal coughing habits.
Organic honey serves as an amazing energy booster. While 1 tablespoon of sugar contains 15 calories, 1 tablespoon of honey will contain 64 calories. Besides, the presence of carbohydrates in honey can easily be digested and converted into glucose, which is yet another reason why one should prefer honey instead of sugar.
Organic honey is an excellent component to boost an athlete’s performance. It is an amazing remedy to maintain blood sugar levels, as well as restore the level of glycogen post-workout. Also, it regulates the insulin level of an individual, which together contribute to enhancing the overall performance of a person.
Mothers often prefer to feed organic honey to their kids as they consider it to improve the memory-related functions of the brain. It modulates your neural activities, thereby helping you to connect better with the surroundings. It brushes your response system and enhances your stimulus as a whole.
Organic honey is extremely rich in vitamins and minerals. Although the proportion of vitamins and minerals present in honey depends on the kinds of flowers used in apiculture, it still consists of a wide range of micro-nutrients, including that of calcium, vitamin C, and iron. Hence, one should always go for the honey instead of those insignificant doses of sugar.
Honey comprises some antiseptic properties, and this antimicrobial activity of honey is actually dependent on the source of nectar. Nevertheless, organic honey has got a huge potential in treating bacterial infections.
Organic honey is an excellent antioxidant which treats numerous chronic health problems. It consists of nutraceuticals that help in removing the free radicals from the body. As a result, honey that includes phenolics and peptides will eventually improve your immune system and help you perform better and become less prone to health troubles.
People prefer to have organic honey both for its taste as well as health benefits. If you are looking for organic honey at reasonable rates, visit revago.in.
By Mousumi Gharami. Photo by Arwin Neil Baichoo on Unsplash
In this time of the Coronavirus pandemic, many people are anxious and afraid. Street interviews with people on TV news revealed that they were freely admitting that they were scared to be out there, both men and women, old and young.
Being scared doesn’t mean you don’t have courage. The people who get up and go to the shops for supplies are showing courage despite their fear. And of course doctors, nurses and health workers are showing another level of courage and caring.
But despite the fear and sadness, we should not lose sight of the future beyond this pandemic. There is life again afterwards. There will be fun and happiness, running and jumping and picnics and walks. Yes, it’s coming!
Life is usually waves of joy, sadness, joy again. Tragedy hits unexpectedly, we weep and are heavy hearted, but it lifts and we see the sun again, and life regains it’s colour and our hearts their lightness.
My Grandmother was pregnant when the 1918 to 1920 Spanish flu pandemic hit her community, and she gave birth to my Dad in 1919 at a chaotic time when the hospitals and staff were overwhelmed with the sick. My Dad was premature and was put in a shoebox because the nurses thought he was dead, a flu baby. But he wasn’t, and was noticed by a nurse, and he lived to get married, to have me, as a son, and three daughters. He had a happy married life, and our house was always filled with laughter and fun times. We had grandparents and lots of uncles and aunties that used to visit and good times were had. My childhood was one of the best, and I always look back on it with fond memories.
You see how tragedy, chaos, anxiety and fear melt away and are forgotten? And the sadness and hardship of this time will also disappear like the morning mist, and in that glorious new day will you think of the mist that was? I think not! And this is the thing: the bad times will pass. The good times will return. Not only that, but because of the hard times that people have endured, the world will be a gentler, better place.
So don’t despair! Don’t give up. It’s dark, yes. But dawn is coming. It’s sad, yes. But joy is bubbling up underneath. As we focus on all the terrible things happening, we miss the butterfly going past. We don’t see the fresh, new green leaves budding, prophesying of new life and new growth happening under our noses. Look around you, like a panner looking in his pan full of gravel for that glint of gold, and you’ll find the good and the beautiful all around you. Listen to the birds singing outside. In your apartment blocks, listen to the murmuring sounds of people moving about, talking, clattering dishes – all signs of life! Life that will soon burst out into the wide world again, showering us with noise and activity, fun and excitement! And quiet cups of tea with a book in the shade of a tree. Don’t be sad, be patient.
If you have been thinking of taking your life. Please don’t leave us. We are all the people you are going to help in the future, who you are going to be kind to. You are precious and needed. We need you. You can make a difference in this world just by one act of kindness to a hurting person, like you are hurting now. You are not alone in this. Stay with us and spread the virus of kindness, which is very infectious. Let that be your mission, and let nothing stop you doing it. You’ll see how your gloom will vanish!
So let’s all endure this time of having courage and perseverance for a little while longer. Be ready for the brilliant dawn that is surely coming!
For beauiful, encouraging, scenic photography, browse through my images of the coast and countryside of South Africa, please click here: https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Duncan+Kelly?rid=244447694&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ctrbreferral-link
By Duncan Kelly
The human world has just gone almost upside down. The recent pandemic has grabbed the everyday life of humans’ by the throat, and this happened all of a sudden. Fear has emerged from the darkness and has proliferated within the entire globe very swiftly, and this has paralyzed the routine works of humans. The Novel Corona Virus has brought in very many novel ways along with it, which were unknown to humans hitherto, rather neglected by them.
Now, many say that from now onwards, there will be a pre and post Novel Corona Virus era.
