o t t o c e t o d i c i a s s e t t e

Last week, the cafe where I usually get my morning coffee had a sign flogging their new Customer Loyalty Cards. Basically, it is one of those cards which you can add money, like the plastic gift cards, which also awards a bonus with repeat use. As soon as I saw this sign, I immediately expressed an interest. Being rewarded for my coffee habit? OK, sign me up. Loyal? Well, lets see... I am on a first name basis with both the owner and the supervisor (well, the owner probably does not remember my first name, but I know he recognizes me as a regular) and both the supervisor and the main barista know my usuals (both my drink and lunch orders).

The supervisor was particularly cool about giving me the loyalty bonus from the get-go because he knows I am already a loyal customer, and made sure the amount on the card started out with at least the cost of a large single-shot mocha (my favorite - especially since they use Sharffen Berger cocoa powder to make the chocolate syrup).

Since I tend to agree with katiiis' assessment of Starbuck's, I am pleased that there is a local cafe that has quality coffee and lovely pastries, not to mention great food, even if it can be a bit pricey.

Do you have a favorite local cafe you would like to see thrive in this a-Starbuck's-on-every-corner world?

public service seasonal advice

Or, How I stopped being so sick and learned to love the enzyme.

Being that the winter flu season is fast approaching, I thought perhaps I should share with my friends advice that I have been giving out on what helped me reduce how often I get sick (flu and colds). You see, last year, by August, I had used all of my sick and vacation time at work, mostly because I was sick so often during the previous 12 months, especially during the fall/winter flu season. I was afraid I was going to coninue that trend and had a couple more serious colds ahead of me before the end of the year.

Then a friend who used to work at a vitamin store suggested I start taking Purify by Enzymedica, 3 tablets each morning (and 3 at bedtime if I am feeling especially run-down). I am not going to explain how it works (you can read it on the web site) but I will say it has helped me go from being really sick 6-8 times a year, to maybe 1-2 times. I got through flu and cold season '03 without getting sick at all. Note: a 180 count bottle can cost upwards of $40 a bottle (although I have found it for as little as $32 online), but this usually lasts me a couple of months, and is well worth it. It can be a little difficult to find, although Whole Foods does have other products by Enzymedica, so if they don't already carry Purify at your local store, I am sure they can order it for you.

I have also found that AirBorne is great if you think I have been exposed (or will be) and if I start feeling something coming on. I have noticed how much better it makes me feel when I am run down and am probably more prone to getting sick. I keep it around and tend to take it when someone else comes in to work who is sick, or I am about to go traveling by airplane (I tended to get sick when I traveled). Aside from pharmacies, this can also be found in Trader Joe's.

Oh, and the Zicam swabs seem to have helped as well. Aside from being more hygienic than the spray, it looks like they have new packaging. I also keep these handy for use at faire since that is one of the places my nose gets a beating. I also recommend for those who go to Burning Man to bring some of these along just to keep your nose from drying out too much. They have a nasal moisturizer as well, but, like I said, I prefer the swabs.

Anyway, I have given this advice to so many people that I thought it wise to put it down in a post and hope it does someone else out there some good as well. It is what has helped me, although everyone is different, so it may not be what your body needs. I have saved this in my memories under health if you want to find this post later.

the sky is falling

Not to sound like Chicken Little, but here are some articles that my mom sent me in her campaign to help her children prepare for the pending depression. These either cost to view online or I don't know where to find them, so I put them behind cuts for your pleasure.

( AMERICA'S ADDICTION TO ASIAN CREDIT )

( The looming national benefit crisis )

All part of her argument that I should start putting my money into something more stable, like gold (apparently my aunt has a gold bar as her nest egg). I asked her what else people have been putting their money into, and she said that, in the past, items like bullets and alcohol have worked for some. What other items do you think could weather the drop of the dollar enough to become a commodity for trade?

six degrees of voting

OK, mertuil, I'll bite, what are the six degrees of voting?

Works best if y'all sign-up also, got it?