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Getting Started

Get Started Today! Now, we literally have the GOLDEN GOOSE, and we are laying a whole lot of eggs daily! You should already be seeing your Valentus Group growing (literally every day). In like manner, we get things going, and it keeps going and going. Not to mention, the power of having a Multi-Million-Dollar Advertising Agency as your Support and a fantastic Founding Team behind your success.

Proven Marketing

You literally gain access to a proven marketing method to grow this as a serious business. You will have a full support company, including working with your own Instructor to guide you. Also, you will have PAID, yes I said PAID, leads to help build your income(s). This is REAL and currently working for so many others right now. You know you deserve this. It’s the break you have been looking for. We have it here in a BIG WAY – thanks to Rory, the creator of this amazing program. Ready to get going? Let’s get you on track today teaching you this powerful way to utilize the Internet with paid marketing. Uniquely, it is paid by someone who has proven this works and not by YOU! Who does that? Ready to change things for you?

Once you upgrade to an IR – I’ll be in immediate contact with you.

UPGRADE HERE

  1. Simply GO HERE and select LOGIN (TOP RIGHT CORNER)
  2. Then in the Pre-Enrollee Space -enter in your Email Address. Use the same email that you used to get here!
  3. Select JOIN NOW and GET STARTED. Just follow the information.

Finally, REGISTER TO THE RIGHT =====> And you’ll be able to email me as well about this information and to be able to reach me. We will be in touch to get you into the Support and Lead Generation programs once you have joined as an IR in the program.


Tips for Shopping Wine

HOW TO FIND A GOOD WINE

How often have you gone looking for a bottle of wine that is inexpensive but still tastes good? It can be a difficult task. Do you know what to look for? It may be tempting to reach for the cheap bottle or one on sale. You usually end up with a mass-produced cheap wine. And when you get it home it not only tastes terrible but also contains additives. So whether you’re looking for a quality red or a delicious, yet affordable white, here some helpful wine tips on how to spot a good, cheap bottle of wine.

READ THE LABEL!

A wine label can sometimes be a challenge, as the wonderful marketing language serves a purpose by distracting you from the information that tells you what is in the bottle. There are wineries that will put information on the back to try to help you. So you need to take it for what it is. Look at what they’re telling you to pair it with or how to describe it or look for the labels that give you a little more information. Look for where the vineyards are or the winemaker’s process. That transparency will give you more information about the wine itself.

LOOK FOR LOCATION

It is confusing trying to determine where the grapes were actually grown versus where the wine was produced. Identify where the grapes were grown, rather than where the winery is located. It could say that the winery is in Sonoma, but on the front, it could say California. So essentially that means the grapes could come from different parts of the state.

GET AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE WITH WHERE THE WINE COMES FROM

Terroir — how a specific region’s soil, climate, and terrain affect the taste of wine. That plays a huge role in the quality of the wine your choosing – even with less expensive wines. Try to find ones that specify a particular geographic region. For example, wines labeled “Napa,” according to Federal law, at least 85% of the grapes must come from that region. When you find an area known for great wine it is even more useful. Better still is if the label identifies the specific vineyard.

DON’T GET STUCK LOOKING AT EXPENSIVE WINE REGIONS

You don’t have to look at some of the more coveted, big-name wine regions such as California’s Napa Valley or Bordeaux, France. You’re typically going to run into pricier bottles when you do. Expand your horizons beyond that and you will discover some incredible wines for less. Look for quality and value.

GET TO KNOW WINES FROM LESSER KNOWN REGIONS

There are excellent, inexpensive wines from not so high-profile regions not as high-profile as the known big names. Plus you’re likely to impress everyone at your next dinner party with your extensive wine knowledge. Just do your homework to familiarize yourself with the alternatives. Look at wines from the Loire Valley or the Languedoc in France. You can find some great values in Spain, Chile, or New Zealand. All have some great-priced wines with amazing quality. Domestically, think Santa Barbara. That region offers great value for the quality. With wines from regions like Lodi, you can get really good value.

Look for regions that grow your favorite grape variety. Stay away from popular regions like Napa and look for Cabernets from Italy, Chile, Australia, Santa Barbara, or Paso Robles. Look for regions that aren’t as popular.

