Transforming Sidewalks: Widening Sidewalks and Overcoming Obstructions

In our ongoing efforts to create inclusive urban environments, the prominent yellow truncated dome mats have long served as tactile indicators to assist individuals with visual impairments. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations and safety concerns associated with these traditional indicators. The slippery nature of truncated domes during adverse weather conditions compromises the safety of all pedestrians, especially those who face medical challenges and rely on walkers, rollators, or manual wheelchairs. Moreover, these domes can present navigational difficulties for individuals with limited mobility. To effectively address these challenges and ensure the safety and accessibility of our sidewalks, it is imperative that we explore alternative solutions. Collaborative planning and implementation involving city planners, architects, community members, disability advocates, and relevant stakeholders are fundamental to this process. By fostering open discussions and embracing diverse perspectives, we can develop practical and inclusive solutions that cater to the needs of all pedestrians. By prioritizing accessibility in our urban design, we can create safer sidewalks and reimagine the role of truncated dome mats. Instead of relying solely on these mats, we must seek alternative solutions that enhance both safety and accessibility. Our solutions should not only consider the diverse needs of individuals with visual impairments but also address the challenges faced by those utilizing walkers, rollators, or manual wheelchairs. By doing so, we ensure that our sidewalks provide a smooth and secure experience for everyone.  Therefore, we advocate for the immediate removal of all those bright yellow truncated dome mats due to their limitations and safety risks. Simultaneously, we encourage the exploration of alternative solutions that prioritize the safety and accessibility of individuals with disabilities and the general public. It is crucial to actively seek and implement alternative solutions that address hazards during adverse weather conditions and offer improved navigation for individuals with limited mobility. By embracing collaboration and fostering an inclusive mindset, we can create sidewalks that meet the needs of all pedestrians. With that being said, let us take action today to remove these bright yellow truncated dome mats from all sidewalks and parking lots and embark on a journey toward safer and more accessible sidewalks. By reimagining the role of tactile indicators and seeking alternative solutions, we can pave the way for a truly inclusive pedestrian experience. Together, through collaboration and open dialogue, we can create environments that prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals. Let us work together to create a future where our sidewalks are safe, accessible, and accommodating for everyone.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Introduction: Have you heard the one about skin tags? They're like unwanted freeloading family and friends that overstayed their welcome on our couches but on our faces! But fear not, dear readers, for I embarked on a quest to bid farewell to these unwanted companions, and today, I shall regale you with my amusing tale. So grab a seat and get ready to laugh and learn, as we delve into the world of skin tag removal! Scene 1: The John Candy and Michael Meyers Moment Like a scene out of a hilarious comedy flick, I found myself facing an eyelid skin tag predicament just like John Candy's memorable line in "Uncle Buck." The Vice Principal, with a huge mole on her chin, was criticizing Candy's niece in the movie, and he defended her with a witty remark, "Take this quarter, go downtown, and have a rat gnaw that thing off your face!" Oh, how I wish John Candy had given me that quarter to find a rat to gnaw off that pesky skin tag on my eyelid. See Candy's mole scene, click link https://youtu.be/y1RmI6ffJdk Though Michael Meyers as Austion Powers had his memorable quote as well to Fred Savage as Number 3 with a huge mole on his face and Powers said, "I'm gonna chirp it off and cut it off and make some guacamole!" Oh, yes, how, I also wished Meyers could have cut my eyelid skin tag off and made some guacamole! See Meyers' mole scene with Fred Savage, click link https://youtu.be/bQ66qPlhO7E Scene 2: Exploring Different Methods Skin tags were not just a concern for me but also for my lovely wife. While hers were relatively inconspicuous, mine could practically audition for a reality show! Research led me to discover various skin tag removal methods: using a Hyfrecator to burn them off, freezing them off with liquid nitrogen, or taking the courageous route and cutting them off with a surgical scissor. Scene 3: A World of Internet Remedies Ah, the vast world of the internet, where you can find remedies for almost anything under the sun. Naturally, I stumbled upon countless products and bizarre DIY techniques promising miraculous tag removal. Twisting, turning, even wrapping dental floss around them—I tried it all! But let me tell you, folks, walking around with floss-wrapped tags isn't a fashion statement that will turn heads for the right reasons! Scene 4: Seeking Professional Help Realizing that my internet adventures were leading me down a comical path, I decided it was time to consult a professional. Armed with health insurance and a primary doctor, I paid them a visit. Now, brace yourselves for the plot twist—my primary doctor timidly suggested I see an ophthalmologist for the skin tag on my eyelid. Who knew that one skin tag would require such a star-studded surgeon for the eye, huh? Scene 5: The Bold Doctor's Intervention After years of living with my conspicuous eyelid companion, fate smiled upon me, granting me a new primary doctor with the audacity to say, "Fear not, I shall rid you of that eyelid tag!" I closed my eyes, expecting a moment of suspense, and voilà! With a sterile instrument that resembled a small scissors, the doctor made swift work of my unruly eyelid tag. That little rascal disappeared, never to return again! It has been a good eight years since that fateful day, and I've remained eyelid tag-free. Scene 6: Addressing Vanity Concerns Now, folks, you may wonder why a carefree soul like myself bothered with skin tag removal. Well, as I aged, more of these unwanted companions multiplied on my face but, thank God, not on my eyelid. Call it vanity or simply the realization that people noticed them more than I did. I desperately attempted various methods, each with its own twist—pun intended. But alas, the floss-wrapped look didn't win me any fashion awards. Scene 7: A Dermatologist to the Rescue But fear not, dear readers, for my tale takes an unexpected turn! A visit to a dermatologist for an unrelated matter led to a conversation about my persistent and growing number of skin tags by my eyes and under my eyes. And you know what she said? Brace yourselves for the humor, folks—she exclaimed, "Let's clean up your face and make you look handsome!" Oh, the flattery! She advocated for the simplest method of all: cutting the skin tags off. Scene 8: The Swift Surgeon and the Girly Man Scream With surgical precision, my dermatologist clipped away the plethora of tags below my eyes and on the sides. Now, folks, let me tell you, her speed was astonishing! I let out a scream like a girly man and pleaded for a slowdown, but she remained steadfast, clearly knowing what she was doing. Of course, no comedy is complete without a bit of a sting. The doctor applied a little antibiotic to prevent infection, causing me to exclaim "ouch, ouch, ouch!" in pain, though just a little. But in the end, it was a small price to pay for the laughter-inducing results. As instructed by the doctor, I diligently kept my skin hydrated with Vaseline to ensure no scarring would steal the spotlight. And you know what, dear readers? It worked like a charm! Weeks went by, and I proudly returned to work, sporting a face that seemed 10 to 15 years younger. Conclusion: So, if you find yourself debating how to bid adieu to those pesky skin tags, take a lesson from my comedy-filled journey. Skip the internet gimmicks that promise miracles and head straight to a trusted doctor who's willing to cut them off. Trust me, the laughs and relief are worth it! Remember, dear readers, laughter truly is the best medicine. And when it comes to skin tags, a good sense of humor can lighten the load and make the journey all the more enjoyable. Stay funny, stay fabulous, and may your skin tag adventures be a comedy of triumph! Disclaimer : Please note that while I may have donned the persona of "Dr. Steve" on the radio in Phoenix, Arizona, it's important to clarify that I am not a real doctor and do not claim to be one. The experiences shared in this blog are based on my personal journey with skin tags and should not be considered professional medical advice. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist regarding your own skin tag concerns or any other medical condition. Remember, your real doctor is the expert when it comes to your health and can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs. Stay informed, stay safe, and embrace your own unique journey to skin tag liberation!

