12 things that look surprisingly awesome when cut in half

12 things that look surprisingly awesome when cut in half

I don’t know about you, but I love to see things cut in half. Sometimes they are boring, but most of the times they are incredible, like the mechanical calculator shown above. It’s hard to believe this metal mess works. Here’s more stuff that looks awesome stuff when cut in half.

Read more…



This short animation about exploring space is as good as Interstellar

This short animation about exploring space is as good as Interstellar

There might not be anything more awesome than going to space. It’s an incredible achievement and the idea of exploring the unknown is fascinating. But as this short animation called Solus by Zac Dixon for Identity Visuals shows, it can get quite lonely. Watch it, it’s nearly as good as any feature.

Read more…



Makerclub Helps You Learn 3D-Printed Robotics

Screen Shot 2014-11-21 at 4.08.04 PM Want to make a giant 3D-printed spider robot? A humanoid help-mate? A robotic scorpion with a powerful, electrified tail? Makerclub can probably help. Created as a place for makers to come together and discuss 3D printed robotics, the service is now part commerce site, part repository, and part educational resource. Interestingly, the service is also offering a hardware brain on Indiegogo to… Read More

Election 2014: Seven Wins for Women

It’s been more than two weeks since the midterm elections brought sweeping change to Congress and State Houses across the country. It wasn’t the greatest moment for those of us working toward gender equality — but there are some shining silver linings that prove change is happening, however incrementally.

Women were major players in Senate races from New Hampshire to Georgia to Iowa and Kentucky. They were key contenders for governor’s seats in at least nine states. They brought their unique perspectives to the political and policy debates from state legislatures to the U.S. Senate.

Here, my top seven moments of the 2014 elections and what they mean for women.

Rhode Island Meets a Milestone: Ocean State voters elected a woman as their Governor for the first time, making history in one of the oldest boys’ clubs. I know Governor-elect Gina Raimondo will lead with the same strength and likeability that defined her campaign and her tenure as Treasurer before that.

Massachusetts Makes History: My home state of Massachusetts made headlines with the election of Maura Healey, a qualified, dynamic, and energizing leader who will be the first openly gay Attorney General in the country. Let’s hear it for progress.

Workers Win on Earned Sick Time: More than one million workers will not have to choose between their health and their job, as voters in Massachusetts and in three cities across the country passed ballot initiatives allowing workers to earn paid sick time. This is a real win for women, since we are still so often the primary caregivers for sick children or parents.

Minimum Wage on the Rise: Voters in four states said yes to boosting their minimum wage (and a fifth did the same, although it was a nonbinding referendum). This is good news for women, who make up nearly sixty percent of the low-wage workers nationwide, according to the National Women’s Law Center. Overall, 62 percent of workers making the federal minimum wage, $7.25 an hour, are women, according to a Pew Research analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Women shouldn’t have to choose between going to work, paying for childcare, and putting food on the table. With a fair, livable wage, they wouldn’t have to. Here’s hoping this shift in policy at the state level fuels a larger discussion over the federal minimum wage, too.

Diversity Marks the Day: We know from Barbara Lee Family Foundation research that voters value diversity in our elected leaders and think Congress would be better with a broader range of races, ages, and backgrounds represented. I couldn’t agree more. This election saw some strides in that arena with the election of Republicans Mia Love and Elise Stefanik to Congress. Love will be the first black Republican woman in Congress, and at 30 years old, Stefanik will be the youngest woman ever elected to the body.

Women Governors Hold onto Their Seats: While this wasn’t a banner year for women taking over the corner office, we didn’t lose ground, either. The total number of women governors will remain at five with the retirement of Governor Jan Brewer in Arizona and the addition of Governor-elect Gina Riamondo in Rhode Island.

Women Break 100 in Congress: With Alma Adams’ special election in North Carolina, the current Congress will now have at least 100 women. Before we celebrate, though, remember this: Men will make up 90 percent of the Republicans in Congress. We can do better.

Let’s take pride in the small victories for progress we did see this year. Here’s to the fearless women with the grace and grit to put their names on the ballot, the candidates who fought for fairness, and the people who helped push the dialogue forward on issues that disproportionately affect women.

It took 70 years from the first women’s rights conference at Seneca Falls until women won the right to vote in 1920. It took us until 2014 to hit 100 women in Congress. As I think about this slow progress toward equality, I’m reminded of a poster that hangs in my office. It depicts groundbreaking suffragist Inez Milholland on a white horse, holding a banner with the phrase “Forward into light.”

