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Rick's Travelicious: A day in Quincy, IL
Quincy, Illinois…one short flight from St. Louis
Travelicious heads to a place remembered by Lincoln, the Mormons and now Rick-a-Licious
I found myself with an extra day in St. Louis during a recent four week trip. Although I love this Midwestern city, I had visited too often in the last year and was itching to do something different. Roaming around Lambert Airport and being amazed by the devastation it faced with a recent tornado (hundreds of broken windows are still boarded up), I discovered an airline I had never heard of: Cape Air. Its $22 fare to Quincy, Illinois just up the Mississippi River was enticing enough to take a daytrip to the home of one of the Lincoln/Douglas debates (held in 1858) and the 10 most architecturally signifcant streets in America (Maine Street, according to National Geographic). Boarding a small Cessna which was booked to capacity with 7 just others (one being the pilot), and my laptop secured in the wing storage space, I was in Quincy in less than 40 minutes, all the while taking in fantastic views of the River, Hannibal, MO. and vast farmland below. Retrieving my one piece of no-fee luggage (wow!) from what must be the world’s smallest baggage carousel, I decided to make this a “one city, one site” visit. I headed directly to the Villa Katherine, a Moorish Castle, sitting proudly one of the many bluffs overlooking the Mississippi. There I met Holly Cain, Executive Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the “Gem City,” as Quincy is fondly known. What a treasure! The Bureau is based at the Villa and you won’t find a more friendly, familiar advocate for the Castle or for Quincy than Holly. There I learned all about the Islamic residence listed on the National Register of Historic places. Modeled after the Villa ben Ahben in Morocco, this Villa was build for Quincy native and world traveler George Metz in 1900 based on his sketches of villas in various parts of the Islamic world. Built and trimmed with local materials, it boasts a beautiful “harem room” and a courtyard surrounding a marble mosaic reflecting pool. A replica of the Mosque of Thais in Tunisia surmounts the main tower with waving stripes as decoration covered by a dome. Quincy publishes a 101 guide that lists area restaurants, lodging, attractions, museums and activities. Right near the Villa, you can rent a bike and tour the city’s rich bounty of historic homes, dating back to the early 1900s. Or you can rent a kayak complete with guide and traverse the amazing Mighty Miss. All the while you will witness the hospitality of the locals, such as Holly, and see why the kindness extended by the people of Quincy holds a place in history. During the winter of 1838-1839, five thousand members of the Church of Jesus Chris Latter-Day Saints were driven from their homes in Missouri and arrived in Quincy. Though vastly outnumbered by the new arrivals, the residents of Quincy provided them food and shelter. Joseph Smith then led his followers 40 miles up river to Nauvoo, Illinois. The kindness extended by the people of Quincy continues to be remembered by Mormons. In 2002, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir gave a benefit concert in Quincy, with the proceeds donated to the city as an expression of gratitude.
With a population of just 40,000, Quincy is extremely LGBT and Senior-friendly as well. The Illinois Veterans Home there is a destination in itself, with a museum inside, and surrounded by a wildlife park! The Cabaret and Phoenix both host regular drag shows. Brix Wine Bar, Martinis at 515 and One provide great music and libations. Check out seequincy.com and flycapair.com for all you need to know. Live on the edge when you find yourself with unexpected time on your hands and experience a city you’ve never met before! For under a hundred bucks, I did, and was treated like a Moorish queen! Travel deliciously, Rick]]> -
Minnesota seniors favor marriage amendment by large margin
Considering this site is devoted to LGBT people over 50, it’s always a little uncomfortable writing about the “other” older population – the ones who consistently vote Republican, oppose gay equality and don’t seem to think they know any gay people, or at least none they don’t think twice about hurting.
Seniors in Minnesota support a constitutional amendment restricting marriage to a man and woman by a 57/34 margin. The rest of the state is evenly divided.
From On Top Magazine:
A new poll released Wednesday finds Minnesotans nearly evenly divided on a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
The Public Policy Polling survey found 46 percent of respondents in favor of the amendment, 47 percent opposed, and 7 percent undecided.
“Voters in the state are about as evenly divided as they could be on gay marriage,” Tom Jensen said in a post announcing the poll’s results. “As usual the generational divide on the issue is staggering – seniors support a ban by a 57/34 margin while every other age group opposes it.”
A large majority of respondents (72%) said the relationships of gay and lesbian couples should be given legal recognition (38% marriage, 34% civil unions).
It is the second poll to gauge Minnesota voter’s opinions since lawmakers approved the amendment last week, sending it to voters for their approval in 2012.
