DO REAL PEOPLE REALLY DO ALL THIS

Why you should never buy pre-packaged ground beef Published June 23, 2016. 

No need to buy pre-ground meat. Have a butcher grind it up right before your eyes.  Beneath all of a burger's cheese, bacon, and fancy condiments, there's a patty. It's the reason you fired up the grill in the first place. And unfortunately, it's sometimes too perfect.  Those perfectly circular, finely ground burgers you make from pre-ground meat might look great, but they're not delivering the juiciness, tenderness, and flavor you deserve. The good news is, you don't need to go to a specialty butcher to get the best ground beef for your burgers. You just need to know the right moves at the supermarket.  The fresher the beef, the better the burger patty.  Here's your three-step plan: Get Fresh, Be Clean If your supermarket has a butcher counter (or even just a meat guy), you have almost no excuse for not getting your burger meat ground to order at the store (unless you're grinding it yourself, congrats!). "If you just pick up a package of something labeled ground meat, you're getting the lowest common denominator," said Goldwin. The meat can be from scraps from unproductive dairy cattle, can have extra seasonings added, or come from a facility that's nowhere near the butcher counter you're browsing. And those factors can affect the food safety and flavor. So leave the mystery in your beach novel and choose the piece of meat.  Don't Fear the Fat The good news is, choosing that cut couldn't be easier. A chuck steak is widely available, super-affordable, and thanks to its 20% fat content, it has the richness you need for your burger. "If you're high heat grilling, when fat gets hot, it develops great flavors and aromas," said Goldwyn. Fat is what gives even a blend of tough cuts plenty of juiciness, and by asking the butcher for a custom grind, you can get even more of that. "I've even recommended taking the fat level up to 30%," said Goldwyn. To do that, just choose a steak with plenty of extra fat along the edge. 

SPRAINED ANKLE IS NOT FUNNY

Should you ice a sprained ankle? By Anne Harding Published June 25, 2016.  

If you've ever suffered a sprain, you're no doubt familiar with RICE-which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Back in 1978, Dr. Gabe Mirkin popularized the acronym , " and it has become the standard recommendation for many sudden sports injuries. But there's recently been some debate about the I in RICE. In a 2013 review of studies the National Athletic Trainers' Association pointed out that the evidence for icing a sprain is "sparse. And more recently, Mirkin himself changed his mind about ice based on research that suggests icing injured tissue cuts off its blood supply. He said that he now believes "ice doesn't increase healing-it delays it. So what should you do if (ugh) you twist your ankle? We reached out to leading docs for their advice.  To ice or not to ice? It turns out there's still plenty of support in the field for using ice to treat sprains. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society both back the RICE approach. "I'm actually a big ice proponent," said Dr. James Gladstone, co-chief of the Division of Sports Medicine and associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. "I don't think there's a new wave necessarily in terms of treatment, and particularly for sports medicine doctors treating athletes acutely. Anytime someone twists a joint in professional sports like football or soccer, he adds, the first thing a trainer does is put ice packs on the injured area.  Ice helps numb the pain, and reduces swelling by constricting the blood vessels, Gladstone explained. "You still get a sufficient inflammatory response even with the ice to get the healing started," he says. And if icing can reduce swelling enough, it may make it possible to mobilize the joint earlier. Dr. Andrew Hsu, an assistant clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of California, Irvine, also recommends ice for his ankle sprain patients, every two to three hours for three to four days. "Don't put ice directly on the skin-use a thin piece of cloth such as a pillow case between the ice bag and the skin-and don't ice more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid frost bite," he advised.  What about rest-how much is enough? Experts say the "rest" part of the RICE equation varies depending on how bad the injury is. After a severe sprain, you may need a brace or splint to immobilize the joint as the ligaments are healing. But in general, you should limit weight bearing, and use crutches if you need to, Hsu said. To strike the right balance between rest and activity, consider both the pain of moving the joint and the stiffness that results from keeping it immobile, Gladstone said. "You'd like to prevent stiffness, but you don't want to induce pain, so a few days of immobilization can let things calm down, and then you can get it moving. Movement improves blood flow to the area, he adds, and that aids the healing process.  Keep in mind that once you sprain your ankle, you're more vulnerable to spraining it again. That's because the ligaments lose some of their elasticity, according to Gladstone. And after any injury, a joint loses proprioception-basically, the ability to "know" where it is in space. Physical therapy to improve your balance and strengthen the tendons and muscles in your leg and foot can help reduce your risk of more sprains down the road, he said. 

RIP Suzy!

With a heavy heart, I must report the passing of our long time ACB Board Member, Suzy Weatherford. Suzy was always there, willing to help, encouraging and picking up the slack. State conventions and all fund raising will miss her efforts!

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Dr. Janet

I'LL BET THIS MIGHT WORK

"How Would You Fix the Economy?" I think this guy nailed it!
Dear Mr. President,

Please find below my suggestions for fixing America's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the "Patriotic Retirement Plan":
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force.  Pay them $1 million each for severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:
1) They MUST retire.   Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new AMERICAN Car.   Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.
It can't get any easier than that!!

P.S. If more money is needed ... have all members in Congress pay their taxes ... .. .

Mr. President, while you're at it, make Congress retire on Social Security and Medicare ... I'll bet both programs would be fixed pronto! ! ! !

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

We have two events upcoming for your calendar.  On July 12^th we will be having a game day designed just for fun and fellowship with each other.  On July 14^th we will have another day of working on the blankets for donation to the children’s hospital.  We hope as many as possible can attend each of these events.  Each of these events will be from 1 o’clock to 4 o’clock pm.

Please schedule with Shelly to let her know you will attend, especially if you need transportation.  Her contact info is:

501-664-7100  ext 233

Until tomorrow

Bob and Johnye

 

 

 

WHY IS YOUR HAIR GRAY

The truth about stress giving you gray hair By Rachel Grumman Bender Published June 24, 2016. 

