I’m increasingly distrustful of the mainstream (aka legacy) media. Ownership of it is in the hands of surprisingly few people. This makes reported news susceptible to manipulation by folks that have an agenda that may be at odds with your desire for “just the facts.”
In 1976, when the U.S had only three or four national over-the-air TV stations and no Internet, 72% of Americans trusted mass media. A Gallup poll found that in 2023, only 32% of Americans had a “great deal” or a “fair amount” of trust in the mass media. A larger percentage—39%—had “none at all.” In view of AI or CGI-generated imaging, it’s getting hard to believe anything you don’t see with your own eyes.
Most of the mainstream media (aka legacy media) consumed in the U.S. originates from a handful of companies. From a 2021 essay by Helen Johnson:
In 1983 there were 50 dominant media corporations. Today there are five. These five conglomerates own about 90 percent of the media in the United States, including newspapers, magazines, book publishers, motion picture studios and radio and television stations. As of 2020, the five media giants are AT&T (Time Warner, CNN, HBO), Comcast (NBC Universal, Telemundo, Universal Pictures), Disney (ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Marvel Studios), News Corp (Fox News, Wall Street Journal, New York Post) and ViacomCBS (CBS, Paramount Pictures).
Alternative Media for Your Consideration (not for local news, sports, weather)
By no means do I endorse or agree with everything you see or hear at these sites.
Tucker Carlson on X (news, opinion, politics, interviews)
RamzPaul on Rumble (news, cultural commentary, nationalism)
The Dan Bongino Show on Rumble (politics, news, opinion)
Michael Farris’ podcast “Coffee and a Mike” (interviews)
“Redacted” with Natali and Clayton Morris on Rumble (news, cultural commentary)
Jeffrey Prather’s “The Prather Point” on Rumble (preparedness, Deep State exposure, communitarianism)
The Epoch Times (U.S. and international news, lifestyle, health, Falun Gong)
The Unz Review (cultural commentary, economics, literature, politics, conspiracy)
Catherine Austin Fitts at Solari.com (for personal finance and investing, banking, government)
RT at RT.com (news and commentary from a Russian viewpoint)
O’Keefe Media Group (citizen journalism, expose wrongdoing)
Dr. John Campbell is “totally convinced” that high-dose vitamin D supplementation would prevent many cases of dementia, particularly Alzheimer dementia, which is 75% of all dementia cases. He takes 4,000 IU of vitamin D/day plus 100 mcg of vitamin K2. Unclear to me if that’s year-round or only in fall and winter, when there’s less sunshine in the northern hemisphere. I assume it’s oral vitamin D3 (there are several types of vitamin D). Dr. Campbell didn’t say why he takes the K2. Click for a brief review of K2. In contrast to his vitamin D dose of 4,000 IU/day, U.K. health authorities recommend a tenth of that — 400 IU — in autumn and winter.
Several observational studies link higher risk of dementia with blood levels of vitamin D that are deficient or insufficient. Blood levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D under 25 mg/ml are particularly linked to dementia. Dr. Campbell admits that it’s difficult to prove that adequate vitamin D supplementation would prevent Alzheimer dementia.
Only one thing really matters. That’s your relationship with Jesus Christ/God. Who was Jesus? Did he exist? Was he crucified for your eternal salvation?
Jesus is my Lord and Savior. He died for my sins. After my death, I’ll be with him in heaven forever.
I’ve run across a number of patients who slowly increased their alcohol consumption over months or years, not realizing it was causing or would cause problems for them. Alcohol is dangerous, lethal at times.
From a health standpoint, the generally accepted safe levels of consumption are:
no more than one standard drink per day for women
no more than two standard drinks per day for men
One drink is 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits (e.g., vodka, whiskey, rum, gin).
Dry January was conceived in the UK in 2012 or 2014. (A related concept is Sober October.) The idea is simply to abstain from all alcohol for the month of January. The Alcohol Change UK website can help you git ‘er done. Many folks notice that they sleep better, have more energy, lose weight, and save money. There are other potential benefits.
If you think you may have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, check your CAGE score. It’s quick and easy.
Alternatively, if you make a commitment to a Dry January but can’t do it, you may well have a problem.
Arizona is blessed with thousands of miles of beautiful trails. Most hikers complete their treks without injuries or other adverse events. However, you can get into serious trouble—even life-threatening—if you don’t know what you’re doing. The most common hazards are related to weather, water, and falls. Our goal with this guide is to help you thrive and survive on southern AZ’s low desert trails. It’s only a start; learn more on your own from authoritative sources.