But, will humans become novel because of Novel Corona Virus? If we learn the essence of this painful pandemic, then we will see the emergence of a welcoming world on the other side of this heartbreak! On the other hand, if the lesson remains unread, then for sure, it will breed enmity between nations, which will take the world to novel confrontations.
Let’s hope for the best to happen. Let us have a bit of optimism and look forward to a better human society where there are no religious, caste, or racial discriminations.
Living With Novel Corona Virus or Covid 19 – Precautions
Finally, we must learn the lesson taught by this Novel Corona Virus that human life is so fragile, and it can collapse even by a minute virus, which is not visible by the human naked-eye. Hence, we must throw away the hatred that we were carrying hitherto and must love one another. Let us become Novel Human Beings.
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ – Sheriff Shaun Golden of Monmouth County, who also happens to be the Monmouth County GOP chairman pretty much said Phil Murphy’s executive orders come before the U.S. constitution. In a response to New Jersey Senator Declan O’Scanlan’s call for a rebellion against “Murphy’s Law”, a series of constitution defying executive orders, Golden gave O’Scanlon a serious, “Whooooa boy. Calm down.”
“So..first time I’m going to suggest this….but it’s time. Everyone…defy the @GovMurphy ! Go outside your house,” O’Scanlon said. “It’s ok, you can trust me! Look South/Southeast…revel in that moon! We’re likely going to take this rebellion a few steps further next couple weeks. Get ready!”
Golden said O’Scanlon’s Saturday night call to arms,”Places law enforcement in a compromising position.”
“Yes There needs to be responsible discussion, free speech, and peaceful protests but promoting defiance and rebellion could be misconstrued and inflammatory,” Golden said. “This would only place LE in harms way.”
So that means, if push comes to shove, Golden would deploy his sherrif’s department to quell this disturbance…otherwise how would law enforcement be in harms way if a bunch of Americans simply showed up at a beach, or opened their restaurant, or played a baseball game in the park. This is a clear indication that Golden’s oath to the Governor and politics comes before his oath to uphold the constitution of the United States?
Meanwhile, out in Pennsylvania where they elected strong Americans to be sheriffs, one sheriff, a former U.S. Marine has taken a completely different approach to that of Golden’s. Adams County Sheriff James Muller today said that he will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States before the whimsical unconstitutional executive orders of Pennsylvania Governor Thomas Westerman Wolf. Muller, referred to the oath of enlistment he gave upon entering the United States Marine Corps as his justification to continue to defend the constitution. In that oath, Marines are expected to defend the constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
“Lately I have been receiving a lot of requests concerning my stand on Gov. Wolf not allowing small business to open up, and if they do open in defiance of his order will I enforce his order,” Muller said. “I have taken an Oath to Uphold and Defend the Constitution (5) times. Once when enlisting in the Marine Corps, and (4) times as your Sheriff, I take this Oath very seriously and I have never allowed myself to forget who I work for and who I represent.”
Muller said he will not enforce laws that violate the constitution, unlike Golden who has a little bit of Blue Jersey Demorepublican in his pedigree.
“It is my intent to inform you, the Citizens of Adams County, that the Adams County Sheriff’s Office will neither “now” or in the future, enforce any law that violates your constitutional rights,” he added. “As in the past I will continue to Support, Obey, Defend, and Uphold the United States Constitution, and the Constitution of Pennsylvania.
You might think this story has a happy ending where Declan O’Scanlon becomes New Jersey’s knight in shining armor, but sadly, the story doesn’t end that way. O’Scanlon has already decided he’s not going to be the George Washington who leads America’s oppressed masses across the Jersey countryside. He said his statement Saturday night was just a joke–political malarkey that means nothing.
“It was mostly tongue in cheek, but meant to represent the immense frustration the business community is feeling, and that frustration grows every day,” O’scanlon said as he backpedaled on his Saturday night Declaration O’Scanlon. “I was trying to express the growing frustration from the business community that is simmering under the surface, and that frustration and tension is growing every single day. It’s going to boil over…since that tweet went out, I’ve heard from a lot of people, including a lot of Democrats, who say we need to reopen and we need to do it now. Economic health is public health.”
I see the new lures, and the advertising for new equipment, and I need to get some. Looking at all the new lures and fishing equipment, I have to get it. Even though I have several things purchased last year I have never used yet. If you are a Bass fisherman, you know exactly what I mean.
Early season Bassin can be the best time of the year to catch big bass. They have eaten little through the winter because cold water slows their metabolism and now that the water is warming; they are getting hungry and ready to eat.
The biggest Bass I have caught was on an opening day of the season, in about 6 feet of water, near flooded timber. I was using an original black and gold Rapala twitching it on the surface near the trees. I cast it and let it sit near a tree. I saw the wake coming through the water from about 10 feet away. She hit with so much force her entire body came out of the water. Six pounds 4 ounces. It was awesome.
1. Many baits work well in the early season because most of the Bass will stay in the shallows for most of the day where the water is warmer. The fish are looking for a place to lay eggs, or have laid eggs and are protecting them. Even after the spawn, when they are protecting the fry, they will be close to their chosen bed. They can be aggressive, or they may not move even if you hit them with the lure, I have seen both reactions. It can be very frustrating when you see the fish and put the lure in front of their face, and they don’t move.
