Health Care Reform, A Doctor Weighs In

Dr. Carl N. Steeg is a retired pediatric cardiologist.  During his career, he was the Director of Pediatric Cardiology at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  Politically, he is a moderate who tends to vote on issues, not parties.  At the ballot box he has voted for Democrats and Republicans alike and has supported both liberal and conservative issues, after carefully weighing the pros and cons.  Since...

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The Oscar Nominations 2011

The nominations for this years Academy Awards were announced this morning.  Below are the major categories, i.e. the ones we care about.  I'm going to go out on a limb and highlight who I want to win.  Not who I think will win, but who I would vote for, if I had a ballot.  This year there are many fine films and brilliant performances, making the choice of winner all the more difficult.  What an honor to get a nod in...

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A Stop At Henri Bendel's NARS Counter

712 Fifth Avenue, New YorkRecently, I got a call from NARS at Henri Bendel's to come in for a makeover.  Unlike e.v.e.r. before, I looked natural and dare I say, like a professional model or actress when all made-up.  I know it wasn't just my imagination because as I circulated the floor afterwards, strangers took the initiative of telling me how pretty I looked, and this doesn't normally happen to me.  Gee whiz, could I stir such...

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Healthy Spices In A Well-Stocked Kitchen

Good cooks already know how important spices are in meal preparation.  Not only do herbs and spices make food taste better, they may help you live healthier and longer.  So says a slew of experts, including Drs. Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen (the "You" doctors), Dr. Andrew Weil (a proponent of integrative medicine) and Alison Gernand (from the University of Texas School of Public Health).  Studies show that adding spices to a diet helps...

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Gerry Rafferty - Right Down the Line

On January 4th, 2011 Scottish musician Gerry Rafferty died of liver failure. Best known for his pop hits, [solo] "Baker Street," "Right Down the Line" and [with band mates] "Stuck In the Middle With You," he was a life long alcoholic, which must have been genetic, because his father was one also. I want to acknowledge him for his distinctive voice and fine songwriting. Not only are his tunes catchy and likable, but his lyrics are crisp, precise...

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Pass The Pepper Mill, Please

It appears I'm going to have to bite the bullet. There's a kitchen gadget I need, and it never, ever goes on sale.  I'm talking about a pepper mill.  Research leads me to a French company.  Peugeot makes a high end pepper mill, which reportedly will last through the years.  The model I have in mind is called “Nancy.”  That's right ... Nancy.  Who knew pepper mills have names?  Could it be a joke the French are playing...

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Ringing In The New Year

New Year's Day has come and gone, but the new year has just begun.  I don't make New Year's resolutions, per se.  I think you need motivation, direction and discipline everyday to live a life of purpose, as well as, the flexibility to meet the challenges that will invariably arise.  Nothing earth-shattering here ... stay positive, always do your best, learn from your mistakes and keep trying.  (Somethings, trying something else.)...

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