GET TO KNOW THE IDEAL PRODUCTION AREAS FOR WINES YOU LIKE

Learn the ideal growing conditions and regions for the grape varieties you enjoy. This will help you find wines from areas that may be underrated and less expensive, but are still great growing regions for that variety. Look for coastal regions where you can get a great Mediterranean climate. Proximity to the ocean means that it’s the perfect climate for grapes like chardonnay and pinot noir. Some wine producers put little maps or geographic details on their labels, which can serve as helpful indicators.

WINE TIPS CONTINUED

Many white wines aren’t aged in oak barrels which saves money on both the barrels and the space required to age them and making them less expensive. White wines offer plenty of great options when you’re looking for an excellent bottle of wine that doesn’t cost too much. Whites from less well-known regions can offer great quality for less.

SHOP WHERE THE STAFF KNOWS THEIR WINE

Convenience often dictates where we grab a bottle of wine but may not be the best way to shop. When you’re rushing to a dinner party you’ll have a better chance of getting good wine for cheap going to a wine store where there is dedicated staff that knows about wine. A supermarket or a Costco there is no one to help you with your selections. And they rarely have any wine tips for you. You need to know what you’re looking for. But if you walk into a wine store — from BevMo to whatever’s in your neighborhood — there should be staff that knows wines to help you find what you are looking for.

JOIN THE BEST WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB

If you just want to not have all of the searching and wonder if the bottle of wine that you bought at the local store is going to taste good, then we have the answer. Our wine of the month club has its own sommeliers that pick the best wine from around the world where it is delivered to your door every month. We take away all of the questions if you will have a memorable experience with whatever bottle of wine you pick. If by chance you happen to get a bottle of wine you do not like, no problem! One of the special perks with our club is that you can get a replacement and not have to return the bottles you don’t like. You can give them away and receive a shipment of the wine of your choosing. Also, each shipment comes with its own wine tips (tasting notes) to help you enjoy your bottles of wine.

BEWARE OF THE BARGAIN BIN

Discounted products can often be found everywhere and a great place to score deals. Finding a good bottle of wine there can be a gamble. If you see that a white wine that is a sauvignon blanc from 2005, stay away from it. A general rule for white wines, you know those white wines that we drink that are crisp and light and refreshing, you want to drink them when they’re young. White wines that are meant to be aged. Keep within about three years for the vintage. Some red wines need time to age, and others will have peaked. Reds in the bargain bin may not be selling well or there could be other reasons. There is no inexpensive Champagne so avoid these if found discounted. Champagne is made at a cost.

I hope that these wine tips have set you on your way to finding a good bottle of wine. Make your choices so much easier by joining the BEST Wine of the Month Club here. Even if you are a “wine snob” you will find that we have the best fine wines you will find. No other club can peak with what we have. Go here to learn more.


Mexican Pizza & Wine?

Is it OK to have wine with Mexican Pizza I thought when trying to decide what to have for dinner. I’ve been told by a “wine snob” who happens to be a very good mentor of mine that you can pair wine with almost anything. I don’t know a lot about wine but I’m in the process of learning. And there is so much to learn. It takes time to discover which wines you like. It doesn’t matter if it’s red or white or if it comes from California, Europe or Australia. The only thing that matters is if you like the taste.

So it’s Monday and it’s a cold day here in the Arizona desert. Yes it gets cold in the desert. And it’s time for dinner. So I have some leftover browned hamburger from making a homemade pizza this past weekend. Alright what can I do with that – something really easy to make. Mexican Pizza! It is so easy to make.

Simple Easy Recipe

If you don’t have leftover hamburger then brown a pound of hamburger with chopped onions. Once that is done, drain the grease and lightly pat the hamburger with a paper towel to pick up the excess grease.

Next grab a large flour tortilla. You will want to cover the tortilla with cheese of your liking. I use a mix of cheeses – Taco blend. Once you have that spread out on the tortilla then time for the salsa. I use Pace Picante sauce and spread it over the cheese. Be careful. If you use too much then you will have it running down your fingers when you try to eat it. You can always add more once it is served.

Next comes the hamburger. Spread it evenly over the tortilla. Save any of the leftover hamburger and put it in the freezer for another meal if you don’t use it all. Once that is done you can throw it in the oven or microwave until the cheese melts. Serve with chips and salsa. This will serve 2.

And to make a larger meal out of it add spanish rice and refried beans. To make this a real treat I found a very good wine to pair with this. And this is coming from a person that really doesn’t like wine but is trying to acquire a taste for it. It’s a process.

