The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a Council Chronicle series that offers a glimpse at unusual stories in the news around the world. They are intended to provoke thought, inform and elicit a range of emotions from joy, outrage, anger, amusement to hope. These are a summary of stories worth knowing. Each month we will feature a story of the Good, the Bad & the Ugly around the globe. If you come across a news item that falls into any of these categories, please email it to me for possible inclusion in the monthly e-newsletter.
THE BAD
MASSIVE MARIJUANA OPERATION FOUND INSIDE A TENNESSEE CHURCH
Tennessee law enforcement discovered a huge cannabis growing operation inside a booby-trapped church recently.
The Stewart County Sheriff's Department found approximately 2,000 marijuana plants throughout the former Methodist Church. This is reportedly the largest bust in Stewart County history. The house of worship had a very sophisticated set up for the growing and watering of the weed that included timers. The elaborate system cost the farmers an estimated $3,000 per month in electricity, according to officials.
It was also designed to keep out intruders and the police.
“Officers were also slowed down in the search by the possibility of booby traps laid out for law enforcement,” the department said.
Photos taken inside the former house of worship of rows upon rows of cannabis plants.
Law enforcement investigators said that a large quantity of possibly toxic chemicals was found in the course of their investigation.
Officials raided the old church after a three-week investigation that began when neighbors complained of a skunk-like odor. One individual was arrested at the scene, but more arrests are expected to follow.
Tennessee is one of 11 states yet to legalize marijuana.
Deputies stand outside the sanctuary building where more marijuana was found.
Sheriff's deputies burned the marijuana plants outside the church.
JENNIFER CHAPPELL 12/14
MADONNA FLOOD 12/22
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Please.
TRUTH BOMBS are described in the urban dictionary as surprising but true statements. A fact or piece of knowledge that, when told to a listener, is devastating to the listener's argument or world view.
New Yorker Seth Phillips has gained a cult following for his truth bombs that protest anything from loud engines, phones that shatter easily, “x” in espresso, and other very specific, small things that add up to our daily lives. He has a over 7.5 million followers on social media. Phillips has gone mainstream enough that fashion brands are selling "Dude with Sign" shirts in their collections.
And, of course, there’s always something new to protest. Such as, hot coffee in summer or verifying you’re not a robot online. Those of us who have had enough of everything will get a chuckle out of this series.
'Meals That Bring the Heat' will feature dishes that you want to cozy up to at the end of a long winter day. These dinners will warm you from the inside out and help to combat the cold winds and icy snows of wintertime. These recipes of comfort food, casseroles, stews, and slow cooker recipes will make it easy to get dinner on the table and knock the chill off your bones. Enjoy.
BEEF BURGUNDY
This recipe takes beef stew to the next level by adding an entire bottle of red wine. Hearty mushrooms, carrots, and bacon make it even more delicious when served over a pile of mashed potatoes.
INGREDIENTS
-
8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
-
1 (4- to 5-lb) boneless chuck roast, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
-
2 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
-
1 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper, divided
-
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
-
1 stalk celery, chopped
-
2 tbsp. tomato paste
-
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
-
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
-
1 (750-mL) bottle red wine
-
1 (14.4-oz.) bag frozen pearl onions
-
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
-
1 bay leaf
-
4 peeled carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
-
3 c. beef broth
-
1 pound button mushrooms, stems trimmed
-
Mashed potatoes
-
Chopped fresh parsley (at least 2 tbsp)
Stew Ingredients.
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Place a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the bacon drippings in the pot.
3. Pat the beef dry and season it with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and brown the beef, in batches, on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Remove the meat and set aside. If there is a lot of oil left, pour off all but 2 tablespoons, reserving the rest for the mushrooms.
4. Add the onion and celery to the pot, and cook until the vegetables are tender and golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, flour, garlic, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the wine, whisking to combine, and bring to a boil. Add the pearl onions, thyme, bay leaf, and carrots. Return the beef and half of the bacon to the pot. Pour in enough broth to just cover the meat and bring to a simmer. Cover and place in the oven. Cook until the beef is tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
5. Meanwhile in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of reserved cooking fat over medium heat. Add the mushrooms in one layer and cook, without moving, until golden, about 5 minutes. Flip them over and continue cooking until golden brown all over, 5 to 7 minutes more. Remove from the heat.
6. Skim off any excess fat from the top of the stew and stir in the sautéed mushrooms. Salt to taste. Serve the stew over mashed potatoes, garnish with parsley and the remaining bacon.
Marinate the beef & veggies.
Time to dig in. 😋
1. Evergreens are an ancient tradition. The tradition of Christmas trees goes all the way back to the ancient Egyptians and Romans, who decorated with evergreens during the winter solstice to signify that spring would return. Evergreens reminded them of all the green plants that were to grow once the sun returned.
2. If you received all the gifts from the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" you would have 364 presents.
3. The Christmas tree, doesn’t need to be thrown away every year; some parts are edible, including the needles themselves, which are a source of Vitamin C.
4. The holly inside a wreath actually represents Jesus’ Crown, and the red berries represent his blood.
5. The amount of wrapping paper used for presents at Christmas is enough to wrap around the globe 9 times.
6. For 13 years, between 1647 and 1660, Christmas was banned in the UK by Cromwell after the English Civil War.
7. The term “Boxing Day” is supposed to come from the money raised for the poor in church alms-boxes.
8. Christmas has always been a religious holiday, but they take it one step further in Guatemala. Every December 7, Guatemalans take part in La quema del diablo, or burning the devil. Families gather outside their houses and burn flaming effigies of the devil as a way to cleanse their home of evil.
9. The Czechs are very superstitious; a table at Christmas must be made of even numbers. It is believed that the one without a partner will die.
10. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has only been around since 1939.