“Low desert” refers to elevations of roughly 1,000-2,500 feet above sea level, although many low desert trails may take you up mountains to 3,500-4,500 feet. For instance, Scottsdale’s elevation is 1,200 feet and Tucson’s is 2,400 feet. In contrast, the Mogollon Rim (e.g., Payson, AZ) is around 6,000 feet and Flagstaff is 7,000. At these higher elevations the climate, flora, and fauna are often radically different from the low desert.
Before your trek, it’s critically important be honest about your physical coordination and fitness level. If you haven’t walked more than two miles non-stop during the last year, don’t try a four-mile hike. Learn all you can about your proposed trail before you start. Trail descriptions will often note whether it is easy, moderate, difficult, strenuous, or “expert level.” A “primitive trail” will be easier to get lost on and usually have worse footing. Also pay attention to “elevation gain”; a 500 foot or more gain in elevation increases the difficulty. Scottsdale’s famous Camelback Mountain peak is at 2,700 feet, but the Cholla trail starts 1,300 vertical feet below that. That’s not a stroll in the park.
The farther away you get from civilization, the potential adverse outcomes of hiking increase. For any but the easiest and crowded urban trails, tell someone which exact trail you will be on and when to expect a call from you after you finish. That way they know where to send the search party when you don’t check in. On remote or uncrowded trails, hike with a buddy who can help if you become injured or disabled.
Numerous rescues and several deaths occur yearly on AZ’s trails. Are you scared yet? Let’s alleviate that fear and minimize risks! What follows pertains mostly to day hikes on established trails, not bushwhacking or overnight backpacking.
Weather
Heat kills. From mid-May through late September, high temperatures in the low desert often hit 105 to 110° F or even higher. Low temps in summer may not drop below 95! Most Arizonans will NOT be on the trail in the sun when it’s above 95 degrees. We’ll hit the trail at sunrise and be off it by 10 AM. Memorize and avoid these signs of Heat Illness: muscle cramps, feeling faint (dizzy), goosebumps, unusually high pulse, extreme fatigue, nausea, headache, rapid breathing. If ignored, these can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal. Adequate hydration and perhaps salty snacks or electrolyte packets help prevent Heat Illness.
Some trails will have almost no shade, so you should avoid them in summer after 10 AM unless high temps under 95° are predicted.
High temps are not much of a problem in late fall, winter, and early spring. Low temps are easily manageable with the right clothing. But always check the forecast for temps, rain, snow, and thunderstorms before heading out. The higher the elevation, the cooler it tends to be.
AZ has a season called “monsoon” from June 15 to Sept 30 when overall humidity is higher than usual. It’s characterized by occasional violent storms with rain, high winds, lightning, and flash flooding. Don’t get caught outside in a monsoon storm. Be very careful to avoid creeks and dry creek beds (washes or arroyos) when rain is in the area or even miles away, or you could die in a flash flood. From the Centers for Disease Control : “Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and can strike as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Many lightning deaths occur ahead of storms or after storms seemingly have passed. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you might be in danger of a lightning strike.”
Water
Dehydration kills. Especially in the hot months. Adequate hydration will help prevent Heat Illness. How much water you carry with you depends on body weight, length of hike, humidity level, temperature, personal preference, etc. Everybody should start out well-hydrated and take more water than you think you’ll need. One rule-of-thumb is that, when a third of your water is gone, it’s time to turn around unless you’re half-way to your destination. For hot summer hikes, Arizona Hiking Shack (phone 800-964-1673) advises adults to take one liter of water for every hour you’ll be out, plus and an extra bottle “for whatever.” There’s a fair chance you’ll run across someone on the trail who needs water. You may need water to cleanse abrasions or wet your neck’s cooling towel. Another rule-of-thumb from the Shack is: “When your water’s half done [gone?], your hike is half done.”
Clothing and Gear
Footwear:
If a trail is labelled as “easy,” you’ll probably be fine wearing sneakers. “Easy” usually means fairly flat and smooth. Avoid sandals because they don’t provide much protection against cactus needles, scorpions, rocks, etc. For a “moderate” level trail, you might get by with sneakers but specific hiking shoes or boots are better, which is what you’ll want for “difficult” trails. Moderate, difficult, and primitive trails usually have more rocks, and your feet need protection from them with a thicker or stiffer shoe sole.
Clothing:
Use your judgment and dress for the weather. You may fall or rub against bushes, cacti, and rocks, so sturdier clothes beat flimsy. White or light-colored clothing will keep you cooler in the summer. A broad-brimmed hat protects against the sun.
Sun Protection Options:
Sunscreen, long pants, long-sleeve shirts, gloves, sunglasses, hat.
Backpack:
Size depends on individual needs and preferences. A comfortable one is worth the money. A pack with a hip belt will make heavy loads (water!) more comfortable by shifting some weight onto the hips. Built-in water-carrying bladders are popular.
Trekking poles (optional): Helpful for maintaining balance on uneven, unstable, or slanted surfaces. They take pressure off arthritic or weak knees when moving downhill.