That’s exactly where we’re headed. Let’s keep going.

What to Do When You're Not Bombing: Think for a Change

I often disagree with New York Times columnist Tom Friedman. But with his latest column, he’s made a contribution to our malfunctioning political culture: He demonstrates self-reflection, a good faith effort at honesty, and relative freedom from the penchant for politically correct, “do something” tactics of knee-jerk violence. Most significant, he models what learning from (war) experience might look like. The column should be required reading for policy makers and “deciders” leading us, bleating, down the primrose path to bloody war yet again.

Friedman calls it like it is:

Ever since the Arab awakening in late 2010, America has lurched from one policy response to another. We tried decapitation without invasion in Libya; it failed. We tried abdication in Syria; it failed. We tried democratization in Egypt, endorsing the election of the Muslim Brotherhood; it failed. We tried invasion, occupation, abdication and now re-intervention in Iraq and, although the jury is still out, only a fool would be optimistic.

Just because it’s cliché doesn’t mean it’s not true:

Maybe the beginning of wisdom is admitting that we don’t know what we’re doing out here…

Calls it like it is again:

We don’t have the will to invest overwhelming force for the time it would take to reshape any of these places — and, even if we did, it is not clear it would work. (Tom: “It is clear: It wouldn’t work.”)

He “has a take,” as sports talk-show host Jim Rome says, and, as Rome likes to say, “it doesn’t suck”:

So if the Middle East is a region we can neither fix nor ignore, what’s left? I’m for “containment” and “amplification.”

Although I don’t agree with every national assessment he makes, and he leaves out Israel, his strategy exemplifies what both Western medicine and Buddhism hold critical: “First Do No Harm” — a calculus for good:

Where there is disorder — Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya — collaborate with regional forces to contain it, which is basically what we’re doing today. I just hope we don’t get in more deeply. Where there is imposed order — Egypt, Algeria — work quietly with the government to try to make that order more decent, just, inclusive and legitimate. Where there is already order and decency — Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, Kurdistan and the United Arab Emirates — do everything to amplify it, so it becomes more consensual and sustainable. And where there is order, decency and democracy — Tunisia — give it as much money as they ask for, (which we haven’t done).

He lays out working principles, based on lessons learned:

…Never forget: We can only amplify what they do. When change starts [with] or depends on our staying power, it is not self-sustaining — the most important value in international relations.

After a long segment touting Dubai (no comment), he elaborates an often touted, rarely learned principle articulated by retired Lt Gen Daniel Bolger in his new book, Why We Lost.

The point: It has to start with them. The best we can do is amplify. David Kilcullen, the Australian counterinsurgency expert who served with the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan, told me: “Just like there is a spark of life in a physical body, there has to be a spark of legitimacy and coherence in a body politic. And, if it is not there, trying to substitute for it is like putting a cadaver on a slab and harnessing a lightning bolt to it to bring it back to life. You end up with Dr. Frankenstein. You can animate a corpse and make it walk and talk, but sooner or later it’s going to go rogue. … When you don’t have the local leadership, invading does not make things better. It makes them worse.”

From the mouth of columnists:

“Singing words of wisdom…”

From your mouth, Freudman, to the “deciders’ ears.

Producer Michael Levitt Talks <i>Cause for Paws</i> TV Special and LGBT Equality (AUDIO)

2014-11-19-HUFFLevitt.jpgThis week I talked with TV producer Michael Levitt about his FOX Thanksgiving special Cause for Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular. This celebrity-packed extravaganza is focused on raising awareness and funding for shelter dogs so that they receive the love, care and resources they need to find their forever home. The show airs on Thanksgiving night and is co-hosted by Emmy winner Jane Lynch and Oscar winner Hilary Swank, who, alongside Levitt, serves as Executive Producer. The TV special will include awards and celebrity presentations showcasing a variety of canine categories. Celebrities also will introduce the audience to rescue dogs, giving viewers the opportunity to foster or adopt a new best friend. Participating celebrities include Kristin Chenoweth, Whitney Cummings, Max Greenfield, Kathy Griffin, Julianne Hough, Randy Jackson, Cesar Millan, Jerry O’Connell, Kelly Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, P!nk, Amber Riley, Rebecca Romijn, Emmy Rossum, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Paula Abdul, Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Fergie, Carrie Ann Inaba, Scarlett Johansson, Kesha, Miranda Lambert, LeAnn Rimes and Betty White.