When you spot that first silvery strand in your hair, it's hard not to have a brief moment of panic, followed by quickly combing through your locks to see if there are any others. And if it hasn't happened to you yet, it eventually will. So what exactly makes hair turn gray? And does stress play a role?  First, some background on hair color: Hair gets its hue from melanin, the same pigment (or lack thereof) that determines your skin and eye color. With hair, you start to lose melanin as you get older, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, which eventually turns hair gray, silver, or white. "A typical hair on the head can grow for up to about three years," Angela Lamb, M.D., dermatologist at The Mount Sinai Hospital, tells SELF. "When that hair is shed, the germ cells that produce the pigment need to get going again. As we age, the ability to do that robustly decreases. Although it's not fully understood why hair's melanin production is affected, research shows that naturally-occurring hydrogen peroxide can build up in the hair follicle as we age, which may affect the melanin-essentially, bleaching hair from the inside out.  But can stress speed up this process? While stress has been known to trigger hair loss , there's little research showing that it can actually turn your hair gray. And it certainly can't turn it white overnight. The leeching of color is a gradual process. That said, it's possible stress has some influence. "We do not have any good research that stress directly causes gray hair," says Lamb, "but we think there is some connection.  As Jennifer Lin, a dermatologist who conducts molecular biology research at the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, in Boston, explained to Scientific American: "There is evidence that local expression of stress hormones mediate the signals instructing melanocytes to deliver melanin to keratinocytes. Conceivably, if that signal is disrupted, melanin will not deliver pigment to your hair. For the most part, you can blame your parents for your gray hairs, rather than stress. "Genetics play the largest role in when you will start going gray," says Lamb. In fact, scientists have identified the first gene responsible for gray hair, IRF4, which may one day hold the key to preventing gray hair in people who aren't fans of the pigment-free strands.  One habit that can cause gray hairs to prematurely sprout on your head: cigarette smoking. A 2013 study found a significant link between lighting up and turning gray before age 30. "Smoking and stress can certainly impact hair, but the extent with which it causes graying is not exactly linear," says Lamb. Your best bet? Kick the bad habit if you smoke and keep stress in check. It may not keep the silver out of your hair, but it certainly doesn't hurt. 

SOMETHING TO TICKLE YOUR FUNNY BONE

Excuses 

Harris pollsters found some memorable excuses people actually gave for not coming in to work: 

• My mother poisoned me with a ham.
• I got stuck under the bed.
• I broke my arm while trying to grab a falling sandwich.
• The universe told me to take a day off.
• My wife put all my underwear in the washer.
• The doctor said I need more vitamin D, so I went to the beach.

Truth Be Told 

A minister was called away unexpectedly by the illness of a close family member. He entrusted to his new assistant the job of filling the pulpit. The pastor's wife stayed home. When he returned, the pastor asked his wife what she thought of the young man's sermon. "The poorest I've ever heard," she said. "There was nothing in it, nothing at all. It didn't even make sense. It was very unorganized. I was disappointed." Later that day, the concerned minister met his assistant and asked him, "How'd the Sunday service and sermon go? Did all go well? How did you manage?" "All went very well, sir, absolutely wonderful," he said. "I didn't have time to prepare a new sermon of my own on such short notice, so I got on your computer and pulled up one of your old sermons from last year." 

Left Behind 

A tour bus driver accidentally left a passenger behind after they had stopped for lunch. Wanting to apologize, the driver called the passenger on the phone. "I don't blame you," the woman told him, "but I'm mad at my husband for not informing you that I wasn't on the bus." 

CAN CHOCOLATE BE ANY BETTER

A sweet idea: Electrical trick may lead to less fat in chocolate Published June 21, 2016.  

Can chocolate get any sweeter? Maybe if it's just a little bit better for you.  Get a charge out of chocolate? New research suggests candy companies may be able to make lower fat versions of the tasty treat with a little electrical trick. By running liquid chocolate through an electric field, researchers were able to make it flow more easily. And that means it doesn't need so much fat, they say. Cutting the fat in chocolate has been a much-studied challenge in the industry. The new approach was described Monday by researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia. During production, chocolate is handled as a liquid that includes solids like cocoa suspended in melted fat and oil, they noted in a paper released by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. A certain level of fat is needed to let the chocolate flow easily enough to be processed, they said. But they found an electric field can encourage flow too. Using that strategy, they were able to reduce the amount of fat by about 10 percent, said researcher Rongjia Tao. In theory, they could reduce it by twice that much, he said. The electric field makes the tiny balls of cocoa solids clump together into chains, which allows easier flow. The work was partially financed by the Mars chocolate company, and Temple holds patents on the technique. Tao said he could taste no difference in chocolate treated with his method, but that some others in his lab said it tasted better. Mary Ellen Camire, professor of food science and human nutrition at the University of Maine in Orono, who was not involved in the project, said the paper left some important questions unanswered. There was no scientific evaluation of how the treatment affects taste and texture, she said. Nor did the researchers test whether the treated chocolate would remain appealing after time in storage, she said. 

TEMPTING TACCO SOUP RECIPE

Nine Can Taco Soup by Janna Peyton 

Ingredients: 1 can drained black beans 1 can drained pinto beans (Mexican style) 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes 1 can drained Mexican style corn 1 can cream of chicken soup, as is 1 can red or green enchilada sauce 1 can chicken broth 2 cans of prepared chicken (tuna-sized cans) One package of taco seasoning 

Method: Combine all in crock pot and cook on low for two hours, until it is hot enough for your taste. Garnish with tortilla chips, black olives, green onions, Mexican cheese, or whatever you fancy.

THE COMING UPDATES WILL EXTEND TO SIRI

Apple's Siri can field tougher questions and follow-ups Apple is making improvements to Siri's ability to understand users' commands without getting confused. by Erin Carson / June 13, 2016.   

Apple's Siri can field tougher questions and follow-ups.  Virtual assistant Siri might be best known for mangling and misunderstanding questions and commands from users. That could change as Apple has been making improvements to the system, which it demoed Monday at its Worldwide Developers Conference . While showing off how Siri can now be used on Apple's newest Mac operating system, "macOS Sierra," Apple's software VP Craig Federighi demonstrated the virtual assistant's new ability to understand sophisticated queries. For example, you can ask for specific files from within a time frame and then refine that query to find files from a certain sender. Siri was first introduced in 2011. Although it was an early entry in the virtual assistant arena, the tool has been relatively limited in usefulness. One reason is those frequent misunderstandings, especially for those with accents. Apple's developers conference 2016: Join us (live blog) Apple OS X is now macOS See all of CNET's WWDC coverage . 

