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Cecily O'Connor, May 17, 2007
Since having our son more than a year ago, my husband and I continue to
remind each other that we "need to write our will." But we seem to
lose our way, caught up in the demands of work and our toddler. From a legal
perspective, I know a will is routine. On a personal level, it feels premature
to think about aging issues such as my final resting place. At the
very least, it's comforting to know I have options to help me prepare. It seems
that as cremations increase, more
companies and organizations are helping families deal with remains,
distributing ashes in peaceful places like Yosemite National Forrest or at sea
off the coast of Washington. Funeral directors say some relatives choose
scattering because they worry about possibly losing the remains or subsequent
generations letting the ashes lay forgotten in a closet or attic. I admit, a
cramped closet doesn't sound restful. But I wouldn't mind if my ashes were cast
among the pine trees in Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
Tom Murphy, May 12, 2007
The month between Mother's Day and Father's Day is a great time to think
about the long-term needs of your parents. In addition to that box of candy and
a box of golf balls, maybe you can give them something really meaningful by
sitting down with them to help them plan to make the most of the future. Read
our story about annuities,
and speak with them about financial planning. Read our stories about cohousing
and speak with them about places to live. Finally, read our story about elder
care, and - if you recognize some troubling symptoms - talk with them
about that, too. These stories show that aging in America doesn't have to be
about poverty, loneliness and infirmity. It can be about financial stability, a
sense of community and good health. Now those are gifts that are worth giving.
Jennifer Meacham,
May 10, 2007
Shoppers
Snag Designer Grocery Totes uncovers the entrepreneurial response to a law,
slowly being adopted in cities and counties nationwide, that bans
non-biodegradable plastic bags at supermarkets, pharmacies and other retail
stores. Plastic is a by-product of oil refining and accounts for 4 percent of
the world's total oil production, according to Greenfeet.
Certainly, the less dependency we have on oil at this point, the better.
Tom Murphy,
May 7, 2007
About 240 million years ago, a star
exploded magnificently. And now we can see it. It took all this time for
the light from the blast to reach our humble planet. The vastness of the
universe is truly incomprehensible, and so is the connectedness of all its
parts, from the tiniest
germ to the mightiest star to us humans and our run-of-the-mill planet.
We can only control a tiny part of the universe, but we're wise to do what we
can to keep our own environment running smoothly while we have some influence
over it. This month, we're reminded of an excellent way to lower greenhouse
gasses, improve our health, save money and have fun - all at the same time. May
17 is Ride-a-Bike-to-Work
Day. If that sounds like something you'd never do, well, please think
again. It's easy and it's a lot more fun than sitting in traffic. Even Mr.
Bush, an avid cyclist himself, is encouraging Americans to get off the
couch. Take a few minutes to read Go
Ride a Bike (to Work) and ask yourself if that isn't something you could
try on May 17. Who knows? You might just help keep our planet from a
less-than-spectacular end.
Cecily O'Connor,
May 4, 2007
I have certain articles of clothing that I adore. Cherish. I can't live
without them. So when I need to part ways and send my black pashmina scarf or
grey wool jacket to the dry cleaners, I get a little nervous. But not neurotic!
I was shocked when I learned that Roy Pearson, a D.C. lawyer, is suing his
neighborhood drycleaner for $65 million over his lost
trousers! While the pants were soon located, Mr. Pearson is refusing to
settle. The cleaners offered as much as $12,000 for Mr. Pearson's troubles. They
say clothes make the man. But in this case, it seems Mr. Pearson needs to stop
hemming and hawing, and loosen his seams.