Wine Pairing

So back to the pairing! Do I really want to open a bottle of wine to go with a Mexican pizza? Again the words of my mentor come to mind. You can have a bottle of wine with any meal. Ok so let’s give this a try. I grabbed a bottle of red wine from the wine rack. I didn’t have a clue as to what it was and what it should be paired with.

The wine I picked is from my wine collection that is delivered to my door every month. Each delivery comes with a tasting card for each wine in the delivery. This is an amazing benefit that is only found in this wine of the month club. It contains great information and a suggestion as to what to pair the wine with to make that eventful meal. You can go here to learn more and sign up.

The wine took this meal to a whole new level. Now, remember I am not a wine drinker and I really enjoyed this meal with the wine. I was amazed that this would be so enjoyable. Because of that, I wrote this page to let people know!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your wine and try pairing it with different things. You just might have an enjoyable surprise like I did for dinner tonight.

It’s a process!

Gifts for the Wine Connoisseur

It’s the holiday season and everyone is looking for those amazing gifts for friends and family. We have some of the TOP FINDS here. We have located unique gifts during this Holiday Rush. Shop conveniently from the comfort of your home. Here are the top finds for that discriminating wine connoisseur.

Wine complements so many foods and food experiences.  A fine wine pairing can make any meal into an event, and more so, a lasting memory.  Take a moment to think about the last time you had a truly fine wine.  Do you remember?  With a glass of fine wine, you can remember everything about the occasion.  Something magical happens with each event that has wine included… it does something remarkable.

Looking for unique and fun wine-lover accessories? You can stop looking! We have added a new line of wine accessories to our fun little online mall. You can choose from a variety of items. No matter what you choose, it will be a perfect gift or, perhaps, a stocking stuffer. Especially when added to our exclusive wine discovery club wines during those times you want your gift to have it all.

Who has been frustrated with a broken cork in a bottle? Or just the simple struggle when you have to use that last-minute buy of a cheap wine opener? The quality of your accessories will make your life easier. Not to mention, making you look as if you know what you are doing with that wine bottle. Now without a ton of fanfare, the cork simply and easily comes out, and not a drop of wine spills. It isn’t just a technique you’ve learned, it is also the accessory itself. Go here to order your accessories today.

We now have a wonderful source for wine accessories. This product line just says fun with it, whether as a gift or kitchen and bar necessity. However, more important is that having the right accessories brings out the best flavors and aromas of the wine. These tools will help you enjoy your wines even more!

Those who are discriminating about their wines are sure to be so with their food, especially the beef. The best things in life are nurtured slowly and authentically. Thereby, we echo the timeless wisdom of nature. As a result, this product of double-aged, nutrient-rich beef is the epitome of this philosophyThis type of beef prioritizes not only the protein but also recognizes the essential role fat plays as fuel and nutrient storage.

Trust Your Tastes. We want you, the discriminating customer, to believe in your personal experience as well as a label. As you indulge in the exceptional tastes and high-nutrient meat, remember that you are contributing to a heritage of environmental preservation and dedication to upcoming generations. Make sure you place your order soon for that special holiday event.

SHOP HERE TO FIND EVERYTHING ON YOUR LIST TODAY!

Offering one of the most unique selections of merchandise on the web! Shop the assortment of brands and merchandise, along with a commitment to great values throughout. Enjoy an equally strong commitment to making shopping fun. Start shopping today!

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out other amazing finds (all year long) on our system here. We are always adding discoveries of must-have items! This is something we do. Please bookmark our page, and be sure to come back often. You just might find something you can’t live without!

Follow me: Instagram – @offers26  and  Twitter – @msazkat


Cold Nights & Hot Chocolate

Cold nights and hot chocolate—what a perfect combination!  The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler.  Soon, there will be snow falling.  Time to chop wood and pull out the winter clothes, along with all those quilts and blankets to keep you warm.  Stores will be stocking up on all the supplies for winter, including that wonderful hot chocolate for the cool nights around the campfires or snuggled up with your loved ones in front of the fireplace.

Manage your weight with Cocoa!

What?!  Am I reading this right?  I can lose weight by drinking hot chocolate.  Well, I know several people who have done just that.  We have this amazing creamer to add to your hot chocolate that tastes great, helps control your appetite, and gives you the energy to last throughout the day.

First Chocolate Drink

The first chocolate drink was created by the Mayans around 2,500-3,000 years ago, and a cocoa drink was an essential part of the Aztec culture. The drink became popular in Europe after being introduced from Mexico to the New World.  It has undergone multiple changes since then. Notably, until the 19th century, hot chocolate was even used medicinally to treat ailments such as liver and stomach diseases.