REMINDER ABOUT THURSDAY'S EVENT

REMINDER

 

Just a reminder that we will be having another event at WSB this Thursday the 23^rd.  We will be continuing work on the baby blankets from last week.  We hope many of you will be able to attend.  We have lots of fund and fellowship.  If you plan to attend, please let Shelly know by Wednesday the 22nd, especially if you will be needing transportation.  See you there.

 

Shelly’s contact info:

 

501-664-7100  ext 233

 

Until tomorrow:

 

PERMANENT APPS THAT WILL BE REMOVABLE IN THE NEW IOS

You will be able to get rid of Apple's preinstalled apps in iOS 10 The latest version of Apple's mobile operating system allows users to uninstall up to 23 preinstalled apps on the iPhone and iPad. by Dan Graziano @ / June 13, 2016.  

There are nearly 30 apps that come on every iPhone and iPad that can't be uninstalled, but that may soon change. Apple on Monday released a developer preview of iOS 10 . While it wasn't announced during the company's WWDC keynote, the operating system includes the ability to uninstall up to 23 of Apple's preinstall apps. The list includes high-profile apps like Apple Music and Apple Maps.  An application can be uninstalled by long-pressing the icon until it begins to shake, then clicking the X icon in the top corner. You can reinstall previously deleted Apple apps in the App Store. . The full list of removeable apps can be viewed below: Calculator Calendar Compass Contacts FaceTime Find My Friends Home iBooks iCloud Drive iTunes Store Mail Maps Music News Notes Podcasts Reminders Stocks Tips Videos Voice Memos Watch app Weather

CONTINUING WITH APPLE UPDATES

Here are all the new features coming to MacOS Sierra Siri leads a bevy of new features for the next version of Apple's computer operating system, MacOS Sierra. by Joshua Goldman @ / June 13, 2016. 

At  Apple's developer conference,  Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi introduced eight new major features coming to Apple laptops and desktops running the company's upcoming operating system, MacOS Sierra . The biggest of these is full Siri integration. Apple's digital assistant will be accessible through the Dock for you to do deep searches of your system or anything else -- from pulling up a music playlist, to finding a showtime for a movie, to finding an image on the web. Apple introduced its upcoming Mac operating system at WWDC 2016: MacOS Sierra  "It's the same Siri that we know and love, but now on the Mac ," said Federighi, "and it can do so much more. You'll be able to do things like drag-and-drop results straight from the search results into a document. Also, results can be pinned right to your Notifications. iOS 10, MacOS Sierra and a better Siri: everything Apple just announced at Apple WWDC 2016 keynote kicks off See all of CNET's WWDC coverage . Along with Siri integration, Federighi rattled off seven other new features coming in Sierra. iCloud Drive: You'll be able to sync your Documents and your Desktop folders between between MacOS systems as well as iOS devices. Optimized storage: Hard drive filling up with old files? Federighi said this new feature will allow you to free up space by shifting old stuff off your computer and into the cloud. This gives you more room locally, but if you need to open an old document, you can easily pull it back down. Also, it will let you know to delete used app installers, remove duplicate downloads, caches, logs and other unnecessary junk. Apple Pay for the web: If you're shopping online inside of Safari , you'll have a shopping online, you'll have a Pay with Apple Pay button available to you. You'll be able to securely authenticate your purchases with select merchants using continuity right on iPhone with TouchID or an Apple Watch. Picture-in-picture: Binge-watching while you work made easier. Start playing a video and you'll be able to pop it out as a separate floating box that can be moved around your screen. Tabs: Just like the tabs in your browser, you'll be able to have tabbed windows in other applications, including third-party ones. Universal Clipboard: Basically, you'll be able to sync your clipboard between devices. Highlight and copy something on your iPhone's screen and you'll be able to paste it into a document on your computer. Auto Unlock : Instead of having to type in your Mac's password to get in and start working (or playing), you'll be able to use your Apple Watch to automatically unlock your computer. . 

GETTING SMARTER

To

bobby

Jun 13 at 8:04 PM

Apple introduces iOS 10, rebrands OS X at WWDC 2016 Siri will be front and center on both iOS and OS X, now called MacOS, starting this fall. by Iyaz Akhtar @ / June 13, 2016.  

Apple's latest Worldwide Developers Conference kicked off with news on all of Apple's operating systems. WatchOS looks like it will bring a lot more productivity since apps will launch much faster than before. Siri for iOS will be opened to third-party developers meaning Siri's about to get a lot smarter. Also the rumors were true, OS X is no more -- say hello to MacOS . In very surprising news, Microsoft announced it will acquire LinkedIn for $26.2 billion. At first it seems like an unusual pairing. However, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said he believes LinkedIn will work well with Office 365 as well as Microsoft's advertising business.. 

UPDATE ON TODAYS EVENT

We had a good and enjoyable day at WSB.  We worked on baby blankets and enjoyed one another’s company.  It was a good day.  We will be getting together again next Thursday the 23^rd.  We hope many of you can attend. 

 

We are planning a game day on July 12^th and we hope you will put this on your calendar and plan to attend.  Bob Thompson says he will act as our MC.  More information will follow as we get closer to the event. 

 

Until tomorrow

 

THINGS THEY ARE A CHANGING

iPhones and iPads that will -- and won't -- work with iOS 10 Here's the list of Apple devices that are powerful enough to handle the company's newest mobile operating system.  by Dong Ngo @riceandstirfry / June 13, 2016.  

Gaming iPhones and iPads that will -- and won't -- work with iOS 10.  

Apple's iOS 10, the mobile operating system introduced Monday at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference, comes with a slew of new features , such as facial recognition, better Siri, an all-new iMessage, and so on. Here are the coolest new features of iOS... 1 - 5 of 11 Next Prev But unfortunately not all iOS 9 -compatible devices are powerful enough to support the latest version of Apple's popular mobile operating system. Following is the list of devices that will be able to upgrade to iOS 10: iPhones: The iPhone 6s The iPhone 6s Plus The iPhone 6 The iPhone 6 Plus The iPhone SE The iPhone 5S The iPhone 5C The iPhone 5 iPads: iPad Pro 12.9-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch The iPad Air 2 iPad Air iPad 4th generation The iPad with Retina Display (3rd Gen) The iPad 2 The iPad Mini 4 The iPad Mini 3 The iPad Mini 2 The iPad Mini iPod: The iPod Touch 5th-generation The iPod Touch 6th-generation The list of devices that are not compatible with the latest iOS include: The original iPad The iPod Touch fourth-generation and older models The iPhone 4S and older models . iOS 10 will be available this fall as a free upgrade. . 