2. The warmest water will be at the north end of the lake in the spring. The sun is still low in the sky to the south, so the north end will get sun much longer during the day. The sun hitting the lake can warm the temp of the water 5 degrees or more in one day. The bass will go to the shallower warmer water because there is more activity from small fish, crayfish and other food sources. Dark bottom areas on the North end of the lake will warm the fastest, because the black bottom holds the heat better than light colored sandy bottoms.
3. Do not pass by the sandy bottom flats though. There is a lake I regularly fish, that I love to get there before the sun comes up. There is an area on the North-east side of the lake, about 10 acres of sand flat, about 3 to 6 ft deep. I can’t even count the number of bass that I have caught in this area, fan casting a medium diving crankbait and bouncing it along the sandy bottom. The bass love to cruise the sand flats at sunrise, and they are aggressive, and love to bite.
4. Keep quiet. When you are fishing in shallow water, the noise you make travels a long way through the water, and is amplified considerably over what you hear. I have a great radio with a cd player in my boat, I never have it on when I’m fishing. Can you imagine what that sounds like to the fish.
I recommend you even shut off your motor before you get to your spot and use the trolling motor to get close. I think it’s even better if you set the trolling motor on a very low speed and leave it going while in the shallows, so it makes a low constant sound. If you have it on a high speed and you keep hitting it on and off, it can also spook the fish.
Set things down quietly and move around as little as you can when you’re actually in the shallows, especially if you are in an aluminum boat. Just think about any noise you make is amplified through your hull and through the water.
5. When you’re in the shallows, look for any structure you can see. A weed line forming, any trees in the water, any boat lifts, rocks, etc. Never pass a dock without fishing it from the front to the shore. If you have ever fished from a dock, you know that small sunfish and crappies and other small fish like to hang out around docks. What do bass like to eat? Smaller fish. The Bass know that the food will be there, so they go there to eat.
Any weeds like reeds that stick above the water and grow on the sand flats can be unbelievable at the right time. There is a lake that my brother and I have fished extensively. There is a reed bed in about 5 feet of water on a sand flat that we had fished before and caught fish.
One day in a light rain in early June, we went to this reed bed and over the course of the next 5 hours caught over 80 Bass in the 2 to 4 pound range, not huge but nice size and fun to catch in Minnesota. We caught them all on bright purple weightless Texas rigged plastic worms. It was the most phenomenal single fishing experience I have ever had. We finally quit because we were tired of catching fish. We have caught many more Bass from those reed beds, but never anything like that day.
6. Cast longer. When in shallow water, and especially if it is clear, you want to cast longer so you don’t spook the fish. If you’re fishing on a sand flat, you can switch to a rod with a lighter line, because you don’t have to worry about the fish getting hung up in weeds. The lighter line will let you cast farther and use the smaller baits if you need to.
7. Wear polarized sunglasses. It will amaze you at how much better you can see through the glare on the surface of the water and see the fish if the water is relatively clear. Seeing fish always gets you excited. I have never tried one of the underwater cameras, but that is why they have gotten popular. It motivates you if you see the fish. The cameras look cool, but I think I would spend more time watching the screen than fishing, so it wouldn’t help me catch more fish.
8. Try all your lures. Sometimes any lure will work in the spring. Start with the lures that can cover the most water the fastest. If you’re fishing a sand flat that is open, start with a crankbait. If you’re fishing a weedline or other structure and the water is choppy, start with a spinnerbait or a chatterbait. If you get out when the sun is coming up, definitely try a topwater that you can cast near cover and entice them to bite. If the faster fishing lures aren’t working, switch to jigs and or worms. Every obvious structure. I start with a spinnerbait and then go to a tube jig or plastic worm before moving on. If you find a lure, that’s working, use it until it isn’t. The fish can change what they want several times during the same day, so don’t get hung up on one lure. Try different lures and you will catch Bass.
9. Go to smaller lures. If you just can’t find anything that is working. Go to a smaller bait and something that can be fished slower. A smaller crappie size spinnerbait or smaller tube jig, or 4 inch plastic worms may just be the ticket for finicky Bedding or post spawn Bass.
10. Go Bass fishing. If you live in Minnesota like me, and you are a Bass fisherman, you are part of a smaller group of fisherman. Most fisherman in Minnesota fish for Walleye and panfish. There is nothing wrong with Walleye or panfish or Pike. I fish for panfish whenever I want some excellent fish to eat, there is nothing better than crappie and sunfish fillets lightly breaded and fried in butter.
One thing you may not know if you don’t fish for Bass is that you catch a lot of Pike when bass fishing. I catch my fair share of Walleyes while Bass fishing. Fishing weedlines on edges of deeper water is a good place to catch nice eating size Walleyes, and they will take spinnerbaits and crankbaits pretty easily. My point is go Bass fishing and you will be hooked, especially if you’re like me, and hate sitting still and watching a bobber.
Check out my bass fishing books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00QQQ1WRW Also keep up on all the best bass fishing tips at my blog http://bassfishing111.blogspot.com/
By Steven Pease
During these trying times, a strong immune system is more important than ever. I would like to touch on a few ways you can help your body fight the never ending viral battle.
There are many ways to help your body with its innate ability to protect itself. Many of these can be done by just changing a few habits.