Hot chocolate is consumed throughout the world and comes in multiple variations, including the spiced chocolate para mesa of Latin America, the very thick Cioccolata calda served in Italy and chocolate a la Taza served in Spain, and the thinner hot cocoa consumed in the United States.

Is Mocha more your type of drink?

Mocha? I have found the perfect mix that tastes wonderful and will warm you up on that cold morning.  The line of products that we have has a wonderful coffee creamer.  Mix a scoop of coffee with a third of a packet of cocoa and a 1/2 scoop of our creamer, and you have a wonderful mocha!  It tastes great, and one cup gives me enough energy to last until the evening.

ARE YOU READY TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

We have the products that will change your life.  If you need to lose that stubborn weight, then look no more.  We have it all here!  Lose weight, gain energy, and feel so much better.  And as if the health benefits weren’t enough, just wait until you taste these amazing snaps. They are delicious!

PREVAIL IN ALL OF YOUR GOALS

 

Unlock the Secret of Weight Management

So if you are like so many of us, there is always a few pounds to lose. Today is your lucky day because we have this amazing supplement program that will help. These products will help with weight loss, give you energy, lose body fat, and help you detox.  Now you can manage your weight with the healthiest supplements on the planet.  Unlock the secret of weight management while enjoying a wonderful cup of coffee.

People all over the world are experiencing a new kind of health and vitality.  Formulated with the purest natural ingredients from some of the most pristine locations on the planet, these products not only get results but are good for your body and are second to none. Healthy never tasted so good.

PLACE YOUR ORDER HERE TODAY

Get out of the cold and come visit Arizona today!

Fly Top Airlines for Less – Grab Our Best Flight Deal!  Find the best deals on the most popular airlines! Whether you want to feel the sand between your toes on a warm beach or mingle with the crowds at an outdoor village market, we’ve got the best flight deals for you. With fares this low, you’ll have more left over for souvenirs and sightseeing! Find your best deal today!

Follow me on Instagram – @offers26  and  Twitter – @msazkat


Business Calls

The following weekly Business Calls are for you to keep up to date with everything we are doing.  These are different each and every week.  Please make note of them and their times.

This is not just “Some Training” that you have entered into. This is effective and ongoing training. There are new things to learn. And we are looking forward to working with you!  We value you as part of our family and are dedicated to providing you with the training, support and ongoing attention to help you learn, succeed and grow with us.  Furthermore, you will be given access to all of the conference calls and weekly webinars as you get started. We have a proven system that will get our new students up and going quickly. In addition, we have ongoing training and support.

Following the updates from Rory, various guest speakers give us hints and tips on how to market this fabulous program.  With this in mind, you don’t want to miss these tips to help increase your business.

WEEKLY BUSINESS, TRAINING & SUPPORT CALLS:

MONDAY

VELOVITA CALL 5pmPST/8pmEST Dial from Phone 929-436-2866 ID # 267159642; http://rrr247.com/webinars or http://zoom.us MEETING ID#267-159-642

This call is open to anyone who might be interested in starting a business with us in our #2 Anchor. Share this link with your friends and family and invite them to join us every Monday. It’s a short call packed with information about our amazing health and wellness product line. Now is the best time to join us.

WINE OPPORTUNITY CALL 6pmPST/9pmEST Dial from Phone 929-436-2866 ID # 267159642; http://rrr247.com/webinars or http://zoom.us MEETING ID#267-159-642

This call is open to anyone who might be interested in starting a business with us in our #1 Anchor. Share this link with your friends and family and invite them to join us every Monday. It’s a short call with information about our wine of the month club and the wonderful compensation plan. Our family is growing fast. So join us to learn more.

TUESDAY


Weekly business Call (PBS) 6pmPST/9pmEST Dial from Phone 929-436-2866 ID # 267159642 And we will be running these calls on our ZOOM Meeting Room at http://rrr247webinars.com or http://zoom.us MEETING ID#267-159-642

This is our weekly business meeting. It is important for all to attend. This is where Rory keeps us informed about what is happening in the business. He also shares tips and tricks to help us work on our business. Invite friends and prospects to join in on the fun.

WEDNESDAY


“WEDS WINE & DINE SHOW” 5:30pmPST/8:30pmEST http://zoom.us MEETING ID#267-159-642

An extremely popular event! Each week we feature some of our team members preparing a delicious meal and what wine to pair with the meal. We get to showcase our members and give you a chance to add a new recipe to your files. Invite all of your friends and family to join us.