IT'S NOT A CURE ALL

What is alkaline water and can it really help with heartburn? By Amanda MacMillan Published June 11, 2016. 

You may have noticed the buzz about alkaline water recently: It's a staple of the alkaline diet, and promoted by celebs like Miranda Kerr for its supposed health perks. Among those perks is the belief that alkaline H2O-which, by definition, has a higher pH (and lower acidity) than what comes out of the tap-can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, aka heartburn. But does this claim really hold water? We spoke with some medical experts to find out.  First things first: What is alkaline water? All foods and beverages have a pH level. This stands for power of hydrogen, and it measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a substance. The pH scale ranges from 1 (the most acidic) to 14 (the most basic, or alkaline). Most tap and bottled water has a pH around 7, which is neutral, although it can vary slightly in either direction. Waters marketed as alkaline have a higher pH-usually between 8 and 9. Consumers can also buy ionizing pitchers, or filters that attach to a faucet to make regular tap water alkaline.  What's behind the heartburn claims? Your body also has its own pH levels, said Dr. Evan Dellon, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. "For example, pH tends to be neutral in the blood, lower in the stomach, and higher in the small bowel," he explained. The alkaline water industry claims that problems can arise when the body becomes acidic, and that their products can neutralize pH and promote a better balance. But our bodies don't actually need help in this area, Dellon said: "We have an incredibly sophisticated machinery to keep the pH levels where they should be throughout the body, and there's not a lot that you can do, eat, or drink to change that. One 2012 study done in a lab found that water with a pH of 8.8 did seem to inactivate pepsin, an enzyme related to the production of hydrochloric acid (the kind found in your stomach). The water also had a buffering effect against hydrochloric acid itself. "These in vitro data suggest that alkaline water may be a useful, risk-free adjunctive treatment for reflux disease," the study authors wrote, although they also stated that more research was needed, including studies in humans. Dellon agreed: "We really have no evidence that this works in real life scenarios," he said. "Meanwhile, we do have many other reflux treatments that are well studied and pretty effective for people.  Doctors don't recommend alkaline water Heartburn is caused by a flow of stomach acid backward into the esophagus, and drinking an alkaline solution may neutralize that fluid for a few minutes, according to Dellon. But it won't solve the underlying problem of why that acid's there in the first place. "It's no different than taking a Tums or drinking a lot of milk-which some people with reflux like to do because milk is also slightly alkaline," he said. Drinking regular water may provide some relief, as well: "It will raise the pH of your stomach, dilute the acid, and clear out the esophagus-so there's lots of good reasons to drink water in general, and to stay hydrated," Dellon added. Dr. Patricia Raymond, a physician in Norfolk, Virginia, and fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, said her patients ask her about the alkaline diet and alkaline water as alternative treatments for reflux, but she doesn't recommend either. "I do support complementary medicine when we know that it can actually help," she explained. "But the medical opinion is really lacking on alkaline water. We're not excited about it as a potential treatment.  Dellon also cautions that alkaline waters aren't regulated by the FDA. "So there's no guarantee that the pH number on the bottle is even accurate," he said. And while the pH levels in most commercial waters should be safe to drink in moderation, he warns against ingesting too many high-alkaline foods or beverages. "The esophageal lining is built to withstand acid damage, but it's not at all built to be exposed to things that are alkaline," he said. "So for some people, alkaline beverages could cause irritation. If you do drink alkaline water, or are considering it, talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits, Dellon suggested. And if you suffer from frequent heartburn, ask about treatment options that address the underlying problem, not just the symptoms.

TUESDAY'S EVENT AT WSB

This Thursday the 16^th we will be having another sewing event.  We will try to continue working on the baby blankets we started a couple of weeks ago.  If you would like to attend please let Shelly know by Tuesday the 14^th especially if you will need transportation.  At present we plan for the time to be from

1 o’clock to 4 o’clock pm.  We expect to have lots of laughs, fun, and fellowship.  We hope many of you will be able to attend.

 

Contact Shelly at:

 

501-664-7100  ext 233

 

Until tomorrow:

 

Bob and Johnye

 

 

TECHNOLOGY MARCHES ON

Why Siri needs to smarten up, and fast Apple made the first digital assistant, but it's in danger of falling behind rivals such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon, which have all made huge strides in artificial intelligence. by Shara Tibken @ / June 10, 2016.  