Our bodies are much like a complex recipe. Skipping or shorting just one ingredient can dramatically alter the outcome. Your body is no different. If we are low or lacking a specific “ingredient”, we are not allowing it to be its best.
Helping the body fend off viral or bacteraial invasions requires optimal fuel and training. I would like to suggest a few ways to help you combat the onslaught of viral invaders.
What you put in your body is essentially what you get out. Make sure you are refraining from too much of the processed foods and get back to raw fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet is a great way to build up your immune system.
Believe it or not, water is an excellent way to maintain and boost your immune system! The proper amount of water will help prevent bacteria and viruses from congregating in your sinus, nose, or mouth.
Exercise is one of those things that you can sometimes have “too much of a good thing”. Good, intense exercise is a great way to keep the body and the immune system strong. But, too much exercise when you are sick or feeling run down will actually weaken your immune system.
This is an important one. If your body is sleep deprived, it becomes weaker and will make you susceptible to illness. Try to not be exposed to light from a TV, phone, or computer during rest periods. Also, most studies have shown we need between 7 and 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
These are just a few tips that can help you stay strong and healthy during stressful periods. If I can be of any help please let me know.
There are at least 3 major vitamins you will want to make sure you are getting enough of. Vitamins C, B6, and E have all been proven to boost immune function. I also suggest you consider vitamin D and Zinc.
By Greg S Gruba. Photo by Kate M on Unsplash
When you turn on the news and find the anchors televising their segments from their homes, you can be sure that we are seriously stuck inside.
While confined to your home, you have a choice. You can bemoan your circumstances and constantly complain.
Or you can choose to use your time for something valuable. In which case, you elect to do something which may make a difference even 100 years from now. You may do something today that could help your great-great-grandchild.
Wouldn’t you like to do something different today? You may be asking yourself, “What can I do inside my home?”
For starters, look at the following activities. Does one motivate you?
1. Write a Heart-touching Note to Your Son or Daughter
Perhaps you exchanged some harsh words during a disagreement. A little note with sincere words of “I love you” may help alleviate your tense situation. Say a prayer as you write it. See what happens.
2. Write a Story for Your Grandchildren or Future Grandchildren
Do you have an active imagination? Write one of your stories and gain some Granny points. Name your characters the names of your grandchildren. If there is a four-pawed critter in your story give it the same name as your grandchildren’s pet. They’ll love it and will love you even more.
3. Create a “Thinking about You” Card.
Do you know of someone who is feeling down? Spend a few moments writing her/him a note. You may like to make it a simple note to an elderly neighbor. You might say something like: “I miss your smile” or “I miss seeing you walking your cute dog.”Any little note may make a world of difference to that person.
4. Write a Favorite Recipe for Your Son/Daughter
My Mom passed away a little over two months ago. During the last few weeks, our family enjoyed talking and texting about and creating some of Mom’s special “dishes”. Your children or grandchildren may one day wish for your special recipes.
Hint: you probably already have some of your recipes on your computer and you can simply click the print button. Do that. But also give them one in your handwriting. After someone you love passes away, you cherish something written in their handwriting.
I’d like to suggest that you get someone to take a picture of you holding the special cake or casserole. Add that to your recipe. Then share all with your select loved ones.
5. Pray for Your Loved Ones
Pen a prayer for each one of your children and grandchildren. That’s the best and most powerful thing you can do for them. Your down-time will become your up-lifting time.
So there you have it. It’s your choice. You can choose to sit on the sofa with the remote stuck firmly in your hand or you can choose to do something valuable for others.
Today turn your “shelter in place” time into a priceless experience for you and perhaps a cherished keepsake for some of your loved ones.
How about one activity today? After all, when will you have more time?
And now I’d love for you to join me on
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/donnarinerweber
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May God Keep You Safe and Abundantly Bless You!
By Donna Riner Weber. Photo by Mike Fox on Unsplash
Tired of eating the same food at the campground over and over again? Try cooking fish over your bonfire – it’s easier to cook but is equally satisfying (even more when it’s fresh). Most of all, it gives you a break from your usual menu of breakfast meat and eggs. Fish is way healthier, too! So the next time you go camping or fishing, be sure to try any of these campfire fish recipes:
Camp-Style Fish Tacos
What you need:
For the fish:
For the corn salsa:
Start your grill or campfire. When you’re at medium heat, place the corn and jalapeno on a grill grate and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.Place the fish pieces on a plate. Squeeze 1/2 lime and drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over fillets, then cover all sides with chilli powder, salt and cumin. Place prepared fillets on a wire grill basket and cook for 3 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
To prepare the salsa, remove the corn off the cob and place on a bowl. Chop the jalapeno (remove blackened parts) and add to the bowl. Mix in the onion, cilantro, juice of 1/2 lime and salt.
Arrange the tacos by placing the fish and salsa inside tortillas. Serve with potato chips and season with hot sauce if desired.
Campfire Lemon Pepper Salmon
What you need:
Use cold water to rinse the salmon fillet then pat dry with paper towels. Line a heavy duty foil baking pan with lemon slices. Place the butter in the middle of the pan followed by the salmon, placing it skin down on top of the lemons.Sprinkle the fillet with kosher salt and black pepper then cover the pan with foil. Place the pan over campfire or a pre-heated grill. Cook for 18-20 minutes over medium high heat until cooked through and fish flakes easily.
