Archive for the ‘General’ Category.
“Follow the money.”
I have several times promoted the idea that the president’s political party has no influence on the US GDP or any other major economic indicator. I used as evidence some charts and discussion I’ve found online and eyeballing of Federal Reserve charts. I think I was wrong! I came across an article today that says my eyeballing skills are not as good as I believed! The research and newspaper article says, among other things:
Since 1933, the economy has grown at an annual average rate of 4.6 percent under Democratic presidents and 2.4 percent under Republicans, according to a Times analysis. In more concrete terms: The average income of Americans would be more than double its current level if the economy had somehow grown at the Democratic rate for all of the past nine decades.
I’m blown away at this analysis! I always hand-wavingly-guessed that Republicans had an edge when it came to sound fiscal policy. Republicans wear suits better (remember Alex Keaton on Family Ties?)… “greed is good”… all that! But this research turns the idea on its head!
The research paper uses some economics theory and math to say (warning, economics geekery. read the paper for more info):
…it appears that the Democratic edge stems mainly from more benign oil shocks, superior total factor productivity (TFP) performance, a more favorable international environment, and perhaps more optimistic consumer expectations about the near-term future.
The research was published in the peer reviewed American Economic Review in 2016.
– The research article, Presidents and the US Economy: An Econometric Exploration (local copy)
– The New York Times article: Opinion: Why Are Republican Presidents So Bad for the Economy?
Our doctor recommended Zicam.
It is a “1x” homeopathic dilution of zincum gluconicum.. Normally I would say that homeopathy is absolute rubbish…. no let me revise that statement and say firmly, “homeopathy is absolute rubbish.” But a “1x” dilution is a 1 to 10 dilution… which is to say that 10% the ingredients are actual… ingredients. That sounds like MEDICINE. WTF?
I HATE that this company is touting actual medical studies and co-mingling it with the notion that it is homeopathy. It isn’t. Or maybe it is. The box says “This product is not required to go through the FDA’s New Drug Application approval process.” Hey FDA, you’re screwing up!
ISO recommendations for a smartlock for an external door. Especially looking to make sure our doors are locked at night with an app.
I just scheduled my first COVID vaccine dose! Feb 2nd!
Here’s what Abigail did LAST WEEK in school. It’s astounding! Step One in Berkeley is an amazing school! I’m so proud and happy to be a part of it, for myself and my daughter!
(If you are using Chrome on Windows, here’s how to view this stupidly long image (sorry!) right-click | open link in new tab, then click on the image to zoom in on it)
My favorite food storage containers AKA “Tuppers” are the rectangular “Ikea 365+” line. Here’s why:
- The same top is used by ALL of the different sizes (34 ounce to 142 ounce) and materials (plastic and glass). No more rummaging for the right size lid!!!
- Having consistent dimensions, they stack well in the fridge and nest well on the storage shelf.
- Being rectangular, they use space more efficiently than a cylindrical or bowl shaped container.
- They are inexpensive and I can buy more of the exact same size, unlike the stupid “premium limited edition” food containers I’ve had in the past.
- Available in light & break-resistant plastic, and oven safe & stain-proof glass, I use them daily!
Here are the exact sizes I have, all with the same beautiful lids:
- 34 ounce plastic
- 34 ounce glass
- 68 ounce plastic
- 61 ounce glass (the mate for the 68 oz. glass)
I’ve had them now for a few years and they’ve stood up well. The plastic appear to be polypropylene, as they read “P.P.”
The 142 ounce containers use the same lids but I don’t have any yet.
The only downside I’ve found so far is that the 34 ounce size is too big for what you’d consider “small” leftovers. If it doesn’t make a mess, I will sometimes put two different small leftovers in the same container. They make a sectioning system that I should try out!
(I previously wrote about food storage)
I don’t want to leave this photo here but I have to. As a reminder.
Adam Christian Johnson
Here’s where I practice school-based OT at the beginning of 2021.