To hold its own against digital assistants from Google, Microsoft and Amazon, Siri needs an IQ boost Last month, Google took the stage in Mountain View, California, to show off improvements to its digital voice assistant. Its signature ability is to have a conversation with it like you would a normal person. You can ask " Google Assistant " what's on your schedule and then have it text the person you're meeting to say you'll be late. Google remembers your first question, so you don't have to start over with a new command. Like a real person, it builds off what you were talking about earlier. All that left Apple's Siri looking, well, kinda dumb. Siri tends to respond only to specific commands, and if you change your phrasing, she gets confused. Even Steve Wozniak , Apple's co-founder and one of the company's biggest fans, thinks Siri hasn't quite nailed it yet. "Sometimes Siri doesn't get the words right, and I'm pissed," he said at a Salesforce conference earlier this week. Siri and Google Assistant are part of a new wave toward artificial intelligence -- smart software that lets machines act more like humans -- that has swept up tech giants Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft, along with many others. While Siri came first, with the iPhone 4S in 2011, the lack of significant improvements to the assistant has opened the door for rivals to surpass her. Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference , which kicks off Monday, may be a chance for the company to show that Siri isn't standing still. "There's pressure because Siri has been around the longest," Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi said. "They need to do more so that people really want to do more with Siri. Apple declined to comment. The competition is already stiff. Microsoft's Cortana works the same across various devices like computers and phones, and Microsoft and Facebook have created " bots " you can chat with to do things like order flowers for your mother. Amazon's Alexa voice assistant has become a popular way to control things in your home, play music and even order pizza through voice commands. A more useful Siri Apple is expected to unveil improvements to Siri during its keynote address, including plans to let any third-party developer integrate Siri into an app. Today it's only Apple's apps and a select number of third-party services such as Yelp that work with Siri. Asking the voice assistant to "call me an Uber," for instance, brings back the response, "Sorry, I don't have a phone number for Uber -- Headquarters. See also Apple at WWDC 2016: What's rumored, what we expect, what we'd like to see Android just blew past the iPhone CNET's full coverage of WWDC Depending on how it's implemented, though, third-party access to Siri could be confusing. For instance, if you say "play the new Taylor Swift album" today, Apple Music immediately starts playing the music. But if Siri soon works with Spotify, YouTube and other music apps, it may not know the best way to play those songs. "How does Siri make the connection between what the user wants and the specific app [to do it]? Jackdaw Research analyst Jan Dawson asked. Another Siri improvement people pine for is a consistent experience across devices. When using Siri with the new Apple TV remote, you have to hold down the button during the entire time you're talking. But with the iPhone, you just push and hold the home button for a brief moment before asking your question. Apple also could bring Siri to the Mac , letting you talk to your computer like you speak to your iPhone or iPad. One possible boost to Siri could come from VocalIQ , a digital assistant company Apple bought last year whose technology specializes in understanding natural conversations. And Apple is working on a device that, like Amazon's popular Echo speaker, lets you interact with your home and other devices through voice commands. (The product likely won't appear at the developers conference.) The biggest challenge for Apple will be making Siri smarter while still sticking to its vow to protect consumer privacy and security. The Google Assistant is so smart because of how much Google knows about you and other users. Apple doesn't keep as much information, which could limit how useful Siri gets. . Still, analysts say there's plenty Apple can do to make its software more intelligent. And it better hurry. . "It's clear Apple's behind in this area," Current Analysis analyst Avi Greengart said. "But it has a real opportunity here to show off some exciting big developments in iOS." . 

SUMMER SHOWER TIPS

7 shower hacks to get you through summer By Stephen J. Praetorius Published June 09, 2016.  

At this point in life, you probably have the whole showering thing pretty much on autopilot (at least we hope you do). You know what products you like, water temperature is just right, and the proper lather, rinse, and repeat cadence-going through the motions with not a lot of thought. What you might not realize, though, is that how you go about cleansing yourself actually needs to alter a bit depending on the season. Which makes sense, if you think about it: how could the same method work just as well both in the dry, frigid depths of winter, as well as during the dog days of summer? It couldn't. And so, here are all the shower tweaks you need to make the closer we get to the season's official start.  1. Assess your shampoo routine As we've mentioned in the past, the amount you should be washing your hair is largely dependent on a couple of factors. Hair type, for one. Also, grease and sweat buildup. It's the latter that becomes more prominent as the weather warms up, and so, if you haven't already, you're going to want to reconsider the frequency with which you shampoo. Maybe it should increase. Maybe it should stay the same. Either way, a little analysis couldn't hurt.  2. Keep on conditioning Even when it's at its greasiest, you hair might still have a moisture problem. So even though it may seem like you can back off, you need to keep up the strong work with the conditioner all summer long, lathering some on every couple days to lock in moisture and help hair stay healthy. The key to adjusting for summer, though: using products marked as "cleansing"instead of the "nourishing" stuff that got you through winter. These won't leave any added weight behind, so your hair can breathe a bit better.  3. Colder is better Sure, a hot shower is nice. But when the mercury's on the upswing, there's definitely something to be said for turning down the heat. For one, it can help with sweat by lowering your surface body temperature, setting a higher threshold for perspiration. Secondly, cold showers can help your skin lock in moisture, constrict blood vessels for reduced flushing, and help you lose weight. But then again, you knew that already.  4. Up the ante. If you're the type of guy who showers religiously once or twice a day, then go ahead and go to number 5; this one isn't for you. But if you're not opposed to skipping a day or two, either intentionally or accidentally, you might want to reconsider your stance for the summer months. Because you're going to be sweating a whole lot more in the months to come, and if you don't at least rinse off every day, you're going to stink. And no one wants that.  5. Consider showering at night. Here's a fun tidbit: science has proven that people fall asleep easier, and sleep better, when their body temperature is on the decline. Now, during the winter, that's an easy thing to achieve-the weather's pretty much got you covered. But in the summer, it can be somewhat more difficult, which is why taking a cold shower at night can be a solid choice. Another tip: don't towel off as thoroughly, as going to bed slightly damp will help keep you cooler for longer.  6. Exfoliate away No matter how much you moisturize, chances are that you've got some dry skin somewhere on your body. Don't worry, it's only natural. But the fact is, at some point in the near-ish future, you're going to find yourself less-than-fully clothed in front of other people, and the last thing you want is dry, scaly skin killing your vibes. So get yourself an exfoliating scrub, and use it anywhere needs attention. 7. Pay attention to your feet At least if you're planning on wearing sandals any time soon. And let's get real, you totally are. 

WHERE DO YOU FALL IN THIS SURVEY

Never floss? You're not alone ... and that's bad news By Arden Dier Published June 09, 2016.  

If you never floss your teeth, you're in good company among a third of US adults. CDC researchers looked at data on more than 9,000 Americans aged 30 and over about the number of days in which they flossed during the previous week. In news that probably won't shock most dentists, 32.4 percent said they didn't floss their teeth at all, in contrast to the 30.3 percent who said they flossed daily and the 37.3 percent who flossed less than once a day.  The study is called the most comprehensive national analysis to date on the habit, which can get rid of bacteria linked to gum disease and keep tartar from building up. : Men were more likely than women to be in the never-floss camp, 39 to 27 percent. In terms of race, 40 pecent of African-Americans say they never flossed, along with 38 percent of Hispanics and 31 percent of whites. Nearly half (49 percent) of those in low-income brackets say they never flossed, versus 28 percent of those in higher brackets. Those 75 and older (45 percent) were more likely to never floss than those ages 30 to 44 (31 percent). "I think it's one of those things people don't know enough about," says study author Dr. Duong Nguyen, who suggests that doctors, not just dentists, should push flossing. "If you hear it more and hear it from different places, maybe it will stick a little more.

WE TALK TO SIRI-HOW ABOUT YOU

The stunning, heartwarming reason why people don't use Siri Technically Incorrect: A new study reveals that people have remarkably human reservations about voice assistants. by Chris Matyszczyk @ / June 5, 2016.  