Depiction of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
What a good boy! 😂
In the last several years, we have all experienced new challenges that have affected our mental, physical, and social well-being. Many of us have felt anxiety, increased stress, and emotional exhaustion which is why wellness and self-care are more important than ever before. Our wellness journey is an ongoing one, and we have to prioritize our emotional and physical health. Here are some ideas to care for the many dimensions of wellness, so we can nourish our bodies and nurture our minds.
ADDING THIS POPULAR SNACK
TO YOUR DAILY DIET COULD HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF DEMENTIA
Popcorn? Yes, please! New research suggests that incorporating more whole grains, like popcorn, into your diet is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. The recently published study in the journal "Neurology" concluded that people who ate more whole grains were 8.5 years younger cognitively than those who ate smaller amounts.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affect millions of Americans and finding ways to prevent the disease is a huge priority in the public health.
The whole grains included in this study were breads, cereals, quinoa and popcorn. One serving of whole grains was defined as one ounce of food, which would be about a slice of bread, a half cup of cooked pasta or rice, an ounce of crackers or a cup of dry cereal. The study observed over 3,300 people with an average age of 75 years who did not have dementia, 60% of whom were Black. The patients were followed for approximately six years, completed a survey regarding their diet and routinely underwent cognitive and memory tests every three years.
Eating three servings of whole grains per day, like popcorn, was associated with slower cognitive decline.
Research shows that nutrient-dense foods such as oats, brown rice and, yes, popcorn have been linked to lowering cholesterol, insulin levels and blood pressure. Adults should consume three or more servings of whole grains per day, per the Dietary Guidelines. Whole grains are rich in vitamin B and E, and other antioxidants. They have a lot of fiber, which has been linked to a lot of health benefits, particularly related to brain health.
But to determine the possible role whole grains play in cognition, the researchers compared participants’ evaluations to a global cognition score, otherwise known as the gold standard, used as a measure for cognitive impairment.
The team found that the global cognitive score of Black participants who consumed the most whole grains, more than three servings every day, declined slower than those who consumed less than one serving. The research, supported by both the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institutes of Health, could pave the way for more tailored diet recommendations.
So, the next time you want a healthy snack, reach for the popcorn. And supersize that tub of popcorn (sans the butter) when you head to the theatre to see the latest blockbuster movie.
Establishing healthy habits is a challenging but important part of maintaining your wellness. Small actions and simple activities can make a big difference in your holistic health. The holistic approach to health care focuses on the health of the entire body and mind and not just parts of the body.
The Dynamic Duo. ❤🐾
Before & After Rescue Dog Transformation
Who can resist a heartwarming makeover, especially when it involves a sweet dog? Whether they were abandoned, lost or mistreated, these down-on-their luck dogs were in dire need of a loving presence in their lives. That's where caring animal shelters, pet rescues and foster parents come into the picture. With lots of love and much-needed TLC, these rescue dogs started thriving — inside and out. These before-and-after transformation pictures speak for themselves. Hopefully, it will inspire you to adopt a rescue pup of your own.
From cellmates to life mates. This bonded pair of pups hit the jackpot when they were adopted into the same loving family. Now, they can be together in the comfort and warmth of a home and not have to sleep on the cold, hard cement floor of a shelter. I wish them both a long, happy, and healthy life with their new family.
Please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or a pet rescue if you have room in your home and heart for a new furry family member. Trust me, you'll be so glad that you did. 🐾❤️
WORLD AIDS DAY 12/1
ADVENT BEGINS 12/3
NATIONAL COOKIE DAY 12/4
HANUKKAH BEGINS 12/7
GENOCIDE PREVENTION DAY 12/9
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 12/10
NATIONAL COCOA DAY 12/13
NATIONAL MAPLE SYRUP DAY 12/17
CROSSWORD PUZZLE DAY 12/21
WINTER BEGINS 12/21
CHRISTMAS DAY 12/25
KWANZAA BEGINS 12/26
HANUKKAH ENDS 12/26
NEW YEAR’S EVE 12/31
PLAN AHEAD FOR HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
READ A NEW BOOK MONTH
SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS MONTH
SEASONAL DEPRESSION AWARENESS MONTH
UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHT’S MONTH
1. Would you rather spend the holidays with your family or with three celebrities (you can choose the celebrities)?
2. Would you rather experience a Christmas in 1700 or in 2100?
3. Would you rather get a person who is really hard to shop for during Secret Santa or have no one get your name for Secret Santa?
4. Would you rather only be able to watch your favorite TV show during the holidays or have to watch it every day of the year?
5. Would you rather work untangling Christmas lights or work as a mall Santa?
6. Would you rather visit far-away family or far-away friends at Christmas?
7. Would you rather get a useful gift or a fun gift?
8. Would you rather only be able to watch your favorite TV show during the holidays or have to watch it every day of the year?
9. Would you rather get stuck in an airport during Christmas or get lost in a Christmas tree farm?
10. Would you rather only be able to decorate with ugly holiday decorations or never have holiday decorations again?
The absolute ugliest (and kind of scary) Christmas decoration ever. They made Jesus into a merman. 😲
ALEX REYNOLDS 12/6
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY!
Eli Washington-Tolliver, my 7-month old Cane Corso nephew. Isn't he a big, handsome boy?
WHO: LMC Business Office
WHAT: Holiday Door Decorating Contest
WHERE: All three floors of the MC
WHEN: Judging will take place on December 20th at Noon
Show off your decorating skills in our Christmas Door Decorating Contest. The winner gets bragging rights, the admiration of their co-workers and a small prize. Please join us in setting the perfect holiday atmosphere by decorating your office door.
I pray for equality, unity and peace in every city in our country. Equality for all people everywhere. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.
Amen.
|
