COLLEGE STUDENTS SHOULD CLEAN STOVES

As the owner of small student rental property, it’s that time of year again. College students moving in and out, signing a lease with the promise to leave the property as clean as when they moved in. I’ve had great tenants through the years, because I screen them carefully. And they usually do a good job of cleaning the place when they leave. But one thing that none of them seem to understand is how to clean a stove. This isn’t rocket science, but even engineering grads don’t get it. When will they ever learn? Soon, I hope. Because a dirty stove means hours of intensive labor for the landlord, which takes a big chunk out of the tenant’s return deposit. College students should learn to clean stoves. Here’s how:

Students should learn to clean stoves. It's not rocket science, but a dirty stove means lower return deposit. — COLLEGE STUDENTS SHOULD CLEAN STOVES. An educated person ought to know how to remove a burner and clean it.

Don’t leave food spills in the oven. Some students cook a lot more than others, but most everyone heats frozen pizza. Many brands tell you to bake it right on the oven rack. Sounds easy, but there’s usually some drippy cheese that end up on the oven floor. Scrape it up as soon as the oven cools. If you leave layers of cheesy tomato sauce from numerous pizzas throughout the course of a year, it’s going to leave a hard, black crust on the oven floor. Which means someone will have to invest in oven cleaner, and spend hours scraping up the disgusting residue.

Sometimes, I find the oven pretty clean. Which means the student has eaten a lot of meals at their girlfriend’s place, or they eat out a lot. Maybe they work in a restaurant. Who knows? But most everyone uses the stovetop to heat up pans of soup, chili, spaghetti sauce—whatever. Inevitably, they have numerous spill overs that fall through the burners and onto the drip trays. Why do they ignore the greasy gunky mess? . Most stoves are now electric, which means the heating units and drip trays should be taken out and cleaned, but most students don’t seemed to understand how to do that. Wikihow explains how to do this pretty well.

“Remove the burners from your gas or electric stove top. Be sure that the stove is off and that the elements are completely cooled down before taking off the burner grates or coils. Place them aside on a counter top to be cleaned.^”

With the burners removed, it’s easy to lift out the drip pans. When a spill happens, remove the drip pan and any separate decorative rings as soon as possible. Fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing detergent. Place the drip pans and any other removable components in soapy water. Allow them to soak before cleaning with brillo or whatever it takes. It’s no different than cleaning a dirty pot or pan.

.Many instruction manuals recommend you clean the burners and trays after each use. I’m not expecting tenants to go that far. If you’re boiling a pot of water, it’s not going to make a mess. But if you know a pot has boiled over, it makes sense to take out the burner and drip tray, and clean them before any other food residue gets baked on.

One of these days, students are going to graduate from college, get jobs, and move into their own place. Eventually, they’ll have to learn how to clean a stove. So why not start now?

August 22, 2022August 22, 2022

5 WAYS TO LIVE AS LONG AS RICH PEOPLE

Did you know that rich men and women live longer than poor people? This is not a guess—it’s a proven fact. A recent study showed that the richest people are living 12 years longer than the poor. However, only about ten percent of the population are statistically considered rich. How can the rest of us hope to match their life span? Here are 5 ways to live as long as rich people.

1. Make healthcare a priority. Wealthy people like Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip have had access to good medical care. They probably have a live-in physician. However, if you’re enrolled in Medicare, you’re entitled to receive preventive care on a regular basis. Flu shots, yearly checkups. And if you have diabetes or some other risk factor for heart disease, it will pay for any necessary doctor visits. Prescription drugs are covered under a separate policy, but make it a priority to pay that monthly premium, even if you can’t take a fancy vacation or eat out quite as often.

2. Weight control: Ever notice that fewer rich people are overweight? That’s because they can afford to buy healthy foods. Never, would they ever, make a meal of a $5 special at Burger King. Which is what a lot of folks are doing these days of high inflation, because it costs less than preparing a meal at home. Unfortunately, a greasy burger with French fries provide a lot more calories and fewer nutrients than a homemade dinner of tossed salad and ground round burger. And there’s no temptation to ask for a chocolate shake to go along with your order.

3. Brush your teeth twice a day, and see your dentist at least once a year. Rich people usually have nice teeth. Do not ignore a toothache. Studies have shown those with poor oral health (such as gum disease or tooth loss) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke than people with good oral health.

4, Don’t smoke; it’s the leading cause of preventable death from lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other lung diseases. Ever notice how many cigarette butts you see in a Dollar Store parking lot? That’s because low income people are 75% more likely to smoke than rich people. Ditch the cigarettes if you want to live a long life.