I’ve been a member of the SAG and AFTRA union for over 30 years, since the early 1990s. Since then, I have always been disappointed that people like A-list actors George Clooney and Tom Hanks couldn’t afford to pay for my healthcare insurance through the union. This was well before Obamacare. If you are hired by almost any of the Fortune 500 corporations, not to mention a medium or small business, you usually get healthcare benefits after 90 days of employment, unlike in the SAG/AFTRA union. In the SAG/AFTRA union, when I checked last, a SAG/AFTRA union member needed to make more than $60,000 per year in the entertainment industry. With that said, I think medical insurance should be provided to all union members. There are still plenty of starving artists but at least they can have healthcare benefits, including vision and dental care from the union. After I got married, it was nearly impossible for me to get my wife health insurance due to her preexisting condition. Yet there was a benefit to being a small business with two or more employees, including a spouse; you could obtain coverage through a special law. So I was able to get coverage. Still, I struggled as a small-business owner for years to pay for the healthcare insurance rather than having the union that I’ve been a member of for more than 30 years pay for it. You be the judge as to whether Hollywood had and has a double standard and should be known as Hollywood Hypocrites. All I know is that the union could have provided health insurance to me and and all its members for years with the billions of profit made every year in the entertainment industry. Even now, if SAG/AFTRA union wanted to they could do it, not only for those union members who do meet the minimum income requirement, but those like me who don’t—especially for those union members here in California who struggle not only with the high-cost of living, including gas prices, but also from the fact that California is a state that requires health insurance.

Laughter may very well be the best medicine. This could be why both Comedians Bob Hope and George Burns lived to 100 years old. Betty White died at 99 years old. And Dick Van Dyke is still living at 96 years old. Work in Progress!