THURSDAY


(PBS)PBS training 6pmPST/9pmEST http://zoom.us MEETING ID#267-159-642

This is additional training for our RRR247 students. Our MSI’s (top leadership) rotate to give you in-depth training to help students get over the hump as they continue their road to success. Feel free to share this with all of your students. It also serves as a great review to help as you continue to modify and add pages to your PBS system.

SATURDAY


(PBS) Training with 8amPST/11amEST PBS training http://zoom.us MEETING ID#267-159-642

WINE AMBASSADOR Training 9amPST/12pmEST http://wineamabassadortraining.com

(PBS) Training with 10amPST/1pmEST PBS training http://zoom.us MEETING ID#267-159-642

Virtual Wine and Dine Event

Is your Wednesday evening free? Join our Wine and Dine event and be part of an evening full of excitement and learning. Does that sound like something you would enjoy? Join us every Wednesday night for our virtual Wine and Dine Zoom event.

We have the BEST wine of the month club in the world and the #1 anchor program available to you. We have some great opportunities in the expansion of this program that you don’t want to miss.  So have a glass of wine and learn how you can make an easy income monthly!

Get updates from Rory and also hints and tips on how to market this fabulous program.  You don’t want to miss these tips to help increase your business.

http://rrr247webinars.com
ID # 267 159 642
Join us every Wednesday 
Virtual Food And Wine Tasting Event Here

8:30 PM Eastern Time 

Finally, enjoy a glass of fine wine that was delivered directly to you in the comfort of your own home. Invite guests to join us on the call to hear about this phenomenon. By all means, learn what is working and get the latest news regarding this amazing wine of the month club. 


First Lady of Soul

ARETHA FRANKLIN – FIRST LADY OF SOUL

Aretha Franklin, the first lady of soul, became a music legend over the course of her professional career.  Franklin’s songs not only topped the charts for more than half a century but became a part of life.  Aretha Louise Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 25, 1942. Her family soon relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where her father, the Reverend C.L. Franklin, became a minister at New Bethel Baptist Church. Rev. Franklin was a prominent gospel performer.  In fact, his career exposed his daughter to gospel, soul music and to civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

She was also introduced to contemporary or future musical icons such as Smokey RobinsonSam Cooke, Clara Ward, and Bobby “Blue” Bland. Unfortunately, Aretha’s life was marred by tragedies including, the death of her mother when she was 10, physical abuse by her first husband, and also the tragic shooting of her father in 1979.  He remained in a coma until his 1984 death.

First album at age 14
Aretha

Aretha Franklin recorded her first album at the age of fourteen, The Gospel Sound of Aretha Franklin.  She also was singing solos in New Bethel and going on tours with her father.  In 1960, she signed with Columbia Records. Despite producing ten albums and her concert performances netting $100,000 in nightclubs and theaters, the Columbia style, featuring Top 40 pop ballads, proved an uneasy fit. Columbia tried to turn Aretha into a jazzy pop singer without success. She was determined to draw on her background in blues and gospel music. In 1966, Franklin signed with Atlantic Records. She had more creative control. She began revolutionizing soul music by creating a sound all her own.

Symbol of Black Pride and Soul

By 1968, Aretha Franklin was considered a symbol of black pride and soul music. In fact, she is considered the First Lady of Soul. She made “Respect,” written by Otis Redding, a call to arms. “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” a Carole King song, was an earthy expression of sexuality. “Think,” which she wrote with her then-husband, Ted White became a rallying cry for women fed up with men. Her Amazing Grace album, released in 1970 and which returned her to her church roots, sold over two million copies. In fact, it made her one of the most successful gospel singers of the era. Franklin received an award for excellence from Dr. Martin Luther King in 1967 and appeared on the cover of Time magazine on June 28, 1968.

First woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1987).

She had the largest number of Top 40 singles of any female performer (forty-five). She was also the youngest recipient of the John F. Kennedy Center Honors (1994). She had 88 Billboard chart hits during the rock era, tops among female vocalists. Over her career, Franklin won seventeen Grammy’s, including the honor for best female R&B performance for eight straight years.  She had twenty #1 R&B hits. The greatest soul album of all time is considered to be her 1967 album – I Never Loved a Man the Way I Loved You. “Aretha Live at the Fillmore West” is notably one of the top five greatest live albums of the rock era.