5. Exercise often. Don’t leave the television on all day in your home or apartment. The CDC recommends a least 150 minutes of exercise per week for seniors. You seldom see runners and walkers in poor neighborhoods the way you do in upper class suburbs. You don’t have to belong to an expensive fitness club to get enough exercise. Walking and jogging are free. Other alternatives like swimming, Tai chi and Yoga may be offered at your local YMCA or senior center.

Many fatal diseases affect people in all walks of life. That can’t be changed. But you can improve your chances for a longer life if you follow these 5 ways to live as long as rich people.

August 17, 2022August 16, 2022

WEED OUT THE SUMMER DOLDRUMS

We’re finally getting a break from hot weather. We can open our windows at night and sleep with fresh air. Still, it’s been a long hot summer. Covid cases surging means we’ve had to stay home for months. And we’re really tired of hearing about Donald Trump’s troubles. But now, we wake up with a little spurt of energy. Now is the time to weed out the summer doldrums.

Weeding doesn’t have to be outside. I started yesterday with my dresser drawers. It’s amazing how many tee shirts and night gowns a person my age can collect. Filled two big trash bags within an hour. A bottom drawer revealed old half slips and a bundle of panty hose. Why would I save these after retiring decades ago? Ok, I’ll save a couple pair of hose for weddings and funerals. But half slips? Do people even wear them anymore? There are more drawers to be emptied, but I’m tired of looking at that stuff right now. Time to move outside.

After months of scorching heat followed by torrents of rain, the weeds in my Hosta garden are tall as trees. I’ve watched them grow outside the window all summer long. And yet, I know it’s not a good idea for someone my age to be outside when it’s close to 100 degrees. So, the weeds have had a heyday. We have a lawn man, and a bush trimmer, but it’s difficult to find a weeder for hire. There are much better jobs waiting to be filled in air conditioned places.

I gather my tools, don my gardening gear, slather my face with bug spray, and head out doors. Some weeds have shallow roots, others are way too deep for my weak arms to pull. Using clippers, a small saw and plain old elbow grease, I soon have a pile of weeds. Getting rid of them is a chore, as they have to be hauled away in a shaky cart.

Later, as I return from the Goodwill after dropping off my bags, I feel a surge of joy as I enter my driveway and see my pretty Hosta garden. Why is weeding so therapeutic? I don’t actually enjoy it the way some do, but it clears my mind. And the feeling of accomplishment raises my spirits.

Now is the time to weed out the summer doldrums.

August 14, 2022August 14, 2022

MONEY TRUMPS DIVERSITY IN “THE BOYS.”

We don’t usually watch Chick Lit on Netflix, but To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before got so much hype in the media that we wanted to see it. The movie was supposed to be a “charming, sweet love story,” that ”paints a beautiful picture of diverse congruity.” Which means, it has the standard, cliché characters that you expect. Asian girls. A gay black boy. And then, of course, the white boy with a single mom. If you live in a small midwestern town, these might be relatable characters. However, in this mythical town somewhere in Oregon, all the characters appear to be rich. The Korean girl with an American name (Sara Jean) has a Daddy who’s an obstetrician probably making at least $400,000 a year. Oddly enough, all of the kids in the entire high school have no problem applying to expensive private colleges like Stanford or New York University. No one’s going to Oregon State or Ivy Tech..

If you live in a small midwestern town where the average income is around $53,000 a year, it’s difficult to feel much empathy for these characters. Most middle class college students are working their way through school with part time jobs and student loans. I daresay none of them would be deciding between New York University and Stanford University, at $70,000 a year. They feel fortunate to be attending a state university, and even that’s often a stretch, financially.

Back to the Netflix series. The upper class Asian girl wants to attend Stanford so that she can live with her white boyfriend. There’s never a discussion about part time jobs, scholarships or student loans. Money is no object. They just want to cohabitate their way through four years of college and maybe get married and live happily ever after. It doesn’t matter what they’re majoring in, because whatever they do, they won’t have to worry about the size of their paychecks after graduation, or paying off student loans.

It’s bothersome that this movie doesn’t depict the real world, where only wealthy kids manage to rise above racial discrimination. As an example, do the Obama girls feel shunned by mainstream society? Are their romantic partners limited to men of their own race? Of course not. Their father is rich and famous. However, the black janitor’s daughter in Podunk, NE is probably not going to prom with a blond doctor’s son. The reality is that people usually end up marrying within their own socio-economic class.

