By Neil Rubenstein
Observer Columnist
The Chinese recently bought the Waldorf-Astoria for $1.95 billion, or about $1.3 million per room. They also purchased AMC, Smithfield (the world’s largest pork producer) and the May Co. - Robinson store on Wilshire Blvd. and Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills.
In the economic horse race of life the Chinese will eventually finish first, the Japanese maybe fifth. If I was the Culver City Unified School District Superintendent I would gradually drop the Japanese language in favor of Chinese. That’s the future and that’s what our children need in order to get those good-paying jobs.
Did you know the glue used on Israeli postage stamps is kosher?
For those who claim to be math whiz kids, can you determine how many different ways one can make change for a dollar?
A new technique from England could mean pain-free tooth care. Dentistry Today reports that King’s College, London is developing a procedure that uses electrically accelerated and enhanced remineralization to heal teeth without drilling or filling cavities. Speaking of dentists, they aren’t looking for just gum disease and cavities; they might also find signs of Crohn’s disease, oral cancer and other serious conditions.
The federal government wanted a toilet that will be placed at the railhead in Alaska’s Denali National Park. The cost? A mere $10,000. And then there was the bridge to nowhere, the $9,600 wrench or the $7,400 coffeepot. It’s only our money, folks.
UCLA will give a one hour update on prostate cancer as well as diagnostic and treatment choices on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., 1990 South Bundy Dr., Los Angeles; RSVP (800) 516-5323. The university will also give a nutrition and health seminar on Saturday, Nov.22 from 9 a.m. to noon at the first floor auditorium, UCLA Medical Center, 1250 16th St., Santa Monica; RSVP (310) 582-6355.
I just finished reading the Sept. 2014 issue of Nutrition Action Health Letter regarding breast cancer. The column on Page 6 titled “Are you at risk?” was very unnerving as we lost so many aunts, cousins, and a sister. One of the factors is being of the Ashkenazi (Eastern European Jewish) heritage. If you want a copy of he many risk factors and cannot find the magazine, please contact me through the newspaper and I’ll send you the information ASAP. Also see cancer.gov/bcrisktool or yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu.
Do you recall Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform? He is famous for peddling anti-tax pledges to political candidates. He once said, “I’m not in favor of abolishing the government. I just want to shrink it down to the size where we can drown it in the bathtub.”
Pennsylvania is leasing public lands to fracking companies which are paving roads through the state forests. “I’m one of those people who thinks a road is an improvement,” Rob Boulware, a spokesman for Seneca Resources Corp. told the Scranton Times-Tribune.
According to the July 21 issue of Forbes Magazine the richest family is the Waltons, worth $152 billion. Next in line is Koch with $89 billion, followed by Mars, worth $60 billion. The Rockefellers are in 24th place with a $10 billion nest egg. We all remember Ross Perot when he ran for president – 48th richest family with a mere $5.6 billion. To me it doesn’t appear these folks lost very much during the most recent economic downturn.
Dr. Oz (Nov. 2014) wrote that there is a connection between Viagra and developing melanoma (skin cancer), 84% higher as a matter of fact. The research didn’t prove cause and effect, it simply showed an association. A dermatologist appointment might be warranted. It’s also recommended that you use your washer’s hottest setting and wash sheets and pillow cases weekly. And I learned that water is the world’s favorite drink, followed by tea. I would have bet on coffee. Green tea may reduce the risk of some cancers (including prostate) but don’t use milk. Lemon, sugar and honey are okay.
For those who missed an article, all my commentaries can be found at http://www.culvercityobserver.com by placing Rubenstein in that website’s search box.
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