“Aretha Franklin is not only the definitive female soul singer of the Sixties,” according to her Rolling Stone biography, “she’s also one of the most influential and important voices in pop history.”

Run of the Mill?

There was nothing run-of-the-mill about a Franklin performance. “I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You)” is slinky and gritty, Franklin’s voice sometimes a whisper over Spooner Oldham’s electric piano.  “The House That Jack Built” fairly crackles: “I got the house / I got the car / I got the rug / And I got the rack / But I ain’t got Jack,” Franklin belts. In Franklin’s delivery, “Eleanor Rigby” was a figure of defiance; with Franklin’s voice, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” went places not even Art Garfunkel, whose angelic tenor dominated Simon & Garfunkel’s original version, could take it.

Her soul was as deep as her voice was strong.

How often have you sat with your glass of fine wine while Aretha is singing in the background?  Those are some special memories that wouldn’t have been as special without your own premium wine to share.  Find out how you can get a fine boutique wine to make occasions very memorable.

“I think of Aretha as ‘Our Lady of Mysterious Sorrows,'” wrote the late Jerry Wexler, Franklin’s producer at Atlantic Records. “Her eyes are incredible, luminous eyes covering inexplicable pain. Her depressions could be as deep as the dark sea. I don’t pretend to know the sources of her anguish, but anguish surrounds Aretha as surely as the glory of her musical aura.”

“It had looked for the longest time like I would never have a gold record,” she told Time magazine in 1968. “I wanted one so bad.”  “Respect” and other songs were not only huge sellers, but they were also adopted by African-Americans and feminists as anthems for social change.

She lived what she sang

Civil rights icon and US Rep. John Lewis recalled Franklin’s “unwavering” commitment to the movement.  “What made her talent so great was her capacity to live what she sang,” Franklin said in a statement Thursday. “Her music was deepened by her connection to the struggles and the triumphs of the African American experience, growing up in her father’s church, the community of Detroit, and her awareness of the turmoil of the South.”  

And even more hits!

The hits kept coming throughout the early 1970s. Those included “Spanish Harlem” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”  By the late ’70s, Franklin’s star power began to wane, as the golden age of soul ended and as critics and fans became less enthusiastic about her continuing output. However, she re-emerged in the 1980s, releasing the 1985 album “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?”, which spawned the hit “Freeway of Love.”  She also collaborated with the Eurythmics on “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves” and British pop star George Michael on the smash duet, “I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me).” The latter hit No. 1, her last chart-topper.

“Don’t say Aretha is making a comeback,” she said at the time. She said, “because I’ve never been away.”

Health Issues

Franklin battled health issues in recent years, struggling with weight gain and associated ailments.  In August 2010, she canceled two free concerts in New York because of “fractured ribs and pain in the abdomen.” Franklin’s doctors had told her to come in for tests immediately.  That November, her doctors ordered her to cancel all personal appearances for the next six months. In early December, Franklin underwent surgery deemed “highly successful.”  She also canceled some appearances in 2013.

However, she recovered enough to return to touring in 2014, which included a performance at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. She’d also lost almost 100 pounds.

“It’s fun buying new clothes!” After losing 100 pounds Aretha commented. “I couldn’t stay out of the mirror, just turning every way. This is my natural weight.”  As for her old wardrobe? The shopper knew exactly what to do with those outfits.  “I’m thinking of giving them to a resale shop,” Franklin said.

Follow me on: Instagram – @offers26  and  Twitter – @msazkat


Coffee Benefits and Risks

Coffee Benefits and risks – what are they? There are good reasons to drink coffee and there are a few reasons not to. Regular black coffee (without milk or cream) has a very low calorie count. A typical cup of black coffee only contains around 2 calories.  However, if you add sugar and milk, the calorie count can shoot up.

There is a lot of negativity surrounding coffee when actually there are positive benefits.  What benefits?  Continue reading to learn more.