I n California, it seems like everyone has a therapist, but do they need them? Wouldn’t a good friend or spouse be just as good? Work-In-Progress.

In America, we are lucky to have plenty of food. And yet the number of people who suffer from food allergies is going up. It has even been said that we have a food allergy epidemic. Thirty-two million people in America have food allergies. One adult in ten, and one child in thirteen, has a food allergy. Every year in the United States, 200,000 people need emergency medical care for an allergic reaction to food. Milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans are the main culprits. Many of us were raised believing that the best diet was that of the Native Americans, which included lots of nuts and berries. We must be cautious with such statements because so many people have allergies to these foods. We even have nut-free zones at schools now because of the danger nuts can pose. Regarding berries, there are more than 400 different species that come in many different colors, ranging from yellow, red, purple, white, and blue. These include strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, and boysenberry. Surprisingly, eggplants, tomatoes, and avocados are botanically classified as berries. So if you have a berry allergy, you may be allergic to eggplants or avocados. Those who suffer from a strawberry allergy are also likely to be allergic to eggplants! Yes, really! There are some more surprising facts about food allergies. Did you know that people allergic to blue cheese and blue cheese salad dressing are also allergic to penicillin? Penicillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It was discovered by Scottish scientist Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928. Certain molds, a type of fungus, naturally produce penicillin. These molds break down dead organic matter like dead leaves and trees. Mold is also found in some houses. Given that, those who have this blue cheese and penicillin allergies probably should have that home mold removed. Beyond that, we now have not only lactose-intolerant people but also those who need to be gluten-free. Gluten is a protein in grains like wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Those who are allergic to gluten should stick to products that are now marketed on the labels as gluten-free. America’s changing demographics also provide some interesting facts about food allergies. With the surge of immigration, both legal and illegal, from south of the border, plus the influx of immigrants from Southeast Asia and China, Americans’ tastes are changing in favor of a more spicy diet. But it is estimated that as many as 14 in every 10,000 people are allergic to chili peppers. Chili peppers, however, seem to have a medicinal benefit for many. Capsaicin derived from chili peppers is used as a food additive or an over-the-counter topical agent for treating post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and arthritis. The growing popularity of spicy food can be seen in the popularity of Hot Ones, a YouTube talk show whose basic premise involves celebrities like Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay being interviewed by host Sean Evans over a platter of increasingly spicy chicken wings. See Chef Ramsay on one of the Hot Ones episodes here. Just click the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9DyHthJ6LA). The format involves Evans and his guests eating ten chicken wings, each with a progressively hotter hot sauce. The tagline for the show is: “The show with hot questions and even hotter wings.” Peanut allergies are among the most common food allergies. For those who are allergic to them, even a little contact with peanuts can cause a significant reaction. Blood pressure drops suddenly, and the airways narrow, interfering with breathing. Nausea and vomiting are also symptoms. Yet another surprising fact: Do you know that people allergic to tree nuts aren’t allergic to peanuts because peanuts are beans? For those who are not allergic, peanuts have a range of health benefits. They can even help slow down aging. This is because they contain resveratrol, a nutrient found to have anti-aging properties—it protects cells from being damaged. This might put in mind our long-lived former president, Jimmy Carter, and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, age 97 and 94, respectively. For many years, Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer, and peanuts, even today, are the central element in the economy of Plains, Georgia. Perhaps the Carters are lifelong consumers of peanuts! Which would make a good case for those anti-aging properties. Maybe we should all be eating more of them. In the eyes of many, Carter was a mediocre president but an outstanding ex-president, and perhaps peanuts are the secret of his extraordinarily long and active life. A final thought for those who suffer from food allergies is that there might be a cure, at least for some allergies. You take in a significant, minimal amount of the food you are allergic to, and as a result, you gradually build up some immunity. I know a person who is allergic to tree nuts but continues to eat a little of these nuts to build up immunity. There have been studies on this approach. It’s been shown that if a child allergic to cashew nuts is given a tiny amount of cashew for a week or so, and after that to a slightly more significant amount, after three or four months, the child can eat an entire cashew without having an adverse reaction. After three to four months, four out of five children, even if they stop eating the daily cashew, will no longer be allergic to it. That’s good news for food allergy sufferers. Start with just that tiny amount, and monitor how you react. Don’t rush it, and be careful. It promises to be a fascinating home experiment! Again, I was “Doctor” Steve on the radio, then and now just Steve. Given that I’m not a real doctor, none of my advice should be taken as accurate medical advice. If you decide to try that allergy experiment, I’ve suggested checking first with your real doctor for his medical advice. “Chow” for Now!