“There aren’t a lot of policy issues I would say this about but public opinion on gay marriage is shifting so quickly that it wouldn’t surprise me if opposition to this amendment grows by 5 or 6 points in the 17 months between now and next November’s election.”]]> -
Seniors would pay twice as much for healthcare under Republican plan
A Democratic website (that has to be pointed out, although I believe their numbers) has a graphic out showing that seniors currently paying $6,308 under Medicare would pay $12,826 under the Republican plan.
From Democrats.org:
This new online tool shows the real cost to seniors under the Republican plan – a plan that will end the Medicare benefits seniors rely on. In nearly every state, seniors would pay almost twice the out-of-pocket expenses they currently pay.
Take a minute to see the average cost to seniors in your state and how it compares to the national average. Then, please share this tool with friends, family, and folks in your community.]]> -
PBS to air documentary “Out in America”
I’m looking forward to this. We’ll be somewhere in the Caribbean but that’s what DVR is for! On Wednesday June 8, 8:00 pm eastern time, PBS will be airing a documentary titled “Out in America” that highlights different individuals and some couples as they live their out lives in different parts of the country. You can watch their trailer here (it’s set to expire June 30).
“OUT in America is an uplifting collection of unique, transformative stories and inspiring personal narratives told through the lens of the country’s most prominent LGBT figures and pioneers, as well as many average, yet extraordinary, citizens from Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities. The program weaves together diverse stories – from urban and rural America, from the heartland to New England, from San Francisco to Harlem. Deeply moving and often humorous, viewers will get a glimpse of awakenings, first crushes, unlikely soul mates, intimacy and liberation. While separated by circumstance and upbringing, the film’s subjects are all united in their shared experiences of self-discovery, coming out, pride and love as well as a triumph over adversity and a true sense of belonging. Against the backdrop of historical events, each also traces their own hopes, struggles, influences and contributions towards advancements in equality and broad social change.”]]> -
San Francisco could have first gay mayor with Bevan Dufty
San Francisco mayoral candidate Bevan Dufty is heading to San Diego for a fundraiser. Dufty believes Harvey Milk would have been San Francisco’s first gay mayor had he not been assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone.
Among Dufty’s priorities will be making sure that older LGBT people and seniors are not forced back into the closet if they require housing and care.
From San Diego Gay & Lesbian News:
SAN DIEGO — Folks in the Castro in San Francisco are buzzing with the possibility of electing their first gay mayor.
Former San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty is considered a top candidate and many voters in the city believe November will be an historic election.
Dufty served two terms as supervisor in District 8, the same seat held by LGBT hero Harvey Milk, long considered the “Mayor of Castro Street.” Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated in November 1978.
“Had it not been for Dan White’s assassination of our great leader,” Dufty recently told supporters, “Harvey Milk would have been our first gay mayor.”
Dufty recently received the key endorsement of Stuart Milk, out gay nephew of Harvey Milk. Many supporters believe Dufty’s election as mayor would carry on the dream started by Milk.
[SNIP]
The father a 4-year-old, Dufty said he believes his election would send a strong message as the fight for LGBT equality is a defining issue for today’s civil rights struggles.
“As San Francisco’s mayor, I will stand up to anti-gay bullies whether they are in the halls of Congress or the halls of high school. We need strong LGBT elected officials on the front lines from local, state and federal office. I am ready to lead,” Dufty said.
“Being the leader of a great city extends beyond San Francisco as I help set an agenda for urban America,” he said. “Vibrant, inclusive cities, more responsive to our needs, whether it is reducing new HIV infections, helping homeless LGBT youth or ensuring LGBT seniors don’t have to go back into the closet if they require housing and care.”
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Mark's Cafe Moi: Cruising offers a big bang for the buck
I was reading David Webb’s new column, where he begins with his sticker shock at the gas pump, and it reminded me of what a good deal cruising can be. (He goes on to talk about “normalcy bias,” but I’ll stick to ships for this one.)
Frank and I are heading off on a 9-night cruise this Saturday. I’d never cruised before I met him, and our first was a simple 4-day out of Brooklyn, just in case I got cabin fever and panicked. That didn’t happen. I loved it, and we went on a long cruise for my 50th birthday (some photos here) with his dad, since deceased, and a family friend.
Being completely unfamiliar with cruising, I’d always thought it must be expensive. To the contrary, cruising is one of the most economical vacations you can take. For around $900 apiece we get 9 nights on the ship, plus day excursions to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Bermuda and a fourth island I don’t recall at the moment. I have a habit of not paying attention to the details until it’s time to go – plus I like to be surprised.