  1. Pain
    Two cups of coffee can cut post-workout muscle pain by up to 48%.
  2. Fiber intake
    A cup of brewed coffee represents a contribution of up to 1.8 grams of fiber of the recommended intake of 20-38 grams.
  3. Cirrhosis of the liver
    Of course, you could just cut down on the alcohol intake. A recent study also showed coffee has liver protecting benefits. Yet another study showed that both coffee and decaffeinated coffee lowered the liver enzyme levels of coffee drinkers.
  4. Type 2 Diabetes
    Consuming 6 or more cups per day had a 22% lower risk of diabetes. A recent review of research showed that the risk of type II diabetes decreases by 9% for each daily cup of coffee consumed. Decaf coffee decreased risk by 6% per cup.
  5. Alzheimer’s disease
    There is considerable evidence that caffeine may protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
  6. Reduces suicide risk and Depression
    A 10-year study of 86,000 female nurses shows a reduced risk of suicide in the coffee drinkers. Also a study found that women who drink 4 or more cups of coffee were 20% less likely to suffer from depression.

Even More Reasons to Drink Coffee…

  1. Protection against Parkinson’s
    Newer research out of Sweden revealed that drinking coffee reduces the risk of Parkinson’s even when genetic factors come into play. .
  2. Coffee drinkers have less risk of heart disease. Study participants in Korea who consumed 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day were less likely to show the beginning signs of heart disease. A more recent study conducted in Brazil found that those that consume at least three cups of coffee a day tend to develop less calcification in their coronary arteries.
  3. Coffee drinkers have stronger DNA. A published study showed that coffee drinkers have DNA with stronger integrity since the white blood cells of coffee drinkers had far less instance of spontaneous DNA strand breakage.
  4. Lower Risk of Multiple Sclerosis. Recent research showed that at least 4 cups of coffee a day may help protect against the development and reoccurrence of MS. It is believed that the coffee prevents the neural inflammation that possibly leads to the disease developing. The study was published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 
  5. Coffee reduces colorectal cancer risk. Even moderate consumption of coffee can reduce the odds of developing colorectal cancer by 26%. This protective benefit increases with more consumption.
coffee benefits risks

Antioxidants

Coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the U.S., according to researchers at the University of Scranton.

Joe Vinson, Ph.D., lead author of the study, said that “Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other dietary source. Nothing else comes close.”

The authors of the study emphasize moderation, stating that only one or two cups a day appear to be beneficial.  Caffeinated and decaffeinated versions provided nearly the same levels of antioxidants.

Several studies have linked regular caffeine intake to extra heartbeats – a common occurrence that can nevertheless lead to heart problems, stroke and death in rare cases. However, a study looking at long-term caffeine consumption found that regular caffeine consumption is not linked to extra heartbeats.

Decaf?

While there are still some health benefits to drinking decaf coffee, most of the above studies showed that caffeinated coffee had the greatest benefits.

This is due to many of the antioxidants being removed during the decaffeination process.

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Risks to Consider

Coffee: Is it helpful or harmful?

Drinking too much coffee can result in some very unpleasant adverse effects. According to some, caffeine can cause anxiety symptoms in normal individuals, especially in vulnerable patients, like those with pre-existing anxiety disorders.

In addition, caffeine use has been associated with symptoms of depression due to either a self-medication theory or a theory that caffeine itself causes changes in mood.

Women who plan on becoming pregnant should be cautious in that regular coffee may reduce a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant.

Other possible risks include:

  • having a negative effect on cardiovascular health in young adults with mild hypertension
  • disrupting the body clock

In one study, researchers detected the presence of mycotoxins in commercial coffee samples, leading to concerns about potential public health risks.

How Safe or Beneficial is Coffee Then?

Coffee Benefits and risks?  For most people, coffee can be a healthy part of the diet. It is fine to enjoy a couple of cups a day unless you can’t control your consumption.

However, coffee may not be beneficial for everyone. Those with certain heart conditions, caffeine sensitivity, and women who are pregnant should stick to decaf or tea.

Also, those that drink coffee in excess may be negating some of the benefits because of the large amounts of caffeine they are consuming.  These people may benefit from a caffeine detox to reset their caffeine tolerance to more moderate levels.

The key is moderation, which is typically 2-3 cups a day, to get the coffee health benefits but avoid the negative issues associated with too much caffeine.

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Monsoon Facts & Tips

Arizona’s Monsoon Facts and Tips

Here are some Monsoon facts and tips to keep you safe this summer.  Summer has arrived in Arizona and with that monsoon season arrives.  The word “monsoon” is derived from the Arabic word “mausim,” which means season. It doesn’t refer to individual storms, but to a season. The monsoon is a change in the weather pattern. Dry winds that typically blow from the west and southwest tend to shift to the south and southeast, bringing up moisture from the Gulf of California.