Miscellaneous: First aid kit, communication devices, maps, navigation aids, multi-tool, cooling towel for neck (requires water).
First Aid Kit
Commercial kit or DIY (do it yourself). You need tweezers to remove cactus needles and splinters, an assortment of band-aids, antibiotic ointment, 1% hydrocortisone cream, antiseptic towelettes, steri-strips, 2-inch gauze wrap, “2nd Skin” or other blister remedy, medical tape, 4×4” gauze pads, 2×2” gauze pads, small scissors or paramedic shears, latex or nitrile gloves. Barebones kit: tweezers, band-aids, 4×4” gauze pads, 2-inch gauze wrap. Optional: acetaminophen, NSAID such as ibuprofen, Benadryl (for itching). [sterile needle or other device for help removing splinters?]
Navigation Aids
A few trails are so obvious and/or crowded that you won’t need any navigation aids. Unless you’re sure about that, be prepared to prevent getting lost. Use a trail map and keep track of your location on that map. If you are in a remote area, strongly consider a handheld GPS navigation device (Garmin brand is the market leader), topographic map, and a compass. Learn how to use the compass and map before you need it. Hiking with someone familiar with the area could be life-saving.
Animal Hazards
Lions and tigers and bears, Oh My! AZ has no wild tigers but there are a few jaguars. Here are some problematic critters you may run across:
Snakes. The commonest dangerous snake here is the rattlesnake. Most of them are not aggressive if left alone but give them a wide berth. A coiled rattler can strike a distance 2/3 of its length. If you hear the rattle, it’s a clear warning. Always keep your eyes open for snakes, except you can let your guard down a bit between roughly Dec 1 and mid-March.
Gila monsters. Much less commonly seen than rattlesnakes. They tend to move slowly and are not aggressive unless threatened. The venomous bite is very painful but rarely serious. Stay away.
Scorpions. Stings can be painful but usually not serious in healthy adults. Young children and the elderly are at higher risk of serious effects.
Mountain lions (aka cougar or puma). Attacks on humans are uncommon but do occur. Many avid hikers have never seen a lion. Sabino Canyon near Tucson seems to be a relative hot spot.
Coyotes. Common. Unless rabid, they tend to ignore or run from adult humans. Keep small dogs and children near you.
Bobcats. Uncommon. Unless rabid, they tend to ignore or run from adult humans.
Black Bears. Uncommon to rare. Do not get between a momma bear and cubs. In bear country, avoid encounters by hiking with others and make noise (e.g., talking, whistling, singing) periodically. If a bear sees you, walk slowly away, keeping eyes on the bear. If it starts walking toward you, talk to it calmly in a low tone. Alternatively, a powerful blow on your emergency whistle may scare it away. If it comes at you aggressively, do not run or play dead; stand your ground, yell, wave your arms to make yourself look larger. If attack is imminent, fight with all you’ve got: throw rocks or wood, use bear spray, hands, firearms. Aim for the face. (The approach to grizzlies is different.)
Javelinas. Common. Usually not aggressive toward humans unless startled, threatened, or javelina babies are nearby. Stay away. Bites can be severe.
Bees. A few bee stings are not dangerous unless you are seriously allergic to them. Our Africanized bees can team up and kill humans with hundreds of stings. May and June are the highest risk months. Bees attack when the nest is threatened. When you see or hear an unusual number of bees in an area, move away quickly yet calmly. One sting may alert the colony that a predator—you!—is nearby. An attack may start with one or a few bees “head bumping” you as a warning; move away quickly. Resist the urge to swat, flail arms, or kill one of these or other bees. You can cover your head with clothing but don’t obstruct your vision. Once the entire colony or swarm attacks, run as fast as you can to shelter such as a car or building. If none is available, run for at least a quarter mile (400 meters), preferably in a straight line. You may be able to outrun them.
From the list above, if you have a scary animal encounter it’s most likely to involve a rattlesnake, scorpion, or bees. Odds are, you won’t have any problem at all. Search for information at trailheads about which dangerous animals are in the area and advice on avoidance and defense.
Plant Hazards
The desert is home to many spikey and prickly plants that are not always obvious upon inspection. Be vigilant. Watch young children closely.
How to Request Emergency Help
A cell phone is the usual first option. But remote areas often lack cell phone service. If service is marginal, try moving to a higher location and/or send a text message. If you’re disabled by injury, someone in your party can hike back to civilization for help, if time allows.
Another option is an emergency whistle. The idea is to get the attention of someone in the area. The whistle is louder and will transmit farther than shouting, up to a mile or so, and takes less energy. A common distress signal from a whistle is three blasts (2-3 seconds each) in succession, rest for a bit then repeat. Or use the old Morse code for SOS: three short blasts, three long blasts, then three short blasts.