I talked with Levitt about the significance of Cause for Paws and his spin on LGBT issues. When asked what he would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years, he stated:

I’m actually blown away by how far we’ve come since I was growing up. For me that’s amazing that, at least in bigger cities, kids can be open, out and proud and, for the most, part nobody cares. That being said, it breaks my heart when I hear of LGBT kids being rejected by their own families, and for me this has to stop. I’m grateful for the support of the LGBT community to help these kids, but my hope is that we can eventually live in a time where all people love their own children unconditionally and don’t reject them simply because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

LISTEN:

Michael Levitt has produced reality shows, game shows, award shows and TV specials for the last two decades. Among his credits are Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, Skin Wars, the TV Land Awards and the Billboard Music Awards. In 2011 Levitt received the devastating news that his sister was dying of cancer. It was during this difficult time that he rescued two pit bulls and quickly learned through adversity that his dogs actually rescued him. The special bond with his two canine friends, Trooper and Nelson, inspired Levitt to become a rescuer in his spare time. Since then he has saved over 500 dogs from local shelters and helped them find loving homes. By bringing his two worlds of producing and rescue together in Cause for Paws, Levitt hopes to change the game for the 8 million animals that enter shelters each year.

Cause for Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular airs on FOX on Thursday, Nov. 27 — Thanksgiving — from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST. For more information, visit fox.com/cause-for-paws.

Listen to more interviews with LGBTQ leaders, allies, and celebrities at OUTTAKE VOICES™.

Download interviews on iTunes.

10 Books That Shaped Our Teenage Years

SPECIAL FROM Next Avenue

By Linda Bernstein

Let me begin with this: The kind of YA (Young Adult) books that are marketed to teens these days (think The Hunger Games) didn’t exist when we boomers were in our teens.

In fact, I’d argue that the first actual YA book wasn’t published until 1967. I’m thinking specifically of The Outsiders by the then-teenage S.E. Hinton. Many of us devoured this novel, though our parents and teachers disapproved of it. The characters smoked cigarettes (Eeek! Smoking teens!) and participated in gang wars (Eeek! Fighting teens!). At the time, I had a slight awareness that there was something different about this book; my friends and I knew that someone our age had penned those pages for people our age. It was unlike anything we had taken off the library shelves before.

That didn’t mean that we ever lacked reading material. There was plenty of fiction perfectly suitable for kids age 12 to 18. Some of these novels had been written with young people in mind (Treasure Island, for one). Many featured adolescent main characters. Most, however, had been intended for adult readers. Yet they resonated with younger audiences. As my friend Erin Martineau said the other day on my crowd-sourcing Facebook post, “I read Catcher in the Rye when I was nine or 10, and then every year after.”

So, for my list of the 10 books that shaped the boomer generation growing up, let’s begin there.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
the catcher in the rye

In brief: Holden Caulfield has a couple of bad days. Suspended from his posh Pennsylvania prep school, this adolescent walking-puddle-of-angst sloshes around New York City and spends some time in a seedy hotel until he can go home (so his parents won’t be immediately aware of his school troubles). He sees a few old friends, meets people who take advantage of him, tries to pay a prostitute to just talk to him (for which he gets punched in the stomach by her pimp), and, among other misadventures, brings his younger sister for a ride on the carousel in Central Park where he has a revelation about the meaning of life.

Adolescent attraction: Ask any 16 year old, life is meaningless — at least sometimes. And Holden talks, and talks, and talks, and seemed to get inside our heads.

Lasting lesson: Holden Caulfield verified our hopes that other teens were as messed up as we felt on bad days; in fact, some had it worse. But our thoughts and feelings were important, even if adults dismissed us, so said Salinger.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
little women louisa alcott

In brief: Four sisters living in mid-19th century Massachusetts encounter life’s problems and life’s joys. Thus, they pass over the divide from being “little” (almost) women to true womanhood.

Adolescent attraction: Well, there are the love stories, which all work out well, and the sentimental but moving death scene involving the lovely Beth. For some reason, teenage boys also get caught up in this book — maybe because there are a few “little men” whose story lines entwine with those of the March girls.

Lasting lesson: Follow your heart. Even Amy, the youngest and most self-absorbed sister, ends up rejecting a wealthy suitor in favor of the man she loves.