Tom Murphy,
April 25, 2007
Most of the people we write about at RedwoodAge.com are in their 40s and 50s,
but many of my personal heroes - and probably yours - are older. We've just lost
three great men, all with a Northern California connection, who have helped to
educate and entertain us: Pulitzer-winning journalist David
Halberstam, 73, award-winning author Paul
Erdman, 74, and celebrated choreographer Michael
Smuin, 68. Halberstam's writings about the war in Viet Nam set a
standard for a generation of his colleagues. It is not insignificant that he
spoke at the School of Journalism at Berkeley just last weekend, surrounded by
students who now find themselves writing about Iraq. He died in a car crash in
the San Francisco Bay area on his way to interview football great Y.A. Tittle
for his next book. Erdman, a gregarious economist and banker who began his
career as a novelist in a Swiss jail a quarter century ago, not only wrote
fascinating mysteries, but his books educated the masses on the intrigues of
high finance; he actually made business fascinating. In his later years, he
lived a full life in Northern California's wine country, and I had the pleasure
of interviewing him years ago for my book "Web
Rules." During the interview, he mused about the coming dominance
of China on the world stage, a reality that myriad economists caught onto years
later. Smuin began to choreograph ballet at the tender age of 27 and never
stopped, helping to develop the San Francisco Ballet until 1985 and then
starting his own dance company, where he was rehearsing when he passed away. The
world is a better place for the way these men lived their lives, and their
passing should serve as reminder to us all to strive to excel at all we do, even
when it is unpopular and difficult, and to live well as we do it.
Tom Murphy,
April 23, 2007
If you didn't do anything on Earth day to help save the planet, don't feel
guilty. That won't help. What you can do is make up for lost time. Even
if you can't afford to buy food, you can plant a garden to grow vegetables and use
recycled materials in the process. It's cheap and easy to do, it's very good for you, and you
will save you hundreds of dollars this summer alone. On the other hand, if you
run a major American automaker, why don't you observe what the Chinese are doing
to combat pollution at home. They're showing off alternative fuel
cars that
could prove popular here in the US. (They even have a car that makes it easy to
stow a wheel chair. Why didn't we think of that?) And if you're somewhere in
between, you can start celebrating National Ride-a-Bike to
Work Day a little
early. There's even a bike with an
automatic transmission now, so, please no
more excuses. Worried about global warming? Do something about it!
Cathy Bowman,
April 13, 2007
I was finishing a croissant when I read the latest news on the link between
our genes and how much weight we gain.
I'm glad every time I see one of these
stories. Some women I know think people who struggle with their weight are just
undisciplined. In Paris, where I am now, there are many beautiful, thin women -
but they smoke all the time. Near London, I've met much curvier women who
consider themselves fit because they walk. Or maybe they just don't worry about
it. Perhaps researchers should be looking for a self-acceptance gene - or a don't-judge-the-gal-behind-you gene. I could have
taken my 7-year-old out for kale today, but call us nuts - we opted for gelato.
The pistachio-chocolate chip brioche we tried yesterday? Heaven. We all know
we're supposed to eat better and exercise more. But I think we also need to
allow ourselves to enjoy food - good food. The French understand that. No fakey fat free stuff here. Just plenty
of beurre. Now if they could just put out the cigarettes...
Cecily O'Connor,
April 2, 2007
Remember those studies from Harvard Medical School and the National Institute
on Aging that touted the health and aging benefits associated with red wine? Well, sales of red wine grew 40 percent faster than total table wine
sales for the five months ended in March, according to the Neilson Company.
Before November when the studies came out, white wine sales were growing at a
faster clip than red. “We aren’t medical experts. All we can do is look at
the events and data, and come to some potential hypothesis about the change in
(sales) direction,” said Danny Brager, vice president of client service for
Nielson’s Beverage Alcohol Team. Favorable press, including a Forbes cover
story talking about wine’s health benefits, have likely left favorable
impressions in consumers’ minds, therefore, helping sales, Mr. Brager said.
The jury is still out, however, if red wine provides enough of a health benefit
to support such big sales increases. Other studies view alcohol as being more
dangerous than pot or ecstasy.
P.A. MacLean,
March 27, 2007
If it takes a 940-page, 12-pound book to tell you how bad
habitats for migratory birds have gotten around the world, you might as well hit
yourself in the head with the tome. Things are pretty bad around the
world in preserving areas for migratory birds, as The
AP recently reported. But
local governments can straighten up and fly right. San Francisco Bay has lost roughly 97 percent of its tidal wetlands due
to development, but since 1999 nearly 11,500 acres have been restored,
according to the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. And recovery of another 25,000 acres is in the works. If you want to know more about what you can do to restore an ecosystem
near you, it just so happens the second National
Conference on Ecosystem Restoration kicks off April 23-27 in Kansas
City, Missouri. Check it out.