Why are Oprah and Marie spokespersons for weight loss companies? Do they care about overweight people? If they did, wouldn’t they want the program to be free? Billionaire entertainment mogul Winfrey made a significant personal investment in WW, Inc., in October 2015 and continues to hold stock in the company. She is also the company’s spokesperson through 2025. I was surprised that Winfrey, who has been generous to her fans with under-the-seat gifts during her tenure as a talk show host, doesn’t offer a free program for weight loss. Similarly, millionaire Marie Osmond, the face of Nutrisystem, touts the diet program. In my younger years, I was smitten with Marie when I saw her on the Donny and Marie show. At the time, I wished I could marry her! For me, these two ladies, Oprah and Marie, are the highest profile celebrities for weight loss programs, but there are others. I know losing weight is strict, whether with a paid or free program. For example, my Dad was on a food program that specified exact portions of food, but my twin sister and I would eat our Dad’s food because it looked good in the excellent packaging and containers it came in. Given that, if it works for people, who am I to judge? On the other hand, in light of this economy, free is better. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA), a free program based on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. Not only am I overweight, but I also see many, many people who are obese. They are in great need of free weight loss programs such as these.

Whether you believe the presidential election 2020 results, President Trump was instrumental in developing the three COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. He was also influential in creating vaccine distribution networks through healthcare facilities and pharmacies nationwide. In my opinion, he showed himself to be a good businessman and strategist. Ergo, I have dubbed the vaccines the “Trump Vaccines.” Many people got the vaccines nationwide. I had one myself, as did my wife and daughter. With that said, there were people close to me who preferred not to get vaccinated. And nothing has happened to them. For example, to name three, they were a 47-year-old African American man, a 28-year-old Latino man, and a 37-year-old woman. To date, none of them have contracted COVID-19. That said, I have dubbed the second vaccine the “Biden Boosters.” Personally, it seemed to me that its purpose was to continue to subjugate the American masses and create hysteria over COVID-19. The booster shot was met with a lackluster response as millions of people said, “No thanks.” Whether COVID-19 was an actual threat nationwide or even worldwide, we may never know. Although many died, no one was dying from pneumonia or any related influenzas. Why not? Could it be that healthcare institutions were offered incentives to certify the cause of death as COVID-19?

Do face masks help to prevent COVID-19? Maybe and maybe not. But face masks have been used for many years during surgery by surgeons and their nurses and anesthesiologists, from the old cloth masks to the state-of-the-art 3M N95 masks. As far as masks are concerned, Mozena Medical was quite fortunate at the onset of COVID-19; we had a serendipitous encounter with NBC News reporter Toni Guinyard in March 2020. My wife and I were in our company medical supply van, getting an In-N-Out Burger, when we saw a local NBC News van. I thought the woman inside looked familiar, and when I drove by, I yelled out the window, “Are you the famous news reporter Toni Guinyard?” And to my surprise, she said, yes, she was. Toni had done an excellent piece on me when I was an aspiring actor in the early 1990s. (See online for both feature news stories.) As we talked, I mentioned my fledgling medical supply business. She showed great interest and said, “I’d like to do live on-camera shots during the morning news show at your store with you and your wife.” She arranged it for the following day (wow!), and we were at our store at 4 a.m. to be live on-camera with cut-ins during the morning news show. (See link https: //www.nbclosangeles.com/news/coronavirus/coronavirus-medical-supply-long-beach-hospitals/2335091/ .) Toni talked to both of us as the cameraman showed my wife and me in the store doing things like me on the phone talking to customers and my wife making her homemade masks. We had so many orders; she worked all night with no sleep making them! We were on the cutting edge of homemade masks to fight off COVID-19. We led, and thousands followed. Our business was skyrocketing, and we were meeting a critical need. Imagine our shock when city and state authorities accused us, because of a few disgruntled “customers,” of price gouging. I had to hire my lawyer of 25 years to advocate for us. There went some of the profits for my small business. Oh, well. One of the significant healthcare suppliers in the nation, according to a reliable source, said Medline was involved with more than 5,000 lawsuits regarding gouging on facemasks to the point that Medline stopped selling them for some time during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our case, it would have been better if a representative from the state and city, instead of secretive covert agents, had come looking for price gouging to provide us with a printout of the governor’s 2-page Executive Order and asked us to comply with it. This would have been a win-win situation for all concerned and a more excellent way to be informed that an executive order had been issued stating that masks could only be sold at a certain percentage above cost. Once we knew about the order, we complied and posted it on the wall beside our face masks. Although people have different opinions on the subject, wearing face masks may help protect us against COVID-19, and Mozena Medical was and is pleased to be a part of that.