Leaving out of Brooklyn also means we don’t have to fly to Florida or anywhere else to set sail. Yes, they nickel and dime you on the ship (be sure to take enough clothes so you don’t have to pay the exorbitant laundry fee), and if you like hanging out at the casino I’d suggest setting a budget for yourself. The last time I ended up spending as much on the ship and the islands as I did for the cruise, but the point is you don’t have to. All the food on a cruise ship is included. The activities are included. You could actually, in theory, take a cruise and not spend anything other than what you paid for the room. That’s not likely, but I am going to see how much more frugal I can be this time. And my own word of advice: do not use credit cards on the islands (and I never use my debit card for anything, anywhere, it’s strictly an emergency measure). They’re great places to visit, but if you end up with fraud on your Visa don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I’ll be blogging from the cruise if I’m able – it all depends on the wifi available, its speed, if there’s any cost etc. I use my Droid to connect when we’re at our house in New Jersey (no high-speed landline connection until we move there), but I have a feeling there would be roaming charges that could break the bank.
So think about a cruise if you haven’t. For the money we’d spend going to Los Angeles for a few days we can get 9 nights, lots of activities, islands, and endless food (alternated with hours at the ship gym?). Cruising is a great deal for the money, and an excellent getaway.]]> -
Column: "Normalcy bias" and what it could mean for you
By David Webb – The Rare Reporter
After months of ignoring it, sticker shock at the gas pump has finally registered in my consciousness.
That moment of enlightenment has led me to do a little research about economics. I now know that I’ve been acting exactly how the experts predict the average consumer will when faced with an unprecedented personal experience.
It all started when I filled up my gas tank at a local service station the other day, and the tab came to over $60 for just a few drops more than 15 gallons. It occurred to me as I drove off that using a credit card at self-service pumps could lead someone to be blindsided in a big way when the monthly bills arrive.
I drive a modest four-cylinder sedan so I don’t even want to consider what people who drive big gas guzzlers are paying to fill up, and the shock that could be in store for them at the end of the month. To put things in perspective, I started driving when I was 14 and at that time – I’m talking about nearly a half-century ago — gas cost about 33 cents per gallon. If I’m figuring correctly, I think that’s about a 1200 percent increase in my lifetime of driving. Admittedly, talking about price increases that have occurred over a fifty-year period might not seem so radical, but just a little over a decade ago gas cost less than $2 per gallon. It cost me less than $30 to fill up a similar car’s gas tank back then. If it were only gas that had increased in price, it might not seem like such a big deal. But everything that we require to go about our daily lives, such as groceries and clothes, has increased just as dramatically. Even the price of beer, which one needs in order to cope with the stress of all the other high prices, has skyrocketed.
We’ve all been warned for a long time by people who lived through the Great Depression of the 1930s that hard times could be coming, but most of us never took those predictions seriously. After my gas pump experience the other day my research revealed that my delayed awareness of the seriousness of the situation is not abnormal. In fact, it is a condition that is known as “normalcy bias.” Basically what that means is that if a person or group of people have never experienced a type of disaster or other traumatic experience, they tend to discount the possibility of it ever occurring. I assume that’s why — despite the repeated warnings that prices for gas and everything else that depends on energy for its production and distribution would be going through the ceiling – that so many of us have ignored the threat. It’s understandable that childless LGBT people, who often have had more discretionary income at their disposal, might be doubly blindsided by such circumstances. It’s clearer to me today than it was a week ago that all of us could be on the brink of making some pretty severe changes in our lifestyle to cope with the economic hardships that appear to be on the horizon. Considering the numbers of people who are unemployed, surviving on food stamps or even homeless, there’s a real crisis out there that most of us just don’t fully comprehend. What’s really scary is that all of the states and local governments are bankrupt and are quickly becoming unable to help support people who are in trouble. The federal government is in the same shape, and the dollar is losing its value quickly. An even scarier scenario is that many people live beyond their means and amass big debts that will crush them should they become unemployed or lose a paycheck for any other reason. Again, someone who has never lost a job or been unable to find one may not realize that it could indeed happen to them as well, according to the “normalcy bias” theory. One of the examples of “normalcy bias” afflicting a whole group of people reportedly occurred in Germany in the 1930s when Jewish people who had lived in the country for generations failed to realize the dangers they faced from Adolph Hitler and his Nazi Party. These intelligent, affluent, accomplished and sophisticated people simply were unable to comprehend what was about to happen to them. Because LGBT people who lived openly in Germany at the time suffered the same fate from the oppressors, a parallel might be drawn between then and now as regards conservative extremists’ plans for our future. During tough economic times, there is always a search for scapegoats on which to blame problems. Some things are out of our direct individual control as regards what could happen to the economy, but there is something that everyone probably needs to do in troubling times. I now remember financial experts on talk shows recently advising people to get out of debt, stay out of debt, start foregoing some luxuries, build a strong cash reserve to take care of basic needs and fill pantries with nonperishable foods.