Cecily O'Connor,
March 26, 2007
Aromatherapy makes everything better. At least, that’s the philosophy of
some nursing homes who are trying to make dollars out of these aromatic scents.
According to Marc
Levy's story, they’re hoping to attract more Medicare patients by
cloning our favorite amenities from the spa, gym and Internet café — from
plush towels and therapy gyms, to brightly colored décor. Critics charge,
however, that they smell a rat, and contend that rehab facilities may lack
expertise of hospitals. While I’m all for feeling good (and the subsequent
boost to the soul), get a whiff of this: The Medicare Payment Advisory
Commission has reported falling quality of rehab care at nursing homes. That
leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Cecily O'Connor,
March 22, 2007
Like many Americans, I’m saddened by news that Elizabeth Edward’s cancer has returned. My editor and I spoke about John Edwards’ campaign outlook this afternoon, and we both expressed how courageous (and surprising) it is for him not to bow out. It remains to be seen how Mr. Edwards will fare against Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. But one thing is certain, Mrs. Edwards, aided by the support of her husband, is putting up a strong fight to battle cancer. It wasn’t long ago, that she appeared on news and talk shows to promote her book, “Saving Graces,” and spoke so eloquently, passionately and humbly about her family and the personal loss and setbacks they’ve overcome. While most of us might unravel in the face of catastrophe, the Edwards appear strong. And while Ms. Edwards’ prognosis isn’t seen by many as encouraging, her partnership and friendship with her husband is. I read a column today that noted how the U.S. presidency has always been a partnership between husband and wife. And the Edwards offer a heartfelt reminder of that type of union.
Cecily O'Connor,
March 19, 2007
Is it time for a remodel? Then consider some
improvements that cut energy use. Contractors and architects say that adding
insulation, installing double-paned windows, or even blanketing a rooftop with
solar panels, will be instrumental in saving the planet and money in the long
run. The Energy Star web site, is a
good place to acquaint yourself with green building options and materials deemed
eco-friendly for your dwelling. The best part is many options like cork flooring
or recycled glass countertops are so much more creative and cool than your
parent’s linoleum. What’s more, there are more contractors and designers
equipped to implement these new techniques. Think about it. An eco-friendly home
is more than recycling soda cans. It starts with conservation.
Tom Murphy,
March 19, 2007
"You got me runnin', jumpin', standin' still." That was a fave lyric from a Koerner, Ray and Glover song I sang way back. It came to mind now because I was thinking about stories we've published in the past week about people ridin' bikes to work, rowin' to get exercise, and, now,
hitchin' to Havana where gasoline is muy expensivo and cars look like an eccentric collection kept by a 50's nostalgia buff. But these aren't just a few goofballs doing these things. They represent people who save money, help the environment and, often, strengthen their bodies and minds. They're choosing to take a step back from our society's devotion to 270-horsepower-can-pull-10,000-pounds-uphill-style gas-guzzlers. Is that goofy? You want solar and wind power? How about hanging your wash on a line in the back yard (you'll also get the benefit of stretching a bit by putting it up). You want recycling? How 'bout separating your food scraps from your paper when you put out the trash. You want organic? You can grow a surprising amount of good food (and have a lot of fun) planting tomatoes and lettuce in a window-box garden. If everyone took a few steps (figuratively and literally) every day, it would go a long way to making our lives whole again.
Tom Murphy,
March 15, 2007
Rowing a boat, in the winter? This may sound like pure
torture. But I’m glad I read Cecily O’Connor’s story The
Life Aquatic, which is
about the good souls who row, row their boats in places like Pittsburgh or
Sausalito. One gets the impression this isn’t really about exercise. You can
do that more cheaply in a nice warm gym. I suppose the reason this story is in
RedwoodAge.com’s Spirit section is because rowing is truly a spiritual
exercise for the participants, who mingle with wildlife amid a scenic setting as
they repeat their motions over and over, reciting a mantra through their
motions, as they glide over the early morning glass of a bay or a river. We all
need moments like that to test our muscles, to clear our minds, to reconnect
with the meaning of our lives.
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