That moisture, coupled with the heat of summer, fuels the storms. The start of the monsoon season used to be determined by three consecutive days of average dewpoint temperatures of 55 degrees or higher.  In 2008 the National Weather Service decided to declare monsoon season from June 15 to Sept. 30. The change, at least in part, allows the Weather Service an opportunity to consistently promote its safety messages connected to the monsoon.

National Weather Service

According to National Weather Service records that go back to 1896, the wettest monsoon was in 1984, when a total of 9.56 inches of rain fell. The latest season to make the “Top 10 Wettest” list was in 2014, which came in seventh at 6.34 inches. Most of the rain that year, 3.3 inches, fell on Sept. 8.

The driest monsoon on record was in 1924 — only 0.35 of an inch of rain fell. The most recent season on the “Top 10 Driest” list was in 2007, the fifth-driest on record with 0.74 of an inch. The 2016 monsoon saw 2.49 inches of rain, .22 of an inch below normal.  In 2017 2.32 inches of rain fell for the period of June 15 through Sept. 30. That’s is 0.39 inch below normal for the season.

Be prepared

Flooding

Sandbags are the best way to divert water from doorways and help to protect your home from flooding during a monsoon storm.

Free sand is available for pickup at many fire stations throughout the Valley. Some stations provide bags and shovels for use, but others require residents to bring their own shovels and bags. You can call your local fire department or check its website to see what you will need to bring to get sandbags for your home.

Flood waters on the roads

  • Drive into a flooded roadway. It is extremely difficult to estimate the depth of running water or the strength of a current.
  • Go around barricades. They are there for a reason, usually because flooding is anticipated or has already happened. In addition, the road could be damaged and unsafe for drivers.
  • Never allow children to play around floodwaters or washes. They can be swept away.

It only takes 1 to 2 feet of water to float most vehicles, including SUVs.

Thunderstorms and lightning

Metal pipes also conduct electricity, so avoid taking showers and baths or using running water during a storm.

Bring pets indoors.

High winds

Arizona thunderstorm winds often exceed 40 mph and straight-line winds can exceed 100 mph.

Move into a central interior room away from windows to avoid blowing debris that could shatter glass.

If you are driving in high winds, slow down and anticipate steering correction when moving from protected to unprotected wind areas or when encountering large passing vehicles.

Be aware of high-profile vehicles — trucks, semis, buses, campers, or those towing a trailer — because they can be unpredictable during high winds.

Before the monsoon storm hits, evaluate large trees close to your home for potential hazards.

Dust storms

With reduced visibility, other drivers behind you could see the brake lights and assume you are driving on the road and follow your lights.

When severe dust storms occur, consider cleaning your smoke detectors. Dust can clog detectors and cause false alarms.

Downed power lines

Across a roadway:

Consider any downed power line to be energized and dangerous. Never touch a downed power line or anything close to it. High voltage can travel through the ground. Stay at least 100 feet away from any downed lines.

Across a vehicle:

If the vehicle is occupied, stay in the vehicle until professional help arrives. Avoid contact with metal surfaces both inside and outside the vehicle. If there is a fire in the vehicle, jump from the vehicle landing on both feet. Hop away, keeping both feet in contact with each other until you are at least 100 feet from the vehicle.

Disaster Supply Kit Contents

Every family should prepare a family disaster supply kit in the event of severe weather conditions. The disaster supply kit should contain essential items such as food, water, and sturdy clothing, to sustain a family for up to three days since electric power, gas and water services may be interrupted.

  • Three gallons of water in clean, closed containers for each person and pet
  • First aid kit
  • A stock of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration
  • Portable and working battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries
    (Candles and oil lamps are fire hazards)
  • Necessary medications
  • Back-up power source for life support or other medical equipment that requires electricity to function

Arizona monsoons can be quite dangerous and warnings should be heeded.

In the late 90’s I lived in a RV park near the Deer Valley airport.  I was in an older “park model”.  In the late afternoon the winds started picking up, the sky became dark.  The trailer started rocking and then it happened.  I could feel it moving off the foundation.  Then it slammed back down.  I found out later that there had been a straight line wind just over 100 mph that went through the park I was living in.  I was so lucky that nothing more serious happened that day.  Others were not so fortunate.  There was a lot of damage from that one storm.

Take heed when the warnings are issued.  If you are driving I suggest that you find a safe place and stay there until the storm has passed.  If you are home, keep your eyes to the sky.  You want to be prepared and know what to do if the storm is severe.


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