When ready, remove foil cover, garnish with parsley and serve.
These must-try campfire fish recipes will make any outdoor trip even better!
Daniel J. Smith is a survival expert. Having lived the outdoor life since he was very young, he loves sharing his expertise about camping, hiking, traveling, RV living and many more. He has also started his own company called OutBright, which will soon be selling products that cater to campers, hikers, travellers and all outdoor-loving adventurers.
By Daniel J. SmithPhoto by Adrian Infernus on Unsplash
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ – Monmouth County-based Senator Declan O’Scanlon called for an all-out rebellion against the draconian executive orders and restrictions placed upon New Jersey residents by Governor Phil Murphy. That was on Saturday night. By the time Monday rolled around, his buzz was gone and the hangover subsided, O’Scanlon said he was just kidding. Then he announced he was working with Democrat Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney on a pro-public union COVID-19 bailout bill.
“So…first time I’m going to suggest this….but it’s time. Everyone…defy the @GovMurphy! Go outside your house!! It’s ok, you can trust me! Look South/Southeast…revel in that moon! We’re likely going to take this rebellion a few steps further next couple weeks. Get ready!,” he tweeted Saturday.
Today, Governor Murphy said O’Scanlon was a good guy and a good friend.
“It was mostly tongue in cheek, but meant to represent the immense frustration the business community is feeling, and that frustration grows every day,” O’scanlon said as he backpedaled on his Saturday night Declaration O’Scanlon. “I was trying to express the growing frustration from the business community that is simmering under the surface, and that frustration and tension is growing every single day. It’s going to boil over…since that tweet went out, I’ve heard from a lot of people, including a lot of Democrats, who say we need to reopen and we need to do it now. Economic health is public health.”
O’Scanlon then announced that he signed up with Democrat Steve Sweeney on legislation that will allow the reassignment of public workers during the COVID-19 crisis to allow them to work other public jobs instead…and instead of allowing already out of work New Jerseyeans equal access to those other public jobs. You know, maybe ones like…Social Distance Compliance Officer.
ADAMS COUNTY, PA – Adams County Sheriff James Muller today said that he will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States before the whimsical unconstitutional executive orders of Pennsylvania Governor Thomas Westerman Wolf. Muller, referred to the oath of enlistment he gave upon entering the United States Marine Corps as his justification to continue to defend the constitution. In that oath, Marines are expected to defend the constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
“Lately I have been receiving a lot of requests concerning my stand on Gov. Wolf not allowing small business to open up, and if they do open in defiance of his order will I enforce his order,” Muller said. “I have taken an Oath to Uphold and Defend the Constitution (5) times. Once when enlisting in the Marine Corps, and (4) times as your Sheriff, I take this Oath very seriously and I have never allowed myself to forget who I work for and who I represent.”
Muller said he will not enforce laws that violate the constitution.
“It is my intent to inform you, the Citizens of Adams County, that the Adams County Sheriff’s Office will neither “now” or in the future, enforce any law that violates your constitutional rights,” he added. “As in the past I will continue to Support, Obey, Defend, and Uphold the United States Constitution, and the Constitution of Pennsylvania.
NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball owners gave the go-ahead Monday to making a proposal to the players’ union that could lead to the coronavirus-delayed season starting around the Fourth of July weekend in ballparks without fans, a plan that envisioned expanding the designated hitter to the National League for 2020.
The season would start in July and feature an 82 game season for each team. Teams would only play regional teams in their own divisions and interleague play against teams in the same geographic regions. AL East will Play NL East, etc. The games might be played in their own cities, but one plan calls for the games to be played in the teams’ spring training homes. Postseason would expand from 10 to 14 teams. The Toronto BlueJays would likely have to play their games in Dunedin, Florida. Regular season rosters could be expanded to 30 teams.
Photo by Owen Lystrup on Unsplash
So far, with one weekend in the books, the biggest risk to people going to America’s newly opened, COVID-19 enforced beaches appears to be the roving patrols, and not the virus. This week, two teens in New Jersey and a 67-year-old man in Florida were run over by beach patrols while lying on the beach. In Ship Bottom, New Jersey, A 22-year-old lifeguard from Barnegat ran over two teenage girls who were laying out on the beach in Ship Bottom. The girls, ages 14 and 15 were rushed to Jersey Shore Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. Both have since been released to their parents. The pair was on a beach, which officials say remains closed to anyone but local residents and claim the girls were from Pennsylvania.
The incident happened around 1 pm on Wednesday near the 26th street beach entrance. The lifeguard was charged with reckless driving. The Ship Bottom Beach Patrol station is nearby where the incident occurred.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department
is reporting in Florida that Deputy Natasha Hindman was in fine condition after driving over a man lying on the beach during a social distancing patrol. The incident happened when Hindman, 27, a two-year veteran of the department was patrolling the beach
, enforcing social distancing rules when she ran over the 66-year-old man who was sunbathing on the beach.
Photo by Christopher Campbell on Unsplash
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA- The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department is reporting today that Deputy Natasha Hindman was in fine condition after driving over a man lying on the beach during a social distancing patrol. The incident happened when Hindman, 27, a two-year veteran of the department was patrolling the beach, enforcing social distancing rules when she ran over the 66-year-old man who was sunbathing on the beach.
“Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating a traffic crash
involving an Indian Shores police officer who drove over a man lying on the beach in Indian Shores,” the department said. “The crash occurred at about 5:53 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2020, south of the 193rd Avenue Beach Access in Indian Shores.”
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating a traffic crash involving an Indian Shores police officer who drove over a man lying on the beach in Indian Shores. On May 8, 2020 at about 5:53 p.m. investigators say 27-year-old Officer Natasha Hindman was driving a fully marked 2018 Ford Explorer police cruiser. Officer Hindman drove west on the 193rd Avenue beach access and onto the beach in Indian Shores.
According to investigators, Officer Hindman turned southwest and had just started her beach patrol. As Officer Hindman drove along the sand at low speed, the left side tires of her cruiser drove over the hips of 66-year-old William Koziarz, who was lying on the sand. Officer Hindman stopped and immediately rendered aid until paramedics arrived. Koziarz was transported to Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Officer Hindman was not injured in the incident. Investigators say neither speed nor impairment were factors in the crash. The investigation continues.
James McLynas, who is running for the Sheriff’s job in the county responded to the incident, “Have we had enough of over-policing yet? Great idea having 250 officers riding around on Pinellas Beaches Sheriff Gualtieri. Police literally ran over 66-year-old William Koziarz, who was lying on the sand.”
Contact: Laura Crossan; Email: [email protected]
Date: May 8, 2020 Release #: 288155
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOPE Sheds Light donates face coverings to frontline workers
The Ocean County nonprofit starts #HOPEforAll initiative in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.
TOMS RIVER, NJ – HOPE Sheds Light, Inc. (HSL), a family focused Toms River-based non-profit organization offering education, resources, support and hope to anyone impacted by addiction and the opioid epidemic, recently launched a cloth face covering initiative that provided custom HOPE Sheds Light face coverings for the community to purchase. For each purchase made, the non-profit donated a cloth face covering to a frontline worker who provided essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The response to this initiative was overwhelming,” said Pamela Capaci, CEO of HOPE Sheds Light. “Our initial offering of cloth face coverings sold out in under two hours! To date, we have been able to donate 150 cloth face coverings with more on the way. The goal is to provide #HOPEforAll and to help those who are risking their lives to serve others.”
So far, HOPE Sheds Light has donated cloth face coverings to The Arc Ocean County Chapter, Ocean Mental Health, 21 Plus, Inc., and ShopRite pharmacy staff in Lacey Township. “This is the least we could do to show our frontline workers how much we support their efforts in providing critical services during these unprecedented times,” said Capaci.
Founded in 2012 after Co-founder Ron Rosetto lost his son Marc to a battle against substance abuse, HOPE Sheds Light acts as a voice of hope in a community in desperate need of knowing that recovery is possible. Along with Co-founders Arvo Prima and Stephen Willis, and a team of board members and volunteers, HOPE Sheds Light aims to shed light into the shadows of stigma and fear.
“HOPE Sheds Light is a peer-driven organization meaning we all have a personal connection to addiction and recovery,” said Capaci. “At the heart of HSL’s mission is the desire to connect with others who have questions about, concerns with or who may just want to gain a deeper understanding about substance use, addiction/substance use disorder, and the process of recovery.”
Looking to the future, HOPE Sheds Light will host its 7th Annual Celebration of HOPE Virtual Walk on Saturday, September 12, 2020. For more information, please visit HOPEShedsLight.org.
About HOPE Sheds Light
HOPE Sheds Light, Inc. (HSL) is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 46-3910504) that is supported by friends and families directly affected by addiction and found recovery through continuous love, support and understanding. The mission of HSL is to raise awareness and educate individuals, families and the community about the impact of addiction by having the courage to share personal experiences and offer strength, wisdom, hope and resources that lead to positive community change and long-term recovery. To learn more, please visit http://www.HOPEShedsLight.org.
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HOPE Sheds Light donates cloth face coverings to frontline workers.
TOMS RIVER, NJ – A bill pending passage in the New Jersey Assembly, proposed by New Jersey District 10 Assemblymen Gregory P. McGuckin and John Catalano is asking for the state to further penalize local school districts. Those districts are already under fire from the state with millions of dollars in already reduced state aid. The bill takes aim a paid absences upon retirement by teachers, union employees, administrators and other employees, but penalizes the districts and student population for those payments.
This bill would require each municipality to report to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services annually, as part of its budget, the amount paid by a municipality to its employees for accumulated absences upon their retirement in the previous budget year. The bill also would require the State Treasurer to reduce the total amount of financial assistance provided to each municipality in the next succeeding State fiscal year from Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid, Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid, Extraordinary Aid or Transitional Aid to Localities, or any combination thereof, by the amount of those unused sick leave payments. Similarly, the bill requires that the Commissioner of Education reduce a school district’s State aid by the amount paid to the district’s employees for accumulated absences upon retirement, as identified in the district’s most recent annual audit.
“The purpose of this bill is to ensure that a municipality or school district does not use State aid as a means to pay its employees for egregious amounts of accumulated absences accrued over long careers in government,” McGuckin’s bill said. “The sponsor believes that if municipalities and districts choose to have policies that require payment for accumulated absences at the end of an employee’s career, the property taxpayers of those entities should cover those costs.”