Until my moment of awareness at the gas pump the other day, I might have considered such a plan as a little alarmist because like most people I know I’ve never gone without anything. But that could change. Now, it just seems like good common sense. David Webb is a veteran journalist who has covered LGBT issues for the mainstream and alternative press for three decades. E-mail him at davidwaynewebb@yahoo.com.]]> -
A senior argues in favor of the GOP Medicare plan
personal blog for that. So when I saw an op ed by a senior who obviously favors the Republican plan to change Medicare, I thought I should highlight it. My personal opinion is that the GOP plan would not change Medicare, it would destroy it. And I noticed that early on the commentator suggests seniors should not over-react since the changes only effect people currently under 55. Well, that’s me, and I may be wrong but I sense in that argument the attitude that we’ve got ours, the kids under 55 are the one who’ll get screwed, so who cares? It seems very easy for people whose benefits won’t be touched to talk about fiscal responsibility. If I could be assured that insurance companies would be required to accept a government voucher in the amount in which it’s issued to me, I would be less skeptical. From DaculaPatch: I am a senior citizen and proud of it. Like most seniors I get confused once in awhile and pass it off as senior moment. Lately I have noticed many of my fellow seniors having what appear to be senior moments about the proposed changes to Medicare and Social Security. Congressman Rob Woodall’s Dacula town hall meeting was the most recent example. Given that the proposed changes for both entitlement programs will not affect anyone 55 or older, why is there such resistance among our age group? First, fear is a great motivator. Many of our greatest accomplishments were the results of trying to avoid an outcome that we feared. Many of our less admirable moments were the result of fear. Fear brings out our best and our worst. Democrats, aided by MoveOn.org, AARP and the mainstream media, are using fear in an attempt avoid the hard budgetary decisions necessary to restore order to the American fiscal house. [emphasis mine] Continue reading]]>
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8000 Americas turning 65 each day – 58 million by 2029
The senior population is growing at a greater rate than ever before. Beginning this year, 2011, 8,000 people are turning 65 each day. In just another 18 years we’ll have 58 million Americans over 65.
From Marketwire:
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL–(Marketwire – May 31, 2011) – Starting in 2011, 8,000 people are turning 65 every single day and this phenomenon will continue for the next 18 years! That means 58 million Americans will be eligible for a senior health plan and will be entering the Medicare system. This is the first time our country will be witnessing such an occurrence of this magnitude but it’s certainly not the first time citizens will be turning 65 and entering into the Medicare system and deciding between Medicare Supplements or a Medicare Advantage plan. What is different is how these seniors will shop and seek information for this transition — it is going online. The insurance salesman who made an appointment with you weeks in advance to stop by your home and pitch a product from the only insurance carrier he represented regardless of the health insurance premiums you would be paying is gone. Seniors are a large and growing segment of internet users and are going online and comparing health plans, speaking to Agents over the phone, and even purchasing the health plans from the comfort of their own homes.
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Daily acetaminophen and brisk walks a benefit in lowering prostate cancer risk
Researchers have discovered that taking Tylenol every day, combined with a brisk walk, can significantly lower a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.
From Time.com:
Pop a Tylenol and take a brisk walk for protection against prostate cancer? That’s what the findings of two new studies published this week suggest.
In the first study, published Monday in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, scientists found that men who took a daily dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for five years had a 38% lower risk of developing prostate cancer, compared with other men. Additionally, daily acetaminophen was associated with a 51% reduced risk of developing an aggressive form of the disease. Men who took acetaminophen for less than five years saw no protective benefit.
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Seniors do best where doctors in higher supply
A new study has found that older adults who live in areas where they have access to a lot of primary care physicians are less likely to be hospitalized for illnesses that can be managed outside a hospital.
From the New York Times:
Older adults who live in areas with high concentrations of primary care doctors are less likely than those in areas with fewer such doctors to be hospitalized for illnesses that can be managed outside a hospital, like asthma and diabetes, a new study has found.
Seniors with greater access to primary care doctors also have lower death rates, the study authors reported. But the availability of these physicians did not correspond to lower medical costs, which were just as high in areas rich in primary care doctors, the study found.
Researchers at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice analyzed the medical records and hospital claims of 5.1 million beneficiaries in traditional Medicare programs in 2007. In the areas with the highest concentrations of primary care doctors working full time in outpatient clinical settings, people 65 and older had death rates 5 percent lower than in areas with fewer primary care doctors. They were almost 10 percent less likely to be hospitalized in these areas for conditions that can be treated outside a hospital.
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Mark's Cafe Moi: (video) Hello from the New Jersey countryside
I wanted to make a short videoblog to say hello from the rural Jersey countryside where we have a house. Our plan is to move there permanently in the not too distant future.]]>
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First check from Google AdSense
It’s about time. I’ve had Google AdSense on my personal blog, MadeMark, for several months. We got home from the Memorial Day weekend and much to my surprise was a check! For some reason when I upload the photo it keeps coming up sideways, sorry. I tried rotating it, downsizing it, all that, nothing worked.]]>