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
anne frank diary of a young girl

In brief: While hiding in Amsterdam from the Nazis and living in close quarters with another family, Anne records her day-to-day experiences along with her thoughts and musings about life. Remarkably, Anne is genuinely optimistic about life and people. (Her father edited out some of the darker portions for the original publication. This material was restored in 1995.)

Adolescent attraction: I imagine no teen picks up this book without knowing that Anne’s family was betrayed and shipped to a Nazi death camp, where she died just a few weeks before liberation. And yet the girl writing the diary seems so normal, so likeable. Even Justin Bieber, in one of the most cringe-worthy comments ever made by a narcissistic teen idol, expressed his wish that they could have been “friends.”

Lasting lesson: People can live through a lot of stuff. Writing helps.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
to kill a mockingbird harper lee

In brief: Six-year-old Scout Finch recounts how her father, the widower-lawyer Atticus Finch, defends an African- American man who has been accused of rape. Atticus’ inner nobility garners him the respect of the black community, but his two children still suffer at the hands of bigoted whites.

Adolescent attraction: Just about everything in this book works against its being a stalwart of teen bookshelves. The narrator is six years old at the beginning (nine at the end), but she talks like an adult. The hero is her middle-aged father. The mystery involves an aging reclusive neighbor. And yet, this beloved novel is perfect for teens. Maybe it’s the vividness of the writing and the tension of the plot — along with a certain sophistication and a story accessible to teens — that account for its continuing popularity. It has never been out of print.

Lasting lesson: From Atticus we learn (as do his children) that we must do what is right. From Scout and her brother we learn that adults can be cruel (like Bob Ewell) but also immensely kind (like Boo Radley).

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
pride and prejudice book

In brief: Elizabeth and her older sister, Jane, find love and happiness in early 19th -century England.

Adolescent attraction: The scene where Darcy and Elizabeth accidently meet at Pemberley (Darcy’s manor house) is probably the most romantic piece of writing ever. The humorous side-plots, ridiculous characters and witty ripostes are easily understood and appreciated by teens.

Lasting lesson: Each time I read this novel (and I must have read it 15 times — and I’ve seen every movie and TV version as well), I am struck by how much time and emotional energy people waste by not being forthright in the first place. I am also reminded that scoundrels can con you, foolish people are everywhere, but good-hearted souls will stand by you in trying times.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
of mice and men john steinbeck

In brief: Two migrant workers bear the emotional and economic brunt of the Depression as they look for work and try to pursue their dream of owning their own farm.

Adolescent attraction: The vivid characterizations of the intellectually-challenged Lennie and the practical George make them people teens would want to talk to and wish to help. Curley’s wife’s provocative sensuality lends a sexual tension, which fascinates teens.

Lasting lesson: Steinbeck thrillingly includes the reader in on the secret of the power of friendship. He enables the teenage reader to feel smart that he or she “gets” what George feels and why he does what he does.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
fahrenheit 451

In brief: In a dystopian future, books have been banned. Instead of putting out fires, “firemen” torch anything in print, and at the beginning of the book, an old woman who wouldn’t leave her burning home. Fireman Guy Montag steals a book from the old lady’s house. It turns out that he has actually been pilfering books for a while, hiding them in his air-conditioning duct. Finally betrayed by his wife and her friends, Montag is made to burn his own home, but also kills the fire chief. He escapes and finds a community of people who memorize books because they have faith there will come a time when people are eager for true knowledge and beauty.

Adolescent attraction: Teens love dystopian fiction, and the one teenage character, an intellectual rebel, helps Montag question the policy of book burning. The story is scary and believable.

Lasting lesson: In the end, there will be goodness and truth (which is actually the lesson of all Bradbury’s science fiction).

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
the great gatsby book

In brief: Nick Carraway moves into a small home next to the lavish estate belonging to Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire. In Nick’s social circle are his wealthy cousin, Daisy, and her husband, Tom, who is having an extra-marital affair with a woman named Myrtle. Nick eventually meets Gatsby, discovers the millionaire is in love with Daisy and orchestrates a meeting between the two. Tom grows jealous, and Daisy ends up killing her husband’s mistress in an auto accident. Gatsby takes the blame and is shot and killed by Myrtle’s husband. Nothing seems to touch Daisy and Tom. Disgusted by the empty lives of the rich, Nick decides to move home to the Midwest.