CAMP HILL, Pa. – Rite Aid will significantly expand its COVID-19 testing effort with the addition of 46 no-charge testing sites, most of which will operate through its stores’ drive-through windows, beginning May 11, 2020. Rite Aid is also expanding COVID-19 testing criteria at all testing sites to include adults who are not exhibiting any symptoms of the virus, effective immediately in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.
All Rite Aid COVID-19 testing locations utilize self-swab nasal tests overseen by Rite Aid pharmacists. At all testing locations, patients are required to provide government issued identification, be at least 18 years old, and need to pre-register online at www.riteaid.com in order to schedule a time slot for testing.
Rite Aid will now operate 71 testing sites across twelve states through its partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Rite Aid’s self-testing parking lot sites are open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. seven days a week. Rite Aid testing locations operating through its stores’ drive-through windows are open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Rite Aid has the capacity to conduct up to 10,000 tests daily across all locations through online appointments.
| Store no. | Address | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10413 | 60 Franklin Turnpike | Waldwick | NJ |
| 00789 | 501 Clements Bridge Road | Barrington | NJ |
| 02707 | 31 Mule Road | Toms River | NJ |
“Rite Aid has been at the forefront of helping our nation scale up COVID-19 testing capabilities, and we’re proud to announce the addition of 46 new testing sites,” said Jim Peters, chief operating officer, Rite Aid. “Opening testing to asymptomatic individuals, as well as providing more locations using our drive-through window, represent important milestones in our response to the pandemic. We remain grateful for the daily efforts and sacrifices of our front-line associates who make the continued expansion of our testing possible.”
A complete list of Rite Aid’s COVID-19 testing sites can be seen at www.riteaid.com.
Rite Aid has partnered with Verily and will use its Baseline COVID-19 Program to provide screening, scheduling and return of results to participants for Rite Aid testing sites.
Rite Aid also selected BioReference Laboratories to provide COVID-19 laboratory testing to all drive-up locations with the goal of flattening the curve through accessible diagnostic testing.
Clinical oversight for the COVID-19 testing program is provided by PWNHealth, a national clinician network that enables safe and easy access to diagnostic testing.
Rite Aid will continue to provide regular updates on the company’s progress with COVID-19 testing.
JACSKON, NJ – If you follow Hawkin road south past the main entrance to the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management area, eventually to the right, you’ll see a fence as you travel deep into the reserve. That fence is the former BOMARC nuclear missile base and site of a devastating fire. Today, you can walk around the edge of the site, but it’s not advised that you actually enter the site, which is monitored by CCTV cameras.
“When the Soviet Union acquired nuclear weapons, the United States decided to field nuclear surface to air missiles to defend against Soviet bombers. Less than a year after being deployed, one of those missiles caught fire and exploded in rural New Jersey. The History Guy recalls a forgotten accident that occurred at the height of Cold War tensions,” said the History Guy.
https://www.facebook.com/officialbenshapiro/videos/238845620522909/
FORT WORTH, TX – Police in Forth Worth held a very special driveby ceremony for the daughters of fallen police officer Dwayne Freeto. Freeto was killed when his patrol vehicle was struck by an intoxicated motorist from behind while he was assisting a citizen with a flat tire on Interstate 35 in 2006. This week was his daughter Jenna’s birthday and his other daughter Jordin just graduated from Texas A&M University. Not able to host proper celebrations due to COVID-19, Officer Freeto’s fellow brothers made sure the day was special for his children.
“Happy 17th Birthday Jenna & Congratulations Jordin on your Texas A&M University graduation,” the department said. “On May 9, 2020, FWPD along with the Fort Worth Fire Department and numerous outside agencies joined in celebration with a family brigade to honor Jordin and Jenna. Special THANKS to all the volunteers and organizations who made this moment possible.”
https://www.facebook.com/InsideFWPD/videos/545914496071826/
TOMS RIVER, NJ – New Jersey State Department of Health records today shows 72 out of Toms River’s 98 COVID-19 fatalities occurred at nine different assisted living facilities. According to the Ocean County Health Department, countywide, the deaths from COVID-19 are primarily victims over the age of 65 years old (79%). 14% of those who perished, 74, were between the ages of 45 and 64. Only 10 people under the age of 44 have died as a result of the virus countywide.
The death toll for Ocean County during the COVID-19 pandemic right now stands at 547. A new report by the New Jersey Department of Health shows that 357 of those deaths occurred within 39 assisted living facilities in the county. That figure represents 65.2% of total deaths countywide. 190 patients have died outside of assisted care living facilities and according to the Center for Disease Control, co-morbidity due to underlying health conditions accounts for 78% of all COVID-19 deaths. That would mean approximately 52 patients who died of COVID-19 in Ocean County died who did not have an underlying health ailment or were not lodged in an assisted living facility.