Technically Incorrect offers a slightly twisted take on the tech that's taken over our lives. Enlarge Image Talking to Siri is OK at home.  The future can wait. We're still human, after all. We still have human pretensions, foibles and, most importantly, human self-image. This seems to be impacting our enthusiasm for Apple's Siri and similar voice assistants. Even though these have become much more adept at understanding our words and offering jokes, they haven't entirely been adopted as natural companions. A new study by market research firm Creative Strategies offers a blessedly understandable view of why Siri, Cortana and friends aren't always our first thought for a chat. We're a touch embarrassed by them. Even though a mere 2 percent of iPhone users in this study -- which covered 500 so-called mainstream consumers -- hadn't ever used Siri, a mere 3 percent had actually used her in public. It seems this is the greatest hurdle to complete acceptance of a digital assistant. In fact, 20 percent of those who had never used a voice assistant said it was precisely because they couldn't bring themselves to talk to a machine in front of other people. The survey author admits she's a touch stunned at this, given Americans' vast enthusiasm for talking loudly on their phones in public. Could it be, then, that people are simply ashamed to be seen talking to a machine in front of others? It seems so. More Technically Incorrect  Why Apple has lost its simplicity Indeed, the place where consumers like to talk to Siri most is in the car -- likely because they're scared to be caught by police officers holding phone. The next most popular location for Siri-communing is in the home. Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. I wonder, though, how many people talk to Siri only at home when no one in the house can hear them. Siri, I don't like my brother. What should I do about it? . I decided to conduct my own experiment. I asked Siri: "Should I talk to you in public? . Siri paused and replied: "I'm not sure what to say."

MAYBE SOME HELP FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO SNORE

5 ways to reduce snoring naturally By Lindsay Carlton Published June 05, 2016. 

If your snoring drives your partner nuts- or if you're victim of your loved one's snoozing- this is for you. Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth is obstructed. There are a few things that can trigger snoring like colds, allergies, smoking and certain medications. We recently got this tweet from a viewer: My wife has a bad snoring problem and refuses to use any anti-snoring nasal gadgets. Are there any natural remedies that might help? Chronic snorers can be at risk for serious health problems like sleep apnea, so you should always see your doctor to rule this condition out first. Dr. Mark Hendricks, the medical director of sleep services at HCA's Fairview Park Hospital in Georgia said there are several ways to test for sleep apnea. Patients can stay overnight at a special sleep observatory where doctors can measure the number of times they stop breathing or have shallow breathing per hour, also known as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). "We can also do home sleep tests as well. Typically it is a small portable device where the patient has a sensor under the nose and on the finger to monitor air flow," Hendricks said.  Although the market is flooded with anti-snoring gadgets that claim they can reduce snoring, there are also effective natural remedies the can help. 1. Proper sleep positioning Instead of sleeping on your back, lying on your side may help to keep the base of your tongue from collapsing into the back of your throat, which can obstruct breathing. "If she tends to only snore on her back, you can have her wear a pocket t-shirt on backwards and put a tennis ball in the back which will train her over the period of a few weeks to not sleep on her back anymore," Shelby Harris, PsyD of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York said.  2. Clear nasal passages "I recommend taking a hot shower before bed, this will help open the nasal passages," Hendricks suggested. "Even keeping a bottle of salt water in the shower and using it to rinse the nose out while showering can help to keep the nasal passages moist. 3. Allergen control "Changing sheets and pillowcases frequently to reduce dust mites in the bed can help and keep the ceiling fans dusted frequently if there is one over the bed. Keep pets out of the bedroom," Hendricks said. 4. Reduce inflammation Inflammation can narrow the breathing passages in the throat and nasal cavities. Dr. Gabrielle Francis , a naturopathic doctor based in New York City recommends infrared sauna sessions to sweat out excess water retention as well as some specific herbs known to clear inflammation. "Herbs like turmeric, ginger, and Boswellia-- also known as Frankincense, are good to use. They can add them to their diet but they can be found in supplement form. One I like is called Inflammatone," Francis said.  5. Realignment of the neck Dr. Francis, who is also a chiropractor, said if people have a misaligned neck it can block the tube that allows fluids to be drained out of the head, making them more congested and mucousy. "You can do chiropractic adjustments to realign the neck, they also have special pillows called cervical pillows that help support the curve in the neck," Francis said. "I also have a cervical traction block that I give to people that helps to realign the curve of the neck.

SOME CHANGES COMING TO THE UBER APP

Uber updates app, with a focus on its drivers The new features include instant payment, the ability to pause new ride requests and discounts on taking Uber rides. by Ben Fox Rubin, June 6, 2016.  

Uber on Monday aimed to appease its drivers, but not with higher fares.  Uber's relationship with its thousands of drivers has faced a lot of challenges. Drivers have protested Uber's fare cuts and filed class action lawsuits against the company over their classification as contractors and not employees. . In an attempt to placate the people that keep Uber running, the ride-hailing service on Monday unveiled a handful of new features on its app that are targeted at drivers. . Among the changes, drivers in several US and international cities will be able to stop new ride requests from coming in, so they can take a break or log off just before dropping off their last passenger for the day. Currently, drivers must manually decline trip requests until that last drop off. . In some cities, Uber also is instituting a policy that drivers will get paid for waiting for a rider after two minutes.

WAL-MART DELIVERY COULD BE COMING BY WAY OF UBER

Walmart to test grocery delivery through Uber, Lyft Customers can place their order through the retail giant and expect delivery through one of the ride-hailing services. by Steven Musil, June 03,2016.  

Walmart will soon begin testing a grocery-delivery service through Uber and Lyft as part of an effort to better compete with Amazon. . The retail giant is expected to launch the effort in the next two weeks in Denver and another market, according to a company blog post late Thursday. The second market included in the test wasn't identified, and Walmart representatives did not immediate respond to a request for comment. . Amazon has been operating grocery-delivery service AmazonFresh in its home city of Seattle since 2007. It has since expanded to New York, Philadelphia, and parts of Northern and Southern California. . After Walmart prepares a customer's order, a driver will be requested from one of the ride-hailing services to deliver the groceries to the customer, Walmart chief operating officer of e-commerce, Michael Bender, wrote in a blog post. Customers will pay Walmart a delivery charge of between $7 and $10, but pay nothing to the driver, Bender said. . "We'll start small and let our customers guide us, but testing new things like last-mile delivery allow us to better evaluate the various ways we can best serve our customers how, when and where they need us," Bender said.  More details will be revealed at the company's shareholder meeting on Friday. 