I’m not sure how this film depicts diverse congruity—whatever that means. In fact, it’s a story about privileged rich kids. Money trumps diversity in “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.”

August 9, 2022August 9, 2022

IS AUGUST MAKING YOU SICK?

According to psychologists, the worst months for depression are February and August. Makes you wonder what’s so bad about those particular months. But when you realize how fickle we humans are, it makes sense. We may love the snow and ice around the holidays, but by February, we’re sick of it. Ditto for August. Loved spring flowers, Memorial Day , and 4^th of July. But we’re really tired of sweating under a blazing sun. It seems like half the people we know are complaining of not feeling very well because of too much sun, or something they ate. We want a change. Now. But cool weather seems a long way off. Is August making you sick? And if so, why?

The heat and humidity hit us in the face when we walk out of our air conditioned home and offices. There aren’t any holiday picnics, because there are no August holidays. However, it’s a popular month for family reunions. Which means that you’re stuck outside with no A/C , making conversation with distant relatives, and eating foods full of mayonnaise like deviled eggs and potato salad.. If that doesn’t give you heartburn. just keep eating cake, cookies and pie. Don’t be surprised if you start feeling a little queasy .

All of a sudden, some of us are starting to sneeze.. Even if you don’t suffer from fall allergies, chances are you know someone who does. They’re the worst. The afflicted feel worn out, irritable, and depressed. Doctors advise them to stay indoors, which means they can’t enjoy all the outdoor activities unless they take allergy meds, all of which have side effects.. The only hope is for an early frost, hard enough to kill off all the pollen. But with climate change upon us, that day comes much later than it used to—sometimes not until November.

School now starts in August—way too early. What ever happened to After Labor Day school openings? Some kids dread school starting, while others are over excited. It’s a stress for families buying school supplies, spending a fortune on new school clothes and shoes. Inflation is making everything worse.

If you’re sending kids off to college, it may feel like an emotional roller coaster. Proud and happy that they’ve made it this far, but knowing how much you’re going to miss having them around. Sometimes, it’s hard to hold back the tears.

Is August making you sick? You’re not alone. The August Blues are a real phenomenon.. But just as sure as night follows day, cool weather is coming. . Soon, we’ll be eating crisp, tangy apples and enjoying fall colors as the leaves turn..

August 4, 2022August 4, 2022

POLITICIANS WHO DON’T LISTEN

Does anyone think that all Democrats are pro- choice and all Republicans are pro-life? It sounds batshit crazy, but that’s what the politicians would have us believe. What’s discouraging is that our legislators are not voting their hearts, but what they see as politically expedient. As the saying goes, it’s all about the optics. And as voters, I think we’re getting fed up with politicians who don’t listen to what we want in the state of Indiana.

According to a poll recently published by the Indiana Capital Chronicle: “Hoosiers don’t want a near-virtual ban on abortion. Instead, they support exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. And many are supportive of allowing abortion up to 15 weeks of gestation.” 63% of Hoosiers support abortion rights.

politicians who won't listen learned a lesson when voters in Kansas refused to ban most abortions. — POLITICIANS WHO DON’T LISTEN to pro-choice advocates in Indiana may learn a lesson from Kansas.

If you think those numbers are bogus, just look at what happened in Kansas. In a rare show of common sense, the politicians decided to put the abortion issue up for a vote. Smart move. That way, no one is going to lose votes over this highly controversial issue. Probably, since it’s a heavily red state, they presumed that people would vote down the current abortion laws. Instead, a surprise at the polls resulted in abortion remaining legal in the Kansas. It looks like 69% of the population in that state supports women’s abortion rights. If only our Indiana members of the Congress and Senate would do the same, and leave it up to the taxpayers to decide.

It’s a conundrum. Why would Republicans wish that unwanted children be born? Everyone knows that those most affected will be low income women. Consequently, forcing them to have more children will obviously result in more poverty, more welfare, and more money spent on Medicaid. Why do Republicans want to go against their own core values of lower taxes, hard work, and less dependence on government handouts?

If the Indiana legislature chooses to commit kamikaze over abortion rights, it’s enough to turn a Republican into a Democrat. Come November, politicians who don’t listen to their constituents may find out they don’t have many.

“Remove the burners from your gas or electric stove top. Be sure that the stove is off and that the elements are completely cooled down before taking off the burner grates or coils. Place them aside on a counter top to be cleaned.”

“Remove the burners from your gas or electric stove top. Be sure that the stove is off and that the elements are completely cooled down before taking off the burner grates or coils. Place them aside on a counter top to be cleaned.^”