The reality is .008% of people who are healthy have died so far from the COVID-19 pandemic in Ocean County, which has an estimated population of 607,000 citizens. That is slightly less than 10% of 1%. The chance of getting struck by lightning is 1 in 3,000. The chance of dying from COVID-19 in Ocean County is 1 in 11,680.Ocean Hampton Ridge Healthcare and Rehab Toms River Twp 122 15
Ocean Complete Care at Green Acres Toms River Twp 88 11
Ocean Alcoeur Gardens at Toms River Toms River Twp 21 7
Ocean Shore Meadows Rehabilitation and Nursing center Toms River Twp 30 8
Ocean Rose Garden Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Toms River Twp 62 6
Ocean Complete Care at Bey Lea Toms River Twp 91 13
Ocean Complete Care at Arbors Haven Toms River Twp 4 1
Ocean Spring Oak of Toms River Toms River 7 1
Ocean The Chelsea at Toms River Toms River Twp 5 1
TOMS RIVER, NJ – Mayor Maurice Hill is calling for the resignation of Toms River Councilman Daniel Rodrick. Hill remains furious after he Rodrick exposed a plan for Hill to hire his close personal friend, Assemblyman Gregory P. McGuckin to a $250,000 per year job in town hall. McGuckin already holds 24 public jobs in addition to being an elected assemblyman in New Jersey.
Hill accused Rodrick of leaking information discussed between himself and the Toms River Township council in a closed-door meeting. In that meeting, the township elected body discussed stripping MUA commissioners of their medical benefits unless that body also hired McGuckin as their legal council, which would have been McGuckin’s 26th job after Hill gave him the town hall job. Rodrick to this day denies there was any leak, but accused McGuckin himself of being the leak after McGuckin allegedly had breakfast with Toms River MUA Commissioner Carmen Memoli. According to Rodrick, McGuckin allegedly leaned on Memoli to replace current MUA Robert DiBiase with a person of McGuckin’s liking, in order to ensure McGuckin got the public job at the MUA. It was highly unlikely that with DiBiase as commissioner, McGuckin would have landed the job at the MUA.
“At the time of our breakfast meeting, DiBiase had already submitted his letter of retirement,” Memoli said. “Furthermore, DiBiase did not and does not do the hiring of professionals at the MUA. This is done by the five voting Commissioners.”
Memoli said the MUA’s General Council is James Gluck, Esq and Joseph Coronato, Esq was recently hired as a conflict council.
“The MUA has no need to hire Greg McGuckin and has never entertained such,” Memoli said.
McGuckin Accused of Extortion
Now, Hill and the Toms River Council want to punish Rodrick for blowing the whistle on what is turning out to be a pay-to-play extortion scandal by McGuckin, who is seen by many as the most powerful Republican in Ocean County politics.
Mo Hill defeated Dan Rodrick in the 2019 election for mayor
It’s not the first time McGuckin bullied his way to getting jobs in Ocean County. After winning the election for Ocean County GOP Chairman, Frank B. Holman enabled McGuckin’s reign of terror against mayors, councilmen, school board members and more, in order to secure jobs once held by former GOP Chairman George Gilmore. In Gilmore’s absence, McGuckin gobbled up all of Gilmore’s former accounts, sometimes using heavy-handed extortion style tactics against mayors and elected officials in order to secure those jobs in behind-closed-door meetings. Those meetings were held under the guise of political party caucuses.
Has Mo Hill Sold His Soul?
Rodrick alleged McGuckin attempted to extort Memoli to gain Memoli’s favor at that breakfast, in order to secure a lucrative legal contract at the Toms River MUA. This would be the second time Hill has censured Rodrick. In 2019, Hill moved to censure Rodrick after Rodrick exposed Hill’s unethical relationship with Orthodox Jewish Synagogue builder Scott Gartner. Gartner had threatened to sue Toms River if the town did not allow him to build a house of worship outside of the township’s long-established 10-acre zoning restriction. Hill accepted over $10,000 in pay-to-play campaign donations from Gartner during that election. Hill censured Rodrick after a postcard was mailed depicting a picture of Mo Hill smiling and shaking hands with Gartner. Since then, Mo Hill has tried tirelessly to convince the Toms River Township Council to reduce the minimum acreage on houses of worship in the community. Last summer, Hill became irate after his proposal to lower the zoning to two acres was made public before a township council meeting to change the zoning. Hill has since signaled that the zoning change for Gartner is inevitable.
Rodrick has not been the class favorite in the world of politics since steamrolling Kevin Geoghegan in the 2017 Toms River Council election. Now, Geoghegan, Hill and their allies in town hall, Matt Lotano, Laurie Huryk, Terrance Turnbach and Josh Kopp have united against Rodrick, who poses a political threat to the establishment status quo and pay to play corruption that has infected Toms River town hall. Rodrick also opposed Mo Hill’s plan to turn downtown Toms River into a city filled with hi-rise apartment buildings.
TOMS RIVER, NJ – No day is complete without breakfast at the Jersey Shore and in Toms River, you’ll find one of the most iconic looking breakfast spots on Route 37 on your way to the soon-to-be-opened beaches and boardwalks. Fast Break is conveniently located on the way to Seaside Heights and Seaside Park and you can’t miss it’s trademark 60’s style facade. During COVID-19 Fast Break has a special breakfast and menu that ‘s available for pick up and deliver.
Breakfast starts with egg platters, omelets, sandwiches, french toast, pancakes, eggs benedict and spinach florentine. For the hearty, you can go for the biscuits and gravy, which in the Marines, we affectionately called, “shit on a shingle” when it was served on a piece of toast.