SOME IPAD SETTINGS YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER

7 settings new iPad owners should change right now Tweak these settings for a better tablet experience. by Rick Broida @ / June 3, 2016.  

Meet the Settings menu. It's your new best friend. New iPad? It's a pretty easy device to use, but certain aspects can be confusing. For example, if you also have an iPhone, don't be surprised if your new tablet suddenly starts ringing the next time you get a phone call. That's a feature, not a flaw, but you may prefer to keep your calls away from your iPad . So consider changing that setting, along with these X others: 1. Disable phone calls Sure, it might prove handy to answer a phone call on your iPad, especially if your iPhone is charging in the other room. On the other hand, who wants that kind of interruption when you're watching a video, playing a game or whatever?  Fortunately, it's very easy to disable this feature: Go to Settings > FaceTime and tap the toggle switch to turn off Calls from iPhone . 2. Enable Find My iPad iPads don't tend to go missing as often as iPhones, but loss and theft can happen. That's why it's essential to make sure the Find My iPad option is enabled. By default it should be, but check anyway -- and then make sure you know the finer points of using the feature.  For starters, go to Settings > iCloud , then scroll down to Find My iPad . If it's not already set to On, tap the setting and then switch the toggle. At the same time, consider enabling Send Last Location , which will automatically transmit (to iCloud) the iPad's current location when its battery is critically low. So, how do you actually locate your missing iPad? If you have an iPhone, you can use the Find My iPhone app. Alternately, if you have access to a PC, sign into your iCloud.com account, then access Find My iPhone from there. Both methods have one limitation: Your iPad must be online in order to share its location, play a sound, enter Lost Mode or get remotely erased. So try your best to lose your tablet while the battery's still charged. 3. Add more fingers to Touch ID All newer iPads incorporate Touch ID, the fingerprint sensor that makes for fast and easy lock-screen security. And when you first set up your tablet, you probably trained Touch ID to recognize one of your fingers. Just one problem: Sometimes you want to use other fingers. Like, say, the thumb on your other hand, or an index finger when the tablet is laying on a table. Fortunately, iOS can accommodate up to five fingers. All you have to do is train it to recognize more. To do so, tap Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, then enter your numeric passcode. Now tap Add a Fingerprint and follow the prompts. Repeat the process for any additional fingers you want to add. 4. Use the numeric battery gauge Want to know exactly how much battery life is left? By default, your iPad shows you only a small gauge -- not super informative.  Here's the fix: Tap Settings > Battery , then turn on Battery Percentage. Presto! Now you've got a numeric reading alongside your battery icon. 5. Tweak the size of text iPads have big screens, so why not make text easier to read? You can do that by adjusting the size of the system font. Here's how: Tap Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size . Then drag the slider a few ticks to the right until you're happy with the size. Needless to say, you can also decrease the font size by dragging in the other direction. Whatever works best for your eyeballs!  As noted on that settings page, this change will affect only those apps that support Dynamic Type (meaning iOS apps and a smattering of others). You can also improve readability by tapping Settings > General > Accessibility and enabling the Bold Text option. 6. Add more apps to the dock If you're an iPhone user, you know that you can "pin" up to four apps to the bottom of the screen -- the dock -- where they remain visible as you swipe through your app pages. Out of the box, the iPad works in a similar way, with four omnipresent apps down there. What's this? Six apps on the iPad dock? Yep, it can be done.  But guess what? The iPad dock actually has room for six apps. Just tap and hold an icon until all the icons start to dance, then drag that icon down to the dock and release. If you want, drag another app to the dock. Press the Home button when you're done. 7. Customize the Today display When you swipe down from the top of the screen (starting just above the top), you gain immediate access to the iOS Notification Center, where you can read, review and dismiss notifications you've received. You can also tap Today for quick access to information from a wide assortment of apps. Here's how to choose what information you'll see -- and the order it'll appear in.  Swipe down, tap Today , scroll down to the bottom and tap Edit . The items at the top are already selected for the Today screen. All the items below that are available to add. Just tap the green plus sign next to the ones you want. . To change the order in which they appear, tap and drag one of the "handles" (represented by three horizontal lines) and drop it in the desired spot. Then tap Done . Now you'll see the Today screen with all the items you enabled and in the order you put them. Tap Edit again if you want to make further changes. . 

MAY NOT BE AS GOOD FOR YOU AS YOU THINK

This is what's really in energy drinks By Amy Maturana Published June 03, 2016.  