After cell phones, a satellite phone is the next most reliable and quick-response option although financially out of reach for most of us. Less expensive options are PLBs (personal locator beacons) and satellite messengers. PLBs solely send an SOS with your location to rescue agencies via satellite and do not have a subscription fee. Alternatively, satellite messengers allow you to send SOS signals, plus text messages to friends or loved ones and have additional features like navigation. A subscription fee is required. Examples are Garmin inReach, SPOT, and Bivy Stick.
Prepare for the Worst?
Imagine planning on a four-hour afternoon hike alone on a remote trail, but you trip and fall into a ravine, fracturing your leg, losing your ability to walk. And you have no way to call for help. Assuming a search party is planned, they may not find you until 12-48 hours later. You’ll have to spend the night in the wild and it’s getting cold. Are you prepared? Items to consider packing: tarp for making a shelter, 550 paracord, flashlight, space blanket for warmth, knife, method for purifying water, method for making fire (matches, lighter), firearm for protection, warm clothes, and food. Before heading out on the trail, take a full-body photo of yourself in your hiking clothes and send it to a loved one; this will help rescuers quickly identify you.
If so, it may well be because of your genes according to an article at SBS.com. Particular genes determine whether you can detect a bitter chemical (called PTC) in broccoli and other brassicas like cauliflower and brussels sprouts.
“On average, about 70% of us can taste something bitter in broccoli or PTC, but those with two copies of the bitter sensitivity gene are closer to 20%, and they are much more likely to hate it.”
U.S. President George H.W. Bush said in March 1990, “I do not like broccoli. And I haven’t liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I’m President of the United States and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli!” He banned it on Air Force One.
Most of us at the Parker Compound like broccoli. My wife usually sautes it in olive oil and seasons with garlic, other herbs, and salt.
In November, 2022, the FDA approved the first drug that can delay onset of type 1 diabetes. The FDA press release won’t make much sense unless you know that type 1 diabetes has several stages. From Diabetes Care:
Stage 2, like stage 1, includes individuals with two or more islet autoantibodies but whose disease has now progressed to the development of glucose intolerance, or dysglycemia, from loss of functional β-cell mass. The 5-year risk of symptomatic disease at this stage is approximately 75%, and the lifetime risk approaches 100%.
Stage 3 represents manifestations of the typical clinical symptoms and signs of diabetes, which may include polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, fatigue, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and others.
What follows is the verbatim FDA press release:
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv) injection to delay the onset of stage 3 type 1 diabetes in adults and pediatric patients 8 years and older who currently have stage 2 type 1 diabetes.
“Today’s approval of a first-in-class therapy adds an important new treatment option for certain at-risk patients,” said John Sharretts, M.D., director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “The drug’s potential to delay clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes may provide patients with months to years without the burdens of disease.”
Type 1 diabetes is a disease that occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the cells that make insulin. People with a type 1 diabetes diagnosis have increased glucose that requires insulin shots (or wearing an insulin pump) to survive and must check their blood sugar levels regularly throughout the day. Although it can appear at any age, type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. A person is at higher risk for type 1 diabetes if they have a parent, brother or sister with type 1 diabetes, although most patients with type 1 diabetes do not have a family history.
Tzield binds to certain immune system cells and delays progression to stage 3 type 1 diabetes. Tzield may deactivate the immune cells that attack insulin-producing cells, while increasing the proportion of cells that help moderate the immune response. Tzield is administered by intravenous infusion once daily for 14 consecutive days.
Tzield’s safety and efficacy were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, event-driven, placebo-controlled trial with 76 patients with stage 2 type 1 diabetes. In the trial, patients randomly received Tzield or a placebo once daily via intravenous infusion for 14 days. The primary measure of efficacy was the time from randomization to development of stage 3 type 1 diabetes diagnosis. The trial results showed that over a median follow-up of 51 months, 45% of the 44 patients who received Tzield were later diagnosed with stage 3 type 1 diabetes, compared to 72% of the 32 patients who received a placebo. The mid-range time from randomization to stage 3 type 1 diabetes diagnosis was 50 months for the patients who received Tzield and 25 months for those who received a placebo. This represents a statistically significant delay in the development of stage 3 type 1 diabetes.
The most common side effects of Tzield include decreased levels of certain white blood cells, rash and headache. The use of Tzield comes with warnings and precautions, including premedicating and monitoring for symptoms of Cytokine Release Syndrome; risk of serious infections; decreased levels of a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes; risk of hypersensitivity reactions; the need to administer all age-appropriate vaccinations prior to starting Tzield; as well as avoiding concurrent use of live, inactivated and mRNA vaccines with Tzield.
Diabetic Mediterranean Diet 