Adolescent attraction: There is love. There is betrayal. There is an amazing story. There is someone who discovers that so much around him is a bunch of bullroar, something teenagers know instinctively.

Lasting lesson: A powerful novel never leaves you.

The Lord of the Flies by William Golding
lord of the flies william

In brief: A group of British boys survive a plane crash on a remote Pacific Island. At first, three boys — Ralph, Jack and Simon — form a kind of ruling troika that helps preserve order. But things quickly break down, and the savage children turn on each other.

Adolescent attraction: It’s a horrible adventure, but it’s still an adventure. Teens who finish the book inevitably ask themselves which camp they would have joined and whether they would have discarded their humanity to survive.

Lasting lesson: How easily humans can discard the trappings of civilization!

Animal Farm by George Orwell
animal farm george orwell

In brief: The animals on a farm revolt and drive off the irresponsible farmer. At first they are guided by “the seven principles of animalism,” and everyone is happy. After a while, though, one of the leader pigs (named Napoleon) takes over and changes the rules: All animals are equal, but now some are more equal than others. As the years go by, the pigs begin to walk upright, carry whips and in all respects resemble humans, their former oppressors.

Adolescent attraction: Welcome to dystopia, again, one of the literary domains beloved by teens. Young readers understand Orwell’s allegory and feel intelligent, which they should.

Lasting lesson: Things aren’t fair. Those in charge will perpetuate the imbalance. Don’t you forget it!

I know that I have left out some major players here: the Nancy Drew books, the Hardy Boys mysteries, Gone with the Wind. The list goes on and on. Let us know your picks in the comments below.

Read more from Next Avenue:
How science can cure age-related diseases
Do you have diabetes and don’t know it?
The surprising secrets of successful retirees

'Obamacare' Has Exiled Me To Florida!

2014-11-18-floridaboundman.jpg

Yes, there you have it folks. I’ve been a happy New Yorker all my life and within a month or so I will be a Florida resident.

How did this happen? It’s quite a story — but first I want to make a statement.

I have never before referred to The Affordable Care Act as Obamacare. I consider the term to have been crafted and ably implemented by ACA opponents. It’s a euphemism used to defeat our President’s attempt to get vital healthcare coverage for millions of Americans.

Now even the press and The President refer to it as Obamacare! Big mistake in my opinion.

Using terminology thoughtfully is important. Years back Republicans morphed the term “liberal” into a dirty word. Yet the term we now hear — “progressive” — has a positive ring to it.

Here’s a depressing fact. In the last Health Care Ranking by WHO (2000) the US rated #38 in the world despite being #1 in expenditure per capita. Clearly something’s not working and it’s been this way under both parties.

Now back to why I am being forced to become a resident of a state where I must smile at everyone to ensure they don’t find me intimidating and resort to state-approved means to allay their fears.

I have been living very happily in New York State all my life and have been self-employed for over 25 years.

I went into business with $6,800.00 to my name. I figured worst case scenario I’d lose my meager savings and go to work for a company.

Thirty years later I’m still self-employed and living the American Dream more or less.

During the intervening years I have spent well over $150,000 to pay for private health insurance.

As a result of the ACA and perhaps other factors of which I am unaware my insurance company a “union” of the individually self-employed decided not to participate in the Health Care Exchange. It offered me a variety of poor options.

2014-11-19-30116064_s.jpg

I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. The only logical choice was to select an ACA health plan. Without the “union” my purchase would be as an individual not as a group member.

I have always opted for top level health care with provider networks offering physician access across the country.

Suddenly this option seemed to have disappeared.

Individually New York residents are given no Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans through the ACA or privately offering PPO’s or any covered out of network benefits other than for emergencies.

I can’t say why, but Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey who in the past offered individuals a PPO national network is no longer doing so.

Yet somewhere there is a disconnect. In New Mexico and Florida the ACA offers individual BC/BS PPO plans. How is it they are able to do so yet New York and New Jersey are unable to accomplish this? Is it the ACA, insurance companies or some unknown intervening factors?

The bottom line — I am being “exiled” to Florida. Let’s call it a positive concatenation of events. Sort of!

I’ve been lucky enough to live in New York, own a pied a terre in New Jersey and through the foresight of my wonderful Mom have a Florida home as well. I have options that most don’t!