It's usually smart to avoid foods that have long, complicated words on their ingredient labels that make you scratch your head. If the ingredients sound like someone made them up, chances are they did-in a chemistry lab. So it's not surprising that health professionals have warned against energy drink consumption pretty much since they became popular. Reading the words on a can, you start to wonder: Does anyone really know what's in this? The answer is yes, and also not really. We know caffeine and sugar, both of which are plentiful in energy drinks. The other ingredients, though, aren't quite as ubiquitous in our daily diets-unless you frequent GNC. When it comes to safety, health experts are weary about both the amount of caffeine packed into a single can, and how all the substances may interact.  Because Science "Energy drinks' caffeine content varies a lot," Sheri Zidenberg-Cherr, Ph.D., a nutrition specialist in the UC Davis department of nutrition said.  They're considered supplements and not a food product, so labeling requirements are quite lax, and the ones that do label caffeine content may not make it very legible. When it comes to the other, more unknown ingredients, Zidenberg-Cherr explained that even if one substance is proven safe on its own, that may change when it's combined with other things. "The problem with these drinks is there are a lot of ingredients being added to them, some that have been used before in this way and others that have not, and it's the mixture that's the concern," Zidenberg-Cherr said. So what's even in that mixture? Here are some of the most common energy drink ingredients, and where they rate on usefulness and safety. 1. Ginseng Used most commonly in Chinese medicine, ginseng is an herb that been used traditionally to treat numerous ailments. It's generally thought to boost immunity and improve overall health-you've probably seen it added to green tea and other herbal remedies. Research doesn't conclusively back up these claims, but short-term use is thought to be safe. The concern, though, is that it may compound caffeine's impact and increase side effects like increased heart rate, Zidenberg-Cherr said.  2. Taurine "This is an amino acid that we find in protein, meat, fish, breast milk," Zidenberg-Cherr explains. It helps us maintain neurological function and regulate fluid levels. There are some claims that taking a taurine supplement can improve athletic performance, but not a lot of data exists on its efficacy or its safety as either a supplement or energy drink ingredient. "The concern has been that when it's mixed with high amounts of caffeine, there could be effects on the heart," Zidenberg-Cherr said. One 2014 review found that taurine seems to counteract some of caffeine's cardiovascular effects rather than compound them.  3. Guarana Guarana is an herb that's often used as a stimulant in teas, either added or naturally occuring. Its major component is caffeine. "It has been associated with increased energy and enhancement of physical performance," Zidenberg-Cherr said. It's generally recognized as safe (GRAS), but Zidenberg-Cherr notes that no one really knows if it's still just as safe when compounded with other high-caffeine ingredients.  4. Ginko biloba This is another herb, added to supposedly increase alertness. "There's been a lot of studies looking at it in terms of mental function and mental alertness," Zidenberg-Cherr said. "But there is not very consistent information on it. It's been used medicinally for thousands of years, according to the Mayo Clinic, and research supports its use for some medical conditions including dementia, anxiety, and schizophrenia. For other uses, evidence is lacking or mixed. "It might also depend on what other medications someone is taking," Zidenberg-Cherr added. Oftentimes, we view herbal ingredients as safe because they're natural, "but if you're taking other medications, they could interact with some of these herbs.  5. Carnitine Our bodies naturally produce carnitine, a substance that's used to turn fat into energy. You can also buy it as a supplement, and it claims to boost exercise performance. "There's not much data to encourage its use," Zidenberg-Cherr said. "There's no evidence that taking it is going to alter anything, and there's not a lot of information on its safety as a supplement. Some studies suggest carnitine may be promising in treating various health problems, like certain heart conditions, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism, but in all cases, more research needs to be done and supplements should not be taken without a doctor's supervision.  6. Green coffee extract You may have heard of green coffee bean pills from that lawsuit the FTC won against a company selling them as a magical weight loss drug, with completely falsified "research" to back up their claims. Dr. Oz got some pretty hefty backlash, too, after promoting the bogus pills as a secret weight-loss weapon. Zidenberg-Cherr said green coffee extract, which is often listed in energy drinks and especially those claiming to be all-natural, is just another form of caffeine. "People look at it thinking it's natural so it's better," Zidenberg-Cherr said, but all caffeine works the same way in your body. And no, it's not the magic weight-loss wonder our society has been searching for. 

DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE

Blind man claims McDonald's drive-thru is discriminatory, files lawsuit Published June 01, 2016.  

Does McDonald's drive-thru policy discriminate against the disabled?  A Louisiana man is suing McDonald's over its drive-thru policy that prohibits customers without wheels from using the service. Scott Magee, who is blind, says the fast food chain's refusal to accommodate those who cannot drive is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the suit , filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court of Northern Illinois (McDonald's headquarters is located in Oak Brook, Ill., a Chicago suburb), the chain has no "concern whatsoever for the accessibility of the late-night drive-thrus to the disabled. Roberto Luis Costales, of New Orleans-based lawfirm Beaumont Costales, is representing Magee. He says McDonald's current drive-thru policy is "discrimination in its purest form. "McDonald's is effectively prohibiting not just the blind, but millions of disabled Americans who cannot drive from using a service that is available to all other customers," Costales said.  Since news of the lawsuit broke, Costales says his law office has received calls from dozens of people, including a man with epilepsy. The suit is pending class-action status. Many McDonald's restaurants operate only as drive-thrus during late-night hours, which reduces staffing costs and has also been cited as a security measure. McDonald's company policy prohibits service to any drive-thru customers on foot. Costales says in its current form, the policy "violates the spirit of the accommodation" elaborated in current ADA regulations that ensure equal access and opportunity to the disabled in public and commercial spaces-including restaurants. A representative from the U.S. Department of Justice said the department could not comment on this case specifically but pointed to Title III of the ADA which deals with "Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities. According to the document, restaurants are included as places of "public accommodation" and must "make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures, when the modifications are necessary to afford goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations to individuals with disabilities, unless the public accommodation can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations. The court complaint cites a specific instance in August 2015 when Magee went through a McDonald's drive-thru on foot and attempted to order a meal after the lobby had closed. According to court documents, the plaintiff claims he was refused service and the restaurant employees laughed at him. Under federal law, Magee is not entitled to compensation but he asking for the company to change its policy or make a few small changes. Costales says there are several ways McDonald's could easily accommodate the disabled. "They could create an after-hours walk up service window, for example. This could generate more business for franchises and they are constantly changing the architecture of their business anyway," says the lawyer. He also suggested a hotline where pre-registered blind or disabled customers could call in orders ahead of time and pick them up at a designated spot. But, ultimately, says Costales it is up to McDonald's-- not the consumer-- to find a safe way to accommodate all types of customers. "We are not advocating people walking through drive-thrus," says Costales. "But we are looking forward to having these small changes implemented in safe way. All we're asking is for a small concession that has the potential to help millions. Senior U.S. District Judge Joan B. Gottschall gave McDonald's until June 17 to respond. The company's corporate office in Oak Brook, Illinois, said that it does not comment on pending litigation. Last year, Magee's brother Emmett, who is also represented by Beumont Costales, sued Coca-Cola in Louisiana arguing that all machines should be accessible to the blind. The case was dismissed in a trial court but is currently being appealed. 

UPDATE ON THE SEWING CLASS

The sewing class went as follows.  We had a lot of laughs and good fellowship but not much sewing.  Needless to say, the machines were much to be desired and will probably go back to Amazon but lots of fun was had by all. 

 

We will have two more classes in June and will have a slightly different approach.  They will be on the 16^th and the 23^rd.  Hope some more of you can come then.

 

Until tomorrow:

 

Bob and Johnye

THE WAY WE FOLD OUR FLAG IS NO ACCIDENT

Meaning of the Folding of the Flag

Correctly Folding the United States of America Flag Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United! States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see American flags folded and now you will know why.