I’m self-employed and have the luxury of working virtually. I travel a great deal on business and want the security of knowing that quality healthcare coverage is available when I’m on the road.

If I remain a New York resident, other than for emergencies I have no plan with out-of-state benefits available. Legally changing my residence to Florida there are at least three major insurance carriers with physician networks across the nation.

The choice — though frustrating — is a no brainer. I have signed up for insurance with a Florida carrier effective January 1st, 2015. By that time I will have updated my passport, insured and registered my vehicles in Florida and made sure that I have fulfilled all requirements incumbent upon a new resident.

There is of course an upside for progressives. It’s the ability to cast your 2016 presidential vote in Florida rather than New York where it likely has less influence. Not such good news for conservatives.

Am I happy — absolutely not! Do I feel I had an option — most decidedly not!

Is the system broken — you bet! The ACA definitely needs to work on making more comprehensive and flexible benefits available to consumers. But it’s a darn good start.

Was signing up through the government’s website easy — NO! It was a nightmare.

2014-11-19-16174424_s.jpg

I don’t blame the President personally — though do hold his administration responsible for not hiring computer firms that are able to handle the huge volume of applicants.

For those who claim the signing up system is working well — Hah. I’ve kept records and print screens of everything I’ve gone through. It’s all documented.

I’m a fairly well educated native American speaker, good communicator with an active and agile mind — used to navigating difficult situations and I had a really tough time.

I shudder at the thought of those less well versed in dealing with the system who have to sign up for the ACA.

Here’s a positive way to think about it — it’s simply another life challenge — sit at home — put on music — have food and drinks available — prepare to spend hours and decide you’ll be relaxed. Life is way to short to get stressed over health care.

Another possibly better option — there are insurance agents who are licensed to work with you in signing up for the ACA. There is no charge for their service. They will walk you through the process and can be of great assistance. Be aware — they may not be eligible to enroll you for some plans.

***Something about which you hear little. This is very important! Ask for information on “cost saving reduction” which is only available if you sign up for a “Silver” plan. Many people think they make too much money but in actuality are eligible.

So, as I get ready to bid a fond farewell to my lifelong residence of New York I can only ask the great politicians of this state — what the heck is going on?

I’ll be leaving for Florida shortly — smiling at all I meet, enjoying its weather when I am not traveling on business and bringing my unique dialog and perspective to The Sunshine State:)

Life change is important — so perhaps this has all happened for a reason — but you still might want to check with your state’s national politicians and find out what’s really going on.

Attention baby boomers — many of you are opting for self employment for the first time or not retiring simply to maintain medical benefits. It’s important to research and know all your options. The ACA has changed the landscape. It’s worth investigating.

I want to mention that even with the incredible difficulties signing up with the ACA the employees working under incredible pressure were among the most pleasant customer service people I’ve ever interacted with. The administration does get credit for that!

Most importantly — despite all the glitches — the ACA is helping ensure countless uninsured and medically untreated Americans finally have access to health care. That’s something as a nation of which we can be proud!

P.S. California offers 17 PPO’s — some as part of the ACA. What a consumer friendly state!

2014-11-18-DaveKanegisPhoto.jpg

Dave Kanegis is a Certified Coach and is founder of the Marketing Network, Inc. Read Dave’s other HP articles. Contact him at: hpbloggerdave@gmail.com

Images: 123/RF.COM / bowie15, leeavison, lorelyn medina

Earlier on Huff/Post50:

These Vintage Photos Will Transport You To Thanksgivings Past

Trying to overhear the adults’ conversations as you sat at the kids table. The football games that dominated your father’s attention. The can-shaped cranberry sauce on a platter. These are what Thanksgiving memories are made of.

We’re taking a look into the days of Thanksgivings past and reflecting on our best remembrances of the holiday. Take a look at the vintage photos below and tell us: What’s your favorite Thanksgiving memory?

This 'Boy' I Met in Afghanistan Has a Secret

When you travel, sometimes it’s not so much about the place you travel to but the people you meet. And sometimes the people you meet can be a little… out there.

When I went to Afghanistan in February for the Afghan Ski Challenge, I was the “out there” one for my friends. But I have never met a woman like Candace Lau, a 28-year-old Chinese-Australian photographer who took a year off work to travel on the cheap through India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran.

2014-11-20-ABroadAbroadCandace.jpg

For the full story, click here, but you must watch the video below. It (and she) is mesmerizing.